FINALLY Getting Tickets to David Archuleta: Live in Manila

I had been bugging my mom, asking her if I could go and if she could get me tickets as soon as she could for quite some time now. I had heard rumors early on that David Archuleta was sort of being petitioned to be brought back here in Manila. His fan base here is quite big and pretty loyal. There really was no reason for him not to come back.

Once I found out that it was official, I contacted a friend of mine to ask her if tickets were out. She told me that they weren't even plugging it anywhere yet and that the news was still underground news. I was so stoked about it because, other than being a fan myself, and that Araneta Coliseum was the venue, I late found out that the ticket prices were much more available than most concerts were. The most expensive ticket was below five thousand pesos whereas others would range from around seven to twlve thousand. I immediately let my mother know and she seemed excited, just like I was. She told me that it would be okay for me to watch and that shge would want to watch as well.

A close friend of mine, Kimmy - mentioned in Getting Our UPCAT Test Permits - (Hi Kimmy!), is such a big fan that we developed this inside joke where she tells us that David is her soulmate, but he just doesn't know it yet. We kept talking about watching together or at least meeting up there. She had told me that her mom seemed like she wanted to come just like mine did and that could be our problem. She didn't mean it like they were embarassing or that we didn't want them with us, but that they might buy tickets without them telling us or that we might buy tickets of different seats.

Out-of-the-blue, my mom calls me on my cellphone one night and asks me if I really still wanted to see David Archuleta. Well, of course I did! I had been telling her about it for days now and I even called Ticketnet ti inquire for ticket prices and listed them down on piece of paper. I gev her that peper but, she gave it back to me after looking so I just posted if on our refigerator with one of those free-at-occasions kind of magnets. I think I used the one that we got from a wedding of a close relative.

I tell her that I did and she tells me that she was right beside the ticketbooth as she was talking to me at that moment. She was told that the  ticikets available were priced P3700 and those farther (I later found out that these tickets were from Lower Box A and beyond). I said that it was okay. She told me that she was willing to buy tickets for me and that I was tasked to check with any of my friends or classmetes if they would want to ask her to buy so that we would have tickets beside each other and that they wouldn't have to bother with resevations and going out of the house to buy the tickets. They could just pass the money through me since my mom would already be in possession of the tickets. I immediately got to the phone and tried to call the two frineds of mine that I know would be interested. One was taking a shower when I called, so I called Kimmy's home number. This news was too big for just texting, and calling would make realying details so much easier.

Can't Wait!!!

Kimmy's brother answered tha phone "Hello, (Last name) Residence. Good afternoon!" I say, "Hello, can I talk to Kimmy, please?" "Who's this?" and I tell him who I am. He says hi to me and then there was silence. I didn't know whether or not I should respond. I didn't know if he was still on the other end of the phone. I tried, "Hi...?" then he said, "One moment!" He was as perky as ever. Then I heard muffled voices and footsteps. As soon as Kimmy's voice was what I heard, I was like a recorded message relaying everything I got from my mother and I only stopped at certain reactions I heard from her. I could tell that she was excited, and so was I. She told me that they actually reserved tickets a few days before (I felt bummed that I waan't going to be able to watch with her thinking that she already had tickets). I suddenly realized that why would she be excited about me getting tickets if she already had her own. I asked her about th policy of the reservation lasting only one day. And she told me that she didn't know so the reservation was expired by that time. My mood went up again. :))

After finding out that Kimmy was in and was sure, the day seemed to get brighter. Now on to Alecx (Also mentioned in Getting our UPCAT Test Permits), who I'm sure would be happy to go. It turns out she couldn't. I was asking for an immediate answer and both her parents were unvailable. One came home late and one was in Dubai. It felt like, "AW MAN!"

I told my mom that it would be Kimmy and I. The way my mom was talking, it seemed like she was the same with Kimmy's mother. They were no longer planning to go. This is the down side of the story. My mom ended up not getting to buy the tickets because she couldn't withdraw from the ATM machine; it was broken.

The next two days, my mother got sick. Sick as in sick. I belive she had a slight fever and was throwing up. She missed work for those two days leaving me wondering whether she had the tickets and bought them while I was in school (sometimes, my mother is a miracle worker and she could really make things happen). When I finally asked, I found out that she had not bought them yet.

I tell my dad that I really need to get a hold of my tickets, especially now that I'm holding the Kimmy's fate in my hands (yeah, yeah, I'm exaggerating a little)! Even though she had told me that it was fine with her that we were being a little delayed because Alecx could get a chance to aske permission, still, it was like not following through with what I said. My dad told me that I could always get his help if I asked ("Superdad, to the rescue!").

So excited!!! That could be us there!

I ended up finally getting our tickets the next day. Weird, though. My mom was told at the ticketbooth at the Araneta Coliseum itself that only the Lower Box A and beyond seats were available, but when my dad went to SM, he was able to purchase Patron seats which were closer and were still not elevated, providing the hope that you could get a handshake or anything when an artist goes beyond the stage.

As soon as I get the tickets in my hands, I call Kimmy. Her brother answers again, we have almost the same conversation as before (de ja vu) and I ramble to Kimmy that it's official. I had the tickets and they were in my hands and I was looking at them. She was practically sreaming on the onther line and she told me that if I could I should tweet everything.

And so the excitement continues as we await the day where Kimmy gets to see her said soulmate and I get to go wild in a crowd of even wilder people. Archie, here we come!

Personal Book Review on The Hunger Games

Hunger Games is the first of three books in the Hunger Games Trilogy all written by Suzanne Collins, who is also the author of the Underland Chronicles. 

I first heard about this book through a classmate. I've known him ever since we were in first grade and his mother was my teacher. He always knew that I was a bookworm and he told me he had recently finished this novel. I asked him what kind it was and who wrote it. He said it was titled hunger games and that he would just bring it to school for me to take a look for myself on the next day.

 The next day, He didn't only bring the Hunger Games, but he also brought the sequel, Catching Fire, and both in hardbound. I immediately noticed how cool the cover was. It was simple yet stunning, even though I had no idea of the relevance of the bird. He gave me the books and told me that I should get a copy and get reading. He told me it wasn't like any other book. I was about teenagers that were killing each other and the way the world was during that time: the future. It wasn't the future that was projected it sci-fi movies (robotic, advanced, and full of reflective clothing), but a future that was degraded. The world had not moved forward, but backwards.

The book opens with the introduction of the main character, Katniss Everdeen, and the situation of where she lives. A country called Panem which is divided into thirteen districts, the thirteenth of which has been destroyed. She lives in the twelfth and poorest district where coal is the main product. She lives with her little sister, Prim, and her mother which she seems to be taking care of instead of the other way around ever since her father died from a mining explosion. 

Paperback Cover

Panem is place where the government or the Capitol, as they call it, controls everything and there really sems to be no escape. The Capitol controls everything through the fear of the people. Yearly, they remind the people of Panem that they powerless through what they call "The Hunger Games" in which two (one boy and one girl) teenagers are selected from each district to be put inside the arena and fight the hunger games while all people, especially the people in the Capitol watch it on live television. It is treated as if it is just a siple reality show, except for the fact that lives are taken. The last one standing receives fame, fortune, and and supplies like food and shelter. Inside the arena, it's either kill or be killed. 

Katniss was never really even chosen to go into the arena. She had taken the place of her sister during the drawing of names. Her journey starts of with training and strategic plans on how the winner would come from their district. Katniss and her fellow tribute, Peeta Mellark are guided and coached by previous Hunger Games winner of their district, Haymitch Abernathy, a drunkard, clever man who seems to care about nothing. As Katniss always thought, the odds were never in her favor.

"Winning means fame and fortune.

Losing means certain death.

The Hunger Games have begun...."

I will admit that the book had surprised me and I wasn't expecting that I would like it as much as I do. Suzanne Collins was able to fit in the book an assortment of characters and their different personalities. She was also able to portray the kind of government that no one would want, unless you were one of those who were fortunate and had no real idea of how the districts were. She was also able to show that she was quite adept in the field of media in the way that she was able to write about the way the television in the book was manipulated and how the truth was stretched in many ways. 

This book was such an experience to me. It made me think and also, it kind of gave me butterflies, as the book gives Katniss quite a love story. Even though this book is rated or in the category for young adults, anyone would be blessed with the pleasure of reading it.

A note to those who care

This post is just to send over a message.

I started this blog along with a friend of mine in school. We're really close and we still are, but it seems that he's not really the blogger or continually writing type. He said that I could carry on this blog and that's okay. Everything's cool, but from now on, I'm most likely going to write everything that will be posted on this blog.
I still give him total credit for helping me with naming this blog and I think it's darn good name and it suits whatever goes on it.

Thanks. :))

Quotes from Bob Ong

I think that Bob Ong is a great author. Even though there are times that his statements may seen harsh, he is just being straight to the point and I guess I could say he's keeping it real. He may be unique, but his writing has substance and great  humor no matter what words he uses to send the message he wishes to send to his readers.


"Gamitin ang puso para alagaan ang taong malapit sayo. Gamitin ang utak para alagaan ang sarili mo."

"Mangarap ka at abutin mo. Wag mong sisihin ang sira mong pamilya, palpak mong syota, pilay mong tuta, o mga lumilipad na ipis. Kung may pagkukulang sa'yo mga magulang mo, pwde kang manisi at maging rebelde.

Tumigil ka sa pag-aaral, mag-asawa ka, mag-drugs ka, magpakulay ka ng buhok sa kili-kili. Sa bandang huli, ikaw din ang biktima. Rebeldeng walang napatunayan at bait sa sarili."

"Huwag mong bitawan ang bagay na hindi mo kayang makitang hawakan ng iba."

"Wag magmadali sa pag-aasawa. Tatlo, lima, sampung taon sa hinaharap, mag-iiba pa ang pamantayan mo at maiisip mong di pala tamang pumili ng kapareha dahil lang sa kaboses niya si Debbie Gibson o magaling mag-breakdance. Totoong mas importante ang kalooban ng tao higit anuman. Sa paglipas ng panahon, maging ang mga crush ng bayan sa eskwelahan e nagmumukha ring pandesal. Maniwala ka."

"Huwag mong hawakan kung alam mong bibitawan mo lang."

"Bakit ba ayaw matulog ng mga bata sa tanghali? alam ba nilang pag natuto silang umibig e hindi na sila makakatulog kahit gusto nila?"

"Huwag na huwag ka hahawak kapag alam mong may hawak ka na."

Bob Ong

"Parang elevator lang yan eh, bakit mo pagsisiksikan ung sarili mo kung walang pwesto para sayo. Eh meron naman hagdan, ayaw mo lang pansinin."

"Hindi lungkot o takot ang mahirap sa pag-iisa kundi ang pagtanggap na sa bilyon-bilyong tao sa mundo, wala man lang nakipaglaban upang makasama ka."

"Kung maghihintay ka nang ng lalandi sayo, walang mangyayari sa buhay mo... Dapat lumandi ka din."

"Nalaman kong hindi final exam ang passing rate ng buhay. hindi ito multiple choice, identification, true or false, enumeration or fill-in-the-blanks na sinasagutan kundi essay na isinusulat araw-araw. Huhusgahan ito hindi base sa kung tama o mali ang sagot, kundi base sa kung may kabuluhan ang mga isinulat o wala. Allowed ang erasures."

"Hindi dahil sa hindi mo naiintindihan ang isang bagay ay kasinungalingan na ito at hindi lahat ng kaya mong intindihin ay katotohanan. "

"Mag-aral maigi. Kung titigil ka sa pag-aaral, manghihinayang ka pagtanda mo dahil hindi mo naranasan ang kakaibang ligayang dulot ng mga araw na walang pasok o suspendido ang klase o absent ang teacher. (Haaay, sarap!)."

“Kung hindi mo mahal and isang tao, wag ka nang magpakita ng motibo para mahalin ka niya..”

“Nalaman kong habang lumalaki ka, maraming beses kang madadapa. Bumangon ka man ulit o hindi, magpapatuloy ang buhay, iikot ang mundo, at mauubos ang oras.”

“Sabi nila, sa kahit ano raw problema, isang tao lang ang makakatulong sa’yo – ang sarili mo. Tama sila. Isinuplong ako ng sarili ko. Kaya siguro namigay ng konsyensya ang Diyos, alam niyang hindi sa lahat ng oras e gumagana ang utak ng tao.”

“Mas mabuting mabigo sa paggawa ng isang bagay kesa magtagumpay sa

paggawa ng wala.”

“Masama akong tao, tulad mo, sa parehong paraan na mabuti kang tao, tulad ko.”

Some of Bob Ong Books:

A New Toy in the Playground

Imagine a kid or a group of kids playing together in a sandbox or at the playground. They may get along and they may share toys, but of course when a new toy comes around, all of them would want first dibs on that toy. New is quite attractive, almost all people find it that way. New is something you aren't familiar with, it's an exploration, and it's what all the others want, as well.

A Shiny New Toy

The shiny, new toy always gets the attention. People may even end up fighting for it. They'll fight for it, vie for it. Personally, I wouldn't want to join in on anything like that, it just makes life more unnecessarily complicated. Even if I wanted to, I'd stop myself. I bet a lot of other people would do the same as well, but the problem with this is that there are circumstances when this "new toy" is just so darn shiny, that when light catches even the slightest sign of light or sunshine, and it reflects your way, it's impossible for it not to catch your eye. 

But what if that "toy" could walk, speak, was alive and breathing? Would the toy choose you if you ever chose to go after it? Would you be the last one over all the others trying to get their way? Would you prevail over all else who want the toy all to themselves? Hmmmm... That's something to ponder on. 

*Inspired by "You're like the shiny new toy now," and personal experience/s.

Funny/Ironic Book Titles and their Authors (made-up)

I got little creative and came up with these. They're kind of funny and I guess they could be considered as brain teasers in a way. Some of them, you have to think about before getting the connection of the book title to the author's name.

Save the Planet
by: Reese Cycle

Drive!
by: Steph Onitt

Get the Door
by: Ding Dong

Make New Friends
by: A. Loner

Win Everything
by: Bigg Loser

Flying Fast and High
by: Jett Plane

The Ultimate Hero
by: Sue Permann

Clean Your Room!
by: U.R. Muther

10 Ways to Look Your Best
by: Ugg Lee

Get Out of Jail
by: Anna Leebi

Don't Drink
by: Al Coholic

Promotion, Here I Come!
by: Kiss Sumbutt

The Right Way to Handle Luggage
by: Belle Bhuoy

Disaster Awareness
by: Storm E. Wether

Garbage
by: Nash T. Smell

Dinosaurs and Other Extinct Creatures
by: T. Rex

No More School
by: Summer Tyme

Classical String
by: Vye Ollin

Thin, Stuffed, Thick: Pizza the Way You Want It
by: Pete Zah

Meant to be Together
by: Destiny N. Fate

Hope it at least made you smile :)

Getting our UPCAT test permits!

Yesterday, a couple of friends and I cut school short (completely permitted and allowed, of course) to take care of our applications and everything else to the University of the Philippines. For a couple of us, this was such a big deal. we were never out to do things as serious as these, I mean it was as if we were holding our future in our hands. At first, the plan was to commute there from 7eleven where we grabbed a snack since we left right after being dismissed for our first recess break. Suddenly, after I texted my mother that we were leaving for UP, she calls me on my cellphone and asks where we were because she wanted to pick us up and give us a ride. This would normally be better, but my mom doesn't really know much about the roads inside the biggest university in the Philippines. We got a little lost at first and I admit to feeling a little bit awkward when we were all cramped in our car and was talking on her phone to different people, quite loudly because we were mobile. My parents were pretty generous this time around though, they had given me enough money previously to go out with friends.

After turning around and going back after a second wrong turn, we finally take the right path with the help of my classmate, Rays, who - fortunately enough - knows his way around a little. Rays had been there before and sort of wet through how the process was so he was the one who guided us on what we were to do. 

Oblation Statue

First off, the five of us were to go to the Landbank within the campus (close to the Office of Admissions, luckily) to get in line and pay for the UPCAT testing fee which was P450. We were given three forms each (all the same) to fill out. Those slips would be the one to line up behind the stack of other slips belonging to people with the same purpose. Luckily enough, the day before, our adviser, T. Aileen, warned us about getting in along line and encouraged us to leave the school earlier that lunch time which was our original plan, assuming that there would be many other people who were to do the same as we were. We were just asked to finish the Rules and Regulations of the school seminar then we could go. We ended up taking her advice and I'm darn glad we did! We were outside the bank, waiting for our names to be called out for around two hours. The only two positive things I could think of of our situation was that we could sit and there were more people who came after us, so we weren't really on the unlucky side. This time had also given us the opportunity to fill in the blank space in our application forms and to compare zip codes, grades, signatures, etc. Hana, my filipino-grown Korean friend, ended up missing a couple of extra files and documents that she needed in order to qualify since she was not born in the country. The time gave her and Rays - who needed some cash - some time to go back home (good thing they lived near by) and get the things they needed. Plus we also got to admire our surroundings and how we could one day be studying here, especially Kimmy and I who have UP on the top of our list.

I even remembered that I had a cousin who was starting to her first semester at UP after passing and getting in. Alecx encouraged me to contact her, it was a chance to see each other. I texted her and she was totally supportive and telling me to do a good job and to pass the entrance exam. I asked a couple of questions and tips on what she did when she was just applying. She told me to think things through a lot and carefully make my decisions and especially to consider the quotas for my course and the UP college I was going to choose.

Candid Moment!

During the time they were gone, I, Alecx and Kimmy got to talk about stuff I'd rather not mention here (hahaha!) and get our stuff together in case we were called. Kimmy also grabbed the chance to record the moment with pictures and capture the moment we were taking care of our college requirements on ourselves, without any parent or adult.

We were even put through this moment where we were nervously shaken by the fact that Rays and I were next and to enter the bank soon, but he and Hana were still on the way back. Alecx was kind enough to stand in for Rays but was nervous about not knowing what to do if ever she was asked to sign something as Rays. We were even to the moment were she and I were already waiting inside the tiny bank and I could almost feel the seconds on my watch and on the wall clock to my right ticking within me. Both of us had no idea what to do, and depended of Rays being the first to do everything just so we could copy whatever he does. Almost to the last second, there was a knock on the door and Rays came in and sat next to me. A few minutes later, Hana was called in and she took a seat. The guard was oddy nice enough to tell us a few jokes and to share a short conversation with us as we waited for our turn. There was even this lady who asked to go before us, and she looked like she was gonna faint. She approached the guard about cutting in, and the guard approved, saying a tad too loud for us not to "overhear" that the stringer ones are kind enough to give way.

As Rays and I exited, it was Hana's turn and Alecx and Kimmy were by the door, about to go in. As the two of us waited outside, I felt a small wave of relief knowing that the long part was over. After a few minutes of waiting, Hana joined us and we were strangely quiet. We were definitely tired. The lady who cut and went before us left after (weird, I know) us thanked me and smiled. Soon enough we were headed to the Office of Admissions to get everything together.

Office of Admissions

There was this pause inside, everyone waiting for Rays to take the first step. all of us checked and double-checked our forms. This part was what I hated. There was this option upon applying that if ever you didn't get in the quota of the first UP college you chose, but passed the UPCAT, you could opt to have a second UP college and you may be accepted there. I had previously asked my parents about this and I never got a straight answer. The top two UP colleges were Diliman and Manila. It's almost automatic to choose Manila after choosisng Diliman as your first choice, but I definitely had more course choices and courses that I liked at UP Los Banos. I fussed and called and texted my parents. My dad thought that it was too far and preferred Manila, but ended up consenting to me going to wherever as long as I could handle it. I ended up being the last one to submit therefore I was the last one to be called over via microphone or megaphone or whatever and find out my testing schedule. When we did though, we compared and complained and rejoiced, but I felt the real, full weight of relief. as in relief. It felt great!

We then proceeded to Technohub along commonwealth Avenue to get eating. We were exhausted and it was as if we were candles and our fires were slowly dying down. It was kind of funny how we continued to chatter off, make conversation and talk, but our physical movements were getting lazy. We even had mishaps with the food. Hana found a hair in her chicken, and I found a tiny bug on the inside of my cup of Coke. It was gross, but they knew enough to replace it. We walked around a bit and chilled. At around 4:30 pm we decided to go home because we were kind of starting to feel sorry for Rays who looked tired and like he wanted to go home, and he was kind enough to say that he would go home when we would. He would wait for us to get into our taxis before he left. I was first to get into a cab because I was to go home alone. Funny, before I left I almost slipped while descending a couple of steps. Coincidentally, Alecx had a similar experience upon entering the Office of Admissions and while Rays, Alecx and Kimmy were sending me off at the top of the steps, Rays had a thought of what could happen if I slipped or stumbled.  Now I blame the thought for my failed exit. 

For me, everything turned out to be satisfying. I was proud of myself, proud of all of us. One college down, definitely a whole lot more to go. : ))

Deciding what course to take in college

Since, as of now, my batch mates and I are seniors, the biggest thing is college. We may not be in college yet, but college is the constant topic and discussion of everyday so far. 

Aside from college giving anybody a better and maybe brighter future, it also helps determine the path you will take in the future and for how long you will be studying. It points you to the career you may or may not choose to take up. 

The pressures of college right now are just innumerable. I don't even want to think of what could happen or what I might go through physically and emotionally if ever I end up choosing the wrong course. Not to mention, the waste of time and money that would come with the results of not being cautious in deciding. 

Another thing is that there is definitely nobody who can make this choice for you. That is, assuming that parents are not involved apart from being a support and  fund system for the future college student. Of course, top choices are the "Ivy League" colleges or those that have made a name for themselves. 

Getting into college, from what I am experiencing now, can be such a hassle. Parents can do it, but that usually never happens in our case. I guess you could say that we're just being encouraged to be independent and get to know and do things on our own especially if it's for our benefit.

Things that we are not afraid of and are actually excited about are getting to create our own schedules, choosing our professors, and having more than an hour of lunch time. As high school students, these are big changes for us.

One thing to ponder on at least, setting aside all the pressures and weight of having to make one of the biggest decisions in  my life, is the feeling and sense of pride I know I will get when I here "Congratulations, Graduates" (or at least something like that). Somewhat being accomplished and proud of yourself, for finishing school and getting a college degree. I bet that quite an overwhelming feeling of freedom may also surge through every graduate in that  picture perfect moment when they throw those caps in the air and cheer for themselves. Now that is something to look forward to.

Why I love Lemonade Mouth: the Band and the Disney Movie

I first learned about Lemonade Mouth while searching the net for lists of top 10s or top 20s list of songs. I stumbled across the - at that time - current list from Radio Disney. Just to clear thinds out, here in the Philippines (for those who don't know), there really isn't a Radio Disney. We only have the different Disney channels on cable TV.

I saw the song 'Somebody' and I'm not sure, but I think it was in the top five if not the number one song on the list. When I listened to the preview or free listening thing they had available on the sight, I honestly felt that some of the voices were familiar. Even the small icon where the cover of the album from which the song belongs to were of people that I felt I surely have seen before. Turns out, I was right! Moo-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha (my supposedly evil laugh :P). I know Bridgit Mendler the most from the Disney series Good Luck, Charlie, then I know that Adam Hicks stars in The Adventures of Zeke and Luther (another Disney series), and I saw Hayley Kiyoko on a couple of episodes of Disney's Wizards of Waverly Place. 

I listened to the song and immediately loved the message and the truth that it tells, especially for kids like me... the lyrics could be related to feeling the pressure from school, peers and family, getting good grades, trying to do what you want, facing what the future brings and discovering who you really are and what you're meant to do.

Ever since then, I tried to stay up-to-date with their songs through the Radio Disney site. Then, one day, all of a sudden, while watching TV in my room, I see them: Lemonade Mouth. Disney was promoting the premiere of the movie in Asia. I was happy, but kind of confused. It kind of made me ponder on whether Lemonade Mouth was even real of just like Troy and Gabriella of High School Musical. Either way, I was still stoked to see what the movie was all about. Based on the teasers, I could tell that it went a little deeper with its message compared to all the other Disney (non-animated) films I have seen throughout my entire life. 

The film starts of by showing that Lemonade Mouth all began in detention, hahaha, but then rewinds to the  beginning. Like the beginning-beginning. It revolves around these five students who battle different daily confrontations and emotional hardships, but in more ways than one, they sure fit in with each other even though it may not be obvious at first. they end up jamming in detention spontaneously and end up doing a great performance without even knowing it. As their teacher returns to the room, she suddenly declares that fate brought them together and points out that they were all meant to sing or perform together. Although I consider all the five Disney stars as leads, I just think, that Bridgit Mendler is a teeny, tiny bit more the star in the movie. Aside from being the said front man of the band, there are some things in the movie that only her character gets to have (e.g. a sort of romance with a member of the band, tragic things about what the state of her parents are, the old cat). 

Although I have said how the movie starts, I will definitely not spoil how it ends, but I will say that there is an alternate ending on the extended version, and how they got their name. I will also say that their music talks about things that are so true and uplifting, that I really have grown to like them. I'll continue supporting them and listening to their music. Rock on!


Watch 'Somebody' Official Music Video on YouTube

Check out Lemonade Mouth on IMDb

Lemonade Mouth on Facebook!

Lemonade Mouth Songs (including OST) on musictory

Personal Book Review on Wicked Lovely

Wicked Lovely is the first book from the series of the same name written by Melissa Marr. The series consists of Wicked Lovely, Ink Exchange, Fragile Eternity, Radiant Shadows, and Darkest Mercy.

As a lot of young adult books are nowadays, the story has a somewhat dark and supernatural touch. The main character, Aislinn or Ash, is a seventeen-year-old girl who is gifted. She herself wouldn't call it a gift, though. She can see faeries. All of them, everyday. She has been seeing them from when she was little girl. 

Being raised by her grandmother, who has Sight as well, she was taught early on on how to handle having the Sight. Faeries are dangerous and they can be mean. They can hurt human beings, without even revealing what they really are.

Faeries have the power or ability to create galmours: a human disguise. Since Faeries are wicked and lovely at the same time, these disguises always seem a little bit too perfect. 

Ash soon notices that two faeries are following her. With the help of her best friend, Seth, they search for answers to why Ash is becoming such an interest among faeries. Along the path of their research, they are given a chance to spend even more time than they normally do and discover how they truly feel about each other as well as finding out that one of the faeries following her is not just any ordinary faerie, but a Summer King. As they continue their learning, they get to know how they could defend themselves and Seth soon finds out how he can achieve the Sight as well. 

Keenan, the Summer King, furthermore tries to pursue Ash by enrolling in her school with the help of his advisers as king and his ever so attractive glamour. Together they discover that Keenan isn't so bad after all, and things are much more serious than they seem.

Aside from fantastic descriptions, insight and passages from other books of reference about faeries, the book is dark and captures you in the world that only few like Ash can see. A book of love and excitement, truly riveting and entertaining to read.


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Go to the Wicked Lovely website!

Melissa Marr's Official Website!

Wikipedia: Melissa Marr


Other books in the Wicked Lovely series:

Book 2: Ink Exchange




 

Book 3: Fragile Eternity

Book 4: Radiant Shadows

Book 5: Darkest Mercy

My Showtime Experience!

After the tour (as told in a previous blog entry) and  being seated inside the studio, the first thing me and my companions noticed was how small it was compared to what we expected. We didn't sit in the front lines but we were close enough. We were just a little higher up. entering took time. The audience members needed to be filed in orderly and controlled. A short and tight sort of hallway, I guess, led to a few steps and into the seating area. 

The small 'hallway'...

Sitting down and staying put was quite hard due to 

excitement. We kept raving about what things we would do if we were approached by one of the hosts; if we were called to the stage; if we were asked to perform live on national television. We were asked by one of the events people (I think that was what he was) what school we were from. Now, I was not from their school and so was my friend, Kim's stepsister, but we just tagged along and said we would be happy to say we were from their school. The relevance of them knowing what school, was for the division of the airtime. For those who don't know, the start of every show, begins with the introduction of the hosts and regulars on the show followed by a dance taught earlier to the audience. They go to commercial break then the people of the audience - who come from all around, not just the Philippines, but the world - a chance to greet whoever they want to greet. We were given a sheet of colored paper to create a sort of banner to say where we were from - or in our case, the school. Immediately after receiving the paper, one of us got to writing down the name of the school and those we wanted to greet. Good thing we got a sheet of paper because Robert, the source of all our tickets, was chosen as the representative to speak if ever we were given the chance to greet and he was typing everything on his phone. There were so many of us that he had to make a list in order to not forget anything. There were 13 of us in total, so you could only imagine. 

Eventually, we got everything settled and just waited and chatted as the other seats in the audience were filled with people. Based on what we know, the scheduled tie for the show to officially start was around 10:30 or 11, we were practically holding a countdown. A few minutes before 10:30, some of use decided to go to he restroom, just to be sure that when the show started, we would have no need for restroom breaks. Of course, being girls, we have this thing where we rarely go to the restroom alone. Yeah, we go in groups, stick together. We ended up leaving only the four boys who were with is in the studio, watching over our things and our seats. They said it was okay...

The 1st restroom we got to was full of people and I even remember that one or to of the stalls was out of order, so the line was so long that we practically had to open the door for everyone to fit. Luckily, someone who worked there passed by and  saw the long line, since we were the ones who just arrived and at the end of the line, she gestured to us and pointed us to another restroom close by. When said thanks and when the door to that restroom was opened, it was empty aside form one person who was already on her way out. We did our business and didn't miss the photo opportunity.

We rushed back to the studio since one of use received a text from Robert saying that we better be heading back. I noticed when we got back that the music was louder and the studio seemed just a tad brighter. We sat back down in our places and got talking again. As eleven o'clock went by I started to wonder what was up, and why the show was running late. I was reminded that there was still a live ongoing NBA game on air (Heat vs. Bulls) and that it was most likely the reason of the delay. A TV was pointed out to me, the game was on. 

"Piolo Pascual"

Later on, there was a voice on that spoke to us asking us if we were ready. The crowd cheered and then came an introduction. The voice said that Piolo Pascual, as in Piolo Pascual, one of the most known heartthrobs and Philippine A-listers of today was about to come on stage. There was this drum roll then *toink, it wasn't him. He was part of the crew of the show - probably a producer - and he asked us right away why we looked disappointed. He explained and apologized for the delay and explained that it was due to the time the basketball game was taking up. He was also there to get us hyped up for the show and tell us the rules. He told us to be happy and to make sure that we had a good time. Cellphones during the shiow were not allowed and so was picture taking whenever the show was on-air. Picture-taking during commercial breaks were allowed. Inappropriate movements like picking of the nose and stuff like that were not encouraged (haha), he said this because there have been a number of times where people were caught on camera doing such things and it was just not pleasant nor necessary. We were then taught the dance moves that were to dance at the beginning of the show, it was fun yet unexpectedly more tiring than it looked. 

After that, we were left to rest and wait a few more moments until the show would start. Once again, this was another photo opportinity. Smile!

Finally, we were told to get up off our seats. The show was to start in a number of seconds. Theme sone of the show blasted in the studio, bringing everyone back to life. The hosts were introduced, along with Vice Ganda (constant judge) and we started the dance routine we were taught only a few moments ago, followed by Anne Curtis' random move, and then off to commercial. We got a chance to catch your breath and to wipe off beads of sweat that formed on our foreheads.

The show returned with the opening spill of the hosts and of course the introduction of the judges. 2 judges were to be somewhat a surprise that day because it was a Monday (every Saturday, judges were voted off of the show and sometimes there were occasions where the all except Vice Ganda were changed). Judges were Vice Ganda, Ryan Bang, and Regine Angeles. Surprise judges were model Andrew Wolff and beauty queen Shamcey Supsup. 

Performers or contestants that day were pretty good. Our scorecards were handed out during the 1st or second commercial breaks after Kuya Kim Atienza briefed us on how he wanted us to handle them and how we shouldn't raise them until the right cue (when he says "Score mo, Show mo!"). He even practiced us a little, and Kim, the one who invited me, and another one of us raised her scorecard without the cue and kind of got - for a lack of a better word - warned, but it was okay, we just laughed it off, nothing serious.

I don't know about the rest of us, but I know that I was pretty determined to get at least one picture or word with one of the hosts or judges. I told  them that we should at least try to get the attention of one or some of the judges. They decided to wave and kind of be a distraction during one of the commercial breaks, Regine Angeles was quite unsure whether we were waving to her or to Ryan Bang. We weren't sure either, but since she was already sort of talking to us, we told her it was her and gestured clicking motions and clasping our hands together saying please and  that we would love to get a picture with her. She said okay and gestured that we should go up. We were surprised that she agreed just like that, and made our way to the stairs leading up to the judges' tables. When we were half-way up, the director (I think) blocked us and told us she was sorry, but we weren't allowed there. As she told us that, Regine pretty much heard her, because she was behind. The director looked back, shook her head and said that it was up to Regine if she was gonna go down. Annoyingly, some people who weren't quite bold enough decided to suddenly pretend that they were bold and approached before we could even do anything about it and got dibs on the first picture with Regine as she got down on audience level. I came closer as fast as I could and told her that we were actually the ones who called her down and I saw like a flash of recognition in her eyes and took a picture with us. She even hugged us, kissed our cheeks and continually said thank you. She was so nice! Nice way beyond what anyone expected her to be.

During anther commercial break, we were lucky enough to get Ryan's attention, and I think Regine actually helped us. He went down and we literally jumped off our seats, rushing and trying to get ahead of those people nearer the judges' area who - like what happened with Regine - weren't asking for anything from the judges, but were quick enough to get to them first. As usual, we didn't get dibs, and we sort of scrambled to get close enough. I decided to go all the way and remove being shy. I got to him first and was next to him. After the picture was taken, he told us thank you and I thanked him too, but asked if I could hug him before I left. Hey, a lot of girls didn't even ask to hug him, they might as well have jumped him (:P kidd). He smiled and we hugged and I said thanks again before getting the camera from Robert so he could get a picture as well. 

During another break, we noticed that there were people crowding at the foot of the stage. A few of us hurried towards the stage, past a guard or two telling us we couldn't, and got a picture with Vhong Navarro. Billy was closest so we gestured for pictures and he gave a smile and a slight nod. We were about to go to him when one or the guards stepped in front of us, as in blocking our path telling everybody that we've had enough and we were given the opportunity. We returned to our seats and I was told that if we would have gotten past that guard, we could have gotten a picture with Anne Curtis as well. Robert felt disappointed of course. He was totally crushing on Anne.

Look at Vice Ganda's face!

Another surprise during the show was the sudden visit of Green Rose star, Jericho Rosales (I would consider him an A-lister, as well). He arrived with a bouquet of flowers, saying that we was actually already heading out and just stopped by. Automatically Billy and Vhong teased Vice Ganda, but as most of the time, the odds weren't quite in Vice's favor. Jericho gave the roses to his Green Rose co-star, Anne. A big number of the audience went wild as he came on stage. One particular girl in the front row was to thrilled, Billy Crawford and/or Vhong noticed her. She was lucky enough to get a hug from Jericho and even a nose-to-nose moment! Jericho even offered Nerds candy for his the flowers being given to Anne instead of Vice. The audience motioned for Vice to have a nose-to-nose moment with Jericho as well. That lead up to all sorts of foolishness. Vice Ganda started singing to Jericho, they through people to the wall. It was all so spontaneous and funny. Even some of the contestants, along with Billy got thrown against the wall... All playfully of course!

 Overall, the show was such a great experience! We had so much fun, but the first thing that was on our minds when we got out was food. FOOD. We were starved.   We had a little trouble in the car deciding where to eat and get cooled off since it was just after mid-day, scorching hot and the air-conditioning in the van happened to be broken. 

We ended up settling for Shakey's Tomas Morato and hung-out and chilled out there while satisfying our appetites. As you could probably tell by now, we wouldn't miss a Photo-op if our lives depended on it. Lunch was definitely an opportunity. Group Photo! Watching showtime was such an experience that we're actually trying to plan watching again. Watching the show requires and evokes so much energy that it's tiring, but definitely  worth it!

Watch past Showtime episodes here!

Entertainment Weekly EXCLUSIVE Interview with the Hunger Games Trilogy author Suzzane Collins and upcoming movie director Gary Ross (repost)

I am personally such a big fan of The Hunger Games Trilogy. I am obsessed with the great plot and the variety of characters in the story though the story is only told through one perspective.

I decided to repost this exclusive Entertainment Weekly interview I found while surfing the net for updates about the upcoming movie and the rumors of casting. *SPOILER ALERT: there are some plot details and certain information that are openly revealed in this interview.

If you haven't read the book and don't want to know anything until the movie comes out, you better think twice first.

Suzanne Collins

Gary Ross

ENTERTAINMENT WEEKLY: Suzanne, did you know going in what kind of a role you wanted to have on the film?
SUZANNE COLLINS: At the beginning, I attached myself as the first screenwriter. I was writing the third book and there was great secrecy about it and no one could know how it ended. But I knew that if the screenplay got off on the wrong foot, that you could end up with something by which you could never reach the events of the third book. And since I couldn’t reveal information to the film team, I wanted to be around to keep an eye on that. After that, I didn’t know.

A lot of writers choose, or are encouraged, to back slowly away as their book journeys to the big screen. When did you realize this was going to be a genuine collaboration with Gary?
SC: It’s much easier to step back and withdraw from this sort of process then to be drawn in. Gary seemed like a really nice guy and he made these great movies, but we didn’t know each other. And then he finally sends me his draft of the screenplay, and I’m like, “Oh my God, he found the emotional arc to the story!” Up to that point, we hadn’t really ever cracked that in the script. So I go out to L.A., but even then it wasn’t until we sat down and started writing together that I was fully on board.

What had been missing in previous drafts?
SC: When I look at the development of the script, there was the draft I did condensing down the book — what could be cut out of it, and then filling out the backstage stories. Because in the film, we have the ability to cut away from Katniss’ head. The one thing I had never been able clearly to see was not “What’s the dramatic question?” Because the dramatic question is fairly forthright: Is she going to live? But it’s the emotional arc that exists between Katniss and Peeta. I saw in Gary’s draft that it was the first time it had been successfully done as an overall arc. Without it you have a film, you have a story, but you risk losing the kind of emotional impact that the film might have. And I thought, “Well, if they want me in, I have to come. I see it working now! Now they’ve got me and they’ll be no getting out. Because I want to be in now.”

Gary, what do you think you were able to bring to the script?
GARY ROSS: Both Suzanne and [screenwriter] Billy Ray had done wonderful work, but I told Billy when I began — and he’s a director as well and a very good one — that I would have to put this into my own voice. And I wanted to get back as close as I could to the essence of the book and the emotional arc. To get inside Katniss’ skin and understand how she grows, largely through her relationship with Peeta. I needed to have fresh clay to do that. And then when the draft was done and I got in the room with Suzanne, it was a very, very spontaneous process. It was like…
SC: It was a little crazy! And I mean that in a good way. I have a pretty big TV background, and I have clocked so many hours in so many writers’ rooms over the years. There’s this certain period of adjustment where you discover if you’re compatible. But what happened with Gary, it was almost instantaneous.
GR: I think we had maybe 15 minutes of discussion, and then we instantly transitioned into writing together seamlessly. You’d pitch a line and I’d pitch the next line and before you knew it, we had a dialogue scene. And then we were both just getting excited from that. These are characters and a world that’s entirely her invention. Sometimes we’ll be working on a scene together and I almost get this giddy feeling because the characters we’re talking about are ones she’s created. I really haven’t had a real writing partner since Anne Spielberg on Big, and I feel like I’ve found that wonderful collaborative electricity again.

How invigorating has this been for you Suzanne after several years of writing alone?
SC: It was great, because having spent years in TV rooms, I was used to collaborative writing, and if you’re with good people it’s really fun. But then with the books, it’s been just me talking to me. And I get a little tedious after a while. [Laughs]
GR: And now it’s really evolved beyond writing, because Suzanne is very adroit and savvy about production. She has a lot of sophistication about the filmmaking process that isn’t just from a writer’s perspective out. So we have discussions about costume design, about set design, we talk about casting.

Each bit of casting news has been met with a real roar from the fans. How are you both handling that? Did you expect such outrage?
SC: Any time you read a book and get attached to the characters, to me it’s always a shock when it goes from page to screen and it’s not exactly what was in my head or what I was imagining it should be. So there’s always that period of adjustment. But I think we feel so solid about our casting choices, and so thrilled that we’ve gotten these three young people in those roles, that nothing can really eclipse it.
GR: I really agree with Suzanne that it’s wonderful that people have such a vivid image of Katniss and Peeta and Gale and they hold it so dearly. But Suzanne and I have the advantage of having seen these guys audition for these roles, and I would never judge any role or any actor until I’ve seen them perform it.
SC: And you know people may get thrown, say, by the color of an actor’s hair or maybe something physical, but I tell you: If Josh had been bright purple and had had six foot wings and gave that audition, I’d have been like “Cast him! We can work around the wings.” He was that good. That role is so key to have a boy that can use language. That’s how Peeta navigates the world, that’s his gift, and Josh was the one who could bring that to life in such a real and natural way.
GR: I remember Suzanne was actually in the room the day Josh came in and read for the first time. After the reading, we looked at each other, we didn’t even have to say anything, because we both were like “Wow, that’s it.” Literally he walked out of the room and we high-fived.
SC: We did. We didn’t even say anything. We just turned to each other and high-fived. And people should know that of course we’re taking the gravest care in casting these characters. It’s not arbitrary. It’s of the utmost importance to us that we get the actors who can best bring these characters alive on the screen. Every one of those kids earned those roles by virtue of the auditions they gave. Those three kids? They were all our first choice.
GR: We’ve seen Liam and we’ve seen Josh Hutcherson be Gale and Peeta, respectively.
SC: And then we also had the luxury of getting to see them perform with Jen. So then you have a whole other level which is the chemistry between the characters.  We can tell you it’s there but you’ll have to see it for yourself. 

Some readers have expressed real frustration that white actors were cast in the roles of Katniss and Gale, who they felt were clearly described as biracial in the book. Do you understand or share any of that dismay Suzanne?
SC: They were not particularly intended to be biracial. It is a time period where hundreds of years have passed from now. There’s been a lot of ethnic mixing. But I think I describe them as having dark hair, grey eyes, and sort of olive skin. You know, we have hair and makeup. But then there are some characters in the book who are more specifically described.
GR: Thresh and Rue.
SC: They’re African-American.

So will those roles go to black actors?
GR: Thresh and Rue will be African-American. It’s a multi-racial culture and the film will reflect that. But I think Suzanne didn’t see a particular ethnicity to Gale and Katniss when she wrote it, and that’s something we’ve talked about a lot. She was very specific about the qualities that these characters have and who they are as people. Having seen Josh and Liam and Jen perform these roles, that’s really the most important thing. They’re very much the characters to us.

Suzanne, do you know how much time you plan on spending on set this summer?
GR: Plenty! [Laughs] Oh Suzanne, do you want to answer that?
SC: See, he’s revising me now. I expect that I will be bouncing back and forth between set and home for most of the production. I definitely want to be there in the early stages for the performers, if anybody has questions about their characters. Sometimes for the writer, the day on set begins and there’s not a whole lot for you to do other than hang out at the craft services table and eat junk food. But there are definitely sequences that I just have to be there to see them film.

What sequences are you most excited about?
SC: I have to see the fire. I have to see the bloodbath at the Cornucopia. I have to see Rue’s death. There’s a couple of the cave scenes with Peeta and Katniss. Now I’m going to go through it and I’m just going to pick every scene. It’s all just a little too exciting to miss.

So there you have it! I'm totally excited!