You Can Let Go

I've watched this video a million times and I still cry every single time.

My Little Girl

During lunch today, I was touched and moved to tears by my 7-year old daughter.

Kate: Pa, do you know who my favorite star and singer is?

Me: Uhm.. Who?

Kate: You :)

That was so unexpected, but it certainly made my day.

*sigh*

If only she could just stay a little girl forever...

Aang and Zuko

The international posters (3 of them) were released the other day. One featured Aang, the other had Zuko, and here's the third one with both of them.

Woohoo! I can't wait to watch The Last Airbender on the big screen!

Alone

Alone by Heart. This is my new favorite song to sing in karaoke bars. It's a beautiful and vocally-challenging song, and once I get to master this song, I will make sure to include this in my repertoire.

And yeah, this is my favorite rock star singing my new favorite song.

I'm a Rockstar!

Okay, I'm not a rockstar, and I will never be one.

But earlier, I did something I haven't tried before. I went to a family KTV all by myself and sang karaoke alone for almost 2 hours. No, it's not that. I've done that a million times before. What I did for the first time was to sing ALL alternative or rock songs. I never sang a single ballad or any other songs I've always sung before. Today, I experimented with different alternative or rock songs, and I loved it. I'm looking forward to doing it again soon.

By the way, right now, I no longer have a voice. Yes, I lost my voice singing all those songs, but it was kinda worth it. At least now, I have some new songs in mind that I can add to my repertoire.

New Genre

All my life, I've always been either a balladeer or a classical singer. For my singing gigs, I almost always sing songs of my greatest musical influence, Martin Nievera, while with the musicals I've done in the past, it's always classical singing, with a bit of opera.

Now at the age of 29, I've started to like singing a different genre: Rock.

Okay, not really rock, but those alternative rock kind of music. I don't know if I sound good singing these type of songs, but I find them really challenging. I'm going to try something later, which I haven't tried before. *wink*

Love Rocks

I was offered to do a solo Valentine's gig on February 12, 2010, but as much as I was so excited to perform again, I had to decline it with a heavy heart.

This is the reason.

Rarely do two of my idols come together for one major concert, and more rarely do they come to our city, so I will be watching this concert, even if it means pawning or selling my phone just to buy the tickets.

Love Rocks! ♥

Team Assist

I so love my former team, Escalations, at the previous company I've worked with. Even if I'm no longer a part of them now, they always still invite me to team dinners and outings. Not only me, but us who have already left the team.

I heard that the team will be disbanded in a couple of weeks which is sad considering that all of the teams in customer service and sales all depend on our team for their escalated calls. Well, they can disband the team, but they can never talk away the memories and comarederie that we had.

Cavs ground the Lakers

Yes, they were the defending Champions last year, but right now we're in a different season, and recently, the Los Angeles Lakers faced a different Cleveland Cavaliers team. So much different from the team they bullied last year.

For the regular season, they only face each other twice. The first time was Christmas Day 2009 in Hollywood where the Cavs massacred the Lakers infront of their own fans. The second time was the other day in Ohio where the Cavs proved that they're for real this season.

Lebron and the Cavs - 2

Kobe and the Lakers - 0.

More importantly, if they meet in the Finals (which many are saying they will), my Cavaliers will have homecourt advantage.

Yes, the Cavs started the season slow, but right now, it's starting to get scary for the other teams as their nightmare is becoming a reality.

The L Sign

I passed by a stall selling pirated DVDs (yes, sadly there are A LOT here) and asked if they have Glee available, and if its episodes are complete.

"16 episodes already, boss. Wanna buy?"

"16? Wow! In the States, they're only until episode 13!"

"Aw, advance mi boss, we're very updated"

That cracked me up. How they look for reasons and alibis just to sell their product, something pirated, something stolen.

"Do you know that in the States, they're only until episode 13 so far, and that they haven't even started shooting episode 14 yet because it's scheduled to be shown in April 2010 yet?"

I got a puzzled look from the vendor as I turned my back and left. I would have wanted to do the L sign on him, but that would be rude. But yeah, that guy's a Total Loser.

If I Were a Na'vi

I was so bored when I woke up this morning that I decided to play around with Photoshop. After one hour, this was what I was able to make.

Mmm, so this is what my Avatar looks like. :)

Finally Tweeting

After many months of ignoring it, I've finally succumbed to the temptation and opened my own Twitter account this evening.

It was quite a difficult decision because I already have a lot of sites I've been maintaining. I've decided that for now, I'll be doing Facebook and Twitter at the same time, I will leave my Friendster open (though I haven't checked or updated it for centuries) just in case I will need to contact people, and I will make my Multiply account solely as my online photo album, while I am still looking for a decent site where I can store my online photos.

I'm still exploring and experimenting, but I'm loving it so far. One thing I'm certain though is that I will not be following a lot of people for now. It's too confusing already following the tweets of less than 20 people. And yeah, just in case you want to.. er.. follow me, https://twitter.com/SonnyAlquizola

Cerge Remonde

The sudden death of Sir Cerge Remonde earlier today is still not sinking in. He was still very much alive last weekend during our city's festivities. He attended the fluvial parade last Saturday morning, he was one of the devotees carrying the Señor Sto. Niño during the procession in the afternoon of the same day, and he was cheerfully participating in the Sinulog grand parade last Sunday. Wherever he was, he always made sure he would attend the Sinulog every year. No one ever thought that last Sunday was the last time.

To most people, he was the Press Secretary of the President of the Republic of the Philippines. To Cebuanos, he was Cerge the journalist, the aggressive, intelligent and fearless broadcaster. To me, he was Sir Cerge, my father's friend ever since they started in media many, many years ago.

His passing was a shock and a surprise to us, but looking at his last Facebook status which he posted exactly 17 hours before he breathed his last, Sir Cerge was at peace with his Creator and at peace with himself.

Rest in peace, Sir. May the flights of angels sing thee to thy rest.

Afternoon Nap

This is what I saw today on my way to work.

Now I don't know who owns that cat, but it seems to have found a comfortable resting place on top of our water tank.

Nokia Life-Timer

Since today is my phone's first birthday, I'd like to share something I learned a couple of years ago: How to access the life-timer of a Nokia mobile phone. The life-timer is the total number of hours and/or minutes used by your phone since it was manufactured. This can be useful when you're buying a new phone, to make sure that it is really a new phone, and not a refurbished one.

From the main screen of your Nokia phone (this doesn't work for other brands), type *#92702689#. For new phones, it should show 0000:00, which means that the phone has been used for 0000 hours and 00 minutes.

The timer can normally be reset by putting a new software version onto the phone, which they don't normally do for refurbished or reconditioned phones.

And yes, happy birthday again to my E63. Thank you for being my companion in my life's adventures, you really have it all. :)

Thanksgiving

We had our little Thanksgiving earlier, for all the blessings we've received in 2009, as well as to celebrate my daughter's 7th birthday. And since she already had her birthday party at her school yesterday, today's affair was not a party but what we hoped would be a little get-together, as well as sort of reunion for friends we haven't seen for a long time.

We invited around 50 chosen people, and prepared food and drinks good for 30 to 40 people, anticipating that some will not be able to come.

A LOT did not come.

Yes, it was drizzling a bit and there was a procession going on in the afternoon. I anticipated that some people will join the procession that's why we told everyone that they can drop by our place anytime, even after the procession. No one did.

Still, our family is thankful for the 13 brave souls who joined our Thanksgiving celebration.

Sa mga gusto, may maraming paraan.
Sa ayaw, may maraming dahilan.

Traffic

Whoa! The festive atmosphere has really hit the streets of Cebu! On a normal day, I get off from work at 10:30 PM, then my regular motorcycle-for-hire suki takes me home. It's a good 10 to 15 minute ride from the office to our place up in the mountains. Tonight, which is not a normal night, I got out from the office 10:30 PM, and I just arrived here at home like 10 minutes ago, so it took us a little more than an hour. Traffic has never been this worst in Cebu, just now that it's our fiesta weekend.

Good thing I'm done with my shift. Good luck to those who are still on their way to work, may they be VERY early in leaving their houses, or may their transportation have wings so they won't be late. I already posted the "announcement" at Facebook, hoping they can read it so they'll have a heads up.

Les Mis Dutch Trailer

I just love this short teaser of the Dutch production of Les Miserables. I don't speak Dutch, but watching the trailer gave me goosebumps, and watching the Dutch cast perform a few songs gave me goosebumps and brought me into tears.

If our production will be at least half as good as them, it would be amazing.

Oh, I just love Les Mis! ♥

Viva Pit Señor

This coming weekend is the feast of Cebu City and our Patron, Señor Sto. Niño. All eyes will be on our little island as tourists from all over the country and the world have flown in, and is still flowing in to witness the grand celebration. On Saturday, there will be the fluvial procession of Miraculous image of the Sto. Niño in the morning, then the Solemn Procession will be in the afternoon. On Sunday will be the grand mardi gras, the famous Sinulog.

We have A LOT of hotels, condominiums, motels, pension houses and Inn's in the city, but as early as last month, everything has been either occupied or reserved. There are parties and concerts everywhere in the city, the festive mood is definitely in the air. I just hope that in all of these, everyone will remember the reason why we're celebrating in the first place.

Viva Pit Señor! ♥

Marine, where?

I just watched the movie The Marine 2, and though it was passable, there's just one thing kinda troubling me.

The setting of the movie was supposed to be a fictional Asian country named Kusang, and the movie was shot on location in Thailand. In fact, the actors involved in the movie were Americans and Thais. If that's the case, I would just like to ask why the soldiers in the movie were wearing military camouflage with PHIL ARMY patches?

I wonder if they ordered their army costumes from the Philippines?

Together Again

As always, it was an amazing evening with the Concert King and Queen. As I've said a million times before, Martin is my greatest musical influence, and though I was never a fan of Pops, I've always admired how they make beautiful music together. I was also lucky enough to record most of the concert.

Here's one of the songs they performed beautifully, originally composed and sung by an old friend of mine, Aiza Seguerra.

It was a romantic evening as the Cebuano audience witnessed Martin and Pops together again, at least on-stage.

Waiting

Been here outside the entrance of the Grand Ballroom of the Waterfront Hotel & Casino since 3:00 PM, and it's now 6:55 PM on my watch. I just wanted to make sure that once the doors will be opened, I will be one of the first to go and reserve seats for my wife and close friend who are on their way here already. The producers said they'll open the doors at 7:00 PM. I'm hoping they will but based on experience, for the countless times I've been to Martin's concerts, the doors will be opened at around 7:30 PM and the show usually starts 8:45 to 9:00 PM.

I'm so excited to see my idol again after a long, long while. I don't see any signs or warnings that cameras are not allowed so good thing I brought mine. And yes, thank you to the Waterfront Hotel for the free WiFi while waiting for almost 4 hours, and thank you to my ever trusted phone (which is incidentally a year old today) for connecting me to the world wide web.

Shin's Message for Katrina

Since that evening I spent with Shin, Jed and Princess was my daughter's birthday, Shin sent her birthday wishes for Katrina through vid.

Thank you, Tita Shin Shin. Katrina Alyssa was so happy to watch your greetings. ♥

Being with Shin & Jed

Yesterday, I went undertime from work, rode a van-for-hire, and went to a city I've never been before just to see and be with Shin Shin again. It was worth it. The van we were in was also the backstage and dressing room, so we were cramped with Shin, Tita Russ, Jed Madela and Princess Ryan, but it was okay because we had a chance to talk a lot. It was an amazing experience, and since it was my daughter's birthday, I got her a video greeting from her Tita Shin.

After the show, I had to sleep at the sidewalk because there were no more public transportation in or out of the city. Well, not really sleep because I was half-awake the whole 2 hours for fear that someone might swipe my bag. I went home this morning, took a bath, and went to work. I was excited for my shift to finally end tonight so I can go home and finally sleep, but an hour ago, my office mate called sick again, so that means I'm stuck here again for the next 4 hours at the very least. Sucks big time.

Oh well, I'm sure my sacrifices will pay off in the end. That is, if my body won't kill me first because of over fatigue.

Here's one of the pics I took while inside the van last night.

It was night to remember, indeed.

Happy Birthday, Katrina

Today my daughter turns 7 years old. She was so excited that from 8PM last night until 2AM this morning, she was lying in bed but with eyes wide open. There's no party today as it's their review week at school. Party is postponed until after their exams next week.

It's your birthday, but we got the gift... a gentle, sweet, beautiful daughter who is always a pleasure to be with. You glow with sensitivity and compassion generated from the depths of your warm heart and and kind soul. Anyone who spends time with you is privileged to know such an extraordinary person. You are a great joy in our lives. We love you and cherish you and treasure you and wish that every one of your birthdays will be the happiest yet. Happy Birthday, Katrina! Papa loves you more than you'll ever know. ♥

Shin's 2009 Achievements

As we're starting with 2010, let me go back a bit and congratulate (again) my friend and idol, Shin Shin for an amazing year. 2009 has been a roller coaster ride for her. Personally, her heart was broken again, but professionally, she received a lot of awards and recognitions long overdue.

♥ 2nd Red Music Radio Awards Best Song by a Female performer: "Honestly"
♥ 3rd iFM Pinoy Music Awards Best Song by a Female Performer: "Honestly"
♥ 3rd iFM Pinoy Music Awards Song of the Year: "Honestly"
♥ Revival Album of the Year, 1st PMPC Star Awards for Music
♥ Female Star of the Night, 1st PMPC Star Awards for Music
♥ Pop Female Performance in a Music Video - 2009 ASAP POP Viewers' Choice Awards
♥ Pop Female Artist - 2009 ASAP POP Viewers' Choice Awards
♥ Best RnB for "Paano" - 22nd Awit Awards (PARI)
♥ Gold Record Award for her "Rachelle Ann Falling In Love" Album
♥ ASAP'09 24K Gold Record Awardee for her "Rachelle Ann Falling In Love" Album
♥ ASAP Platinum Circle Compilation Awardee 2009 "GV 25: An All-Star Tribute

I'm sooo proud of you, Shin! Hoping and praying for more success in 2010.
And yes, as always, I'm still always and forever here for you.

Which Concert?

The month of January is Fiesta month in Cebu because of the Sinulog. It will be the time of the year where the tourists, both local and foreign, will be flocking to Cebu to join the festivities. It's also this month where a LOT of artists will be having their concerts here, and as much as I would love to watch them all, I can't afford it, so I narrowed them down to the ones I love most. I got three.

Martin has always been my greatest musical influence. I learned a lot about music and about life because of him, and there have been instances that people would compare our voices which is both flattering and kinda absurd since he IS the Concert King, while I'm just someone who loves music. While I personally don't like Pops, she complements Martin vocally, and their rapport on-stage is perfect.

I've always loved Lea ever since I started in theatre, and her concerts are always elegant and somewhat enchanted. She didn't voice two Disney heroines for nothing. It's always a treat hearing her sing.


Now this may come as a surprise to those who know me, but yes, my wife and I love the Kanto Boys. Vhong Navarro has always been my idol in dancing and local comedy. He's just a natural. Billy, Luis and John Lloyd are not only good in their respective fields, they've already proven their worth with the awards that they have. And as a group, they're just hilariously talented.


I would really love to watch all three shows, but I can't. Okay, I won't. I have to choose only one. It's the start of the year so I have to save, and save a lot since I'm not earning as much as before, and my daughter is turning 7 years old on January 6.

So, which one would I choose? It's a difficult choice but since I've never missed Martin's shows in Cebu, I will have to choose his and Pop's concert. It's hard to let Lea's and the Kanto Boys' shows pass, but I have to.

There's always a next time.

01-01-10

Thank you 2009, for the roller coaster ride. A lot of things, both positive and negative, happened in my life in 2009, and although I have a few regrets, I know I have a chance to make things better this 2010.

This year, I will defy gravity. This year, I'm going to be a New Me. I'm through with playing by the rules of someone else's game. Too late for second-guessing, too late to go back to sleep. It's time to trust my instincts, close my eyes and leap!

My whole life, I've never had any new year's resolutions. I just thought that I would never be able to keep them for 365 days that's why I never attempted to make even one. This year, I'm going to try it. I will try my very best to keep these resolutions.

1. Spend more time with Family and Friends
2. Exercise often
3. Get out of Debt
4. Take a Trip
5. Minimize soft drinks
6. Go back to God
7. Sing or vocalize at least every other day
8. Clean up my Facebook
9. Organize projects for a cause
10. Don't trust too quickly

Each one of these resolutions will require a lot of discipline, dedication and hard work, and since I've decided that it will be a New Me this 2010, I will do my very best to keep them.

Happy New Year, everyone!

Cheers! ♥