It's In The News

Blog Movement

2011-03-02T18:07:00.000-08:00

Guys, I have a new set of blog sites... Here they are:

http://lovefrancine143.blogspot.com/
http://francineescapades.blogspot.com/
http://themusicofglee.blogspot.com/
http://couchpotatomadnessbyfrancine.blogspot.com/
http://itsmefrancine.blogspot.com/

You can drop by and read through them. Comments will be highly appreciated. Have a great day!!! =)

The Top Celebrity 100

2009-06-05T03:03:00.001-07:00

Forbes Magazine already released the Top 100 Celebrities In The World. And the winner is... it's none other than the wife of Mr. Smith, Lara Croft herself, Angelina Jolie.

Jolie was declared as number one and she dethroned Oprah Winfrey which is the top celebrity for two years. Jolie raked in $27 million in the past 12 months thanks to a movie schedule that included Kung Fu Panda, Wanted and the not-yet-released spy thriller Salt. Even more impressive: The publicity she garnered following the birth of her twins, as well as the consistent headlines she grabs for her philanthropic efforts and her relationship with actor Brad Pitt, who ranks No. 9 on the list.

Another thing that surprised me is the inclusion of our boxing champion, Manny "PacMan" Pacquiao, the only Filipino in the list. Imagine, he ranked number 57 outbesting other international names such as The Jonas Brothers (rank 60), Daniel Radcliffe (rank 70), Nicole Kidman (rank 74), Heidi Klum (rank 78) and Alec Baldwin (rank 91). That only proves how rich he is already.

For the complete list, you can visit www.forbes.com.

Format Changes

2009-06-03T02:31:00.000-07:00

From now on, my blogs will be divided into topics. You can also visit the following Blog Threads:

OPM Updates - www.itsopm.blogspot.com

International Music Zone - www.internationalmusiczone.blogspot.com

Fire Soul's Haven - www.firesoul04.blogspot.com

Couch Potato Section - www.couchpotatosection.blogspot.com

Feel free to visit and add in comments! Have fun and enjoy!!!

Thank You From Your Anime & Cartoon Friends!

2009-05-25T23:35:00.000-07:00

Super Sentai, Cartoons and Anime Month is over. I must say I'd really enjoy reminiscing my childhood days. Listing all my favorite children shows releases the tension and as I watch even their opening themes, I feel younger again. I hope that all these shows will be reaired and I would weatch for it, that's for sure! Thanks to all the comments especially to bluedreamer27! See yah all as we blog more next month!

Make Way For The Soldiers Of Peace & Love: The Sailor Wariors

2009-05-25T19:52:00.000-07:00

When I was in elementary, I remember that I would rush and be in front of our television before 6:30 PM every Saturday to watch the Sailor Warriors. They are girls wearing sailor-themed dresses and they use different items to transform themselves into heroes that defend the Earth from evil beings who tries to bring chaos to Earth. This is a story of love, courage, believing in one's self, and most of all, friendship. This anime has a lot of opening based on the seasons.

Sailor Moon

Sailor Moon R

Sailor Moon S

Sailor Moon SS

Sailor Moon Stars

The story is divided into five seasons or arcs, namely:

The Dark Kingdom Arc - the first season of Sailor Moon. The first five sailor warriors were introduced; Sailor Moon, Sailor Mercury, Sailor Mars, Sailor Jupiter and Sailor Venus together with Tuxedo Mask. They fought with the Dark Kingdom led by Queen Beryl, Queen Metaria, The Shitennou or the generals (Jedaite, Nephrite, Zosite and Kunzite) and the DD girls. This arc showed the first death of the Sailor Warriors except for Sailor Moon in episode 45.

The Black Moon Clan Arc - was an evil organization originating from the planet Nemesis in the 30th Century. Led by Prince Dimande, they attacked Crystal Tokyo using the Evil Black Crystal and pursued Chibiusa to the 20th Century Tokyo, unaware that they were being manipulated by their sorcerer, Wiseman. Some of the other characters in this arc are the Blue Saphir, Green Emeraude, Crimson Rubeus and the Ayakashi sisters (Koan, Berhier, Calaveras and Petz). But before the Black Moon Clan, the sailor warriors first battle with the Makaiju Aliens. This is where Chibiusa first appeared in the series and eventually became the Black Lady because of Wiseman.

The Infinity or The Death Busters Arc - in this arc, the outer sailor senshis were introduced; Sailor Uranus, Sailor Neptune and Sailor Pluto. Here, the Death Busters are after the pure hearts who can give them the three talismans. The Death Busters group is led by Professor Tomoe, Kaolinite, Mistress 9 and The Witches 5.

The Dream or The Dead Moon Circus - The Dead Moon Circus is led by the twisted Zirconia, in command by the absence of the dark Queen Nehellenia who is trapped within a mirror. Zirconia is searching for the legendary Golden Crystal, which will allow Nehellenia to break free of her entrapment and take over the Earth. They are the only group of villains with two subordinate groups: the Amazon Trio and the Amazoness Quartet. Pegasus was also introduced in this arc.

The Stars or Shadow Galactica Arc - The fifth and the last season of Sailor Moon series. Comprised of Sailor Senshi from throughout the galaxy, its objective was to collect Sailor Crystals. All members are identified by the golden bracelets they wore on their wrists. This where the Sailor Starlights made a debut.

Since were done with the different arcs and archenemies of the Sailor Warriors, it's now time to showcase the protagonists of this anime.

Sailor Moon (Usagi Tsukino) - a carefree schoolgirl with an enormous capacity for love, transforms into the heroine called Sailor Moon. At the beginning of the series she is portrayed as an immature crybaby who hates having to fight evil and wants nothing more than to be a normal girl.[6] As she progresses, however, she embraces the chance to use her power to protect those she cares about. She has different transformations using her pam and different kinds of brooches in the course of the series.

She is the the one finishing the enemies either using her tiara or a wand. Her attacks are for mostly for healing and purifying.

Sailor Mercury (Ami Mizuno) - A quiet bookworm in Usagi's class, called Amy in the English adaptations of the series. Highly intelligent, with a rumored IQ of 300, she can transform into Sailor Mercury, acquiring power over all phases of water. Ami's shy exterior masks a passion for knowledge and for taking care of the people around her. She hopes to become a doctor one day, like her mother, and tends to be the practical one in the group. Secretly, she is also a fan of pop culture and romance novels, and becomes embarrassed whenever this is pointed out. Her attacks include Bubble Spray, Bubble Spray Freezing, Shine Aqua Illusion, Aqua Rhapsody and Aqua Mirage.

Sailor Mars (Rei Hino) - An elegant miko (shrine maiden), called Raye in the English versions. Because of her work as a Shinto priestess, Rei can sense and dispel evil even in civilian form. When she transforms into Sailor Mars she can also manipulate fire. She is very serious and focused, but although easily annoyed by Usagi's flightiness, cares about her very much. Rei is portrayed as boy-crazy in the early anime, but is uninterested in romance in both the manga and live-action series. She attends a private Catholic school, separate from the other girls. Her attacks include Fire Soul, Fire Soul Bird, Burning Mandala and the Flame Sniper.

Sailor Jupiter (Makoto Kino) - Very tall and strong for a Japanese schoolgirl, she can transform into Sailor Jupiter, attacking with lightning and with some control over plants. Both Makoto's parents died in a plane crash years ago, so she lives alone and takes care of herself. She cultivates her physical strength as well as more domestic interests, including housekeeping, cooking, and gardening. She wants to marry young and to own a flower-and-cake shop. Her attacks include Sumpreme Thunder, Supreme Thunder Dragon, Sparkling Wide Pressure and Oak Evolution.

Sailor Venus (Minako Aino) - A perky dreamer who acted on her own as Sailor V for some time. Called Mina in the English versions, she has a companion cat called Artemis who works alongside Luna in guiding the Sailor Senshi. Minako transforms into Sailor Venus, Soldier of Love, and leads Sailor Moon's four inner guardians. She also dreams of becoming a famous singer and idol and attends auditions whenever she can. At the start of the live-action series, she is already these things, but has poor health and separates herself from the other Senshi. Her attacks include Crescent Beam, Crescent Beam Shower, Venus Love Chain, Venus Lovely Shack.

Sailor Uranus (Haruka Tenoh) - A good-natured, masculine-acting girl, called Amara in the English anime. Haruka, of an age with her partner, Michiru, transforms into Sailor Uranus, Soldier of the Sky. Before becoming a Sailor Senshi, she dreamt of being a racer, and is skilled at driving. She tends to dress and, in the anime, speak like a man. She is so friendly and genial that nearly everyone she meets is attracted to her. When it comes to fighting the enemy, however, she distrusts outside help and prefers to work solely with Sailor Neptune and, later, Pluto and Saturn. Her attacks include Eartth Shaking and the talisman sword.

Sailor Neptune (Michiru Kaioh) - A talented violinist with some precognition, called Michelle in the English anime. A year older than most of the other Sailor Senshi, she can transform into Sailor Neptune, channeling the power of the ocean. She worked alone for some time before finding her partner, Sailor Uranus, with whom she fell in love. Michiru is elegant and personable, already well-known for her music as well as her painting, but has given up her own dreams for the life of a Senshi. She is fully devoted to this duty and willing to make any sacrifice for it. Her attacks include Deep Submerge and Submarine Reflection.

Sailor Pluto (Setsuna Meioh) - A mysterious woman, called Trista in the English anime. She appears first as Sailor Pluto, the Guardian of Time, who has the task of protecting the Space-Time Door from unauthorized travelers. It is only later that she appears on Earth, living as a college student. She has a distant personality and can be very stern, but can also be quite friendly and helps the younger Sailor Senshi when she can. After so long at the gate of time she carries a deep sense of loneliness, although she is close friends with Chibiusa. Her well-known attack is the Dead Scream.

Sailor Saturn (Hotaru Tomoe) - A sweet, lonely young girl whose name remains unchanged in English (though pronounced slightly differently). Daughter of a possessed mad scientist, she is sickly and weak as the result of a terrible lab accident in her youth. After overcoming the darkness that has surrounded her family, she is able to become the Soldier of Silence, Sailor Saturn. She wields forces of destruction so powerful that she is rarely called upon to use them, and unlike the others, her Senshi and civilian personae seem somewhat disconnected. She is often pensive, and as a human has the inexplicable power to heal others. Her most noted attack is the Silent Wall.

Sailor Chibi Moon (Chibiusa) - The future daughter of Usagi and Mamoru, Chibiusa travels from the 30th century to seek help to save her parents, then later to train with Sailor Moon to become a soldier. She learns to transform into Sailor Chibi Moon. At times she has an adversarial relationship with her mother in the 20th century, as she considers herself more mature than Usagi, but as the series progresses they develop a deep bond. Chibiusa wants to grow up to become a lady like her mother. In the English adaptations, she is called Rini, and her alter ego is called Sailor Mini Moon. Her attack is the Pink Sugar Heart Attack. In the Black Moon Arc, she was turned into a Black Lady by Wiseman and fought the Sailor Warriors. With her pure heart, she is the only person who can summon Pegasus.

Tuxedo Mask (Mamoru Chiba) - A student somewhat older than Usagi, called Darien in the English adaptations of the series. As a young child he experienced a terrible car accident that robbed him of his parents and of his knowledge of who he is. During the series he has some precognitive ability, including dreams that inspire him to take on the guise of Tuxedo Mask and fight alongside the Sailor Senshi. After an initially confrontational relationship, he and Usagi remember their past lives together and fall in love again. His noted attack is his rose.

Sailor Starlights - the group itself is composed of Sailor Star Fighter, Sailor Star Healer and Sailor Star Maker; when in civilian form they go by the pseudonyms Kou Seiya, Kou Yaten, and Kou Taiki respectively. They disguised themselves as male pop stars (The Three Lights) in order to hide their true identities as they search for their lost princess, Kakyuu. It is unknown whether they have civilian identities on their own world or what they might be called there.

Luna, Artemis and Diana - Luna first appears in the first episode or act of every version of the series. In the Silver Millennium, she was a servant to Princess Serenity, sworn never to leave her side, as well as an advisor to the Queen. Artemis is the companion to the leader of the Guardian Senshi—he trained Minako Aino as Sailor V, and remains by her side when she takes on her proper role as Sailor Venus. Diana is the third of the feline characters to appear, serves a a guardian to Chibiusa and the daughter of Luna and Artemis.

They are really the soldiers of love and peace!

The World Of Cephiro & The Magic Knights

2009-05-24T23:26:00.000-07:00

If there is one show that made me glued at 1000 A.M. every Sunday in ABS-CBN, that would be the story of three girls that were given elemental powers to fulfill the prophecy, to bring peace and order in the chaotic world of Cephiro. This is Magic Knight Rayearth.

Cephiro is in danger of being destroyed because Zagato abducted Princess Emeraude and was kept in his secret domain where no one can come closer. Because of the prophecy written in Cephiro, Emeraude summon three girls from Tokyo. They are Fuu Hououji, Umi Ryuuzaki and Hikaru Shidou. They were welcomed by Master Clef and he explained to the girls their mission, however, Master Clef wasn't able to explain everything because they were attacked by Alcyone, one of Zagato's loyal servants. That is where their quest began, to find the legendary element named "Escudo" that became their weapons and the Rune Gods (guardians of Cephiro) only to find out in the end that their mission is to kill Princess Emeraude because they've discovered she has fallen for Zagato, hindering her ability to pray solely for Cephiro's well-being and that is stated in the law of Cephiro.

In the second arc, the girls went back because three planets have the intention of conquering Cephiro and the Pillar must be chosen before the whole planet gets destroyed. Eventually, Hikaru is chosen to become the new Pillar. However, she rebels against the Pillar system, deciding that the fate of the planet should not be the responsibility of only one person, effectively preventing that person from ever being able to live and love freely.

Hikaru Shidou (Lucy in Filipino-dubbed version) is an eighth-grade girl, small for her age and often teased for her boyishness. She is headstrong, determined and loyal. She is the Magic Knight of Fire. She uses fire-based spells, such as Arrow of Fire (Honoo no Ya) and Crimson Lightning.

Umi Ryuuzaki (Marina in the Filipino-dubbed version) is the only child of a rich family. She is quick-tempered and at first uncaring, though perhaps the best-suited for the task at hand, but is also the most reluctant. She is the Magic Knight of Water. She uses water-based spells called Water Dragon and Azure Hurricane.

Fuu Hououji (Anemone in the Filipino-dubbed version) is the voice of reason. She is also highly intelligent, though this goes more for booksmarts than streetsmarts. She often has moments where she doubts herself, but ends up coming out strong in the end. She is also in love with Ferio. She is the Magic Knight of Wind. Her spells, Winds of Protection and Winds of Healing, are air-based and are mostly healing and defensive in nature, though she has some offensive attacks, such as Emerald Typhoon and Emerald Cyclone.

Clef is the chief of all sorcerers in Cephiro, and was formerly Princess Emeraude's attendant. In the anime, he is turned to stone by Zagato shortly after being introduced to the three girls in the first episode, although he fights the spell and communicated with them through Mokona. In the manga he is referred to as Guru Clef and is not turned to stone. He also leads all of Cephiro until a new pillar can be found. He and all other magicians used their willpower to create a castle to hold the inhabitants of Cephiro.

Mokona is a seemingly intelligent rabbit-like creature with a gem on his forehead. It travels along with the three knights and helps them to find their way to find the runegods.

Ferio is a warrior whom the Magic Knights first meet in the Forest of Silence. A tough young man wielding a sword taller than he is, he quickly develops a soft spot for Fuu, which by the second season has evolved into love.

Presea is the top blacksmith in Cephiro, known there as a Pharle or "artisan." She is one of Clef's students and seems to have a crush on him. She aided the Magic Knights by making their legendary swords of escudo.

Alcyone is an ice sorceress who tutored under Clef and was brought up to attend to the Pillar. However, she fell in love with the high priest, Zagato, and for this love became his servant, although the affection is entirely one-sided.

Ascot (アスコット ,Asukotto?) is a Palu, a young child with the unusual ability to summon monsters, whom he considers to be his friends. Although hideous, they have no ill will, but villagers still fear them. Thus, Ascot was driven away until Zagato offered to give him and his friends a home in exchange for serving under him. In the anime, he destroys Presea's house with his monsters, and essentially causes her death; later, he confronts the Knights again (their first encounter in the manga), but Umi slaps him for using his friends and causing them pain. This causes a change of heart in Ascot, and he then forsakes Zagato. In the second series, he has used the power of his own will to make himself into an adult because of his love for Umi. Also, he still summons monsters but has learned other spells from Clef to avoid using his friends as living weapons.

Caldina is a dancer who speaks with an Osaka accent wears extremely skimpy clothing, and has an endless passion for money.

Lafarga is the Captain of the Guard and charged with protecting the Pillar. Although Cephiro is mostly peaceful, he kept himself busy slaying the occasional monsters that would appear. In his takeover of the country, Zagato hypnotized him into trying to kill the Magic Knights as a last-ditch effort to stop them before they challenged him personally, but the girls managed to bring him to his senses. He goes against Zagato roughly at the same time Hikaru must meet Rayearth, and she in fact manages to summon her Mashin while trying to help Lafarga fight Zagato. In the second part of the story, he is romantically involved with Caldina.

Emeraude is the current pillar of Cephiro. Little else is revealed concerning her nature until the climax of the first series, although she is highly loved by her subjects. She is the one who summon the Magic Knights to kill her.

Zagato is the primary antagonist of the first season, his younger brother is Cail Lantis When he is first introduced, he is seen as a terrible villain who has kidnapped the beloved Princess Emeraude, watching cruelly as Cephiro crumbles without its pillar.

The Three Mashin (Rune Gods) are the three legendary guardians of Cephiro. Umi's is Celes (also known as Selece, Seles or Ceres in early translated versions), who first appears as a large blue dragon; Fuu's is Windam (Windom in the official English release of the manga), a great four-winged bird; and Hikaru's is Rayearth (Lexus in the OVA series), a wolf with a mane of fire. The three are old and ancient, and are in fact mecha used by the Magic Knights to help them combat Zagato and ultimately kill the Pillar.

In the second arc, new characters were introduced:

Lantis is Zagato's younger brother, is a powerful Cail or Kailu (magic swordsman) who journeyed abroad for a great deal of time and returned to Cephiro after meeting Eagle in Autozam. Lantis has returned (and first appears) in season two, wanting to get rid of the Pillar System because of what happened to Zagato and Princess Emaurade.

Eagle Vision is a well-known and respected commander from Cephiro's neighbouring country, Autozam, a technologically advanced world reliant on the mental energy of its citizens for its power. It is clear right away that Eagle is an enigmatic and forceful tactician, and though a gentle and chivalrous gentleman, he is the leader of Autozam's invasion of Cephiro. His father is the President of Autozam. When Lantis visited Autozam in the past, he and Eagle became close friends. It is often speculated amongst fans whether Eagle's love ever develops into something more.

Lady Aska is the First Princess of the country of Fahren, and the head of the Fahren invasion force that attacks Cephiro. Her ship is the Dome, an immense dragon-shaped vessel. She laughs constantly and arrogantly, and tends to refer to herself as "we" instead of "I". She is very young, self-assured, and appears fairly bratty (she wants Cephiro so her every whim will become reality and in the anime version, she wants to become pretty to impress Sanyun), but can use all the legendary forbidden spells of the Royal Family, including the ability to conjure up creatures that she draws on ceremonial paper and then uses to attack.

Sanyun is Aska's loyal servant and childhood friend. He's much more thoughtful and studious than Aska (though he really doesn't look it) and hopes to one day assist her in ruling Fahren.

Tarta is the hot-headed princess of the planet Chizeta, which sends its forces to conquer Cephiro and expand its territory. She is especially good at sword combat and can summon the djinn Rakoon. She wants to rule Cephiro as the Pillar to give a better life quality to the people of Chizeta, since their planet is too small.

Tatra is Tarta's calm and seemingly airheaded older twin sister who, when focused, is in fact a formidable warrior. She can conjure the djinn Rasheen to do her bidding and go into battle for her, or choose to use a whip against her enemies. According to Tarta, Tatra is in fact the best fighter in Chizeta.

Nova is introduced as the daughter of Lady Debonair and is an anime-only villainess. She is rather slender with pink hair and elf ears, and appears to be close in age to the three heroines. Throughout the series, Nova gives the impression of being an unstable character, often switching between expressing affection and giving death threats in the space of a heartbeat.

Debonair an anime-only character, is the head antagonist of the second season who awaits the day when Cephiro will crumble due to lack of support from princess Emeraude. Debonair was, in fact, called into being by the darkness in the hearts of Cephiro's citizens, and as such has tremendous power that she wants to rule over Cephiro.

I will always remember this anime!!!

Daisuke Niwa Or Dark: Which Is Which?

2009-05-19T00:45:00.000-07:00

I got hooked up every Saturday afternoon in TV 5 because they aired a marathon of DN Angel which was originally aired in QTV 11.

Daisuke Niwa is a 14-year-old boy who has a special genetic ability: whenever he sees or thinks about his crush, Risa Harada, he turns into the infamous phantom thief Dark. Satoshi Hiwatari is a student at the same school as Daisuke and the Harada twins, as well as the Commander of the police force who is heading the investigation on Dark. He is also member of the Hikari family, a clan of artists which has opposed the Niwa family of thieves for centuries.

Is Daisuke Niwa good or bad? What do you think?

The Prince & Princess Of Power: He-Man & She-Ra

2009-05-19T00:13:00.000-07:00

Long before I've known the anime characters we know today, they are the first superheroes I've loved were He-Man and She-Ra. They are twins both gifted with super powers to defend their kingdom.

He-Man's alter ego is Prince Adam. He is the defender of Eternia. He is the son of King Randor and Queen Marlena. Once he helds up his sword which is known as the "Power Sword", he is given superhuman strength and becomes the most powerful man in the universe. He is also highly resistant to damage. He also have Super Breath and telepathic abilities. His close friend and companion is his tiger named "Cringer". Only a few knows his secret identity such as the Sorceress, Man-At-Arms and Orco. Together, they defend Castle Grayskull from the evil Skeletor.

On the other hand, She-Ra's alter ego is Princess Adora, the twin sister of Prince Adam. She owns the "Sword Of Protection". When she transforms, she has superhuman strength and is highly resistant to damage. She also possesses superhuman speed and agility, a healing touch, as well as the ability to speak with animals telepathically. Same thing with He-Man, only few know her such as Light Hope, Kowl, Madame Razz. Together with the group "The Great Rebellion defend Eternia from Hordak.

Love this anime!

The One-Stop Gadget Character: Doraemon

2009-05-18T23:20:00.000-07:00

Doraemon is an anime shown in GMA 7. Although I've seen the episodes a lot of times, I still enjoy watching it because it gives comic relief.

Doraemon is the titular robotic cat sent back in time by Sewashi to aid Nobita. He possesses a fourth-dimensional pocket from which he can acquire various kinds of futuristic tools, gadgets, and playthings from a future department store. Doraemon originally had ears but they were bitten off by a robotic mouse in the 22nd century. As a result, he developed a morbid fear of mice despite being a robotic cat. He also has the tendency to panic during emergencies, characterized by him frantically trying to pull out a very much-needed tool from his pocket, only to produce a huge assortment of unrelated household items.

Nobita is the main character of the series and the center of the story. He is a fourth grader in Tokyo's Nerima Ward and an only child. He wears glasses, a red or yellow polo shirt with a white collar, and blue shorts. Nobita's character flaws are endless: he is lazy, uncoordinated, dim-witted, frail, plain-looking, unlucky, and bad at sports. Nobita's typical day consists of arriving late on classes, scoring zeros in his tests, getting lectured by his teacher, being bullied by his classmates Gian and Suneo, falling into curbside rain gutters, being chased by dogs, and getting scolded by his mom for his sloth and poor academic results.

Shizuka, usually called Shizu-chan is the smart, kind, and pretty neighborhood girl who is the object of Nobita's affections. She takes baths several times a day. Nobita often disrupts her in the bath due to some misuse of Doraemon's gadgets, resulting in Nobita's head getting dunked. She is also known for taking piano lessons unwillingly, which is sometimes used as an excuse for declining to hang out with Nobita. Her true passions are sweet potatoes, which she'd rather keep to herself out of the knowledge of others, and the violin, in which her playing is as atrocious as Gian's singing. Due to Doraemon's intervention, Shizuka will become Nobita's wife in the future timeline.

Takeshi (Damulag in Filipino-dubbed version), usually known by the nickname "Gian" from English word "giant", is the big, strong, and quick-tempered local bully. His nickname may be derived from giant. He is known for his confidence in his terrible singing voice. He regularly subjects the neighborhood children to horrendous singing recitals, which is sometimes combined with his equally bad homemade dinner. He also frequently steals other children's toys and books under the pretext of "borrowing" them, unless the toy is damaged. This is how most fans considered Gian to be a major antagonist mostly to Nobita and his friends.

Suneo is the fox-faced (inherited from his mother) rich kid who loves to flaunt his material wealth before everyone. He is often seen with Gian, serving as Gian's lackey while they bully Nobita together. Some of the stories start with Suneo showing off some new video game or toy which evokes Nobita's envy. He has an extensive knowledge of science, and is a talented artist and designer.

This anime is really cuddly and cute!

Monster Busters: Ghost Fighter

2009-05-18T22:48:00.000-07:00

I've seen this anime a lot of times already, I know you do as well. This was first aired in IBC 13 then GMA 7 re-aired this show in their anime block. This is the story of men who are given the task to solve cases which is reported to the Spirit World. These cases were caused by monsters. The main characters showed their spiritual abilities which I must admit made a craze in our TV habit. I'm referring to Ghost Fighter.

Yusuke Urameshi (Eugene in the Filipino-dubbed version) - He becomes a spirit detective after he dies and is revived by Keiko's kiss. His main attack is the Rei Gun (Spirit Gun in the English anime) where he can manipulate his Reiki (spiritual energy) and fire it into a projectile.

Kazuma Kuwabara (Alfred in the Filipino-dubbed version) - Although human, Kuwabara has high Reiki sensitivity; he is able to manifest a Rei Ken (Spirit Sword in the English dubbing); a type of Reiki that normally takes on the shape of a glowing sword.

Kurama (Dennis in the Filipino-dubbed version) - Kurama is a demon with the ability to summon and control plants. Kurama has a wide variety of techniques, because of his ability to control a wide variety of plants, including the often seen Rose Whip.

Hiei (Vincent in the Filipino-dubbed version) - He specializes in the Jagan (Evil Eye") skills, as well as swordsmanship, and can move at superhuman speeds.

Genkai (Master Jeremiah in the Filipino-dubbed version) - The aged Reiki fighter who rigorously trains Yusuke in the Spirit Light Wave Fist (Spirit Wave in the English anime). Though her manner is often gruff, she cares for Yusuke and the others, and constantly tries to help them grow stronger. In the past, she was feared as one of the most powerful human fighters in both Ningenkai and Makai.

This anime will always be remembered by anyone because of the different techniques shown.

Friendship Put To Test: The Story Of Miyaka & Julie

2009-05-18T21:32:00.000-07:00

I first saw this show in GMA 7, I can't get enough of waiting every Friday night just to watch this anime. It is the story of two friends who were transported to another place and time after their encounter with the book entitled "The Universe Of The Four Gods". A story of frienship, love, betrayal, bravery and their quest to complete all the Celestial Warriors to summon the Gods and grant them their three wishes. This is Fushigi Yūgi.

Miyaka Yuki and Julie Hongo were best friends who are getting ready for their entrance exam. They went to the national library and there they saw the book that transported them to ancient China. Miyaka was chosen to be a Priestess of Suzaku (Phoenix God) and was given the task to find the seven Celestial Warriors so that Suzaku can grant her three wishes. As the story goes, an incident happened to Julie that made her think that Miyaka left her because of a man. This resulted for Julie to accept the task to be the Priestess of Seiryu and fight Miyaka literally in a battle and in love. Miyaka was able to complete the Celestial Warriors as stated in the prophecy.

Tamahome - the first of the seven Celestial Warriors of Suzaku whom Miaka meets, comes into the story when he saves Miaka and Yui from slave-traders. Tamahome appears the strongest member of the Suzaku warriors. He is an adept martial artist, proficient unarmed and with weapons, and street fighter in addition to being able to channel his ki into energy blasts. When emotionally motivated, he is able to use his ki to increase his strength, speed, and reflexes in combat. Tamahome is also experienced in fencing thanks to being trained by Tokaki.

Hotohori - the fourth Emperor of Kōnan, Emperor Cai Pi has a reputation for his beauty and his narcissism. As one of the Celestial Warriors of Suzaku, he is able to summon a sword; as such he is a powerful swordsman and has been additionally trained in martial arts since childhood.

Nuriko - first appears disguised as "Kōrin" in Emperor Hotohori's harem, which Hotohori never visits except to welcome new maidens. "Kōrin" was in fact Nuriko's younger sister who died at a young age; he began behaving and dressing like her to keep her memory alive. Nuriko possesses superhuman strength and is later granted a pair of bracelets that transform into strength-increasing armbands by Taiitsukun.

Chichiri - a wandering monk, has trained for several years with Taiitsukun, the creator. He variously wields a shakujō staff, kasa hat, and kesa mantle to fight and employs various magical techniques taught by Taiitsukun, the first of which was the ability to form a barrier around himself.

Tasuki - is the former leader of the Mount Reikaku bandits. Extremely quick and agile, he particularly enjoys joking around with Nuriko, Tamahome, and Chichiri. Tasuki's primary weapon is a flame throwing Tessen, an iron fan used for fighting which is eventually upgraded to become a diamond fan that could only be used by Tasuki by Taitsukun. Additionally, he is skilled in judo, archery, swordsmanship, and is briefly capable of using ofuda. As a Celestial Warrior, he possesses superhuman speed and known as Genrou ("Phantom Wolf") because of his wolf-like appearance.

Mitsukake - the healer of Suzaku's warriors. He is soft-spoken and one of the most serious of the Suzaku Celestial Warriors. Mitsukake's fighting abilities are limited to his own strength, but as a Celestial Warrior, he possesses incredible healing powers at the cost of exchanging some of his own life force. He uses this ability frequently to heal minor injuries, but after healing life-threatening injuries, Mitsukake requires an entire day to regenerate his life force.

Chiriko - the youngest and the genius among the seven Celestial Warriors of Suzaku. Aside from his incredible intelligence, Chiriko also employs a leaf flute against his opponents.

In the course of the story they were able to summon Suzaku. Julie also realized the truth and once again reunited with her best friend, Miyaka.

The Flaming Dragons Of Recca

2009-05-15T02:19:00.000-07:00

When GMA 7 aired the anime show, Flame of Recca every afternoon, I used to stick in front of our television every afternoon. Even when I'm going to work, I always take an airconditoned bus it's because I know that their television if not playing a movie, they stay tuned to the Kapuso network and that is when I get to watch this show. Flame of Recca is a story of a man named Recca Hanabishi gifted to control the power of fire and his flaming dragons and his struggles to fight his half-brother named Kurei.

The story evolves around Recca Hanabishi who aims to be a great ninja and serves a loyalty to Yanagi Sakoshita, a teenage girl who can heal any kind of physical injury and which Recca also consider his princess. One day, Kage Hoshi, which was revealed later as his mother, attacked Recca with the intention to test if he can withhold the power of the flames. Recca was able to pass the test. Along the way, Recca met different characters that joined his quest to defeat their enemy named Kurei. Their group was known as Team Hokage and the other member are:

Fuko Kirisawa (Aira Kirisawa in Filipino-dubbed version) - a tomboyish teenage girl, is Recca's childhood friend who has always aspired to defeat him in battle so that he would serve her as her ninja. She initially gets irritated by the fact that Recca chose to become Yanagi's ninja just because he wanted to. For this reason, she decides to accept the aid of Kagerō, who offers to lend her Fūjin (a powerful madōgu that controls wind) in order to enable her to defeat Recca. In actuality, Kagerō implanted a stone in the Fūjin that allowed her to brainwash Fūko, but Recca manages to defeat Fūko and destroy the sphere. Fūko ends up being friends with both Yanagi and Recca after the incident, and she also keeps the Fūjin and wields it throughout the rest of the series.

Domon Ishijima (Max Domon in Filipino-dubbed version - Domon is Recca's schoolmate who is known for his prowess in physical strength and in fighting (he is referred to as Ogre by other students that he has defeated in fights). Like Fūko, has always wanted to defeat Recca, and the reason behind this is that Fūko told him that he could only challenge her if he manages to defeat Recca. He is unable to defeat Recca despite his numerous attempts, and he eventually aids the latter in defeating and rescuing Fūko when she is brainwashed by Kage Hōshi. Afterward, both he and Fūko join forces with Recca and remain allied with him throughout the rest of the series. However, he is never able to do so, and ends up befriending and joining forces with Recca. Domon wields the Dosei no Wa ("The Ring of Saturn"), a madogu which enhances his physical strength. Later in the series, he also wields the Kuchibashi Oh ("Beak King"), a super-sharp snapping claw on an extendable chain, and the Tetsugan ("Iron Ball"), which transmutes his entire body into a living iron golem for brief periods.

Tokiya Mikagami (Dylan Mikagami in Filipino-dubbed version) - second year student at Nashikiri High School, and he wields the madōgu Ensui ("Dark Water"), a sword that utilizes water to create it blade and is capable of creating and controlling all three states of water (liquid, solid and gas). He is often referred to as by his last name, though his companions have made up nicknames for him, such as "Mi-chan" or "Mī-bō". Despite the difference in his age in the anime and manga, Tokiya wanted to take Yanagi from Recca because she looks exactly like his sister, Mifuyu Mikagami, who was murdered in front of his eyes when he was young. He uses the Hyōmon Ken style which was developed specifically for the Ensui and the Hyōma En (a madogu that also controls water, but focuses more on water in its solid form). Tokiya joins forces with Recca in attempting to rescue Yanagi from Mori Kōran's mansion, and he continues to be part of their team throughout the rest of the series.

Kaoru Koganei was once a member of Kurei's Uruha, but later, he becomes a member of Recca's team in the Ura Butō Satsujin. He wields the Kōgan Anki, a puzzle-like weapon that has five different forms. In the manga, the weapon also has a mysterious sixth form: 'Mu'. He likes Yanagi.

Recca in the course of the story was able to acquire the powers of the eight flame dragons.The Flame Dragons are entities that manifest themselves in selected Hokage leaders, each dragon possessing its own unique flame abilities/techniques. Each dragon is an embodiment of the soul of a previous Hokage leader who died without being able to fulfill his/her mission.

Nadare is the first Flame Dragon with the power to produce fireballs. She is the friendliest of all the dragons and is often used by Recca along with Saiha.

Saiha is the second Flame Dragon with the power to produce a blade of fire. He is the dragon most used by Recca.

Homura is the third Flame Dragon with the power to create flame whips and enhance his master's strength.
Setsuna is the fourth Flame Dragon. He can burn anyone who looks in to his eye. He is a cruel, sadistic ninja who lives only to kill. He dislikes Recca and won't hesitate to kill him whenever opportunity arises.
Madoka is the fifth Flame Dragon with the power to create barriers. He is a chubby ninja who speaks politely, but is rather sarcastic.

Rui is the sixth Flame Dragon who has the power to create illusions. She is a beautiful kunoichi who is not afraid to use her body as an advantage in combat.

Koku is one of the creators of madōgu, and a Hokage Flame Master before Ōka. He and his rival Kaima competed to create madōgu, but he is forced to kill his rival once the latter succumbed into further madness. When he becomes the seventh Flame Dragon, he often materializes into human form, who is often portrayed as perverted but also very wise. Koku's power takes the form of a giant, concentrated laser beam.

Ōka (Obeshi) was the sixth generation leader of the Hokage clan during the Eiroku period. He is married to Kagerō and took Reina as his consort, and is the father of both Kurei and Recca. He loves both women and both of his sons equally, and his only regret is that he failed to save Princess Sakura and the Sawaki Clan from destruction. He is later killed by the soldiers of Oda Nobunaga, but his spirit lives on as the eighth Flame Dragon Resshin. Recca uses Resshin's power to save Yanagi's soul from the Tendo Jigoku.

I really love this anime!

The Best Samurai Kid: Yaiba

2009-05-14T02:28:00.000-07:00

I used to watch this anime in ABC 5 every Saturday about this kid who amused me with his crazy antics and his way of being the greatest samurai ever. I'm talking about Yaiba.

Yaiba Kurugane is the main protagonist of the show. He is the Thunder God incarnate, and later acquires the legendary Dragon's Orb. Since he fights without the Thunder Orb in the socketed Thunder God's sword, he was able to be spared the same fate of being possessed by the sword's owner that had befallen Onimaru. Aside from his skills with the sword and his keen senses, he is also able to converse with animals.

For a while, Yaiba was fighting without any orbs. While this left him vulnerable because he had no divine assistance, it also let him master several techniques. The Senpūken (Whirlwind Sword) in which he spins the sword like a lawnmower blade by twirling it on his fingers in the hole that the orbs would usually go in. The Kaminari Giri (Lightning Cut) in which he executes a downward slash in a furious zigzag pattern and finally the "Yaiba Windmill Slash" in which he executes a full body vertical spin motion in the air by sticking his sword between his feet and then uses the momentum to create a buzzsaw-like effect.
It should be noted that there is one other technique, which is called "The Wave of Wind Thunder". This technique can only be used along with Takeshi Onimaru, for both Thunder God and Devil Wind Swords are needed in order to execute the technique. It is the resulting combination of Yaiba's "Lightning Blast" and Takeshi's upgraded Devil Wind Slash "Tornado Ripper". They used this move against Kaguya-hime.

Together in his quest to find the powerful orbs are Sayaka Mine (Yaiba's love interest), Kenjuro Kurogane (Yaiba's father), Musashi Miyamoto (Yaiba's teacher), Jubei Yagyu (owner of the overextending sword), Kagetora (their tiger friend) and Shonosuke (their vulture friend).

Raijin-ken (Lightning God Sword) - Yaiba's sword, Raijin-ken has an orb within it marked with the kanji for "Thunder". Throughout his adventures in Japan, Yaiba finds several other orbs in search of the Dragon God's Orb, which are listed as follows:

Water - This orb allows Yaiba to control water by swinging his sword and can shoot water from the tip of the sword. It was found in Lake Biwa.

Gold - Allows Yaiba to transform into different people and objects. He earned this orb from the Tanuki in Shikoku.

Fire - This orb allows Yaiba to shoot balls of flame from his sword. It was found on Mount Aso.

Big - Let's Yaiba grow huge. The first time he used this orb, he grew large enough to leave the atmosphere. However by the time the orb runs out of power, it turns black and Yaiba becomes exhausted because he used up all his stamina. It only takes time to recharge the orb before he uses it again. It was found in Nara.

Darkness - This orb is the most dangerous of all. It can suck up anything on its path including the user as an act of desperate measure. When Yaiba use it for the first time, he got sucked into the orb along with Jubei. But they got out from the orb successfully. It was found in Niigata.

Ice - This orb allows Yaiba to shoot ice from the tip of this sword. It also allows him to freeze water into ice. It was found in Hokkaidō.

Attack - This talking orb contains all of the powers of the six other orbs from Water to Ice. Whenever he uses it, the Raijin-ken changes its shape; turning into the Ryūjin-ken. This also happened when he used the orb on Onimaru's Fūjin-ken when the Raijin-ken was swallowed by Kaguya-hime. The orb has 3 abilities: One, Yaiba can now fly while holding the sword. Two, it can create a powerful energy shield that can block projectiles. And three, he can summon the Dragon God by activating all of the orbs, including the Attack Orb as well to unveil its ultimate power. It was found in Tōhoku.

Hopin' that it will be air again on television!

Extraordinary Mutants: The Uncanny X-men

2009-05-12T20:27:00.000-07:00

They're not ordinary people but they live in the ordinary world. People mock them and wants them to be eliminated. They are the mutants, of course, because of their mutant powers, I became a fan viewer every Friday night. They are the Uncanny X-Men.

The X-Men is a group of individuals who have special abilities. Because they are not comfortable living in the society, they were taken by Professor X in his home to train and help them develop their powers. The team aims to unite the mutants and the human beings and live in just one world as normal.

The cast of the Uncanny X-Men that was shown in ABS-CBN are the following:

Cyclops (Scott Summers) - He is gifted with optic energy beams since birth. forcing him to wear specialized glasses at all times and a specialized visor in combat. His powers may have led to his inhibited, meticulous character. These same qualities, however, have made him an ideal leader for the X-Men.

Wolverine (James Howlett) - more known as Logan, he possess the Adamantium, a laced skeletal structure with retractable claws. He is also capable of regenerative healing factor. He also has superhuman senses through smelling.

Rogue (Anna Marie) - she is the mutant who can absorb memories, skills, and powers through skin to skin contact. The longer the contact occurs, the longer Rogue will retain the abilities or memories. If she maintains contact for long enough, the absorption is permanent.

Storm (Ororo Monroe) - Her abilities include Weather manipulation, Flight, Energy perception, Ecological empathy,Resistance to the effects of the weather and extreme heat and cold, Latent natural magic abilities.

Beast (Dr. Henry Philip McCoy) - a mutant who possesses ape-like superhuman physical strength and agility and oversized hands and feet, though he otherwise appears to be a normal human being. Throughout his history, Beast undergoes progressive latent transformations to his physiognomy, permanently gaining increasingly animalistic physical characteristics. These include blue fur, feline facial features, pointed ears, fangs, and claws. His physical power increases to even greater levels, as do his senses. The best thing about him is his intelligence is same as a genius.

Gambit (Remy LeBeau) - he has the ability to charge matter with explosive bio-kinetic energy. He is also a skilled hand-to-hand combatant, strategist, and thief.

Jubilee (Jubilation Lee) - she has the ability to project pyrotechnic energy plasmoids and to explosively charge objects.

Jean Grey (Jean Grey-Summers) - the wife of Cyclops. She has the abilities of Telekenesis and Telepathy. In the story arc Phoenix Saga, there was a scene that she turned into Phoenix which grant her the ability of Pyrokenesis and Healing Factor.

Professor X (Charles Francis Xavier) - the founder and leader of the X-Men. He is capable of telepathy, mental reading and control. His intellect is same as a genius.

The Uncanny X-Men for me is the best than the other X-Men series we have today!

The Last Super Sentai I Watched: The Mighty Morphin Power Rangers

2009-05-10T23:16:00.000-07:00

After Bioman and Maskman, there is another super sentai show that made me glued to our television. It was first shown every Friday at 7:30 P.M. I'm referring to "The Mighty Morphin Power Rangers.

The story started when two unwitting astronauts discover a dumpster and released Rita Repulsa and her evil space army. Their main goal is to conquer the Earth. When the wise sage Zordon becomes aware of the release of the evil witch he was responsible for capturing so long ago, he orders his robotic assistant Alpha 5 to find five "teenagers with attitude" to defend the Earth from Rita's attacks. The five socially diverse teens chosen are Jason Lee Scott, Kimberly Hart, Zack Taylor, Trini Kwan and Billy Cranston. Zordon gives the five teens the ability to morph into Power Rangers, including an arsenal of weapons at their disposal as well as large robotic machines called Zords, which can combine into the mighty Megazord.

The members of the original Power Rangers are:

Jason Lee Scott
The original Red Power Ranger and the first leader of the team. Jason was a martial arts master and even had a karate class for teenagers, which Billy was a part of. He was armed with the Power Sword. He controls the Tyrannosaurus Dinozord.

Zachary "Zack" Taylor
The original Black Power Ranger and second-in-command. A practical joker, he used dance moves and martial arts to fight. He wielded the Power Axe which could convert to an energy cannon. He runs the Mastodon Dinozord.

Billy Cranston
The Blue Power Ranger and later the Blue Ninja Ranger. He held his position for the longest, and was the smartest member of the team as well as the inventor. He possessed the Power Lance. He is the pilot of the Triceratops Dinozord.

Trini Kwan
The original Yellow Power Ranger. She tried to set a good example and was able to translate Billy's technobabble. She was afraid of heights as seen in the episode "High Five" of season one, however she had conquered this fear by the end of the episode. She was armed with the Power Daggers. She is in-charge of the Saber-Toothed Tiger Dinozord.

Kimberly Ann Hart
The original Pink Power Ranger and later the Pink Ninja Ranger. She was a gymnast with a valley girl attitude, as well as Tommy's girlfriend. Her weapon was the Power Bow. She manages the Pterodactyl Dinozord.

In the course of the show, Rita used a ranger which has of same level of martial arts skills as of Jason and he is Tommy Oliver, "The Green Ranger". After episodes of being a villain, eventually the Green Ranger joined the group and he was also given his own Dinozord which is the Dragonzord.

There may be a lot of Power Ranger Seasons but this will always be the personal favorite!

The Crazy Cartoon Character: Taz

2009-05-10T22:55:00.000-07:00

Taz had his own cartoon series in ABC 5 every weekday afternoons. This show was produced by Warner Bros in 1990's. Unlike similar cartoons of its time, it frequently broke the fourth wall, and often made jokes from the fact that Taz could actually speak perfectly normally when he wanted to.

Although he looks not good, I must admit that he is a well-loved cartoon character around the world and most of my friends like him.

The Defenders Of Nature: Captain Planet & The Planeteers

2009-05-10T02:37:00.000-07:00

Every Saturday, I wouldn't take my lunch unless I've watch this cartoon that was shown in RPN 9. This talks about taking care of nature and all living and non-living things. I'm referring to Captain Planet And The Planeteers.

Gaia, the Earth spirit saw that pollution is already destroying the face of the Earth. Because of this, she called five individuals to protect the planet using five elemental rings, namely Earth, Fire, Wind, Water and Heart. Here are the names of the five individuals:

Kwame is the Planeteer in charge of "Earth". Kwame is from Africa. Raised on the savannah, he spent much time working to help keep the land from becoming a desert by planting trees. It was during this activity that he discovered his magic ring. The Earth ring is able to manipulate the ground to create earthquakes, landforms, and craters, though only to a certain extent.

Wheeler is the Planeteer who controls "Fire". From the United States of America. He is somewhat aware of martial arts and other techniques for handling tough situations, primarily from movies and television. With his powers, Wheeler is able to send out projectiles of flame and create small fires nearby; he can also use his power like a laser beam, to cut ropes or melt locks.

Linka is the Planeteer with the power of "Wind". She is from the Russian Federation. Linka is particularly interested in birds, learning to play their songs and sings for them on her keyboard. It happened that a bird attracted by her music was carrying a golden ring with the symbol of wind in its beak. Linka joined the Planeteers as the mistress of winds, able to create powerful gusts, small tornados, and even fly, though the concentration required to levitate is very tiring, and she rarely flies with the exception of emergency situations.

Gi is the Planeteer whose ring allowed her control over "Water". She is of East Asian descent, preferrably Japan. while she was swimming amongst dolphins, she threw a toy hoop to one of them. The dolphin returned the hoop, and fixed to it was a golden ring bearing a blue stone with the symbol of water. Predictably, Gi gains the power of water, enabling her to control water in a telekinetic manner if it is clean enough to be affected by her ring.

Ma-Ti is the Planeteer of "Heart" from South America. Ma-Ti became the Planeteer of Heart, able to communicate with people and animals telepathically and feel and convey emotions directly. Though not powerful in the way of action, Ma-Ti's power was mentioned to be the most important by Gaia in the first episode. It keeps the Planeteers together and helps them to be in tune with nature and the people with whom they interact. Ma-Ti's power can also influence the feelings of others, enabling him to draw aid from creatures in the surrounding area. This is more akin to empathy than mind control; Ma-Ti's powers can only influence behavior by drawing out what kindness already exists in a being's heart; as such, most villainous people are barely influenced by the power, and it has no effect at all over beings of pure evil, such as Zarm. Furthermore, when he is heard telepathically communicating with animals, any call for aid he makes always takes the form of a request, rather than a command. His power can, however, serve to protect him from external psychic manipulation.

When all the powers of the five elemental rings are combined, Captain Planet is formed. When the Planeteers summon him, Captain Planet always declares "With your powers combined - I am Captain Planet!" This emphasized the show's message of cooperation. When trouble has been taken care of, Captain Planet returns to the Earth, reminding the Planeteers that "the power is yours", meaning they have the duty and the ability to continue protecting the environment when he is gone.

Captain Planet's abilities are never clearly defined, allowing him to always have a way of defeating his enemy and solving the problem before him. He can shape-shift and alter his structure to take on the properties of any element. At times, he is able to transmute other elements. He can fly, has great strength, displays telepathic/empathic abilities at times. One criticism against the show was the Captain Planet would spontaneously develop a new ability to take care of different emergencies and never display that ability again. Some saw him as a deus ex machina rather than a character in his own right.

Even if this cartoon will be aired again in any network, I will surely watch it again. It also gives us a lesson, to love nature and take care of it.

The Magical Cards Of Sakura

2009-05-09T18:27:00.000-07:00

I used to tune in every Sunday morning in GMA 7 just to watch this magical girl which uses magical cards as her weapon. Her name is Sakura.

Sakura is a ten-year-old who will shortly be a fourth-grader when the series begins living in the fictional town of Tomoeda in Japan, near Tokyo where she attends Tomoeda Elementary School. She started her quest when she touched the false book entitled "The Clow" in her father's study. From then on, she was tasked to capture all cards and return it to the book. She is being accompanied by the guardian of the book named Cerberus who taught her how to use her powers. The only person eho knows Sakura's true identity is Tomoyo, a girl who is already for action with her camera to take shots of Sakura as she fights and capture the cards. In the course of the story, Sakura met characters who helped her in her mission such as Syaoran Li and Yue.

The Cutest Little Anime Girl: Akazukin Chacha

2009-05-09T18:02:00.000-07:00

Who would forget the little girl that would be mistaken to be Little Red Riding Hood? It's just that there is no big bad wolf in the story. She is no other than Chacha.

Chacha is a little girl that studies to become a magician under his teacher, guardian and considered as the geatest magician named Seravy. Her close friends are Shiine, a boy in who enjoys housework and Riiya, another boy who can trnsform himself into a young white wolf at his will and the rival of Shiine for the affection of Chacha.

When they are together and combine the power of their magical items, the legendary magical girl appears to defend them from evil creatures.

There are other cute characters in ths anime such as Dorothy (teacher of Shiinee), Marin (the mermaid who is in love with Riiya), and Yakko (a girl who is specialized in black magic and potions). All of them make up this wacky anime that I used to watch every weekdays in the afternoon.

Super Sentai Faves

2009-05-03T02:53:00.000-07:00

Super Sentai are Japanese franchise that showcase a group of 3-7 members and pilots a mecha or walking vehicles.

There are a lot of Super Sentai series shown in the Philippines but here are my top favorites: Bioman and Maskman.

Bioman (Choudenshi Bioman) was released in 1984 with a total of 51 episodes. They are composed of 5 members and being supervised by Peebo, a robot who is the guardian of the Bio Particles, Bio Robo and Bio Dragon. They fight the evil acts of Doctor Man and his empire in conquering the Earth.

Biomen are descendants of five people showered with Bio Particles centuries ago. To transform individually they call their color and number and to transform as a group they call Bioman, By raising their hands, clenching their left fists and holding them with their right palms. although in episode 1, they transformed one by one shouting "Bioman", since they do not know their respective ranger designations; their designations may have later came from their order of transformation(shirou, shingo, ryuuta, mika and hikaru). The members are:

Shirou Gou (Red One) - he is the pilot of the first Japanese space shuttle and stands as the leader of the group. he is armed with Fire Sword.

Shingo Takasugi (Green Two ) - he is a car driver and he armed with Break Action Attacks.

Ryuuta Nanbara (Blue Three) - a water sportsman and his special attack is Super Sky Diving.

Mika Koizumi (Yellow Four I) - a photographer by profession. She died saving her teammates from the attacks of the Neo Empire. Her special attacks were Super Electronic Holography and Yellow Flash.

Jun Yabuki (Yellow Four II) - she is an olympic archer and she replaced the original Yellow Four. She is armed with Bio Arrow.

Hikaru Katsuragi (Pink Five) - she is a carnival flutist. Sweet yet strong, and a mistress of disguise. She wields the Super Electronic Beamlight and Pink Barrier.

Maskman (Hikari Sentai Maskman) was released in 1988 and it has also 51 espisodes. The tagalog version opening of this super sentai was composed by Vic Sotto.

Commander Sugata is a scientist and sage who excels in mental reinforcements and is a master of every martial art. He discovered the existence of the Royal Underground Empire Tube, a malignant force that desires to dominate the land, located underground Japan. In the beginning, the Tube was centered to pacifism. However, when Zeba assumed the throne, Tube began planning to conquer the world. Their goal was to turn the world into a cold and shady planet, suitable for their living conditions. In order to stand against them and thwart their plans, Sugata recruited five young people, each one specialized in a style of martial arts, and taught them in the ways of the mystical "Aura Power" energy.

A year after Sugata recruited and trained the Maskmen, Tube is ready to strike. The Tube's Princess Ial, sent to spy above ground as Mio, has fallen in love with Takeru, wishing for those underground and above ground to coexist. She is kidnapped and imprisoned in ice for her betrayal.

Here are the members of Maskman:

Takeru (Red Mask) - The leader of the group. He is a specialist in karate and a Formula 1 driver. His love for Mio and desire to find her is his motivation. He mastered the technique known as "God Hand." His weapon is the Masky Blade. His meditation gesture is called Zai (Opened hands with index finger and thumb together), which means the control over nature forces.

Kenta (Black Mask) - The second in command of the team. He specializes in Kung fu. He is shy around women but can be a playboy at times. He is lighthearted, but strong and dependable, making him an ideal second-in-command, which was proven when a Dogler Beast stole the aura of the other Maskman, leaving Kenta the only one who can fight. He worked as a mechanic for the Sugata Racing Team and once worked for the Sun Racing Team. His weapon is the Masky Rod. His meditation gesture: Jin (all fingers enlaced in a fist), which means the guessing of others' thoughts and intentions.

Akira (Blue Mask) - He is the youngest Maskman. He is a Chinese boxer and a broadsword expert. His father died while he was younger and he was a only child. He left his mother back home alone to move to Tokyo in order to perfect his martial arts ability (in reality to join the Maskman). Akira unknowingly enters a Tube-rigged tournament in order to win and to prove to his mother that he is succeeding in the purpose he left her for. Always cheerful, he loves apples and the idol Youko Minamino. Much later in the series, he is turned evil after being possessed by the spirit of a swordsman of the Royal Underground Empire named Fencer Unas. Unas was resurrected by some of the Royal Underground slaves of Tube in hopes that he would help set them free from Zeba's tyrannical rule and overthrow him. The underground slaves once witnessed when he freed certain other underground slaves and mistook Akira for a reincarnation of Unas. His meditation gesture: Retsu (two fists together with index finger from right hand sticking out), which means dominion over time and space.

Haruka (Yellow Mask) - She was raised in a family of ninjas. Forced by her father to abandon all things "girly" to focus on her ninja training, she appears tomboyish and is a fierce fighter. She is highly intelligent. She loves dancing and tutors a young girl who is unable to afford dance lessons. Her meditation gesture: Tou (All fingers together in a fist except ring and pinkie), which means the harmony towards the Universe.

Momoko (Pink Mask) - She is an expert in Tai chi chuan. A young woman with a pure heart, she often teaches youths Tai Chi. Strong and dedicated, she once, by chance, met Ial and Igam's mother, who gave her the saintly flower known as Carollove which Momoko treasures. Her meditation gesture: Sha (All fingers together in a fist except index fingers), which means the self-healing.

Together, they manually control the five piece componebt of their mecha known as Great Five. it is composed of:

Masky Fighter - piloted by Red Mask

Masky Drill - piloted by Black Mask

Masky Tank - piloted by Blue Mask

Masky Jet - piloted by Yellow Mask

Masky Gyro - piloted by Pink Mask

They also have their second robot which is the Land Galaxy when the Great Five was burried under the ground.

They will always be my favorite super sentai characters!

Soaring High: The Sky Dancers

2009-05-03T02:39:00.000-07:00

They dance... they fly. They are called Sky Dancers. This program is being shown as far as I can remember in RPN9 every weekdays afternoon.

The series spawned an animated television spinoff in 1996. The five characters were said to be students at the High Hopes Dance Academy under the widowed Queen Skyla. Queen Skyla and her students defended her kingdom from Skyla's jealous brother-in-law Sky Clone, who sought revenge for his brother Skyler (Skyla's husband) being selected as king over him. Sky Clone had successfully killed Skyler but was unable to gain control of the Sky Swirl Stone that gave the Sky Dancers their powers.

The five students are the following:

Jade - she is a prima ballerina at High Hope academy. Jade gets along with all the sky dancers, but she argues with Slam a lot, suggesting that she secretly likes him.

Slam - he controls the power of gravity, he seems to lack skill within dance class as he specialises in break dancing and hip hop.

Angelica - she is a country rock dancer. Her power is to stop time for a couple of moments.

Camille - she has a modern dancing style. She can also create any shape from clouds.

Breeze - he has a unique Native American dancing style. He has the power of wind and nature, which is very effective against sky clones minions.

All of them are under the supervision of Queen Skyla who is a dance tutor and the queen of the Sky Kingdom.

Judy Abbott & His Daddy Long Legs

2009-05-03T02:27:00.000-07:00

Another cartoon in the morning that made me hooked up in front of our television is My Daddy Long Legs. This is the story of Judy Abbott and her experiences in life and love.

Judy Abbott is an orphan who has been given the opportunity to study at the prestigious Lincoln Memorial high school by a mysterious benefactor whom she only knows as "John Smith". She has only seen his shadow once, and because of his long legs, she calls him "Daddy Long Legs". The only payment she is to give her benefactor is that she write him letters every month, with no expectation of them being responded to. In the same school she met her bestfriends Sallie McBride and Julia Pendleton.

The anime covers 3 years of Judy's life, starting with her leaving the John Grier Home orphanage, and ending with her finishing high school.

In the end, it was revealed that her Daddy Long Legs is Jervis Pendleton and they end up together.

The Nicest Princess: Sarah Crewe

2009-05-03T02:13:00.000-07:00

Amongst the cartoons, I've seen, I can consider Sarah; Ang Munting Prinsesa my top favorite. This was created in 1985 and based on the novel of Frances Hodgson Burnett's entitled A Little Princess. It was first aired in the Philippines in 1990's and because of its success, it was turned to a movie and a teleserye as well.

Princess Sarah tells the story of Sarah Crewe, a young daughter of a wealthy English family in India, who starts attending an all-girl's boarding school in London, where she excels in her studies and is loved deeply by many of her friends and classmates. However, tragedy soon strikes when Sarah's father passes away and her family goes bankrupt, leaving her to be a poor orphan. The school's headmistress, Miss Minchin, takes advantage of this situation and makes her a maid in the school, trying hard to make her life as miserable as possible. However, Sarah, with the help of her friends, perseveres and tries to endure all her hardships until redemption comes at last.

I'm just wondering because in the course of the story, I've never noticed if Sarah Crewe commit a mistake. We all know she is nice and kind, however, is she that kind that she didn't commit a mistake to other people? What do you think?

Cedie: The Little Prince

2009-05-03T02:00:00.000-07:00

Another cartoon in the morning that makes me stay in front of our television every morning is "Cedie: Ang Munting Prinsipe".

This is the story of the boy named Cedie who at first has a perfect family. A loving father named James and a caring mother named Annie. They lived New York but Cedie doesn't know that his father is the heir of a British earldom. When his father died, everything was explained to him and they were asked to return to his grand father and take residence in his residential castle. Cedie has no knowledge about the true color of his grandfather. When he arrive his grandfather's place, her mother was taken away from him. The Earl Of Dorincourt intends to teach him how to become an aristocrat, however, Cedie taught his grandfather compassion, social justice and love.

Cedie will always remind the children that love can change a person no matter his beliefs are against what is right.

Naughty Boys: Tom Sawyer & Huckelberry Finn

2009-05-03T01:39:00.000-07:00

Two of the most noted boys who are known for their mischievous acts are the best of friends, Tom Sawyer and Huckelberry Finn. These boys lived in Mississippi River town of St. Petersburg, Missouri. Both characters where created by Mark Twain in 1876 and 1884 respectively.

Tom Sawyer is a an imaginative boy who lives with her Aunt Polly and his half-brother Sid. Tom loves adventures and he do this at night that is why he always receive sermons from her aunt. Her love interest in the story is the new girl in town named Becky Thatcher.

Huckelberry Finn, often called Huck Finn is the best friend and side kick of Tom Sawyer. he was abandoned by his parents and he is living solely in a tree house near the Mississippi River. Because of that, Huck didn't experienced going to school and just feed himself by fishing and getting crops from the village.

The Best Of Friends: Nello & Patrasche

2009-05-03T01:16:00.000-07:00

The next thread of blogs will showcase the cartoons I've watched in the morning. I don't know but I can't get enough of them, I'm so hooked up with these cartoon shows.

First on the list would be A Dog Of Flanders. It is the story of Nello, a poor boy who sells milk to earn a living. One day he found Patrasche, a dog was almost beaten to death. He took him home and the dog recovered with the aide of Jehan, Nello's grandfather. Since that day, they became inseperable. They experienced ups and downs as they journey life.

It made me sad when the story reached the ending because I have no idea that both Nello and Patrasche would die in the church. Honestly, it made me cry and until this day, if I remember how they died, I still feel sad. Well, that's reality... sometimes, life is unfair to those people who are less fortunate, but we must always remember that a pure heart is better than any money's worth!

Is Ranma A Boy Or A Girl?

2009-05-02T19:39:00.000-07:00

Ranma ½ is another anime that makes me stay at home every Friday night at 6:30 PM. This is because of the funny scenes and the great martial arts in this show. Here is the opening theme:

Ranma ½ revolves around a 16 year old boy named Ranma Saotome who was trained for martial arts since childhood. When he was in a training journey, an accident happened which led to a curse... Ranma becomes a girl everytime he will be splashed by cold water and he can only turn back into a male via hot water.

Ranma ½ is known for its novel comedic formula but is perhaps even better known for its gender-swapping main character, who often willfully changes into a girl to advance his goals. Ranma ½ also contains many other equally unusual characters, whose intricate relationships with each other, unusual characteristics and eccentric personalities drive most of the stories. Although the characters and their relationships are complicated, they rarely change once the characters are firmly introduced and settled into the series.

I wish I can be Ranma... even just for a day!

The Genius Detective: Conan

2009-05-02T19:17:00.000-07:00

Detective Conan is one of the anime shows that amazes me until now. It is because, here a man turned child is able to resolve cases.

This is the story of Jimmy Kudo, also known as Shinichi Kudo. He is an intelligent high school detective who turned into a a seven year old child after he was forced to take a drug by a member of a mysterious secret crime organization. Because he wants to know these people, he changed his name to Conan Edogawa. From then on, he continued to resolve cases in his own way. He was given gadgets b his friend, Dr. Hershel Agasa. Everytime he is going to squill out the criminal, he would always someone mostly, Mr. Kogoro Mori and he turns him into a sleeping detective to tell the story of what really happened.

For this show, I must say that the reason I got hooked up is because I really like mystery shows. Shows that puzzles me and eventually evidences will lead to truth. It also teaches the value of friendship and critical thinking.

The Cutest Anime Creatures I've Ever Seen...

2009-05-02T17:48:00.000-07:00

If I will be asked what would be the cutest creatures that I've seen so far, I would immediately say it would be the Pokemon characters. Pokemon is the shortened name for "Pocket Monsters". This program talks about courage, friendship and being strong for any struggles in order for us to achieve our goals.

This is the story of Ash, an ordinary kid who wish to become the "Greatest Pokemon Master". He started his quest for his dream in Pallet Town where he got his first ever Pokemon named "Pikachu" which is also the best known Pokemon in the world. If they Together, they faced different types of pokemon, challenges and trainers as they visit gyms. The main goal is to defeat the Gym Trainer so that one can obtain a badge which will be needed in the Pokemon League Battle. They also encountered friends along the way.

Trainers in this show also need to collect as many Pokemon as they can. They need to train these creatures to prepare them for battle. As the pokemon battles other types and if they win, they level up and become stronger. This anime has a tag line "Gotta Catch Em'All!".

Why do I find them the cute? I really like the way they were drawn and brought to life. My personal favorite would be Squirtle, a water-type pokemon. I also like the plot of the story which is never giving up through trials and obstacles. I also play the game quest of all versions from the old to the current ones in my personal computer and everytime I'm into it, I feel that I'm also doing the quest. Now, who is your favorite Pokemon?

Robots with Life??? Is This Possible???

2009-05-02T04:33:00.000-07:00

Speaking of robots, if the first blog talks about robots that are being controlled by machine, there is one anime that was aired in ABS-CBN that showcased robots that has blood runnng in their system. I'm referring to the anime B'TX.

B'Ts are artificial intelligence robotics designed for fighting. B stands for Brain, Blood, Bravery and Battler. Their source of power is the Breakheart, which is given to life if a person's blood is put into it. Once this happens, the person is now in contact with that particular B'T.

In the series, there are four guardians mention which symbolizes the four main directions.

Fou Lafine, Spirit knight of the South the owner of J'Taime, a phoenix. J'Taime has the capability of sending out sonic waves which can make other B'Ts crash to pieces.

Dr. Hokuto, Spirit knight of the North the owner of Max, a turtle. Max is usually seen burrowing under the surface and suddenly attacks its enemies.

Ron, Spirit knight of the East the owner of Raido, a dragon who has an enormous speed which it uses for battles.

Karen, Spirit knight of the West, orginal owner of X, a horse with wings who taught Teppei Takamiya knowledge about combat skills and technologies.

The story was focused on Teppei Takamiya as the primary protagonist. He owned X after Karen died. He has a battle gear known as Messiah Fist which he uses in battles. His main goal is to save his brother Kotaro from its abductors but they will eventually find themselves having only one B'T to beat named Raffaelo which is created to grow by absorbing other life forms.

I must say I also got hook up with this anime because of J'Taime and the other B'Ts as well!

My Well-Loved Anime & Cartoon Robots

2009-05-02T02:53:00.000-07:00

As I grow up, I can't deny the fact that I became a fan viewer of anime shows that has a robot theme. This really amazes the audience on how these machines turn into robots. So here are my favorite anime robots:

Voltes V

This anime was first aired in 1977. It is the story of five pilots known as the Voltes Team. Three of them were brothers and were longing for their father which is captured by their enemies known as Bozanian Empire. The Armstrong brothers are Steve, Big Bert and Little John. The other two pilots were Mark and Jamie. When they are together, they can form their volt machine into a great robot known as Voltes V which they use to combat the evil monsters being sent by their enemies. In the Philippines, it was shown in different stations already. Lastly seen in GMA7 and is already dubbed in different languages. Here is the robot formation:

Daimos

This anime showed that love knows no bounderies. Here, I witnessed the love between Richard and Erica. One is a human being and the other is part of a Baam clan which has the intention of conquering the Earth. It was first shown in the Philippines in 1987 in ABS-CBN but it was shown again in GMA7.

The Transformers

Who could forget the clash between the Autobots and the Decepticons as they battle for planet Cybertron? The Autobots is led by Optimus Prime and the Decepticons is led by Megatron. Each group can transform themselves into vehicles, devices or animals and they can use this as their weapon. Many versions were already released but I love the original version.

Voltron (Lion Series)

I must say that among all the robot anime shows that I've seen, this is my personal favorite. This is the story of five persons given the task to operate the lion robots to form the great robot which is Voltron. This robot is well-known for its tag line "Defender Of The Universe". This is the video on how they form Voltron:

It's The Childhood Sentai, Cartoon & Anime Month

2009-05-02T02:45:00.000-07:00

For this month, I'll be featuring all the sentai, cartoons and anime shows that I used to watch as I grow up. Anime shows that I loved watching over and over again! For anime lovers, of course, a disclaimer... it is my own list, I just love these anime shows that is why I love to feature them this month! Enjoy!!!

It's The End Of The OPM Month

2009-04-26T20:09:00.000-07:00

April is almost over. OPM Month comes to it's end. I really enjoyed featuring all the artists being mentioned in this blog. I know that there is a lot of artists that needs to be given the credits and for their contribution. I hope that you enjoyed reading the blogs and watching all the videos of your favorite OPM artists.

Thanks for all people who voted, viewed, read and put comments to my blogs for April, I really appreciate all the comments. I would really miss this!

See you next month as I feature other topic for May! Luvyah all!!! Ciao!!!

Cover Songs: Love Them or Hate Them?

2009-04-26T18:57:00.000-07:00

Nowadays, most artist would release an album wherein they would sing a song which is popularized by another singer. This is what we call cover songs. They would have their own rendition andof course, if they can add a twist they would so asto attract listeners. They would do cover songs that are being used for movies or teleseryes adn it becomes a hit. So, I've listed the best hit cover songs of our OPM artists:

Hard Habit To Break By Jed Madela and Martin Nievera

Especially For You By MYMP

I Didn't Know I Was Looking For Love By Sitti

Piano In The Dark By Nina

Old Friend By Kyla

Sabihin Mo Lang By Yeng Constantino

Starting Over Again By Sheryn Regis

Honestly By Rachelle Ann Go

Hands To Heaven By Christian Bautista

Your Love By Erik Santos

I Want to Know What Love Is By Sarah Geronimo

A Smile In Your Heart By Ariel Rivera

Pangako Sa'Yo By Vina Morales

Honesty By Jaya

Heart Of Mine By Janno Gibbs

The Way You Look Tonight By ZsaZsa Padilla

Kung Tayo'y Magkakalayo By Ogie Alcasid

Healing By Lani Misalucha

How Did You Know By Gary Valenciano

Tell Me That You Love Me By Regine Velasquez

I believe that for as long as the singer sings from the heart, even if it is a cover song, people would still love it. Now, love them or hate them?

Lito Camo: The Novelty Composer

2009-04-26T18:32:00.000-07:00

We often hear comic songs in the radio nowadays. Songs that make the masses groove and move. Sometimes, they are a combination of Tagalog and English language. These songs are well-known as Novelty Songs. And one name can be associated with this music genre and that is Lito Camo.

Lito Camo became an instant thit because of the songs he composed. He was able to turn artist into singing sensations. Among the list are Sexbomb Dancers, Bayani Agbayani, Viva Hotbabes, Willie Revillame, Masculados, April Boy, Angelike Jones, Ai-Ai de las Alas, Sandara Park, K & the Boxers, Manny Pacquiao and many more.

The Best Novelty Songs Composed By Lito Camo

Bulaklak By Viva Hotbabes

Sasakyan Kita By K & The Boxers

Otso-Otso By Bayani Agbayani

Ang Ganda Ko By Sandara Park

Igiling-Giling By Willie Revillame

For as long as Lito Camo is around, Novelty Songs will continue to be heard!

Nina: The Acoustic Siren

2009-04-26T17:50:00.000-07:00

When it comes to acoustic OPM, ths woman has a lot to say. Who am I talking about? It is none other than Nina.

Nina is dubbed as the "Soul Siren" because of her vocal capabilities. She has a sweet voice and the added plus would be her whistle. She is currently seen in ASAP every Sunday noon singing in their segment "Sessionista" together with Richard Poon, MYMP, Aiza Seguerra, Sitti and Duncan Ramos.

ASAP Sessionistas in ASAP

Her very first recorded album is entitled "Heaven" in 2002 which includes hits like "Heaven", "Loving You", "Foolish Heart" and "Jealous". In her next album entitled "Smile", the hits "Make You Mine" and "A Girl Can Dream" were released. In 2005, Nina had her year when she relased her album entitled "Nina Live" which became the biggest-selling album by a female OPM singer and now it ranks third in the biggest album sales in OPM history. This album includes the hits "Love Moves In Mysterious Ways", "Through The Fire" and "I Love You Goodbye".

The Soulful Songs Of Nina

Loving You

Foolish Heart

Jealous

Through The Fire

Love Moves In Mysterious Ways

Francis Magalona: His Nationalistic Rap Lives Forever

2009-04-24T03:10:00.000-07:00

Everybody knows that he is th only King Of Pinoy Rap. I'm speaking of no one else but the legend and the late Francis Magalona. He is also known for different names such as "FrancisM", "Master Rapper" and "The Man From Manila". He was also a songwriter, producer, actor, director, designer, photographer and host in the noontime variety show "Eat Bulaga!". He is also one of the judges of the singing contest aired in ABC5 which is Philippine Idol.

He was given this title because of his numerous rap songs that featured politically conscious and thought-provoking rhymes in both English and Tagalog. His first album is entitled "Yo!". Most of the songs in this album became hit to the Filipino masses and this gave birth to Nationalistic Rap in the Philippines.

More albums came after his first one and this recieved commendations and good reviews from the public.

He is also known for producing his own clothing line and he named it "3 Stars & A Sun".

It's just so sad that in March 6, 2009, he died of Acute Myelogenous Leukemia, a disorder which he carried for seven months.

Because of his great contribution in the OPM industry, he was awarded a posthumous Presidential Medal of Merit. An award given to an individual who inspired a lot of Filipinos because of his sense of nationalistic pride.

Rap Songs Of Francis Magalona That Will Live Forever

Tayo'y Mga Pinoy

Mga Kababayan

The Man From Manila

Cold Summer Nights

Kaleidoscope World

Thank You for bringing rap music close to our hearts! Your music will always be remembered!

Zsa Zsa Padilla: She's So Divine

2009-04-19T04:28:00.000-07:00

Zsa Zsa Padilla is hailed as "The Divine Diva" because of her angelic and heavenly voice. She was first part of a band named Hotdog but eventually, she decided to go solo and build her own career. Her best hits was produced by VIVA Records. She also did great concerts and collaborations with other artists. The latest concert that she had was the "Divas 4 Divas" concert alongside with Pops Fernandez, Kuh Ledesma and Regine Velasquez.

She is not only a singer but also an actress. She also received nominatiions and won different awards from award-giving bodies. Her Best Actress awards are from the movies "Batang PX" and "Mano Po 4 Ako Legal Wife".

She is one of the main hosts of ASAP in ABS-CBN every Sunday noon.

The Divine Songs Of Zsa Zsa Padilla

Eversince

Point Of No Return

Mambobola

Hiram

Kahit Na

Ogie Alcasid: Songs Written From The Heart

2009-04-19T04:05:00.000-07:00

Ogie Alcasid is known as the "Singer Songwriter" because of his talent to sing and compose songs. He debuted in 1989 with his first song "Nandito Ako" which is a hit and became "Song Of The Year" awarded by the radio station Magic 89.9.

He is also a comedian and makes us laugh in Bubble Gang. He also did comedy movies in his twenty years in showbiz. Like his buddy, Janno Gibbs, however, music is still his passion. He composed songs for different artists such as Sarah Geronimo, Regine Velasquez and Christian Bautista.

He also spearheads SOP every Sunday noon along side his other certified recording artists such as Regine Velasquez, Jaya, Janno Gibbs, Kyla and Jay-R.

The Best Of Ogie Alcasid

Sana

Kung Sakali

Hello

Kung Mawawala Ka

Hanggang Ngayon

Ogie will compose more songs that's for sure!

MYMP's Juris and Chin: Acoustic Dynamic Duo

2009-04-19T03:47:00.000-07:00

MYMP... an acoustic band which is known for most of their cover songs. The band is composed of five members however two of them are popularly known and they are Juris and Chin. The duo make appearances most of the time for ASAP in their Sessionistas segment. Although most of their songs are covered, I must say that their songs were hits. With their renditions, people tend to sing songs from the past becaus of them in videoke bars.

Most Noted MYMP Songs

Kailan

Only Reminds Me Of You

Tell Me Where It Hurts

A Little Bit

Get Me

MYMP would always be one of the best acoustic acts in the country!

Janno Gibbs & Jaya: OPM Soul Royalties

2009-04-19T03:16:00.001-07:00

When OPM Soul Music is the topic... the names of Janno Gibbs and Jaya are the most noted names. Both certified recording artists are main host of SOP every Sunday noon.

JANNO GIBBS

Janno Gibbs is dubbed as the King Of Soul because of his voice that serenades anyone who hears it. Although he is much seen as a comedian, by heart, he will always be a singer. His voice is being used as teleserye theme songs as well. He also collaborated with different artists. He has one album entitled "Divas and I", a collection of duet songs with different divas of the country.

The Best Janno Gibbs Songs

Ikaw Lang At Ako

Pinakamagandang Lalake

Fallin

JAYA

Jaya is known as The Queen Of Soul because of her dark, big voice that can belt up to A5. She has 10 albums to date and she also makes sure that everytime she launches a song,it would be a hit. Her biggest break in the Philippine music scene came when she won first place in the 1996 Metropop Song Festival for her interpretation of "Sometimes You Just Know". She also won as Best Interpreter at the Asia Song Festival held in Hong Kong in February 1997 for her rendition of the song "You Lift Me Up", composed by Danny Tan.

The Best Songs Of Jaya

Dahil Ba Sa Kanya?

Wala Na Bang Pag-Ibig?

Laging Naroon Ka

Honesty

Is It Over?

They are really the OPM Soul Royalties!

Other WCOPA Champions

2009-04-19T02:39:00.000-07:00

After the sweet victory of Jed Madela in the World Championships of Performing Arts in 2005, other Filipino singers also emeerged as champions in the said competition. Included in the list are Brenan Espartinez and Jonalyn Viray for 2006, Raymond Sajor and Aria Clemente in 2007.

BRENAN ESPARTINEZ

He was first sighted as the child who provide us infrmation in Sineskwela. He suddenly dissapeared but when he cameback, he joined Pinoy Pop Superstar Season 1 and he won First Runner Up. He was chosen to represent our country in WCOPA 2006. He grabbed 5 Gold Medals for the categories Gospel, Original, Pop, R&B/Jazz and Variety. He was also awarded Overall Champion Male Solo in Gospel, Original, Pop and Variety (But not in R&B which is ironically, his specialty). He also got the Industry Award Male Vocal Solo.

JONALYN VIRAY

She emerged as the grand champion of Pinoy Pop Superstar Season 1. She was awarded the Industry Award Female Vocal Solo for winning five gold medals in the World Championships of Performing Arts which was held in Burbank California. The five golds came from the categories Broadway, Original, Pop, R&B and Variety. Jonalyn was also awarded Overall Champion Female Solo in Broadway, Pop and Original.

RAYMOND SAJOR

He was one of the finalists of Philippine Idol. After he was booted out from the competition, he did not stop. He continued singing until he was chosen to be the next representative for WCOPA 2007. He bagged the Grand Champion Senior Vocalist of the World award with his rendition of the one-minute-long “Anthem” from the musical Chess. He competed with fellow Pinoy singer Raki Vega, and three other vocalists from Haiti and South Africa.

ARIA CLEMENTE

Aria Clemente was first seen as a contestant in Little Big Star. She was also eliminated from the said contest. She was chosen to be one of the representatives of Team Phlippnes in WCOPA 2007 and she emerged as Overall Grand Champion of the World (Junior Division) in the 2007 WCOPA Finals Night by hurdling three rounds of competition in five vocal categories which included broadway, latin, pop, rock and gospel. She bested around 5,000 contestants from vocal, dance and modeling categories to be awarded Overall Grand Champion in the Junior Division beating grand finalists from South Africa, New Zealand, Trinidad and Tobago and Russia.

I can't wait for the next batch of singers who give another glory to our country!

1970's - 1980'S: The Years Of Manila Sound

2009-04-18T18:50:00.000-07:00

Manila Sound is a genre in the OPM industry that became well-known in the 1970's. It is most described as a smooth, easy-flowing pop/rock music, added a twist of funk, jazz and disco. Sometimes, the lyrics are in Taglish language.

Here are the artist and bands that became a hit because of Manila Sound:

THE HOTDOG BAND

The songs of Hotdog heralded the beginning of Original Pilipino Music or OPM, which saw – for the first time – local songs dominating the Philippine music scene, and in the process, establishing the identity of mainstream Filipino music.

VST and COMPANY

The band started in the 1970s with Vic Sotto, now a famous comedian, who also wrote songs for the group and performed "Disco Fever" with VST. The band consisted of different Filipino musicians time after time until they collided in the 1980s. The band is a big contributor to the Manila sound era because of a lot of disco fever songs that until now are disco classics.

CINDERELLA

Cinderella is a famous Filipino mellow band from the 1970s. It rose to fame together with such bands like VST and Company, The Hotdogs and The Boyfriends. It is known to have performed "T.L. Ako Sa'yo" (locally means True Love ako sa'yo). It made romantic classics such as "Bato sa Buhangin" (Pebble amongst the Sand), "Sa Aking Pag-iisa" (In my Solitude) and "Superstar ng Buhay Ko" (Superstar of my Life). They're also a band part of the Manila sound.

SAMPAGUITA

They are a Folk/ Rock and roll group popular for classic hits like the groovy Bonggahan, Tao, and Nosi Ba Lasi among their classics.

HAGIBIS

A group that sing and dance. Famous for male hits like Katawan. The group is similar to the equally classic Village People in terms of style in music, muscular appearance and dances.

FLORANTE

First to perform the classic and inspirational song, Handog. Also folk singer who performed Ako'y Isang Pinoy.

SHARON CUNETA

Started her career as DJ's pet after recording Rey Valera's composition, Mr. DJ. She was 12 years old in year 1979 when she started her career.

In 2007, an album entitled, "The Best Of Manila Sound: Hopia, Mani, Popcorn" was released which features re-interpretations of Manila Sound performed by "No Toucch by Rocksteddy", "Ipagpatawad Mo by Mayonnaise", "Rock Baby Rock by Kala" and "TL Ako Sa'yo by Kitchie Nadal".

Let us thank and look back to the roots of our music!

My Favorite OPM Collaborations

2009-04-18T07:21:00.000-07:00

Filipino audience are amazed when two singers collaborate for a particular song, this has a greater chance of becoming a hit. So, I've listed videos that caught my attention. These are also my favorite collaborations. Let me share it with you.

CAN WE JUST STOP AND TALK A WHILE
=Gary valenciano and Kyla in 2002=

IKAW LAMANG
=Janno Gibbs and Jaya in 2000=

YOU AND ME (We wanted It All)
=Christian Bautista and Rachelle Ann Go in 2004=

NOW THAT I HAVE YOU
=Erik Santos and Sheryn Regis in 2004=

POINTS OF VIEW
=Jaya and Regine Velasquez in 2007=

A PIECE OF SKY
=Jaya, Lani Misalucha and Regine Velasquez in 2006=

MULI
=Gary Valenciano and Regine Velasquez in 2003=

PLEASE BE CAREFUL WITH MY HEART
=Jose Mari Chan and Regine Velasquez in the 1980's=

Enjoy my favorite videos!

Yeng Constantino: Sweet Rakista

2009-04-18T06:43:00.000-07:00

If there is a singer who rocks people at the same time is sweet, that is no other than Yeng Constatino, the very first Grand Star Dreamer of Pinoy Dream Academy Season 1 and her winning piece is "Salamat".

When she was still in the PDA House, she composed a song entitled "Hawak Kamay" and this is an instant hit and it stayed on the top in OPM charts for months when it was released. This catapulted Yeng to stardom. She became one of the host of ASAP every Sunday. She sings together with Rachelle Ann Go and Sarah Geronimo in their segment entitled "Y.R.S." which stand for the first letters of their name. She also performs in ASAP Music Room.

Y.R.S.

ASAP Music Room

Yeng is also a guitarist and she really rocks people when she performs. Most often, she will be seen performing using Chuck Taylor shoes.

Most Noted Yeng Constantino Songs

Cool Off

Ikaw Lang Talaga

Time In

Let her rock our world with sweetness!

Jed Madela: A Champion In His Own Right

2009-04-18T06:26:00.000-07:00

A man with an undeniable high voice... He can make the audience fall their jaws with his performance. This man with the incredible voice is Jed Madela.

Jed Madela became well-known in the OPM industry when he became the "Grand Champion Performer of the World" at the World Championships of the Peforming Arts.

After this achievement, he joined the cast of ASAP every Sunday noon as one of its performers. He performs together with ZsaZsa Padilla, Gary Valenciano, Vina Morales, Martin Nievera, Pops Fernandez and the Champions in their segment ASAP Music Room where they perform songs from well-known icons.

Jed Madela's Best Performances

Jed... Thanks for bringing glory to our country!

Sheryn Regis: The Modern Jukebox Diva

2009-04-18T05:43:00.000-07:00

SMALL BUT TERRIBLE... that is how they descibe her. At her height lies a powerful voice that can enchant and amaze anyone who listens. She is non other than Sheryn Regis.

She was a product of the same singing contest where Erik Santos won which is Star In A Million Season 1. At that time, she was dubbed as "The Power Belter" for being the texter's choice and a consistent top finalist. Unfortunately, she only landed as First Runner Up in the said contest. Her most noted piece is "Come In Out Of The Rain".

Come In Out Of The Rain

After the contest, offers came along and she did produce songs which also became hits. She got First Runner Up as well in the Voice Of Asia Song Festival in 2004. Because of this achievement, ano9ther title was added to her as "The Crystal Voice Of Asia". Her winning piece was "Follow Your Dream".

She is also the voice behind the fantaseryes produced by ABS-CBN such as "Marina - Kailan Kaya", "Kampanerang Kuba - Sabihin Mo Sa Akin", "Sana Maulit Muli - I Remember The Boy", "Prinsesa Ng Banyera - Dito Ba" and Maria Flordeluna.

In 2006, Sheryn was hailed as "The Modern Jukebox Queen" when she release her album entitled "The Modern Jukebox Collection" where her carrier single was "Ang Pag-Ibig KOng Ito" which was originally done by Leah Navarro.

Ang Pag-Ibig Kong Ito

Today, her latest album is entitled "Starting Over Again" with the same carrier single. She is a performer every Sunday noon in ASAP in ABS-CBN.

The Best Sheryn Regis Songs

I Remember The Boy

Follow Your Dream

Starting Over Again

More to come from Sheryn... Watch Out!!!

Erik Santos & Sarah Geronimo: The Prince & Princess Of OPM Pop

2009-04-18T04:16:00.000-07:00

They are considered champions, not only in singing contests, but in the recording industry as well. When they perform, we can't help but to be amazed. With their pop songs, be it an orginal or a cover song, they make it a point that it would be a sure fire hit. Make way for the Prince and Princess of OPM Pop: Erik Santos and Sarah Geronimo.

ERIK SANTOS

We first saw this lad when he joined Star In A Million in 2004. He is known to sing pop songs that is why he was dubbed as Philippine Prince Of Pop. His winning piece was "This Is The Moment" which was originally performed by Martin Nievera.

From then on, he did songs both covered and original. His songs were topping the OPM charts and his albums were very marketable. His first original single was "Pagbigyan Muli" which is also chart topper.

He also did collaboration with different artist for teleseryes and movies. Because of his vocal style, he also received awards from different music award giving bodies. He is currently seen as a regular performer in ASAP in ABS-CBN every Sunday noon together with his fellow Champions.

The Best Erik Santos Songs

I Believe I Can Fly

Say You'll Never Go

SARAH GERONIMO

Because of her amazing voice and performance, she was crowned as the Pop Princess. She is one of the main host of ASAP in ABS-CBN every Sunday noon. She emerged as the grand winner of the first ever singing talent search of our generation which is Star For A Night.

After her big win, she was able to produce songs hit after hit. Almost all of her songs are chart-toppers. Her albums are also awarded either Gold or Multiple Platinum in just two weeks after release date. She was also tapped to shift from singing to acting and dancing. She starred in her own teleserye "Bituing Walang Ningning" where she portray the role of "Dorina Pineda" orginally done by Sharon Cuneta alongside with Angelika Dela Cruz as "Lavinia Arguelles". Here is a clip of the said teleserye that still makes me weep everytime I watch it:

Sarah Geronimo a.k.a. Dorina Pineda

She also have a different kind of magic when she do movies, the evidences are her two back to back top grossing films, "A Very Special Love" and "You Changed My Life".

She also did a collaboration with Howie Dorough entitled "I'll Be There" in her latest album "Just Me".

The Best Sarah Geronimo Songs

How Could You Say You Love Me

Sa Iyo

A Very Special Love

They are really champions in their own right!

Lani Misalucha: The Whistling Diva

2009-04-14T02:00:00.000-07:00

Lani Misalucha is known for her incomparable whistle that is why she is dubbed as the "Asia's Nightingale" as she perform pop, jazz, soul,R&B and operatic arias.

She made mark in the OPM industry when she became one of the main host and performers of SOP in GMA 7 in 2000. She performed together with Janno Gibbs, Ogie Alcasid, Jaya and Regine Velasquez. Because of their segment Back 2 Back 2 Back 2 Back, there arose the competition and rivalry between Lani and Regine on who is the better diva. But of course, this issue didn't affect the certified divas. It just so sad that she had to leave SOP and migrate to Las Vegas because of personal reasons.

She also became the first Asian to headline in a Main Showroom of the Las Vegas Strip. And in 2004, another title was added to her as the "New Siren Of The Strip" and she won as "Best Singer" in the "27th Annual Best Of Las Vegas" that put her equal to Celine Dion.

When she came back in the Philippines, she declared that she will no longer be part of SOP. From then on, her appearance became evident in the rival show ASAP until she told everybody that she already signed a contract in ABS-CBN, thus adding her to the roster of the main host of the noontime show, joining Martin Nievera, Pops Fernandez, Zsa Zsa Padilla, Gary Valenciano and The Champions. She is still considered as one of the main host eventhough she doesn't have regular appearance, it is because she has a lot of commitments back in Las Vegas.

She also did cover songs for t0eleseryes such as "Ang Iibigin Ay Ikaw", "Natutulog Ba Ang Diyos" and "Iisa Pa Lamang"

The Most-Noted Songs Of Lani Misalucha

Malaya Ka Na

Bukas Na Lang Kita Mamahalin

Healing

You Don't Have To Say You Love Me

Loving You

Be entrhalled by her whistle...

The Male OPM Legends

2009-04-12T20:41:00.000-07:00

If we have the Jukebox Queens of the 70's, we also have balladeers at that era. Included in the list would be Rico J. Puno, Hajji Alejandro and Rey Valera.

Rico J. Puno is popularly known as "The Total Entertainer" because of his crazy antics as he performs in the stage. Some of his most hits are "Macho-Gwapito", Kapalaran and May Bukas Pa.

Hajji Alejandro is known as the orginal "Kilabot Ng Kolehiyala" and he is the father of singer Rachel Alejandro. he is best remembered for the songs Kay Ganda ng Ating Musika and May Minamahal.

Rey Valera is a well known singer, songwriter, music director and film scorer. His songs were used for different teleseryes in television such as "Sa Sandaling Kailangan Mo Ako", "Pangako Sa'Yo", "Maging Sino Ka Man", "Walang Kapalit", "Sinasamba Kita" and "Tayong Dalawa".

The Jukebox Queens

2009-04-12T20:07:00.000-07:00

If we have different divas today, the 70's era have their own which they can be proud of, they are the jukebox divas. Divas that were known for their sad songs of love and longingness. The most well-known jukebox queens of that time until today were Eva Eugenio, Imelda Papin and Claire Dela Fuente.

Eva Eugenio is most noted for her song "Tukso" which talks about having a strong courage not to be defeated by the evils of this world. She is still active in the music industry and she had a concert together with Claire Dela Fuente and other OPM icons at the Araneta Coliseum recently.

Imelda Papin became popular because of her song "Isang Linggong Pag-Ibig" wherein the content of the song is a love that is within and lasted just for a week. She i9s also dubbed as the "Sentimental Songstress".

Clair Dela Fuente is known for many names or titles such as "Karen Carpenter Of The Philippines" and "Asia's Sweetest Voice". her most noted song was "Sayang" in the 70's. She is still active in the music industry and she recorded a song which is "Something In Your Eyes" written by Richard Carpenter.

They are really the Queens Of Jukebox!

APO Hiking Society: Amazing Friendship and Music

2009-04-12T19:31:00.000-07:00

What is OPM without the APO Hiking Society? For me, they can be considered a legend in this industry because of their songs and their friendship which is more than 30 years to date.

Originally, the APO Hiking Society has 13 members, however, after college graduation, the other group members left the group and only three of them remained and they are Jim Paredes, Danny Javier and Buboy Garovillo.

APO Hiking Society currently have 22 albums to date. In 2006 and 2007, tribute albums were release to pay tribute to the music excellence of this trio. Their songs were revived and gave a different twist for the new generation. They also received the coveted Myx Magna Award in the 2nd MYX Music Awards in 2007.

The Best APO Hiking Society Songs

Panalangin

Mahirap Magmahal Ng Syota Ng Iba

Nakapagtataka

Pumapatak Ang Ulan

Kaibigan

APO Hiking Society will live forever and their songs will be remembered always!

OPM Artists Going International

2009-04-12T18:44:00.000-07:00

Aside from the first batch of international artist that I have featured, we still have OPM artists that needs credit. They also made mark not only here but in other countries. I'm referring to Billy Crawford, Nikki Gil and Sam Concepcion.

Billy Crawford

He is a Filipino-American musician, actor, and host. His musical influences are R&B, pop and soul. When he was still a child, he is more known as "Billy Joe Crawford" when he is with That's Entertainment. When he was 11 he flew to United States and started his singing career. When he came back to the Philippines, he singed a contract with ABS-CBN and became one of the host of Pinoy Dream Academy Season 2. He is one of the regular host of ASAP as well. He has a total of 6 albums to date: Billy Crawford (1999); Trackin' (2001); Ride (2001); Big City (2004); Big City Tour Live (2005) and It's Time (2008)

Nikki Gil

She started as a model for a soda commercial. After that commercial, she was handpicked to be one of the Myx VJ's. She also became one of the host of ASAP in ABS-CBN. She made a mark in the international scene when she did a collaboration of "Breaking Free" with other Asian artist namely, Vince Chong (Malaysia) and Alicia Pan (Singapore). She was also chosen to sing the High School Musical 2 OST "Gotta Go My Own Way".

Sam Concepcion

He emerged as the Brightest Star for the Bigt Division of Little Big Star Season 1. He shared the international scene when he was chosen by Dreamworks to sing Kung Fu Panda's OST which is "Kung Fu Fighting". he can be seen as one of the performers in ASAP every Sunday noon.

Hope that we can produce more of them!

Christian Bautista: The Romantic Balladeer

2009-04-10T23:09:00.000-07:00

We already featured Leah Salonga and Aiza Seguerra who are well-known not only here but in other countries. Now, let's make way for another great talent that is making a mark on his own.

With his sweet and soothing voice, who's girl would not fall in love? Yes, I'm talking about Christian Bautista, dubbed as "Asia's Pop Idol".

He started his singing career when he joined Star In A Million in 2003. He was the first finalist for the final 10. Many were hoping that he would become the winner, unfortunately, he was eliminated before the grand finals and he only landed on the fourth spot. He had his first music video entitled "Say That You Love Me" which is included in the Star In A Million album.

After the contest, he was offered a recording contract from Warner Music Philippines, and I must say, the recording company did not go wrong in giving the offer to Christian. His first single "The Way You Look At Me" was a great hit. It is being requested in almost all radio stations.

His songs were hit after hit and these include songs such as Colour Everywhare, Hands To Heaven, Invincible, Everything You Do, She Could Be and Completely.

Christian also collaborated with different artist such as Nina, Sitti, Rachelle Ann Go, Sarah Geronimo, Sheryn Regis, Erik Santos and Mark Bautista.

You And Me (We Wanted It All) with Rachelle Ann Go

Burn with Nina

He is also an actor and a model/endorser of different products. He also made appearances and play roles in television, theater and movies.

His song "The Way You Look At Me" made way for his international career. This song was played in different Asian countries like Indonesia, Singapore, Malaysia and Thailand.

He is currently performing in ASAP every Sunday at noon time. He also have concerts here and abroad.

Christian Bautista will always be our "Romantic Balladeer".

Aiza Seguerra: Her True Destiny

2009-04-10T00:48:00.000-07:00

Who would have thought that the little child in Eat Bulaga would become one of the finest singers in the OPM industry? Yes, I'm referring to Aiza Seguerra. We are all witness about Aiza's behavior as being "makulit" and doing the fancy walk in Okay ka Fairy Ko. After several projects in television, she suddenly disappear in the scene.

She made a sweet comeback in 2001 when she released her first song, "Pagdating Ng Panahon". That was an instant hit and you're ears will surrender at that time because you would hear this song everywhere you go.

After that hit song, offers came continuously. She started performing in different networks. She also had series of concerts. She also accepted offers to go back to acting, however, those were minimal and she focused on her singing career. She is being loved by listeners because of her cool and soothing voice. Even if she just do a rendition of a song, it's pleasant to the human ears.

Recently, it was reported that she is also a hit in Singapore. She had a concert there and her album is also a best-seller.

We can never really tell what is in store for us. Opportunity knocks only once, better grab it than to loose a chance of a lifetime.

The Company: Philippine's Premiere Vocal Ensemble

2009-04-10T00:15:00.000-07:00

Whenever they perform, people are starting to be amaze because they have a different kind of blending. They also have different voice techniques that makes this group exciting. Yes, I'm talking about The Company. The Philippine's best vocal group.

The group is consists of Moy, Ces, Jay, Sweet and Annie. Their voices are of different levels from soprano to alto; from tenor to bass. The group became known in the 90's and they popular songs of love and inspiration. Some of the songs that become their trademark were Afraid For Love To Fade, Pag Nagkataon, Everlasting Love, Pakisabi Na Lang, Muntik Na Kitang Minahal and Now That I Have You.

This group is well-loved because of their vocal capabilities. They can sing songs and can give a different kind of twist.

I hope that they can create more songs in the coming years. This group is really amazing!

The Inspirational Diva: Jamie Rivera

2009-04-09T23:02:00.000-07:00

Because she is always been selected to sing songs of spiritual healing, she was dubbed as the Inspirational Diva, she is non other than Jamie Rivera. She started as a pop singer before she was handpicked to sing gospel songs which we often hear in masses and other charismatic activities.

She first shared the spotlight when she won in the prestigious search for G.A. Yupangco's Yamaha Music Mate Girls and she pursue her solo career then. She had her first album entitled "Hey, It's Me".

Her other songs also were hits such as Mahal Naman Kita, I'm Sorry, and I've Fallen For You. These songs were also used as theme songs for teleseryes and movies.

With all the songs that she shared with the music industry, she became more in demand for inspirational and gospel songs. If there is an album release which is related to enlightenment or about our Lord, she will not be missed. She always has a track and most of the time, her song is the carrier single and she is the promoter as well.

In 2003, she sang "Only Selfless Love" which is the theme song for the 4th World Meeting Of Families.

Here is another song from Jamie Rivera entitled "The Purpose Driven Life"

Jamie Rivera will always inspire us and enlighten our lives through her songs.

Leah Salonga: A World-Renowned Artist

2009-04-09T21:52:00.000-07:00

If there is one celebrity who is considered by most people to be a world-class performer, no doubt, one name will be uttered and that is Leah Salonga. A well-known artist not only locally, but internationally. She started making a mark for our country in the international scene.

Leah Salonga started as a child star in the Philippines in 1978. She also became one of the members of the That's Entertainment, a teen variety show hosted by German Moreno. She did movies at and recordings at that time and the her most noted song was "Nandito Ako". Here is the song:

She started her international career when she had her audition for Miss Saigon for the role of Kim.

Here is her great performance for Miss Saigon:

After Miss Saigon, she played different roles such as Lien Hughes in "As The World Turns" and "Catherine in Flower Drum Song". She is the first Asian artist to play the role of Eponine in "Les Miserables".

She is also the singing voice behind the Disney movies Pocahontas, Hercules, Tarzan, Mulan, The Little Mermaid and Aladdin.

Because of her roles, she also won awards from different prestigious award-giving bodies such as Olivier, Tony, Drama Desk, Outer Critics, and Theatre World Awards.

She will always be a world-class performer that will make all of us be proud of our nationality!

Eraserheads: Everybody's OPM Band

2009-04-06T02:26:00.000-07:00

When I was in my younger years, I used to remember at that time Eraserheads is the talk of the town when it comes to music. This is because of their style of music... most people would say "Pang-Masa Talaga!". I really loved this band, and of course, I know you do as well. That is why I have a special feature for them in this blog.

If we are going back memory lane, Eraserheads is composed of band members spearheaded by Ely Buendia as their lead vocalist, and other band members Raimund Marasigan, Buddy Zabala and Marcus Adoro. They also dubbed as "The Beatles Of The Philippines".

In 1992, they launch their debut album Ultramagneticpop, which featured songs "Pare ko" and "Toyang". More albums and songs were released for the group and it changed the lives of Filipinos. The most well-loved song from E-heads would be "Ang Huling El Bimbo"

They also get awards from different award giving bodies here and internationally.

It's just so sad that they some of the members have to leave the group. So, other band members decided to join other band groups as well.

Due to enormous success of the group in the misic industry, present bands produced a tribute album for them, having their own rendition of E-heads popular songs with a different twist.

The Best Eraserheads' Songs

Julie Tear Jerky

Pare Ko

Ligaya

With A Smile

Ang Huling El Bimbo

They will always be Philippine's number one OPM band!

Gary Valenciano: A Warrior Of God And Music

2009-04-06T01:33:00.000-07:00

Gary Valenciano is better known in the music industry as Gary V. and was dubbed as "Mr. Pure Energy" because of his energetic moves and his strong faith in our Lord. He had his first jam-packed concert at the Araneta Coliseum in April 1984. The first time I saw him perform in a mall tour, I was amazed because he is a great singer and dancer. He is really full of energy as he performs on the stage.

He just had his 25th year in the music industry last year at the Araneta Coliseum as well.

Here are the songs and videos that I used to like from Gary Valenciano.

Be Inspired And Fall In Love

Warrior Is A Child

Sana Maulit Muli

I Will Be Here

Take Me Out Of The Dark

How Did You Know

His songs will continue to inspire us and made us remember that the Lord is with us always!

Regine Velasquez: She Still Reigns

2009-04-04T19:09:00.000-07:00

When we hear the word DIVA... the first name that would top on our minds would be Regine Velasquez. Who doesn't know Regine Velasquez? Even if you ask a little child, if that child has passion for singing, definitely, he/she knows this woman. A woman with great vocal prowess, that is why she was hailed as the Asia's Songbird.

She started to share the spotlight in the music industry when she won as the Grand Champion of "Ang Bagong Kampeon". She was still called Chona velasquez. From then on her star shines even brighter. She only dropped Chona and started to use Regine as her screen name on her first appearance in Penthouse Live in February 16, 1986.

In 1989, she won the Asia-Pacific Singing Contest held in HongKong with You'll Never Walk Alone and And I'm Telling You. Here is the video:

Since then, Regine is the name everyone is talking about, a woman with a powerful voice. She also collaborated with international artist such as Paul Anka, David Hasselhoff, 98 Degrees, Brian McKnight, Mandy Moore, Ronan Keating, Stephen Bishop, Jim Brickman, Peabo Bryson, Jeffrey Osborne, Dave Koz , Lea Salonga, Grasshopper, Coco Lee, Michel Legrand, David Pomeranz, Eduardo Capetillo and Billy Crawford.

In 2000, regine had her R2K concert where she amazed all the guest as she perform "On The Wings Of Love" hanging in mid-air with butterfly wings with a long, flowing gown. Here is the video:

Every medley is a powerful rendition as the Asia's Songbird delivers it. Some of her noted medley were the Basil Valdez Medley, Barry Manilow Medley and the Winning Songs Medley.

If you're going to ask why Regine is a Legend, I'll give you 10 reasons from a video I got and this proves that she is indeed a legend, watch this:

The five best performances of Regine Velasquez for me (WATCH AND BE BLOWN AWAY):

5. Narito Ako

4. I'll Never Say Goodbye

3. I Don't Want To Miss A Thing

2. Paraisong Parisukat

1. What Kind Of Fool Am I?

Regine Velasquez, I must say is an epitomy of a singer and a true DIVA. No one comes close and really does it better than the Asia's Songbird!

Kyla & Jay-R: OPM's R&B Royalties

2009-04-04T18:29:00.001-07:00

When it comes to OPM R&B, two names will be on top, the R&B Prince Jay-R and R&B Princess Kyla. They both were known in this field and this is where they're good at.

KYLA
Kyla was dubbed as the R&B Princess. She is classified as Dramatic Coloratura Soprano because of her raspy and husky voice. She was an instant hit because of her debut song "Hanggang Ngayon". The song won as Music Video Of The Year for Awit Awards in 2001. Kyla makes sure that everytime that she will launch a song, it is a sure hit to the listeners. Her songs are topping the charts. Here is the video of her debut song:

She also made collaborations with different international artists such as Blue, Fra Lippo Lippi and Ronan Keating. Watch One Love by Blue featuring Kyla nd other Asian artist:

JAY-R
Jay-R is crowned the R&B Prince. Not just a singer, but an actor and a model as well. He is more focused on his singing career and also made albums that made us move and groove.

He also serenade us with songs of love. Here is the video:

Both Kyla and Jay-R are host of the Sunday noon time show SOP in GMA 7. Their segment is popularly known as "Souled Out".

With Kyla and Jay-R around, R&B music will always be alive.

Ryan Cayabyab: Music Genius

2009-04-04T17:50:00.000-07:00

Ryan Cayabyab is the also known as Mr. C. Aside from being a composer, he is also a conductor, accompanist, mentor and a music director.

He is also the brains behind different groups that shared a spotlight in the music industry. Some of these groups include Smokey Mountain, The San Miguel Philharmonic Orchestra and the Ryan Cayabyab Singers.

He also garnered different awards from prestigious award-giving bodies. In 1978, he won the Grand Prize at the Metro Manila Popular Music Festival for the song "Kay Ganda Ng Ating Musika".

Cayabyab also wrote songs that were given justice by some of the country's finest singers.

Because of his experience and his credibility, he was invited to become a judge in different singing contest such as Philippine Idol and Pinoy Dream Academy Season 2 where he became the Head Master.

There are a lot of composers in the country today, however, I believe that when composers are the center of the talk, everybody would agree that Ryan Cayabyab is the best. When he speaks and give out his comments, every listens. They know that they would learn from this man. What a music genius!

Youtube Wonders

2009-04-03T20:06:00.000-07:00

YOUTUBE... a website where you can upload and watch your own videos. This website has a lot of visitors from time to time just to watch videos and comment as well. If you upload your video, the whole world has access to that already, even the video has been taken in a small place, if it is catchy, definitely, it would create a craze and people would go to this website just to see what is catchy in a particular video. That is what happened to two of our Filipino singers, Charice and Arnel Pineda. Both of them were discovered in Youtube and they become become instant world-class performers.

CHARICE
Charice started joining singing contest at the age of seven in barrios and town fiestas. In 2005, she joined Little Big Star and she landed as third place in the said contest. She taught that this is the end of her singing career. Thanks to FalseVoice, her avid fan who posted her videos on Youtube in 2007. She was invited in Korea to perform in the show Star King. She sang the song "And I'm Telling You" however she change the word man to mom to pay tribute to her mother.

After the Star King appearance, she guested in Ellen Degeneres show. Here is her appearance:

She was also invited by Ophra Winfrey to perform in her show:

Because of her appearances, she was invited by David Foster to perform in a tribute concert in Las Vegas where she met top artists like Josh Groban, Alicia keys and many more. Because of her phenomenal success, she able to met her idol divas such as Mariah Carey and Celine Dion. The last big event in her singing career was when she was invited in the inauguration of Preseident Barrack Obama. You can also see Charice performing in ASAP in ABS-CBN.

ARNEL PINEDA
Arnel Pineda is another product of Youtube. He became a member of the band called Ijos when he was 15 years old. Thanks to Noel Gomez because he is the one responsible for the videos of Arnel Pineda to be posted in Youtube. In June 28, 2007, Neal Schon contacted Gomez and advsd him to tell Pineda that they want him to audition for the band Journey. On December 5, 2007, he was announced as the new lead singer of the said band. Their last concert recently was a big hit at the SMX at the Mall Of Asia.

Thanks to Youtube for the chance of a lifetime given to these two world-class talents! More power to the both of you, Charice and Arnel Pineda! You are truly Youtube Wonders!!!

Hail To The OPM Queen Of Bossa Nova

2009-04-03T05:07:00.000-07:00

If Bossa Nova is the topic of the crowd, one name will sure be on the top list... and that is no other than Sitti Navarro, more known as Sitti. She was born in November 29, 1984. She idolizes Astrud Gilberto, also a bossa nova queen. Spotlight first turned on Sitti when she joined MTV Supahstar: D Super Search.

She had her debut album entitled Cafe Bossa and she became known because of the song Para Sa Akin.

She also had a collaboration with The Romantic Balladeer Christian Bautista entitled "Captured" and it's a good song and many people love it.

Sitti have other albums released and they are selling in the market. Really, she is the original OPM Queen Of Bossa Nova and nothing compares to her.

Local Bands At Their Best!!!

2009-04-03T04:08:00.000-07:00

Bands are groups composed of number of people who play different instruments. The difference between band and acoustic acts is that, in a band the other members can also sing while in an acoustic act, the focus is on the lead vocalist. enjoy their videos. Your comments will be highly appreciated.

After Image
Band Members
Wency Cornejo-Vocals
Bobit Uson-Bass Guitar (later Guitar after Niño Mesina joined the band)
Chuck Isidro-Lead Guitar
Rogie Callejo -Drums
Arnold Cabalza-keyboards
Niño Mesina-Bass

Eraserheads
Band Members
Ely Buendia - Lead vocalist, Rhythm guitarist
Buddy Zabala - Bassist, Vocalist
Marcus Adoro - Lead guitarist, Vocalist
Raimund Marasigan - Drummer, Vocalist

Freestyle
Current Band Members
Jinky Vidal (vocals)
Joshua Desiderio (vocals)
Mike Luis (vocals)
Rommel dela Cruz (bass)
Tzuki Garcia (drums)
Tat Suzara (guitarist)
Obet Luzon (keyboards)
Former Members
Christopher "Top" Suzara (vocals/guitarist)
Carlo Tapia (bass)

Parokya Ni Edgar
Band Members
Alfonso "Chito" Miranda, Jr.
Buhawi "Buwi" Meneses
Darius Gerard "Dariuken" Semaña
Gabriel Ignatius "Gab" Chee Kee
Ferdinand "Din Din" Moreno
Francis Vincent "Vinci" Montaner

Rivermaya
Current Band Members
Jayson Fernandez
Japs Sergio
Mike Elgar
Mark Escueta
Former Band Members
Rico Blanco
Nathan Azarcon
Bamboo Mañalac
Perfecto de Castro
Rome Velayo
Kenneth Ilagan
Victor "Kakoi" Legaspi
Jessie Gonzales

Side A
Current Band Members
Joey Generoso
Ernie Severino
Naldy Gonzales
Ned Esguerra
Lee Von Cailao

South Border
Current Band Member
Michael "Kell" Gatdula (vocals)
Jay Durias (keyboard, vocals)
Pido Lalimarmo (guitar, vocals)
Rancis De Leon (saxophone)
Marlowe Mata (bass)
Benjie Mendez (drums)
Ric Junasa (saxophone)
Former Band Members
Brix Ferraris
Luke Mijares
Duncan Ramos
Vince Alaras
Tata Balane
Butch Victoriano
Paul Benitez

The Best Acoustic Acts In The Philippines

2009-04-03T03:38:00.000-07:00

In the mid part of 2004, different groups and personalities gave rebirth to acoustic music. Until now, they are still making waves in the Philippine music scene. Acoustic Music is defined as the use of instruments to produce sounds or music. Most of the instruments being used are guitars, bass and drums with a lead vocalist. Others opt to use other instruments to attract listeners. This blog will feature the best OPM acoustic acts in the country today. Names that are being applauded in every performance they do, whether it could be in television or in bars.

Jimmy Bondoc

Nyoy Volante

Paulo Santos

Nina

M.Y.M.P (Juris & Chin)

Certified OPM Divas

2009-04-03T03:13:00.001-07:00

DIVA... a word which when attached to a woman, we would think that she has a powerful voice. But it's not all voice, of course, there should be stage prescence as well. In every singing contest, if you will ask a woman contestant who is her idol when it comes to singing... there are names that will arise. So I've listed the top 7 certified OPM divas in the country today. You have the option to vote for your favorite diva at the top. I've also included what I think is their uncomparable performance:

Jaya
Jaya is crowned as the "Philippine's Queen Of Soul". She is currently one of the main host of the Sunday noon show "SOP Rules". Jaya is classified as a dramatic soprano, widely known for her dark, big voice, belting as much as Ab5. As of this moment she has 9 albums released.

"Queen Of Soul Hitlist"

Kuh Ledesma
Kuh Ledesma is declared as the "Pop Diva". She is well known for jazz and pop music. She has 18 albums in the Philippine music industry.

"Dito Ba?"

Lani Misalucha
Lani Misalucha is very well known as the "Asia's Nightingale". Her voice can be compared to the popular international divas Dion and Houston. Misalucha's voice starts from soft and thin and eventually thickens as she reaches the peak of the song, technically known as "lyric colotura".

"Loving You"

Pops Fernandez
Pops Fernandez is known as "Concert Queen" for her ability to attract huge crowds. Fernandez can be seen performing in ASAP in ABS-CBN.

"Beautiful Liar"

Regine Velasquez
Regine Velasquez was dubbed as the "Asia's Songbird" because of her wide vocal range. She also did several collaborations with international artists. She is considered the best selling diva when it comes to albums and she is the only diva who fill Araneta Colosseum everytime she has a concert. She is not just a singer but also a host and an actress in television and movies.

"What Kind Of Fool Am I"

Vina Morales
Vina Morales was named "Total Performer" and "Ultimate Showgirl" because she can dance while she sings with full energy until the end of her performance. She is the champion of the very first Asean Ikon contest.

"Pangako Sa'Yo"

ZsaZsa Padilla
ZsaZsa Padilla is hailed as the "Divine Diva". She is a mainstay host of ASAP in ABS-CBN. She is also an actress and who won several awards from different award-giving bodies.

"Iisa Pa Lamang"

Just choose your bet!!! Who is the best certified OPM local diva of all?

Singing Contest Avengers

2009-04-03T02:07:00.000-07:00

As we have singing champions in the OPM industry today, we can't deny the fact that they had a hard time reaching their goal because of competitors. These are their fellow contestants who are also vying for the title. In reality, there are what we say "contest losers" but after the competition sometimes, they make a bigger mark in the industry. This blog will showcase singers who become album best sellers as well eventhough they were not declared as big winners.

Aicelle Santos
She is declared as the "Undefeated Pinoy Pop Superstar". However she only landed as First Runner Up in Pinoy Pop Superstar Season 2 after she was beaten by Gerald Santos. She is a mainstay of SOP Rules and the group La Diva every Sunday noon.

Brenan Espartinez
He is the First Runner Up in Pinoy Pop Superstar Season 1. He was the little boy in Sineskwela. After he won in PPS Season 1, he continued his singing carer and won different awards in WCOPA in 2006.

Ronnie Liang
Ronnie Liang is very familiar in singing contests. First, he was sighted in Pinoy Pop Superstar Season 1, although he was disqualified. When he joined Pinoy Dream Academy Season 1, he became 2nd Runner Up and grab a contarct with ABS-CBN. He is being loved for his sweet smile and nice voice.

Mark Bautista
He is a product of Star For A Night where Sarah Geronimo won. They were being paired at first but eventually, he decided to work seperately to build his own image. He is a mainstay of ASAP in ABS-CBN.

Sheryn Regis
It was a dissapointment for Sheryn when she placed First Runner Up after Erik Santos in Star In A Million Season 1 because as all of us know, she is also undefeated for the initial weeks and a consistent top scorer in the said contest. Because of her vocal prowess, she was hailed for different titles such as "The Power Belter" and "The Crystal Voice Of Asia" after wining First Runner Up in the Asian Song Festival last 2004 in Kazakhstan.

Christian Bautista
I must say the Christian Bautista was never a loser. This is because he made it big in the industry. He is also a product of Star In A Million Season 1. Because of his voice, he was named "The Romantic Balladeer". His album was also a big hit in Indonesia.

Singing Champions

2009-04-02T02:12:00.000-07:00

Everybody dreams of becoming a singer. Others think that it is the only way to become famous and get out of poverty. I believe that Filipinos are talented. We love to sing. It is our way of expressing what we feel. Because of this different singing contests arose from different networks. Some of them have different formats but they have one goal to produce an ultimate champion. This blog will showcase all the champions from the most noted singing contests and had made mark in the industry. Enjoy their winning moment videos and you can judge who is the best among the rest:

Laarni Lozada from Pinoy Dream Academy Season 2

Gretchen Espina from Pinoy Idol

Yeng Constantino from Pinoy Dream Academy Season 1

Mau Marcelo from Philippine Idol

Jonalyn Viray from Pinoy Pop Superstar Season 1

Frenchie Dy from Star In A Million Season 2

Rachelle Anne Go from Search For A Star

Erik Santos from Star In A Million Season 1

Sarah Geronimo from Star For A Night

The Best OPM Balladeers

2009-04-02T01:26:00.000-07:00

For the first salvo of this month, we will give tribute to the best balladeers of country. These are male singers who popularized most of the ballad songs that we sing and being idolized by young male singers today. Way way for them:

Ariel Rivera is well known as "The Crooner". Initially a mainstay of ASAP but eventually after his contract he joined the rival network and sometimes he perform in SOP Rules.

Janno Gibbs as the "King Of Soul". A mainstay of SOP Rules. Aside from singing, he is also a commedian.

Ogie Alcasid known as the "Singer Songwriter". He is well loved for his compositions that really hits the hearts of the masses. He is the partner of Janno Gibbs in their crazy antics.

Martin Nievera known as "Mr. Mad Man". He is currently a mainstay of ASAP in ABS-CBN. He is also a songwriter and the best song he had created as to my point of view was "You Are My Song".

Gary Valenciano dubbed as "Mr. Pure Energy" beacuse of his energetic moves which according to him that energy comes from the Lord. Also one of the main host of the Sunday noon-time show ASAP.

Their songs will lived and will be cherished forever...

I'm So Excited... And I Just Can't Hide It!!!

2009-03-28T19:09:00.001-07:00

Eventhough March is still up and April is fast-approaching, I've decided to start the new theme. I'm excited for this because it's one of my interest... MUSIC!!! For the month of April, we will give tribute to the OPM industry. Be proud that we are Filipinos and let's love our own music. Different artists will be featured hereand of course, their most noted songs. Just enjoy listening and watching them!!!

Thanks!!!

2009-03-26T20:31:00.000-07:00

To all the people who viewed my blog site... A million thanks to all of you... Your views and comments are highly appreciated. I'm thinking of a new topic for the new month. Don't you worry, I'll update you what's my theme for April. Again, thanks a bunch!!!

The End Is Near

2009-03-26T20:12:00.000-07:00

It's almost the end of the month... My doubts are still the same. I feel that I won't get regularized because of my stats. Though my team mates are giving me encouragements still I don't like what I feel. It seems that I don't fit in a technical support account. Did I like it in the first place? I asked for a customer service account. I just don't know why I'm here. It is because they just need people to fill in the posistion or I really deserve it? What should I do in this demanding account? should I start finding for another company? Most of my CSAT surveys are not good though I try my best to resolve issues. They are asking for explainations why I can't meet the target for FCR (First Call Resolution). What can I do if the call needs to be transferred to another department. I seems that they don't understand that I'm still new in the account and I'm still learning. I believe that you can't learn everything in just one sitting and it takes time for a person to become somewhat expert. I hope that I can find the answers to all my questions.

Lose Weight Through Eating And Drinking

2009-03-26T19:27:00.000-07:00

With the hectic lifestyle we have nowadays, most people forget about their figure. It may be caused by stress due to personal problems or work. Other people would say that they are getting heavier and heavier, but still they eat more than the usual. Once, they see themselves in the mirror, that's the only time they realized that they need to lose weight. However, dieting is not that easy. It takes a lot of patience and control. You can follow these simple tips so that you can lose weight. Again, a disclaimer... this would not give you immediate results, as I have mentioned, it takes patience and control:

1. DRINK 8-10 GLASSES OF WATER EVERYDAY. You need to start drinking in the morning before you take your breakfast. You also need to have water intake within the day and if you're into this practice, you would eventually find yourseld craving for more water.

2. DO NOT SKIP BREAKFAST. They say that breakfast is the most important meal of the day. This is where we get the energy we can use for the day's activities.

3. HAVE 3 MEALS AND 2 SNACKS DAILY. I must say that this is an opportunity for those who are dieting. This is where control comes in. A good suggestion would be is when you eat, practice to reduce what you eat. For example, yesterday, you had a cup of rice, why not make it half today. If you continue ithis practice, I'm sure that you'll get use to that and you'll eventually find yourself having that habit. Having a healthy snack means you can have bread and tea, perhaps.

4. ALWAYS HAVE VEGGIES PART OF YOUR MEALS. Vegetables are rich source of fiber and it flushes out toxins and fats out of our body.

5. PREPARE YOUR OWN FOOD. Nowadays, we have a lot of restaurants and fast-food chains that offer a variety of food. It is better if you would prepare your own food at least you know the contents, you can ensure that ingredients are fresh and you can also save money in the long run.

6. DRINK A GLASS OF WATER AFTER EACH SNACK. This will help you achieve 8-10 glasses of water everyday. Drinking after every bite would also make you full faster.

7. EAT SLOWLY AND ENJOY YOUR FOOD. When you are eating, make sure that you enjoy and savor the taste of your food. Chew them slowly while eating. According to studies, Germans are mostly thin because they chew their food properly before they swallow it. While enjoying the food, sit down properly as well and maintain your good posture.

I admit, I'm now doing all the steps above. You can try it too. There is no harm in trying, if it will make you look good, why not?

What To Bring When You Go To A Resort

2009-03-26T05:05:00.000-07:00

It's summer time already. People are starting to have their vacation in different resorts. Whether be it a big or small resort or beaches. We need to carry things which are very useful in our stay. I've listed the important things to bring during an outing:

> A Swimsuit. Of course, you are going to a resort, you need to dress appropriately. Whether you have plans of going into the water or not, a swimsuit is an essential.

> Dress Clothes. Aside from playing in the water and sand, you also need to have dress clothes if you're going to a bar to socialize. You also need these if you have special meetings and conferences.

> Shades. We need to protect our eyes from unltraviolet rays. They have different designs, colors and shapes. Just choose whatever you want.

> Sunscreen. You can use this as protection to the harmful rays of the sun. Who would love to have skin cancer while enjoying the beach?

> Phone and Camera Charger. It is very important to bring a charger so that you won't experience having an empty battery while staying in the resort.

> Mobile Phone. It is necessary for you to bring your phone so that people may contact you anytime. You can also update other people about your experience.

> Digital Camera. You need to capture every moment of your stay. You can have your best shots and reminisce it later and in the years to come.

> Food & Drinks. If you have the budget, then you have the option to buy your food in the resort. However, if you are the avarage earning type of person, it is recommended that you prepare your food before going to the resort so that it would not be a waste of time.

> Extra Money. You know for a fact that you need this and you wouldn't go to a beach if you don't have enough money in your pocket. It is necessary to have this in case you need to buy souvenirs and other stuff.

> Medicine & First Aid Kit. Having a first aid kit included will prepare you for unexpected incidents and accidents. Medicines should include medications to help ease pain and reduce swelling like over the counter drugs, bandages, betadine solution, and other supplies.

So, when are you planning to visit a resort? Be sure you have all these so that you could have a wonderful outing.

Tips On How To Say "No"

2009-03-25T18:59:00.000-07:00

"No"... it's just two letters but it's somewhat powerful. It could mean that you disagree on a certain statement. Sometimes we answer this if something is offered to us.

We have a different mind set as to the other nation. In foreign countries, if they tell you that it is a "No", I must say, they really mean it.

However, we, Filipinos, have this attitude that if we are being asked of anything, we'll provide indefinite answers..." even though we really mean "No". This is what we call a soft "No" because inside of us we know for a fact that it is against our will, but because we value respect... we'll just say "Maybe" or "I'll check..."

So, here are some tips on saying "No":

1. Keep in mind that you only have 24 hours in a day. It means that you need to choose carefully what offers are you going to accept. If you respond "Yes" to all things, you might have difficulties in meeting all your commitments.

2. Set your priorities. You don't need to take all offers. Choose your responsibilities wisely. Follow things which are necessary and more important. Let's say "No" to things that will not give much impact to our lives.

3. Trust the voice within. Listen to what your heart says. If you are uncomfortable taking the offer, better say "No". Be true to yourself.

4. Do not forget the question "Why" while making a decision. Sometimes, people are afraid that if they say "No" other people would think bad about him/her. This is what we call Social Pressure. Saying "No" does not mean that you don't respect the person who is giving an offer.

Saying "No", I must say is a skill. It can be learned, practiced, honed and sharpened over time. So do not be afraid to say "No" if you really mean it.

Moving On...

2009-03-18T21:07:00.000-07:00

He's my teammate... but now he's more than that! I could consider him as a special friend. I never expect that I will get a chance to get close to him. I'd rather not disclose his name. It's just so sad that he needs to leave because of personal circumstances. If you're gonna ask me to describe him, I can definitely say that he could be a perfect guy... quiet, good-looking, free from vices and over-all, an ideal man. I first saw him in work when he passed by in front of me and I must say, he really caught my attention. I was surprised when that he will become my teammate. On the first weeks of being in one team, I noticed that he is a loner and does not mingle or talk with our teammates. We just created a bond because of blogging (Thank God and Blogger.com!!!). He is a blogger and when he asked me for my blog site, that was the start of a good friendship. We exchange text messages and laugh over things. We even talk at midnight about anything that could be discussed. It never crossed my mind that I can tell things to him which I don't normally tell to others. He is there to listen to all my jokes and I do the same thing. Right now, I'm sad because he had left the company. I just look at the brighter side that because of what happened, more doors will open for him. Good Luck in all your endeavors in life. Thank you for the friendship. Hope that this never ends and may our paths cross again. See you when I see you!!!

I Have Doubts Now...

2009-03-12T20:21:00.000-07:00

When I entered TeleTech as an agent, I never imagined that I will be profiled as a technical support agent. I applied as a customer service representative. However, I don't know what happened because they told me that I got a high grade in the technical exam. With that news, I bacame happy because that means I have a job. When we had our training, I must admit that I'm having a hard time grasping for the ideas about DSL connection because I'm not a techie person; all I do is surf the internet. Would you believe that I had to retake my ProfCheck (Proficiency Check) just to pass the training. I passed training, I don't know if it is because I really deserve it or just because my trainer just felt pity because I'm one of his trainees who is eager to learn and has a clean slate for attendance. I even became confident that I can make it in the account because I got a perfect TACR!FT score for the very first survey. It's been two months since I've been here in the account but I haven't passed any scorecards yet which will be the basis for our regularization, that's according to my TL. Although, I got great attendance and good schedule adherence, It's still not good for me to stay in the account because I was advised that we need to show the numbers. Doubts are still within me... I hope that I can pass this month because if all else fails, I need to jump to another company and I don't want that to happen as much as possible because first this work is more conducive for me; second, I don't want to leave my so-called friends; ad lastly, I want to build a career here if given the chance. I still have 15 days to make it... I hope.

Crazy Pick-up Lines

2009-03-12T19:57:00.000-07:00

If you are courting or you would like to be closer to your special someone, I bet you will need these pick-up lines to make them laugh. Though some other says that this is corny but for me... if these were delivered correct and in the right time, for sure, your partner will appreciate it. Enjoy reading...

1. Minamalat na naman ang puso ko... paano kasi, laging sinisigaw ang pangalan mo...

2. Uy picture tayo!! Para ma-develop tayo!

3. Centrum ka ba? Kasi you make my life complete!

4. Pinaglihi ka ba sa keyboard? Type kasi kita...

5. Ibibili kita ng salbabida.. Kasi malulunod ka sa pagmamahal ko...

6. Me lisensya ka ba? Coz you're driving me crazy...

7. May kilala ka bang gumagawa ng relo? May sira ata relo ko... Pag ikaw kasi kasama ko, humihinto ang oras ko...

8. Naniniwala ka ba sa love at first sight? O gusto mong dumaan ulit ako?

9. Mabilis ka siguro sa mga puzzle noh? Kasi kakasimula pa lang ng araw ko, pero nabuo mo na agad!

10. Pagod na pagod ka na noh? Maghapon at magdamag kana kasing tumatakbo sa isipan ko eh...

11. Sana "T" na lang ako.. Para i'm always right next to "U"...

12. Nde tayo tao..Nde tayo hayop... Bagay tayo...BAGAY tlga tayo...

13. Ako ay isang exam... Kaya sagutin mo na ako...

14. Alam mo bang scientist ako? At ikaw ang lab ko.

15. Grabe nakakatawa yung mga pick-up lines noh?? hahaha! May alam ka pa bang iba?? Wala na akong maisip eh.. Kundi IKAW!!!

So did you enjoy? Ui... gagamitin nya na yan...

Postponed Team Building...

2009-03-12T19:43:00.000-07:00

Our team suggested if we can have a team building after the March 10 pay day. Everyone was very excited when we were discussing the plans. Some suggested that we should have our team building in Mahayhay in Laguna. One of our team mates even said that she is willing to shell out money for the team and of course, our TL would do the same. However, as we get closer to the said date of our team building, most members decided not to push through because of personal reasons. Another reason is the salary we got, it isn't enough to cover all expenses. A day before the said team building, we just decided to change the venue to EK (Enchanted Kingdom) however, we still didn't pushed through of course, others did not confirm. Honestly, I feel sad because I believe that this is the only time we can bond and enjoy together as a team without thinking of our work and yet this what happens... I think we also need to look at the brighter side... It would be a great help for most of us because my other team mates are also supporting their families. Maybe, there will be next time... if there will be... I hope.

Crazy Tips

2009-03-11T18:40:00.000-07:00

These tips came from one of my good friends named Ninyak. I just find it cute and really "nakakatawa" so I featured it in my blog...

7 tips para maiba naman ang araw mo:

1. Sikmuraan ang unang taong kasalubong at humingi ng sorry.

2. Uminom ng pampatulog labanan ito, magexercise.

3. Tibagin ang bahay gamit ang kutsara at buuin muli.

4. Himatayin kunwari sa daan, tiyaking may tao.

5. Tahiin ang puwet at magpatingin sa doctor.

6. Kurutin ang nakababatang kapatid pagkatapos unahan mong umiyak.

7. Makipagtitigan sa isda. Huwag titigil hanggat hindi ito kumukurap...

Funny, isn't it???

Top 5 Summer Destinations In The Philippines

2009-03-07T18:17:00.000-08:00

Since summer has already started, it is our chance to visit places to have our vacation. What places are included in your itinerary? Philippines is one country rich in nature and culture. So, I created this blog to provide you with tips on what to visit this season. The following are the must-see places this summer:

5. Tagaytay in Cavite

4. Palawan

3. Baguio in Benguet City

2. Puerto Galera in Oriental Mindoro

1. Boracay in Panay

Are these places in your list? Visit these, you'll be relax and you'll have a wonderful summer you'll never forget!

Night Life Hang-Out Places In Manila

2009-03-06T00:13:00.000-08:00

Need places to go to unwind? Places where you can do a lot of stuff like eating, shopping, watching movies, playing arcades and just wandering around? Here are the best hang-out places for you:

5. Greenbelt

This is located in Ayala, Makati. Greenbelt offers to the cosmopolitan consumer high quality, specialty shopping, dining and entertainment. Indoor and outdoor elements mingle with fluid harmony in this multi-awarded lifestyle center. Built around a 1.3-million-square-foot retail complex, Greenbelt's roster of prominent, world-class retailers, restaurateurs, and entertainment operators makes it an unparalleled shopping and entertainment destination.

4. Bonifacio High Street

Located in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City, High Street is the newest shopping village in the town with the finest restaurants.

3. Metrowalk

Located in Pasig City along Meralco and Julia Vargas Avenue, Metrowalk offers a nice variety of around 56 establishments, including bars and restaurants. For entertainment, Metrowalk also has an eclectic blend of bars to choose from. Aside from bars and restaurants, Metrowalk also have Bazaars consisting of variety of shops with an assortment of items at an affordable price.

2. Tiendesitas

Located in C-5 Pasig City, Tiendesitas is a place for Philippine's best products from art, antiques, furniture, handicrafts to native food, fashion, pets, plants and novelty items. At night, shoppers can be entertained by band performances. There are also other special show.

1. Eastwood City

Located at Libis, Quezon City, here you will find a rich display of life's pleasures, world class entertainment, restaurants, shops, services and other attractions: There are: live entertainment featuring the country's most celebrated performer and the music industry's newest artist shopping until midnight all year round world class cinemas celebrated Walk of Fame Philippines.

So, what are you waiting for? Treat yourself with these places and surely you'll enjoy it!

Power Dressing For Men

2009-03-05T23:32:00.001-08:00

Men should never be left out in occasions. If they are also attending parties and occasions, they also need to look good. Men who are power-dressed could attract women and could impress people around him. How can a man have this attitude? Here are the steps:

Choosing The Right Fabric

The single most important factor in choosing a suit is knowing what fabric to choose. Unless you have a whole closet already full of suits, what you want to buy is one made of worsted wool. Worsted refers to the smooth texture of the cloth and that the yarn is twisted.

Checking The Fit of Your Suit
The fit of a man's suit is the most noticeable detail about the suit. The way a man's suit fits-incorrectly vs. correctly-is what gives a man that look that says, "Hey, I know what I'm doing; I can be trusted." And a man will never achieve that look if he simply trusts his tailor. He has
to know for himself.

The Jacket

The fit of a man's jacket is what says that he either does or does not know his size. The jacket fits only if (a) you cannot see the outline of your own shoulder in the sleeve; and (b) there is no overhang, or sagging at the shoulder pad. The length of the jacket should also be correct. With your hands at your sides, the hem of your jacket should be even with your knuckles-or it should be just long enough to cover your butt. Anything longer or shorter than this looks terrible.

The Buttons of the Jacket

On a two button jacket, a man should only button the top button. On a three button jacket, a man should only button the middle button, or one can do as the models do and leave either the top or the bottom one unbuttoned-your preference. On a double-breasted jacket, a man may leave only the lower-right button open. Also, if any creases or ripples radiate from your fastened buttons, your suit doesn't fit.

The Pants

The hem of a man's pants should cover the lace-ups of his shoes. And in the back, the hem should hang about an inch over the welt of the shoes. Also, the front crease of the pants should never be dead straight; it should break at about mid-shin. If it doesn't break, the pants do not actually fit. Also, a man's suit will not fit correctly if he doesn't know his true waist measurement. Your true waist measurement is neither across your hips, nor across your naval-it's half way in between. The waistband should be comfortable enough for you to be able to stick two fingers into it. And, in general, flat front pants are the most flattering on a man, rather than pleated fronts.

The Dress Shirt

The fit of a man's dress shirt is also key to a man's attractive and powerful image. The shirt collar only fits properly if you can just stick one finger between the collar and your neck. The shirt does not fit if it pulls across your chest or if it rides back up over your shoulders, making you want to keep pulling it down. The sleeves should come down to about an inch above your wrist bone; and remember to maintain that quarter to half-inch protrusion from your suit jacket. Also, when shopping for a high-quality dress shirt, make sure that there isn't any puckering in any of the seams.

The Finer Details

Know how to tie your tie: 1) The knot should be big enough to sit under the collar without any of the collar's fabric showing either above or on either side of the knot. If the fabric of your collar shows, either you need a smaller collar, need to learn how tie a larger knot, or have it tied to loose. 2) You need to secure one dimple below the knot by pinching the fabric with your fingers and make certain that the edges of the fabric are curled under. 3) The point of your tie should drape slightly over your waistband, just like this. Do not wear a short tie; it looks ridiculous.

Always wear a tie clip, or tiepin. The man who pays close attention to detail will always wear a tie clip, or tiepin. Not only does it keep your tie from flopping around in the wind in a ridiculous way, it polishes off your look with that tasteful spark of metal. Tie clips need to be slid on from the man's right and grip both the tie and the placket of his shirt around the middle of his sternum.

Cuff links are back in, and something with a flash of sterling silver, like these by Dolan and Bullock, will really make your look shine.

Always wear a belt. A belt really adds sophisticated detailing to your look, tying the whole thing together with the contrasting color of leather and the sparkle of metal. And always make certain that your belt matches your shoes.

Wear a watch. A watch is another accessory every man should wear to give him that put-together look that says that he knows his business. The flash of metal looks very attractive on a man's wrist.

Monogram your shirt. There is no better way to give you that man-of-power look than by adding a monogram to your dress shirt. This is the smallest detail that will make you look like a million bucks. The best place to put a monogram is below the middle of your breast pocket.And last, but not least-the handkerchief. Wearing a handkerchief in the breast pocket of your jacket will give you that final edge of power accompanied by an unmatchable air of sensitivity. You are now not just a man, you are a gentleman. White cotton handkerchiefs are usually the tradition; but feel free to create an even more powerful look with an extra dash of well coordinated color.

Following these steps for men, other men would surely envy you and women will be impressed.

Make-Up Essentials

2009-03-05T23:13:00.000-08:00

If you have your job interview or you are going to a party, you must ensure yourself that you are properly groomed before you face the people. You need to look presentable and one way of doing that is by applying make-up. So, you have a lot of make-up stuff in your home and the problem is you can't bring all of them on your way to the occasion. Well, don't worry... I'm here to help you out with that. Let us now enumerate what stuff do you need to bring that you can use for your make-up be it first application or for retouch purposes:

One Foundation. This is the beginning of every make-up regime. If you have a good complexion and just want even color and smoothness, go for a tinted moisturizer.

One Concealer. For touch-ups of discoloration or blemishes. Most brands now have good liquid concealers that work well as an overnight healing application, as well as offering concealing protection during the day. Liquid concealer make-up goes on light and smooth and blends well. The pen-style applicator tube unfortunately doesn't contain a lot of product, so it can get a bit pricey to keep up with, but you'll be pleased with the smooth finished results.

One Eye Shadow. For me, face make-up boils down to two ranges of colors--pink tones or peach tones. Regardless of your skin coloring, there are make-up hues in pink or peach that you can wear. If you're wearing pink or blue or purple, pink toned make-up works best. Wear green or brown or peach, and go with peach-toned make-up.

One Blush. The same rules go for blush. Blush should look as natural as possible, so an array of colors is not necessary. Use them separately to complement pink or peach toned looks, or use them together for the perfect sun-kissed appearance. With a combo make-up case like this, you can once again limit that pile down to just one container.

Two Mascaras. I prefer to have two mascaras, both in black. Women with light hair and eyes should try a brown, or brown/black shade for day so lashes don't provide so much of a stark contrast. It separates lashes and doesn't smudge; it's great for those with contact lenses and sensitive eyes as it never irritates.

One Powder. Several make-up brands now have multi-hued powders that mimic the skin's natural combination tones. Skin looks more radiant and natural, rather than flat and uniformly bland.

Two Lip Glosses. Gloss works well for day and evening looks, and is a nice subtle counterpoint to dramatic eyes. There are a variety of shades available, but once again, all you need are one pink shade and one peach. Don't be afraid to get a little sparkle in the pink shade, but keep the tones neutral. Those with darker complexions should go for deeper rose and reddish-brown colors.

One Red Lipstick. Every woman should have a good red lipstick. True red is difficult to pull off, so most women should find a red that harmonizes better with their overall coloring in the burgundy or reddish-brown families. Those with darker complexions can go with brighter and more dramatic colors. Paler women might want to try a red gloss or lip stain, that adds color without overpowering their other features. The idea is to look sexy, not cartoonish.

Now that we have identified what are the essentials when it come to make-up, we won't be having problems in the stuff that we will bring wherever we go.

Acing Job Interviews

2009-03-05T22:53:00.001-08:00

March is the month for graduations. After this month, fresh graduates will now hunt for jobs in different industries. It is an opportunity to grow and apply all the things that we learn from school. It also means another group of people will add the unemployment rate in our country.

So what must we do in order for us not to be part of the unemployed group? How can we wow the company we wish to work with? Better follow these tips:

Company Research
Research should always be your first step. Gathering background information on employers is a crucial element in successful interview preparation. You will need to be prepared to answer the questions "What do your know about our company"? and "Why do you want to work here?" Knowing as much as possible about the company's past performance and future plans can make your interview more interactive and could be just the leg up you need in a competitive job market. Before the interview review the company's web site and don't be afraid to contact your prospective employer to request details on the position you are interviewing for or to ask for company literature.

Practice Makes Perfect
Practice makes perfect (or at least leads to improvement). Practice with a friend and record or videotape your responses so you can replay the interview and see how well you did. Prepare answers to commonly asked interview questions. Doing so will help you analyze your background and qualifications for the position.

Behavioral Interviews
Behavior based interviewing is becoming more common. It is based on the premise that a candidates past performance is the best predictor of future performance. Rather than the typical interview questions on your background and experience, you will you need to be prepared to provide detailed responses including specific examples of your work experiences.
The best way to prepare is to think of examples where you have successfully used the skills you've acquired. Take the time to compile a list of responses to both types of questions and to itemize your skills, values, and interests as well as your strengths and weaknesses. Emphasize what you can do to benefit the company rather than just what you are interested in. Also prepare a list of questions you want to ask the interviewer. Remember, you aren't simply trying to get the job - you are also interviewing the employer to assess whether this company and the position are a good fit for you.

Prepare For the Interview
It is very important to be on time for the interview. On time means ten to fifteen minutes early. If need be, take some time to drive to the office ahead of time so you know exactly where you are going. Know the interviewer's name and use it during the interview. If your not sure of the name, call and ask prior to the interview. Remember to bring an extra copy of your resume and a list of references.

Stay Calm
During the interview try to remain as calm as possible. Ask for clarification if you're not sure what's been asked and remember that it is perfectly acceptable to take a moment or two to frame your responses so you can be sure too fully answer the question.
End the interview with a thank you to the interviewer and reiterate your interest in the position. Then follow-up with a personal Thank You note restating your interest.

By following the tips above, you're sure to land to your dream job!

Tips On Pampering Yourself

2009-03-05T22:34:00.000-08:00

With the hectic lives we live today, it’s easy to forget to do something for ourselves. We need to take a little time once in awhile to slow down and take care of ourselves, so that we are ready to face the world anew. Here you will find some ideas on what you can do to pamper yourself

Take a bath. No, this is no ordinary bath; you will not worry about getting clean! In fact, if you feel like you need to clean off, jump in the shower first. Sure it sounds silly, but this bath is strictly for relaxation…no scrubbing allowed! Run the bath as hot as you can possibly stand it and add any combination of your favorite bath salts, oils, fizzies, and of course, bubbles. Adding some flower petals is a real treat.

Get a manicure. This is a luxury us gals often save for special occasions. What occasion could be more special than the fact that you deserve a treat? Go to your favorite salon, or, ask trusted friends for their favorites, if you have never had this done before.

Better yet, get a pedicure. A lot of us shy away from showing a stranger our feet. You’ll forget your inhibitions about three seconds into this, if you go to the right salon; be sure to ask around if you have never had this done before. Trust me, after you have this done, you’ll be looking for excuses to go barefoot!

Get a facial. Visit dermatological clinics and have a dose of facial massage and treatment. That is if you have budget. If you can't afford it, never worry because at home you can find stuff that you can use to get that face you've always wanted.

While we’re at it, get your hair done. This could be a simple trim or it could be a perm with color treatment and highlights. No matter how simple or complicated, a new look is always refreshing!

Make a date with yourself. Treat yourself in a dinner or a movie. You can also have small talks or have a cup of coffee with your friends. Spend time doing activities that you are not used to do... imagine the possiblities!

Go on a mini-vacation. Visit some places like resorts, beaches and bars so that you can unwind. You can also socialize with other people as go visit these places.

Take a nap. When was the last time you did this, if ever? If you’re like a lot of moms out there, you think this is the best time to get some cleaning done. Well, put down the vacuum cleaner and take a nap. I promise you won’t regret it!

Read a book. Take that book you’ve been meaning to read lately with a cup of hot chocolate or tea, and cuddle up on the couch. You can even sneak off to bed early and indulge in some extra reading time.

Go buy a CD. Is there a new album you’ve been wanting to listen to? Music can be very therapeutic and energizing!

Indulge in some ice cream, and go ahead, pile on the toppings. How often do you get to do that, anyway? Don’t forget the cherry on top!

Go ahead, have that chocolate! Even if you’re on a diet, a small piece can be very satisfying, especially if you haven’t had any in awhile. Break off a piece for yourself and give the rest to a friend.

Have your sweetie give you a back or foot rub. This costs no money and is probably one of the best ways to be pampered!

No matter how much time you have or how much money you have to spend, you can find ways to pamper yourself. If you’re feeling frazzled, try one of these ideas, and see if you don’t feel better! So what are you waiting for? Try it and fell the difference!

Sing Like A Pro...

2009-03-05T21:58:00.000-08:00

In our country today, there are a lot of singers that are being known because of their vocal capabilities.

When singers are topic in a discussion and if people would be asked which singer they admire, most will say it's the Asia's Songbird Regine Velasquez. We also have other singers like Asia's Nightingale Lani Misalucha and Soul Diva Jaya. For male singers, Mr. Pure Energy Gary Valenciano and Concert King Martin Nievera would be the top bets. There are also rising divas and balladeers in the country and most of them came from singing contests. If you ask the new generation, some would even answer The Pop Princess Sarah Geronimo, The Ultimate Champion Rachelle Ann Go, The Romantic Balladeer Christian Bautista, The Pop Prince Erik Santos, and even the Young International Singing Sensation Diva Charice Pempengco who became popular because of Youtube.

Now, my question, what does it take to become like them? How can we follow their footsteps? How do we sing like a pro?

Music is an art from. The voice is among one of the many things that can be used to create music thru the action commonly known as singing. You do not need to become a professional singer to sing. In fact, the professional singers you hear now began as amateurs everybody starts as an amateurs So don't get discouraged.

Here are some tips for the amateur singers:

1. Breathe properly
Most people, particularly amateur singers don't realize the importance of proper breathing technique while singing. Proper Breath control is a major aspect in singing that needs to be given the correct attention. By the use of the diaphragm and lungs, your abdominal stamina will be further developed and will provide the power quality and richness that can be produced by the vocal chords.

2. Open throat to go with an open mind
Having an open throat is similar to a relaxed throat, when your throat is relaxed it will be able to produce richer sounds. When singing higher notes, the resonance will be added to the produced sound. Relaxing the throat also, avoids the forcing of the vocal cords if you do not given proper care and attention to the voice-producing organs you could have a very short career as a singer.

3. Pronunciation and enunciation
These are facets that are generally heard when discussing speech impediments. However, they also play an crucial function in singing. Pure vowel sounds must be articulated so as to enrich the words that you sing as well as to make the voice more pleasant sounding.

4. Have the right kind of attitude
It's very crucial to have the right kind of coaching if you aspire to have a career as a singer someday. Thus, the maturity to take criticism and openness of the mind is an all-important virtue. In this industry, singers can get a lot of criticism. You must also have the willingness to continue developing, even when you think you are good enough to be a pro. Self-confidence is also an all-important and essential for the aspiring singer.

5. Life Experiences
More than the technical aspects of singing that must be acquired from teachers, one of the most important lessons come from life experience. Expose yourself to daily activities that will enhance confidence, performance and showmanship.

With these simple tips for amateur given, you are on the right track to becoming a great singer one day.

Overcoming Stress

2009-03-05T21:27:00.000-08:00

This will be our first salvo for this month... If I may ask, are you feeling stress on your everyday work and activities? What are the factors that cause someone to be stressed? How can you say that you are already stressed?

Stress they say is the harmful physical and emotional response that occurs when there is a poor match between job demands and the capabilities, resources, or needs of the person. It could be psychological, social or even physiological in nature. It could arise from personal, financial, and the activities that we are doing everyday. It can lead to poor performance, injury, diseases or even death. Stress is categorized in four types:

Eustress is a type of short-term stress that provides immediate strength. Eustress arises at points of increased physical activity, enthusiasm, and creativity. Eustress is a positive stress that arises when motivation and inspiration are needed.

Distress is a negative stress brought about by constant readjustments or alterations in a routine. Distress creates feelings of discomfort and unfamiliarity. There are two types of distress. Acute stress is an intense stress that arrives and disappears quickly. Chronic stress is a prolonged stress that exists for weeks, months, or even years.

Hyperstress occurs when an individual is pushed beyond what he or she can handle. Hyperstress results from being overloaded or overworked. When someone is hyperstressed, even little things can trigger a strong emotional response.

Hypostress is the opposite of hyperstress. Hypostress occurs when an individual is bored or unchallenged. People who experience hypostress are often restless and uninspired.

Now that we have identified what are factors contributing to stress, we have to find ways on how to cope with it. Listed are the ways you can do to overcome stress:

Make changes in your surroundings. If you have a headache because you've been reading with poor light, move to another room where the lighting is better. Changing your surroundings can mean turning on lights, turning off loud music or raising or lowering your computer chair. Make a careful survey of the places where you spend a good deal of your time, your study place at home or your workplace for example.

Caringly and Carefully Communicate You need to learn to communicate with those with whom you are having problems. Sometimes your situational stress is caused by people. This is a more complicated potential source of stress. Whenever there are problems, you owe it to yourself and to the other person to reach a mutually acceptable solution to the problem. This involves communication in a caring and careful way.

Learn how and when to say "NO" Sometimes your stress is caused by taking on too many responsibilities. Some people have a habit of always saying "yes" to requests for help by others. Pretty soon they not only have all their own problems and responsibilities to attend to-they have everyone else's too! You need to become more aware of your limits and learn when you have reached them. The next step is to practice saying "no". Remember, your first responsibility is to your own health. You are of little use to others if you are not healthy.

Learn techniques for time management. Situational stress often results from feeling like we don't have enough time to accomplish all we need to in a given day. In many cases it is not a lack of time that is the problem, but rather it is poor time management skills that lead us to this dilemma. Time management means different things to different people. For some, it will be something as simple as making lists of "things to do". For others, learning to use daily planners and organizers will help them to better manage their time.

Delegate responsibilities People with perfectionist tendencies have trouble delegating work. They have the attitude that, "If I want it done right, I have to do it myself". They fear that by letting someone else help them with a given task, that they are losing control and that something will probably go wrong. We need to learn that there is more than just, "my way" of doing things. Learning to delegate responsibilities when they become overwhelming, will help you build more trusting relationships and will relieve your burden.

Practice relaxation training Relaxation equals energy. Because a relaxed body conserves energy, there remains more stored energy to be used on demand. Do you balance periods of activity with times of relaxation? It isn't a luxury, it's a necessity. Inner relaxation means being comfortable with 'who you are'. By becoming more aware of your patterns of behavior and learning your reactions to stress, you may be able to learn how to approach pressure situations with a more relaxed attitude. The next time you encounter a stressful situation, be mindful of your reactions. As you relax, more choices open up to you, so you needn't react automatically in negative, habitual ways.
Dealing with body stress often simply means dealing with the evident symptoms that are seen in the body. For example, when you see rapid, shallow chest breathing, you can counter that with the practice of more relaxed breathing technique. Or when you notice tense muscles in various parts of the body, you can practice systematically relaxing the muscles by consciously loosening the muscles that seem to be tense.

Avoid common stress-inducing substances. Watch your diet. Eat regularly and healthy. It is advisable to eat less, more often.

Exercise regularly It cannot be stated emphatically enough that exercise is an important way to reduce stress levels. Both physically and mentally, exercise can function to alleviate distress, and help lessen a person's susceptibility to stressors

Practice stretching and/or yoga Both of these activities provide a physical means for counterbalancing the physical stresses you are experiencing.

Most important of all, have a positive outlook in life.

Hope that these tips will help you to overcome stress especially for those people who are working in night shift. Just follow these recommended steps and surely, you'll overcome stress and you will also have a healthy lifestyle.

For The Month Of March...

2009-03-04T18:27:00.000-08:00

Since it's the new month, aside from the things that I experience everyday, I'm gonna add another twist to this blog site... Hmmm... What could that be... for this month, it would be a month of tips, tips and more tips... Tips on all things under the sun. So, if you have suggestions or something that you would like me to feature, just let me know and shoot me an email to kirk082001@yahoo.com or colin143@gmail.com... Let's enjoy this month and move forward!!!

What A Feeling!!!

2009-03-04T17:58:00.000-08:00

You know what... honestly, I'm so happy that I'm able to talk now to the person that I admire. At start, I was attracted to him because he has the looks. I met him in my work. Let's just not tell his name (it's a secret although he knows it!!!). I admire him not only because he has the looks but he is very kind. He's not like other men who would take advantage of you since they know that you admire them. He has no vices (he does not drink liquor or take cigarettes) at all, in short, he's a good boy. I become worried when my teammates are already started teasing and pairing us, of course, I can't deny it because it's true. Sometimes, I just ride them and act things just to get his attention. I always feel that when I do such act, it would make him feel awkward. I always check if he is angry or not. However, that is not the case, we became even closer. Now, I can even throw jokes at him without bothering that he will get angry. I really love this feeling!!! Hope this never ends!!!