Releasing The Inner Me

2006-07-08T21:36:00.000-07:00

Here's a mini mp3 player for you. There are two Taylor songs there, an Elliott song, a Chris song and a Kellie song. All from my Top 4 faves! Enjoy!!!

Star Spangled Banner, Avatars!!!

2006-06-13T03:02:00.000-07:00

I know I'm such a fan ok? But, Elliott singing Star Spangled Banner was fantastic. He struggled with some runs in the middle especially with "in the air". I thought he almost forgot the lyrics there. But, he ended great! You can screw at any part but not the end. He did end greatfully!! I am SO proud of my man!!! Go go Elliott!!! He sure has the pipes to sing ANY and I mean ANY song!!! You go Funky White Boy!!!

Ms. Adora, creator of www.taylormadesoul.com has uploaded some fantastic Taylor avatars. I just want to share some. Use it ok?

Newest Videos...

2006-06-10T03:10:00.000-07:00

Here is a funny video I found on gofish.com. It's a video professing Taylor's sexiness.
I know Taylor is goodlooking but SEXY? Hahaha! Makes me wanna laugh. He is hot but not sexy. He has the nicest, tantalizing eyes and it just mesmerizes you somehow. I don't want to call Taylor "one sexy thing" like how the song suggests because I can't call someone a street word when he's very respectable. Bu, what the heck? Here it is.

Here is another video I found this time of Elliott. He sang two songs to adorable children in a hospital somewhere. He still sings wonderfully and my mom still catches me with my jaw down in awe when I listen to Elliott singing. Keeping my fingers crossed for a fruitful career for him.

And another video. This time he's singing A Song For You!

And now, here's Taylor in one of his appearances. If my memor serves me right, this is during the Today Show.

The Lakehouse

2006-06-09T23:19:00.000-07:00

The Lakehouse is my favorite movie to date. I will not spoil you of course but one thing's for sure. You're thought on "True Love Waits" will change forever. You just don't know how deep and how difficult those words are until you see the movie.

Keanu Reeves is freakin' hot after that tidal wave of gay rumors. He is hotter than ever and I could not imagine any other actor playing his role in the movie.

Sandra Bullock is great too. She is the part.

----

Some real criticism though.
1. The movie is quite predictable. I, for more than one moment was able to figure out the next few scenes and climax. But then, even if you know what happens next, the scene is just so powerful that it still hits you.

2. The music is out of tune. I hate the opening song. It's just irritating.

3. Keanu's brother in the film looks uber gay. They could have gotten someone better.

Well, that's about it. =)

SO, PLEASE WATCH IT!!!
if you didn't like it, you can stab me on my back!

out of place

2006-06-06T04:27:00.000-07:00

I don't know if I actually made the right choice to eat lunch out with my stat classmates. There's nothing wrong with them really. They're actually great, kind girls. But, I don't think I actually dig their conversations. I mean, it's pretty clear they bonded really well already and me joining them was so ODD on my part. They talked about boyfriends and boys and taking college life like a breeze. One even asked me, "Aral na aral ka ba?" And I went like "Hindi na man or puede na or I read only when it's really important", etc. Not because a person has high grades or got a 4.0 on a math subject means that I study as much. I honestly don't. Especially in math. I just think that I have registered the basics of math on my long term memory (applying some psychology stuff, finally) that's why I can always refer to what I know when the teachers review them. I finally understand what it means to be OUT OF PLACE and it isn't a very pleasing site. But, let me repeat for emphasis, they are nice girls. It's the 'samahan' of me and them that I totally don't feel comfortable with.

on another note, I know I should be researching hard for my research paper. Kaso, I am really feeling LETHARGIC in all caps lately. But, I will be skimming later. hahaha!!!! Lazy me!!!

I will be giving myself a well deserved break today by watching ONe Tree Hill. Lucas and Peyton should end up together or else!!!

I need to hear more of Taylor and Elliott. Am i just a fan or is this OBSESSION??? hahaha!!!

Still crazy over Taylor and Elliott

2006-06-05T08:21:00.000-07:00

Ok!!! Now I know for sure I'm a fan. My blog says it all doesn't it? It's all Taylor and Elliott. Finally!!! I know what it feels like to be a fan.

I happen to review some video clips of Elliott's, Taylor's, Chris's and Kat's performance. I beg to disagree with Simon. He said that Katharine's Over The Rainbow was the best of the season. I don't think it is. After reviewing the clips of Taylor's Something, In The Ghetto and You Are So Beautiful, Elliott's A Song For You, Home and If I Can Dream, Chris's Higher Ground, Have You Ever..., Wanted Dead or Alive, Katharine's Over The Rainbow, Someone To Watch Over Me and I Have Nothing, here are my standings as to who delivered the best performance of the season.

1. Elliott Yamin - A Song For You

>>> I don't know if a lot of you will agree with me but I absolutely think that vocally, this is the greatest of the entire season. He sang it GREATLY, he uttered the lyrics very clearly, his stage presence wasn't inferior or smaller than his voice and he definitely felt the song and conveyed it to the viewers. Taylor may be the winner (yes, and he deserves it) but I personally think Elliott Yamin's performance of A Song For You was the most outstanding. It may have been overshadowed by Katharine's Over The Rainbow because she sat down and all the lights were well arranged and the camera men got the right shots for her. STILL, Elliott Yamin is the best vocal performer of the season even if he is as raw as a newly caught tuna. AND YES, in many ocassions, he has OUTSANG the singer who had her mom as her vocal coach and we all know who it is. =) (evil me!!! hihihi!)

2. Katharine McPhee's Over The Rainbow - I gotta give her the props. BUT, if it wasn't for Simon, she WON'T and I mean WON'T get into the Final two. If it wasn't for Simon, she doesn't know what types of songs she can nail. I don't think she knows who she is and what she wants to sing. One thing's for sure, she knows how to project on the camera and that's a plus in the MOVIE industry. (Am I evil or what?)

3. Chris Daughtry's Have You Ever Really Loved A Woman - Phenomenal vocals. I love it when he's relaxed and those guitarists on the side worked well for him.

4. Taylor Hicks' In The Ghetto - Vocally, it wasn't outstanding but it was at this point I think people realized that "Elvis is back". It was soulful and just heartfelt. He still deserves to win even if I think he only delivered the fourth best performance of the season because throughout I think he is the one who always got the crowd hoppin' to the beat, made unbelievable connection with the people watching from the other side of the TV screens, which is just so FREAKIN' important and he has been consistently great and soulful. This guy knows his skin and won't go out of that way to fit in the already overpopulated POP fiction world we are all living.

One week after the Finale, here I am still trying to get the latest scoop on Taylor and Elliott. When will this frenzy ever end? Well... A part of me is hoping that it won't. I think that these two people can really be great role models for me. Talent? Something I have to imitate (as if I can be as great as these two!) and Attitude? I have never seen more good natured people in the entire contest as these two. They are very professional, articulate, mature and very gracious. They never, not even once complained or talked back to the judges even after brutal critiques (you know who complained a lot. Again, I'm SO evil).

What can I say??? My ears are craving for some soulful/bluesy (Taylor) and soulful/RnB (Elliott) music!!! You two better not disappoint me by prolonging the wait!!! Hehe!

Peace out!

Carrying on

2006-05-29T20:48:00.000-07:00

Now that American Idol is over, I can and should give my full attention to education. Yes, have got to if I want to get myself a good future. While you still have time, you just gotta make wise use of it.

School so far has been rough. I am not performing the best I could. I can't recite in economics, I suck at volleyball, I failed miserably in trying to understand my accounting teacher, I didn't read the topics I should've, I am not making it known that I have something to offer. Don't worry. I will be back! Move over people.

Trivia about American Idol:
Did you know that Katharine McPhee is engaged and is living with her 41 year old boyfriend? As much as I would like to comment about it, it's her personal life and I don't give a crap about her. I might as well focus on Taylor and Elliott! hehe! Peace!

Taylor Hicks debut single is currrently #2 at Amazon and most single charts. Go Taylor. As for Kat, the latest I heard, she was at 79. Not bad either.

I sure Miss Taylor and Elliott. Their soulful vibes!!! Argh!!! I can't get over it.

Tribute To Taylor Hicks

2006-05-26T10:55:00.000-07:00

Since I made Elliott Yamin a tribute video, I think it would just be fair if I made one for this season's American Idol, my idol, Taylor Hicks.

During the auditions, he was one of the very few people I could remember. Not because I liked him at first glance. I remembered him as someone very different but clearly passionate. Who would have thought this guy would pluck my heartstrings? I myself didn't see that coming.

Taylor singing Levon was probably the time that made me go, "WoW!" Singing a religious and inspirational song such as Levon was catchy for me. This was just the first of the many times he has made me go gaga, literally.

He knows when to make you smile...

He knows when to make you feel his music...

He can leave you in awe...

He can make you all teary eyed...

He can make you get on your feet...

He can make you SO excited...

Finally, he can make you feel good about yourself...

He can make you beam from ear to ear...

He can touch your soul in such a different way...

Him winning the title was the victory of those who dreamed big but thought can never make it happen.

He just showed us, it can happen... No matter what, when, how, IT CAN!!!

Here's a special tribute to you Taylor Hicks made by one of your fans...

"I'm Taylor Hicks, and the reason why I'm going to be the next American Idol is because I believe in THE SOUL and I believe in THE SONG, and I'm doing it for all the musicians that work day in and day out"

Congratulations Taylor Hicks. I can't say that enough can I? You truly deserve it! More than anyone else!

SOUL PATROL!

Taylor Hicks: New American Idol

2006-05-25T06:31:00.000-07:00

I cried again even if I knew ahead of time he won. His hardwork and passion was rewarded. All along, he was supposed to win it all. He survived tough, shocking eliminations. He was destined to win this. And I am thankful and very very happy and proud of him.

"Great singers don’t conform to molds, they make the molds and often redefine the type of music that becomes popular to the public at large."

I know a lot of people will hate me for this post that I dedicate solely to the New American Idol but you just gotta give this guy credit. He has been consistent, he has shown week after week burning passion and he delivered with his heart and soul. He knows who he is, he never changes for anyone and that made the difference between him and his runner up.

A lot of people don't think he will be as marketable as some of his fellow contestants will be. I admit I didn't really admire him the first time I saw him. I actually liked Kellie Pickler more but then he just proved every week how brilliant and how passionate he could be and that made me a certified fan. I won't comment on the marketability. Let the numbers speak for itself. Getting twice as much vote as the runner up, never being in the bottom two or three is a clear enough proof that he has grown inside of many viewers. If I, a Filipino was touched, how much more the people who dream big and think there's no more hope? They must be so inspired today.

Thank you Taylor Hicks. You have made AI season 5 one of my favorite shows of all time. I never thought singers could sing from the depths of their hearts. I thought singers would only sing for money but then you, you have set the record straight. Thanks for the fun times, beautiful tender moments, personal renditions of songs and the HEART! I wish you would go all the way.

Quote from Taylor's audition song:

"It's been a long, long time coming but I know A Change Is Gonna Come. Oh yes, it will. " ---> Taylor, a change has already come. It is you! Goodluck on your career. I will be supporting your cds, and you! God bless!

Taylor Hicks - American Idol Season 5

Tribute to Elliott

2006-05-19T11:15:00.000-07:00

This will be my last burst of grief for Elliott Yamin's departure. A way of moving on is by posting the memories I have of him and letting go. Here are my five most favorite performances from this young guy. I would appreciate it if you'd watch it and see his brilliance on the stage of American Idol. People, witness how amazing my idol is.

A Video of "Home" performed by Elliott Yamin during Billboard Charts Week

A Video of "Trouble" performed by Elliott Yamin during Elvis Week

A Video of "A Song For You" performed by Elliott Yamin during Greatest Love Songs Week

A Video of "Somebody To Love" performed by Elliott Yamin during the results show of Queen Week

A Video of "If I Can Dream" performed by Elliott Yamin on Elvis Week

Who would have thought that I'd be so hooked with American Idol the way I am now? You are one of the reasons Elliott. You have shown me how a class man behaves, how a true soulful singer sings, how a loving son shows his love to his mother, how a friend should be to his friend and finally how an American Idol should be. I don't think I will ever accept the fact that you left the show. I will forever be in denial that you will not get a contract because I sure know you will. It doesn't matter if I let you go or not. All that's important is, I know in my heart I am a certified Elliott Yamin fan, willing to support you and your dreams. You have touched me and many others. You go boy! There's a lot more waiting to hear your soulful music. We cannot wait until you soar. I may have said this many times but I don't think I have stressed it enough, go far and away

FUNKY WHITE BOY! Fly and fly high!

hours after aftermath

2006-05-19T03:47:00.000-07:00

I know you're getting tired of my post being about Elliott and all Elliott. I am sorry for that. It's just that, watching the results show again made me cry even more. I still am so sad. I wish I never thought of watching the songs again. He seemed so grateful that he's got this far but I don't. I am never grateful for seeing a talent that him coming short for the Finale. That sucks. (Ok! Now this is getting to be a negative post already. I can see it coming).

I can't believe it. I still have not gotten over the fact that I won't be hearing him sing in the Finale. I voluntarily told my parents that I would rather stay home than watch Da Vinci Code. Yes! Can you believe that? I decided to boycott the biggest blockbuster of the year to have a time for myself to let all this animosity and depression and sadness sink. I know I sound nuts to you but if you would only step into my shoes, you would feel how angry and disappointed I really am. I am not pretending to be sad so people will be sorry for me. I don't fucking need others to be sorry for me. I just need time to let acceptance come to me. I need it badly right now.

When I see anything or hear songs that remind me of Elliott, I could feel my nose clog up and my eyes filling up. That's a clear indication that I am not ready to accept that Elliott is gone from the show. I can't help it really. Most of the top three contestants didn't end up big and I am really worried for him. Seeing his homecoming was heartbreaking for me. How could someone with tons of fans come short? No way! I haven't snap out of it. I don't think anyone can. I will do it myself and I'm keeping my fingers crossed and hope that I will be successful.

I love Elliott Yamin to death. I remember recruiting anyone I possibly can from the States to save him from getting eliminated during the Top 4. I knew he had the smallest chance of moving on knowing Chris was still there. But, my efforts paid off. He was safe. He was SO great during the Elvis week that casual voters became instant fans. He nailed both songs and it was his two best performances of the season. I am so proud of this guy. I wouldn't feel the same for the other person in the top 2.

When will it all sink in? When can I accept that he's gone from the show? When will I ever have respect for the show? When will I ever stop thinking it is rigged? Help me God.

Follow your dreams Elliott. I, and many others will be buying your CDs.

Aftermath

2006-05-18T23:09:00.000-07:00

I honestly don't think I've accepted the fact that my favorite Elliott is gone although he seems to be ok with it in an interview with Ryan at kiisfm. I never thought I'd be bidding goodbye to him this early. But then, I never thought he would make it this far. Ok, now I am getting confusing here. It's mixed emotions really. I feel happy that he got this far but then sad that he didn't get what he deserved --- a spot in the Finale with Taylor.
How can I describe the morning after the results show? It's still awful. I still feel very down. I still cried after seeing the results show recap. I'm still sad ultimately. I don't think I'm even close to the acceptance stage. Thinking that Katharine McPhee is in the finals is making me more pissed I guess. Oh... I am so SAD. My brother says that it's an over reaction of me crying for more than three times already. My answer? You sure don't know what it feels like to be a fan.

Why the tears?
1. He didn't get to the spot he should be in.
2. AI has just lost a good soul.
3. I am worried that he might be dissed and dismissed like most number 3 AI contestants are.
4. I am afraid he might not be signed on a record deal
5. I will no longer see any more of him in the American Idol stage
No gratefulness yet. I need time to get over the anger and sadness to start being thankful.

I can say "goodbye" but not "thank you AI for Elliott". I am still bitter towards the show even I shouldn't be. I just think there's a hidden agenda especially for Kat. If she wins this thing, mark my words, I won't be watching AI anymore. WHY??? Sounds dense to you doesn't it? I will write a separate entry for that.

Elliott Yamin is a winner to me. Forever he will be. I wouldn't dedicate two posts already if I thought he isn't one. Greatest voice I've ever heard. Yes, greater than Taylor's. Taylor just is a genuine and rare talent but voice quality? I really have to go with Elliott. R&B is his music. Whatever he sings, he sounds great and I will miss hearing a versatile singer. I love you Elliott! I really do. You are an inspiration. I still think you deserve to be in the Finals. I know getting at this point is an accomplishment for you but having you in the Finals with Taylor would have been the greatest thing for me. You came short but you never did come short with the fans.

FUNKY WHITE BOY!!! ElliOtT YaMiN!

Goodbye Elliott

2006-05-18T06:18:00.000-07:00

In the entire season, this goodbye I had to do to Elliott was the most heart wrenching, heart breaking, devastating. There are no words to express exactly what it is I feel after seeing in the big screen it's him who's going home.

Where do I start? I first saw this guy in the auditions with one of the evil twin (I don't his name though and I could really care less). I really really thought he had an awesome voice that I stood up from the other end of the room to see who it was singing. Then, there was Elliott. He looked really okay to me but then after seeing my past picks getting the boot rather than making it all the way to the Finale, I felt a little scared putting my focus on this guy. After JPL, Constantine and Bo Bice, I really wasn't trusting the American Idol system and I was having this idea that the entire show is rigged and it chooses people with looks and not with voice. But then, he was delivering every week. He gets better and better. His voice was getting amazing everytime. Ok. I can't say I was really hooked totally. There was still fear. I don't want to put my bet on someone who will leave early on in the competition. That would crush me to pieces. But, I fell in love with this guy after learning that he was 90% deaf on his right ear, did not have professional experience with singing and most importantly, loves his mom in the most precious way. That caught my heart. Also, he nailed the hardest Queen song to sing Somebody To Love. Now, at that point, I knew I couldn't hold back. I had to show this guy the respect and recognition he deserved and so, I gave in. I rooted for him and for Taylor. I personally think these two guys are the only sincere, genuine, passionate people in the competition. Others are in it for some other reason.

I can't even describe how wonderful this man is in his singing. You gotta hear him to believe and there's no doubt in my mind that you will love his voice. It's a unique, well toned one. Simply amazing I tell especially for someone who really hasn't been doing the formal voice lessons. As Paula would term it, "it pierces through the heart."

More than being super talented vocally, inside this guy is a good soul. One who genuinely cares and appreciates other people. When he would be in the bottom two or three, he would look more concerned for the others than for himself. You could see it in his face. Everytime I see that caring face, I am just blown away and my spirits literally wish they could be that good. Very goodnatured, total class act. Did I mention how much Elliott loves his mom? my oh my. He does everything and he offers everything to his mom. Can't any mom be any prouder? Call him a mama's boy if you must but a great one indeed. He is precious. He is so special and there's nothing you would not like with this guy's attitude. Even the judges and Ryan think that he is a goodnatured guy.

Saying goodbye is so hard for me right now. I feel like I could cry anytime. Any thought of him or hearing his voice just bites me. It makes me want to cry. Watching the results show was surreal. I imagined him in the Finals with Taylor but then he came short. Nonetheless, I am inspired by this guy. I am officially pimped by the simplicity, humility, kindness and sincerity of ELLIOTT YAMIN. That name speaks so much positivity. I like it though. When someone mentions Elliott Yamin, I know I will always take my precious time to turn because his name alone rings a giant bell. I refuse to say farewell Elliott. I will be waiting for your one shining moment because you deserve to have it more than anyone else in the competition, yes, more than Taylor.

ELLIOTT YAMIN, I will be praying for your health and for your career even if you don't know or have not seen me. You are that worth my prayer than I am unrelentlessly giving some petitions for you. God bless you my dear Elliott. This may be goodbye but certainly not farewell. With your genuine, precious heart, a lot of people will be helping you out. And to your mommy Claudette, you have been great. So precious as well. I will miss you Elliott. No, I miss you already.

First post

2006-05-18T06:14:00.000-07:00

Ok. This is my first post. I've created a lot of blogs already and I always failed to keep them updated. I could feel like updating for five times in one day but then I'd be lost for a month or so. I thought it would be better to just keep thoughts to myself than exposing it or typing it all on the keyboard and expose it to the public. But then, it's actually hard keeping them inside. One point or another, I had to let it out but then lost the means to. SO, this will be my semi - permanent blog from now on. I don't think I'll be exposing this to the people but I promise I'll have updates more often.