Dennies’ Blog

Here is the LATE Result (Very Late!) of the American Idol Top 11 voting.  For those who dont know who got eliminated, here’s the result!  Dim the lights, here we go

Brooke White is safe!

Carly Smithson is in the BOTTOM 3!

David Archuleta is safe!

Michael Johns is safe!

David Cook is safe!

Kristy Lee Cook is in the BOTTOM 3!

Jason Castro is safe!

Ramiele Malubay is safe!

Syesha Mercado is safe!

Chikezie is safe!

Amanda Overmyer is in the BOTTOM 3!

RESULTS:

Carly Smithson is safe! Yes!

Kristy Lee Cook is safe!

Amanda Overmyer is eliminated!

Good Luck Amanda!  You’re a great singer but America is not yet ready to have a rocker chic like you!

Signing out my blog.  Over and out.

PS.  It was announced during the show that American Idol future mentors will be Dolly Parton, Mariah Carrey, Andrew Lloyd Webber and Neil Diamond.

At last!  Its holiday again.  No work for four days due to the lenten season.  I can sleep late, wake up early, watch movies all day.  Maybe I can go to the beach and take a dip to refresh myself from the work that ive done for the past couple of weeks

But then again, I hope that all of us will be reminded of what the lenten season is.  This is the time the Jesus died in the cross to redeem the sins of the world.  This is the time to repent for our sins and ask for forgiveness.  We have to realize one thing, Jesus does not know us personally but He is willing to die for us.  Let us use this time to take a look at the past and try to reflect on the things that weve done!

Signing out my blog.  Over and out.

After getting married last Dec 16, things are totally different now.  For one thing, Im now based in Cebu, which is actually an hour away from Manila.  Another thing is, when you’re married, you have to do things together.  Its like everything’s conjugal.  From the places that you go, to the things that you do, I missed the things that I usually do when I was still "unattached".  Let me run thru them one by one.

1. Watching a movie on my own.  Yup, you may think Im weird, but I do prefer watching a movie on my own.  I can fully appreciate the movie, and I would not have to worry if my companion likes the movie or not.  Im not a loner, I would love to go out with group of friends, but sometimes I love going in to the movie house, choose a good seat, and just sit back and appreciate the movie.

2. Time to read a good book.  Since my new job requires me to wake up at 6AM and retire to bed at 9PM, I seldom find time to sit down and read a book.  The last book my wife gave me, The Innocent Man by John Grisham, was given to me last September 2007, even before our wedding.  Usually a Grisham book I would finish it in around 4-5 days, the most a week.  But now Im stumped at chap 2 of this book, and Grisham’s new release, The Appeal, has caught up with me!

3. Eating at Wendy’s.  Yup, you can quote me on this, there’s NO WENDY’S here in Cebu.  I missed their Big Classic Double with Cheese Combo, Upsize Fries and Ice Tea!  Ye, I know I have to monitor my intake, but there are times that you want to indulge and take all the grease that your body needs for a month in just one sitting!  Besides, Wendy’s burgers are grilled! (Palusot!)

Im just a simple person, living a simple life.  But given a chance, these are the three things I would love to do over again and again (especially the 3rd one!)

Signing out my blog.  Over and out.

Last night, the final edited copy of our wedding video was delivered to us by Joey (our videographer).  We sat down infront of our 37 inch LCD TV (courtesy of our Godfather Peter Lim) and watch that momentous day played on video again.

Its wonderful to watch again what happened that eventful day of December 16, when two hearts decided to face the Lord and vow to live together forever.  After watching the video, allow me to use my blog to thank the people who have been part of our wedding.  Let me enumerate them one by one (and I hope I wont forget anyone)

1. Connie Te (Wedding Planner)  She heads the group in preparing for the wedding.  She’s very organize, very precise and very obsessive compulsive.  You wont worry about anything when she’s ur wedding planner.  Very cool and handles pressure like a pro.  Thank you Ms. Connie for mastercrafting a wonderful wedding.  If you need a wedding planner, call her up 0928-5072787.  HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!

2. Chai Tan Ting (Photographer) Very jolly and hardworking person.  When he’s behind the camera, you will definitely light up and SMILE!  He’s a naturalist thats why his photos are very pleasing to the eye.  Thank you Chai for the wonderful memories made into pixels.  Lets finish the album one of these days!  You can contact him via email at c27tt@yahoo.com or you can check out his multiply site, http://www.digitalwonders.co.nr/

3. Joey Rivera (Videographer) Joey and Chai are actually kindda like partners in crime.  Pag may kumuha sa isa, he will recommend the other one.  They worked in several projects together, and one of them was our wedding.  The videos of us were at utmost clarity and very good quality shots.  The editing was A+ and the video builds up drama.  Thanks Joey for making me enjoy our wedding day even more.  You can contact him online at their You Tube site,  http://www.youtube.com/user/digitalmindsph.

4. Junie Tampos (Wedding Singer) This guy is gifted with a golden voice.  He can sing everything from traditional love songs, pop rock and R&B, to classical music and latest dance craze, this guy sings everything.  He’s got a band with him complete with keyboard and guitars. You can contact him at 0917-3215944

5.  Simple Wishes (Florist) If you saw our wedding pictures at the reception, you’ll be amazed on how Debbie (owner) turned the dull ballroom of Grand Convention Center into an exquisite colorful, well draped garden.  One of the best florist here in Cebu.  Her flowers are always fresh, and you can be assured of quality and unique designs done by the owner herself.  You can contact them at 032-2540800

Of course lastly, to both our parents for making everything possible!  Without them, the wedding wont happen.  Thanks for all the support!  We love you very much!

Signing out my blog. Over and out.

I was online today checking out Perez Hilton’s site (Hollywood News Site) when I came across one of his postings entitled "Leave Mimi Alone!" (Mimi referring to Mariah Carey).

Its actually uploaded in You Tube, an audition clip for the Bulgarian Music Idol, featuring a song from Mariah entitled "Ken Lee??"

This clip made my day! (Honest!) It made me laugh out loud!

Here’s the link to the clip "Ken Lee". Enjoy!

Signing out my blog.  Over and out. 

PS. Whoever that Ken Lee woman is, good luck on your career girl!

Another spoiler for American Idol fans in the Philippines…

If ur planning to watch tonight, DO NOT READ THIS BLOG

Dim the lights, here we go…

Carly Smithson — SAFE

Michael Johns — SAFE

Jason Castro — safe!

Syesha Mercado — Bottom 3

Chikezie — SAFE

Amanda Overmyer — SAFE

David Cook — SAFE

Kristy Lee Cook — Bottom 3

David Archuleta — SAFE

Brooke White — SAFE

Ramiele Malubay — SAFE

David Hernandez — Bottom 3

RESULTS:

Syesha Mercado is safe!

Kristy Lee Cook is safe!

David Hernandez has been eliminated.

For those who are not familiar, David Hernandez was the former stripper who danced in a strip club catering to "mostly male customers"  He grabbed the headlines two weeks ago when the owner of DICKS bar came out to be interviewed.

Goodbye David!  Go back to DICKS maybe you can now sing and dance there!

Signing out my blog.  Over and out.

PS.  Here’s Ramiele’s performance of the Beatles song In My Life as a bonus, Enjoy!

American Idol is now on!  They have trimmed down the list to the top 12 from thousands who auditioned.  Despite the fact that our cable connection is down, thanks to the magic of the internet, I was able to watch the performances thru You Tube and here are my favorites from the Top 12.

I would agree with most people that this season, the guys are dominating the competition.  So far 2 guys and 2 girls are on my list.

1. Michael Johns. He is the most consistent among the Top 12.  So far his performances have wowwed the judges (including Simon) but for me his best performance was during Hollywood Night when he sang Bohemian Rhapsody.  Michael is from Georgia, but he’s got this australian accent. He has a very good voice, and his voice stands out from the rest of the guys.  I think he will make it to the Top 3. 

2. David Archuleta.  A lot of people are commenting regarding this boy (he’s only 17) and why was he included in the top 24.  The reason, his previous experience with Star Search.  But according to the producers of American Idol, as long as you dont have an existing recording contract, you can join!  So far, he is the favorite to win the competition (based on phone vote returns, getting almost half of the total number of votes).  For me, his best performance so far is his version of Imagine (John Lennon)

3. Ramiele Malubay. The only contestant with Asian decend (she’s half Filipina mind you) to make it to the Top 12.  She has the makings of a Jasmine Trias (She’s actually better!) and I know she will go a long way in this competition.  Im sure Filipinos abroad are tuning in every episode and voting for her.  My favorite performance of hers is when she sang You Dont Have to Say You Love Me during the Top 20.  (Her version is even better than Lani Misalucha)  Go Ramiele!  All the Filipinos are behind you!

4. Carly Smithson.  Another controversial contestant.  According to internet buzz, she has performed with different theater groups before, even did front acts on concerts.  But then again, she does not have any existing recording contract.  She has a strong personality and a very powerful voice (very unique voice, maybe because she’s Irish).  Her best performance so far was during her audition (singing Im Every Woman) but I also liked her in I Drove All Night.

I think these four will make it all the way to the top 5.  For the others, who knows who will go home next? 

Signing out my blog.  Over and out.

10 days (actually 8 full days) in Hongkong let me realize one thing, our country is being left behind!  The MTR (subway), the peace and order (you can walk on the streets even at 2AM), and the buildings and shopping malls, DIsneyland… GOD I MISSED HONGKONG!

To give you a glimpse of what Im saying, you can check out my photo albums in my profile for more photos.  Life is so fast and advance in Hongkong.  You can buy a meal anytime of the day, you can go from one place to another in a snap of a finger.  Why cant our country be like Hongkong?

Blame it on the government, or maybe the people themselves.  A lot of Filipinos are working in Hongkong and they excel really well in their work.  Why is it when they are here in our country, nothing happens to them?  Is it lack of opportunity, or low income jobs?

But given an opportunity, especially if its all-expense-paid, I would love to go to Hongkong again. 

Signing out my blog.  Over and out!

As the title of this blog would put it, I am a frustrated singer!  I was born Aug 20, the peak of the zodiac sign LEO.  Leos love the limelight.  They love being praised and applauded.  They have huge egos but they do their best to meet up to people’s expectations.  Thats why if I would be born again and I would to choose what talent I can have, I would love to have a golden voice.

For the past couple of days, Ive been browsing the net (specifically YouTube) and saw several clips of very talented individual from several talent shows for amateurs (America’s Got Talent, Britains Got Talent) and I want to share them with everyone

1. Connie Talbot.  She was a finalist in Britains Got Talent last season, (Im not sure if its the first season) bested by Paul Potts in the finals.  I feel that Connie should be the winner.  She’s just 6 years old but she sang the song "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" wonderfully.  I enjoyed every second of the video clip since listening to this girl can give me goosebumps!  Very talented!  Her version of this song was even better than Katherine Mcphee’s (American Idol Season 5 2nd placer) version!

2. Bianca Ryan.  She was the winner of the first season of America’s Got Talent.  She literally blew away the competition.  She was the favorite contestant to win by Brandy (one of the judges in season 1) since she joined in day 1, and she made it all the way to the finals.  Same effect as Connie, watching her video really gives me goosebumps!

3. Charice Pempengco.  She joined the local singing competition Little Big Star on ABS.  She just placed second to Sam Concepcion, but looked at where she is now.  She already recorded an album in Europe, guested on the Ellen De Generes show (with Bianca Ryan) and joined the korean show (I think its a singing competition) Star King and wowed the Koreans!  She’s making waves!  She was even featured on the Daily 10 on E! News.  Proud to be Filipino!

These girls are really wonderful!  I hope when Carleen and I will have a baby, she will not inherit our non-talent in singing, and instead be like Connie, Biance and Charice… Three talented young ladies!

Signing out my blog.  Over and out.

PS Here’s an encore performance of Charice in Star King.  She was voted as the No. 1 viewers choice to be seen again on the show!  Enjoy!

Holy week is the time of the year for us catholic to repent on our sins.  This is the time that Jesus died for us on the cross.  But how ironic for some of us, who use the holy week, to have a vacation and enjoy ourselves.  No offense meant to people who go out of the country since this is the only break they have, but you can enjoy this weekend by staying at home, or go to the beach, and reflect on the past year, what you have done, what should be done, and the mistakes that we commit and what can we do to correct them.  This is the time to forgive, time to heal wounds and time to reconnect with the Lord.  For truly it is HIM thats what matters most.

Signing out my blog.  Over and out.