Janet Jackson, Justin Bieber in Philippines Soon

I guess there's enough reason why Filipino performers, such as Ms. Kuh Ledesma, should gripe about this. Previously, I talked about the upcoming one-night concert of Taylor Swift; and you should know, she's not the only one coming over. There's more.

Prior to Swift's concert on February 19, Philippines will be seeing first Michael Jackson's dear sister, Janet Jackson. The concert, dubbed as Janet, Number Ones, Up Close and Personal Tour, Live in Manila, will be on February 4, 2011 at the PICC Plenary Hall.

After Janet, more foreign artists are scheduled to sing Filipinos on their way to the ticket booth. Like I said, Ms. Ledesma, among others, is not at all happy about this. More foreign concerts mean more competition, especially that Ms. Ledesma's concert, The Greatest Love Songs of Our Time Featuring THE DIVA and THE HITMAKERS, is also set in the love-month, on February 13, 2011 at the PICC Plenary Hall.

Many is supposed to be merry, right? But, what bothers Filipino artists is the fact that most, if not all, foreign concerts are very much received in terms of ticket sales compared to local performances. This, I believe, is influenced by the audience's idea that seldom would they see their foreign idols performing live, whereas there are many opportunities for them to see local artists here in the Philippines in other events.

I believe there's something that lawmakers can do about this, say, higher amusement taxes for foreign artists (?). But, for now, let's just try to leave the matter for the government to address. For sure, these foreign engagements can very well hurt the Filipino entertainment industry sooner or later, so, for our part, let's  support our own entertainers.

Other foreign concerts:

Kyu Jong & Young Saeng

And Story in Manila

February 5, 2011

PICC, The Forum 2

Deftones

Diamond Eyes Tour Manila

February 12, 2011

World Trade Center

Fra Lippo Lippi

February 14, 2011

Global City, Taguig

The YellowCard 

February 20, 2011

A-venue Music Hall

Park Mi Kyung

February 26, 2011

Newport Performing Arts Theatre

Anberlin

March 9, 2011

A-Venue Concert Hall

Planetshakers

March 12, 2011

Philippine Sports Arena

Maroon 5 

Live in Manila 2011

May 23, 2011

SMX Convention Center

Justin Bieber

May 10, 2011

SM Mall of Asia Concert Grounds

--- Ireen ---

American Idol in Nashville, Next Stop: Austin, TX

Let me think. (Pause). Frankly, I did not seem to enjoy the audition in Nashville, Tennessee, for the fourth leg of American Idol search. It is supposed to be the Music City, but I see that Milwaukee was better off, especially with the entry of Fil-Am Thia Megia.

Former couple Rob Bolin and Chelsee Oaks:
Will they find love again in AI?

The audition, according to Randy Jackson, was full of highs and lows. I believe it was lows althroughout. The city is definitely swiped clean of all its talented residents, and that it will take some time for it to replenish.  Nashville's next Carrie Underwood is definitely not yet born here, and I guess, we have to wait for the next seasons to come.  

In my humble judgment, I believe the worthy Hollywood "packers" should only be the ex-es Rob Bolin and Chelsee Oaks, and Jackie Wilson. 

As feedback, Rob Bolin and Chelsee Oaks are former girlfriend-boyfriend who used to sing together publicly in a band. They happened to sign up for AI and ended up rendering a duet number for the judges, while Chelsee's current boyfriend waits outside the door. Seems painful for Rob because no one is at the door to hug and congratulate him for his coveted golden ticket, except, of course, for Ryan Seacrest. The trio judges were truly impressed with them individually and as a duo; J.Lo kinda bet that this couple will soon find themselves in each other's arms, back again.

Well, the judges have called on the next batch for Hollywood from Nashville, which included Jackie Wilson, Rob Bolin and Chelsee Oaks, Paul McDonald, Matt Dillard and Lauren Alaina. 

Next stop: Austin, Texas

--- Ireen ---

American Idol in Milwaukee, WI

For this week, Randy Jackson, Steven Tyler, Jennifer Lopez, and Ryan Seacrest are in the Land of Cheese (and Beer) Milwaukee, Wisconsin for the continuation of the search for the next American Idol. 

Overall, the entire audition was, as expected, a minus-and-plus undertaking. Without mentioning those who were subtracted from the competition, some of the latest additions to batch Hollywood are:

1. Scott Dangerfield, the backroom kisser who can pass up for a young Clark Kent except for his bony legs. And he can substitute Shaggy, too, in Scooby Doo. As to the voice, hmmm, I’m not that impressed, unlike J. Lo, who branded him as her “favorite”.

2. Steve Beghun, whose last name is pronounced as “big goon,” can easily take the role as a real big goon because of his height and size. He is considered to be AI’s first certified public accountant. And when he is not pushing the calculator, he is enjoying his time singing at weddings and funerals. The performance was not okay for me, though.

3. Emma Henry, the 15-year old Cyndi Lauper wanna-be. Randy Jackson was not really carried away saying that although she has a voice, it needs to be honed. Randy  was almost ready to say “no” with concerns that the girl might get swallowed by the Hollywood auditions if he would say "yes". But, with the crying that Emma made plus Steven Tyler’s kitty lobbying, Randy Jackson put her through for another shot.

4. Jerome Bell, the Bar Mitzvah singer. I say, this boy has the talent and he is definitely should go to Hollywood.

5. Naima Adedapo, the janitor and toilet cleaner mom. I agree with the judges, she has the package to compete in Hollywood.

6. Thia Megia is my ultimate choice! So young at 15 years old but with a powerful voice, I am reminded of her of Charice, not to mention her Asian looks. With talent and good attitude she has, I say, Thia will surely make it through the top 12.

7. Molly DeWolf Swensen, the Harvard graduate, White House intern who “platonically” loves Barack Obama. She's now marked as the contestant that the Dawg accidentally hit on the face at one time during the audition. Well, Randy let her in for Hollywood, not because he hurt her, but, really, she has the voice, and er, the height. Perhaps, Pres. Obama will soon start watching AI if she gets further in the competition.

8. Scotty McCreery is one exceptional character because of his unique voice. The first kind I’ve heard in AI; so low and deep for a 16-year year old, a comment, which he gets a lot.

9. Chris Medina – the boy with a good voice, alright; but, he also has a great heart-breaking story to tell: a very pretty fiancée, who, after they were engaged to get married, met a near-death accident and ended up with a broken face and on a wheel chair. Though they are not yet married, he made a commitment to take care of his girl.

The entrance of Scotty McCreery, Emma Henry and Thia Megia came after AI reduced the age requirement for participants. According to Ryan Seacrest, AI is highly influenced by the Justin Bieber fever that producers decided to lower the age qualification to 15 years old. The new generation is indeed so talented that the Milwaukee audition was able to haul up many 15-year old contenders.

Next stop for AI is in Nashville, Tennessee.  

--- Ireen ---

Happy Beans Pens

Have you seen these little guys before? Those sweet and colorful munchies that look great inside a glass bottle and kids love so much . . . called Jelly Beans?  No, they are not it! These are their other selves!

Funny, Happy Beans

It has already become my practice that when I go out of the house either to buy grocery, scout school requirements, pay bills, or do other errands, I bring a "surprise" to my kids. Suprise -- nice little inexpensive something that, for me, impresses on one's child the fact that her or his mom loves him dearly and that he or she is always in her mind where ever mom goes.

During one instance in Gaisano Bookstore in Banilad, Cebu City, I perchance these funny-looking beans. Thinking that they were just some decors to fancy, I opened one of it and found that it has its purpose after all.  It was a pen disguised as a bean! At $0.44 per piece, I baptized them Happy Beans Pens.  I guess, that's how they are really called.

They are very handy that you can simply hook one on your child's bag or your own sling bag. Expectedly, I picked up two for my daughters waiting at home. And indeed, they were very delighted.

--- Ireen --- 

Of Rubber Mats and Comfort Rooms

Even at first glance, I was immediately drawn to these. Not for any reason, but for the bright, catchy color and design they have. I'm actually referring to rubber mats I saw in Gaisano Country Mall in Banilad, Cebu City.  

The mats come in different colors, of bright shades too hard to resist: orange, lime green, yellow, and white.  With shells as design, they will look really gorgeous in bathroom floors. Plus, they are non-slip, thus, very useful in keeping bathing accidents at bay.   

The downside for such a love-at-first-sight moment was that my pockets were then almost empty for something extra to spare for a grab of those flooring knock-outs. So, I skipped that moment, feeling sad and thinking how I like the yellow ones so much.

But for the second time that I was in the same mall, I did not pass up the chance. I went back for those mats.  To my heart's dismay, the yellow mats are all wiped out. The result: I went home with its orange cousins.

Prior to this buy, I was pondering on replacing the plastic weave on our bathroom floor, which we had for almost two years.  It had brittled already and been slowly chipping off.  At the back of my head was the thought that I will not be buying the same plastic mat again, and I'll scout something that's, for me, pleasing to my eyes every time I enter our bathroom.  Looking at those mats at Gaisano, I knew then it was time to get rid of that plastic weave.

Finding Comfort in the Littlest Room

The bathroom or comfort room is supposed to be a room of comfort, hence, the name, right? It should be a place for some "leave-me-alone" space, a time-out room, a freedom nook where disturbances are not allowed. This is actually a man's throne, so to speak, where he can be himself, and be king for a day; a place where you shed your skin and cleanse yourself.

But, oftentimes, in most Filipino homes, this is the smallest room in the house, sometimes crampy, smelly, untidy, that instead of staying for a while and abandon reality, you tend to hurry in relieving yourself just to get it over with, because you don't find that "small room" comforting at all.

In some well-off homes, you are likely to see these private places differently: spacious, as big as a sleeping quarter; sweet smelling; towels, shampoos, and soaps lining up neatly; clean floors, mirrors and lavatory; potpourri and scented candles -- all with a touch of style and drama.  

But, comfort rooms or bathrooms need not be as dramatic and expensive as this.  For as long as it is roomy enough to allow you to express your privacy with no interruptions, and it smells good, looks tidy and clean, you will always be ready to go.

Now, I am reminded. Our comfort room cum bathroom, like usual Filipinos, is also the littlest nook in the house. Because of that, I make up to seeing to it that, even if it is small, it is clean and smells clean always for my kids, my family, and myself.  I admit, it really needs some repair, like the eye sore, broken door, and rough walls, etc.  We have already included this as an endeavor for home improvement in the family's plans for the year. Hopefully, before 2011 ends, my family will be able to find solace in our comfort room, and guess what (?), the year is just starting! I suppose it's just enough time to save on that home makeover, right?

--- Ireen ---

Marac-lets as Little Maracas

Let me share with you the cutest find I have this week at SM City Cebu's National Bookstore: a pair of little maracas. They are so small that I call them Marac-lets, meaning little maracas.  At  $0.80 per piece, I bought a pair thinking they were good for my collection.

About Maracas

Maracas, which always come and look good in pairs rather than alone, belong to the percussion instruments, and are famous with the Latin American music.

Many assumed that its first kind came from Morocco, probably because of their almost similar-sounding terms, but no, they are said to have originated from Puerto Rico instead. Of course, how can we miss that? The maracas music can very well  be heard in most Puerto Rican compositions as well as in Brazilian, Jamaican and other Latin American songs.

This Marac-let is only about 5-inch long

They have revolved around the world and acquired different names: "shakers", or "shac shacs" like in Trinidad and Tobago, and while for babies, they are simply called "rattles". Maracas, to create good music and complement each other, one has to have a high pitch sound, while the other should be low-pitch.

Marac-lets should always go in pairs

Usually made out of shells of coconut or gourd, there are also those that are made from dried calabash fruit (Crescentia cujete), plastic, leather, and wood.  They are then filled with seeds or pebbles to create that familiar maracas sound when shaken. Makers of that musical accompaniment often apply shiny finishes on it, paint on it with different colorful designs, or put some attractive ornaments, perhaps to augment its being little.

Well, that's about it. Just don't forget to shake those maracas when you see them.

--- Ireen ---

Trinkets to Wear

Bought at $1.16 at A&W, Ayala Center in Cebu City

Earrings are a woman's signature.  Through the years, women are so in love with these little beauty catchers that they cannot live with just one pair.

They want many and various sets of these pieces to match the clothes they wear, the occasion they attend to, and the mood they are in.

Ear ornaments, as I may call them, can go from very expensive to unknown value, from elegant to simple, from outrageous to hardly-seen.

Other females who are ostentatious enough like to wear them big and pricey; they really feel good carrying themselves publicly with those valuable ones beside their cheeks.

Handmade tiny pearls bound together as grape-style
dangles bought from an office mate for $1.16 a pair

I, myself, have a penchant for earrings so I keep a small box of these.  Some, I really love to wear, while others, are just so pretty for my collection.

Price: $2.79 a pair from the
Muslims in Robinson's Manila

I have four pairs acquired recently from a boutique in Ayala Center in Cebu City and from a former office mate who supervises a cottage industry of jewelry and accessory making by unemployed mothers funded by the Philippine government. These types, I tell you, are good for special occasions and not for daily wear.

There is also another one which I'd like to include in this story.  I got it almost two years back while I was in Manila. I found it so cute, almost childlike, that I decided to buy it for future use.

Check them all out!

--- Ireen ---

Caddy Ducky

This came as a belated Christmas give-away from a friend of my hubby, Chef Andrey.  He usually receives a lot of presents during this festive season when everybody seems to have a lot to give and is very generous to everyone.

I found the present endearing enough to be part of this blogspot. It's a stuffed duck designed to service as a remote control caddy. You can also use the caddy for about anything that fits, like PSPs, gameboys, pens, and can also be a holder for utility bills.

It has pebbles inside that weigh the duck in its place and so not to easily knock it over when things are put inside its pocket. The tag says it came from the "Organizer Shop," and it is worth about $9.00.

Actually, if you have a knack for sewing and handcrafts, you can re-create a project just like this. Plus with a little imagination, you can take on different designs and concepts as well. Just a suggestion, anyway; but, it wouldn't be too late to start one, right?

About Organizer Shop

A Manila-based company, the Organizer Shop, Inc. produces, designs and manufactures handcrafted organizers and compartments for desktops, appliances, counters, dressers, and what-have-yous. 

Aside from the remote control caddy, the Shop boasts of a line of other items like ribbon, jewelry, letter, vanity, and tea boxes.  They also sell hand bags for women.  For more information, you may visit them on Facebook.

--- Ireen ---

Pottery and Garden Dreams

Located at Tigbao, Talamban, Cebu City

I'm sure every "green-minded" and "dreaming-of-a-nice-life" person has an ideal garden that comes with his or her ideal house.  And if you're planning now of that house or garden, I'd like to share this with you, hoping to ignite some ideas for future use.

There is this one place that my hubby and myself pass by every day we drive our daughter to school. I found it very pleasing to my eyes that I have jotted this last year as among the topics that I must include in PicketPages. Finally, I got that chance when we went to my child's school for the parents' third quarterly conference.  

It's actually a display of pottery, outdoor furniture, playground pieces, and other garden accents by Phoenix Garden. Because of the worldwide economic slump, Phoenix Garden decided to open to local customers its products, which are primarily for exports only.

Price: About $50.00 to $150.00

Wall accents price range:
About $10 to $20

Stool is individually tagged at about $80.00,
table has no price fixed yet

Chairs are made of plastic twine,
while the table is of fiber cement

Most of Phoenix's pottery and furniture are made of a special material called fiber cement, which is 50% cement and 50% fiber. Playground attractions like the see-saw and slide are made of fiberglass.  A major component of some of their furniture is plastic twine weaved around a metal alloy framework shaped for chairs or tables.

The drawback, however, is, as usual, the price. They are quite costly for me that I easily scrapped the picture of my dream garden in my mind and chose to preserve ideas about pottery and garden accents into still pictures, as you can see here.

But, if I'll have my way, my ideal garden, inspired by what I saw in Phoenix, will look a little something like this:

An extensive garden with green rolling Bermuda grasses, well-manicured lawns and
hedges, and flowery landscapes. Along the path of cobblestones that emanate from the gate going towards the house's door, one should pass by a Castillan fountain intended as a rotunda, and each nook of the ground will be guarded by giant pots. There's also a see-saw and a slide, a wishing well, a small pond with water lilies and a rainbow bridge above it. It is surrounded by spruces and fruit bearing trees, and in the middle of the lot is a pavilion surrounded by hanging plants accessorize with cushioned seats and a hammock  -- all stylishly and nicely arranged.

Well, dreaming is one thing that's perfectly free in this life, right? So, who's stopping who?

--- Ireen ---

American Idol Audition in New Jersey and New Orleans

The American Idol is up and running again, now, on its tenth season.

Several quarters have expressed a low-tone excitement for this year's season because of various reasons including the non-renewal of famous celeb-judges Paula Abdul, Kara Dio Guardi and the undaunted Simon Cowell, and the seemingly fading interests of fans and followers of the show.

Opinion makers, like myself, believe that, indeed, the disappearance of those judges, who viewers have long been accustomed to, left a profound void quite uneasy for the producers to fill. Good thing, there is still, "The Dawg" Randy Jackson, and Ryan Seacrest, whose face is definitely AI- stamped.

But, as I watched the first two auditions in New Jersey and New Orleans in Louisiana with the new judges, rock star legend Steven Tyler and "Jenny on the Block" Jennifer Lopez, I may say, that it was not bad at all.  

With Tyler and J.Lo at the judging table, I sensed a bit of freshness. Steven Tyler, for me, was all true in the way he graded the performances, throwing in the right comments with proper timing.  I saw J. Lo. as the heart and soul of the panel. But, she can be a heavy gavel who can bring down a verdict without mercy, if the decision calls for it.  

As of the moment, I assume that the neophyte-judges are just taking their time and would soon heat up the contest to reveal something worth watching.  

The judges picked 51 hopefuls in New Jersey and 37 in New Orleans to become part of the pack that will be  sent to Hollywood for further auditioning.  

Home of the Jazz, New Orleans, is special, because the place happens to be the birthplace of resident judge, Randy Jackson. Among the contestants picked for Hollywood was a niece of Randy Jackson's former school coach. 

AI's next stop will be in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Until next time.  

--- Ireen ---

Taylor Swift Live in Manila on February 19

Fans of Taylor Swift in the Philippines have surely  prepared for the much-awaited concert of their country music princess this year.

A one-night performance entitled "Taylor Swift Live in Manila" will happen on February 19, 2011 at the Araneta Coliseum otherwise known as the Big Dome.  The concert is just one leg of Taylor's promotional tour in Southeast Asia for her latest "Speak Now" album, which was released in October 2010 by Big Machine Records. 

The 14-song "Speak Now"  album is already a third one for Taylor, who first released a self-titled album in 2006.

Her second album, "Fearless", released in 2008, shared to the world the songs "Love Story" and "You Belong with Me."  To recall, the pop icon received at the 52nd Grammy Awards the Album of the Year and the Best Country Album for "Fearless."

Among the highlighted singles in Speak Now are "Mine", and "Dear John", which was rumored to be dedicated to another pop idol, John Mayer.

Tickets for the concert were made available since November last year and were reported to be running out fast. Ticket prices are as follows:

Patron VIP (Reserved Seating)          12680

Lower Box Reg (Reserved Seating)      5810

Upper Box A (Reserved Seating)          3700

Upper Box B                                         1590

General Admission                                 530

Lower Box VIP (Reserved Seating)      7920

Patron Reg (Reserved Seating)          12150

Taylor Swift Live in Manila is organized by Ovation Productions in cooperation with ETC and Jack TV.

For ticket reservations, call 911-5555 or buy online at TicketNet.

Run now before it runs out!

--- Ireen ---

My Golden Globe Bet, Chris Colfer

Finally, people from the Golden Globe Award recognized what big talent this boy has. Chris Colfer is at the top of the list why people, like myself, fell and still in love with Glee, the comedy musical television series on Fox network that follows the high school lives and performances of members of a glee club called New Directions.  

The series was first introduced to me by a gay friend because of his amazement of Kurt Hummel, played by Chris. Well, should I blame him for that? Of course not.  Because, I, too, became a fan of Chris or Kurt.

When I first saw Chris' acts in Glee's first season, I found it very hilarious. My interests for Chris and for Glee grew more when I witnessed the musical talents that each member of the series possesses, and I then became a great follower. I really can't help becoming Gleek myself. 

Chris is definitely unforgettable in my memory especially with his renditions of Mr. Cellophane and Defying Gravity, and of course, his funny slot with Beyonce's Single Ladies.

Not only am I amazed how much talent Chris has in his cap, I'm as well impressed by the kind of personality behind this now tinsel town's figure.

A native of Clovis, California, whose real name is Christopher Paul Colfer, was an excellent student.  Back in his early days, he was a debater and a very good speaker, student leader, writer, editor, church singer, and a campus musical director.

Congratulations, Chris, for being Golden Globe's 2011 Best Supporting Actor for your part in Glee, and kudos to your future projects.  See more of Chris here.

--- Ireen ---

SINULOG 2011: 3rd Sinulog Fireworks Competition

It's the day before the grand fiesta but the rain seems to be relentless since this morning. Despite of the flooded streets and heavy downpour, about two million devotees followed the afternoon solemn procession in downtown Cebu City.

Basilica Minore del Sto. Nino

Novena Mass at the Basilica's Pilgrim Center

Indeed, not even the heaven's cries can dampen the spirit of Cebuanos and tourists who purposely came over to the Queen City of the South to witness the yearly Sinulog mardi gras. The celebration has to go on . . . rain or no rain!

The celebration, truely all fun and entertainment, can be found everywhere: at Fuente Osmena and Jones Avenue; Ayala Center Cebu, I.T. Park in Apas, Lahug; Park Mall in the North Reclamation Area; and SM City in Cebu.

Hunting for that fun and entertainment, we went to SM City for the mall's 3rd Sinulog Fireworks Competition. The pyrotechnics contest has become an annual event since 2009. Manufacturers and dealers of fireworks and firecrackers are the usual contenders in this show-off.  Now, the competition is considered to be among the highlights of the Sinulog revelry.

  

Eight participants showcased one by one their designed pyrotechnics at SM's Northwing.  They vied for the grand prize of almost $3,000.  

As expected, the flow of traffic is worse at SM's surrounding streets. We almost gave up, until, we decided to try our luck inside Radisson Blu, the hotel that's right beside the SM City.  In Radisson, we found more than just a parking area, we found a very strategic place to watch a live kaleidoscope on Cebu skies.

Radisson Blu Cebu's facade (top);
Feria -- Radisson's dining hall (below)

With the gorgeous fountain, the hotel's facade looks so great at night, and inside it, was very spacious and shiny. We did not know that many of the people inside the hotel were just there for a good view of the pyro spectacle.  

While many wait under the rain for a parking slot to become available, we were there at Radisson's back balcony overlooking Northwing, all too glad for a jackpot place.  It was simply the perfect spot to see the fireworks display!

--- Ireen ---

SINULOG 2011: Cebu City is Ready

January 16, 2011 is marked as the highlight of the Sinulog 2011 festival.  As previously reported in our January 7 blog piece, Viva Pit Señor, the Sinulog Grand Parade and Carousel and dance performances are all set to happen on January 16 along the streets of downtown city enroute to Cebu City Sports Center for the final performance.  

The streets have been beautified and portalets are all lined up -- the organizers have carefully laid all plans that there's nowhere to go but, Viva Pit Senor!

Sinulog fever on the streets

It's total hardwork for the different contingents that will be participating. You should have seen them practiced. With the captivating drum beats, they seem not to bother about being tired.  

The props, the drum and bugle, the performers

Outside the sports center, business is getting good. Covering the frontage of the whole block where the Andres Abellana High School is located, makeshift stores have lined up selling various items, from shoes and women accessories to house wears and "print-on-the-spot" Sinulog tee shirts.

Handmade earrings start at $0.23,
while necklaces at  $0.70

Sinulog shirts here are at $4.65 each

Items from bags and wallet to shoes and slippers
are available here

Shoes from Cebu's shoe capital -- Carcar

What a shame that I was not able to see the fluvial procession this morning (January 15, Philippine time).  It would have been great. Well, there's always the next time around, and on that next time, we promise to give you comprehensive stories and pictures about Sinulog.

Now that everything is set, we can only wish for, at least, a non-rainy day.

--- Ireen ---