I DON'T BELIEVE IN FAIRY TALES ANYMORE

I used to be a big believer on fairy tales - that there's a treasure at every rainbow's end and that there is happily ever after. But sometimes even if we perceive life to be as wonderful as a fairy tale, the dire truths of reality bites us where it hurts the most.

It is oftentimes not the ones we want that happens and some of our most desired dreams are usually the ones that do not come true. Painful but true. The colors in that make shift world is something we have always yearned for but for real is something really difficult to get. We often helplessly look towards the farthest place we could but still no treasure, no happiness.

Do fairy tales still exist? Maybe but maybe in the world of make believe only. Sad but true. I don't believe in fairy tales anymore. I just believe on life and the complexities it brings me. Life is more real and true. Fairy tales  just keeps us hoping - sometimes of false things.

BLUECLOUD

MAKES YOU WANT MORE

As I have told in the start of the year, 2012 would be my "coming of age" period. I have decided to really put focus on fitness and looking good. And I have started the year right by getting back to the gym. So far since January, I have lost 10+ kilos already and have noticed considerable changes in my body. Now I am able to wear my old pants and some of my pants are even falling off without a belt. My shirt sizes have went back to normal "medium" and even small.

It is a wonderful thing to see the changes. Aside for obvious health reasons, I am making this change to be a better me. Confidence level has certainly risen up. Couple it with my God-given talents, personality and wit and I know this would be a very wonderful year for me. This is definitely a facelift and I am up to the challenge. I am bound to change and people would be surprised of what they'll see. This is my most recent shot. :)

CHELSEA MARKET & CAFE

It was one hot Sunday afternoon and me and my bestfriend just got out of gym (Fitness First - The Fort). So we went around the BGC and Serendra area and check which resto we want to dine in for our lunch/merienda. And we found one interesting shop - Chelsea. The exteriors and the interiors of the shop was good giving a great ambiance and a cool feel. So we went in and try to check on the menu.

I wish I could try all of them but diet's the priority. So we decided to splurge a bit and order a pasta, a pizza and a cake for dessert. Off first is the pasta. We took in their popular Classic Carbonara and all I could say was that it was a blissful dining experience. The creaminess of the pasta was just the right one unlike most carbonaras that have overpowering flavors. The pasta was well cooked and each bite is definitely worth it. Price: PHP 450

Up next we had the pizza. By the way we did not finish the 10" "All-Meat" pizza as we were already full. The bread was perfect and so as the meat toppings. The sauce was just the right amount and suited well to balance out the strength of the meat and the flavor of the cheese. Adding more texture and flavor to the pizza are the generously chopped pieces of mushroom which were really fresh and truly a delight to eat. Price: PHP 495

For the dessert, we decided to stick with something more traditional - NY Cheesecake. All I could say was "Wow!". The taste, texture and presentation were all commendable thus summing up a great dining experience for me and my bestfriend. Price: PHP 310.

Chelsea Market & Cafe might be on a high end in terms of price but it is worth the try. There are other food in their menu that is truly interesting to try. I am certain I would go back to this store and experience more great food.

LABELS ARE FOR CLOTHES

I just saw this pic in the net one time and it really struck me for its real message. The reality of our today's society is truly embodied in this message. We are still trapped in a world of discrimination and are continuously struggling to get out of that dark spot.

It is the truth that we still treat people not in the fairest possible way. We still look at age, gender, color and we put others on top while constantly pulling others down. Our society needs to change as labels are only for clothes and not for people.

MOVIE REVIEW: THE LORAX

Orange and hairy but really funny. Lorax is one of the box-office behemoths of 2012 and there's no doubt why it did rake in money - because it is genuinely nice. What I see with "The Lorax" is the great idea of coming up with an animated feature that has a current theme or concern (abuse of nature) and mixing them really well.

The Lorax was amusing and heartfelt at the same time. The graphics were wonderful and full of colors making each shot a marvel to watch. The voice cast was good specifically Danny De Vito who just put the Lorax into life and Betty White who is the voice of Grammy Norma. A love story is in it as well but is not really the main selling point of the movie. Ted (Zac Efron) and Audrey (Taylor Swift) provided the youthful energy in this animated feature. Aside from a seemingly straight-forward theme and story, The Lorax also did great with its musical score. The scenes were well crafted and enjoyable although there were some numbers which tend to be a bit long than what they should have been. Aside from that the cute characters added brightness to the film - I specifically love the fishes and that small bear.

This film is simple yet has a striking message. It shows us the value of nature and that there would never be any changes unless there is someone willing to take a step towards that change. Simple to say but really hard to do. "The Lorax" is a great movie, not the best but has shown to us that we can always believe that things can happen.

A 4 out of 5 popcorns.

AZKALS MAKE RECORD RUN AT AFC CHALLENGE CUP

The Philippine Azkals made another record as they made a sterling mark in the 2012 AFC Challenge Cup. The Azkals were brilliant in the round robin matches taking out former champs India and defeating Tajikistan as well only bowing out to North Korea. The 2 victories and good quotient has put them into the semifinals pitting them up with Turkmenistan.

In the semis however, they lost to Turkmenistan 1-2 but proved to have the heart and will to victory as they went into the 3rd place battle against Palestine and won that game 4-3. The victory has placed them into their best performance in the AFC Challenge Cup. Congratulations Azkals!

I'D LOVE TO HAVE THIS DOG

One time when me and my bestfriend was going around Bonifacio Global City, we were amused by one very cute dog - a very fat one. :) It seems like the dog is a born model as he effortlessly strutted his/her stuff when people take pictures. And of course I did not pass the chance on having some nifty shots.

I remember those days when I used to cuddle and take care of dogs back in Batangas. It was so nice. I hope I could have another chance of taking care a pup. possibly touring him/her around the Bonifacio Global City as well. And if people take pictures of my dog, I would be one proud owner. Oh, how I wish I have this dog. :)

REPOST: MY HEART IS DESTINED TO BE BROKEN

Nah, I am not being pessimistic rather I am being realistic. The truth is at any cause, our hearts are bound to be broken and shattered into pieces. We just don’t know when, who and how painful it could be. This is one realization that I have as I continuously experience life and its complexities. You will soon wake up and feel all the care and love from the people you would grow too much emotionally attached with. You will dive into the adventure that spells happiness and all the wonderful emotions you could imagine. Savor each one of them as you won’t know when it’s gonna end. Everything in this world is on a lend so just experience them all and as each day moves on try to be prepared. It pays to get ready for the time will surely come. You’ll just wake up one day that the person you love the most isn’t there anymore. You will open your eyes then just hoped that you have not opened them at all coz you’ll realize that person is not within your sights anymore. It’s painful, but remember at least that there was a time that you became happy. It’s just that those times have also their end dates. If only we can change things but we can’t. It seems that our hearts are created for 2 purposes --- to feel the greatness of love and feel the agony of it being broken…

Sometimes, it just hits me that up to now my heart is untaken and while I continuously search and yearn for that special someone, I would never know when that special one would come.

PREPARE FOR VFORT

It was way back 2010 when I got to know these guys and they surely went a long way from then. They were all part of Vivre Fort's "100 Bachelors". And now the trio of Kristoff, Visam and Kerwin are on the way to music stardom as they prepare to release their debut album this April 2012. As part of which, they will be having their "The Love Band Concert" this April 21, 2012 at Metro Bar. I am also excited to see their debut video for their song "Prinsesa" which features 2011 Binibining Pilipinas beauty titlists.

And you can really tell that they are not just good-looking, talented, nice and kind-hearted. Did I forget to mention they are smoking hot? So here's more from the guys.

MOVIE REVIEW: THE VOW

This might have been a late post but definitely this is one of the good films I have watched so far in 2012. The start of the year may not have really strong or event movies but there were some like "The Vow". When I first saw the trailer of this film, I was glued to my screen and really vowed to watch it in the theaters. And man, I was not disappointed. "The Vow" is one great story about the truthfulness and strength of love. What makes this film more compelling is that it is based on true events and a real-life love story. The film stars Channing Tatum (Leo) and Rachel McAdams (Paige) who have on-screen chemistry I could never explain. Their sweetness was beyond true and I was really convinced that they were real couple.

One could see each emotion conveyed with every body gesture, facial expressions and even just their mere presence on screen. I for myself would not know how to react if such an accident with happen to me and my loved one. It made me think on how I'll cope if ever I wake up and find out that my love doesn't remember a single thing about me. That is the conflict of the film wherein you could see Leo through his difficulties in coping with a situation where Paige does not remember him.

The story is just as normal as the other tragic love stories to begin with but what was better for "The Vow" was the choices of lines and how both characters deliver them so well. Here are some of the lines which I could not forget.

(Wedding Scene)
Paige: I vow to help you love life, to always hold you with tenderness and to have the patience that love demands, to speak when words are needed and to share the silence when they are not and to live within the warmth of your heart and always call it home.
Leo: I vow to fiercely love you in all your forms, now and forever. I promise to never forget that this is a once in a lifetime love.

Leo: Life's all about moments, of impact and how they changes our lives forever. But what if one day you could no longer remember any of them?

Leo: How do you look at the woman you love, and tell yourself that its time to walk away?


Paige: I hope that one day I can love you the way you love me.
Leo: You figured it out once. You'll do it again.

Truly heartwarming. 5 out of 5 popcorns

ONE GOAL ONE NATION "TAKBO PARA SA PAGBABAGO 2012" NATIONAL FUN RUN

Dare to be BOLD, grab that TORCH, conquer the STORM, sweep off that CURVE and share the LOVE as we give you the BBM Community RUN.

One Goal One Nation "Takbo para sa Pagbabago 2012" is a national fun run for the benefit of Philippine Red Cross and in celebration of Earthday 2012. There will be nine (9) locations and everyone is invited to join each of them: Batangas, Clark Pampanga, Dagupan, Vigan, Cebu, Davao, Cagayan De Oro, Iloilo and the final run on June 3 at the Bonifacio Global City.

Event Distances: 3k, 5k, 10k, 16k
Registration Fee: 3k - 200, 5k - 250, 10k - 500, 16k -900

Where to Register: Interested parties can register ONLINE through http://rosarioproductions.com/onlineregistration.php from March 10 to April 1, 2012. You will receive a confirmation NOTICE once registration is successful and you will be instructed when and where to pick up your race kits, and where you should pay your registration fees.

Contact Persons:
Marc Valle: 5092728
Daniel Rosario: 09278733834

Email: onegoalrun@rosarioproductions.com
Website: http://www.rosarioproductions.com/

THE VOICE BATTLE ROYALE: JESSE CAMPBELL VS ANTHONY EVANS

The Voice Season 2 has started the battle rounds already and there were pretty solid performances but one definitely outshined the rest. 

The heavyweight battle between two great singers - Jesse Campbell and Anthony Evans. It was truly a banner performances from the get go. Giving their own rendition to the Alicia Keys hit "If I Aint Got You, both Anthony and Jess wowed the judges and the crowd. Too bad one of them was sent home but I know there are good days ahead for both of them.

Video from (Youtube), NBC's The Voice

TRANSFORMATION: ME, MYSELF AND I

I have been really keen in making my body look better and focusing on health as well that's why I got back to the gym last January. Since then I have lost a considerable amount of weight already and for the next few months my target is to be leaner and build those muscles. The change have made a very wonderful effect on me. I don't get so tired easily. The confidence level is up and I always wake up with a good mood.

And since you all know I love taking pics moreso of myself (not being narcissistic or anything), I have taken some revealing shots of where I am now in that transformation. Not bad but got long ways to go but I think I'll get there. Just a positive outlook and perseverance and for sure I'll get that goal. What you think? Here are some shots using my BB 9300. :)

MY PHOTOBLOG IS ALREADY UP

As I have been mentioning in my other networking and social media sites, I would create my photoblog this March as part of new venture towards the world of photography. It is a new challenge and a new journey. Come and join me in this new world of color, emotions and wonderful times.

Visit my blog: http://jerichoalayphotography.blogspot.com/

C2: CLASSIC CUISINE

Filipino classic cuisines - redefined. That is what C2 has to offer to all food enthusiasts. And like most people, I couldn't pass the chance of once more dining in this fine restaurant. It was another mouth-watering treat for a lunch.

Me and my bestfriend went to SM Megamall to once again have ourselves a treat of fine food. And once there we already searched the menu for wonderful treats. We're a bit health conscious right now as we are both trying to lose weight. So we ordered Lumpiang Hubad and Walastik (Beef Steak and Liver). For the drinks, I ordered Buko Pandan and my bestfriend got fresh calamansi juice.

What separates C2 from others is that it does not just stay to the core Filipino dish but makes reinvention. For example, Lumpiang Hubad was added a twist as its lumpia wrapper was fried and rolled and just put on top of the tasty vegetables. Walastik on the other hand was also a great dish that combines sweetness and saltiness to a perfect tone. I like the subtleness of the taste and the softness of the meat. Plus the liver was also carefully cooked as it was not too saggy nor too hard to bite.

Overall, the C2 experience was another wonderful dining experience.

DESPICABLE ME 2: COMING SOON

I am so excited for this one! Hope to watch it in 2013. The cute guys are back!




Video Credits: Youtube

MY AMERICAN IDOL 2012 BETS (GIRLS)

And today, it's the girls turn to perform at the American Idol stage. I have to say that the guys are stronger this year but I also have some good picks and favorites for the girls side. Here they are.

1. Jessica Sanchez

Not only because Jessica has Filipino roots that I like her but because she is such one big bundle of talent. For me, she has the most powerful vocals of all the Idol hopefuls this year. She also has that certain confidence which can be seen on stage when she performs.

2. Elise Testone

Her husky voice is one great pleasure to hear. She is one great performer and a talented artist. Her piano skills are good and add that to her vocal range and she is definitely one to watch out for.

3. Halie Day

Halie is one complete package. She has the voice, style and the face. On her Top 24 performance, she looked like a star resembling Marilyn in some ways and she has the deep tone that she could really use to her advantage. Truly good.

4. Jen Hirsh

Jen Hirsh is one of the consistent singers in the competition delivering one good performance after the other. Her Top 24 piece might be a bit on a safe side but still we all know how wide her vocal range and prowess is. 

5. Skylar Laine

I totally agree with the judges saying that Skylar is a fusion of country, rock and pop and she does it effortlessly. She may not have the strongest of voices but her stage presence and personality is truly outstanding .