Thursday, May 17, 2012

Tyler approves Jessica's 'Don't Wanna Miss A Thing'

Tyler approves Jessica's 'Don't Wanna Miss A Thing'

Posted at 05/17/2012 10:17 AM | Updated as of 05/17/2012 10:25 AM

Tyler said Sanchez “just took a great song and made it greater.”

Jennifer Lopez said it was a big deal that Tyler liked Sanchez's rendition because he does not usually like covers of his own songs. Lopez also lauded what Sanchez did with the song’s last note.

“That note at the end sent everyone to the heavens,” she said.

Furthermore, Randy Jackson applauded Sanchez for deciding to take tough hills to climb tonight. “Dude, you delivered,” he said.

Sanchez personally picked the theme song from "Armageddon" for the second round, wherein the contestants get to sing their own choice of song.

Judges’ pick

For the first round, the judges select the song and Lopez chose Mariah Carey’s “My All” for Sanchez.

Lopez said she picked this song for the 16-year-old because “I knew that I wanna hear her sing like this.”

After her soulful performance, judge Randy Jackson thought it was “absolutely beautiful.”

“Perfectly the right song for you. I think it’s one of the best times a Mariah song has been performed on TV. Excellent,” he said.

Lopez, on the other hand, said she realized she picked a hard song for Sanchez but she is glad she delivered. Lopez also noted on how Sanchez always does songs her own way, adding her own touch of tenderness.

“It’s not about copying how somebody does it. It’s about doing it your own way using that tenderness. You didn’t even go to the big part in the end and I love that because that’s exactly what we wanted to show people, that you have that type of control. That you could get through something like that and do it in a beautiful way,” she said.

Tyler, for his part, boldly predicted that Sanchez will win the whole thing because of her vocal abilities.

“When you sing, you make people hang on your very note. I hope you just get used to encores. I n anotehr crazy kind of way, you'll be the last one standing here, I believe,” he said.

While Sanchez Sanchez admitted that she wouldn't have picked the song for herself because it was too hard, she said is glad that the judges thought she made an “over the top” performance.

Jimmy’s pick

During the show’s last round, resident mentor Jimmy Iovine chose Jackson 5’s “I’ll Be There” for Sanchez.

He said he picked this song for Sanchez because it many generations would be able to relate.

Lopez said she appreciated that Sanchez really sounded like Michael Jackson.

“Perfect tone in your voice. You almost sounded like Michael. Wow you just sound like him! You came back, you killed it so hard in the end. Good job baby,” she said.

Jackson, on the other hand, said he liked the performance but he didn’t love it.

“I liked it okay, I didn’t love it. Once again, we’re at the end here. There was never a moment moment. It needed a moment-moment. But it was okay but it wasn’t oh my God,” he said.

http://www.dailymotion.com/video/xqvv7s_jessica-sanchez-don-t-want-to-miss-a-thing-american-idol-2012-top-3_music

Supporters of Sanchez in the United States can vote for her by calling 1-866-436-5702 or 1-866-436-5705 or 1-866-436-5708. They could also text the word “VOTE” and send it to 5702, 5705 or 5708. Furthermore, they could cast votes through on the American Idol website or Facebook.

Tuesday, May 15, 2012

US' hit reality-TV show "Survivor” shoots its 25th season in the Philippines

US' hit reality-TV show "Survivor” shoots its 25th season in the Philippines

Written By Mangyan Adventurer on Monday, May 14, 2012 | 22:36

"Survivor” host Jeff Probst already announced that Philippines will be the location of Season 25 of the hit US reality TV show.


Caramoan will showcase the different natural wonders of Philippines' Secret Paradise: the islands, powdery white sand beaches, scenic landscapes, majestic limestone and rock formations, lush vegetation, hidden lagoon and caves.


Caramoan is fast becoming the "top beach destination", it is fast gaining popularity. Caramoan has also been a favorite site for various non-US “Survivor” franchises. The countries that have shot “Survivor” seasons in Caramoan include: Serbia, Israel, Bulgaria, Sweden, and France.

Here's the official preview for "Survivor 25: Philippines," which will air this fall, with 3 returning player, and 3 tribes of new castaways.

Saturday, May 12, 2012

How to Vote for Jessica Anywhere in The world!

Fellow Filipinos and Jessica Sanchez supporters, let us show our love and support to our kababayan Jessica Sanchez from elimination next week! The events that took place on the results night were shocking and let’s not make this same mistake happen ever again.

jessica-sanchez

We are encouraging all Filipinos and Jessica Supporters in the USA to vote for her on performance night. We can all vote for her for free and let us get her to the Finals! She really deserves to win!

Here’s how:

VOTING TIME: Thursday (Philippines) 10 AM – 3 PM

1. Magic Jack, Vonage or NetTalk. If you have Magic Jack, Vonage or NetTalk phones in Pinas, you can vote for Jessica by dialing the toll free number that will be assigned to her after the American Idol show. Check the American Idol website or Jessica Sanchez facebook http://www.facebook.com/pages/Jessica-Sanchez/51158140363 to find out the toll free number she got for that episode. You have 2 chances to vote: 10am-12noon and 1pm-3pm on Thursday Manila time. If you get busy tone (try at least twice to be sure) on the first time slot, that means your Magic Jack or NetTalk phone has a West Coast number, so trying dialing on the second time slot (1-3pm). You can vote as many times as you want via dial method. If you get a busy tone, it means the voting is closed.

2. Skype. If you don't have Magic Jack or Nettalk phone, you can also try dialing from your computer using Skype for free. If you got busy tone on the first time slot, try the second time slot. If you have Skype app on your smartphones, that should work too.

3. Facebook. Vote online via the American Idol Facebook voting app.

Bookmark and share this to your friends and let’s support her every performance night. The entire UK is probably voting for Hollie every week as well! I still strongly recommend for those who are in the US to vote.

NOTE: This will work from anywhere in the world, not just in in the Philippines. :) The procedure above was quoted from a comment on an ABS-CBN article by a reader called tron99.

Friday, May 11, 2012

American Idol's Top Three Revealed

American Idol's Top Three Revealed

Thursday May 10, 2012 09:30 PM EDT

American Idol's Top Three Revealed

Michael Becker/FOX

We're in the home stretch!

On Wednesday, American Idol's final four performed California-themed songs and personal favorites they wished they'd written. According to the judges, Jessica Sanchez, Joshua Ledet and Phillip Phillips hit it out of the park.

On the other hand, Hollie Cavanagh, who's perennially in the bottom on elimination nights, fell short on her second performance of Bonnie Raitt's classic "I Can't Make You Love Me."

So who's in the top three and heading home in style on a private jet for the annual hometown extravaganza this weekend? And who's just heading home? Keeping reading to find out ...

Jessica and Joshua were the first to be told they were safe. Then, it came down to Phillip and Hollie.

"In years past we've had a few surprises at this stage in the game," host Ryan Seacrest said. "Think [Chris] Daughtry, remember that? Or [James] Durbin."

But that wasn't the case on Thursday: Phillip was declared safe and Hollie was told she was out.

As she sang her sang her swan song – Miley Cyrus's "The Climb" – her pal Joshua cried from his seat on the safe couch.

The top three will be heading home for their hero's welcome this weekend. Next week, they'll be back to perform for the judges and America's votes again.

Thursday, May 10, 2012

Finally, standing ovation again for Jessica Sanchez

Finally, standing ovation again for Jessica Sanchez

Posted at 05/10/2012 10:38 AM | Updated as of 05/10/2012 10:41 AM

MANILA, Philippines – Jessica Sanchez gave a powerful message to "American Idol" viewers and judges: she isn't going -- at least not without a fight.

And they heard her, as the three judges gave the Filipino-Mexican-American contestant a standing ovation for her rendition of "And I Am Telling You I'm Not Going" from the Broadway musical "Dreamgirls."

The last time Sanchez received a standing ovation from the "Idol" judges was when she sang a duet with Joshua Ledet on "I Knew You Were Waiting For Me."

Picking the "Dreamgirls" showstopper as the song she wished she had written, judge Steven Tyler pronounced it another “over the top” performance for Sanchez, who had tears rolling down her cheeks while singing the song.

Judge Jennifer Lopez, who was wowed by Sanchez’s vocal ability, said it seems that it’s going to be race to the finish. "It was a real moment," she said.

Judge Randy Jackson, for his part, said what Sanchez sang is “one of the hardest songs in the world to sing but you slayed it.”

Actress Jennifer Holliday, who originated the role on Broadway, tweeted, "Jessica, God gave you an amazing voice and tonight you sang your song of redemption. Gratitude to God for the save. I love you and your humble heart."

Ledet, a judges favorite, also received a standing ovation -- his 14th so far -- for his performance of "It's A Man's, Man's, Man's World."

Two rounds

For the “California Dreamin” round, Sanchez also drew praise from the judges when she chose to sing Etta James’s hit song “Steal Away” with a jazz band.

Tyler said Sanchez just nailed the song. “I loved it. That showed the other side of your voice.”

Lopez, for her part, thought Sanchez’s performance was “crazy,” calling her as one of the greatest female singers she has heard in a long time. Lopez also lauded Sanchez’s ability to “growl” while singing.

Jackson said he is glad that she can tap into James’ soulfulness even at a young age. Jackson also said she can actually sing anything.

“I love the whole vibe of that. The blues is so much soul so much heart in it. That’s what it’s all about. Your vocals are ridiculous. That girl can sing the phonebook. Amazing, again,” he said.

After Wednesday's performance show, national newspaper USA Today predicted Sanchez will make it to the "Idol" finale, while New York-based newspaper Newsday said her performance of the "Dreamgirls" may be game over for her competitors.

Only four competitors remain on "Idol" -- Sanchez, Ledet, Phillip Phillips and Hollie Cavanagh.

Tuesday, May 8, 2012

Orcollo tops 10-Ball contest in California

Orcollo tops 10-Ball contest in California
ABS-CBNnews.com
Posted at 05/08/2012 11:42 AM | Updated as of 05/08/2012 11:42 AM

MANILA, Philippines – Filipino cue artist Dennis Orcollo bagged the top prize in the third annual Hard Times 10-Ball Open at the Hard Time Billiards in Bellflower, California over the weekend.

Regarded as the best Filipino cue artist today, Orcollo dismantled Shane Van Boening of the United States, 11-3, in the finals.

A former fisherman from Surigao del Sur, Orcollo proved unstoppable once he got going in the winner’s break, race-to-eleven format in the last round.

Orcollo won a total of $8,000 in the tournament.

"I got my confidence after winning against Max (Eberle)," said Orcollo, who defeated Max Eberle of the US, 9-2, in the semi-finals.

"I've hoped and prayed hard enough to win this crown for my countrymen as well as my boss Perry and Verna (Mariano), who have been helping me compete abroad," he added.

It was Orcollo’s first major title this year after winning a gold medal in the last Southeast Asian Games in Indonesia.

Orcollo's next tournament is the upcoming US Open 10-Ball challenge in Las Vegas, Nevada. He will be joined by other Filipino cue artists including Francisco “Django” Bustamante, Jose “Amang” Parica, Santos Sambajon, Ramon Mistica and Danny Petralba. By Marlon Bernardino

Saturday, May 5, 2012

Longtime coach of USC Warriors to pair up with Alcoseba at Cobras bench

Home > Newsinfo > Cebu Daily News > CDN - Sports > Longtime coach of USC Warriors to pair up with Alcoseba at Cobras bench REYES OFF TO SWU:

Longtime coach of USC Warriors to pair up with Alcoseba at Cobras bench

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University of San Carlos (USC) head coach Mike Reyes has traded in the green and yellow for the blue and orange of the Southwestern University (SWU) Cobras.

This was confirmed by Reyes in a coaching development that is expected to send shockwaves throughout Cebu’s collegiate basketball scene.

Reyes, the brother of Talk ‘N Text’s champion head coach Chot Reyes, will now join forces with SWU head coach Raul “Yayoy”Alcoseba.

It is a combination that the SWU brass will hope to lead not just to a title in the Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation Inc. but also in the national level, particularly the Philippine Collegiate Champions League (PCCL).

The tandem of Alcoseba and Reyes has produced several titles for the MLKP-Cebu NiƱos in different tournaments.

Reyes spent eight years in USC as the basketball program consultant and as head coach of the Warriors.

His contract was set to be renewed by USC but according to Reyes, he told management that he was not going to renew with them.

“I spent eight years there. Siyempre, malungkot ako sa pag-alis pero ganyan talaga ang buhay eh,”said Reyes told Cebu Daily News.

As an assistant coach to then head coach Jay Ramirez, the Warriors made it to the Cesafi finals in 2006 and 2007, but both times fell to the University of the Visayas Green Lancers.

SWU athletic director Ryan Aznar was ecstatic that Reyes is now in their fold. He admitted he has been trying to lure Reyes to the Cobras since the departure of former head coach Dodie Miego.

“It is a plus factor that (Raul) Yayoy Alcoseba is our head coach. I don’t know yet what the coaching dynamics will be but it’s a cinch that Mike (Reyes) will be the top deputy of Yayoy.”

As for the USC Warriors, it remains to be seen who will take over the mantle of head coach but sources say that the top candidate would be assistant coach Lawrence “Tata” Merced.

When pressed for a comment, Merced remained non-committal and left it all for management to decide in the coming days.

Friday, May 4, 2012

Jessica Sanchez survives elimination; joins American Idol Top 4

Jessica Sanchez survives elimination; joins American Idol Top 4

5/04/2012 1:09 PM

by: Mika Esperanza

Push This

050412-jessica_main.jpgNalalapit na sa pangarap na tagumpay ang Filipino-Mexican American singer na si Jessica Sanchez matapos niyang makapasok sa Top 4 ng American Idol Season 11 nitong Biyernes (Manila time).

Naligtas sa eliminasyon sa linggong ito si Jessica matapos makakuha ng sapat na boto mula sa mga manonood ng programa.

Kasama ngayon ni Jessica sila Hollie Cavanagh, Phillip Phillips at Joshua Ledet sa Top 4, samantalang nagtapos na ang laban ni Skylar Laine na siyang natanggal sa linggong ito.

Nitong nagdaang Huwebes (Manila time), naging hati ang pagtingin ng mga huradong sila Randy Jackson, Steven Tyler at Jennifer Lopez sa mga naging performance ni Jessica.

Sa unang round, hindi gaanong nagustuhan ni Randy ang version niya ng "Proud Mary" na pinasikat ni Tina Turner.

Umani naman muli ng ng papuri si Jessica sa rendition niya ng "You Are So Beautiful" para sa second round.

"You, once again, showed America just how beautiful your voice is. You're going to be No. 1, girl," ani Randy.

Marami ang umaasa ngayon na manalo si Jessica lalo't natanggal na si Skylar na kinikilalang isa sa pinakamalakas na kalahok sa show.