Perseid Meteor Shower Tonight!

If the weather will permit, we will have a spectacular viewing of the annual Perseid Meteor Shower; which is expected in the wee hours of August 12, but late Tuesday and Thursday nights may also be fruitful.

August is the month for meteor showers, although Perseid is known to be already around since July 17. The Perseid is debris that came from Swift Tuttle comet as it orbits around the sun and laid bits of its outer crust on several locations. We always get a great show of these sand-like sparklings on a dark night every August since it is the month when Earth passes the same orbit Swift Tuttle leave behind.

About 200 meteors per hour are expected to burst of up to 15 minutes tonight; but the problem will be the great moonlight shine, which will surely keep us all from getting a good glimpse of the show. Somebody told me that positioning oneself where the moon will be behind a tree will help make the show visible. Well, let’s see if that will be a good tip for tonight’s grand Perseid meteor shower!

 

Yellow Ribbon for Michael Jackson

At 50, the king of Pop is just too young to die. Not now when everyone is thrilled to see him once again do his famous ‘moonwalk’ in his comeback series of concerts, which he also claims to be the very last. The some 50 concerts around the world called ‘This is it’ is supposed to start in London where his multi-billionaire backer is a local, will just be as what it seems in the first place—a dream. But that is just Michael Jackson, the king of the impossible.

Breaking barriers around the world

Michael Jackson is among the first blacks who have touched and become an inspiration to many regardless of race. In his earlier years, black people were made to sit at the back of public transportations and are despised wherever they go. With his revolutionary music, he ignited respect from all other races. From his time to Barack Obama’s, black Americans are never looked down to again across nations.

Colorful Public Life

The king of pop was also the first black to have gone black to white changes- at least officially. From the young manly looking black, the guy became lady-featured white as milk. Michael Jackson admitted to series of facial surgeries but never with skin bleaching. He said his continued paling skin was the result of lupus, a rare skin condition. He did have a share of remorse for altering his facial features and colors, though.

While enjoying his years of early retirement, Michael Jackson had once again ‘rocked’ the world with molestation cases and his alleged plotting to kidnap his accuser. He was acquitted in 2005.

Millionaire or Billionaire?

Michael Jackson, with his very successful career and series of world concerts should have been a billionaire by now. His vanity over everything and some mistakes in acquisitions of properties and business deals had impaired him, though. Forbes, the leading review magazine of celebrity earnings, has claimed that the king of pop have earned some $430 million in the 90s but never made it to their list- some paid secrecy I suppose?

Recent reports have showed that prior to the king of pop’s demise, he was netting $19 million where less than a third is from his ATV/Sony ownership. He was said to be living beyond his earning, too.

Worth dead than Alive

It is really mean to be saying that the man is better dead than alive and may even earn more in his grave than when on stage. But we can’t blame some people for saying so. The guy owes some $400 Million dollars and may earn more than that- faster- from his memorabilia than doing series of concerts around the world. But be humane, guys. The man is a father of 3 kids and the king of pop! I believe he is going to earn more and live more memories to us, if he is alive to this day and the years to come. Maybe, he just need to learn to trust locals to do some moves for him and not bring an entire city to dance and work for him everywhere he goes.

Vatican Sad

Vatican’s official paper has issued their sadness to the untimely death of Michael Jackson. They said that the man have so much goodness in uniting races, and whatever he has done in the past, he is still an inspiration. They also noted that his appearance alteration was more of a personal choice, which everyone is capable of.

Glad to make this story for the man who have inspired my interest in music, tears and prayers to King of Pop Michael Jackson.

 

Behind the Scene Heroes

What ordinary people care about when a favorite artist does a concert is where to buy a ticket? Nobody really cares about who are beyond the ticket booths, not even who organized the event; how much more on the people who constructed the site or at least the stage. In fact, I am one of the many who do not care about these little details; but who does? That explains why very few, if there really are, knows the Inumerable’s Stage Riggers Incorporated. Manny Inumerable is the pioneer in rigging concert stages for local and international artists in the Philippines.

Humble Beginning

Manny Inumerable graduated with the degree of Civil Engineering from university of Santo Thomas in 1986. Admitting he did not know what to do way back then, he started the EBI Engineering and Construction. Building high rise properties was his forte but considered doing some small time stage rigging as a side line. There was no ‘real’ company that specialized in the area so he took it seriously and learned by observing foreign shows and researching. One of the most memorable ‘gigs’ they had was when they had to rig two events in different venues day after the other. Starting from scratch, they had no moving equipment then. What they did was transfer their equipments from Quirino Grandstand to Manila Hotel relying on sheer brawn. They were almost not granted entry when they arrived at Manila Hotel because securities are big on professionalism. For them, you are professional when you have your own vehicle with big firm name sketched on it. No doubt, a truck was their first investment.

International and Local stage rigged

Stage Riggers, Inc is now the only engineering company that specializes in stage rigging. Manny, together with his sons Ayi and Joel, have built numerous designs and styles of stages for local artists like Martin Nievera, Gary Valenciano, Eraserheads, Apo Hiking Society, and Lea Salonga. They have also showcased revolving and flying stages for international ones like the MTV, Metallica, Michael Jackson, Christina Aguilera, Beyonce, and Josh Groban.

Im not known to the Inumerables but Im inspired of their story. I hope there will be more Mannys in the future who knows how to be resourceful in time of need.

 

ERAP is back to ‘resbak’

I don’t know if we really don’t have any other choice than the fallen Presidents that are dreaming of another term, ‘another chance’ as they say. Today, it became known to the public that ousted President of the Republic of the Philippines Joseph Ejercito ERAP Estrada is going to run once again for office. The ex-president’s acquisitions of 2 new helicopters and 20 new vans are the new proofs that he indeed is going to run come Presidential Election 2010.

Intention

Nothing is wrong in running for office, especially if the aspirant is eligible, but what might be his real intentions in doing so? We all know that the guy was convicted and was out because of the executive clemency from current RP President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo. I’m not certain but I hope I remember it right; one of the conditions was that the ousted president is not to run for office come election time. ERAP agreed and even pledged to help the community as a civilian. I smell Senator Miriam Santiago says: ‘I lied, ha-ha-ha!’.

There can only be 2 intentions that made ERAP run; 1. to get even with PGMA and 2. To prove himself clean.

What now Mayor Binay?

Makati Mayor Jejomar Binay has already started showing interests for the Preseidential election in 2010. In fact, he has already announced that he is going to run! But at one time, he also said that if ERAP is running, he will give way. Now that ERAP is really running for office, will the honorable Mayor step aside in respect to the man?

United Opposition?

The opposition has so many presidential bet for the 2010 election. Senators Manny Villar, Panfilo ‘Ping’ Lacson, Chiz Escudero, and Loren Legarda are just among them plus Mayor Binay of course. Just weeks ago, Senator Panfilo Lacson backed out due to financial reasons. Many have doubted his reason, though; and relating it to the Dacer case in which the ex-police brass is being associated with. With Binay and Lacson out, ERAP is in.

These people are the same people who are in the office now and look at our economy, nothing has changed much. It seems that the opposition had been doing nothing but chasing the President, who is working hard on gaining the people’s trust with her many projects. Maybe there are other candidates out there who are better. It’s time we stop choosing the less evil and really go for the best candidate to sit at the highest office of the country.

 

Kris Allen is American Idol Season 8

Photo: wordpress
Finally! After involuntary cutting my actually extended break time, I was told that my favorite (aside from Danny Gokey) won the American Idol Season 8 title! For days, he had been in my prayers because he is really a better performer than the—oh, what I think wild Lambert. No offense, Kris is even better looking! A boy-next-door looking like that, he ought to be an idol!

But to tell you honestly, I was a little worried with his performances yesterday. There were three rounds, and I think he was a little weak for the judges given the powerful vocal performances of Adam Lambert. Round one, I think he won that. He played the piano; that was total performance I may add! Round two, he was great strumming while singing. I think he was still great but the judges are all into Adam’s R&B rendition. Round three, I honestly think he picked the wrong song because he was trying so hard to reach notes. But guess what? Simon gave him the floor!

Still, Kris Allen should be very thankful to his family and fans. It is very obvious that the judges love Adam Lambert and the guy was a very strong contender. Without the great support he received from votes, Adam, with his voice and performance alone, could have won him the title. Any which way though, I am all Kris Allen!

Uh, I forgot, I heard someone earlier from the radio who said that it could be Allen who will get the title because he is far better marketable than Adam Lambert. He was talking about good looks and his genre. Anybody can expound that for me? Thanks!

 

Gokey Out!

Photo: yahoo news

Who ever thought that Danny Gokey, the 29 year old church music director from Milwaukee, Wisconsin and a widower, could be booted out? I mean, he started strong and was actually doing real good but was revealed to get very few votes during the top three. With the guy out, it could only be Adam Lambert or Kris Allen. Let me play a little spooky gypsy here but I think, it will be Lambert for American Idol Eight Season. Why’s that? Because we all know that everybody loves the theater actor so much on top of the fact that he really has the great voice!

Still, I would have loved to see Daniel Jay ‘Danny’ Gokey for the finals. I just think that he has the voice to carry him to stardom but the public have spoken and he is out now. There is nothing I can do about that but one thing is sure. I will still look forward to his career and hopefully get some albums in the future. It may be a little exaggeration but what I think is major studios are onto him and he will really make it big in the industry! Don’t you think that way too?

 

Rio Lads’ Boyfriendless Movement, Anyone?

Just how bad do you think being single is? For some, its really a big deal! In fact, I have found odd news about 200 women in Rio form a movement called ‘Boyfriendless Movement’. This group is comprised of women who are bold enough to march the stretch of highways in downtown Rio de Janeiro chanting they want boyfriend within the next month. That is in preparation for Brazil’s Lovers Day in June 12. The brain of the party is Fernanda Novaes, a 21 year old lady who is also in look for his guy come the date of their nation’s St. Valentine’s Day. Well, good luck gals! We hope you find what you are looking for before you become ashamed of yourselves…

 

3 days to go iBlog5

Better late than never! I’m going to iBlog5 blogging summit on May 9, 2009. That’s on Saturday and since we have work that day, but with the event directly relevant to our line of work, we are excused for the quota. Isn’t that great? Being paid doing what you want and love to do? I don’t remember the exact number of participant was when I registered but I am surely on the first hundred. The summit is designed for only 300 participants so I am among those early birds in the registration poll. And if things turn out right, I will be receiving a freebie from the organizers and sponsors of the event.

My officemates and I agreed to meet at a rendezvous where transportation to the event will be easy to find. From there, we will be meeting the rest of the party at the venue but we have decided to come real early. The schedule of talks will be as follows:

Morning session:

* 9:00 – 9:15 Invocation, National Anthem, Welcoming Remarks
* 9:20 – 9:40 Blogging 101 (Micaela Rodriguez & AJ Matela)
* 9:45 – 10:05 Photo Blogging 101 (Faith Salazar and Fritz Tentativa)
* 10:10 – 10:25 Break
* 10:30 to 10:50 Video Blogging 101 (Azrael Coladilla and Kring Elenzano)
* 10:55 – 11:15 Mobile Blogging 101 (Edwin “Ka Edong” Soriano)
* 11:20 – 11:40 Do’s and Don’ts of Blogging 101 (Benj Espina and Juned Sonido)
* 11:45 – 12:05 Blog Promotion & Traffic Generation Strategies 101 (Winston Almendras and Coy Caballes)
* 12:10 – 1:00 Lunch break

Afternoon session:

* 1:00 – 1:20 Legal issues in Blogging (Atty. JJ Disini)
* 1:30 – 2:15 Preparing Bloggers for the 2010 Elections
– COMELEC on Blogging & Bloggers (Dir. James Jimenez, COMELEC-EID Director)
– Citizen Journalism for the 2010 Elections (Oliver Robillo, NAMFREL Chairman – Davao City)
– The Bloggers Election Handbook project release (Janette Toral)
* 2:30 – 3:30 Blog Advertising Situation in the Philippines (Mannix Pabalan – AyosDito, Kristine Mandigma – Philippine Online Chronicles, Laszlo Lim, Business Development Head – Yehey, Jayvee Fernandez and Eric Ramirez)
* 4:00 – 4:15 Break
* 4:15 – 4:45 Blogging to the Next Level (Fitz Villafuerte
and Anton Diaz)
* 4:55 Raffle & Group picture taking

7:00 pm onwards After-Event Party

 

Pacman Faces Hatton

Done with the Mexicans, Pacman now goes west. And who else would he want to fight but the next in line, Ricky Hatton. The man has great background. In his record, he lost only once and that is to the man who also first defeated the golden boy Dela Hoya—Floyd Mayweather. With Floyd retired, Hatton is the best opponent the Pacman can have. Hoorahh, a dream come true! Pacman is set to fight the kid from Russia on May 3, 2009! I am not a fan of any of the fighters but my mind wants the Russian win, although I hated him during his fight with Floyd.

I still could remember when he made his hand slip to hit the black man even during a break. That was the dirtiest tactic I ever seen in major boxing game! So my respect for the guy is a bit low but with Pacman as opponent, I would go for him. Not that I don’t like the ‘pound per pound’ boxer, it’s just that I’ve heard so much about him. Things that indicate the guy have become overconfident. Maybe it was fame or the money he won each fight. And I’m glad he did not win last years election. That move was clever!

But I would say the guy is a clean fighter. He really strives hard for every win. You won’t feel you lost any of the luxury time you spent in each of his game. And for that, I bow to him. I just hope he will go back to the same humbler Pacman I come to know when he was still not so famous.

 

Hanks and his ‘Angel’

If you have watched the Da Vinci Code, you just got to watch Angels and Demons. The movie is almost a sequel to the first movie but does not require any viewer to reminisce its scenes. It is also a reunion for that box office movie star and director Tom Hanks and Ron Howard, respectively. “Angels is also better received by the Vatican, which even received a nice review from its official newspaper L’Osservatore Romano. It called the new movie from the same people whom they have criticized so much for Da Vinci “harmless entertainment” and also “gripping” and “a bit of fun.”

With the legendary Star Trek topping the summer movies, earning as high as $80 M, you will expect that this ‘getaway to Rome’ to be within the 1st, 2nd, or 3rd when the returns are tallied. Wolverine will also make it there, which is now at the 2nd position in box office success. Let us just wait for Angels & Demons to be shown all over the world come May 14 and see if it will defeat the earnings of Star Trek and Wolverine or more than the success of the Da Vinci Code.

Photo: MY CINE