Dennies’ Blog

WrestleMania 24 just ended, and the Undertaker’s streak has extended to 16-0! 

For those who are not followers of wrestling, the WrestleMania event is an annual event held by World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) to determine who’re the best of the best for the year.  You can get more information thru their website at www.wwe.com.

Going back to the phenom  (that’s another name they call the Undertaker) he’s been undefeated in Wrestlemania for 16 consecutive title shots.  Since he joined WWE in 1990, he’s been on a roll, headlining one wrestlemania after another (the 2 wrestlemania he missed was due to injury) and had an impressive 16-0 undefeated streak! 

What makes this wrestlemania special also was that it was the last wrestlemania match of the legendary Rick Flair.

Flair was given an ultimatum by Mr Mc Mahon (owner of WWE) to a win or retire stipulation.  If he wins his fight, he keeps on wrestling, but if he looses, it will be his last.

It was a memorable match between The Heartbreak Kid Shawn Michaels and Rick Flair.  But in the end, Flair had to succumbed to the Sweet Chin Music.  A 16 time World Champion, he was the idol of every wrestler.  A true legend.  He will be missed by all the fans of WWE.  For more about Rick Flair, click here

Its been a great night!  Cant wait till WrestleMania 25!

Signing out my blog.  Over and out.

Cant get enough of American Idol, here are (for me) some of this seasons memorable performances!

#10 Ramiele Malubay’s You Dont Have To Say You Love Me So far this is only the best performance of Ramiele since entering the Top 24.  Im saddened for the fact that she has a great big voice, but sometimes choose the wrong song.  It reminds me of Jasmine Trias’ Inseperable (which was Jasmine’s only great performance when she joined AI)

#9 Kristy Lee Cook’s God Bless the USA  So far her best performance.  After being in the bottom 3 twice, last week, this song saved Kristy from striking 3.  She’s a pretty girl but she lacks appeal.  Try to listen to this performance.  Her voice will fit country music more so this week might be her week (Dolly Parton week).  Kudos to Kristy!

#8 Carly Smithson’s Total Eclipse of the Heart The arrangement was awesome, but I kindda dont like the ending.  But the song really fits her voice.  Now that Amanda is out, she can be the rocker chic she’s been portraying herself to be!  She has a strong personality and I still believe she’s a strong contender for the title American Idol!

#7 Syesha Mercado’s Saving All My Love For You.  So far this was her best performance.  She’s the only African American left in the competition (after chikezie’s exit last week) so we expect that the whole Afro Am community will support her all the way!  Where’s the love you all are giving Barack, show some for Syesha!  She’s really a talented singer and I think she must stay.

#6 Chikezie’s She’s a Woman Very good arrangement.  This is the most memorable performance of Chikezie and I will remember him for this one.  Full of energy and enthusiasm.  Too bad he had to leave the competition.  He has a good voice, but lack support from his peers. 

#5 Michael Johns’ Bohemian Rhapsody  When hollywood week started, his performance of this Queen original stole the show from everybody.  Even during his audition, I already predicted he will make it to the Top 12 and he did!  He has another song in this list, my #2 favorite performance of the year, We Are The Champions. 

#4 David Archuleta’s Imagine  Taking on a John Lennon song was really a challenge for someone so young like David Archuleta.  But David has been singing since he was a child, what do you expect?  He was a Junior Star Search Champion (doesnt that disqualify him to compete in AI) and has been joining several competitions since he was young.  He will go a long way in the business.  Just stop the lip licking mannerism!

#3 Jason Castro’s Hallelujah OMG, I love this song!  He gave a very chilling performance of Jeff Buckley’s song.  I love the way his voice projects, its so cool!  I was imagining myself walking along New York City at night time with the snow falling.  I  know he will go far with this voice, he just needs to know how to reinvent himself.  Take the guitar off!

#2 Michael Johns’ We are the Champion  Last week’s performances were the best performances ever.  I picked up four of my Top 10 performances from last week, and this song was one of the most applauded song in the show.  If David Cook bombed last week, Michael John’s was the best performance of the night.  Sorry Michael, you’ve been outstaged and outperformed by the Cook!

#1 David Cook’s Billy Jean  Argurably, the best performance for this season.  His best performance to date, David Cook managed to beat the odds, overpowering a solid performance by Michael Johns and capping the night with a wonderful rendition of Chris Cornell’s version of Billy Jean.  Although there were some buzz about a certain band accusing Cook of stealing their arrangement of the song and not acknowledging it on the show… Come on man, dont ride on the popularity of the Cook!

You can click on the song for the video link of each performances.  Thanks to YouTube!

Signing out my blog.  Over and out.

Ill be attending my wife’s Ice Cream Making class today (03-29)  She was supposed to be the one attending these classes but she’s tied up with work.

Great time to meet people, new friends and perhaps business partners!  Hope I will be able to make delicious Ice Cream!

Its Summer Time!  Ice Cream Time!

Signing out my blog.  Over and out.

Ive attended the Makita Product Launch last night (March 28, 08) at Marriot Hotel Cebu and it was indeed a memorable evening for me.

Why memorable?  Because of several reasons…

1. Service in Marriot was VERY POOR!  And I hope people from Marriot (and other hotels) would be able to read this blog!  The launch was held at Ballroom 1 of the hotel.  Me and my wife arrived early (one of the earliest) so finding a perfect seat wasnt a problem.  The problem started when they served the food for the evening.  The table set-up was too crowded, the dishes would bump into each other, and worst, their waiters were very unattentive.  The soup was not served properly, and if I havent called the waiter’s attention, I wouldnt have been served the soup.  WAKE UP MARRIOT!

2. We’ve met several new friends which I wasnt able to get their names.  The owner of MC Construction and the son of the owner of Goning Hardware were a charm to talk to.  We talked about a lot of things (from food, travel, to the best places for massages) while the speaker was chattering infront! (obviously, were bored!)

3. We won an IPOD NANO!  After the boring discussion, we finally got to the fun part, the raffle! (thats the reason I was there!)  There were 2 IPODs, 2 DIgital Camera and 2 Cellphones that were raffled off!  The first winner is… PENTAX HARDWARE!  Hehehe! It was worth the wait!  (Maybe I should try my luck in lottery, Sunday’s jackpot is worth 240 million!)

It was really a tiring yet fun filled evening!  Im looking forward to the Makita Product Launch next year!

Signing out my blog.  Over and out!

Guys, Ive found this great site for booklovers, its called Shelfari.  You can actually share the books that you’ve read, you liked, you dont like, you’re planning to read.  Its like friendster too wherein you can meet friends, but this is more for the book lovers!  Im happy to have discovered this site, thanks to Butch Syyap, a friend from Toastmasters who is also a book lover!

Try checking out the site.  Just click on the word Shelfari and it will direct you to the site.  Dont forget to add me as ur friend

http://www.shelfari.com/dennieslovesgrisham

thats my official shelfari page!

Signing out my blog.  Over and out.

PS If Im not online (YM, Friendster) you can find me at shelfari!

Just 3 more days, goodbye March, goodbye first quarter of the year, hello April!  Why am I so keen for March to finish?  There are 3 main reasons

1. Martin Nievera XXV Concert.  The 30 day countdown will officially start as the Concert King will once again set the stage of Waterfront Cebu City on fire as he performs his well loved hits for the past 25 years in Martin XXV concert.  This will be held at the Waterfront (Lahug) Cebu City grand ballroom on April 30, 7PM.  Tickets are priced at 3500, 2500, 1500, 800, and 500.  Already got our tickets!  I got Row G (7th row) Seat 21-30 and Row H (8th row) 26-30.  So far Row G is fully occupied, I still have 4 more tickets at 2500 each so if you’re interested, email me immediately!

2. My photo uploading will be refresh!  A lot of us are not aware of this, but friendster only allows you to upload 50 photos in a month.  So that means if you have a lot of photos to share (and they’re more than 50) you have to limit urself to 50!  Talk about limitations!  The 50 includes all the photos (album, blogs etc…)

3. Waiting for the piso flight.  According to realiable sources, Cebu Pacific will offer their piso flight this April.  My source will not tell me exactly when, but just keep posted online (www.cebupacificair.com) for the announcement.  Boracay, Palawan, Manila here we come!

Sometimes you may think, these reasons are so shallow for me to celebrate, but hey, thats how you enjoy life!  You take it one step at a time.  Its easier to feel happy and contented if you try to enjoy even the simpliest things in life.  And to borrow Stone Cold’s catchphrase, "and thats the bottomline!"

Signing out my blog.  Over and out!

This is it!  The moment everyone’s waiting for.  Who will be eliminated this week.  Live blogging courtesy of Rickey.org.  Dim the lights, here we go…

Brooke White is safe!

Carly Smithson is safe!

Chikezie is in the Bottom 3!

David Archuleta is safe!

David Cook is safe!

Syesha Mercado is in the Bottom 3!

(Looks like the African Americans are not supporting their idols like their supporting Barack Obama!

Michael Johns is safe!

Ramiele Malubay is safe!

Kristy Lee Cook is safe!

Jason Castro is in the Bottom 3!

RESULTS:

Jason Castro is safe!

Syesha Mercado is safe!

Chikezie is eliminated!

As mentioned a while ago, if those supporting Barack would just call in and support their fellow African American, Chikezie wont be voted off this early.  I think he has potential!  Good luck Chikezie!

Signing out my blog.  Over and out.

Thanks to Rickey.org, I was able to get update on the live performances of the Top 10 American Idol.  Fresh from the live telecast, here are your Top 10 American Idols performing the hits of the year they were born. Just click on the song for the mp3 (or video) link of each contestants performances.

First was Ramiele Malubay (one of my favorites) singing Alone by Carrie Underwood.  This is really a big song for her.  For me, she was able to give justice to the song because she has this powerful voice and she gave her own version of the song.  It was a safe performace and I think she will be safe this week, but dont forget to vote for Ramiele! (voting for US residents only)

Next is Jason Castro with the song Fragile by Sting.  I was afraid that Jason followed Ramiele because Jason’s really a charmer and his performance might overshadow Ramiele’s.  His version of Fragile was good, with the guitar and the spanish singing, but it was just ok.  I still think Ramiele is better.  Jason has been consistent so far week after week, and he’s beginning to build up this fan base.  Good luck Jason!

Third is Syesha Mercado with If I were your Woman by Stephanie Mills.  I would agree with Rickey that this was her best performance ever since she entered the Top 24.  Her version was very soulful, very heartfelt performance (as if she was singing from experience :-)  I think Syesha will stay longer that I expected her to be.  Remember, she’s the only African American female contender in the Top 10! (compare to S6 wherein you have Lakisha and Melinda, and S3 with Fantasia, Latoya, and Jennifer Hudson)

After Syesha was Chikezie with the song If Only for One Night by Luther Vanross.  I think Chikezie gave a safe performance for this song.  Following Syesha’s powerful rendition, this was kindda weak for me in terms of what his voice can do.  He had better performances in the past. I think he might be in the bottom 3 this week.  Its up to his fans to support him. 

The fifth performance came from Brooke White with the song Every Breath You Take from the Police.  It was not a good performance from Brooke.  She fumbled at the start, tried to recover but wasnt able to.  The use of the piano was more of a hindrance than an enhancement to her performance.  After listening to her, I felt Chikezie’s performance was not so bad after all.  I think she will be part of the bottom 3.

After Brooke was Michael Johns (another favorite of mine) with the song We Are the Champions from Queen (with a little We will rock you remix as intro).  WOW!  That was an awesome performance!  It actually made the audience wave both their hands in the air with the song.  This elevated his performance to the next level.  Its my favorite performance of Michael (dislodging Bohemian Rhapsody).  Keep it up Michael.

The 7th performer was Carly Smithson (another favorite) with the song Total Eclipse of the Heart by Bonnie Tyler.  I love her performance.  It was not her best, but it was good.  The arrangement was a bit unique (especially the run in the end), and Randy and Simon didnt like it.  (they’re just being hard on her) I think she will make it next week  She’s still one of my favorite. 

(Guys, Ive reach my photo limit this month, sorry no photos for the rest of the idols)

Next is David Archuleta (another favorite of mine) with the song You’re the Voice by Guy Sebastian.  Simon accused David for not choosing the song himself ( I think dad did it for him)  He did gave justice to the song but I do have to agree with Simon.  He would have chosen a better song from the year he was born (1990).  With a voice like that, he can sing everything.  Great work David!

Second to the last performance was from Kristy Lee Cook with the song God Bless the USA.  Let me quote Rickey on this one, "Well if there ever was a song choice that will never get Kristy eliminated on American Idol, that was it."  She’s been in the bottom 3 two weeks in a row, will this performance save her from strike 3.  Good luck Kristy.

Last but not the least was David Cook with the song from Michael Jackson Billy Jean.  Perfect performance to cap the night!  The Cook is turning into a crowd charmer.  He was suave in his rendition, very unique arrangement!  He definitely can win the title.  He will be part of the top 5.  The dark horse of this group!

Bottom 3 this week will be Brooke White, Chikezie and (sorry to say this) Carly.  The comments on Carly might affect the viewing public.

No one is safe!  Thats why calling all Filipino Americans, let us support Ramiele.  1-866-IDOLS-01

Keep posted for the results show tomorrow! 

Signing out my log.  Over and out.

Friday, March 21, we decided to wake up late since we slept late the day before.  We skipped breakfast and decided to do "bisita iglesia" (you visit seven churches during Good Friday) before having lunch.   We visited Sacred Heart, Redemptorist, Sto. Nino Church, Cathedral, Alliance of Two Hearts, another church that I forgot the name and Sta Clara Monastery. 

After that, we had lunch at Lighthouse restaurant.  They served fresh seafoods that will surely make u crave for more.  Their Inutok na Alimango (Crab cooked in coco cream) is to die for.   I also liked their Green Mango Ensalada.  This is my 5th over-eating meal in 3 days.  Im sure I will gain weight after this long weekened. 

We decided to go to Shangrila to take a dip on their pool and enjoy their marine sanctuary.  Shangrila is still the best hotel and resort here in Cebu.  We were one big group, me, my wife, Mia, Raymond, my brother-in-law Edward, his wife Nathalie, and their daughters Keisha and Nicah.  We had fun under the hot sun!  The kids were sliding and jumping in the pool while Mia and Raymond enjoyed the Marine Sanctuary a lot.  We decided to call it a day around 7pm and drove back into the city to have dinner.

We had dinner at Lai Garden in crossroads. Lai Garden serves great Chinese cuisine, but their service was not as great as their food.  We had to wait for 30 minutes to be served with our orders.  Whats worst, the food was already served but our rice was not yet available.  Talk about inefficiency.

After dinner, we decided to take a relaxing massage at Grand Royal Spa in Banilad.  They offer the best massage service at affordable prices.  Raymond and I had body massage, Carleen and Mia had foot massage.  We decided to call it a day after that relaxing massage.

Signing off my blog.  Over and out.

Yup it was a HOLY WEEKend indeed for me and Carleen.  We had a long weekend (thurs-sun) vacation and we made the most of it by trying to relax, went nature tripping, sleeping and reflecting about our married life.  We got a little help from some friends from Manila (Mia and Raymond) and we got some realizations about how life is.

We met Mia and Raymond when we were in our Hongkong honeymoon. (refer to a few post back) We were together during our trip in Ocean park and we got off in the right foot.  We exchange numbers and promised that we will host them when they decided to come and visit the queen city of the south.

To make the long story short, we picked them up in the airport last wednesday evening.  They decided to take our offer and had their vacation from Holy Wednesday and stayed until Easter Sunday. And it was one heck of a good weekened.

After picking them up, we decided to eat at neo-neo, a local grillery here in Cebu.  The place was really cozy and perfect for a foursome get-together.  We ordered grilled pork belly, chorizo, ngohiong and grilled milkfish.  That dinner was the best dinner I had for days (we’ve been on a strict diet since we’re both expecting to pig-out during this weekend).  Mia and Raymond were great!  They easily opened up to us and share about their relationship.  After dinner, we brought them to Metropark Hotel and call the night off. 

Thursday, March 20, Holy Thursday.  Since its the holy week, most restaurants were closed so we had no choice but to have breakfast at Mcdonalds.  We picked up Mia and Raymond at 7:30AM because we’re supposed to meet with the Pentax staff at 9AM for our annual holy week outing.  This year we’re going to Island in the Sky in Balamban, Cebu.  It was a wonderful undeveloped mountain top resort.  It has a hanging bridge that you need to cross so this resort is not advisable to those who have weak hearts.  The air is so fresh and cold, its like having an aircon in your cottage.  We arrived around 11am, had our picnic on top of the mountain, and decided to leave around 3pm.  It was a long drive up (and down) the mountain, but it was worth the trip!

After returning from Island in the Sky, we decided to take a dip at Waterfront Hotel’s Pool.  A hot day, a cold swim, a perfect afternoon with new found friends!  We swam the rest of the day until about 7pm, we proceeded to Port Seafood Buffet to have dinner.  Their baked oyster were to die for!  As expected, a pig out was going to happen after an afternoon swim.  After the meal, we took a stroll along the lobby of Waterfront until late night. 

That ends part 1 of my HOLY WEEKend!

Signing out my blog.  Over and out.