Ramiele Malubay: An American Idol Star Falls Out

The little frame that held such a big voice – Ramiele Malubay has been sadly eliminated from the competition American Idol. The Dolly Parton song, Do I Ever Cross Your Mind, failed to win her a safe spot that would have brought closer to her dream of becoming the first Asian-American Idol. More specifically, the first Filipina-American Idol in history.

Contests, I must say, are a gamble one must take. It does not matter that you have a singing voice in American Idol, what matters is that you are still left standing no matter what they throw at you. It’s a battery of tests, a roller coaster ride with many twists and turns, and a lottery game all in one.

It is just unfortunate to see how compassion can only be brought out in television through someone else’s loss. And she stood there, crying and sobbing, and there was really nothing Ryan Seacrest could say to sincerely offer her any consolation. All he could really do was soften the blow by giving her a squeeze in the shoulder as he tries to wrap up the show for an encore, saying they wouldn’t let Ramiele leave crying like that or to that effect. The poor guy had no idea what to do and that just left him cold. If someone had cued him what were the right things to say, he could have ended up saying more sincere words.

But as for Rachelle Malubay – your voice has a distinct character. You’ve shown the world you’ve got it, so flaunt it. My heart just goes out to her and frankly, it is a bit surprising to see her leave. I think it is just one of those times where Simon Cowell’s words had rung far and wide and had brought heavy influence of viewers’ votes.

It’s even quite ironic how she chose to sang that song and it still fails to reverberate throughout the American audience in a way that would and should have been positive for her. “Do I Ever Cross Your Mind?” has become as song that has been begging a question which has been ultimately answered.

America answered Ramiele and while it may not be the most pleasant response, the most important feedbacks are those from the ones who truly love you. And I personally think, while the calls here were not enough, while mails and postcard printing mailing of this news are sent out, and while this spreads online like wildfire all across the Pacific to the Philippines, I know we would still be seeing you around, for all its worth.

Ramiele Malubay: An American Idol Star Falls Out

The little frame that held such a big voice – Ramiele Malubay has been sadly eliminated from the competition American Idol. The Dolly Parton song, Do I Ever Cross Your Mind, failed to win her a safe spot that would have brought closer to her dream of becoming the first Asian-American Idol. More specifically, the first Filipina-American Idol in history.

Contests, I must say, are a gamble one must take. It does not matter that you have a singing voice in American Idol, what matters is that you are still left standing no matter what they throw at you. It’s a battery of tests, a roller coaster ride with many twists and turns, and a lottery game all in one.

It is just unfortunate to see how compassion can only be brought out in television through someone else’s loss. And she stood there, crying and sobbing, and there was really nothing Ryan Seacrest could say to sincerely offer her any consolation. All he could really do was soften the blow by giving her a squeeze in the shoulder as he tries to wrap up the show for an encore, saying they wouldn’t let Ramiele leave crying like that or to that effect. The poor guy had no idea what to do and that just left him cold. If someone had cued him what were the right things to say, he could have ended up saying more sincere words.

But as for Rachelle Malubay – your voice has a distinct character. You’ve shown the world you’ve got it, so flaunt it. My heart just goes out to her and frankly, it is a bit surprising to see her leave. I think it is just one of those times where Simon Cowell’s words had rung far and wide and had brought heavy influence of viewers’ votes.

It’s even quite ironic how she chose to sang that song and it still fails to reverberate throughout the American audience in a way that would and should have been positive for her. “Do I Ever Cross Your Mind?” has become as song that has been begging a question which has been ultimately answered.

America answered Ramiele and while it may not be the most pleasant response, the most important feedbacks are those from the ones who truly love you. And I personally think, while the calls here were not enough, while mails and postcard printing mailing of this news are sent out, and while this spreads online like wildfire all across the Pacific to the Philippines, I know we would still be seeing you around, for all its worth.

Desperately Seeking God in the Cyberspace

The Internet has become so powerful that you cannot just avail of online brochure printing services in it but do things that shouldn’t really be an online thing. People seem to like the idea of confessing their sins and sharing even their most intimate secrets through personal blogs.

And it doesn’t stop on blogs. Search the Web and you will be amazed at so many sites that people have been coming up with. There are sites wherein you can confess your sins. There are those that you can fill out a form to be able to email God. And I’m sure that it won’t stop at that.

The Catholic Church says that this will never be a replacement for the real thing. If we really want to be true to our religions, we must go to church personally and consult the priests for spiritual renewal.

But if you will find time to look at those confessions, some will really intrigue you and break your hearts. As human beings, we’re sometimes more comfortable writing our thoughts out than talking to a real person, like the priests in this instance.

I also like writing to God but that’s too personal that I will never post it online for everybody to read. Although people won’t really know who the real person behind the letter, I can’t afford to share such intimate thoughts to others who are just browsing through.

There may be different reasons why people are posting such ideas online. They may want other to learn from their mistakes. And in this busy world, some really just doesn’t have enough time to go personally to church.

With the popularity of sites that cater to such thoughts, we shouldn’t be surprised at what could people come up with next. But once in a while, we must remind ourselves that no matter how busy we are, life doesn’t end on the cyberspace. We must also have a life offline. The world is not only about the Internet.

These days when everything can be done online, we must also take a rest from our technology-filled lives. Life should not end when the PC has been turned off. There’s a bigger world outside the worldwide Web.

The Idols and the Dancing Stars, Still Dominating the Ratings Game

The latest TV rating that has been released by Nielsen Media Research proves one thing, America loves singing and dancing. But singing is still in the lead with “American Idol” dominating the game. It is closely followed by “Dancing with the Stars.”

I’m sure that when such concepts for TV shows first reach you, you were also doubtful that those would click. I was. Nobody knew then that sharp-British-tongued Simon Cowell would capture America’s hearts. I never thought Paula Abdul’s career will be revived by such genius.

And when the stars started dancing, I’m sure that you also promised that you will not watch such program. I did. Why would I care about such stars, some of whom I’ve never heard of until the advent of the TV program?

But America has spoken. They love the Idols and also like dancing with the stars. These shows have proven that dreams can be achieved by coming out talented and tough. Yes, you must be tough to stand through the harsh words of the judges. This seems to be the trend. People like it when they see other people being humiliated in front of millions.

Real gems emerge from such talent shows. Such shows aim to inspire young people to dream. And the phenomenon isn’t just in America. Even the Idol didn’t originate in the U.S. The craze is evident worldwide. Talent shows and reality TV aiming to discover talents from ordinary people and rediscover some from those who thought have already shunned from the light of the showbiz world are popular everywhere.

From being a nobody to being the subject of large format printing services, these shows that dominate the ratings game also dominate the hearts of couch potatoes like us. They are able to come up with big names and fulfill people’s dreams.

Now I no longer scrutinize before I watch a new TV program. I will not complain even if reality shows are being conceptualized for every profession. Name it, from models, to chefs, and even designers. I’m not saying that I am watching all those. Just like most of you, I’m sticking with the Idols and the stars who can dance.

Earth Hour

Hours, minutes and seconds before Earth Hour, I remember the documentary film An Inconvenient Truth where former US President candidate Al Gore talks about global warming and its impact to every aspect of human life as we know it. I remember him using the lift in order to indicate the high rising of carbon dioxide emissions, the heat level in the atmosphere, talking about the weather changes and how, through a pattern of time, we have managed to accelerate it.

I remember too National Geographic’s documentary titled 6 Degrees Could Change the World and how people from different countries, who had little to do with global warming, who had barely consumed energy or produced carbon dioxide emissions, are the one who are experiencing the brisk changes; and how they are placed on the very forefront of global warming’s ugly effects.

And so, while I remember all these things, while I recall Lisa Simpson on the lift (in Simpsons the Movie) in imitation of Al Gore, while pictures of melting ice and glaciers flood my mind, I began to think of other worse nightmares that might come to life just because we didn’t care about the diminishing polar ice caps or the polar bears that are being endangered of drowning.

Quite ironic, isn’t it?

And while it is still unsure whether this phenomena (if we dare call it that) is reversible, the best we can do right now is to educate ourselves little by little. And with that understanding, we can resort to lessening our carbon footprints, reducing our energy consumption, and conserving our environment in the very little ways we know how.

Earth Hour is just that – a small hour that can spell a difference.

It is a small hour that we could have used up surfing through various channels on the television instead of just talking to another person and having a real conversation. It is just another hour that we could have spent on playing video games when we could have had the chance to read a really good book and used our own imagination. So what’s in an hour really?

It is the hour we don’t spend in order save ourselves.

And so, the age-old adage proves itself – You save what you don’t spend. And it goes to apply itself even further in the things we buy but do not need.

We can go on about saving electricity by turning lights off, but what the products we buy that required electricity to produce? Maybe it is also about time we think of switching to certain things, changing old ways and habits, and think better about how we do our shopping.

Why not fluorescent lights? Why not range free chicken? Why not organic food? Why not digital printing? Why not recycled paper?

Why not?

Why not!

Can We Finally Hear Less About Heather Mills?

Finally, the speculations will now stop. It’s $50 million, folks. And Heather Mills says that she will no longer complain, she just wants it over.

This is where the line ends for Paul McCartney and Heather Mills’ oh-so-publicized divorce procedures. This girl really knows how to make the world spin around her, eh?

For years, by golly, all I can ever see on news are Heather Mills, Lindsay Lohan and Britney Spears. Oh well, with a little Paris and Nicole on the side. But among the three, Heather is the most surprising winner.

All Britney ever got was a reputation that she’s mentally ill. She lost custody of her sons as well as her career. She’s losing her touch on men as she is losing her sanity.

While Lindsay has become an alcoholic pretending that everything is okay. She walks the world ready to be photographed at her most drunken state. She had also lost her career. And if she’ll continue being what she is now, soon, she’ll also lose her sanity and her appeal to men. I don’t really know what matters more to these girls, sanity or men.

They should learn a thing or two from Heather Mills. From a dishwasher salesman to an ex-Beatle, this girl really knows how to climb up the ladder despite having only one real leg. Her first marriage with the salesman ended in 1991 after two years of being together.

She led a very controversial life after. Actually, her life was full of controversy all throughout. That is why the tabloids are really giving her a hard time to move on. She has been called a liar, a porn star, even a shoplifter, a hooker and most pertinently, a gold digger.

She may have such a rough road before. But now, she should be able to start anew. Actually, girl, you should just stop the press by not being seen and heard. Don’t ask the public’s sympathy over how the money you got from the divorce with McCartney could not cover your daughter’s flight expenditures for holiday travels, ideally five times a year, of course, on first class trips.

You should just stop the drama and learn to live a peaceful life. Don’t push your luck or you might also end up like Brit or Lindsay who have been favorite topics of the press and digital printing media for the uncanny situations they get themselves into.

A More Memorable Women’s Month

March is Women’s Month. It is the month for celebrations, for promoting women’s rights, for campaigning women advocacies and women’s causes, and in the be all and end all – women’s power.

March, unfortunately, is also the time when one woman’s power failed.

A close friend of mine had succumbed to breast cancer. The disease has defeated her in the ripe age of 56. Today is her burial and I can’t take leave to see her one last time. I can’t catch a glimpse of her salt and pepper hair or her small frame.

I’ve been imagining her lying down, sleeping in her coffin but it’s too morose and so I think of her face when we were still together, spiritedly laughing. I think of her and I hear her voice, her advice and soft pats. I think of her and I remember her stories. I think of her and I grow afraid that I might forget. I think of her and I grow weak that what I know isn’t enough to sustain a memory of her.

I tried making a eulogy for her, listing down the little details I know of her, of her life, of what she shared with me. And I think that this is the only chance I will get to do so, so here goes.

“ I can probably count the things I know about you with both my fingers and toes.

1.    I know that we both started teaching in 2000 and handled the same subject before, College Writing.
2.    I know that you were born the Year of the Dragon.
3.    I know that you love coffee. You loved it so much you roast and grind them yourself. And that you don’t like putting sugar in your coffee. The least you can add is a shot of syrup.
4.    I know that you were a licensed CPA.
5.    I know that have a Labrador retriever that you love so much, it lies with you in your bed. It even uses the same comfort room as you.
6.    I know you can’t have chocolates. The time you tried one, you had a migraine so bad.
7.    I know you suffer from asthma, but you still rarely miss your classes.
8.    I know that you have a great talent for baking. You made me a batch of Food for the Gods on my birthday.
9.    I know how you kept your father’s calligraphy set when he died, even though it was forbidden.
10.    I know how you used to have your brother do your Chinese calligraphy homework because you had ugly handwriting.
11.    I know, of course, that you went to St. Jude School.
12.    I know that you went to Europe and visited Italy among other places.
13.    I know that you have an Opus Dei bible or book of some sort
14.    I know how you would never want to keep a mobile phone, especially if it means your students badgering you beyond school hours.
15.    I know you moved in to Sir Mike’s cubicle once he went to Law School.
16.    I know how you were always organized, checking your student’s papers, keeping tabs who were delinquent and so on.
17.    I know how you handled some of my former students who failed or had a grade of incomplete.
18.    I know how you would listen to me and advice me and joke with me in a non-condescending fashion, for you were at least 30 years my senior.
19.    I know how you love Go Nuts Donuts, better than Krispy Kreme.
20.    I know too who are the people who casually chatted with, if and when you have time.

And I know all these things and I don’t what to do with them now. For all I remember was how you were kind, and gentle, and wise, and understanding. But above all of these things, how you were my friend. “

Maybe it is better this way. The last thing that I will have is a memory of you with your lively face and not some cold reflection of what you used to be. And now that I think about it, it is quite odd, how the last picture you’ll be in is one where you are neither smiling nor frowning, preserved in digital printing technology, while the one that truly has an impression of me is a colorful and vibrant image of you.

Lisa Marie is Pregnant, But Why Isn’t She Happy?

She is the King’s daughter. And many would have wanted to be her or at least be related to the King in the same degree.

In this generation, perhaps only a few would genuinely understand such greatness. When I was a child, I was always excited to hear and dance to the King’s billboard charting songs. Yes, it seemed I had Billy Eliot’s spirit in me at that time.

But back to Lisa Marie. Couldn’t life have been perfect for her? We all recognize that life may be hard for her because of the big shoes she needs to fill in. The expectations are high. The paparazzi are always there following her every move. If the press were to squeeze anymore out of her, they might just jump into the band wagon, get custom brochure printing, and launch a media frenzy.

Through the years, I guess my fascination didn’t end when the King rocked and rolled his way to heaven. I never lost interest on Lisa Marie Presley. She as lively and as colorful as life itself. It just so happens that the life that she has chosen was not the kind I imagined it will be for her. This princess is not the princess you’d imagine to settle down quietly like Snow White. (If Snow White ever did)

She had only announced that she is pregnant. This is her first with her present husband Michael Lockwood.  The announcement came with such bitterness. She did it on her personal blog. She expressed her frustration about how the media is treating her. She’s upset about how the tabloids are putting out just about any stories, even if they’re bordering on slander, about her life or how they predict her life to be. Tabloids were to squeeze anything more out of her, they’d profit just by making brochures and custom brochure printing.

No woman deserves that. No rock and roll royalty deserves the way they’re treating Lisa Marie.

She may change husbands the way she colors her hair, so what? She had two children from her first marriage with Danny Keough in 1988. They got divorced in 1994, and then she married, incredulously, the King of Pop, Michael Jackson. This relationship seems to say one music royalty deserves another, but then again, it didn’t quite turn out that way.  The affair lasted for 21 months.

She then became engaged to John Oszajca, a rocker, in 2000. In 2002, she tied the knot with Hollywood actor Nicolas Cage. After three months, the latter filed for divorce.

And now, the baby belongs to her fourth and present husband, Michael Lockwood. He was Lisa Marie’s music producer and also her guitarist. They got married in Japan in 2006. I just really hope that this baby will bring peace to Lisa’s life. May this be a start of her finally stepping up and filling her princess shoes to live happily ever after.

California Town Bans Cursing

All you residents of South Pasadena, California, remember this. Contain your temper on the first week of March each year. And it starts now.

What? So for these folks, no Eminem tunes on the first week of March? Snoop Doggy Dog is also out, as well as Paris Hilton. Why Paris Hilton? Well, it’s easier to say bad words when provoked.

If you are wondering what will happen if you accidentally let out a cuss, well, be afraid. Be very afraid.

No arrests were made. No jail time either. But you will be glared at by the town’s conservative folks as if you did something really bad and you need a lot of spanking. Maybe the people’s behavior is affected by the tranquility of the place that is surrounded by trees at the bottom of a mountain range.

Don’t laugh. This is serious. Ask the person who proposed it, 14-year-old McKay Hatch. This boy is also the founder of the No Cussing Club in South Pasadena High School.

If you’re raving mad because it got approved, you can’t do anything about it. Oh, maybe you can beat the boy by proposing the second week of March as the week where no 14-year-olds should be allowed to watch TV or even get near to a PC.

But hey, I’m kidding. This is a good proposal. Thanks to city Mayor Michael Cacciotti who proclaimed the date as No Cussing Week.

So if you are in town on these dates, try selling anything, from Girl Scout cookies to insurance to anything else you can imagine and you won’t be hearing an earful of truly cursed words.

McKay only wants to help. He even started a website dedicated to the No Cussing Club. (Wonder if he is even bent on putting that on a card someday. You know, as some kind of reference he’d attach to himself, like business card printing to go with the reputation.) Nevertheless, the boy hopes to maintain such good quality in people. I just want to see this boy grow and experience life in full.

For now, McKay hopes that this will be a start of something bigger. He wants other places to follow suit. Good boy. And I really hope he maintains that fu*$%ng attitude. Just kidding kiddo.

Patrick Swayze’s Fight with the Big C

Do you think you can handle fame? What about its consequences? We all may assume that being a celebrity is easy. You just shoot a film or a TV show, wave at the fans and sign some autographs, smile at the cameras and having the paparazzi follow you wherever you go.

But the stars only get to be more famous with every controversy they have to face. The public always wants to know their dirtiest secrets. We adore them, but sometimes, we also become the reason of their fall down.

Patrick Swayze is an actor, a celebrity, but he’s also human. The actor who became famous with his struts on “Dirty Dancing” and as a very loyal lover on “Ghost” is now facing a battle he didn’t plan to take.

His representative confirmed that the actor is battling pancreatic cancer. Patrick isn’t letting the sickness hinder him to work. In fact, he is still in negotiation about his future projects and is ready to get on it once he got the part.

His doctor says that Patrick is coping well with treatment. And his representative confirms that the actor is ready to take on a project once the negotiation is completed. This is regarding “The Beast,” a project of the A&E cable network that was halted when the writer’s strike erupted. The network wants to continue the show as a series and Patrick hopes to be still part of it.

Meanwhile, the tabloids are going crazy about Patrick’s sickness. To make matters worse, the National Enquirer even reported that the actor only has a few weeks to live. Death is a serious business for the media because such topic sells. I wouldn’t be surprised if tabloids even avail of 27 x 39 poster printing services to sell such commemorative to the actor’s fans.

Patrick is sick but he remains positive. Let us just all learn from his experience, to be strong despite the hurdles and to continue living life to its full while we still have it.