K-Drama What?!

I’m sorry if I seem to lack the propensity to watch telenovelas. I find watching them a waste of my time as:1.) they are too melodramatic for my taste, and  2.) the pacing and development of storylines are too slow.  I’d like to add “bad acting and bad script”, but I don’t want to be labeled as a Pinoy Teleserye snob.

I do watch US TV series though, but K-Drama? No way.  

On the other hand, two of my daughters are fans of anything K-Pop and K-Drama. Through them I became familiar with G Dragon, the variety show Running Man and "unlimited"samgyupsal. They even went on a trip to Seoul probably to have a more intimate “feel” of the country of their favorite Korean stars.  My two daughters are no longer in their highly impressionable years. They are sensible, practical young adult professionals, thus their fascination to anything K was something new and strange for me (and to the rest of the household).

K-Pop is not an unfamiliar territory for me though. I kind of grooved to the catchy beat of Gangnam Style and the one-syllable and two-syllable titles of Momoland songs, which are staples to my 2-year old granddaughter.  

I have not watched any K-Drama, until October 2018. My girlfriends and I were somewhere down south, billeted in a hotel with  limited TV cable connection. I am a late sleeper, ending each night streaming my favorite US TV series, or movies.  Ear-plugged and eyes-glued to my iGadget, I can hear and see my two girlfriends giggling while watching an episode of a K-Drama series. I briefly glanced at the flat screen and took in what they were watching - a nice-looking-hunk-of-a-man Korean CEO squeezing himself into a girl’s bed who I later learned, was his secretary. I saw the humor and wit of that particular scene. Though it was technically a bed scene, there was no malice or innuendos perceived.

Caving in to K-Drama wasn’t instantaneous; but prior to my watching that particular K-Drama scene, my indoctrination to anything Korean through my daughters, Psy, BoomBoom, Baam, and samgyupsal has been going on for quite some time, without me knowing about it. 

What’s Wrong with Secretary Kim is the title of K-Drama that piqued my interest. On February 1, 2018,  I clicked on Episode 1 link in Netflix. After a day or so of binging, I was hooked! I loved the series! I had to tell someone who is into K-Drama all about my "discovery".

Who to tell? ❓❓❓

A very good friend of mine is worst than my daughters with regards to watching K-Drama series. She spends every spare time (and sometimes absents herself from work) just to watch her series. She never goes anywhere without her tablet-full-of-downloaded-K-Drama series.

So, I told her about my growing interest to K-Dramas. The news excited her and recommended that I watch Encounter. I asked her if the male lead is Park Seo-joon. No, she said, but it’s another Park… Park Bo Gum. My daughter’s friend joined in the conversation and recommended that I watch Love in the Moonlight too.  

After three days, I finished the two Park Bo Gum series.

My fascination for K-Drama and admiration (read: enthrallment, attraction) to Park Bo Gum have been sealed.

MMDA's Bus Segregation: Please Do Not Litter

Commuters from Cavite are experiencing difficulty upon the implementation of provincial bus ban. No provincial buses are allowed to traverse the roads of Metro Manila except those that have terminals in Manila. This scheme was implemented to decongest the streets of Manila to prevent traffic and its related pollution. So, commuters coming from Cavite (and part of Batangas) are to get off at the newly constructed bus depot at Coastal Mall, which is located at the corner of Coastal Road and Airport Road. The thing is, the scheme was not well-thought off. Chaos ensued on the first week of implementation as commuters and even bus drivers have no idea where to go. There were a few MMDA people giving out print flyers and everyone scrambled to get a copy in the hopes of reading instructions and information on the new bus scheme/segregation.  Here's what's written on the piece of flyer: Please do not litter.

Michael Jackson's Billie Jean

Michael Jackson's death brought on tributes from his millions of fans from around the world. Excerpts of his life, his music, his eccentricities, his childhood, and what-have-you is being shown on television non-stop. I've been glued to the television the whole day yesterday looking and searching for anything "Michael Jackson". I even received an email from Unang Hirit asking if I have any MJ memorabilia. I have a couple of tickets from the HIStory Concert he did here in 1996 but I don't think that counted. My family is a big fan of Michael Jackson, even little Ethan. When daughter #4 got home the other night, she was teary-eyed as she said "But Michael Jackson is immortal. He cannot die!" Michael Jackson will indeed be immortalized as his music will forever remind us of his genius. One of my favorites is Billie Jean. Enjoy. Moonwalk if you please.

Michael Jackson is Dead!

At 6:30 A.M. I was waken up by the beep of my mobile phone. Since three of my kids were not at home, I immediately grabbed my cellphone to see who sent me an SMS message. It was from daughter #1, the doctor who was on duty at a hospital. The message read: "patay na si Michael Jackson" (Michael Jackson is dead). I shook my head, rubbed my eyes, and read again the text message. This can't be right! Michael is not even sick and is even preparing for a big comeback concert this July! I got out of bed, turned on the computer and searched for the related news. Indeed, Michael Jackson, the king of pop, the icon of my time, the alleged child molester, the often ridiculed persona by some, the little of boy at heart, the inventor of the moon-walk, the total performer, the only singer that I really, really adore, is dead.

He reportedly was in a coma when rushed to a hospital and suffered a cardiac arrest en route. Born on August 29, 1958, Michael died on June 25 2009, two months short of his 51st birthday. I am truly saddened by his death. It's like losing a friend. My mp3 is filled with his songs as I've been a fan of the Jackson 5 since the early 70s. Christmas will not be the same without hearing his song "Give Love on Christmas Day". His songs "Thriller" and Billy Jean" are part of my "jogging music"....Michael Jackson is dead! I cannot believe it. We almost touched hands when I watched his concert in Manila in 1996. Wait. I need time to digest and assimilate the fact that greatest total performer of all time is dead.

Transformers: The Revenge of the Fallen

I have been feeling out of sorts for the past few days. There are problems and there are problems. There are one or two opps in the offing but I am just not up to it, yet. I had a good bawl yesterday after reading the comment made by my online buddy Splice about my Fathers Day post.

Classes were suspended yesterday by the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services (PAGASA) which normally meant it was a good day to go out gallivanting. The typhoon signal 2 did not manifest yesterday so PAGASA predicted that it would arrive today with all its 55mph sustained winds and rain, today... peksman!!(rough translation is "cross my heart!")

So, since yesterday was a "school" holiday and because my daughters felt I needed some cheering up, daughter #1 got us some special screening tickets for the movie Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen. I liked Transformers 1 but through experience, sequels usually suck. Anyway, the tickets were all paid for so daughters 1, 2, 3 Ethan and I went to see the movie.

It. Was. Awesome! Borrowing Ethna's articulate description - the movie was "wooooo!" It totally rocks! I loved it! I even clapped my hands and was on the verge of standing up to shout Encore! at the movie's end when I remembered I was watching a movie and not some stage musical or play. For a moment, I forgot my ails and woes and was immersed on Sam Witwicky's (Shia LaBeouf) predicament. Megan Fox was indeed a "fox" what with her perpetually botoxed pout and uber sexiness.

For the most part, the movie was all crashing metals, ripping steels, transforming and mutating vehicles, and loud thumping of metals crashing into metals. There was a plot/story line somewhere but most of the dialogues during the fight sequences (which was actually almost all the time) were inaudible. Who cares! I was so enthralled and amazed by the technology used in the movie I didn't care if I didn't get all the dialogue exchanges. I was about to drool for Shia but thought he was too young so I drooled for Josh Duhamel instead. The twin transformers and John Turturro were the comedic reliefs in the movie.

I left the movie feeling quite light-hearted. I enjoyed the movie for really, I am still a "young boy" at heart.

Lea Salonga and the Pacman in Metro Magazine

I used to subscribe to a lot of magazines before but subscription rates now ran into thousands of precious money that I stopped. What I do now is just buy magazines on occasions. At the checkout counter at the grocery the other day, I saw a magazine that captivated me. The cover was Lea Salonga and I just can't stop wondering who did her make-up for it was pretty fantastic - natural looking but her features were emphasized. I bough the magazine hoping that the make-up artist would be mentioned in the article pertaining to her.

I was skimming through the pages when another the picture almost gave me cardiac arrest. I thought I must be mistaken but no I was not! The Gap-boy-model-look is none other than Manny Pacquiao. He is in the list top 20 Global Pinoys and holds the 57th place in the top 100 Celebrities world wide. Forbes reports that the Pacman is $40 M rich which roughly translates to 2,000,000,000 precious Philippine pesos. Is that right, nine zeros to make a billion? Go Manny! And please don't ever-ever-ever run for a public office. Be glad to you are a world class boxer with an honorary doctorate degree and a wonderful family. In the meantime please pay for Aling Dionisia's ballroom dancing lessons and get her a personal stylist. To Jinkee... naka-jackpot ka!

Grandma's Axilla Plus

This picture was sent by a friend. At yesterday's Wowowee Show, the host, Willie Revillame was looking for the Rexona girl for the day. The Rexona girl -Rexona being a deodorant- should obviously possess the less blemished armpit. There were various contestants - women of varied ages. When Willie asked the contestants to show their blemish-free armpits, lola (grandma, old woman) did! This was on live national television.

The incident sort of made me feel sad, for lola. In her want to win some cash prize, she forgot - or did she? - that she was braless!  Even if she was wearing one, raising her blouse to show her armpit would have  make her look like an old-saggy-bold-starlet-desperately in need of money! I am a lola !! Will I regress and be like that one day? Heaven forbid! - I will need a bust-lift!

On Kobe and Jackass

I am a Michael Jordan fan. So be it!
But when I saw this video,
I can't help but admire Kobe Bryant and
laugh at those crazy Jackass crew.
Indeed. Kobe flies!

David Cook is the New American Idol

DAVID COOK is the new American Idol. I just knew he will bag the title. Simon practically declared David Archuleta as the winner on last night's three-song showdown of the two Davids. Was that a reverse psychology ploy of Simon? I was just wondering because earlier yesterday, Cowell told the American public who were watching the Ellen DeGeneres show, that Cook will win.

I feel real bad for Archuleta. I think he was sort of expecting to win the title after Simon Cowell's spill last night. Anyway, David A. has all the time to reach peak for he's only 17! David Cook deserved the win. It has been a while since we last saw a real relevant-talented-innovative male singer rise from American Idol. David Cook is the answer.

Ellen : Happy Bride, errr Groom?

The California Supreme Court took a complete turn-about and has ruled equal opportunities to members of the third sex. Simply put, the ban on gay marriages is now lifted in the state of California. The judges believe that all residents of the great state should be treated equally, legally, getting married included.

In line with this, Ellen DeGeneres, 50, has announced on her May 16 show that she and partner Portia de Rossi, 35, will tie the knot in June this year. According to sources ‘Portia demanded that Ellen marry her.’ and this was right after the Oscars. There's talk that Ellen and Portia are really into a big-grand-wedding.

What can I say? I like Ellen. She is simple, down to earth and funny. I like Portia for she is pretty and is quite a talented actress. But something is not right. Last I read and heard, God created Eve for Adam and not for Agnes.

Jason Castro: Finally

Last night's theme was Rock 'N Roll. Rock and Roll started in the early 50's the indeed the song choices were vast and varied. David Cook's first song was a 1982 Duran Duran song Hungry like the Wolf. His second choice was a classic 1970's song Baba O'Riley. Syesha did Proud Mary to which Simon commented that it was a cheap imitation of Tina Turner. Randy did not like Syesha's rendition of A Change is Gonna Come and she cried.Clever girl. She got sympathy votes for the raw display of emotion.

David Archueta's winning songs were Stand by Me and Love Me Tender. The two songs were caressed to perfection. Dear old Simon said that David crushed the competition.

So, finally, we say goodbye to Jason Castro. He sang I Shoot the Sheriff ala Bob Marley but, really, far from it. His second song was Mr. Tambourine Man, a classic by Bob Dylan, in which, during the first few bars, Jason forgot the lyrics. Simon bluntly told Jason to "please pack your bags". He did!

Bye Jason. I will not miss your singing but I will definitely miss your smiley-face.

Sex and the City

Girlfriends! Mommies! Set May 30,2008 your day-off. If you have small babies and kids, book someone to babysit on this day! Carrie Bradshaw is coming to town!

Sex and the City fans were left wondering if Carrie and Mr. Big will eventually tie the knot when the series ended in 2004. I guess Sex and the City THE MOVIE will conclude according to what most fans want: Carrie marrying Mr. Big. But as I scrutinize the movie poster, doesn't Carrie looked worried?

In episode 94, we finally learned Mr. Big's name; John. The closing scene of the last episode showed Carrie on the phone talking to Mr. Big. Mr. Big was actually telling Carrie that his Napa property is finally sold and hinted that he'll be moving back to New York.

The last episode showed Miranda happily married with Steve. Charlotte and husband Harry were about to adopt an Asian baby.Samantha in remission from her breast cancer was still in love with Smith. How ironic that in real life, Miranda, or rather Cynthia Nixon is the one in remission.

Anyway, I can't wait for May 30! I am so excited and so are my girls. My son will probably stay home and watch over Ethan. Oh, did I mention that Ethan and daughters 1,3, and 4 watched Iron Man again? Pathetic!

Indiana Jones

My favorite larger-than-life movie character is Indiana Jones. When I watched Raiders of the Lost Ark way back in 1981, I was hooked. Harrison Ford's shining star as Han Solo shone even more brighter as Dr. Henry Indiana Walton Jones Jr. Indie was an archeologist/adventurer. Set in the 1930's the Indiana Jones movie series were all great hits.

There were three Indie films. The first was Raiders of the Lost Ark where the US government commissioned Indiana Jones to find the Ark of the Covenant before the Nazis do. The second was Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom. The third was The Last Crusade where Sean Connery played the part of his father while River Phoenix played the young Indie. The third film was released May 1989.

After 19 years, the fourth installment of the Indie film will have its worldwide premiere on May 22, 2008. I am so excited. His leading lady in the first film will once again be paired with Harrison. Karen Allen will play the part of Shia LaBeouf's mother. Umm.. could Shia LaBeouf be Jones's son? Let's just wait and see: Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull.

I don't care if Harrison Ford is 65! Grandpa still rocks!

Robert Downey Jr. is Hot Iron Man

Iron Man rocks! I have always liked Robert Downey Jr. He is one of today's best romantic-comedy actors. I so adored him as Larry Paul, the lawyer boyfriend of Ally in the defunct Ally McBeal show. For the longest time, Robert was a self-confessed drug dependent. He lost so many leading roles in the offing because of his addiction.

When I heard that Downey Jr. was playing the role of Tony Stark aka Iron Man, I was not impressed. I cannot imagine him playing the role of a Marvel super hero. He is just too glam for an action hero role. Think: Brad Pitt as the Hulk. Ewww... With great uncertainty, my kids, Ethan and I went to see the movie.


Surprise! Surprise! Robert did justice to the role. He was not the cutesy-cuddly Robert of old but a mature, highly buffed, toned muscle, withasenseofhumor-sexy Iron Man. He fitted the role to a big capital T! His body looked so toned and lithe, I felt like drooling. The scene that impressed me most was when numerous robotic hands were putting on his gear! Kewl!, Ethan said.

I liked the movie. Why? Because I was not expecting the movie to be of consequence yet it delivered. I was actually expecting Robert Downey Jr. liken to a square peg in a round hole. However: I was mesmerized! Captivated! Iron Man 2?

Oprah Church Exposed ?

I bet you have heard or watched in YouTube the Oprah Church. It is not actually a physical church where believers congregate to worship, rather the beliefs that Oprah, with the help of Eckhart, are propagating.

I read that these are the core beliefs.

1. Who you are requires no belief.
2. Heaven is not a location but refers to the inner realm of consciousness.
3. The man on the cross is an archetypal image. He is everyman and every woman.

The teachings are:

1. My mind is part of God's. I am very holy.
2. My holiness is my salvation.
3. My salvation comes from me.
4. Let me remember that there is no sin.
5. Do not make the pathetic error of clinging to the "old rugged cross".
6. The only message of the crucifixion is that you can overcome the cross.

Wow! Years ago, Oprah even denied that Jesus is the only way. She said that there are millions of ways to God. She said that at age 27, while, attending a Baptist Church Sunday service, she was jolted into another realm of doubt and belief when the pastor said that God is a jealous god.

At age 27, Oprah was not Oprah as she is now. She had no money nor fame. Is it possible that she made a deal with the dark force? Something like: Make me famous and rich and I will dedicate the rest of my life bringing about the fall of your arch enemy, Jesus! Ummm... not!

I have not been watching Oprah though.

The Sound of Music

I could not believe it! One of my favorite movies is being shown at Star Movies. Of course I have watched this movies countless times before but I just can't help it. Every time I hear the orchestra build up to the strains of Maria singing the hills are alive to the sound of music............I am hooked!

The Sound of Music was released on March 29, 1965. I was 8 years and 18 days old then. Julie Andrews was 30 years old and Captain Von Trapp aka Chrisropher Plummer was 36. I was such a fan. I knew and still do know all the songs of the Musical.

My favorite songs are, wait, all! My favorite parts are when the seven kids were entertaining the baroness by singing then the ever regal Captain heard the singing and joined in. I used to imagine myself singing solo then suddenly my papa would be so moved by my singing he can't help but join me. Yeah! I watched too much Tagalog movies when I was a kid.

My favorite dance part was the one in the gazebo with Liesl and Rolfe were dancing to the tune of Sixteen going on Seventeen. Oh how I so wanted to be 16 then, more so now.

Do you know that the Sound of Music is actually based in the true story of Maria Von Trapp? There is actually a Trapp Family Singers then and now. The descendants of Maria and Georg von Trapp are actually alive and well in Vermont.

Raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens.....

Malubay Out!

Ramiele Malubay is out of the running in American Idol 7.
Did she deserve to be voted out?

Edu Manzano's Papaya Song

Remember the Macarena dance craze from the Philippines that hit the US in the mid 1990's? Well, there is a new dance craze that is reaching great popularity in the old US of A today. The very catchy song with it's overly simple dance steps was even featured in Good Morning America where the hosts tried the dance.

What? You have no idea what I'm talking about? You mean you have not heard of Edu Manzano's Papaya Song? Well, it's not actually Edu's song but he made it popular on his Game Ka Na Ba game show. Who sang the papaya song? I don't know. When was this song first released? Late 70's or early 80's? Do you know the lyrics? Duh? Toorooroorooroot, Tiiriiriiriiriit, Toorooroorooroot, too-roo-root-too-root.........

I have always liked Edu Manzano. Move over Lucky. Your dad's here to stay.

Jennifer Lopez's Extravaganza

Late last year, Jennifer Lopez's pregnancy was kept a secret because, according to JLo, Marc and her were touring and didn't want the pregnancy news to put a dent (good or bad) on the tour. On November 2007, JLo, finally admitted her very obvious state of gestation. JLo's father announced weeks later that the couple were expecting twins.

So, talks abound as to whether the "twins" were a product of a scientific tweak ( in vitro). Not so, said Jenny from the Bronx. She said twin births run in both hers and Marc's sides of the family, which we will never know since we will never, ever meet their sides of the family. The twins were born on February 22, 2008 at a New York hospital where JLo reportedly rented all 40 rooms on the floor for her use and her staff's. Rooms were at $5,000 per day. Geez! That's more than 8 M in Philippine pesos for a day's rent.

According to article I read, JLo's twins are name Max and Emme. This really confuses me because knowing that both Jennifer and Marc have Latin roots, I was thinking they would chose names along the genre of Antonio and Carmencita. But Max and Emme?: sounds pretty British too me.

The twins have a masseuse that comes twice a week. They also have a color therapist who chose the twin's bedroom color coordinates that have intelligence-boosting properties (HUH?!). Take note that the wins are now proud owners of two Shetland ponies and diamond-encrusted rattles. Have I mentioned the Dolce & Gabbana baby wraps and booties at $158 per pair?

It is reported that the twin's guests have to done masks and sterilize themselves before coming close to the babies. Does this mean that during the 8-hour photo shoot for People's magazine everyone involved was sterilized ?... including the cameras?

photo courtesy of People Magazine

American Idol

Top 10 of American Idol 7

photo courtesy of americanidol.com

Chikezie is out of the running in Amercian Idol. His voice actually has timbre but, the public vote out of popularity not out of talent. Amanda Ovemyer has a compelling rock-aura but she overdid it. The public just had too much rock for Amanda. Tama na! Ibahin mo naman!

I believe in the talents of Carly Smithson, Michael Johns, David Atchuleta and David Cook. David Cook is the leading contender for me. He has maturity, innovation and confidence. David Atchuleta is alright but he is so young and naive. Carly has the voice but her really big-colorful tattoes overwhelm me. Micheal Johns oozes with raw sensuality: however his voice range is limited.

What about Jason Castro? He definitely does not have a great singing voice. His performances are all so mediocre; but he is so angelic-looking he could actually get away with his averageness. Brooke White and Kristy Lee Cook need to exude star quality. These two just don't get it.

I am not keen on Ramiele Malubay. She looks like an anime in her get-up and make-up. She sings flat and Simon actually hit the spot when he said the Ramiele sounds like Chikezie on a harmonica. Ramiele will be one of the last to be dropped out of the contest. She has the vote of the Pinoy communities in the great US of A.

Simon Cowell once said the if AI seizes to be a popularity contest, then we could have expected different winners from the previous AIs. If I were in the USA. I would have voted for those who deserve my vote.