Image from: watchingamericanidol.com
Feel the music and dance with me to the rhythm of life...
Image from: watchingamericanidol.com
When Matt got eliminated, I realized how hard it was for me to choose among the contestants left. The remaining guys had different niches and were awesome in their own ways. Although, I knew that Allison has already made her name & proven her worth in the competition, I was never her fan so the voters' decision of letting her go was not too frustrating & surprising for me. It was Gokey, Allen & Lambert after all. I was not sure of who to root for among them until that night of the Top 3.
After Kris Allen's version of Kanye West's "Heartless", I was immediately sold. And I'm betting that that single performance of his, turned tables around. You just have to love that rendition. Randy Jackson even commented that his version was even better than the original one. I wonder how Kanye reacted to that statement. haha Well, Kris Allen's vocals are great. He looks like the boy-next-door-you-wanna-marry-type kind of guy. I love his acoustic rock style. And although some of his renditions are kind of laid back for a big crowd, he never failed to connect himself in the audience whenever he sings. That's why, I was not surprised when Ryan Seacrest called his name as the first person to land on Top 2. I just knew he deserved it.
It was sad that Danny Gokey had to leave. In the beginning of the season, it was predicted that he and Adam will be the two people reaching the finals. Well, this is also a popularity contest anyway, so that just goes to show that Danny had the least fans among the three(Kris, Danny & Adam). I know he'll still go a long way, anyhow.
I've always thought that I would not be surprised if Adam gets the win this season. He's one of the most unique, current and talented contestants in the history of AI. He never fails to surprise the audience with his out of this world renditions and outfits. He's one heck of a performer as well who gives everyone a great show with his every performance. A standing ovation from Simon is just a classic example of how good he is.
Having said all of this, I am still rooting for Kris Allen all the way.
Fearless Prediction: (No biases included, ok?) Kris Allen will win.
Here are my objective reasons. (Uyyy, objective daw oh!) lol.
1. I think Allen's performance of 'Heartless' totally made an impact to the people. As I've said, he has turned tables around as by that song, he has made himself the "it-guy' right now. Case in point: David Cook's version of Always be my Baby. Adam Lambert has been incomparable and seemed to be unbeatable during the entire season until that Top 3 night. Allen's performance of 'Ain't no Sunshine' last night was also tagged to be one of the best performances in the season which even outshadowed Lambert's version of Mad World --the song which gave him a standing ovation.
2. Kris Allen is mainstream. His songs capture a wider set of audience. Adam Lambert, on the other hand, has his own niche, with him having a different set of audience - which I believe is smaller than mainstream.
3. With Danny having been eliminated last week, I think it would be more or less safe to assume that Danny's fans will root for Kris instead of Adam. Why? Well, because Danny and Kris's music genre are more similar than Danny and Adam's.
I don't know. I may be wrong. And I know there's only one way to find out. I can't wait to watch the Grand Finale later. I will be watching it at the very latest schedule it's going to be aired as I can't go home early today. For all I know, there might be a winner already at this very moment. So please, please, NO SPOILERS. =)
Congratulations D! Olive Juice! =D
Donna's grad party @ Something Fishy, Eastwood

I have always had this reverie of representing the country somewhere someday. I don't know how and when but I know in time, I will be able to fulfill that dream. Despite us Pinoys, being deluged in unbridled political assault and poverty, I have never hoped on being born in any another country. I've always been proud to be a Filipino and am still continuing to pray for hope for our countrymen. Yes, I admit that I often find myself disappointed whenever I watch the news and see our country suffer from the same problems again and again.I truly abhor the things I read about politicians arguing endlessly over nonsensical matters. Where does this really lead them, anyway? Their continous bickering and backstabbing does not, in any way,help the country prosper. They merely satisfy their own ulterior motives which make our economy and reputation even worse as though our current situation isn't enough for us to digest. I don't know anyone who will not agree with me when I'll say that Filipino politics is simply crap. If only all our leaders would stop corrupting our government funds and give the kind of service the people really deserve, I think we can still manage to recover. I know, I know my wish is nearly impossible, but still, there's hope, right? =)
I have often wondered of the time when I would be telling the whole world that I am Philippine's pride.I really admire those people who go out of their way representing the country with their heads held up high.Despite all the ridicule we get from demeaning countries (believe me, there are a lot!) ,I am glad that there are Filipinos out there to make Pilipinas proud and somehow manage to elevate our status. Let me tell share with you some of the people I admire most when it comes to giving pride in being a Filipino.
Lea Salonga
Let me show you a clip of an eighteen year old Lea telling the whold world in a foreign show how proud she is to be a Filipino and how she takes pride in representing the country.
Christine Gambito
Charice Pempengco
Marc Nelson and Rovilson Fernandez
Apl the Ap
"Ang hindi marunong lumingon sa pinanggalingan ay hindi makararating sa paroroonan." Apl the Ap (of the Black Eyed Peas), a true Pamapaguenyo at heart, knows the saying so well that he never fails to come back here in the Philippines as often as he can. His songs 'The Apl Song' and 'Bebot' are very visible proofs on how he still recognizes & is proud of his Filipino ancestry. *Clap, clap, clap*
Francis Magalona
I cannot believe I almost missed him on this list. (Thanks Ca for reminding!). Francis M is one of the people I truly admire when it comes to expressing love for the country. I know and am sure that his ferocious passion for nationalism, through his songs (and his blog & his shirts), will contiue to be an inspiration to me and to the rest of the country.
Here's my salute to the master rapper.
Manny Pacquiao
I really hope someday I would also be able to make the country proud of me. I'm not sure when exactly, but I know that it will come...at the right time. =)
We got to stay in Boracay Regency, where the accomodation, service and food were great! =)
We got henna tattoos in the afternoon then went Paraw Sailing right after. Good thing we were still able to catch the sunset. =)
Lagi kong itataas bandila ng Pilipinas
Saan mang sulok ng mundo iwagayway ko ito
Kahit saan, kahit kailan basta’t kung para sa bayan
Buhay ko’y ilalaan para sa lupa kong inilangan.
Pilipino, Pilipino, Pilipino ang lahi ko
Pilipino, Pilipino, Pilipino ang lahi ko
Sumigaw ang Pinoy (Hoy), ang lahat ng Pinoy
Ang lahi ng Pinoy sa mundo.
Lagi kong isisigaw mabuhay ang Pilipinas
Ang bayan na pinagmulan, kaya ako ay malakas
Dugong bayani ay taglay, ang syang nalalaytay
Sa nag-aalab kong kamay, pag sumuntok todo bigay.
Pilipino, Pilipino, Pilipino ang lahi ko
Pilipino, Pilipino, Pilipino ang lahi ko
Sumigaw ang Pinoy (Hoy), ang lahat ng Pinoy
Ang lahi ng Pinoy sa mundo.
Pilipino, Pilipino, Pilipino ang lahi ko
Pilipino, Pilipino, Pilipino ang lahi ko
Sumigaw ang Pinoy (Hoy), ang lahat ng Pinoy
Ang lahi ng Pinoy sa mundo.
Pilipino, Pilipino, Pilipino ang lahi ko
Pilipino, Pilipino, Pilipino ako.
I had never doubted that the People's Champ, Manny Pacquiao, could actually floor Hatton in the biggest fight of their careers..but I'm not so sure if I had underestimated Pacman or just overestimated Hatton, as the results still turned out to be quite a surprise for me. My prediction was for Hatton to have gotten knocked out not later than the 10th round...but boy,oh boy, was I wrong. I certainly did not see Pacman's triumph by the 2nd round coming. It was a fight clearly owned by the now ambidextrous boxer as he scored his 1st knock down from his thundering right(which he has brilliantly developed through the help of his coach, FR) against his defending title-holder opponent in Round 1.
When 2nd round came, Hatton stood up to redeem himself and get back at Pacquiao. At the start of the round, Hitman was big on the offensive -- so hot to return the knock down he got from Pacman. We all know how loud the Brit sports enthusiasts can cheer and Hatton's supporters, who flew all the way from their hometown, were no exception. The audience was totally rambuctious, and for that moment in time, I really thought Hatton would already have regained his energy and strength as it was already nearing the end of the round and a knock down was not yet again seen. However, Hatton's agressiveness was put to staggering halt as Pacman threw a perfectly calculated left hook which squarely landed on Hatton's unguarded jaw. The next thing we knew, the Hitman was lying flatly on the ring canvas, sealing his defeat.
Our tickets =)