Monday, May 26, 2008

The Time of My Life

I have read blog articles and news about American Idol, David Cook being a pop artist posing as a rocker. They say that coming from American Idol, he will have difficulty penetrating the rock scene similar to what Chris Daughtry experienced. They say it's gonna be more difficult for him since he bagged first place and AI is such a pop tv program. I don't know why people like to put labels and stereotypes. Music should be universal and there shouldn't be any delineations in the first place. I, for example, am not just into pure pop. I also like alternative, rock, RnB, whatever suits my fancy. If the song is good and the artist has talent, I support them. Some artists don't even belong in just one music type or genre. Some songs may be considered pop/RnB/soul all at the same time.


Music is for everyone and as long as David Cook makes good music-- whether pop or rock, there will always be people who would support him and I think, that's what matters. =)


The first time I heard "The Time of My Life", I already loved the lyrics. This song is going to be David Cook's first single. It has been on repeat on my playlist for the past couple of days now. I know a lot of people are also searching for that "magic rainbow on the horizon", so a lot can relate to it. The song is inspiring and I really hope Cookie visits the country one of these days. I'm not gonna miss that for sure. =)


In other news, an actor, Rob Knox, who played Ravenclaw student Marcus Belby in the latest Harry Potter movie "Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince", was stabbed to death in a bar. According to the articles I read online, he was protecting his brother and it all started with a mobile phone. Tsk tsk. Life is pretty unpredictable.


The next few days will breeze by, I'm sure. I am facing some decision-making situations and I am trying to weigh all the odds before making a choice. June 6 is nearly here. I still am anxious and excited at the same time. I haven't packed my bags yet. I know I still have a lot of work to do before leaving for Bacolod. I'll just take this a day at a time.


The Time of My Life
(by David Cook)


I've been waiting for my dreams to turn into something
I could believe in and looking for that
Magic rainbow on the horizon
I couldn't see it until I let go
Gave into love I watched all the bitterness burn
Now I'm coming alive body and soul
And feelin' my world start to turn


And I'll taste every moment and live it out loud
I know this is the time, this is the time
To be more than a name or a face in the crowd
I know this is the time this is the time of my life
The time of my life


Holding onto things that vanished into the air
Would left me in pieces but now I'm rising from the ashes
Finding my wings and all that I needed
Was there all along within my reach
As close as the beat of my heart


So I'll taste every moment and live it out loud
I know this is the time, this is the time to be
More than a name or a face in the crowd
I know this is the time this is the time of my life
The time of my life

And I'm out on the edge of forever ready to run
I'm keeping my feet on the ground
My arms open wide facing the sun


I'll taste every moment and live it out loud
I know this is the time, this is the time to be
More than a name or a face in the crowd
I know this is the time this is the time of my life
Time of my life
More than a name or a face in the crowd
I know this is the time this is the time of my life.
This is the time of my life.

Friday, May 23, 2008

Boxers vs. Briefs

This is very interesting. David Cook and David Archuleta (of American Idol) both made TV commercials for Guitar Hero.





I usually would prefer boxers on men, but after watching this, I think briefs are way, way sexier!!! Hahaha! =)

Thursday, May 22, 2008

David Cookie*!




David Cook won!!! Woohoo!!! =)



I have to be honest, it was not expected. I mean, after watching Simon's not-so-nice feedback about his last 3 songs, I can see why David Cook was emotional and very nervous.


I had to hurry home after my shift earlier to watch the American Idol finale live on TV. At the back of my mind, I was still thinking he might lose. I enjoyed the program and seeing Filipino Renaldo Lapuz perform made me laugh. The performances were great and I nearly swooned when David Cook sang the lines "Oh thinking about our younger years... There was only you and me... We were young and wild and free...". *sigh*


Oh and those Ford Hybrids look cool! =)


It was good that Simon made a public apology to Cook, but then again, it was also lame because he did it after the votes were cast. Oh well, no matter what, Cook still won. He deserves it, in my opinion. David Archuleta is talented and he really has a powerful voice. He's too young though and I don't think he's "ripe" enough. He lacks confidence and star quality when he's on stage. David Cook, on the other hand, may look like a rockstar, but he's versatile. He can croon a ballad and rock out with a band. Most of the songs he covered were better than the original (again, IMHO). I appreciated Mariah Carey's "Always Be My Baby" after listening to his version. It feels like he meant the lyrics. There was no "doobeedoop-dong" part that may distract me from knowing what the song is all about. I also love "I Don't Wanna Miss a Thing". I think he was in his element when he sang it. He looks good when playing the guitar. Aww! Now, I am looking for the studio version of "Dare You To Move". I think if he made an album full of revivals, it would still rock. \m/


I have never been *this* affected with any American Idol season before. I am biased, I know. So, sue me. Haha! I'm just happy he won. I love him to bits. Hahaha! =)


*pet name "cookie" courtesy of Ian. Haha!

Tuesday, May 20, 2008

Origins

A few weeks from now, my entire family is going to Bacolod -- my birthplace. I haven't been there for more than 11 years now. If only my grandma was well, we wouldn't plan on doing this for her birthday. But she's not and this may be the best time to visit her.


It has been a while. The city, I heard, looks different now. I can still remember glimpses of the place from my childhood memories. It's just a short one (6 days) for me and my siblings because we have to go back to work. Yeah, we have to earn the borrowed money we needed to go through this in the first place. There were several hindrances to this but my parents are quite excited about this trip. Since it is bound to happen, I might as well look forward to it.


I don't know exactly what to expect. I just want to have a good time. Besides, it's a week off from work. I must try not to think of the humongous workload that will be waiting for me when I come back. I'm gonna see people who grew older. Kids who are now taller than me. I'm gonna see new places and old ones. Heck, I'm gonna ride on a plane again! Yeah, it really has been a while...


My grandmother lives in the province-- in Murcia, Negros Occidental, near Kanlaon volcano. The place is about a couple of hours away from the city proper. I am quite excited to see the renovated Mambucal resort, it's hot springs, pool and waterfalls, which is just about 20 minutes away from my grandma's place. Oh how I wish I have the means to get a digital camera before the trip.


Before I leave, I should take advantage of what I have now in case I have to be stuck in the mountains with mosquitoes galore. I have to watch the finale of American Idol. Geez... I really hope Cook wins. Hehe! I also have to catch a couple of movies first (Prince Caspian and Sex and the City the movie?) and probably buy a book I can bring there (Twilight perhaps?).


I am quite torn. A part of me wants to go and another part wants to stay. I think I just have to go with the flow. If this feels right, then I should do it. Some people are gonna be missed but my love for travel beckons. =)

Wednesday, May 14, 2008

There's a Fine, Fine Line

A friend reminded me of this song last night. I first heard it when I watched Avenue Q (locally, of course) with Ian a few months ago and I fell in love with the song right then and there.


Here's Kate Monster and Mary Faber singing the song. It's one of the videos I found in Youtube.





There's a fine, fine line between a lover and a friend;
There's a fine, fine line between reality and pretend;
And you never know 'til you reach the top if it was worth the uphill climb.
There's a fine, fine line between love
And a waste of time.


There's a fine, fine line between a fairy tale and a lie;
And there's a fine, fine line between "You're wonderful" and "Goodbye."
I guess if someone doesn't love you back it isn't such a crime,
But there's a fine, fine line between love
And a waste of your time.


And I don't have the time to waste on you anymore.
I don't think that you even know what you're looking for.
For my own sanity, I've got to close the door
And walk away...
Oh...


There's a fine, fine line between together and not
And there's a fine, fine line between what you wanted and what you got.
You gotta go after the things you want while you're still in your prime...
There's a fine, fine line between love
And a waste of time.



You said it all, Kate Monster. Now,let's give each other a hug. *hugs* =)

Tuesday, May 13, 2008

Whirls and Twirls

After the whirlwind week last week, I have caught some sleep during the weekend and I'm back to my zombie mode at work. I can't imagine I went through a post-birthday party, a relative's death, a sort-of family reunion, a friend's despedida party, a mother's day celebration and some work in-between in a span of a few days. There were mixed emotions, mixed drinks and mixed expressions. Maybe that's why I also feel mixed up today. Hah! But then there's this guy... this darn guy I couldn't stop thinking... umm... never mind. I am actually trying my best to forget him.


Anyway, here are some pics from Day's post-birthday party. Click this to view the entire album. Thank you, Day for the pictures. =)



posing with the donuts



pretty waves



a toast to friendship



Before I forget, (belated) Happy Mother's Day to all mothers out there! I know we're nothing (but void? hehe!) without you. Love you, Mama! Mwah! I hope you like our "gift", Hehe! I am not sure where I can grab some pics for Gabe's despedida party (I'm gonna miss you, Gabe! Huhuhu!) We will all be waiting for you! Oh, and I am looking forward to next weekend. I hope I can see some of my cousins and we can hang out together. It's been a while really. The entire family is also planning to go home to Bacolod City (after 11 years or so!) next month. I just have to think where I can get the money for that... Oh wow. Hahaha! I guess I have to work my arse off some more. =)

Thursday, May 08, 2008

Finding a Door

I'm a few blocks away from the building where I work but I am not going to work tonight. I am not sick. I am waiting for my sister because we are going to a wake tonight (again). My aunt-in-law (my mother's cousin-in-law and close friend) died a few days ago and she is going to be buried tomorrow. My mother wants the entire family to be present. As a sign of respect, I filed a short notice for leave tonight. Good thing I did not have any problems.


Talking about death is not really a comfortable topic even between friends. Lately, I couldn't help but think about it with all of what's happening around me. Losing a loved-one is my greatest fear and I'd rather die first instead of experiencing that. But then again, death (aside from change and taxes) is one of the facts of life no one can escape from.


Despite the heat today, it rained hard earlier tonight. Maybe that's the reason why I feel empty. Or maybe it's just the time of the month. There is this void in me right now and I cannot point to what exactly can fill it.


Good thing there's tv and I had it all to myself earlier. Hahaha! I was able to watch "American Idol" and I think the remaining 3 are very deserving to be on top. They're all good performers although I am rooting for David Cook (woot!). They show earlier just made me smile. Maroon 5 performed their latest single "If I Never See Your Face Again" and I found some clips on Youtube of the making of their new video featuring Rihanna. I can't wait to see the final cut.


Since I got nothing better to do, I answered a blogthing quiz:





The Keys to Your Life



Anything good in your life comes from your ability to play and be free.



The best way for you to solve a problem is to let go of it.



Anything bad in your life comes from sinking to the level of those around you.



Remember to lift people up, and refuse to participate in anything petty.




If I have the keys, I think I better find the door.