X Factor: Fil-Am Singer Ellona Santiago Makes it to Demi Lovato's Final Four

In the spirit of Filipino pride, let's celebrate Ellona Santiago's successful stint to make it to X Factor US Season 3's top 16. Ellona is a Fil-Am aspiring singer who was born in the Philippines but moved to the US when she was barely 1 year old with the entire family and has lived in the country since.

With the show's new platform, the Four Chair Challenge in exchange for the bootcamp, the competition has been stiffer and more intense. No one wants to be de-seated. And with Demi Lovato's four seats already occupied, it was a make or break performance for Ellona. She was the last performer for the category singing her own passionate rendition of Clarity by Zedd.

See her performance...

If you watched X Factor Season 1, this girl was in it too but she was part of a group, inTENsity, who was booted out during the early part of the live show. Two years later, Ellona hopes that second time's the charm. Well, it sure is because Demi chose her over another Latina aspirant, Jamie Pineda to complete her final four. 

It looks like we'll be seeing more of this small girl with a big voice in the coming weeks. 

Movie Review: Salmon Fishing in the Yemen

I heard that this movie is a contender for the Best in Motion Picture - Comedy or Musical award in the upcoming Golden Globes Awards 2013. And since I'm in the mood for a romcom flick, I decided to watch this one.

Based on the title, it doesn't sound like a comedy and a romantic one to boot. It seemed to me like an indie film or a documentary about salmon fishing. Good thing, there's the movie poster with Ewan McGregor and Emily Blunt sitting next to each other looking like they're engrossed in a serious, romantic conversation. Seeing the poster, you'd know that this movie is not your typical, make-believe and predictable Hollywood flicks which are mostly about sex and lame "love" stories.

Salmon Fishing in the Yemen is calm, light and warm. A delightful story between two irresistible characters - Dr. Andrew Jones, portrayed marvelously by McGregor, and Harriet Chetwode-Talbot played by Blunt.

A very ambitious and a visionary sheik, played by Amr Waked, brought the two together embarking on a theoretically possible project, in the same way that it is theoretically possible to send a man to Mars, of bringing salmon fishing in the Yemen. The fishing part is definitely an interesting ingredient for the movie. It brought something else to the story that picked my attention. Yes, it's about a love story but the movie also zeroed on faith as a special element of love. It was an excellent combination to showcase a special love that tugs at the heart.

The story is mostly unpredictable which is a pleasant surprise. Sure, there were some cliche moments but the story got hold of the audience's interest throughout the rest of the movie. The cast is generally adorable especially McGregor who was charming and cute with his accent. It was not over-the-top chemistry between the two actors but ironically very effective. I like that it was subtle, tender and very romantic.

The movie wasn't even too dramatic or intense. It was simply a unique story about love that was told very creatively which made the movie entertaining and worth watching.  

Rachel Crow: "All the kids out there, you can because I did!"

The adorable Rachel Crow sung I Believe by Yolanda Adams for the top 9 live performance on X Factor USA last night. She dedicated her performance for her mom and dad who adopted her when she was still a few months old.

I couldn't even imagine where and who Rachel would be if she was not lovingly cared by her foster parents. Rachel was born to a crack cocaine addicted mother. She has suffered abused and trauma living in a crack house and consequently, becoming addicted to crack. What an awful start in life for any kid.

Rachel Crow is 13-year-old today and looking at her and her genuine, innocent smile, you would never guess that she went through that when she was younger. She is such a ray of sunshine! When she smiles, she brightens up the place. When she sings, she captivates and tugs at your heart. She is a young, adorable, happy girl with an old soul.

I included the lyrics of I Believe below for some inspiration.

They said you wouldn't make it so far a a
And ever since they've said it its been hard
But never mind that night'cha had to cry
Cause you had never let it go inside
And you can never give up
You can reach your goals
Just talk to your soul and say

[Chorus:]
I believe i can
I believe i will
I believe i know my dreams are real
I believe i can
I believe i will
I believe i hold it soon man
That is what i do believe

Your fools are justes singing, your soul aha
And you know that your moves will let them show
You keep creating pictures in your mind
So just believe they will come true in time
It will be fine leave all of your cares and stress behind and
Just let it go
Let the music go inside again the pain
It just start to believe
 At third my yet what people say
Hold your head high and turn away
With all my hopes and dreams I will believe
Even though it seems it's not for me
I won't give up, i'll keep it up
Looking to the sky
I will achieve on my knees
I will always believe

At the end of her performance, Rachel said, "And I wanna tell all the kids out there that you really can because I did!"  

Could you adore this girl even more? And I hope that thousands more or even millions more would be inspired with her story. It was a bleak past for Rachel but I can see that she will have a bright, exciting future ahead. Rachel Crow, I do believe. =)

Pinoy TV Gems: Junior Masterchef Pinoy Edition

Junior MasterChef Pinoy Edition Hosts 

I've given up TV a long time ago. I can't be bothered with the news and Pinoy teleseryes are way too cheesy and dramatic which doesn't suit my taste anymore. Why should I agonize sitting through dozens of tv advertisements when I could simply skip them and go right ahead google and stream the shows? But as I've said, for me television has lost it's appeal altogether.  

Until Junior Master Chef Pinoy Edition lured me back. It is a tv cooking show that promotes healthy competition among youngsters ages 8 to 12. It is also a venue for the kids to showcase their cooking skills, team spirit and creativity. They are taught how to handle pressure especially that challenges are with time constraints. 

And Junior Master Chef is currently my stress buster. It's the only show I couldn't miss.   

Five reasons why I looooooooove the show:

1. It keeps stress at bay which means I spare myself from the mercy of sugar overdose.

2. It is always pure joy watching kids at a very young age spin off their own recipes. AMAy-zing!

3. It gives me hope that if the kids can, I can too.    

4. I love their kitchen and the plethora of ingredients? WOW. I want one in our house too! 

5. Lastly, it sets a good example for the young and old alike. 

I think we need more shows such as the Junior Master Chef on our television. It's not only a pleasure to watch but it encourages the young generation that age does not matter. They may be young but they can and they should start chasing their dreams. 

Meet the super 12 of Junio Master Chef Pinoy Edition! 

Super 12 Junior Master Chef Pinoy Edition

VIDEO: Sophia Grace Brownlee Singing Nicki Minaj's Superbass

I love children. All children. But what I love more are precocious little girls and boys. When I saw this video last September 2011, I was instantly a fan of these two adorable girls who sung Nicki Minaj's Superbass like superstars. Their Youtube video currently has more than 21 million hits.

It was Sophia, the 8-year old girl who did the performing and Rosie, her cousin, was her hype girl. Sophia said when Rosie is beside while performing it boosts her confidence. These kids were simply sensational. Sophia has swag, she's got the talent and the attitude. She might be a star in the making.

It's always amazing to see kids with so much confidence. I think every kid should be reared in such a way. If every kid has healthy self-image and high self-esteem they will not be afraid to do what they want and eventually achieve their dreams. Then the world will be a better place. Because the children... they are the future.

A few weeks later, these two girls wearing their favorite pink, fluffy dresses brought their British accent to the Ellen Degeneres' show and won everyone's heart with their cuteness.

Check out Sophia and Rosie on the Ellen Show. And surprise, surprise! Nicki Minaj in the house. She even sung a duet with the two girls.

A few days ago, they were invited back to the Ellen show. This time, they performed a cover of one of my favorite songs, Rolling in the Deep by Adele.

Note: 


I must add though that I have reservations with kids singing pop songs of today. They may not know what the meaning behind the songs just yet but you know how it works. The music, the lyrics and the videos have tons of subliminal messages and sexual innuendos that we need to be extra careful when it comes to exposing our kids to such materials.    

Sign in the Petition: No More Kardashian's on TV

I just signed a petition that E! TV should cancel the Kardashian's reality tv shows off the air and for good. 

I am in one with petition organizer, Cyndy Snider, when she said that "these shows are mostly staged and place an emphasis on vanity, greed, promiscuity, vulgarity and over-the-top conspicuous consumption."  

I am proud to say that to this day, I have never watched a single episode of their show. I'm not planning to either. I support the petition along with the other thousands who are fed up and tired of reality tv shows that do not impart anything positive to the viewers. Reality TV shows are far from being the real thing. In fact, they manipulate, concoct, create, fake and cook up stories and controversies whichever will sell to the public and whichever will bring in the big bucks. 

These kind of shows are pretty much mindless entertainment and what's worse is that we have allowed these kind of garbage to creep in and become parts of our TV experience, even our daily lives. We get used to it, it becomes part of our system and the society and soon, it is okay to get married and file for a divorce after 72 days because of irreconcilable differences. Why even get married in the first place if you knew or thought that you have such differences? Because she doesn't want to disappoint her fans, she says. Like, seriously?!!!!! Are you even for real?

This might be a new world record. A 72-day marriage! Kim Kardashian has disrespected the sanctity of marriage in a big way and it's not okay anymore.   

Just saying that it's about time that we demand quality and something of value for our television programs. Enough of the Kardashians already.      

Click the link below and sign in your name if you care. 

 No More Kardashian Petition | GoPetition 

VIDEO: Kina Grannis "In Your Arms" and 288, 000 Jelly Beans

Now, this is what I call a brilliant music video. The artistry and creativity set it apart with all the music videos of today which to me are pretty average. There's not much originality and it is loaded with tons of subliminal messages and distasteful scenes.

Kina Grannis featured in this music video singing her single, "In Your arms" with thousands of colorful jellybean paintings in the background which also tells a story all in itself. There were tree, mountains, a girl with guitar, birds, balloons, rainbow, snow, a pot and watering can, a growing plant, an apple, even a worm,  a butterfly, fire, bats, beach, an angel singing lips, fireworks, a damsel in distress being saved, a skull and planet jelly beans. It was a pleasure to watch.

It is unique and different. The time, which is 22 months, effort and work spent on making this video definitely paid off. The director, Greg Jardin, is commendable for attempting to create such artistry. The music video is simple and organic yet it oozes authenticity and pure art.

Watch the making of video below:  

LIVE: Watch Online the Premiere of Breaking Dawn Part 1

Exclusive only in Yahoo Movies! Don't miss what the stars wore and witness as they arrive the red carpet from the comforts of your homes.

Thousands of cult followers of the Twilight movies have been waiting for this very moment. The twihards are in an uproar and the stars haven't arrived yet. Wait till they see Edward, Jacob and Bella. It is going to be soooo wild. Join the fun!

One of the most anticipated movies of the year and the Twilight fandom is getting bigger and bigger each year. Breaking Dawn Part 1 will hit theaters on Friday, November 18, 2011.

Watch the Premiere of Breaking Dawn NOW!

Actors of Twilight's Breaking Dawn Part 1 and other stars that are fans of the series have started arriving...

Esme Cullen and Alice Cullen

Nikki Reed as Rosalie Hale

Sarah Clarke as Renee

Willow Smith (Photo Credit: Rotten Tomatoes)

Jennifer Love Hewitt (Photo Credit: RT)

Ashley Tisdale (Photo Credit: RT)

Edward Cullen in the house!

Kirsten Steward as Bella  

Kellan Klutz as Emmet Cullen

Taylor Lautner as Jacob Black

How To Test Your Perseverance: The Angry Birds Approach

The Angry Birds Approach

Angry Birds

Earlier today, Yahoo News reported that the famous gang of flying angry birds have reached a milestone. Ever since its release two years ago, it has been downloaded more than 500 million times worldwide. I don't think it will slow down for the next couple of years or so. It is indeed an Angry Birds invasion around the globe. In the Philippines alone, Angry Birds merchandises from key chains, toys, bags, shirts and many more are flying off the shelves fast.

I remember the first time I got hooked myself. I stayed up late for the next three days trying to finish all the challenges. There were times when I practically spent the whole day playing. It was both fun and frustrating. There were a number of really difficult challenges and I think I've done more or less a hundred tries (maybe it's exaggeration but I really felt it was close to a hundred) before I can move on to the next stage.

Setting "addiction" and "wasted time" aside, I think how we play Angry Birds tells us something about our attitude in life particularly, perseverance.

But first things first. Let's try to define what perseverance is. According to the www.thefreedictionary.com, it is a continued steady belief of efforts, withstanding discouragement or difficulty. 

I came up with these 4 questions* that might help gauge one's perseverance. Answer Yes or No.

1. Do you stay up till the wee hours of the night playing Angry Birds? If yes, up to what time? 
    This question tells us that if we are doing something fun and challenging, we can set our minds to do it and even withstand sleepiness.  

2. Do you strive to win all three stars for every challenge?
    The measure of how well we did killing all those catatonic pigs were measured through the stars given. We did good if we get one star, two for better and pretty damn well if we get all three. The first try will not always get us the three stars but I tend to go back and play again until I get a three. There's a feeling of fulfillment that goes with it if I did.   

3. Do you not stop trying as many times as you can to complete the difficult challenges?
    The pelicans are my least favorite among the angry birds. There was this one challenge and all I have were, you guessed it, the pelicans. It was really hard since I'm not very good with the timing. I was stuck after several tries, slept on it and tried again the next day. After like an eternity, I finally got it and I almost jumped for joy.       

4. Are you set to completing the game till the end?
    As you move on to the next level, the challenges sure were getting difficult to complete. There were times that it seemed pretty silly trying your hardest to get it right. But in the end, I'd still want to be able to say, "I did. I finished Angry Birds from start to end!"

Can you imagine if we are as persevering in our careers and goals in life the same way we play Angry Birds? Then we would have achieved a great deal of our goals and we'd be living a full life. Or how about if our careers and jobs are as fun as Angry Birds? Then it wouldn't be so hard to persevere. Life would both be fun and challenging and we are loving it.


*Disclaimer:
This is not based on any research or study. This is purely based on author's opinions. :)

A Point to Prove: Manny Pacquiao vs Juan Manuel Marquez 3

The much awaited fight between Manny "Pacman" Pacquiao and Juan Manuel Marquez will be November 12, 2011 at the MGM Grand, Las Vegas, a mere 24-hours away. The two fighters already faced off during their weigh ins last Friday. Marquez weighed in at 142 pounds while Pacquiao is a pound more at 143 pounds.

The millions of boxing followers especially the coven of fans of Manny Pacquiao will definitely be tuning in. I, myself, not a boxing fanatic is unusually excited for tomorrow. I know Manny Pacquiao can take him down but I'm open to the idea that maybe Marquez trained more than well and maybe, just maybe he had the stamina to knock out the Great Pacman. If that ever happens, that would indeed be interesting.

This is the third time these two boxing giants face each other in the boxing ring. The last two encounters was on 2004 where the fight was a draw and 2008 where Manny Pacquiao was declared as winner in a split decision. Marquez claims he won both fights and at tomorrows fight, he is in it to claim his "rightful" crown but will the fast and monstrous boxing champ, Manny Pacquiao let him do that? Manny, on the other hand, is fighting to erase any doubts that indeed, he is the true winner. Each one is out to prove a point. The question is, whose point is going to be proven right tomorrow?

We will have to wait and see.

But for me, the real question really is, "What round, Manny?" Some predict it at around round six or seven. Whether that will be true....

We will have to wait and see. Go Manny!

X Factor USA Results Top 11: Who went home? Stereo Hogzz vs Lakoda Rayne

After last night's strong performances for most of the top 11 and my favorite being that of the last performance, Rachel Crow singing "I'd Rather Go Blind" and Astro's very confident rap comes second, it is up to America who goes home. It's time to find out who goes from The X Factor USA Top 11.


But before that, it's Willow Smith and Jessie J as the first guest performers on X Factor USA stage.

Another week of heartbreak for Paula Abdul because it is a toss for the two remaining groups. The bottom two for this week are the second time around StereoHogzz and the first-timer Lakoda Rayne. Who went home between the StereoHogzz and Lakoda Rayne? 

The two acts sung for survival.

L.A. Reid: The act that I am sending home is the StereoHogzz.

Nicole Scherzinger: The act that I am sending home is the StereoHogzz.

Paula Abdul: Sending home the Lakoda Rayne.

Simon Cowell: The act I'm sending home is the StereoHogzz.


So that's it folks, it's goodbye for the StereoHogzz. And Paula is left with one group. They better be really good next week if they want to stay in the game.

VIDEO: Rachel Crow Sings I'd Rather Go Blind on X FACTOR USA

Rachel Crow sings I'd Rather Go Blind

Rachel Crow, who has been my favorite since Day 1 of X-Factor USA, just proved yet again that age is not a factor for one to be a brilliant singer. She has soul and a depth that is way beyond her years.

The past few live shows were not her best. She sang a Medley of Bieber's song and "Walking on Sunshine" with altered lyrics which Cowell says as being creative. But I disagree. Both were good performances. The energy was there but the powerful vocals and the soul that I glimpsed when she sung Beyonce's "If I Were a Boy" during Bootcamp were not there.  

I don't understand what Simon Cowell is trying to do. She's turning her into a teeny-bop-Disney-sort of singer which she's not. Because Rachel Crow is a freakin' D-I-V-A and not some cutesy average singer. Yes, she's simply adorable and her bubbly and carefree personality were her greatest assets but as I see it, Rachel Crow and her vocals are capable of blowing the minds off of the audience when she sings if given the right song choice.

Thankfully, she chose her song for this week's Top 11 live show and hands down, it was absolutely brilliant. She did Etta James' "I'd Rather Go Blind" justice. So much justice in fact that it was in my opinion, the best performance of the night and my favorite one of Rachel's.

She sings "And Baaaby, Baaaby, Baaaby, Baaabyyyy I'd rather go blind boy." 

I love how she goes into this place of raw emotion and passion when she sings. I dare you to watch it and be totally blown away by this precocious thirteen-year-old.

Simon says he saved the best for last! And he truly did. Atta girl! Great job this week!

Watch the performance and see for yourself what I mean... =)

Judges Comments: 

 L.A. Reid: Up until now, I wasn't sure if you're a true contender for the $5M prize. Tonight, you proved that you have you're eye on the target. You were great! My favorite yet.

Nicole Scherzinger: Blah..blah..blah. That was amazing! I don't know where you get that soul. Only God knows, honey.

Paula Abdul: Baby girl, baby girl! Boy, do I love you! I love me some Rachel! I love you so much and I'm glad that you're teaching this man (referring to Simon) humility. Rachel, you were amazing! The best performance! This is who you are on that stage.

Simon Cowell: Blah.. And not only do I trust you, I adore you. You remind me tonight of a mini little Beyonce and you've got that winning attitude and right now you are back in the game, young lady!   

Listen to the original version. Etta James' "I'd Rather Go Blind"

My Thoughts: No Other Woman vs. A Love Story

I was mainly curious what the fuss was about the movie so I decided to go ahead and see it for myself. No Other Woman is a movie collaboration by Star Cinema and Viva Films starred by the stunning Anne Curtis as Kara Zalderiaga, the hunk leading man Derek Ramsay as Ram Escaler and the ever so gorgeous Cristine Reyes as Charmaine Escaler under the direction of Ruel Santos Bayani.

With those hot stars top-billing the flick, it's a sure fire recipe to draw audiences young and old, male and female alike to the cinemas. Add to that the relatively controversial plot. I can understand why it is such a hit. But I was not expecting that it's going to hit that big.

What I like about the movie is mainly the acting. Each star shone at some point in the movie but it was Anne Curtis who stole the spotlight with her poise and sophistication in her portrayal as the other woman. The exchange of some of the most memorable lines were an added spice to the already  hot chemistry of the actors. Here are some of my favorites:

“You can call me whatever you want,SNAKE, BITCH or OTHER WOMAN, but I promise you,
I will never be a PATHETIC and BORING housewife.
- Kara Zalderiaga”

“Alam mo kasi ang marriage parang exclusive village.
Kailangan mong bantayan para hindi makapasok ang mga squatters.
- Charmaine Escaler”
  “Ang mundo ay isang malaking Quiapo, maraming snatcher, maagawan ka, lumaban ka!"                     - Carmi Martin

  “Panahon na para i-pack mo na yang Lucy Torres mo, ilabas mo na diyan si Gretchen Barretto, anak ako na ang bahala sa red stiletto mo!" - Carmi Martin  

“Pareparehong puta lang yun! Ang mayaman bumibili ng hermes sa mall, ang mahirap bumibili ng hermes sa greenhills." – Carmi Martin 

It was a good start for the movie but there were some dragging parts in between. I remember saying, "When will the slapping and the action start?"


Half-way through the plot, it gets a little too predictable and sadly, I was not satisfied with how the ending was conveyed. I was not convinced why Ram chose Charmaine over Kara. Of course, it is the only right ending the movie should head to but it was not justified strongly. At least, that's how it came across to me.

I cannot help but compare it with another Star Cinema movie released 2007. I'm sure you know what movie I was referring to because No Other Woman's plot was familiarly similar to it. It was of course, "A Love Story" starred by Angelica Panganiban, Aga Muhlach and Ms. Maricel Soriano directed by Maryo J. De Los Reyes.

I was not a die-hard fan of any of the actors but I watched "A Love Story" anyway because I was instantly drawn to the story. It was an interesting and an unlikely set of actors which made it more appealing. I only saw the movie once but I can still vividly remember the ending. The conflict was the same but the story climaxed with such depth and subtlety that as it neared the ending, it was a tug-of-war between Maricel Soriano's and Angelica Panganiban's characters. I wanted Muhlach's character to choose the other woman because she loved him more than the wife ever did. But he ended up doing the right thing and chose the wife instead. It was definitely the right ending. What I love about the movie was that it was able to create such conflicting emotions for the audience that even if you wanted a different thing and the movie headed to a different direction, you'd find yourself satisfied in the end. Even after the movie ended, it still lingers a while more. And for me, that sums up effective storytelling.

"No Other Woman (NOW)" fell short in this respect. If "A Love Story" ended with an unforgettable bang, "NOW" ended with little or no bang at all. It was too predictable. It sizzled cold right before the ending. "No Other Woman" was basically a rip-off of "A Love Story" and when it's supposed to be better, it was not.

Nonetheless, a CONGRATULATIONS is deserved. After all, in this age of rampant and aggressive piracy of movies, "NOW" was able to pull off such a feat.

As for me, I was just looking for more.




Soniador