The Longest Daytime Darkness of The 21st Century

Image from Y! News of the total solar eclipse seen in India

I heard on the news last night about this total solar eclipse that will occur in some parts of Asia, so I browse the web and got some information about this incredible celestial phenomenon. Then, I just found out that this is a once-in-a-lifetime experience because this roughly 6 1/2-minute eclipse is (they say) the longest occurrence among all solar eclipses of this century, and it will never be as long as this until year 2132. So last night before going to bed, I set my mind that I really ought to see this!

The total darkness will occur mostly in central Asian countries like India and China, and here in the Philippines, it will only be partial. This will be my first time to witness a solar eclipse, and I eagerly want to see the moon covering the sun, though sadly, it's only partial so I'm only expecting just about 1/4 of the sun will be covered. The early morning news announced that the covering of the moon will be clearly seen at 8:33 am and will last for about 3 hours.

It's 8 am and I feel like celebrating, with a bit of cold feet. I keep on checking the sun, but it was past 8:45 am when looked at it with a piece of camera film, and I saw the moon covering about 30% of the sun's bottom-right part. It's intensely and definitely cool! And so I got the whole family with me to see it, too.

It maybe fascinate us, but in other countries like in India and Thailand, people, especially the pregnant women, tend to hide themselves inside their home or pray inside the temples for believing that the sudden daytime darkness carries bad omen.

On the other hand, China synchronized the eclipse with simultaneous wonderful fireworks display. While in Japan, many had to take themselves in a safe place due to a tornado warning. But here's the funny thing:

Some villagers reported that their cows gathered at a feeding station, apparently mistaking the eclipse as a signal that it was dinner time, he said.

Others may have some impressions about the said eclipse, but appreciating this special happening makes me truly believe about His wonderful works.

K-Pop Music, Anyone?

Since last month, I've been dying to download and listen to Korean pop songs everyday. I think I should blame my classmate Sanet for getting me hooked into the Korean music, like her *laughs*. Actually, I have been hearing backgrounds about some well-known Korean pop group but I never heard their music before... not until now. Some music channels are playing their videos, some shows are dancing to their rhythm, I mean, it's everywhere. That's how fast K-pop (shortcut for Korean pop) corrupt our music streamline.



"I want nobody, nobody but you..." *humming* I've been singing this zillion of times every time I heard the song Nobody. I bet, you can't resist the pretty and wonderful WONDER GIRLS! The group consists of really young and talented Yubin, Ye-Eun, Sohee, Sunmi, and my crush, Sunye. Last year, the MNet KM Music Festival Awards hailed the group as the "Best Female Group", and received the awards "Song of The Year" and "Best Music Video" for their single, Nobody. They had already released 4 albums namely The Wonder Begins, The Wonder Years, So Hot, and The Wonder Years Trilogy. Better watch the video, and imitate the moves!



How do you pronounce their group name? "two-and-e-one?" "two-ne-one?" Err. I think you must listen to their songs first. Philippines, I present you 2NE1. There are two ways to pronounce their name, it's "twenty-one" (say it with more slang, twe-nee-one) or "to anyone". Either of those, fine. Wait a second, take a look at the faces above. The girl in yellow looks familiar? Yeah, it's Sandara Park (a.k.a Dara), the runner-up of the artista search reality show Star Circle Quest Season 1. How did she get into the group? IDK. Together with Bom, CL, and Minzy, the all-girl group has been booming the charts with their first single Fire. They had also released their first self-entitled album, including the song Lollipop, a collaboration with the all-male hiphop group, Big Bang. And so, the so-called "Krung-Krung" before, is now a big Korean pride!

How do I love K-Pop? A LOT. <3<3<3

Pinoy... Henyo?

I was browsing my old notes back in high school when I found this really really funny game. Actually, my best buddy, Jojo, wrote this one. I remember when we were in high school, we're very fond of playing Pinoy Henyo, a thrilling guess game played by partners in which one will try to guess what's the word, either English or Tagalog, posted in his forehead by asking some categories to his partner, while the other one must answer him with only three words: yes/oo, no/hindi, or maybe/pwede, until they arrive on the word.

Jojo had made this one for our project in Electronics, and me and my classmate executed the game itself.


ROUND 1
Word: MAYNILA

A: Tao?
B: Hindi!
A: Bagay?
B: Hindi!
A: Hayop?
B: Hindi!
A: Palabas sa TV?
B: (thinking) Oo! Oo!
A: Channel 7?
B: Oo! Oo!
A: Tuwing Sabado?
B: Oo!
A: Si Lito Atienza ba ang host?
B: Oo!
A: Letter 'M' simula ng program?
B: Oo! (shouting)
A: MOJACKO?!
B: (disguted) HINDI!
A: (thinks) Lugar?
B: Uhmm... Oo!
A: Sa NCR?
B: Oo!
A: May zoo?
B: Oo!
A: MANILA ZOO?!
B: (sighs) Hindi! Malapit na!
A: MALABON ZOO?!
B: What the... Hindi!

TIME'S UP!


ROUND 2
Word: HUDAS

A: Hayop?
B: Hindi!
A: Bagay?
B: Hindi!
A: Tao?
B: Oo!
A: Lalaki?
B: Oo! (hands in circular motion)
A: Nasa Bible?
B: Oo! Oo!
A: SATANAS?!
B: Hindi! Grrr...
A: (thinks) May sinturon ba 'to?
B: Oo! Oo! (shouts)
A: SINTURON NI HUDAS?!
B: Hindi! Hindi! Malapit na!
A: PLA-PLA?!
B: Hindi!
A: Tao?
B: Oo nga!
A: AKO?!
B: Oo!
A: HUDAS!!

They Cause Scenes... Yet Entertaining!

Improv Everywhere is a group of top-secret talented agents who makes unexpected scenes in front of the innocent and busy pub. Normally, this wacky group is based in New York City, where thousands of workaholics are found. Their mission is to... uhh... mainly entertain - make people smile in the midst of their serious work. Or else if not, you just consider them as "a group of weird people who needs attention."

This is my favorite among their other missions. I pretty enjoy their musical.



Other missions include MP3 experiments, suicide jumper, surprise wedding reception, slo-mo home depot, and a lot of surprising missions you will surely react, positively or negatively.

Love 'em? Visit their site: improveverywhere.com and watch their mind-bending and ridiculous videos.

My Photo Awarding Sharlene San Pedro At The Guillermo Mendoza Awards, Revealed!

My very good friend, Pauleene, texted my mom last Sunday afternoon saying that she saw me in one of the photos in the Team Kapamilya Multiply site presenting the Most Popular Child Actress award to Sharlene San Pedro at the 40th Annual Guillermo Mendoza Foundation Awards Night last June 21. When I got home, my mom hurriedly and excitedly shared to me Pauleene's SMS message. I searched the Web, and grab it. Well, here it is:


Oh God, my first time to attend an awards night felt sooooooo good! Got this from teamkapamilya.multiply.com. Lol.

See You Soon, King of Pop!

He is more than just a music icon, or a pop artist. For a big fan like me, he is the all-time greatest performer in the world's music industry. The only one, King of Pop.

Paris Jackson's message for his late father, Michael Jackson, which brought a lot of fans bursting into mourning tears, including me.



Thanks, MJ, for being such a music influence not just for me, but for millions and millions of people who embrace his music a lot. We'll see you soon.

Anime Stuffs at Divisoria. Yay!

I really had a very... (zillion times) fun time buying some of my favorite anime stuffs at 168 Mall, Divisoria, Manila yesterday! I mean, there were so many cheap anime stuffs you could purchase for a very cheap price. Duh, Divisoria, what do you expect? Lol.


This is the one I've been looking for since long, long time ago - Kurapika chain. It was actually consists of 5 rings connected together by a chain, and a pointed weapon-like on its end. Each ring is worn on each finger, obviously. I bought this one for only PhP 130. Really cheap. Looks like a Visual Kei, or a desperate rockstar.

I bought this Naruto head protector for only PhP 50, and I was like, "what the..." It was not really in my plan to buy this. Oh well, where the heck you will find a Naruto head protector so affordable like this? I found one at a famous mall around the Metro, and it costs PhP 200. No way.

Before going back to Tutuban where my companions were patiently waiting for me, I passed by a stall selling this Death Note necklace ring. I suddenly thought that I still haven't bought a neck accessory, so I unhesitantly purchase this for PhP 80 (from PhP 100). Still practicing my tawad ability. Lol.

I, actually, had a Death Note notebook that I bought last year for (darn it...) PhP 250, but now it's running out of pages so when I saw this Death Note set, I bought it too. A set has a regular-sized notebook (really similar with the one I bought for PhP 200), a Death Note DVD, and a feather pen with blue ink. All those for only PhP 160. Yeah, now I regret how I bought a single regular-sized notebook for PhP 250. Loser me.

Beside this things, I bought for myself a black polo I'll use for our acquaintance party, but never mind it. *laughs*

I wish I could go back to Divisoria after a month and buy lots of anime stuffs.

Dining at Dencio's (June 21)

Last Sunday, me and my mom were so lucky to be invited at the 40th Annual Guillermo Mendoza Memorial Scholarship Awards Night. That was the very first time I will be attending a very formal event with some of the famous local personalities, so I had my best all-black suit, and got ready. Unfortunately, and the biggest mistake, that we forgot to bring our camera. Losers. :(

With us were my mom's co-member at BPM, a non-government organization in our town. They had their tickets and VIP passes, too.

Before we went to the RCBC Plaza, we had our early dinner at Dencio's Bar and Grill along Jupiter Street, Brgy. Bel-Air, Makati.



And, that was also my first time to taste Dencio's foods! Taste buds, excited. I think we were the first customer at that day so they transferred us to a private dining room.

I got so much glued with their pancit Dencio's, calamares, gambas, and sinigang na bangus, accompanied with a cool bottomless iced tea. Too bad that their signature dish, sizzling sisig was unavailable. But anyway, I enjoyed the place, and the food as well.

Here's their menu:


After eating, we then proceed to the event. Surprisingly, me and my mom was assigned to present the awards so believe it or not, we're in the national television! I think the awards night will be aired 11PM, Sunday, June 28 on ABS-CBN.

Our School's New Boo and Do.

WTH is happening in our net connection at home? Two weeks, still nothing. I wish I could go back to the routine as soon as possible.

Oh, by the way, our school have introduced us their coolest 3-MBps WiFi connection! But unfortunately, it's not for free. Now I can do blogging around the campus. Hooked.

I just had my haircut last Sunday, and early this morning. I think the professors can no longer stand their semi-long-haired-like-horse's-tail male students, so they implemented the prescribed haircut in full blast. I know it really sucks because it's a very high school thing, but all I have to do is to follow. Crap.

The students' lounge is finally and officially open! But it doesn't wowed me anyway.

The canteen is flooded with new students. More tables, but can't accommodate all. Oh well, I think it's better to eat outside the campus, or eat breakfast like a king.

Just missing my friends.

We Moved Back, For Good!

After merely 5 years of living in an affordable, small yet in a good condition apartment, our family have decided to move back in our original home permanently. Thank God!

Last May 28, we started to transfer our clothes, appliances, and other useful things. Each day, we're trying to work everything that we need to settle. The bills were already paid, thank God again! Now we just need to clean the house and officially leave the apartment. I have already requested the telephone network for a telephone line and net connection transfer, but unfortunately, it's a matter of 2 weeks minimum to transfer the line so I might be inactive for these coming days.

Our original home has been painted very well. I called it our White House because, literally, everything's white - the ceiling, the wall, the doors, etc. The kitchen is still convenient, while the bathroom had been sanitized beforehand. The broken faucet, pipes, and windows can be used again. Now, we just need to decorate the walls a little bit so it will look awesome for the guests.

It's been a tiring week for us, but we're still looking forward for a merrier family life.

Addiction To Blueberry Cheesecake

I really can't stop myself from getting 100% hooked to desserts. Yesterday I went to my former blockmate's place because it's her sister Maila's birthday. It was not a big party nor a formal one, instead, it was just a simple gathering with her family, and some friends and classmates.

I fully know that her sisters have passion in baking, and so, love desserts, too. And after I'm done with my dinner, her sister offered us one of her specialty, which is now I'm really glued into it, her blueberry cheesecake.

So before I got myself at the dessert rehab, I'll share to you its no-bake version of recipe from Nibbledish:

No-Bake Blueberry Cheesecake

Ingredients

Crust
1 cup crushed graham cracker crumbs
2 tbsp. unsalted butter
1/2 cup brown sugar

Filling
2 (8 oz.) packs cream cheese, softened
1/3 cup sugar
1 tsp. vanilla extract
2 cups cool whip topping, thawed (or whipped cream will do)
1 jar of blueberry preserves
1 tsp. unflavored colorless gelatin
3 tbsp. water


Procedure

Combine all the crust ingredients with a fork until well blended. Press in a 9 inch pie pan. Chill in the fridge for about 15 minutes. Beat the cream cheese and sugar in a bowl with an electric mixer. Add in vanilla extract. Dissolve the gelatin in the water and add in the cream cheese mixture. Beat until well blended and cream cheese fluffy. Add in the cool whip and fold gently. Spoon over crust and let chill in the fridge for about 3 hours or until set. Top with some blueberry preserves or fresh ones which ever you prefer. Can do your favorite fruit topping too.

This is perfect for dessert connoisseurs and for HRM students like me as well. Try it, and I'm absolutely sure that you'll be with me at the dessert rehab. *laughs*

Drag Me To Hell: This Month's Horror Film

Honestly, I'm a big fan of horror and suspense movies so I am pretty excited to watch this newly, horrifying film under the direction of Sam Raimi.

A short synopsis from The Internet Movie Database:

A loan officer ordered to evict an old woman from her home finds herself the recipient of a supernatural curse, which turns her life into a living hell. Desperate, she turns to a seer to try to save her soul, while evil forces work to push her to a breaking point.

World premiere on May 29, 2009.

A Perfect Summer Getaway at 8 Waves Waterpark

Last May 24, me and my highschool friends had our wonderful and ecstatic annual summer getaway. 8 Waves Waterpark - this had been a great location for us. Imagine a large-pool-turning-wavy-beach-without-the-sand feeling with your heaps of excitement, it will surely be a different experience. You don't have to reach expensive beach resorts that will take liters of diesel and hours of travel time just to feel the waves, 8 Waves have those for you.


8 Waves Waterpark boasts their 2,788.52 sq. meter wave pool showcasing 8 different waves like those you see and feel at the beach. In addition to this, they also cover high-quality amenities and cottages for an enjoyable and safe outing. There are also covered pools if you want to retain your complexion *laughs*. You don't have to worry about the rates because it's guaranteed affordable and unregretful.


Everybody seems enjoying the waves, so as we.


Located at Ulingao, San Rafael, Bulacan, an hour or two away from the Metro, your time will not put into waste.

Visit their official site for more infos:
http://www.8waveswaterpark.com.ph

Kris Allen, The Newest American Idol!

If you haven't watched the finale, below is the climax - announcement of the winner.



Big congratulations to Kris Allen for winning the eighth season of American Idol, the genesis of his stardom. Now the America and the world is waiting and anticipating your first album.

Close fight with Adam Lambert. He defined well what performing really means, and made the show a lot interesting this year.

And, of course, but I think this is my favorite part of the show:

Adam versus Kris

Finally, American Idol Season 8 will come to its denouement. After merely 5 months of searching, the competition has arrived to their Final 2: Kris Allen and Adam Lambert.

Kris Allen, a college student from Arkansas, is known to be an underdog. Actually, no one predicted that he will get a spot in the finals. His acoustic style, a boy-next-door look, and humility really made him loved by girls mostly. He started the first half of the competition with not so strong, plain performances, but have been boosted up until now. The judges called him as a late dark horse of the contest.

On the other hand, a theater actor from California named Adam Lambert, said to be the most bravest contestant Idol has ever been. He was an early favorite, not only by the judges, but as well as the audience. He is being well-known by his amazing, unbelievable rocking voice hitting those high notes. Though theatrical, judges sees it as his strong side, causing Adam to become undisputed every week, and made Simon gave a standing ovation.

Who do you think will be the next and the newest American Idol that will surely rock the charts and the international music industry? Catch the American Idol Season 8 Finale this coming May 20 and May 21.

Davids Invade Philippines

You maybe know very well who's on the photos above? Yeah. They're David Archuleta (left) and David Cook (right), also known as the Final Two Davids in the seventh installment of American Idol. It's been a year since Cook won the famous singing competition, and Archuleta left as a runner-up, I can still clearly remember how they had been loved by America and the whole world since Idol weeks. But the craze between these two talented guys has only just to take off.

Filipino solid fans were very lucky for having the two sensations combined to perform here in our country. I'm talking about first time here. Archuleta and Cook are newbies in the Philippines; their back-to-back concert is also their first concert outside US, so having them was like winning a jackpot prize in a Math competition.

Seriously, I haven't seen such an overwhelming welcome for a music artist like that of Davids. I mean, their media appearances were all over the place - lots of guestings, interviews, mall tours, and press conference before the big day. Their names have been currently the most talked about around the country. It's too fast like an epidemia, but in a good way.

Every time I tuned in the radio to Magic 89.9, they are giving away 2 to 3 free tickets for the concert. And I have noticed that thousands were trying so hard to pick up the phone and start racing the call with other fans just for the tickets. If you visit Magic's Facebook account, lots of fans were posting on their wall, and pleading to give them tickets too. I even tried my luck by joining to their game online. Well, it's just only a matter of finding hidden photos of Archuleta and Cook around their site. I just lose my patience after all, and decided to give up.

Archuleta has more fans than Cook, I've already weigh them. I'm a big fan of Cook, but I don't want to be bias. The two are maybe the most loved Idols by the Filipinos in this generation. And maybe, their concert is the most sought-after and biggest this year. Unfortunately, I wasn't been able to watch them live, but I'm contented of their highest appreciation to their very generous Filipino fans.