Thursday, January 26, 2012

Newspaper editor reports presidential adviser buying pirated discs

Newspaper editor reports presidential adviser buying pirated discs

Yaiks!  That's not exactly the kind of headline I'd like to hear on the news. It's bad enough to be caught buying pirated DVD's. It's even worse that it got reported to the media. The culprit? No less than an aide to the President. Oh boy! Tsk tsk.. that does not sound good. And here I am an ordinary citizen trying to veer away from buying pirated stuff... then I hear about an official actually spotted buying them??? Hmm, so much for leadership by example huh? News like this one does not make it more fun in the Philippines!



Wednesday, January 25, 2012

KC Concepcion -- VaVaVoom on Rogue

It seems the year has started with fireworks indeed! ^_^ I said 'Wow!' upon watching on the news on TV about KC Concepcion's daring magazine cover for Rogue Magazine. I remember that she has posed for Rogue some years back. The photos were pretty daring but not quite as daring as her newest cover shoot. 

KC Concepcion Rogue Magazine cover
Brave and bold... is this the "new" KC Concepcion for 2012? I read somewhere that there were a few interesting interpretations for this shoot. I must admit the speculations truly are intriguing, but nope, I won't go down that lane. 

After all, I welcome seeing KC Concepcion as brave, bold, and sexy... a welcome change from her teary-eyed persona on her The Buzz interview from last year.

If you like the "new" KC, here are some more clips of her brave and bold image... (Thank you to the owners of the video / photos.)




KC Concepcion Rogue Magazine daringKC Concepcion Rogue Magazine daring

I am definitely going to grab a copy of the magazine!!! ^_^

More bold and daring KC clips...

KC Concepcion daring production number at ASAP 2012
ASAP Production number with Cristine Reyes
KC Concepcion blue wig Katy Perry concert
at the Katy Perry concert

KC Concepcion red wig party
at a party

Sunday, January 22, 2012

Usher in the Year of the Dragon 2012

Here's a little bit of trivia that I came across about Chinese Astrology. I remember hearing a similar story when I was younger. It's the story of the twelve animals in the Chinese zodiac. 

According to Chinese legend, the twelve animals quarreled one day as to who was to head the cycle of years. The gods were asked to decide and they held a contest: whoever was to reach the opposite bank of the river would be first, and the rest of the animals would receive their years according to their finish. All the twelve animals gathered at the river bank and jumped in. Unknown to the ox, the rat had jumped upon his back. As the ox was about to jump ashore, the rat jumped off the ox's back, and won the race. The pig, who was very lazy, ended up last. That is why the rat is the first year of the animal cycle, the ox second, and the pig last.

 The Chinese animal signs are a 12-year cycle used for dating the years. They represent a cyclical concept of time, rather than the Western linear concept of time. In the Chinese calendar, the beginning of the year falls somewhere between late January and early February. The Chinese have adopted the Western calendar since 1911, but the lunar calendar is still used for festive occasions such as the Chinese New Year. Many Chinese calendars will print both the solar dates and the Chinese lunar dates.

A cultural sidelight of the animal signs in Chinese folklore is that horoscopes have developed around the animal signs, much like monthly horoscopes in the West have been developed for the different moon signs, Pisces, Aries, etc. For example, a Chinese horoscope may predict that a person born in the Year of the Horse would be, cheerful, popular, and loves to compliment others. These horoscopes are amusing, but not regarded seriously by the Chinese people.

Some people do take the Chinese zodiac seriously. And at this time of the year, lucky charms and other stuff really make a killing in sales. I'm Fil-Chi and I live in Chinatown. My! You should see how busy it looks out there! Perhaps when I get the chance to go around I would take some pics and share them here. I usually avoid crowds of people that flock to celebrate. I suppose I shun the commercialism that goes with festive occasions. It would have been a different matter if I were one of the merchants engaged in this lucrative business. LOL! ^_^ As for the dragon year, I came by this interesting article as to the qualities of people born in this sign. 

 Dragon

The Dragon is one of the most powerful and lucky Signs of the Chinese Zodiac. Its warm heart tempers its fiery and rambunctious nature.  This is a giving, intelligent and tenacious Sign that knows exactly what it wants and is determined to get it. Dragons possess a certain natural, charm that ensures they can always influence their peers and often find themselves the center of attention in social situations. This Sign is truly blessed, too. Dragons are considered to be very lucky in love. The Dragon's friends are always keen to hear what this firebrand has to say and when it comes to dispensing advice, the Dragon has the floor.

Its ego can get in the  way, but even so, this larger-than-life creature has a knack for creativity and leadership. According to Dragons, it's their natural born right to lead the way -- because who else could do it so surely and so well. As lucky as they are, Dragons have a good chance of achieving considerable material wealth during their lifetimes, although it isn't mere money that's this Sign's main motivation. Power is what the Dragon wants and truly believes it deserves. Dragons are quite the opportunists, forever searching for ways in which to consolidate their considerable power. Contrary to all this strength and fire, a weakened Dragon is a sad sack, a creature that refuses to take defeat with even a modicum of grace.

The leadership role is the only one for the Dragon, the better from which to give orders and be king of the hill. They make solid leaders, too, knowing instinctively what needs to be done to stay on top. Crossing the Dragon is never a good idea -- this beast can singe. A valuable life lesson for this clever creature would be to absorb the principles of flexibility, compassion and tolerance. Being high and mighty can serve to inspire others, but it also keeps Dragons from living their lives to the fullest. If Dragons can learn to balance their quest for success with an appreciation for the little things, their life will be more than worthwhile.

The most compatible match for a Dragon is the Monkey or the Rat.

My mom actually loves this stuff. For sure, she'll be on the look out for anything that would help her become luckier. I do believe in luck -- unlike my friend Ted :p -- but I also believe that at times we create our own luck. But yeah, I will also be on the look out for what the year holds for me 'coz as far as I know, my sign doesn't jive very well with the dragon sign. Still, it's all wait and see... plus a lot of prayers for better times (esp. health as I need to have surgery according to my doctor).



Tuesday, January 17, 2012

The Chief Justice on Trial : The Newest and Hottest Drama on TV

For me, the newest and hottest drama to premiere on TV yesterday was not the well-plugged telenovelas from the local Kapamilya or Kapuso channels. This one, however, is more real and the effects more relevant to the nation. I have refrained from posting much about political issues and I want to keep it that way. However, I will definitely try to follow and keep posted on what's the latest on this real-life drama that we're witnessing on TV. As a concerned citizen, I am one in hoping and praying that whatever the outcome of this trial would be, it would be for the best interest of the entire nation and the Filipino people. If you're not too familiar with the issue, below is a related article posted on The Wall Street Journal about the CJ on Trial.

Related article:

Chief Justice's Impeachment Trial Begins in Manila


Thursday, January 12, 2012

Cast, crew of “The Bourne Legacy” start shooting in Manila Wednesday

Wow! That was my first reaction upon hearing that part of the movie "The Bourne Legacy" would be shot in Manila. II believe I've seen  the first two films that starred Matt Damon. I thought the effects were pretty awesome. It would indeed be great to see some Manila scenes in this new installment from the series. As you probably know, most Filipino fans love Hollywood movies. It's not surprising that news about the shooting is on daily. LOL! I'm sure lots of avid followers even stalk and stake out at the shooting scenes. Personally though I have mixed emotions about this filming. I truly hope that the streets of Manila will be portrayed quite nicely. Sure there are problems of garbage and some not so nice scenes, but overall I hope that Manila will be presented well. I don't live all that far out from San Andres, Manila where the location is currently shooting, but I think I'll pass up on taking a peek. However, if they do shoot scenes near the place where I reside like Intramuros or Jones Bridge, I just might take a peek. LOL! ^_^ One thing is for sure, I'm looking forward to seeing the film once it's out! After all, I do want to know how Manila will look in the film. 

Related articles:



Borrowed picture: 

Actress Rachel Weisz, with foreign and local staff, walks toward the site for the first day of the 45-day shooting of the Hollywood film “The Bourne Legacy” on Leveriza Street, Manila.

Thursday, January 5, 2012

New Year's Resolution 2012

As defined in Wikipedia, "A New Year's resolution is a commitment that a person makes to one or more lasting personal goals, projects, or the reforming of a habit. This goal must be reached by the next New Year. Keep in mind that this is a goal, not a wish and should be something that you as a person could strive for."

Noted popular goals include:

* Improve well-being: lose weight, exercise more, eat better, drink less alcohol, quit smoking, stop biting nails
* Improve finances: get out of debt, save money
* Improve career: get a better job
* Improve education: improve grades, get a better education, learn something new (such as a foreign language or music), study often,
* Improve self: become more organized, reduce stress, be less grumpy, manage time, be more independent, perhaps watch less television, play less sitting-down video games
* Take a trip
* Volunteer to help others, practice life skills, use civic virtue, give to charity


Go ahead and take your pick. Better yet, ask yourself, do you really need a resolution? After all, most would say that only about 10% actually ever achieve their goals. Why then would you need one? LOL!

"Never tell your resolution beforehand, or it's twice as onerous a duty." -John Selden

In my honest opinion though, it really depends upon you. No one can compel you to change if you don't want to. Besides, if you do want to change, why wait for the New Year? You can set goals any day and any time and stick to achieving them. If a task is too daunting, why not try to make smaller and more achievable goals? Set small daily goals. Be specific. From there set weekly and monthly goals. Of course, it would be good if you do reward yourself for achieving your monthly goals. For me, each day is a brand new day... a chance to make a difference. You can strive to make little positive changes day by day. Before you know it, you have achieved a lot already. I'm not a stickler for new year's resolutions. I have yet to meet someone who has actually achieved them. LOL! But I do make small goals for myself on a daily basis. It kinda makes me feel good when I know that my day has been a truly productive one. At the end of the day, do whatever works for you. After all, you know yourself better than the rest of us. Have a  super-mega-ultra productive 2012! ^_^


Sunday, January 1, 2012

Happy New Year 2012!

Gosh, how time flies indeed! I vaguely remember sending New Year's greetings last year. Here I go again this year! Yep, another year has come to an end. 2011 had been a turbulent, life-changing year for some people.. all over the world! May 2012 bring all of us more peace, joy, good health, and prosperity! ^_^

Glitter Graphics

"Year's end is neither an end nor a beginning but a going on, with all the wisdom that experience can instill in us." -Hal Borland

Rooftop fireworks display ^_^