Run for Japan

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In the midst of all the things that Japan has--and is still going through, what best way to show them love than participating in the upcoming Run for Japan, a fundraising event where proceeds will go to help rebuild the country that has contributed a lot of things to the world.

For a mere Php350, all runners can join the 3k, 5k and 10k which already includes the singlet, race bib and souvenir.

Run in your normal jogging outfit or wear a cosplay (which would be highly entertaining!). All for the love of Japan! Happening this April 17 (Sunday) at Fort Bonifacio Global City, 5:15am. Registrations are on-going.

Visit http://www.pinoyfitness.com/2011/03/run-for-japan-april-17-2011/ or http://www.runnersrunner.com/store/events/run-for-japan.html for more details.

Take 2!

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Way before Nicki Minaj's hit single "Your Love", award-winning British music artist of the 80's-- Annie Lennox was the first to come up with the catchy entrance tune. She didn't sing it the way the queen of hip-hop did though. On the contrary, Annie sang No More "I Love You's".



Lady Gaga's current hit song Born This Way is making a lot of fans sing-- and other big artists as well. After discovering 10-year-old Youtube sensation Maria Aragon and asking her to sing in Gaga's concert in Toronto, Canada last March 3, here's what came up of their duet bringing more emotion to the soulful (literally)song followed by Katy Perry's semi-acoustic take of the same song.

And to wrap things up, here's quite a funny set due to other people's naive comments---After Justin Beiber released his single 'Somebody To Love' (which has another version that also features Usher), people search Youtube, find this next song and thinks "Hey this isn't J.B.'s song!" Well FYI, this is courtesy to the 70's British band "Queen" which the song was actually revived by the Glee Cast. If you're looking for the one Beiber sang (in Glee version) here it is, listen... and see the difference!

Proj. 365: Day 14-16

Day 14: The only constant thing I could keep picturing to have a new one everyday is on food photography. Like my previous shot on Krazy Garlic, this is another resto I'd keep tab to review on. 'Toast Box' aas a little selection on their menu but is simple yummy I tell you!

Day 15: I just saw this when I was out and roaming. I don't know what it is so I'm telling you to go figure out that too. :))

Clue: It looks like a metal leaf... or somekind on UFO umbrella?
Who knows? o_O"

Day 16: And last but certainly not the least, I had fun going to mass after seeing Spidey drop by our church. Talk about fanadom! I just had to make fun of this pic! Sorry kid.:))

Up, up, here we go!

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This week, a lot of great songs came out that I could just keep them looping in my iPod! So let's not keep the waiting any longer, here's one from an asian band who is making their way to the charts! This is Far East Movement featuring One Republic's very own Ryan Tedder in Rocketeer.

Justin Bieber shows a religious side as he closes eyes and sing Pray which definitely touches one's hearts.

But contrary to J.B.'s religiousness, Enrique Inglesias' new single goes out to party in sex and sin with Tonight I'm Lovin' You (which is not really what he's trying to say.:o)

The long awaited team-up of Nelly and Kelly Rowland finally brings a follow-up to their hit song Dilemma with Gone followed by David Archuleta's very catchy new hit song Elevator.

So that's a wrap to this week's new songs! It's time for me to look for more new ones to feature! 'Til the next Music Highlights!;)

Proj. 365: Day 13

Day 13: It's a Thursday night and although gimmick night was a bit off given the time of the day, it was still nice to hang out with friends and eat a new place called 'Krazy Garlic' which literally served everything with garlic (including their drinks)!

The place was cozy and the food is great (although a bit expensive). I could write a review about the resto, but maybe when I have the time.:P

P.S. Forgive the gruesome pixel, it was taken from my camera phone.

I forgot to bring my baby today! But at least I kept the rule of thirds in tact. :D

**Thanks to Arvin for the treat! Advance Happy Birthday!!:D

Project 365: Day 11-12

Day 11: Saw this very iteresting and up-to-date jeep which designed itself with the latest social networking sites like "Facebook" and "Twitter". Only saw one side of it though, I wonder if it included any other sites.

Oh and this Jeep's travel route is at our province so if you want to take a trip to network-ville, this is the ride you should be taking!:))

Day 12: Another random picture I took for the day. It's Sunday and there's not much happening except mass and... a really bright lamp. :-I

Project 365: Day 7-10

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My days are finally starting to get busy and 4 pictures of my day has been left unposted! I hope to be able to keep taking a snapshot of something with the coming days or else I'll be posting an image of "IOU's" *eeep!*

Day 7: Jan 7--I woke up at around 6:30 to jog at our province's oval track. When all my energy was drained, I was never too tired to take this snapshot of kids running with no rubber shoes on. They even removed their slippers to play! Totally worth the picture feature!:)

Day 8: Our fiesta at the town plaza. Thank God for rural places for keeping this tradition!
Since I don't dance ballroom, all I could do was play with my baby camera.
And what best way to enjoy bright lights and moving people? Low shutter!

Day 9: Magellan's Cross... and no, I didn't go to Cebu. This image is the reminder of my previous
trip there and what I still need to accomplishfor the Cebu edition of Travel Times!
Ugh, I wish I could have included "non-procrastination" in my resolution!
But sadly, I was too lazy to do that. LOL!

Day 10: Jelly Belly time!!! Thank you James for giving me my favorite
Fat-Free and non-cholesterol munchie, Lychee Conjac Jelly by H&Y!=D

To sing or not to sing?

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Rude words now adays are as common as saying "excuse me" or "call me". Now Cee Lo Green puts it out in the open as his latest single's title, F**k you not only has a good song but will unfortunately make people sing F-U too as easy as 1-2-3. Not to mention he makes a kid lead in his MTV! This is definately not fitting for any minor viewers (yes I'm somewhat the concervative/ concerned type here) but then again the artists will just defend themselves by saying it's their "artistry" or that there's a "censorship" that should be working. So, where are they?! Is Cee Lo's subtle version Forget You the solution to any possible issues he might encounter? */rant-ends*



But of course not all songs are that vulgar when it comes to words (or sometimes, does not need words at all). Take this next songs for example: From Paris, China, Colorado, or anywhere in the world... sing or hum to the Good Life in One Republic's latest single or chill and dance to Edward Maya and Vika Jigulina's Stereo Love.





Enjoy the soothing voice of Dawn Richard and Kalenna Harper mixed with Diddy's rap in their newly-formed group called Diddy - Dirty Money in Coming Home featuring Skylar Grey.

Lastly, follow Keri Hilson as she transforms herself into some of the women who have paved the way to black female artists like Diana Ross, TLC and Janet Jackson in Pretty Girls Rock.

Proj. 365: Day 6

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As much as I'd hate to turn this into almost a day-by-day personal entry ('coz I've learned a few not-so good things from making your own online personal blog), this project is forcing me to take pictures of things--special in their own way-- during that day. I don't use Foursquare app for the reason that I don't need people knowing where I am or where I've been. But in this case, the next photo is taken at Ayala Triangle in Makati. The christmas decors are still up and they provide a wonderful relaxing scene at the place... and I don't mind them taking it down. Maybe that could be one place where people would always feel it's Christmas... :)

Day 6: Ayala Triangle's Stars and Lights ---picture taken using a

cool camera app of Samsung Tablet called 'Retro Camera'.

I love how a vintage photo looks like... makes me want to collect LOMOs again!:)

Proj. 365: Day 5

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Day 5 and January 5th of 2011. 3 days after work and I'm already stressed for some reason!:-o Good thing our helper was once a masseuse sho she help relieve my tired muscles. And aside from that de-stressing massage, I also turned on my lava lamp which helped became my picture for today!

I had to try several settings before getting the right one (this one's through manual setting, ISO 800, f1/8) and viola, instant dim-light photographia!:D I knew this project was going to help me pracice photography better.:))

Project 365: Day 1-4

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A new year has come and it's another year to live and of course new things to look forward to! For my first post in this new decade, I'm starting a personal project I'd like to call Project 365 where I will be taking 1 picture a day and post it here (with special thanks to inspirations from fellow photographers and the blog New Dress A Day). Not only do I get to update my blog more often (as this previous new year's resolution is not always kept) but I'll also be able to practice photography even more and add more stuff to my folio. I may not be the best photographer but the joys of being able to complete this (and HOPEFULLY I will!), will one day be rewarded in some way...? *LOL*

So without further ado (and still no permanent photo signature >_<), here's what I've been clicking from Jan. 1-4, 2011!

Day 1: What would be the main highlight of the day rather than the fireworks

that lit the star-less 2011 night? A new year, new opportunity and

a new outlook in life--- therefore the "New Happy Year"!

Day 2: It was another great day for my family to be spending our

last vacation day at our province... and there were a few remaining fireworks

we lit around 8pm. This beautiful dance of light was from

one of the fountains we've enjoyed.

Day 3: January 3. Back to work. *eeep!* These are the times when it was hard to get

out of bed and start making my brain work again. Good thing a good mix of my sweet coffee

was enough to wake me up... and i finally got to use my [one of the many] gifts to myself---

the Nikon 70-200mm mug! I simply heart it!:D

...Oh and i took this one using my 2mp X90 cherry mobile phone.

Doesn't really have to be from my SLR. Ironic though. Haha!

Day 4: Inabraw. Or well, at least that's how we call it in Pangasinan, my birth province.

It's one of the many family recipes we cook at home which is like Pinakbet,

only cooked in Bagoong or Fish Paste.

I took this photo for my uncle who's coming up with a packed-lunch business for

busy people in Makati or Manila. We only cook good food so if you're interested,

check out this page to learn how to order your daily Samit! Authentic Faily Recipe!:)

(Whoa instant plug!XD)

Next post is coming up in the next few days where I'll try to keep continuing this Project. Hopefully with all the things I plan on doing this 2011, I fulfill at least half of it! A Happy New Year to everyone!=)

Eargazzmic hits on your way!

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With the hyped-movie Tron coming up, prepare your ears to get electrocuted with the soundtrack by none other than the band who introduced techno to the world--here's Daft Punk with Derezzed!

Next songs are hits from artists who released these hits not so long ago and is now climbing the billboard charts. Bite your heart out of pure love for Pink, Ne-Yo, Mike Posner and Natasha Bedingfield!

Flaming hit charts

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Spending this day just surfing Youtube proves to be much contenting because there's so much new songs coming out I'm so glad and drowning at the same time! But to make your viewing pleasure easier, here are the latest and hottest songs you should also know about!

Having 42 MILLION view hits (as of the moment I watched this), Rihanna's Only Girl would certainly bring her song on the most watched list. The song ain't that bad too! I just find her new look dirty and weird though. She should go back to the short black hair which looks fitter and fierce on her just like the follow-up video of Love the Way You Lie Part 2, again featuring Eminem!

A lot say Kanye West is crazy with what he do, how he wears his clothes or even make his video. And a proof for that last mention is his latest single Runaway which is a staggering 34-min MTV of that song alone! I spent time watching it although I never really grasped the essence of the song. So here's the shortened version ft. Pusha T or if you really wanna see the full-length, click here.

Black Eyed Peas just keeps their songs coming as a band or individually! Here's their latest single from their latest album "The Beginning": The Time (Dirty Bit).

Bruno Mars sings a different theme than his usual "happy and inlove" love songs. This one is a bit heartbreaking yet wonderfully delivered once again! From "Marry You" (which is also featured in Glee's episode 8: "Furt"), this is Grenade.

Just check it out!

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A lot of lines this first song can already become my intro, "No need to ask why, you just gotta see with your eyes!", "These songs are banging, they're hot off the skillet!" so Check It Out, will.i.am and Nicki Minaj revives one of the old annoying songs and turns into an interesting part of their rap. Now it can't stop playing in my head!

I rarely listen to Slash but now that the band features Fergie of B.E.P. (wow, they are really active), Beautiful Dangerous gets into the chart radar.

After Teenage Dream, soon-to-be "Katy Brand" releases another hard hitting chart topper which fairly gives off a good feeling to anyone who deciphers the song's meaning. Ignite the light within you in Katy Perry's Firework.

Since Linkin Park released their album "A Thousand Suns" last September, the songs they've been releasing not only rises in the hit charts but gives of some pretty awesome video effects! Here's The Catalyst and their latest disabled-for-embedding song Waiting For The End.

And lastly, Ke$ha tries to rules the night with We R Who We R.

Talk about text shortcuts huh?Here's another one for the club!

Another batch of songs comin' right up!

An FB fad: Invasion of Memories

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If you're an addict to using Facebook, you probably know there's this status message circulating where in you're being asked to change your profile image to a cartoon (that in essence, has been a part of your childhood). They (whoever started this) says it's to show violence against children where in fact, could also test and see how far Facebook can go and make people do this change. I hope that whoever participates in this does maintain true to the cause but I actually got hooked in their phrase "An invasion of memories". Because of that, I even had a hard time thinking the best cartoon/ anime that I'd choose... and I ended up with one of the first ever cartoon that had a major impact in my childhood: Sailor Moon!

And so to complete the blog, here are more influential anime/ cartoon of my time that really completed my childhood... Before Naruto or Ben 10 came in, here's what captured the hearts of my age... and how it shows I'm still a kid at heart for now dying to want to watch these shows again!!=)

1) Sailor Moon

Usagi Tsukino is an ordinary school girl until she discovers a talking cat named Luna who reveals she is Sailor Moon, the soldier of Love and Justice, who is destined to protect the universe against against a series of dark villains. With the helped of her friends who also became soldiers of different planet names (e.g. Sailor Mars, Mercury, etc.) and let's not forget the love interest of Moon, Tuxedo Mask.

2) Yu Yu Hakusho (Ghost Fighter)

"Raaaay-gun!" Srsly, Need I say more?:))

(Oh and I love Dennis, HE'S NOT GAY!!!>_<")

3) Fushigi Yuugi (The Mysterious Play)

First running as a manga in 1992 and released as an anime in 1995, Fushigi Yuugi is a story of Miaka Yuki and Yui Hongo, bestfriends who were sucked into the world of an old, mysterious book who turns them into maidens of two countries at war. Forced to fight each other to be able to summon their particular gods and grant them 3 wishes (one of which is to return their own world).

5) Powerpuff Girls and 6) Dexter's Laboratory

Although I have a strict classification between "cartoons" and "anime", I'd not only focus on the anime which has greatly influenced me back then. Before Nickolodeon, Hero TV and whatever it is kids now watch now-a-days, Cartoon Network showed two of the hit cartoons (aside from Bugs Bunny and Tom & Jerry of course) and that's the PowerPuff Girls and Dexter's Laboratory!

"Sugar, spice, and everything nice... Saving the world before bedtime!"

"Enter at your own peril, past the bolted door

where impossible things may happen that the world has never seen before

In Dexter's Laboratory, lives the smartest boy you've ever seen

but Dee Dee blows his experiments to smithereens

There is gloom, and doom while things go boom

in Dexter's Laaaab!" :))

7) Flame of Recca

Before Naruto, Recca Hanabishi discovers he is a Ninja living in a modern day-time who has the power to control fire and summon the strongest fire-wielding dragons. With other friends and foes along the way, the plot is much similar to Yu Yu Hakusho where one's skills and survival of the fittest is put to the test.

8) Voltes V

Because of this anime, I was happy to have been born and lived at my genre. Kids now don't know how good and influential Voltes V is to today's mecha and human inspiration... and no current anime can sum up this legend!

9) Tom & Jerry

The classic cat and mouse chase has lived for years and I think this show is still on right? There were just a few enhancements made like Tom and Jerry now talks and they're kids and stuff--- but nothin' beats to the old whammy and funny chases made by the 90's version!

10) Walt Disney Princesses

It shouldn't be a wonder why this is in the list. The princesses of the different Walt Disney movies have made a huge market before even until today. Although i highly doubt kids now have watched Aladdin one hundred and one times like me (i kid you not!) and has memorized every song line in Little Mermaid, they are one of the memories I still keep with me and actually collect to share with my future kids. :)

11) The Little Lulu Show

Based on Marjorie Henderson Buell comic book character Little Lulu, this was turned into an animated series that aired sometime 1995.

You gotta miss Little Lulu's stand-up comedy lines before each show ends.

*Update* (as of Dec. 4)

12) Captain Planet

The list just keeps adding up as friends and friends of friends keep up with this fad. As I see and remember those cartoons who've been a much part of my childhood and Captain Planet was definitely one of them. This show was one of the best and most educational cartoons of it's time and kids were really taught how to take care of the planet. Now that the world's growing population and pollution, isn't it time to revive the Hero who commits to take pollution down to zero?

13) The Real GhostBusters

If there are kids who are afraid of ghosts, you can certainly rely on the Peter, Egon, Winston, Ray and well, Slimmer at occasional times to get rid of your paranormal problems!

Author's note:

The cartoon/ animes I've mentioned above are based only on those I've watched during my childhood years. I've been seeing a lot of pro-pic changes in Facebook showing a lot more shows I haven't been able to watch before. It truly does show how much cartoons become a part of someone's life and still miss them 'til one grows up. The list goes on and on and I'll just keep updating this when I get the chance!=D

- - -

Related Posts by other bloggers:

http://reimarufiles.blogspot.com/2010/12/faces-voltron-series.html

http://reimarufiles.blogspot.com/2010/12/faces-voltron-series.html

Versus the versions!

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Work can be pretty consuming in time and energy, but I won't let that stop me from blogging! Although I've been gone for almost a month from writing, *sniff* I'm back and packed with tons of things to feature! This time, I'm trying something new and that's showing some originally composed songs and comparing them to the hit musical TV show---GLEE. Not many people may be in to this show (for reasons either being to kiddy, or too gayish with all the singing), but the story sin't so bad at all and I know some straight guys enjoying this! But then again I'm not forcing anyone to watch Glee... I will force you to watch and listen to their versions though-- and if it stands against the original.

"Teenage Dream"

Original: By Katy Perry

We all know this famous new song by Katy Perry which speaks of how the relationship is like of those Teenagers-- Young, playful and madly in love. In Glee's recent episode, (season 2: Episode 6), this song was used to to introduce a most likely upcoming competitor of New Directions (team name of the lead Glee cast). I find this version sooo much better than Katy's mainly because of the composition of the song and it was amazing how a guy's voice can translate the song even though some of the lyrics contains lines that are for girls (like "You think I'm pretty without any make-up on" or "Skin-tight jeans" part). Listen to it and see what I mean:

Glee version: Blaine (Darren Criss) of Dalton Academy Warblers

So did you like it? Or did you like it? :p First point goes to... GLEE!

"Telephone"

Original: By Lady Gaga

Glee version: Sunshine Corazon (Charice Pempengco) and Rachele Berry (Lea Michele)

Although Lady Gaga's MTV takes almost 10min. for the whole song to finish, I can say she grabs the point for this one because Glee's version was almost the same as the original. Lea and Charice's tandem were good, but there wasn't much difference with how G. and B. sang it (Not to mention Lea had a lot of unnecessary high-pitched parts).

So far: Glee (1), Original (1)

"You're Having My Baby"

Original: By Paul Anka

Paul Anka's Having My Baby can't be denied as one of the best classics ever. However with Glee's version, I can somehow tell it represents a lot more to the generation now-a-days not just in the pre-marital sex topic but as well as the musical appreciation. Kids now are more into the mainstream pop/RnB and can't really be into the whole classical version. But I'm the one giving the scores and being someone who's in between those generations (not too young, not too old-- LOL!), I give both songs the credit for their own versions. Here's Glee's "You're Havin' My Baby" (even the pronunciation is made slang!) for your appreciation:

Glee version: Finn Hudson (Cory Monteith)

So far: Glee (2), Original (2)

"Hello"

Original: Richie Lionel

Glee version: Rachel Berry (Lea Michele) and Jesse St. James (Jonathan Groff)

Okay... this one is a bit tough for me to decide on because Richie Lionel's version is not only classic but his delivery is great as well. The song may be credited to him but I guess I have to give this one to Glee! The duet of Lea and Jonathan better gives the song a more romantic factor which gives a deeper meaning to the song. (Also, rather than the TV scene, I recommend you listen to the HD quality of Glee's version here.)

So far: Glee (3), original (2)

"Don't Stop Believing"

Original: Journey w/ Arnel Pineda

Glee version: Glee Cast

This is the song that started all of it. Journey's version is a song that never grows old while Glee shows how a song can really be versatile despite year and or gender. Hmm, another tough one. But as much as I like Glee, Journey rocks it more when the song really means to bring people up and jumping about never stopping--well, believing. :D

Score after the 4th song: Glee (3), Original (3)

"Defying Gravity"

Original: Kristin Chenoweth and Idina Menzel for the Broadway Musical Show: Wicked

Glee version: Rachel Berry (Lea Michele) and Kurt Hummel (Chris Colfer)

While this song comparison can be highly controversial at many aspects, like:

1) Kristin Chenoweth and Idina Menzel both became characters in the story as April Rhodes (the highschool drop-out who was supposed to replace Rachel as the lead singer in one of the early stories of Glee) and Shelby Corcoran (and Rachel Berry's mom in the series) respectively.

2) Lea Michel has her own share in being a Broadway actress

3) Glee version seems to be sung better although singing it LIVE in a broadway is a different thing as well...

This last song is definitely something I can't decide on by myself. How about you? What do you think? Your comments are most welcome!:)

The return of the comeback!

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The long procrastination is over... and it's about time! The motivation is back and it's time to get back on all the awesome features I've missed for the past month! So before my face (or should I say this blog) is erased in your mind, here are the next top songs you should already be listening to!

After red head Rihanna's dramatic Love The Way You Lie, she now goes pop and funky in Who's That Chick (Who's that Chick?!)

Youtube unfortunately offers the low quality vid since this was leaked. If you wanna watch the HD version, click this site I found with a much better copy!



As if B.o.B's previous song Airplanes featuring Haley Williams was not enough, version 2 now features one of the greatest rappers of all time--no matter how many comebacks--- add Eminem for more spice!



As expected from the lovely, awesome and hot Katy Perry (mind you I'm almost turning gay for this girl), her latest song Teenage Dream is just great in every angle! You gotta love the classic feel of the video too! Was just thinking her whole make-out scene wasn't the best thing you wanna show to kids watching MTV... but then again drugs, booze, sex and killings are present anywhere already!



Incoming artist Mike Posner sings about the people who thinks they're better than everybody. So here's the truth from Posner's mouth, stop thinking you're Cooler Than Me! >:)



And saving the best for last, here's is the most anticipated comeback of the year! R&B/Hip-Hop singer Cornell Haynes Jr. or better known as Nelly is finally back! Or is it Just A Dream?! Let the Nelly-saga continue!!! (yeah I am a fan!:p)

Fresh & amazing!

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I've heard a lot of Music through out the years... and just when I thought they couldn't evolve any further and all the lyrics has been used up and all kinds of emotions have already been expressed by previous artists, these new singles have stayed true to becoming fresh and note worthy to be in the charts!

First off, let Eminem and Rihanna burn you with their awesome collaboration in Love The Way You Lie starring Megan Fox and Dominic Mohagnan. Oh and of course check out Rihanna's new flaming red hair do!




2010's Best Female Hip-Hop Artist Nicki Minaj shows off her rapping skills in Your Love using a Japanese-inspired MTV that makes the whole song a bit more fly than eva!




Come to the world of Taio Cruz where the women just seems to be everywhere. Bring your self to the dance floor and light up like a Dynamite and just keep that mood as Usher and Pitbull sings DJ Got Us Fallin In Love Again.






And speaking of falling in love, Bruno Mars' latest song will melt your heart away in the most simplest yet heart-felt lyrics of Just The Way You Are.