I stayed up all night to catch the battle of the champions of Talentadong Pinoy. And I am glad I did. All the 9 champions gave the performances of their lives in the hope of winning the one million peso cash prize and the right to represent the Philippines in the World Championships of the Performing Arts.
Personally, Joseph the Artist and The Believers moved me the most with their performances. While most of the champions were spectacular, Joseph the Artist and The Believers did more than to amaze me. They moved me with their intelligent, sensitive and polished performances. Joseph the Artist told a story with sand as his medium of expression. The Believers, on the other hand, performed Defying Gravity from the musical play Wicked like true seasoned stage actresses. But what I truly admire about the two champions is their courage to present performances that may not be so popular with the masses. They opted to elevate the viewers' taste and appreciation for true talent which was a huge risk for both them.
In the end, it was Joseph the Artist who won the greatest approval from the judges and text voters. I am just happy for Joseph the Artist for he truly deserved to win the title of Ultimate Talentado. Together with The Believers, Joseph the Artist truly represents the ultimate in Filipino talent.
Sunday, March 13, 2011
Friday, March 11, 2011
JAPAN WILL PREVAIL IN THE MIDST OF A NATIONAL TRAGEDY
An 8.9 magnitude earthquake struck Japan early Friday afternoon. Hours later, a tsunami swept across Sendai. Houses, cars and big boats were swept away by ten meter waves like little toys .An oil refinery continues to burn while a nuclear plant is being monitored for radiation leaks. People continue to stay in safe, open grounds as aftershocks continue to rock Japan. The cost of the damage caused by the powerful earthquake and tsunami could easily run up to billions of dollars. Lives lost number around 300 as of last count.
While I truly feel sad for Japan, I also feel that the greatness of Japan as a nation will manifest itself in the midst of the tragedy. I know that the Japanese people will come together to overcome their personal and national crises. It is during times of great difficulty and tragedy that people can show their resiliency, compassion, solidarity and strength of character. And I certainly believe that the Japanese people have all these qualities to enable them to respond well to the challenge of rebuilding the nation.
While I truly feel sad for Japan, I also feel that the greatness of Japan as a nation will manifest itself in the midst of the tragedy. I know that the Japanese people will come together to overcome their personal and national crises. It is during times of great difficulty and tragedy that people can show their resiliency, compassion, solidarity and strength of character. And I certainly believe that the Japanese people have all these qualities to enable them to respond well to the challenge of rebuilding the nation.
Thursday, March 10, 2011
EXCLUSIVE : HOWARD COHEN ASSESSES THIA MEGIA
For her Idol performance, Thia Megia did a cover of a lesser known Michael Jackson song. Smile, a song composed by comedy great Charlie Chaplin, was recorded by Michael Jackson in 1995. Thia started the song a capella where her brilliant voice simply stood out. But the second part of her rendition suddenly became jazzy which damaged her over-all performance. To compound Thia's woes, she cried during her after-performance interview. Sensing that she could be up for elimination come results night, I asked Howard Cohen about Thia's performance. Howard Cohen is a pop music critic and American Idol Watch blogger and columnist. He writes a regular column for the Miami Herald.
1. Did you find Thia Megia's rendition of the song Smile great ?
Cohen : No, Thia's singing wasn't great. She was fine on the ballad part. But wavered on uptempo and shouldn't have cried.
2. Do you think Thia will be eliminated come Thursday night ?
Cohen : No, I think she will be safe since Ashton and Karen are weaker. Thia must learn to not let the audience know that there are mistakes. She's young but she must learn.
3. What must she do to win in American Idol ?
Cohen : The trick is to never let the audience know of mistakes. When she cried, she let us know. And the fact is, she was not that bad at all.
4. What about the impression that she is boring ? Should she be singing Katy Perry songs instead ?
Cohen : No, she should be herself. Those that are top are all true to themselves. Thia is a pleasant ballad singer. That's her niche.
Readers can find Howard Cohen's American Idol Watch at http://miamiherald.typepad.com/idol_watch/.
1. Did you find Thia Megia's rendition of the song Smile great ?
Cohen : No, Thia's singing wasn't great. She was fine on the ballad part. But wavered on uptempo and shouldn't have cried.
2. Do you think Thia will be eliminated come Thursday night ?
Cohen : No, I think she will be safe since Ashton and Karen are weaker. Thia must learn to not let the audience know that there are mistakes. She's young but she must learn.
3. What must she do to win in American Idol ?
Cohen : The trick is to never let the audience know of mistakes. When she cried, she let us know. And the fact is, she was not that bad at all.
4. What about the impression that she is boring ? Should she be singing Katy Perry songs instead ?
Cohen : No, she should be herself. Those that are top are all true to themselves. Thia is a pleasant ballad singer. That's her niche.
Readers can find Howard Cohen's American Idol Watch at http://miamiherald.typepad.com/idol_watch/.
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
THE TRUTH REVEALED : WHY RECORD-HOLDER DRAGON BOAT TEAM IS BEING PUNISHED
Despite being the world-record holder in the 200m. Premier Mixed event, the Philippine dragon boat team was not allowed to participate in the last Asian Games. The team would have won at least two gold medals had it been allowed to participate in the Asiad. The team, however, has managed to move on from the sad experience and continues to practice three times a day for the World Championships in Florida. Even without much support from the Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) and Philippine Sports Commission (PSC), the dragon boat team remains optimistic in bringing pride and honor to the country once again.
The main reason why the team does not get support from the POC and PSC is because its leaders do not belong to the Peping Cojuangco group. The dragon boat federation president and the team's coach and technical director do not see eye to eye with Peping Cojuangco and his men. In fact, one of Cojuangco's men advised the dragon boat team members to elect new leaders before the POC and PSC extend any form of support to the team.
With the meager pool of world-class athletes in the country, Peping Cojuangco and his men should be ashamed for not supporting the Philippine dragon boat team. In fact, they should consider harakiri for even proposing to abolish the team. But then again, shame is something that these politicians do not seem to possess. Is it any wonder then that Philippine sports is in turmoil and at a pitiful state ?
The main reason why the team does not get support from the POC and PSC is because its leaders do not belong to the Peping Cojuangco group. The dragon boat federation president and the team's coach and technical director do not see eye to eye with Peping Cojuangco and his men. In fact, one of Cojuangco's men advised the dragon boat team members to elect new leaders before the POC and PSC extend any form of support to the team.
With the meager pool of world-class athletes in the country, Peping Cojuangco and his men should be ashamed for not supporting the Philippine dragon boat team. In fact, they should consider harakiri for even proposing to abolish the team. But then again, shame is something that these politicians do not seem to possess. Is it any wonder then that Philippine sports is in turmoil and at a pitiful state ?
Monday, March 7, 2011
THE PBA IS DYING A PAINFUL DEATH
The PBA will die a natural death. It is not generating income much like it did in the 70's. In fact, Solar Sports dropped the PBA without much warning. The PBA had to look for a new network to air its games. Luckily, Studio 23 came to the rescue and saved the PBA from total embarrassment.
One reason why I think the PBA is suffering from poor patronage is that Philippine basketball has deteriorated through the years. During the 60's and early 70's, the Philippines would emerge champion in the ABC. Now, the Philippines is at 9th despite the presence of Fil-Ams. Who in his right mind would want to watch a bunch of mediocre basketball players play for four hours ? The NBA and European league provide a much better watch. Even the leagues in China and Korea are more enjoyable to watch.
I also blame the "Americanization" of the PBA as a factor as well in its deterioration. Players and officials hardly talk in Pilipino that tend to alienate the typical Filipino basketball fan. The few players who are fluent in Pilipino, on the other hand, can hardly talk of anything substantial.
Lastly, the principles and values that the PBA has grown to uphold have become suspect. The PBA has resorted to cheating with the influx of Fil-shams just to generate interest to the league. More recently, the PBA has virtually stamped its approval to a player's philandering ways and absolute greed as he demanded a large amount of money for his signature on his annulment papers. It does not help the PBA as well that it awards it MVP award to the more popular player than the more hardworking and deserving player. Personally, I have experienced how it is to be hunted by a PBA governor after writing an article that advised the good governor to be more accommodating to fans. Then there is the Red Bull case where the PBA did not attend to the problem of non-payment of salaries. The poor players and coaching staff were left with no recourse but to just remain silent for fear of reprisals when complaints are publicly aired. In all these instances, the PBA could have acted virtuously and exhibited proper human values. Sadly, it did not. Is it any wonder then why the PBA is dying ?
One reason why I think the PBA is suffering from poor patronage is that Philippine basketball has deteriorated through the years. During the 60's and early 70's, the Philippines would emerge champion in the ABC. Now, the Philippines is at 9th despite the presence of Fil-Ams. Who in his right mind would want to watch a bunch of mediocre basketball players play for four hours ? The NBA and European league provide a much better watch. Even the leagues in China and Korea are more enjoyable to watch.
I also blame the "Americanization" of the PBA as a factor as well in its deterioration. Players and officials hardly talk in Pilipino that tend to alienate the typical Filipino basketball fan. The few players who are fluent in Pilipino, on the other hand, can hardly talk of anything substantial.
Lastly, the principles and values that the PBA has grown to uphold have become suspect. The PBA has resorted to cheating with the influx of Fil-shams just to generate interest to the league. More recently, the PBA has virtually stamped its approval to a player's philandering ways and absolute greed as he demanded a large amount of money for his signature on his annulment papers. It does not help the PBA as well that it awards it MVP award to the more popular player than the more hardworking and deserving player. Personally, I have experienced how it is to be hunted by a PBA governor after writing an article that advised the good governor to be more accommodating to fans. Then there is the Red Bull case where the PBA did not attend to the problem of non-payment of salaries. The poor players and coaching staff were left with no recourse but to just remain silent for fear of reprisals when complaints are publicly aired. In all these instances, the PBA could have acted virtuously and exhibited proper human values. Sadly, it did not. Is it any wonder then why the PBA is dying ?
PHILPIINE DRAGON BOAT TEAM : A CALL FOR SUPPORT
The Philippine dragon boat team is busy preparing for the World Championship set in Florida this November 2011. The team boasts of the following records :
9TH WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP DRAGON BOAT RACING 2009
Gold - 200m. Premier Mixed Event ( world record )
200m. Premier Open Event
Silver - 500m. Premier Open
This is the team that POC and PSC officials did not allow to participate in the recent Asian Games in China. This is the team that POC and PSC officials want to dissolve. But with public support, we can allow the team to bring honor and glory once again to the country. It is but proper to support a team that can deliver the goods. It is time to support the Philippine dragon boat team !
9TH WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP DRAGON BOAT RACING 2009
Gold - 200m. Premier Mixed Event ( world record )
200m. Premier Open Event
Silver - 500m. Premier Open
This is the team that POC and PSC officials did not allow to participate in the recent Asian Games in China. This is the team that POC and PSC officials want to dissolve. But with public support, we can allow the team to bring honor and glory once again to the country. It is but proper to support a team that can deliver the goods. It is time to support the Philippine dragon boat team !
Sunday, March 6, 2011
TWITTER WAR BETWEEN ANGELICA PANGANIBAN AND PHIL YOUNGHUSBAND FAN : FAN MENTALITY AT ITS WORSE
The word war started when Angelica Panganiban tweeted a harmless observation on Phil Younghusband's entry into the entertainment world. All of a sudden, a fan entered the picture to defend her idol. The word war has turned ugly since as Angelica and the fan have exchanged bitter and sometimes foul statements to each other through tweeter.
The fan obviously is a rude and blind follower of Younghusband. She obviously does not know the difference between constructive and destructive criticism. The funny thing is, Angelica's tweet is probably the best advice that Younghusband can get from someone who really cares about his football career. But then again, I have always maintained that the Azkals are not that dead-serious with football. The Azkals are in it for the celebrity status more than anything else. This explains why they would rather appear in front of the camera than help the country achieve a higher world ranking in football. It also explains why they love to bask in the limelight like movie stars.
The fan obviously is a rude and blind follower of Younghusband. She obviously does not know the difference between constructive and destructive criticism. The funny thing is, Angelica's tweet is probably the best advice that Younghusband can get from someone who really cares about his football career. But then again, I have always maintained that the Azkals are not that dead-serious with football. The Azkals are in it for the celebrity status more than anything else. This explains why they would rather appear in front of the camera than help the country achieve a higher world ranking in football. It also explains why they love to bask in the limelight like movie stars.
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