Movie Review: I Do

It’s a steady Saturday night and after having dinner, I decided to browse on the television channels for an interesting program. Got to switch it to Cinema One and hoped that a light rom-com is on – and yes, my wish was fulfilled as I Do is currently on. My baby, Inna, has been recommending this film for the longest time already but I had no chance to get a copy and watch it myself. Thankful for cable channels.

KRIS til the End

This entry was edited because I believe Kris Allen deserves more exposure. LOL

Taken from my Multiply site.

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Haha! I told myself I would never become a fan-ey anymore but here I go again. I never really learn.

I still am elated with the fact that Kris Allen was not sent home tonight after being butchered much by the judges last night (I thank Randy for being totally un-mean even if he’s the usual culprit of the meanness towards Kris).

Kris Allen performing Come Together on Rock and Roll week.

(Kudos to Allison Iraheta, though. I feel sad after watching tonight’s episode and seeing her leave; seeing how she wants this thing but is still ready know her flight from the show could happen this very day… And it did! It was really nice, though, how professionally she performed amidst the pain.)

Back to my man for the season, Kris (Oh, ok, I don’t have any intentions getting him from his real sweet wife. Hehe. Just doing the most I can here in preparation for next week. Hehehe. )

He was never really a bet for me. I want him in then for for eye-candy purposes. But after his Michael Jackson week performance, I thought, there’s something special in him. Surely, he’s not the best but he has something to offer.

Tagged vulnerable by Paula Abdul during country week for his performance of To Make You Feel My Love

Country week came and he captured the hearts of everyone with that very vulnerable rendition of Adele’s version of To Make You Feel My Love. From then on, I thought Kris Allen is not just eye candy.

One of Allen's best performances, IMO. Singing Ain't No Sunshine

Week after week, this guy’s proven that he is who he is. It never bothered him that he has limitations – voice range, style, etc, etc. He never thought of answering back to the judges no matter how bad the comments he receives are but instead, take something out of it and bounce back the week after with something exemplary. (Earlier, I thought Simon was trying to push his buttons saying they don’t want the humble Allen anymore. Hehe. Try again, Simon. I’m crossing my fingers, though, as there still are a few weeks to go and anytime, well, Kris might answer back. But for one, his humility is simply irresistible.)

My favorite performance from Kris. Movie theme night, singing Falling Slowly

Surely, Kris Allen is one of the most charming contestants AI has ever had but never fails to give us, his supporters, the best that we expect from him.

I hope I can invite him to sing on my wedding day. Hahaha! During one of his unusual weeks, wearing something formal with his rendition of The Way You Look Tonight

Next week will be the deciding week on to this season’s finale. Excitement galore! It’s interesting to see Conway as Kris returns and see who he is way before the AI fame. Another thing worth anticipating as well is his performances. Who among the judges will have the chance to let Kris showcase his talent (or sabotage his running)? What song would he choose for himself? Weeeeeee! I can’t wait but I simply must!

Now who would have thought that Mr. Eye Candy would go this far? I never did until I was sure it’s him who I will be looking forward to week after week.

Win or lose, Kris Allen will still be my Idol this season. I will be waiting for your record.

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Images courtesy of Newsday and the American Idol site. (Thank you for the wonderful photos!)

American Idol – Top Downloads Week

I was out the whole day so I wasn’t able to catch AI’s livestreaming earlier. I waited for the delayed broadcast via Star World and I am so happy I’m on leave today and I don’t need to wait until 8pm to see it.

I don’t want to let pass my thoughts on tonight’s episode so here’s my deal on the Top 9:

1. Anoop Desai – Caught Up

Anoop’s performance is not really bad, it’s not good either. It was forced and boring. It was just as if he sang the song – DONE! He might be in the bottom 3 tomorrow and I’m afraid that if he don’t do something and pick up a better challenge per week, he may totally lose his luster. He’s lookingbetter now, though.

2. Megan Corkrey – Turn Your Lights Down Low

In the beginning of the song, I though Megan would do great (As what I always say, I like the fullness of her voice) However, like Anoop, her performance was so boring! More boring, in fact I don’t wanna finish it ’cause I can’t endure hearing her anymore as I wasn’t interested (anymore) anyway.

It’s an off-factor as well that she seems to be just relying on her fanbase and don’t have any intentions of improving herself or doing something out of the judges comments of her week after week.

3. Danny Gokey – What Hurts the Most

I’m very vocal in saying that Danny is not among my favorite contestants. Maybe it’s because of too much overpraising done to him by the judges even if he’s not that well with his performance.

This evening, though, his is among the top brilliant performances. While singing, I could say that the emotions are so raw, so natural. My favorite part would be the one during the last chorus where they raised the momentum of the song and made Danny give out even more of himself to those watching and listening him.

4. Allison Iraheta – Don’t Speak

There really is something odd with Allison’s outfit. Maybe she just had this tripping and decided she’d dress the way she did during the performance evening.

But then again, there has been too much comment on the packaging, the outfit, the identity; that the judges actually forgot to give a comment on the girl’s performance. I also don’t think Allison shouted the song.

I’d have to give her some kudos for being just so herself earlier as she takes what the judges have to say about her. No bitter faces or words.

5. Scott MacIntyre – Just the Way You Are

For the first time, I wouldn’t put Scott in my Bottom 3 for tomorrow. I hope he doesn’t go yet.

I appreciated Scott’s new hairstyle. Hahaha! Finally, his stylist came into his/her senses and used a brush on Scott’s hair. Aside from the new hairstyle, Scott’s performance earlier isn’t boring at all. There is effort, there is trueness, there is a breaking of that barrier that he’s always had with the audience. For the first time, I can finally relate to what he’s doing – even before he started with the words of his song.

6. Matt Giraud – You Found Me

I have to disagree with the judges’ assessment on Matt.

First, I don’t think Matt is trying to sound like The Fray. He’s doing his own thing on the song, nothing more, nothing less.

Second, I don’t think there is confusion with who Matt wants to be as an artist. Sometimes I just don’t get how they advise some candidates to explore and try something new with his or her performance and there are times when they try something different, do good at it and still, it didn’t work out. Ho-hum!

Lastly, Matt’s performance is sexy; the sound of his voice, the speaking of each word – it’s heartfelt, it’s true (this is not biased just because I like Matt) He should not go tomorrow, America! Hehe.

7. Lil Rounds – Surrender

Everyone knows Lil has an awesome voice. It’s been the Top 9 already but I am never feeling her presence in the competition. One night even, I was thinking who the remaining finalists are in AI and I forgot who the other one is until upon repeating and repeating, we finally decoded that it was Lil.

I don’t know what Lil can do but she could bear in mind Simon’s comments earlier for a clue. Because in assessment, she just sing songs to stay. Nothing special about it.

8. Adam Lambert – Play That Funky Music

So, is Adam loving the sleek ‘do?

No other contestant in AI can direct a stage the way Adam Lambert does. He’s just so into the zone when he performs. Didn’t much like his performance tonight because I am somehow detach to it (Or maybe this is just a hangover from his Tracks of my Tears performance last week?) But I love the dancing (Haha!) and the bell-bottom jeans.

9. Kris Allen – Ain’t No Sunshine

I didn’t even know Kris plays the piano! (If ever he’s done that during the elims, my bad, I haven’t been religiously watching the elims and the only clips I have seen of him are those where he is just with himself, no musical instruments whatsoever)

Anyway, I thought I’d just like Kris because he’s good looking but really, this guy’s serious; he knows what he’s doing, he’s not arrogant and too proud not to listen if he’s been given a criticism. He’s getting better week after week; and not only does he have a better voice but musicality as well. Add to that, he is, in a proper pacing, getting more and more in touch with his emotions that it is becoming well communicated to his audience. This time Kara’s got the number-word thing!

That’s it for now. All the stuff I want to write in just slipped away.

Predictions for the Results Evening tomorrow

Bottom 3: Anoop, Megan, Lil (This is my own preference. Hekhek.)

American Idol season 8 – Motown Night

Haha! This is my first ever post re: AI Season 8. Didn’t have immediate bets from the beginning of the season but right now… I still don’t. Hehe. Have some favorites, though. Basically this post is regarding the contestants’ performances earlier (I thought of writing of my impressions of each of the Top 13 but it’s been two weeks old already and I want what’s on.) so here it goes:

1. Matt Giraud – Let’s Get It On

I would have to agree with the judges – Matt has proven to be one of the front-runners in the competition. His take on the song was just beyond words – soft, strong, emotional but not overacting; brilliant! As how the judges usually put it. I would have to thank the Wild Card round because if not for that, this one heck of a singer wouldn’t be in it. Matt has been my bet from the auditions because of the attack he made with his audition piece. Never thought though he’d be this strong come competition time but his getting there.

2. Kris Allen – How Sweet It Is

If there would be one thing, or make that two things, to love about Kris Allen aside from his good boyish looks (and square jaw. Haha!) is the sincerity of his performances and the ability to infuse himself with the song he is interpreting. It doesn’t hurt, too, that it seems (for me) like he’s always singing for his wife during the performances; the emotions are just there! Reading his profile in the American Idol site shows how he really, really loves his wife; lucky gal! A (somewhat) cheesy good-looking guy who can carry a tune, play a guitar, carry himself well, and open to criticisms (so far, I never saw Kris said a bad word on the judges’ comments on him) – what more could you ask for?

3. Scott MacIntyre – You Can’t Hurry Love

His song choice has a nice message, I’d say, however, Scott for me is boring. Even if he has some limitations during performances, he should be making up for that with killer vocals. I believe he has this good soothing voice that could draw followers but then again he’s not making the most out of it. He should strengthen up those vocals all the more. He’s being lagged behind some of the contestants who have this not-so-good-singing-voice or just-another-pretty-face reputation during the beginning of the show. Anyway, how could i forget Scott’s pink pants earlier? Hehehe. Now, that’s something different.:D

4. Megan Corkrey – For Once In My Life

Megan started out to be one of the favorites this season because of her uniqueness and quirky personality. I believe she has a good voice too – different and whole. I didn’t like her performance this evening, though. Last week was her best, I must say. While she was singing, it seems like her voice’s going to break any time (This has been my fear during her Top 36 performance where she sang Put Your Records On but I didn’t care much since I want her in that time); it never suited her voice in any way. Besides, there’s too much quirkiness that somehow, I think the song lost its message. But I think Megan looked pretty tonight. I loooove the color of her dress and those effects in her hair! Hehehe.

5. Anoop Desai – Ooo Baby Baby

Like Megan, Anoop has been one of the early favorites. He’s more of a stand out though because he doesn’t seem to be someone who sings. Hehehe. He’s Mr. Pleasing Personality, very youthful, and very likeable. From the past week (Grand Ol’ Opry Night), he’s proven himself that he’s got swoon-worthy vocals. Tonight he did the same thing, so enough of the proving. I would have to agree with Randy that Anoop needs to make something different next week – something more upbeat. He should really be cautious in a way because if he continues to do ballads, he might get boring as the competition goes on. But I like Anoop’s attitude, especially earlier when he mentioned that he wants to be the next American Idol and that no one should be there without that desire. Kudos!

6. Michael Sarver – Ain’t Too Proud To Beg

Michael was different from the other contestants because his then-occupation is somewhat worlds apart from what he is trying to pursue via joining American Idol. Hehehe. A big guy with a big heart – that would be my best description of Sarver. But what he needs to do is to prove his worth in this competition as he has not proven himself in any way yet. He’s just likable and that’s just about it. Last week I didn’t want him to leave yet as I think he came into his senses thought of how he will do tonight. This week, it wouldn’t matter much if he leaves or not but just in case he will be given another chance, he really should work double time to at least come close with some of the best and improving contestants in the competition.

7. Lil Rounds – Heatwave

Lil is one heck of a singer. However, since the style of which she got used to was over-distributed in the market already. I don’t know what to suggest but she has to make herself more exciting because vocally-wise, there are no questions with it anymore. She also needs to “stop” being boring. From a viewer’s point of view, Lil could do something different – something new to offer that neither one of her likes has ever shared to the audience before. She’s as boring as Scott at times while the latter just stays in place.

8. Adam Lambert – Tracks of My Tears

Adam Lambert made news since the beginning of the competition and continues to make some buzz up to now. Why wouldn’t anyone talk about him when he’s got a great everything – from vocal range, to stage presence, and entertainment factor? He never fails to offer AI fans everywhere something new week after week. He started out strong that my worry of his chances of winning this thing is topping his performance one week after the other. But just so you thought Adam has imposed his identity in the competition with his note-belting, think again. Who knew Adam Lambert can be “tame” with his performance but still deliver it real well? Not only did he showed his sensitive side with those smooth vocals, dashing suit, and sleek hair but he proved America (and all AI fans out there) that he can do more than what we’ve seen of him. The excitement factor that he has is simply exciting in itself. He may slowly be having some competition with the other contestants but I would have to agree with Paula that he has a league of his own.

9. Danny Gokey – Get Ready

Danny Gokey is also among the early favorites. He’s not really mine but I think he has the abilities of a good singer/musician, not to mention he’s been born to do music. He’s strong with the audience and has been consistently taking the top spot in Dial Idol (I’m not a fan of Dial idol, though. Hehehe.) I liked the chorus part of Danny’s performance earlier and I appreciate the way he really studies moving on the stage. Sometimes, though, Danny gets boring (like Anoop) but I’m willing to see what more he could do in the coming weeks. Though many people predict that he’s a sure shot in the finals, I am not very much convinced yet. But hey, it’s too early! I hope he could showcase more of his capabilities as an artist.

10. Allison Iraheta – Papa was a Rolling Stone

There is a lot of promise in this girl. Still lacks some oomph in the personality department but somehow getting there. I also think she’s having fun during her performances and gives it her best shot all the time. My problem with Allison, though, is I sometimes can’t understand the lyrics of her song during her live performance. I appreciate her studio versions better. She has established her identity in the competition as a rocker girl but in the coming weeks, I’d like to see her experiment more and unleash a different side of her and I hope it would do her favor.

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All stuff mentioned above are based on biased judgment (But of course I have my bets! Aren’t those pretty obvious? LOL.) I try to give a sound comment on everyone, though. Hehehe. Finally, I’m done with this. )

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Thanks to Rickey’s site which I made reference for the song titles of the performances earlier and Newsday for the pictures I placed in this post.

10 Things I Hate About You

This movie has been one of the most popular contemporary chick flicks available. I was still in elementary when this was shown, and for the record, I still haven’t seen it in full (Need to have a copy ASAP).

This was the time when all girls go-gaga over Heath Ledger and I still don’t appreciate him and don’t consider him as a hearthrob (I like clean-cut boys and not the badboy, long-haired ones like him). Anyway…

I am tempted to write my own 10 Things… but maybe it still isn’t the time.:P  So just to give you some inspiration and nostalgia of the movie, the poem which Julia Stiles recited in the movie:

I hate the way you talk to me,

And the way you cut your hair.

I hate the way you drive my car,

I hate it when you stare.

I hate your big dumb combat boots,

And the way you read my mind.

I hate you so much it makes me sick,

It even makes me rhyme.

I hate the way you’re always right,

I hate it when you lie.

I hate it when you make me laugh,

Even worse when you make me cry.

I hate it when you’re not around,

And the fact that you didn’t call.

But mostly, I hate the way I didn’t hate you,

Not even close…

Not even a little bit…

Not even at all.

Grrr… Why has life have to be like that? You hate it that you can’t hate. In fact, you feel otherwise. Hehe. Don’t mind me.:D

My Childhood TV Shows

With the rampant showing of different entertainment for children, I suddenly wanted to post something about my favorite TV shows when I was like 2 or 3 years old (Yes, I’m a TV buff ever since I was little.) Pero limited lang itong post ko sa mga superhero shows na talagang sinusubaybayan ko every Saturday, Channel 13 pa nga yun o kaya Channel 9 (Wala pa kaming cable nun.)

I’ve bumped into a thread in Peyups about Masked Rider Black. Syempre post naman ako dun kasi isa talaga yun sa mga paborito kong palabas nun. Crush ko rin pala si Robert Akizuki. Hahaha! Grabe, pre-school pa lang yata ako nito pero batay sa aking research, nag-air pala ito on the year of my birth. =p Tapos kagabi, ni-search ko pa talaga yung fansite niya kaso in Japanese siya so malamang wala akong naintindihan. =D Maliban sa poging si Robert, gusto ko rin ang kanyang motorbike at ang effects pag nakikipaglaban siya (may smoke machine kasi palagi). Idagdag mo na rin ang mukhang langaw niyang hero costume. =))

Si Langaw!

Nagkaroon ng ibang version si Masked Rider Black, pero hindi yata yun black, basta Masked Rider din, medyo bago na yun, pero hindi siya kasingganda at kasing-exciting nung kay Robert Akizuki kaya hindi ko yun pinaanood.Ang next favorite kong Japanese program ay ang Shaider. Oh well, si Mica (kapatid ko) talaga ang may paborito nun pero dahil kasunod siya ng isa ko pang paboritong palabas, nakinood na rin ako. Saka ang cute-cute ng mga kalaban ni Shaider. Ganda ng costumes. Wahehe!

Ayan, ang forever tandem nina Shaider at Annie.

Pero ang pinakapaborito ko sa lahat ay ang Masked Man. Wahaha! Syempre pa, dahil ako ang ate dito, ako si Pink Mask(Wahaha! Hi Kitty! Sorry, nung panahong hindi pa tayo magkakilala galit na galit ka siguro sa akin dahil inaapi si Yellow sa kahit anong color-coded na palabas. =p ) Tapos syempre crush ko naman (sa totoong buhay a) ang boy-next-door na si Blue Mask. Wahehe. And btw, he’s a martial arts expert pala dun sa palabas. Lalo kong minahal. Hahaha! Seryoso? =p I love this show. Dati kapag Saturday at 6pm na, titigil na talaga ako sa paglalaro at ililipat na ang TV sa Channel 13. =D Back-to-back ang palabas na ito at si Shaider e.

Dahil hindi ako makahanap ng magandang pic ng crush kong si Adrian (si Blue Mask), video na lang. Hahaha! Kaadikan! =D

Opening credits ito: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QXMweppCB8M

Eto naman ang end credits: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RcSlEpL2yQk

Sensya guys, hindi ako marunong maglagay ng object dito hehehe.

Love! =)