I watched The Voice Season 4 ( and I liked it ! ) because of Michelle Chamuel...

Michelle Chamuel

Its unlike of me to be invested in a reality TV show. I am more drawn to shows like Criminal Minds and Bones, to name a few. But a reality TV show? No way, well, except, for "The Amazing Race". But things changed when I first saw and heard Michelle Chamuel belt out her rendition of Katy Perry's "I Kissed A Girl". I was like, she is cool.

From then on, I wait in anticipation every week. I enjoyed every performance she did and all the songs she picked were all familiar to me, except for "Call Your Girlfriend", which I haven't heard before. But after I listened Michelle sing it, I liked it right there and then.

Image from michellechamuel.com

There's a reason I dislike reality TV shows. I don't think it is "reality" per se. People tend put an act when they're in front of the camera and know that an audience is watching them. And of course, there's the issue about TV ratings.

To me, Michelle epitomizes "cool" and "brains". And she obviously know what she's doing. I like how she remains true to herself in spite of what other people tell her to do or expect from her. She's focused on what she is passionate about in life. I like her commitment and conviction to be just herself, even if it means being different.

Singing "Somewhere Only We Know".

Michelle sings each song as if the lyrics just go right into her entire being and manifests it through the emotions she exudes while performing and evokes in the audience, as shown in their enthusiastic response. She sing it like it is, without  airs. I think her renditions are far better and she never disappoint.

The Voice came to an end and Michelle Chamuel was a runner-up. At the back of my mind, I know she won't win ( not because she's not good ). People, in general, always shy away from something or someone that is different and don't fit in their view of what a thing or someone should be. When the winner was announced, I was disappointed. Although, I would have wanted her to win, still, the fact that she has a great voice and shared it with us, makes her a winner in the end.

I like what she said in one of her interviews, about having fun and being present in the moment. I think, that sum it all how extraordinary she is, as a person and as an artist. Not to mention cool and smart.

I'm a fan!! ( or should I say, a "fran"!! )

...there's always the first time...

cool fireworks display

In all the years of my stay here in Cebu City, I never ventured outside during the Sinulog celebration. I preferred to just lock myself inside my room, oblivious to the noise and festivity outside. No, I'm not anti-social or anything, I just don't want to be in the midst of a crowd. Being surrounded with too many people makes me feel claustrophobic. And this went on until yesterday. I decided to do something new for the first time. I told Joy that I'd like to join the procession ( though we just waited for it to pass by our place and we walked the rest of the way to the Basilica del Sto. NiÑo)

the Cathedral's altar

It was my first time to be out at that time, yesterday. Even if the weather was not that good, there was a slight drizzle, still people came out. Some were carrying the images of Sr. Sto. NiÑo in various sizes and some of them were dressed not the in the usual garb. I was surprised and amazed. For the first time, I did not mind the crowd and the rain, the humidity. I was all game for it. Joy kept asking if I'm okay. I told her I'm fine. While we were making our way toward the church, albeit at a snail-paced, perspiration started to trickle down my back but I paid it no attention.

with our balloons

Joy

 Since we were doing a lot of walking, I decided to put on my running shoes and I was right. My feet did not feel that tired except for the part when we had to stand for almost an hour, outside the church, while the mass was going on inside. It's a good thing we were able to hear mass in the Cathedral beforehand.

they all came out

to show their devotion to Sr. Sto. NiÑo

The fireworks display after the mass in Basilica was awesome. I stood there, my head turned up to look at the sky, filled with bright colors and all. I felt like a child, standing there, delighted at the spectacle I was witnessing. ( I wish AJ and the rest of the brood were there, I'm sure they will be happy to see it ). After the fireworks, the Sinulog dance followed. We wiggled our way toward the entrance of the church and there, my companions started dancing with matching shouts of "Viva Pit SeÑor!" I did not dance but I was happy to be there. I looked around at the people around me and I surmised that they were all happy to be there. Some waved their hands while dancing, others raised the images of Sto. NiÑo as they danced along to the beat.

Despite my aching legs afterward, I was happy to be out there. For once, I realized I did the right thing.

Pit SeÑor!!!!

...awesome birthday...

 now, look at this...

I woke up a bit groggy this morning. I was thinking of going out for a birthday jog but I was not able to do so. I slept late last night over the excitement of my new books and the feeling that I am about to turn a year older.

I was up early as usual. Had my usual coffee and continued reading Dicken's Great Expectations. At half past six, I went out to hear mass. Joy joined me, actually, I asked her to accompany me. Afterward, I spent the entire morning in my room, alternating between doing some stuff on the computer and reading. At almost dinner time, we went to Jingle's house.

To say that I was surprised was an understatement. You see, I'm not the kind of person who go berserk when excited or surprised. When I saw the pastel colored balloons with the word "Happy 33rd Birthday, Tata", I was dumbfounded and just grinned like crazy. I did not go berserk on the outside but inside I was on high. You see, I never had balloons on my birthday, not even once, until today.

I did a double take when Jingle placed the birthday cake on the table. I had the suspicion that she and Joy were up to something for my birthday. I didn't know they will go to this extent. My birthday cake, as what would Po said, "AWESOME!"

"We all have something in common. Guess what?"

On one corner of the table were a pile of party favors and party hats in Winnie the Pooh motifs. Food and drinks were present as customary. Jingle's son, Luis joined in the merriment. He prepared games and we had a blast. He was very game and the only kid present.Moments later, Mae Ann and Fritzie arrived. They brought along a pizza. We ate some and drink some. Jingle's daughter, Anna and her friend also joined us.

Joy, Jingle, Luis and me

The 33-year old, cleverly disguised as a responsible adult. Go figures.

Joy, Jingle, Luis, me, Fritzie and Mae Ann

Check out my presents. Something came out good from my "shameless plugging" blog post. And luckily, someone read it too. :-)

and then came Po

 It's good to be 33. Thank you guys...:-)

...remembering my Lola...

"Grandmother-grandchild relationships are simple. Grandmas are short on criticism and long on love."-- Author Unknown

Today is my Lola's birthday. She would have been 95. I grew up so attached to my grandmother that it seemed like I was never going to be away from her. She doted on me to the point of being her favorite among her grandchildren. She was always there for me and at that time, I really did not care about anything as long as she was there. I could never do wrong in my Lola's eyes. I've done a lot of mischief in my youth, but it was tempered by my Lola's admonition. I could not recall any instance that she scolded me. She was there when I got drunk for the first time, while I was bawling my eyes out, mumbling about going to New York; Lola was there, whispering words of comfort, until I fall asleep. She took it upon herself to give me “baon” for school. My being a morning person, I think, I got it from her. She always tells me that it’s not good to wake up very late ( true enough, my mother has no problem with me when it comes to getting out of bed during school days, most often, I even wake up ahead of her). My grandmother has told me a lot of things that nowadays can be construed as old wives’ tale. But then, sometimes, there’s some grain of truth in it, it's just up to me to discern it. There are some aspects of what I am right now that would have not been there if my Lola was not around while I was growing up. She had given me something far better than any material thing and sometimes (especially those times when I badly needs someone to just be there) I wish she’s still here. Too bad, I really did not give much attention to her when she was still around, I was too eager at that time to leave home and to attend college in another place.
Lola will always be a part of me albeit she's gone now. Happy birthday, Granny.

...poignant rendition...

One of the songs played during the funeral mass of former President Corazon Aquino, which I can say is one of the most fitting tribute to a an extraordinary leader. And I'm not just saying this just because I'm a fan of Lea Salonga. Anyone can see it for themselves...

...final goodbye...

Tell me not, in mournful numbers,
Life is but an empty dream!
For the soul is dead that slumbers,
and things are not what they seem.
Life is real! Life is earnest!
And the grave is not its goal;
Dust thou art; to dust returnest,
Was not spoken of the soul.
-HENRY WADSWORTH LONGFELLOW-

Today the Filipino nation bid their final goodbyes to the one and first ever woman president of our nation. A lot has been told about her--from her being a simple housewife to later on as the one responsible for the termination of the much clamored dictatorship that had been holding our country in paralyzed for a number of years. Former President Corazon Aquino had exuded the traits of what a leader should be. And no one can top that.

...birthday get-together...

Yesterday was Fritzie's birthday. It was a good thing I was able to met with them. We had a good time as usual. The ocassional drink is never overlook. Joy managed to joined us too.