What I have been up to lately and Favorite Pic of the Week

I've been quite busy with work recently. It's not that I have to much to do, though there are days. One of my responsibilities lately is writing blog posts for clients. That is also one of the reasons why I haven't been here. Racking my brain for others is too much for me that I can't even face my own blog. And then there's my boring life. There nothing interesting to write about. Haven't seen a movie worth blogging about, or some Asian drama. So its work and home for me in these last weeks. Hoping to make it better though. I'm going on a trip 2 weeks from now. Just some local destination. Can't wait to see those historical landmarks. The city is harboring a lot of those. Will definitely blog about it! 

And here's my favorite pic of the week. Haven't seen a real good recent picture of him lately and when this came out... ovaries popped like crazy! LOL This is from the DSDS Photoshoot! (2012). 

Got the pic from:

♥ And Noтнιng Cαn Hold мe вαcĸ ғroм yoυ Toĸιo Hoтel ㋖

 'til then. Take care everyone! ^^

Happiness is a state of Mind!

Garden Blooms

Photographs I took of the flowers in our garden.

BACKSTREET's BACK

So I was watching the BackSteet Boys on Good Morning America today through livestream and when they were starting to sing I Want It That Way my office mate tapped me and said we should go out of the building. It was then I realized that the earthquake is pretty strong. I ignored it as I thought it was just the usual earthquake we have here. But damn was that crazy. I felt a bit dizzy going down the stairs. According to news channels, it was a 7.7 magnitude earthquake that hit the Philippines. A Tsunami alert was raised on coastal towns in the Pacific side of the country. Thankfully it was put down by midnight. Only 1 death due to quake landslide and 1 person got hurt.

Here's a screen capture of the boys about to start to sing I Want It That Way that I took during the earthquake before I got out of our building for safety.

Stay safe everyone! ^^

Wanderlust

  Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines, sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails
Explore. Dream. Discover.
– Mark Twain
Places I'd like to visit before I Die

• Neuschwanstein Castle, Germany


• Angkor Wat, Cambodia


• St. Peter's Basilica, Vatican City

Activities I'd Like to Try Before I Die

1. Bunjee Jumping


2. Skydiving


3. Skiing
       NOTE: Used the code from my HTML training exercise.I honestly did enjoy it. I'll try to use codes more often now. *teehee* Anyway, the list here is not actually my top 3. Due to time constraints, used the 1st that comes to mind. Though Neuchwanstein is definitely part of my top 3 places to visit, as well as the Vatican, the rest of the list I'm not quite sure which part they are! LOL.     Stay Happy and Healthy! ^^

CHAIRful Love

My favorite on screen couple, Chuck + Blair of Gossip Girl.

"It wouldn't be my world without you in it." 

 - Blair 

Stay happy and healthy. XoXo ^^

Favorite Bill Photo of the Week

None need be said.

Stay Happy and Healthy! ^^

No Fault on this Star

I write this review on "The Fault in Our Stars" by John Green a day after I've finished reading with nothing but positive thoughts for it. 

Firstly, saying that it was a good read is a great understatement to the amazing brain work of the author. It was beyond what I expected from a book I decided to read because it is a rave among avid readers like moi and insistent recommendation of my good friend Yuyeen. 

Contrary to most published works of its time, the book is not written to elicit raging hormones and lascivious mind of teens and beyond through young love and what goes with it...sex. Though I admit (spoiler here) that you'd get a miniscule of that, it ain't enough to dirty your already sullied wits. It is intellectually written to stir minds to the reality of our existence, pushing daisies, and more importantly, our and will be oblivion.

I absolutely love its honest sarcasm. The dialogue between characters, especially that of Gus and Isaac's, reminds me of actual conversations I have with my friends and how we make pun of each others mishaps and what nots. The sarcastic remarks also made it interesting to read, making me think of what one character actually means which is a good thing. Straight forward commentaries is too easy to dissect making it less interesting. 

In the end, The Fault in Our Stars left me hanging soft enough to decide on Hazel's life. Although I feel the same frustrations she had on "An Imperial Affliction", I think I do not need Mr. Green's thoughts on what really happened to her. I feel Van Houten's sentiment here. And besides, the book already told us the truth that we hope ain't true because there is so much we'd like to happen but actually and sadly cannot do anything about...

 "...the world is not a wish-granting factory."

5 out of 5 stars for this book as indeed no fault in it! Read it and love it like I did. 

Happiness and Good Health to all! 

P.S. Happy Birthday to me! Thank you! ^^

Fifty Shades of Porn

Hallo everyone! I've been quite busy lately catching up on my reading. There's a lot of buzz lately about a book so I jumped on and joined in. 

FIFTY SHADES OF GREY Trilogy by E. L. James

Fifty Shades of Grey

Fifty Shades Darker

Fifty Shades Freed

I'll make this personal review quick as there isn't much to say about  it except its porn. It's a poorly written fan fiction on a poorly written literature. The book started out as a fan fiction for Twilight but since it gained much attention we have now such erotic novel that bypassed Harry Potter sales. It started off quite good that you would really want to finish it. And then comes the erotic part. If only she limited it enough to make a point since the story cannot do away with it especially with Grey's BDSM lifestyle. If you'd take away the erotic scenes from one of the books, you'd probably be left with only 30% of the pages. Yeah, that's how much fucking and how few actual story it has. Concept wise, it is definitely better than Twilight. The "damsel in distress" concept is way too old even before Bella became famous and this opened an opportunity for novels that has "male protagonist's with issues" in them to sell like hotcakes. Although I doubt  on that. The only reason Christian Grey out sold Harry Potter is because of his kinky fuckery. Another reason why I finished all three books is because it is cohesive. From the title, its quite clear that the story is about Christian Grey and up to the end it is about him. I especially like the fact that James gave Christian the emancipation he deserves. Although I find the last book quite lacking as instead of showing the most pivotal part, how Ana made Grey admit that he loves his mother and that its because of the non reciprocity from his mother that gave him all his dilemma, she wrote about them making love while pregnant with their second child. 

So these are my personal view on Fifty Shades of Grey. I'm giving this 3 stars. 

As you have noticed above, yes, I'm no Twilight fan. I do admit that I went all gaga  for it when it came out but after finishing all four books, realized it was shallow and I hate how Meyer wrote it. I hope someone re-writes it without changing anything. I'm thinking someone like Sidney Sheldon minus the thriller. haha. Anyway, Twilight Saga vs. Fifty Shades of Grey Trilogy, Fifty Shades gets my vote for concept. Thank you for reading. 

Laters baby! ^^

My NKOTBSB Diary (June 3, 2012)

I've always been a fan of this boyband since they debuted way back in the 90s. Although slowly they faded away from the top of the charts and I too have started listening to newer and younger groups, my love for them remained. They are a constant reminder of how fun it was back then and how much I'd willingly go back to that time just to relive those moments of freedom from adult responsibilities.

I was in grade school when I first heard of the BackStreet Boys. I remember those days where my classmates and I would pretend to be members of the group and argue which among us is who. Unlike most of them who would choose Nick without second thoughts, I had a hard time picking one. So I'd end up to be the one nobody choses. And I'm not sure who it was. What I'm sure of is that since then, I have been their fan. 

When Millennium came out, I made sure I get to participate in a fan action that nowadays they do online. Today, fans tweet hashtags when an artist releases a new album and download it as soon as it is available on Itunes. Back then, fans would line up in music stores just to get the album the first day it comes out. Lines ain't a problem here in my country. I simply went to the store the first day it came. Lucky me, no sweat. The good thing about doing that is getting freebies. I got the individual picture bookmark with a song lyric in the back. It was so cool. I'll try to post a pic of it as soon as I find it in my memory box. I did the same thing for Black and Blue but sadly, the freebie is only available in the capital. 

Anyway, BSB came to the Philippines to promote their self titled album. I was still in grade school so in no way was I able to go see them in person. Plus the other problem that I live in southern Philippines and I would need to take a plane or a boat to go to the capital. Airplane tickets were so expensive way back then. SO the best thing to do is watch interviews and guestings on TV. I remember their guesting on the the Sunday show by the Apo Hiking Society. The second time they came, though already an adult, I didn't have money to do so. Tried asking my parents to pay for it but turned me down because I don't have a job to pay them back. 

And then came NKOTBSB... and I resigned from my job a few months back. How unlucky was I? This time, I tried my best to avoid those ads so I won't feel bad of not seeing them live, yet again. And I told myself that God might not want me to watch them live for now because Kevin isn't with them and that He'd want me to watch all five of them live together. LOL. Self-pity!

Anyway, fast forward a week before the concert, my friend (also grade school/High school buddy and fellow fan) texted me and asked me if we could go watch it. I told her I don't have a job and money to pay for the tix and most definitely for the air fare. She was also the same person who asked me to watch their concert when they visited the second time. So I mustered up all my ego and strength to ask my parents to pay for it plus the promise to finally look for a new job even taking a job I don't want to do ever again... BPO!!!!! And guess what....they said YES!!!!!!!!!!! 

It was all last minute. The concert was June 3rd. I bought our airline tickets June 1st. This was the hard part. The money they are willing to give me is only enough for airplane ticket, concert ticket, and a little pocket money. It wasn't much. The Cebu Pacific ticket I found luckily had a little promo on it so it didn't cost me beyond PhP 10,000 roundtrip for 1 person.  

Next came the concert tickets. The website (www.SMtickets.com) was not cooperting pretty well that time. Since our airfare costed us a lot, we can no longer afford a closer to the stage seat. We settled for the General Admission for around PhP 1,300 including online purchase fee. Whenever we tried to purchase it told us its already sold out! But whenever I tried to check it out on y mobile phone, it says it isn't sold out. It took us over an hour just to buy the ticket. But all's well...NKOTBSB, here we come!!!!

---> Our concert Tickets

(Purchased the ticket online, printed the voucher that they emailed me and redeemed them at SM Tickets in SM City Davao)

We left from Davao to Manila on the day of the concert via the earlist flight of Cebu Pacific Air. We arrived in Manila by 8am. We then took a bus, then train, then taxi for Quezon City to stash our bags in my sister-in-laws house, had our late breakfast and took a short nap before leaving for SM Mall of Asia around 1pm.

Since we were too early for the concert and it was my friend's first time in the capital, we took a little tour of MOA and ate an early dinner. The concert venue is right beside the mall. We lined up by 5pm. At that time, we were already way far in line and the concert won't start till 8pm. We stood there for ours until they started letting the General Admission peeps inside around 7. When we got to our seat that was when it dawned on us how way up in the sky we are. LOL. I kept a positive outlook and told us that justby being there inside the Arena is good enough. 

Miay and I while lining up! (Thanks to the fellow fan  who took this photo whoever you are.)  <--

NKOTBSB is only the 2nd concert in SM Mall of Asia Arena, right after Lady Gaga's Monster Ball Tour. It was really nice. The speaker didn't fail us. I felt like I broke my eardrum after the concert. The seats were alright. Though i hope there's more comfort rooms. Everyone was crowding up the central comfort room. It took me 15 minutes just to pee. Every cubicle as at least 6 people lining up and another line by the door. I may be exaggerating here, though there could be other comfort rooms in that level and I just didn't know about it. 

--> SM Mall of Asia Arena

The concert didn't start by 8pm. Well I think it did if you include the opening acts. I didn't really paid much attention that time. I was super sleepy. I slept around 2am the night before or should I say that dawn and had to wake up by 3:30 to get to the airport by 5am for our 6am flight. When we took our nap, I couldn't as my senses were all wide awake. My sister-in-law told me I was too excited for the concert. I said I wasn't but when I think back, I probably was. Anyway, as I was saying, I slept a little during the opening act. At least I tried. It was so that I can assure myself I won't tire myself out during the concert itself! haha.

In our seat  <---

I cannot express in words how I felt when the concert started. It was like my world was spinning and yet my focus was very clear. It was overwhelming. It was like I wanted to cry but I couldn't and at the same time laugh. Everything was crazy. The kind of happiness that's so real. When they finally came out, all my dreams came to life. It was no longer a dream but a reality. My first concert and performing is the first group that I have loved, who sang the first album that I ever bought. They were no longer a video on TV but right in front of my eyes singing! Even though we were too far to really see their faces, but just to hear them sing live was amazing. The voice I hear in speakers is right there and so clear. No special effects whatsoever. They were larger than life. During the concert my friend asked me if its auto tuned, then Nick had some problems with his mic, the music kept going without a voice. He had to catch up on a little part of the song. I looked at her and said: "Definitely LIVE and no auto tune." Through out the concert i was teary eyed! If it wasn't for the upbeat songs, I would have probably did. NKOTB was amazing as well!  I'm still not over Donnie Wahlbergs abs! LOL.

Here is a few other pictures I got from the concert. Sorry if its crappy. We had crappy cameras with us and no flash is allowed. Professional cameras are not allowed inside the venue and I don't have one. haha. =P

The view in our seat before the concert started.

Opening Song: Single/The One featuring Coldplay's Viva La Vida

Howie on the big screen (right side)

And here I am. ^^

BSB is now starting to record their new album this time with all five of them together again. I hope they include the Philippines for their next tour. We'll surely be there. This time around, the VIP section! Already started saving up for it since I came home. Kevin, see you soon! 

Thank you so much Ovation Productions!
Thanks to my concert buddy Miay, the other perfect fan.
 Thank you NKOTBSB team!
Thank you BackStreet  Boys for the best memories.
 Thank you to my family, especially my sister for making all this possible.
And thank you God for everything.

Lastly, thank you for taking the time to read this.

Stay happy! ^^

Inspiration

Hallo everyone!

Got this BTK App screencap from TH INDIA FANCLUB 's Facebook page. The post is so lovely. It's quite long but really touching. And even more special is the fact that  Bill replied. Hope you'd take the time to read it. Got a bit teary eyed after reading. 

Here's my favorite pic of the week of the boys: Tokio in Tokyo

And here's a pretty fun edible arrangement from Ivywild's Creations. Yummy!

Stay healthy and happy! ^^ 

If I Die Tomorrow [Preview]

Hello everyone! It's been quite a while since I last posted here. I had some problems with my computer. I was procrastinating on backing them up. Now I lost everything. Anyway, all is well as now.

And to celebrate my resuscitated netbook, here's a download link for the preview of Far East Movement's "I If I Die Tomorrow" featuring Bill Kaulitz.

http://www.4shared.com/mp3/UEOcMMSv/Far_East_Movement_feat_Bill_Ka.htm?aff=7637829

http://www.4shared.net/download/7QiqHDvdM3uwLtKXge1ivl/Far-East-Movement-feat-Bill-Kaulitz-If-I-Die-Tomorrow-[preview].html

Enjoy!

Stay Healthy and Happy everyone! ^^

Hot G!

Georg Pic of the Week! 

Sana...

An original song by maryjanemusic28.

Check out her Youtube Channel.

Thank you and stay happy! ^^

Finally we see Gustav!

After months of no news about the G's we finally get one from Gustav. The photo below is from comedian Kurt Krömer which he posted on March 5 in his facebook page. This was taken after his concert in the state capital of Sachsen-Anhalt.

Kurt Krömer:

"Habe gerade noch mit Tokio-Gustav und Kumpel nen Kafee getrunken und reite jetzt vom Hof.

Danke Machdeburch für drei ausverkaufte super Show. Bis Bald. Macht's jut Nachbarn!

Euer Kurt Krömer"

Translation:
"Just drank coffee with Tokio-Gustav and his buddy and ride now from the court.
Thank you Magdeburg for the three sold-out super shows. See you. Makes jut neighbors!
Your Kurt Krömer"

Stay Happy everyone! ^^

Favorite Georg Photo of the Week - Rockin' It!

Found this photo in Tumblr. It used to have a watermark right smack in the middle just above Georg's head. I was able to remove it using a simple photo stamp remover. 

If you own the original watermarked photo, please leave a comment so I can give credit. Thank you.

What’s something you’re not looking forward to?

My birthday!!! Let me skip it!!!!!!!!!

wanna ask me something?

If you only had 1 day to live, how would you spend that day?(probably a repeat but who cares XD.)

I'd probably go to the mall. Not to shop but just stroll down the line of shops thinking "I'd like to have you, but It'd be waste if I buy you!".

wanna ask me something?

If you died tonight and God asked, “Why should I writeyour name in the Book of Life?” What would you answer?

Because I lived my life according to what would make me happy and not chained by the way society dictates on how someone should live basing on their age and capacity.

wanna ask me something?

Have you ever stayed awake all night?

Yup! During a training for work.

wanna ask me something?

NEWS: Bill K. and Far East Movement Collaboration

  

Cherrytree Records confirmed on twitter today the Bill Kaulitz collaboration that we have all been eager to hear. According to the tweet, Bill Kaulitz of Tokio Hotel will be be collaborating with Far East Movement on a song called "If I Die Tomorrow" on the latter's new album "Dirty Bass" which will be out this May. 

Tweet Screen  capture from http://www.facebook.com/pages/fuck-off-anti-tokio-hotel-fans/105089062870841  

He's GEORGeous!

Justin Bieber, Lady Gaga, Chris Martin, Jessica Biel… they are a few of the famous people celebrating their birthdays this March. It is not simply another month in the calendar. This year is exceptional. For us Aliens all over the globe, it is a month of thankfulness. Thankful for the gift of music endowed to a very special individual.

It was the 31^th of March 1987 a child was born in Saale, Germany. No, he wasn’t just another German boy. Fast forward 25 years later, he grew up to be one of the 4 boys that brought German music to the world.

GEORG MORITZ HAGEN LISTING

In celebration of his 25^th year, I’ll be posting some what nots about Georg in the days ahead. To start it of, here's a collection of the many faces of our Hot Hagen.

Stay happy and healthy! ^^

Dogs and Tattoos go well together

It has been a while that I have posted something about my loves. So here it is...

According to those generous enough to share their BTK app to the Alien world, Bill has a new tat! 

What do you think? 

Personally, I think it made Bill's hand look like it has a built in gloves. LOL. I'm not quite sure if I like it or if it is a bit too much. Although, I'd rather he get more tattoo than more piercing. And I hope he won't add any more of those metal thingiemajiggies on his oh so beautiful face! Anyway, Bill is Bill and he is love. 

Here's another photo I found from our generous aliens, Tom and his dog. That one hella lucky dog who gets to cuddle and kiss and play with that hottie Tom. *sigh* 

I hope we can get updates about Georg and Gustav too. I miss them!!

Big Alien LOVE to all. Stay happy and healthy!  

Sector 7

It’s a boring Thursday afternoon and I decided to watch Sector 7 (Sector 7 is a Korean 3D monster movie starring Ha Ji Won) for the second time. Frankly, I can’t wait for it to end. And that’s not because how gruesome the movie is, but because of how lame the actual story line is. No offense to the actress, Ha Ji Won. She did a pretty good acting on it but damn, with her action star abilities, they could have given more depth to her character.

 I was pretty excited to watch the movie the first time but ended up with major disappointment. All she did in the entire movie is scream like a damsel in distress, which I’m having a hard time trying to figure out if the character is indeed a damsel in distress after all those motorcycle scene she did. My biggest problem on the movie is how they tried to make the character strong by letting her live till the movie ended but hell, she was the only survivor. I seriously hate movies like these but this one crossed the border way farther. Although she did tried saving her comrades, she failed and not because she was weak but because she waited for some time screaming her ass out before doing so instead of using that precious moment in grabbing  the person from harm’s way. They could have done a better job if they allowed one more person to survive instead of giving all the credit to her. Graphics wise, it was good for a monster action movie. The predator was scary and gruesome with that disgusting slimy sound effect they put on. I watched it on 2D and I don’t think I’d watch it on 3D. I wish they make 3D out of “The Host”! That movie has all the qualities I like for monster movies; it hit the mark and even surpassed it.

Story wise, I have no problem with it in the general sense. It was pretty imaginative with the oil rig and adding a monster to spice things p. I just hope they gave more chances to the other characters than just dying in vain.  Rating it with 5 being the highest, I’d give the movie a 3 and that is all for Ha Ji Won and her acting prowess.

Here’s a comment I found in Rotten Tomatoes Ion the movie that I absolutely agree on:


"...To start things off, a lengthy introduction and buildup of characters and plot, both which don't end up that great, is employed; The characters become expendable; even the ones that should have integral and meaningful pieces to the story. The plot details, at least behind the creature's intentions, are vague, although acceptable for what it is. The creature is absent for the first half, but isn't afraid to show itself in the second…) 

http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/sector_7_2011/

Stay healthy and happy! ^^

CITY HUNTER

I have been planning on blogging about this Korean drama since I started watching it last month. But due to my holiday activities, postponed the idea until further notice. Plus, I only finished the drama first week of this month. Since the drama is now showing on the Philippines’ local TV, I think it’s about time I share what I think about it.

City Hunter is indeed the best Korean drama I’ve seen, story wise. And contrary to my usual reason why I’d watch a drama, which is: hot lead male star, this one is all because of the story line. Unlike Lee Dong Wook, I am not really particular of Lee Min Woo’s look although I must admit; his height is his best asset according to my keen on”hot guy” eyes.  This is the 2^nd drama I’ve seen with him on the lead after Boys Over Flowers and it was all worth it.

I absolutely love what they have done on the story, sticking to the main idea of revenge than slowly turning it into a love story but still staying true to what makes Korean dramas so popular. I definitely disagree with people saying that this drama is action and love story at the same time because it surely is not. It may have some love story scenes but it does not define the entirety of it. It is action but, sorry, not really at its best as the moves was pretty mediocre. I suggest you concentrate on the action the story portrays verbally instead of visually as that is its strongest point. In contrast to traditional dramas which will start on an idea, for this one its revenge, then as it progress will continue on (and most likely end) as a love story, City Hunter stayed faithful on revenge all throughout and instead just injected it with a little love on the side to ensure that the main character is still human. And not to forget the tinge of comedy that makes it all the more fun to watch.

My Favorite Parts:

1. When the main character, Lee Yoon Sung, told his father, Lee Jin Pyo, that he will take care of the people he love including him even after finding out the truth that he lied to him his whole life.

2. I love the comedic charms of Ajussi Bae Sik Joong with his addiction to TV shopping plus his relationship with Yoon Sung. My absolute favorite scene where he’s in was when he was meeting up with Yoon Sung inside the train after hiding in the trash. 

3. When Yoon Sung kicked the ass off of Chun Jae Man’s bodyguard at the rally and eventually capturing him. I super hate the dude especially his eyeliner! LOL

4. When Yoon Sung went to look for the book containing the truth of what happened in 1983 that lead to the death of Prosecutor Kim Young Joo. It is so sad that he died in the story but his death didn’t go in vain as it made the story stronger and climactic even though it happened on the last episode.

5. Of course, the last episode. I didn’t quite expect it. I actually thought Lee Jin Pyo would kill Yoon Sung because he is just a puppet to ensure revenge on his real father. I love how they held hands while lying on the floor wounded. His father really loved him as his own son and nothing else.

It’s quite unusual that my favorite scenes do not include a single one with the lead actor and the leading lady. It is mainly because the story does not revolve in it and the most memorable scene does not include Kim Na Na in it or that Kim Na Na is just an accessory to that particular scene just like in the death of Lee Jin Pyo.

The last episode surely left me blown away. Not just because of how the story ended with Lee Yoon Sung trying to save both his fathers but because it left us to be imaginative on how we'd like it to end and at the same time making sure that we are satisfied with it. I must admit that I was a bit confused and had to watch it over again to really understand what the ending is trying to express. And the fact that I actually googled a transcription for it just so I can get another person's point of view on the finale.

In a scale of 1-5 with 5 the highest, I’d give this drama 5 stars for making me laugh, angry, and cry. I recommend it not only to those Korean drama fans, but to everyone who enjoys TV dramas. I am really hoping they make another one. In my understanding, this is the prequel to the story of the City Hunter in the manga series. So the next one, if they ever decide to do another, will probably be the real story of City Hunter who hunts corrupt officials in the government. Whatever it is, I will surely look forward to it.

Here's a transcription of the last episode: ( Beware, spoiler)

http://www.dramabeans.com/2011/07/city-hunter-episode-20-final/

Enjoy and stay happy!