Goodbye FrancisM!

My Philippine Idol

It’s been a year since I posted here in this blog. As much as I hate it, it seems that I only post when people who I admire die. Let’s hope I could change this soon.

Anyway, this post is also in my Multiply site.

When Jan Nieto, who was my officemate, was a contestant in Philippine Idol, we were in SM Megamall almost every weekend to cheer for him. However, aside from supporting Jan, my family also looked forward to seeing Francis M who was one of the judges of the show.

You see, my family is a die-hard Eat Bulaga family and being one of the Dabarkads, we really loved Francis M. Actually, among the 3 judges, it is only with Francis that we had our picture taken even if it was with just a camera phone.

Personally, as my jologs Friendster profile says, my two favorite movies are Bagets 2 and Ninja Kids. I’ve been watching those 2 movies since I was 7 until I have burned our betamax. Of course it did not end there because I bought the VCDs when they were released. Guess who is on both movies? Yes, FrancisM (together with Bistek and Monching). Until now, I try to be as cool as Ponce and want a Momo steering wheel. If you don’t get it, then review your Bagets 2 tape.

When he became the Master Rapper, I admit I bought those peace necklaces (yes, I was Grade 4 then). Until now, one of my favorite songs is Kaleidescope World. I guess our Kaleidescope World just lost one of its brightest color. But I’m sure, wherever he is now, he’ll be fine.

And as a true Francis M fan, it’s time to say, “SEAMLESS NA!!!!!”

Brad Renfro snubbed at the Oscars

Well, this will be short.  I just want to point out that it’s a shame that Brad Renfro was left out in the In Memoriam segment of the Oscars this year.

Every year, the In Memoriam is one of the segments that I wait for (no, I’m not morbid) just because I want to remember the artists who have contributed to the entertainment industry (being the show biz junkie that I am).

Of course, this year I really waited for that segment because I wanted to see if they will include Heath Ledger.  (see my previous article about Heath here).

Well, when Hilary Swank introduced the segment and said that some of those who we will remember left too early, I knew that Heath would be there along with Brad Renfro since he died exactly 1 week before Heath.  Although, he died by OD-ing with heroin  (something I don’t approve of), I believed in him as an actor.

His first movie, The Client, was the 2nd John Grisham book I’ve read.  Its film adaptation is  my most watched John Grisham film.  Actually, I loved it because they stayed true to the book unlike The Firm so I don’t get tired watching it.  It also helps that Brad was such a cute kid back then.  I think every one had a crush on him and he was a regular cover of BOP (hee!).  He was brilliant as Mark Sway and he was able to match the acting of Susan Sarandon and Tommy Lee Jones (both Oscar regulars) in spite of it being his first movie.

He made me cry in The Cure and made me stay with Apt Pupil (although I was bored).  Gosh, I even saw  Tom and Huck for him.   Sadly, his career went on a downward spiral after that.  I think it was last year when I saw his recent picture in PerezHilton and saw that he did not age gracefully.  He was only 24 then but he had a receding hairline already and he just looked plain awful.  I searched us.imdB that time and learned that he had some troubles with the law and was battling heroin addiction. Well as they say, once you go to heroin, there’s no turning back.

Even with the tragic way he died, I thought he would be there since I remember River Phoenix (another favorite of mine) was mentioned even if he died by inducing a lethal combination of cocaine and heroin in front of Johnny Depp’s Viper Club.

I tried researching why  he was not mentioned.  I am not sure about who gets remembered or not but still it’s a shame.  The logical reason is probably because he was not an Academy member.  Cynics would say it’s because of how he died but then again, maybe the In Memoriam editor just plainly forgot about him.   Now, that is SAD.

P.S.

It seems that I don’t know how to write short.

10 Things I Love about Heath Ledger

The world woke up today with the shocking and tragic news of Heath Ledger’s passing at 28 years old. Another case of a young Hollywood star leaving us just when he is at the cusp of stardom. (Yeah, I know he is an A-lister already but I mean the Brad Pitt kind of A plus-list).

The fact that he died on my husband’s birthday just makes it more memorable to me.

I know that I haven’t been posting this week because of my hectic workload. Also, as I’ve said before, I’m still trying to organize my entertainment blog so I am avoiding posting anything showbiz related entries here but I just had to break my silence.

I will not dwell anymore in the negative rumors surrounding his death like illegal drugs and overdosing on pills while with pneumonia since nothing is final yet pending his autopsy. Also, let’s just give him his peace. What’s important is we know that if he did indeed died of substance abuse, we learn from his mistake and will not do the same.

As I was trying to compose my thoughts about Heath, what better way to do it than posting my own list of 10 things I Love about Heath in honor of his first big Hollywood movie (and the movie that introduced him to me).

In random now,

65th Golden Globes Awards

Due to the Writer Union’s strike, the 65th Golden Globes Award Show was canceled. The Actor’s guild already said that they will not allow members to attend the ceremony in support of the Writers. Of course, would anyone watch a bunch of reporters (The Golden Globes are from an international group of entertainment reporters) hand awards to whoever had the guts to cross the picket line?

However, apparently, they still announced the list of winners. Personally, I don’t think it would have made such a difference if there was a show or not. Just look at the list below and save for a handful, I am not familiar or excited about them. Sorry to the fans of the other winners but I think Johnny Depp would have been only high point in the show.

Oh and of course, would anyone miss this year’s Miss Golden Globe, Rumer “Potatohead” Willis?. I certainly won’t.

For complete list of winners, click more

Rain will not sing in the Beijing Olympics

Last week, I read in the news that my Korean husband, Rain (Bi), was offered by the Olympics Organizers to sing the official in the 2008 Beijing Olympics.

Of course, as a fan of Rain, I was happy to hear that he was offered such as a prestigious opportunity. It would immensely boost his career as a world star if he would be able to showcase his talent in the Olympics especially that he has an upcoming international movie, Speed Racer, to be directed by the Wachowski brothers. The Wachowski brothers are the same people behind The Matrix series.

However, with this offer, a round of cyber debates between the Chinese and the Koreans ensued. This is of course because the Chinese were questioning the organizer’s choice of choosing a Korean in the Beijing Olympics when there are a number of good Chinese singers who can do the honors.

As much as I love Rain, I understand the appeal of the Chinese. The Olympics is their chance to showcase to the world what they have to offer and and it would be ironic if a foreigner would be doing one of the highlights of the show. Although we are all Asians, and Rain is arguably the most recognized Asian singer nowadays, it would still be more appropriate to see a Chinese singing in the Olympics.

That is why I am so proud of Rain’s decision to turn down the organizers because for him it makes more sense if a Chinese would be the Voice of the Olympics.

It is very hard to get this kind of opportunity but it is even harder to turn down such offer knowing the exposure that you can get. He is still planning to hold another event in the Olympics but not as the main voice of the 2008 Beijing Olympics.

I wish him good luck and I hope that this ends the cyber debates that are on going.

PBB2: Open Letter to ABS-CBN

With the recently concluded Pinoy Big Brother Celebrity Edition 2 as Ruben Gonzaga as the big winner, let me share an open letter written by my sister in her multiply blog. I share the same sentiment as her so here is her letter in full.

(Picture credit: Pinoy Big Brother 2 Official site)

” I am a part-time housewife if you may, living in Canada. My main form of entertainment is watching shows on the internet and reading blogs and forums.  It’s winter and there is nothing to do outside unless you want to catch a cold or flu.

You could say when Pinoy Big Brother Celebrity Edition 2 started, I subscribed to ABS CBN now and immediately got hooked.  Either I didn’t just have anything else better to do or I found the characters/housemates extremely fascinating, it did not matter.  What I liked was knowing these people and being able to “spy” on them 24/7 waiting for something exciting and getting to know how they would project their true selves.  I doubt anyone could pretend for that long, if you will be able to, I commend you for that is a feat in itself. For me, it was much like getting hooked on watching “Friends” when you feel you knew the characters even if you didn’t (I still love my Rachel and Joey).  PBBCE2… It was social experiment at its best.

Last night was the big night, the grand finale when they announced who the big winner was.  Fourth place went to Will, third place went to Gaby, second place was Riza, and big winner was Ruben.

Now I don’t even want to complain about how the livestream telecast is sometimes  mostly ABS-CBN’s logo (coincidentally happening when there are truly exciting things happening) or complain about the absolutely annoying housemates they stuck in (Jen that 26K girl and Yayo Aguila).  Or they way they Forced Evicted Jon but let Gaby unscathed when it was clearly her who first asked what should they do if they were asked to nominate and instigated that WHOLE conversation.  Or even why did they not stop the voting for Jon when they have decided he would be forced evicted?

I just want to know… has it all been fair thougout?  Was it really reality til the very end?  Did Ruben really win over Riza? And somebody please answer this…. Why are you pretending Mariel Rodriguez’s very disturbing, if I may say, “actions” still have gone unacknowledged? What has ABS CBN done to acknowledge Mariel cussing at Riza Santos.  And why are you guys protecting Mariel, a no-talent (No sing, no dance), no-brain (What is Reuters?), and no-manners girl ( I don’t even have to enumerate).  Is it because her brother in law is a Garcia? Is it because her manager is Boy Abunda? Or is it because ABS CBN is just waiting for things to blow over and pretend nothing happened.

As a viewer of 24/7, I know that the portrayal of the housemates through their primetime show is not the same as how they are 24/7. They edit to make people look bad, they edit to make people look good.  I know its TV, but let us not forget, it should be reality TV.  And we are watching 24/7, we know what really happened apart from those that they edit for TV.  Why offer 24/7 livestream when they manipulate viewers into thinking otherwise.

Why? Why? Why????  As a concerned consumer I think we all need the answers to these questions, don’t you think?“

Please feel free to circulate the letter and hopefully it reaches the right people.

Lee Dong Gun and Han Ji Hye split up

I just have to blog about my first Korean “boyfriend”.  Although people  know that my Korean “husband” is Rain (Bi),  it all started when I “met” Lee Dong Gun (LDG).

I started my Korean obsession when I watched Lovers in Paris and I was so smitten by the second lead, LDG.  While majority was rooting for the lead guy, Park Shin Yang (PSY), I was also rooting for PSY to get the lead female so I could have LDG.  I was so heartbroken for him when the female lead turned him down.

LDG is also the first Korean actor I have seen in person.  It was my first time “stalking” a celebrity  when we went to Dusit Hotel when we learned that he was checked in there.  At that time, there were already rumors that he was dating Han Ji Hye (HJH), his costar in Sweet 18.  Their Movie, My Boyfriend is Type B, is also the first K-movie that I ever downloaded.

I’ve always liked the chemistry of these two and was so happy for them when they finally revealed last year that they were dating in real life for more than 2 years already.  Like in Philippine showbiz, it is hard for Korean actors to admit if they are dating because some fans are extremely jealous of their idols.  But for this two,  it seems that fans have their blessing because they very well-liked.

But alas, some good things have to end.   It’s just so sad that the news that they broke up after 3 years came up just when the new year is rolling in.  I could just imagine him in all of his dramatic scenes in LIP cryng, or maybe not. It was said that because of their demanding schedule that realized that they have to part.  It’s also noteworthy that LDG might be drafted into the military this year.

Anyway, I wish the two good luck.  (Hehehe, as if they could read my blog…)

PBB CE2: Mariel Cussing Riza

One of the shows that I religiously follow (yeah, guilty pleasure) is the Second Edition of Pinoy Big Brother. Before the resident house pests (Ethel Booba and Mariel Rodriguez) went out, they had a bachelor’s party for Ruben, one of the housemates who got married while inside the house. After she had a few drinks, she approached co- house pest Ethel and started cussing one of the housemates, Riza for no apparent reason. Well, it’s because Ethel likes Will Devaughn, another housemate, but Will is closer to Riza.

All the while, Riza had no idea of what was going on. Background: Riza says that she is a virgin and has had no boyfriend since birth. She is very religious and wants to wait after marriage before having sex. Of course, some don’t believe this given that she has posed for the local FHM before she entered the big, yellow house.

I have been watching this show from the start and I know that the girls who stayed (the first 4 evictees were women so they had no chance to bond with the others) do not like Riza. Riza is closer to the guy housemates, 2 of whom also grew up abroad just like her. Personally, I think they don’t like her because they are insecure of her. Come on, she’s a former Ms. Canada who lives up to her title. She’s poised, prim and proper. If she’s faking it then I’ll give her a best actress trophy because they have been inside the house for more than 76 days and I have not seen her lose her composure yet.

Baron Geisler correctly read Mariel before. She’s the poster girl of a Tupperware Queen (read: plastic). She’s nice to you but badmouths you the moment you turn your back to her

See Video.

New Year 2008: Forecasting 101

As someone with a career in forecasting (the scientific kind), one thing that gets my attention every time the New Year rolls in is the avalanche of psychics of all kinds that are plastered all over the television this time of the year.

 

I assure you, watching them is like an episode of the Twilight Zone meets Ripley’s Believe It or Not.

 

Cases in point:

* By the way, although I am married to a half-Chinese, my family is not Chinese but as typical Filipinos, we have been influenced by the Chinese culture since they have been here long before the Spaniards came thus we try to follow some Chinese beliefs like feng shui.

 

<!–[if !supportLists]–>1. <!–[endif]–>Last Saturday, a Feng Shui expert (let’s call her Ms. West) advised that a water fountain in the southwest and money tree in south east brings luck. Oh well, since this was relatively easy to follow, on Sunday morning we moved our small fountain from the pocket garden of our house which is facing the northeast to our lanai which is facing the southwest. Yey, one lucky practice down! 1278+ more to go.

<!–[if !supportLists]–>2. <!–[endif]–>Well what do you know, on Sunday night another feng shui expert (let’s call her Ms. East) said that the fountain should be in the eastern part of the house. What the heck, do we move our fountain again? Then I remembered, we have this one covered since our main fountain is already in the southeast part of our house. Yey again!

(Side story: Our house is L-shaped and a feng shui expert advised us to put something in the nook (empty space in front of the short leg of the house) to balance the house since a house should have symmetry or balance. Anyway, the choices were either we put a pool, gazebo or a fountain. We decided to put a fountain since it was the cheapest and most sensible alternative.)

I wonder if they were consulting opposite calendars (or whatever they based their forecasting on.) I mean, can’t they agree on one direction so they would not confuse us? (I know, it’s our fault that we still listen to them but we can’t help it.)

<!–[if !supportLists]–>3. <!–[endif]–>Ms. West also said that it would be lucky to roll 7 mandarins (small oranges) from the door going inside the house and eat them the day after. Of course, Ms. East contradicted her by saying that it is unlucky to play with food. This I agree with. There are still several beliefs involving fruits as lucky charms and honestly, the only person who surely becomes lucky are the fruit vendors.

 

<!–[if !supportLists]–>4. <!–[endif]–>Ms. West also advised to throw coins and rice up into the air for luck but make sure to wash the coins first to wash away the bad luck. How I wish that all bad lucks could be easily washed away with a simple rinse of our lucky tap water.

<!–[if !supportLists]–>5. <!–[endif]–>Everyone’s favorite psychic, Madam Auring (with her bright yellow hair and red highlights), guested in Showbiz Central. To those who are not familiar with the show, they have a portion called “Don’t Lie to Me” where the celebrity guest strapped into a lie detector would answer the questions of host, John Lapuz, and if they are lying according to the lie detector, John would do his funny, nay, hilarious dance.

Personally, that’s the only portion of Showbiz Central that I try to catch just to see what kind of dance John would do.

In fairness to her, she got more truths than lies. Let’s wait and see if those truths would come true.

<!–[if !supportLists]–>6. <!–[endif]–>Chinese psychics who base their forecast on the Chinese Calendar. Technically it’s not yet the new year in the Chinese Calendar yet they dispense advises based on the Chinese practices. It’s makes me wanna scratch my head and go, “Eh?”

 

However, how contradicting they may all seem, all of these psychics would end their advise with, “If all else fails (lucky practices), nothing replaces hard-work and prayers.” I mean, even I KNOW that.