Tuesday, July 7, 2009
Friday, June 26, 2009
Cebu dancing inmates to perform 'Thriller' tribute for Jackson
MANILA, Philippines - On Saturday afternoon, more than 1,400 orange-clad Cebu inmates who gained worldwide attention for an impressive “Thriller" performance on YouTube will pay their last respects to the late King of Pop.
“Everyone’s sad," Byron Garcia, provincial security consultant of the Cebu Provincial Detention and Rehabilitation Center (CPDRC), told GMANews.TV in a phone interview.
“Malaki talaga si Michael Jackson sa programa namin. [Michael Jackson really played a big part in our program]," Garcia said.
Ever since the "dancing inmates" were reported by international news organizations, Garcia said inquisitive tourists have been drawn to the CPDRC. Visitors have even gained a more optimistic perspective of Philippine prisoners.
he CPDRC inmates perform every last Saturday of the month to almost 600 visitors for free. On June 27, they will stage a repeat of the Thriller dance routine that made them famous as a tribute to Jackson, who died of a heart attack Thursday in Los Angeles.The moonwalking pop star drove the growth of music videos, vaulting cable channel MTV into the mainstream after the network’s launch in 1981. His 1982 hit "Thriller" spawned a John Landis-directed music video that MTV played every hour.
Fast-forward 25 years later and Garcia, who noticed that the inmates were bored with the usual morning exercise, sought the help of choreographer Vince Rosales and adapted Jackson’s iconic moves into a four-minute routine.
GONE TOO SOON. Filipino inmate Dodong Niere (right) feels saddened by the news of Michael Jackson's death Friday (Manila time). Jackson was 50. with AP photo
"He is sad his idol died," an official from the CPDRC who spoke with Dodong told GMANews.TV. [See: Cebu inmate impersonator sad over Jackson’s death]
The video has since generated more than 23 million views after it was posted in 2007 and has even been hailed by TIME Magazine as one of the best viral videos of that year.
Garcia said the inmates’ popularity might gain another momentum as shocked fans continue to look online for anything that would remind them of Jackson.
source
Michael Jackson was much more than the King of Pop
NEW YORK — When Michael Jackson anointed himself "King of Pop" over two decades ago, there was considerable rumbling about his hubris: Yes, he may have become a world sensation with record-setting sales of "Thriller," and yes, he may have had a string of No. 1 hits with smashes like "Billie Jean" and "Beat It," but the KING OF ALL POP MUSIC?
Surely, in a modern music history that has given us Elvis Presley, the Beatles, Stevie Wonder and so many musical greats, that title was a more than a bit inflated.
But in actuality, Jackson understated his significance.
While his elaborate, stop-on-a-dime dance moves and sensual soprano may have influenced generations of musicians, Michael Jackson stood for much more than pop greatness — or tabloid weirdness. One of entertainment's greatest icons, he was a ridiculously gifted, equally troubled genius who kept us captivated — at his most dazzling, and at his most appalling.
At the height of his fame, he was among the world's most beloved figures. Heads of state clamored to meet him, screen legends like Elizabeth Taylor were his close friends, and worldwide, simply the mention of his name could make people do the moonwalk, from Los Angeles to Laos (The New York Times once accurately described him as one of the six most famous people on the planet).
His whispery, high-pitched speaking voice was constantly imitated, his fedora hat on his lean frame instantly recognizable, his childlike image endearing.
He influenced artists ranging from Justin Timberlake to Madonna, from rock to pop to R&B to even rap, across genres and groups that no other artist was able to unite. He changed music videos with "Thriller" in 1983, still considered by most to be the greatest music video ever made. Stars like Beyonce still mimic his moves. His one glove, white socks and glittery jackets made him a fashion trendsetter, making androgyny seem sexy and even safe.
Almost everyone wanted that Michael Jackson connection (and those who didn't were afraid to say so out loud). His celebrity and adoration was staggering.
So when his image began to crumble, becoming twisted and disturbed, that aspect, too, was larger than life. His multiple plastic surgeries and his vitiligo illness, which saw him transform from a masculine looking black man to a wispy, pale-faced, almost noseless figure, was held up as the standard for bad plastic surgery, a freakish-looking character.
His eccentric behavior left people confused, and when allegations (and later criminal charges) that accused him of sexually molesting two separate boys surfaced on two separate occasions, people were repelled by his alleged behavior and the man that their former idol had become.
And yet, it was hard to look away.
In the early days, no one wanted to. Jackson came into our public consciousness as an impossibly cute preteen wonder in 1969, an unbelievably precocious singer of his family band, The Jackson 5. The soon-to-be Motown legend channeled songs like "I Want You Back," and "I'll Be There" with a passion and soulfulness that belied his young years. Even then, his dance moves, copped from the likes of James Brown and Jackie Wilson, were exquisite, and his onstage presence outshone seasoned veterans.
The spotlight began to dim when he entered his late teens, however, and while he still had R&B hits with the Jacksons, it seemed as if he would never recapture the pop success that he burst onto the scene with as a child.
But then he met Quincy Jones, and the musical landscape changed. With the legendary producer, Jackson crafted what for most artists would be a career-defining album, from the string-enhanced disco classic "Don't Stop Til You Get Enough," a party staple which he wrote, to the bitter ballad "She's Out of My Life." The best-selling CD showed the world a grown-up Michael Jackson with grown-up artistry, showcasing his breathy alto-soprano voice and providing a springboard to his early videos, which gave a glimpse of the dance wizardry to come.
At the time, it was Jackson's music that was front and center. A 21-year-old who spoke in a breathy, high voice, still lived at home, had his first, barely noticeable nose job and was a self-claimed virgin in an industry known for its hedonism, he was certainly an odd figure, but his personal life had yet to become intertwined with his public image.
That began to change during "Thriller" — the album that would become his greatest success and his career-defining achievement. Also produced by Quincy Jones, it featured even more of Jackson's songwriting talents; Selling more than 50 million albums worldwide to become the globe's best-selling disc, it spawned seven Billboard top 10 hits, including two No. 1s with "Billie Jean" and "Beat It," won an then-unprecedented eight Grammy awards, and numerous other awards.
It was an impact measured much more than in stats.
He broke MTV's color barrier, becoming the first black artist played on the young, rock-oriented channel when the success of "Billie Jean" and "Beat It" became so overwhelming it could not be ignored. He also established the benchmark for the way videos would be made, with stunning cinematography, precision choreography that recalled great movie musicals. Jackson's amazing talents as a dancer were also displayed to the world during his Emmy-nominated performance for Motown's 25th anniversary. It is still considered one of TV's most thrilling moments, from his moonwalk strut to his pulsating pelvic movements.
But as Jackson's fame grew, his eccentricities, from his strange affinity for children and all things childlike, to his at times asexual image to his fascination with plastic surgery, began to dull the shine off of his sparkling image. As the years went by, those "eccentricities" would become more bizarre, and completely tarnish it.
His skin, once a dark brown, became the color of paste, a transition he blamed on the skin disease vitiligo, though some believed he simply bleached his skin in order to appear more Caucasian. That belief was rooted in his frequent plastic surgeries, which whittled his nose from a broad frame to an almost impossibly narrowed bridge. His image was a tough one to look at, much less embrace.
If his plastic surgery made him disturbingly unwatchable, soon, allegations of child abuse would make him reviled among many. He was first accused of molesting a 13-year-old boy in 1993; no charges were ever filed, a civil lawsuit was settled out of court and he always maintained his innocence. Although he had a chart-topping album with "HIStory" in 1995 and was still a superstar, he was a damaged one — and would never fully recover from the allegation.
A criminal charge of molestation of another young boy in 2004, which resulted in his acquittal in 2005, further stripped his marketability and his legacy; after the trial ended, he went into seclusion, and while top hitmakers from Ne-Yo to Akon courted him to make new music, no new CD was ever released. He was overwhelmed with legal and financial troubles, with what seemed like weekly lawsuits against him seeking money owed.
A comeback seemed to be most unlikely. His reputation was considered irreparably damaged, his image mocked and his name an automatic punchline. But when he announced he'd be doing a series of comeback concerts at London's famed O2 Arena in London, not only did the initial dates sell out immediately, the demand was so insatiable he was signed on for an unprecedented 50 shows, and was expected to embark on a worldwide tour sometime after the concert series was complete in March.
Of course, there will be no comeback now, no Jackson 5 reunion, no new music to share with millions of fans. But the legacy he leaves behind is so rich, so deep, that no scandal can torpedo it. The "Thriller" may be gone, but the thrill will always remain. - AP
see more http://breaktime-news.blogspot.com/
Surely, in a modern music history that has given us Elvis Presley, the Beatles, Stevie Wonder and so many musical greats, that title was a more than a bit inflated.
But in actuality, Jackson understated his significance.
While his elaborate, stop-on-a-dime dance moves and sensual soprano may have influenced generations of musicians, Michael Jackson stood for much more than pop greatness — or tabloid weirdness. One of entertainment's greatest icons, he was a ridiculously gifted, equally troubled genius who kept us captivated — at his most dazzling, and at his most appalling.
At the height of his fame, he was among the world's most beloved figures. Heads of state clamored to meet him, screen legends like Elizabeth Taylor were his close friends, and worldwide, simply the mention of his name could make people do the moonwalk, from Los Angeles to Laos (The New York Times once accurately described him as one of the six most famous people on the planet).
His whispery, high-pitched speaking voice was constantly imitated, his fedora hat on his lean frame instantly recognizable, his childlike image endearing.
He influenced artists ranging from Justin Timberlake to Madonna, from rock to pop to R&B to even rap, across genres and groups that no other artist was able to unite. He changed music videos with "Thriller" in 1983, still considered by most to be the greatest music video ever made. Stars like Beyonce still mimic his moves. His one glove, white socks and glittery jackets made him a fashion trendsetter, making androgyny seem sexy and even safe.
Almost everyone wanted that Michael Jackson connection (and those who didn't were afraid to say so out loud). His celebrity and adoration was staggering.
So when his image began to crumble, becoming twisted and disturbed, that aspect, too, was larger than life. His multiple plastic surgeries and his vitiligo illness, which saw him transform from a masculine looking black man to a wispy, pale-faced, almost noseless figure, was held up as the standard for bad plastic surgery, a freakish-looking character.
His eccentric behavior left people confused, and when allegations (and later criminal charges) that accused him of sexually molesting two separate boys surfaced on two separate occasions, people were repelled by his alleged behavior and the man that their former idol had become.
And yet, it was hard to look away.
In the early days, no one wanted to. Jackson came into our public consciousness as an impossibly cute preteen wonder in 1969, an unbelievably precocious singer of his family band, The Jackson 5. The soon-to-be Motown legend channeled songs like "I Want You Back," and "I'll Be There" with a passion and soulfulness that belied his young years. Even then, his dance moves, copped from the likes of James Brown and Jackie Wilson, were exquisite, and his onstage presence outshone seasoned veterans.
The spotlight began to dim when he entered his late teens, however, and while he still had R&B hits with the Jacksons, it seemed as if he would never recapture the pop success that he burst onto the scene with as a child.
But then he met Quincy Jones, and the musical landscape changed. With the legendary producer, Jackson crafted what for most artists would be a career-defining album, from the string-enhanced disco classic "Don't Stop Til You Get Enough," a party staple which he wrote, to the bitter ballad "She's Out of My Life." The best-selling CD showed the world a grown-up Michael Jackson with grown-up artistry, showcasing his breathy alto-soprano voice and providing a springboard to his early videos, which gave a glimpse of the dance wizardry to come.
At the time, it was Jackson's music that was front and center. A 21-year-old who spoke in a breathy, high voice, still lived at home, had his first, barely noticeable nose job and was a self-claimed virgin in an industry known for its hedonism, he was certainly an odd figure, but his personal life had yet to become intertwined with his public image.
That began to change during "Thriller" — the album that would become his greatest success and his career-defining achievement. Also produced by Quincy Jones, it featured even more of Jackson's songwriting talents; Selling more than 50 million albums worldwide to become the globe's best-selling disc, it spawned seven Billboard top 10 hits, including two No. 1s with "Billie Jean" and "Beat It," won an then-unprecedented eight Grammy awards, and numerous other awards.
It was an impact measured much more than in stats.
He broke MTV's color barrier, becoming the first black artist played on the young, rock-oriented channel when the success of "Billie Jean" and "Beat It" became so overwhelming it could not be ignored. He also established the benchmark for the way videos would be made, with stunning cinematography, precision choreography that recalled great movie musicals. Jackson's amazing talents as a dancer were also displayed to the world during his Emmy-nominated performance for Motown's 25th anniversary. It is still considered one of TV's most thrilling moments, from his moonwalk strut to his pulsating pelvic movements.
But as Jackson's fame grew, his eccentricities, from his strange affinity for children and all things childlike, to his at times asexual image to his fascination with plastic surgery, began to dull the shine off of his sparkling image. As the years went by, those "eccentricities" would become more bizarre, and completely tarnish it.
His skin, once a dark brown, became the color of paste, a transition he blamed on the skin disease vitiligo, though some believed he simply bleached his skin in order to appear more Caucasian. That belief was rooted in his frequent plastic surgeries, which whittled his nose from a broad frame to an almost impossibly narrowed bridge. His image was a tough one to look at, much less embrace.
If his plastic surgery made him disturbingly unwatchable, soon, allegations of child abuse would make him reviled among many. He was first accused of molesting a 13-year-old boy in 1993; no charges were ever filed, a civil lawsuit was settled out of court and he always maintained his innocence. Although he had a chart-topping album with "HIStory" in 1995 and was still a superstar, he was a damaged one — and would never fully recover from the allegation.
A criminal charge of molestation of another young boy in 2004, which resulted in his acquittal in 2005, further stripped his marketability and his legacy; after the trial ended, he went into seclusion, and while top hitmakers from Ne-Yo to Akon courted him to make new music, no new CD was ever released. He was overwhelmed with legal and financial troubles, with what seemed like weekly lawsuits against him seeking money owed.
A comeback seemed to be most unlikely. His reputation was considered irreparably damaged, his image mocked and his name an automatic punchline. But when he announced he'd be doing a series of comeback concerts at London's famed O2 Arena in London, not only did the initial dates sell out immediately, the demand was so insatiable he was signed on for an unprecedented 50 shows, and was expected to embark on a worldwide tour sometime after the concert series was complete in March.
Of course, there will be no comeback now, no Jackson 5 reunion, no new music to share with millions of fans. But the legacy he leaves behind is so rich, so deep, that no scandal can torpedo it. The "Thriller" may be gone, but the thrill will always remain. - AP
see more http://breaktime-news.blogspot.com/
Thursday, June 25, 2009
Michael Jackson's death stuns fans across nation
As word spread a few minutes later that Jackson had died, several people burst into tears. Others stood silently, looking pensive, as they waited for official word from the hospital. Still others whipped out cell phones and began calling or texting friends to pump them for information.
A similar scene played out just a couple miles away, in front of Jackson's tony Holmby Hills home, where a Fire Department ambulance had arrived to take him to the hospital.
"I'm in shock," said Becky Williams, a 26-year-old Jackson fan from Salt Lake City who happened to be visiting her sister just down the street.
"He's gone. The legend of music," Williams said in disbelief as she stood outside Jackson's home.
In Holmby Hills, cars — many of them with stereo systems blaring songs from Jackson's classic "Thriller" album — began go clog the streets.
As people began to leave their cars to snap pictures, a police officer warned them their cars would be towed if they didn't move.
Among those who drove to the neighborhood was Sue Mossell, who was visiting from Georgia with her two sons, 7-year-old Ryan and 12-year-old Jimmy.
Ryan placed a pink flower in front of Jackson's gate.
"He wanted to put a flower down for him," said Mossell, 46, who said she grew up listening to Jackson's music.
___
Associated Press writers Derrik J. Lang, Anthony McCartney and Solvej Schou contributed to this story.
Saturday, May 2, 2009
Pacquiao seeks place in world boxing history
Filipino boxing hero Manny Pacquiao is on the brink of achieving a “sixth” world title, this time in the 140-pound division, as he challenges International Boxing Organization (IBO) and the Ring Magazine junior welterweight champion Ricky Hatton.
The pride of General Santos City and of the whole Philippines as well has already won the World Boxing Council (WBC) lightweight, the WBC super featherweight, the International Boxing Federation (IBF) super bantamweight, and the WBC flyweight world titles.
He also won an “extra” world title when he copped the lineal featherweight championship by beating Marco Antonio Barrera in 2003, though he never held a sanctioning belt in that division.
According to Wikipedia, the lineal championship is an abstract world championship title held at some moment in time by a boxer universally acclaimed as “the best in the class”.
If Pacquiao beats Hatton, he gets another lineal title in a fourth division.
“In other words, he'll be considered the ‘real’ champion in a fourth division, not just a mere titleholder, the way he was when he claimed his junior featherweight belt and lightweight title,” explained analyst Dan Rafael in his article posted on ESPN.com.
Boxing historian Bert Sugar said Pacquiao will become one of the boxing greats if he wins a junior welterweight title.
“Even with all the belts, he's still the lineal champion in so many weight classes. I make him out to be the greatest Asian fighter of all time, and conceivably, one of the greatest fighters of all time if he can carry this off,” said Sugar.
Pacquiao said a win over Hatton is very important to him.
"It is very important for me to win [titles] in six different divisions for the people of my country," said Pacquiao. "Being a six-division champion, if that happens, people will want to put my name in boxing history, and that will be my legacy."
Even Oscar de la Hoya, who was considered the lineal champion in three weight divisions, is aware of what Pacquiao is trying to accomplish.
"He's in a position now where he can make history," said de la Hoya, whom Pacquiao beat last December. "It's not easy to jump six weight classes. It's not easy at all. It's probably the most difficult task that any fighter can have. I've always said it was more difficult than just being world champion for 10 years at one weight class."
Mayweather Jr. set to return?
As tension for the Pacquiao-Hatton fight continues to escalate, rumors of the "unretirement" of former pound-for-pound king Floyd Mayweather began to swirl.
Dan Rafael cited sources as saying that Mayweather is close to sealing a fight deal with Pacquiao's nemesis, Juan Manuel Marquez of Mexico. as his return match after springing back from retirement.
"The deal was finalized Friday afternoon following a flurry of conversations over a six-hour period, a source said," said Rafael.
Mayweather is reportedly set to announce his return to the ring the same day Pacquiao and Hatton will be fighting.
The former pound-for-pound king, who remains undefeated in 39 fights, has been away from boxing action for more than 17 months.
Mayweather might face Pacquiao should the Filipino win over Hatton.
http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/sports/05/02/09/pacquiao-seeks-place-world-boxing-history
Agence France-Presse | 05/02/2009 8:31 AM
LAS VEGAS - Thousands of screaming British boxing supporters cheered on Ricky Hatton at Friday's weigh-in for Saturday's junior welterweight bout with Filipino Manny Pacquiao, who also had strong support.
Chanting "There's only one Ricky Hatton" over and over with some renditions of "God Save the Queen" and "Rule Britannia" thrown in as well, flag-waving backers of the English fighter drowned out their Asian rivals.
"It makes me feel really proud," Hatton told the crowd. "It's going to be an honor to fight for you Saturday night and you will not go home disappointed."
About 4,500 people, 90 percent of them cheering and chanting for Hatton, watched as the International Boxing Organization champion tipped the scales at the 140-pound limit, two pounds heavier than pound-for-pound king Pacquiao.
"I want to make you guys happy," Pacquiao told the crowd. "We're going to have a great fight."
The rowdy, English Premiership football-style atmosphere peaked when Hatton and Pacquiao traded glares, "Pacman" breaking the tension with a smile while "The Hitman" remained stonefaced as the crowd roared.
"When you have the Brits come over for Hatton, this is by far the biggest and best crowd I've ever seen," promoter Oscar de la Hoya said of the turnout. "I'm glad I retired so I can go have a pint."
Hatton said 25,000 British supporters have made the trip to Las Vegas for the fight at 15,000-seat MGM Grand Garden Arena, where the weigh-in was conducted with only about one-third of the capacity open to the public.
For many, it represented their only hope of seeing either fighter in person as the fight has been sold out for weeks. Hundreds of people stood on line for hours for the chance to see the weigh-in, practicing vocals during the wait.
Pacquiao, trying to become a champion in his record-tying sixth different weight division by lifting Hatton's crown, weighed-in at his second-heaviest size for a bout but was still fit enough to flex his ripped chest muscles.
The only time Pacquiao has weighed more for a fight was last December, when he was 145 pounds for an eighth-round stoppage of de la Hoya.
Hatton, undefeated at junior welterweight as he tries to take Pacquiao's pound-for-pound title, was at the 147-pound welterweight limit for his 2006 victory over Luis Collazo and his 2007 loss to Floyd Mayweather Jnr.
Other than those two fights, Hatton has been at 140 or less in every fight since January of 2000.
In the only other world title bout on the card, World Boxing Council super featherweight champion Humberto Soto of Mexico weighed 130 pounds, one pound heavier than Canadian challenger Benoit Gaudet.
source : http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/sports/05/02/09/weigh-whips-fans-pacquiao-hatton-showdown
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
MANILA, Philippines -- The 1,310 passers of the 2008 Bar examinations will take their oath on Apr. 28 at the Philippine International Convention Center, the Supreme Court announced today.
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The oath will be administered by Supreme Court Chief Justice Reynato Puno.
Beginning today, the passers may secure their clearances from the Office of the Bar Confidant at 8:30 a.m. to 11 a.m., and 2 p.m. to 4 p.m., from Monday to Friday, until Apr. 27.
A total of 1,310 out of 6,364 takers or 20.58 percent passed the Bar examinations held Sept. 7, 14, 21 and 28 last year at the De La Salle University in Manila. Judy Lardizabal of San Sebastian College topped the exams with a score of 85.7 percent.
Justice Dante Tinga headed the 2008 Committee on Bar Examinations. - By Dennis Carcamo (Philstar News Service, www.philstar.com)
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The oath will be administered by Supreme Court Chief Justice Reynato Puno.
Beginning today, the passers may secure their clearances from the Office of the Bar Confidant at 8:30 a.m. to 11 a.m., and 2 p.m. to 4 p.m., from Monday to Friday, until Apr. 27.
A total of 1,310 out of 6,364 takers or 20.58 percent passed the Bar examinations held Sept. 7, 14, 21 and 28 last year at the De La Salle University in Manila. Judy Lardizabal of San Sebastian College topped the exams with a score of 85.7 percent.
Justice Dante Tinga headed the 2008 Committee on Bar Examinations. - By Dennis Carcamo (Philstar News Service, www.philstar.com)
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
ATELIER RESIDENCES CONDOMINIUM
Atelier Residences Condominium is just 20 meters after Windland Tower located at Juana Osmena Extention Road. Just 100 meters from the main highway Escario Street.
Escario Street is major road where a lot of PUJ route pass thru to North (like Lahug, Ayala, Mandaue, SM City) and South (like Labangon, Downtown, Jones Avenue). Or just ride a Taxi which is easily available at the Taxi Lane located just 10meters away from the Condo.
Construction Update (12-30-08)
4 Photos
Ground Breaking Ceremony (December 18, 2008)
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1BR PERSPECTIVE
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location
1 Photo
BUILDING FEATURES
1 Photo, 2 comments
available units 1br, 2br, 3br
5 Photos
Disclaimer:
For announcement purposes only. All visuals and specifications indicated in this material may change without prior notice. This does not constitute an offer to sell and the developer cannot be held responsible to any party by reason of this material.
Escario Street is major road where a lot of PUJ route pass thru to North (like Lahug, Ayala, Mandaue, SM City) and South (like Labangon, Downtown, Jones Avenue). Or just ride a Taxi which is easily available at the Taxi Lane located just 10meters away from the Condo.
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Disclaimer:
For announcement purposes only. All visuals and specifications indicated in this material may change without prior notice. This does not constitute an offer to sell and the developer cannot be held responsible to any party by reason of this material.
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