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All posts for the month September, 2010

The Doctors and the Gleeks: My Favorites in The Amazing Race 17

Posted by Norman on September 30, 2010
Posted in: 5 TV Tales. Tagged: , , , , , .

The 11 teams of 2 for The Amazing Race 17

Meet the 11 teams in this video:


video courtesy of YouTube/CBSTVOnline

The 17th season of The Amazing Race premiered last September 26 (September 27 in Asia) and it almost slipped my mind. Good thing I switched to the AXN Channel right after dinner and was able to watch just a couple of minutes late into the premiere episode. i was able to size up the 11 teams as they head to their first destination – London, England. It may be too early but the ones I really like among them are the Doctors (diabetic Nat Strand and Kat Chang) and the Gleeks (Ivy League Acapella Singers Connor Diemand-Yauman and Jonathan Schwartz) because they have the right attitude for the race coupled with a tempered sense of humor and are sincere in their dealings with the rest. I would love to see any of the two duos win this one.

The Gleeks (or Green Team if you will) - Connor & Jonathan

The Doctors (Nat Strand and Kat Chang)

I have read into one too many spoilers about the different pit stops and eventual results of the 17th season but I won’t spill the beans for you, my dear readers. I’m still watching the whole thing from start to finish despite knowing all the highlights.

For those in Southeast Asia, watch The Amazing Race 17 on the AXN Channel every Monday night (around 7pm – PHL/SIN/MAL). 😉

Czarina Catherine Gatbonton’s send-off for Miss World 2010

Posted by Norman on September 29, 2010
Posted in: 1 Pageant Pages. Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , .

An exotic Filipina for Miss World 2010, this Czarina Catherine Gatbonton. (Photo credit: Melvin Sia/OPMB)

Czarina Catherine Gatbonton is your typical teenager who goes through a house-school-house daily routine in her isolated hometown province of (Isla) Pamarawan in Malolos, Bulacan. In fact, she had to ride a motorized bangka (small boat) to and from her house just to catch a jeep to school or a bus to the city. But all that changed when the 19 year-old surprised everyone at the Binibining Pilipinas 2010 finals after clinching the Bb. Pilipinas-World crown, thereby, earning a ticket to the Miss World 2010 competition in Sanya, China later next month. Since then, she has been shoved to an exciting world of glamour, filled with endless trainings, personality and communication development and guest appearances everywhere. The provinciana – who used to speak with an unmistakable Bulakeno accent – can now glide into a room with confidence and socialize like a true lady. True, more polishing will transform her into an even more ravishing exotic beauty, but her untouched natural charm might just do the trick in China given the fact that Miss World 2009 Kaiane Aldorino was initially unnoticed in a bevy of more than 100 delegates up until the organizers and judges took a shine on her.

Wishing Czarina all the best for Miss World 2010 are: (L-R) Dianne Necio, Venus Raj, Krista Mae Kleiner and Nicolette Henson (Photo credit: Melvin Sia/OPMB)

Yesterday, Czarina was given a formal send-off by the Binibining Pilipinas group. She is set to leave for Sanya, China shortly and the one-month stay will see her competing with a sea of lovelies from all over. One particular highlight of her participation should be the trip to Inner Mongolia which has never been visited by a huge pageant like the Miss World.

As the organizers stated, she will be a breath of fresh air in the competition. The 2010 ladies – Venus Raj, Krista Mae Kleiner, Nicolette Hension and Dianne Necio – as well as her parents and brother – were around to give their warm wishes and to further boost her confidence.

Good luck, Czarina! (Photo credit: Melvin Sia/OPMB)

Will Czarina continue the Venus Raj streak and perform well enough to land among the top ladies in the Miss World 2010 finals? We’ll see…

Best of luck to you, Czarina! 😉

Here are the 2010 winners of Nuestra Belleza Mexico and Miss Espana

Posted by Norman on September 29, 2010
Posted in: 1 Pageant Pages. Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , .

Paula Guillo, 20, representing Teruel, was crowned Miss Espana 2010 at the Plaza del Ayuntamiento in Toledo over the weekend. She will now represent Spain in the Miss Universe 2011 Pageant which may be held in Vietnam. Following her as 1st Runner-Up is Carla Garcia Barber of Las Palmas who will go to Miss World 2011, with 2nd Runner-Up honors going to Celia Calvo of Bizkaia who will be fielded in the Miss Earth 2010 in Nha Trang, Vietnam this coming December.

Meanwhile, during the same weekend, Nuestra Belleza Mexico 2010 was crowned and Karin Cecilia Ontiveros Meza, representing Jalisco (just like her predecessor – Ximena Navarrete – who is now Miss Universe 2010) came out on top. The 22 year-old beauty, who stands 1.80 meters, is a university student of Industrial Design and will now take part in Miss Universe 2011. Following her as Nuesta Belleza Mundo Mexico 2011 is Cynthia dela Vega Oates from Nuevo Leon and will sit down one full year before gearing up for Miss World 2011. Gabriela Palacio of Aguascalientes, was named Nuestra Belleza Suplente in which case she will represent Mexico in any of the big two pageants should the top winners fail to do so. She might also be sent to Miss International 2010 in China this November. Placing in the Top 5 are Cecilia Flores of Cohauila and Lucia del Cueto of Distrito Federal.

Congratulations to all the winners! 😉

The Bb. Pilipinas Fashion Show

Posted by Norman on September 28, 2010
Posted in: 1 Pageant Pages, 2 Shout-out-Looks. Tagged: , , , , .

(L-R) Bb. Pilipinas International Krista Kleiner, Bb. Pilipinas Universe Venus Raj and Bb. Pilipinas World Czarina Gatbonton (Photo credit: MabuhayBeauties.com)

Binibining Pilipinas Charities, Inc. (BPCI) in cooperation with the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) recently held a fashion show at the Ali Mall with the reigning queens strutting the runway together with PBA professional players. Much to the delight of the audience, they were able to see their favorite basketball personalities, while seeing the troika of Bb. Pilipinas winners complete after the long absence of Krista Kleiner who joined Julio Iglesias’s World Tour for three months.

Here are videos of the event (courtesy of OPMBvids):

Bb. Pilipinas Universe Venus Raj (Photo credit: Boyet Blas of MabuhayBeauties.com)

Bb. Pilipinas World Czarina Gatbonton (Photo credit: Boyet Blas of MabuhayBeauties.com)

Bb. Pilipinas International Krista Mae Kleiner (Photo credit: Boyet Blas of MabuhayBeauties.com)

Movie watch: “The Social Network” (or how Facebook all started)

Posted by Norman on September 27, 2010
Posted in: 6 The Movie Corner. Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , .

You’ve been spending days and nights chatting, updating, arranging dates and doing all sorts of wholesome (and not-so-wholesome) things via Facebook. In fact, some people can say that their lives won’t be complete without it. But have you ever wondered how the whole thing really started and how it made a geek of a guy insanely rich and famous? Then you should watch “The Social Network” because it details – in cinematic scope – the rise to fame and fortune of Mark Zuckerberg and his friends. I actually got to read a long-ish article in Fortune Magazine about the same and, while I am not too keen on seeing the relatively ‘boring-for-the-mainstream-audience’ turn of events that made Facebook the almost indispensable online tool it is right now, I trust Director David Fincher (“Fight Club”, “Panic Room” and “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button”) to make it work.

Watch the HD trailer below…


video courtesy of YouTube/SonyPictures

I will surely head to the multiplex when the movie opens here in Manila, but for those living in the US, “The Social Network” opens wide this coming Friday, October 1. If you ask me what its’ box-office prospects are, I’d be very uncertain because this is the type of flick that may or may not hit it well with the young crowd depending on how the whole thing is filmed. Good thing it got a PG-13 rating. The people behind may have decided to cut short some scenes which could lead to being Rated R. But playing it safe, I think a US$18-20 million opening weekend would be a reasonable projection.

“The Social Network” is from Sony Pictures. It is directed by David Fincher from a screenplay by Aaron Sorkin and Ben Mezrich (who wrote the book). The movie stars Jesse Eisenberg – in the role of Mark Zuckerberg – together with Justin Timberlake, Andrew Garfield, Joseph Mazzello, Max Minghella and Rashida Jones.

“Now It Starts”….the Stars of Party Pilipinas gather for Miguel Escueta’s song

Posted by Norman on September 26, 2010
Posted in: 5 TV Tales. Tagged: , , , , .


video courtesy of YouTube/miguelescueta

The Stars, Singers, Hosts and Performers of Party Pilipinas – GMA-7’s Sunday noontime habit – sing (lip-synch if you will) an original composition of Miguel Escueta (member of the show’s Vocalistas) titled “Now It Starts” who did the vocals. I decided to blog the video because it is a cool song to share – upbeat and ‘tunog-imported’ (foreign-sounding). Hope you enjoy listening to the song and watching the video. And make sure you catch Party Pilipinas later at 12:15PM! 😉

The World’s Oldest Man shares the ‘secrets’ of his long life

Posted by Norman on September 26, 2010
Posted in: 2 Shout-out-Looks. Tagged: , , .

Walter Breuning of Montana, USA turned 114 last September 21. He became the world’s oldest man after Henry Allingham of Britain died at age 113 middle of last year. He shared in jest that the secret ingredients behind his longevity are: “Cigarettes, whisky and wild, wild women — and a good sense of humor,” according to Guinness World Records.

Though he can lay claim to being the world’ oldest man, he is only the fourth-oldest person since three women were born on an earlier date in the same year – 1896.

Kinda scary living that long….what do you think, dear readers? 😉

I love my HTC Wildfire!

Posted by Norman on September 25, 2010
Posted in: 2 Shout-out-Looks. Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , .

Remember my blog from Taipei last week where I was tempted to buy the HTC Wildfire but changed my mind at the last minute? Well, I changed my mind again, went back to Guang Hua Digital Plaza the following day, and eventually gave in to the temptation. After much haggling with one of the retailers (and with the gracious assistance of an English-speaking Taiwanese lady manning a shop nearby), I was able to get a white unit at the cash price of NT$11,000 (around PhP15,320 or USD347) with an 8gb micro SD card, a freebie (a good-quality silicon protective case) and discounted screen protector. At first, I thought there will be major adjustments from my end getting used to it, but in just a few hours (and with the big help of strong wi-fi from my hotel), everything looks good and easy to use!

I must admit that I was originally eyeing a Legend or Desire, but since I had a budget to work around with, ending up with my first Android Wildfire phone is, in my opinion, a worthy buy. It may not have the best screen resolution (compared to the AMOLED of the former) but I’m still happy because it is packed with a lot of features – least of which is my access to loads and loads of Android Apps which means breaking away from the monopoly of iTunes in this regard.

One particular Android app I got a kick out of adding to my phone was the Laputa book reader because it allowed me to download popular bestsellers outside the usual classics for free. I now have “The Lost Symbol” by Dan Brown, “Eat Pray Love” by Elizabeth Gilbert, “Medium Raw” by Anthony Bourdain, the Stieg Larsson trilogy and “The Hunger Games” by Suzanne Collins (and its sequel “Catching Fire”) without paying a single cent. It also delays my need to get a Kindle or Nook…at least not for the next 6 months.

Now, just for the sake of formality, here are the specifications of HTC Wildfire:

Specifications
OS: Android 2.1 with HTC Sense
Screen type: 3.2-inch touchscreen display
Screen resolution: 240 x 320 (QVGA)
Processor: Qualcomm MSM7225 528 MHz
ROM: 512 MB
RAM: 384 MB
Expandable memory: microSD support up to 32 GB
Camera: 5 megapixel, autofocus, LED flash and geo-tagging
Location services: A-GPS, digital compass and Google Maps
Radio: FM radio
Sensors: Accelerometer, proximity sensor and ambient light sensor
Connectivity:
– WiFi (802.11 b/g)
– Bluetooth 2.1
– microUSB
– 3.5 mm audio jack
Battery: Li-Ion 1300 mAh
Networks:
– GSM/GPRS/EDGE 850/900/1800/1900 MHz
– UMTS/HSPA 900/2100 MHz
Dimensions: 60.4 x 106.8 x 12.2 mm (2.4 x 4.2 x 0.48 inches)
Weight: 118 grams (4.16 oz)

In terms of charges, you do need to exercise some caution because having a lot of applications can mean push notifications on a regular basis. With Facebook and Twitter alone, one can get multiple updates so the data services can translate to large bills unless your network provider has a fixed monthly unlimited plan for the same . But if you live and work in an area where there is constant access to wi-fi, that shouldn’t be a major concern.

Over-all, this could be the best budget Android phone in the market today. It has outstanding features that more than make up for the less impressive screen resolution. The friends stream makes it easy to track the birthdates of your (phone & FB) contacts And when used side by side with its more expensive HTC siblings, the battery life is relatively more decent (2 full days in my case). The long list of Android apps is also a big come-on, aside from a reliable GPS tracker and a good 5mp camera plus camcorder. And you can find all these in one phone! 😉

Miss Espana 2010: My Top 12 Favorites

Posted by Norman on September 24, 2010
Posted in: 1 Pageant Pages. Tagged: , , , , , , , , , .

Tomorrow, Miss Espana 2010 will be crowned at Plaza del Ayuntamiento in Toledo. The winner will be Spain’s representative to the Miss World 2010 next month in Sanya, China. Meanwhile, the runners-up will be sent to Miss Universe 2011, Miss Earth 2010 and Miss International 2010, respectively. The reigning queen is Estebaliz Pereira.

Among the 52 official delegates this year, here are my 12 favorites…

Amalia Arteaga, Miss Zamora

Yenifer Solis, Miss Badajoz

Amanda Perdomo, Miss Tenerife

Ma. Jose Almansa, Miss Jaen

Vanesa Fidalgo, Miss Asturias

Irene Gomez, Miss Ciudad Real

Patricia Pastor, Miss Cuenca

Ursula Aguilar, Miss Malaga

Carla Garcia, Miss Las Palmas

Cristina Santos, Miss Madrid

Cristina Santos, Miss Madrid

Sara Chamorro, Miss Palencia

Yolanda Nerea Casanova, Miss Pontevedra

Trimming them down to just four ladies, I would handpick the following as possible winners…

My choice for Miss Espana Mundo 2010: Irene Gomez (Ciudad Real)

My choice for Miss Espana Universo 2011: Amalia Arteaga (Zamora)

My choice for Miss Espana Tierra 2010: Ma. Jose Almansa (Jaen)

My choice for Miss Espana International 2010: Ursula Aguilar (Malaga)

Buena suerte a todas las señoras! 😉

Don’t you just love Charice in Glee? A star is born!

Posted by Norman on September 23, 2010
Posted in: 5 TV Tales. Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , .

Charice’s singing ability is nothing short (no pun intended) of amazing. When word got around that she will be joining the cast of Glee, the response was very positive and not only Filipinos eagerly awaited for her debut on the highly popular show. So when Season 2 started airing yesterday (Sept. 21 in the US) on Philippine cable TV, the whole country watched in awe as the pint-sized Filipina held her own against lead actress Lea Michele (playing Rachel Berry) in two highlights of the first episode. The first was when her character – Sunshine Corazon – ‘dueled’ with Rachel Berry inside the washroom as they sang the Lady Gaga/Beyonce hit “Telephone”, while the second saw her formally auditioning to the McKinley High Glee Club with the Beyonce song “Listen” from Dreamgirls.

I must admit getting goosebumps watching Charice hitting one money note after another. For those who missed it or want to watch again, here’s the video…


video courtesy of YouTube/CHARICEVEVO

Here’s the one where she ‘dueled’ with Lea Michele on the song “Telephone”…


video courtesy of YouTube/Meowchy06

Knowing now that Sunshine Corazon’s character has been ‘intercepted’ by the Director of Vocal Adrenaline, it paves the way for more vocal drama between her and Rachel Berry in the weeks to come, especially when their singing competitions reach the regionals in New York. But that also means less of Charice in the next few episodes or so, not until the need to ignite the battle between New Directions and Vocal Adrenaline begins. I was half-hoping that Sunshine will eventually be wooed back to rejoin the lead cast in their school, but I don’t see that happening just yet.

To Charice, excellent job! You did not disappoint. More! More! More! 😉