ss_blog_claim=19b0f3a6ce7f1aef1e4eecfb6189f868

Pinoy Fries needs Sponsors for its First Contest!

This blog has just reached a hundred posts, and we think it's time to hold a contest. However, to make the contest really big and fun to join, we need sponsors. Sponsorships can be in form of ECs, Paypal cash, ad spots, reviews, links or services you can offer. As a sponsor, you get a lot of link juice from the contest participants, and you also get to help a new blog gain exposure.

To announce your sponsorship, head on to the "sponsors needed" post or email Spife at unplugandplay {at] gmail [dot} com
30.8.08

Pinoy Dream Academy Season 2 Last Expulsion Night  

Labels: , 0 comments

I wasn't able to catch the entirety of the Little Dreamers' Back-to-School performances. But as an update, Little Dreamers Shane, who sang It Can Only Get Better by Charice, and Jerome, who sang Stand Up for Love by Destiny's Child, are coming back to the Academy to compete.

On to the Scholars' last expulsion night.

Theme: Scholar's Choice

Opening: You Can't Stop The Beat from Hairspray

One of the girls seemed to be out of sync at one point. Otherwise, an okay performance. They really need to practice on group dynamics.

Surprise: No more grades will be given.

Jurors: Louie Ocampo, Girlie Rodis

Sen - His Eye on the Sparrow (Lauryn Hill)

Nice voice control, probably his most heartfelt performance ever. Too bad not too many people know the song.

Louie - One of the most emotional songs you did. The message came through. You were very sincere.

Van - Who Am I (Casting Crowns)

Very honest performance. He even seemed humble.

Girlie - You have gone through many things. Your performance was good, it did not reflect the heaviness of your heart.

Laarni - I Am Blessed (Eternal)

It lacks the sparkle of a very good performance. Is she too serious about the song? The diction problem is prominent in this performance.

Louie - The performance is beautiful, except for the part where it changes key. You are a pro tonight. I think you're in the top 3, no doubt.

Miguel - Sandra (Barry Manilow)

He was his usual serious self, but this performance is heartfelt.

Girlie - It's a hard song to sing. Work on your "storytelling".

Liezel - Goodbye's (The Saddest Word) (Celine Dion)

Same old good vocal performance with a lack of stage presence. I'm really bothered by the "th" sounding like a "d".

Louie - I really liked your runs. You are best when you don't shout. You have the presence. You have to "be there".

Cris - Inseparable (Natalie Cole)

No, not the "th"-"d" again! The camera contact she makes is good, though. She controlled the high notes really well.

Girlie - You have really improved a lot. You have a good vocal quality now. Continue in that path and I'm sure you'll go places.

Bugoy - Can't Stop a River (Guy Sebastian)

His eyes still look the same, kinda lacking emotion. His low notes seem rumbly. But the rest of the song is okay. Is Guy Sebastian his biggest influence? I think so. His audition piece was "Angels Brought Me Here".

Louie - No doubt, you really sing good. You've got to find that tool to charm the audience.

Special Number: Launch of "Scholars Sing Cayabyab" album

Voting Results:
Van: 54.58
Sen: 45.42 - Last Expelled Scholar

The Top 6 Scholars:

  • Bugoy
  • Liezel
  • Laarni
  • Van
  • Miguel
  • Cris
Voting is on for the Grand Dream Night on September 14. Text PDA to 2331 for Globe, TM, Sun and Bayan Wireless subscribers and to 231 for Smart and Talk n' Text subscribers.

Read full post!

Posted in , by Spife

27.8.08

My Sassy Girl (2008)  

Labels: 1 comments


I love Yeopgijeogin Geunyeo aka My Sassy Girl. Nuff said. Or go to this link to read what I thought of the movie about 3 years ago. Because of this movie, I got used to watching melodramas, etc. and became a fan of Jeon Ji Hyun. I even watched the Tagalized version of this movie.

Okay, so I was excited about the Hollywood remake when the news came out. Although most people hated the thought of a Hollywood remake, I was interested to see what they would do with the story. When the news came out that Yann Samuell, the director of French classic Jeux d'enfants aka Love Me if You Dare, was directing it, I was even more excited. However, I got frustrated when the film's premiere got pushed and pushed back, and I was even frustrated when it was released direct to video in the US.. oh wait, I was ecstatic, coz I can watch it earlier in the Philippines via video. *sigh* I missed its theatrical release here.

So I got to watch the movie yesterday, and I'll be informal in my review.Okay, the opening seconds of the film, well, minutes, is a clear sign of the Yann Samuell direction. Just look at the colors! And the atmosphere! Lots more "Samuell-isms" can be found in the movie, such as playing with the speed of the scene and breaking the 4th wall (both of which, coincidentally, are also employed in the original). However, the colors of the movie definitely separate it from the original.

Okay, the characters. Charlie Bellow, the male protagonist, is Midwestern. He came to New York to pursue his parents' dreams for him, to become a topshot in a business company of sorts. He is shy, kind, romantic and idealistic. Jordan Roark, the girl he meets, is not good at holding her alcohol, rude, minds other people's businesses, and bossy. The main characteristics of the two protagonists do not differ much from the original, but Jesse Bradford and Elisha Cuthbert portrayed these characteristics differently. Their chemistry? Unfortunately, I only first noticed it in the face-slapping-subway-game scene. It quite builds up towards the end of the movie.

The addition of several characters, such as Charlie's player bestfriend Leo and the butler who picks up Jordan after Charlie brings her to her home, seemed unnecessary and bordering on annoying. They are totally one-sided and hog your unwanted attention at several points in the film.

I'll compare the original actors' "attacks" on their roles with those of the two Hollywood actors: Jesse Bradford was a smarter version of Cha Tae Hyun's original character, who was quite happy-go-lucky and refuses to study well. In the original, Jeon Ji Hyun's portrayal of The Unnamed Girl was subtle but randomly violent. The Girl was demure at most times, with random crazy moments. The Girl did not like flirting, and was kinda the traditional conservative Asian girl. Elisha Cuthbert's Jordan Roark is the classy, flirty rich girl who gets what she wants and gets away with it.

The story. Ah, the most important part. The remade story seemed kind of rush. It was unique in itself, but comparing it to the original, it's lamer by a mile. The remake tries hard to recreate or at least reference the scenes in the original, but it fails in many parts. For example, the exchanging shoes part seemed too short, considering its importance in the story. Also, the "can you hear me from there" part, which was originally set in the mountains, was re-set into a long alleyway, WITH PEOPLE AROUND! This lessened the scene's emotional impact for me. The "remade scenes" should be seen as themselves. Otherwise, you'll end up comparing it to the original.

Other additions to the story, such as the extended "announcement" of The Girl on the subway and the bad job interview, seemed unnecessary. Sometimes the shorter dialogues are more effective.

Am I writing too much here? Let's cut to the chase.

Despite the many flaws of the remake (most of which may take too long to write), the essence of the excellent based-on-real-life story still shone through. The love and longing and the jitters of a starting relationship are all there. I'll admit it, I teared up because of one scene. Okay, you'll have to watch it for yourself.

The movie is an inferior remake of the original but it can surely stand on its own as a good romantic comedy film.

Read full post!

Posted in by Spife

24.8.08

Pinoy Dream Academy Season 2: Iñaki Ting Expelled, Poy Palma Leaves Academy, Van and Sen on Probation  

Labels: , 0 comments

Sorry I haven't been paying much attention to this blog lately, I've been busy adjusting to my non-studying life hehe.

Last week, Dean got expelled and Aubrey was the Outstanding Little Dreamer. This week (although I didn't watch the episode), Little Dreamers Kelly and Risie went up for voting, and Kelly (finally) got expelled. However, next week, the five expelled Little Dreamers will perform again and two of them who gets the highest grades will come back to the Academy.

Okay, on with the previous Gala Night.

Jurors: Louie Ignacio, Dulce (guest), Gerard Salonga

Theme: Performing with the Stars

Iñaki with Bituin Escalante - Proud Mary (Ike and Tina Turner)

Equal energy, good chemistry, although Iñaki's high energy sometimes affects his voice.

Louie - I loved it-- good energy and notes. Iñaki, you were not intimidated. You are both pros on the stage.

Miguel with Sheryn Regis - Never Say Goodbye (Nonoy Zuñiga)

Miguel was upstaged by Sheryn in terms of volume. Their chemistry was okay. The ending was good.

Gerard - Miguel, your intonation imrpoved, but power is still an issue. Good thing is, she didn't eat you alive on stage.

Laarni with Jed Madela - The Prayer (Andrea Bocelli and Celine Dion)

They have matching voice qualities. The musicality was high.

Dulce - I can really feel you. You can keep up, except the ending. I am excited for you.

Van with Kitchie Nadal - Bulong (Kitchie Nadal)

Van is too energetic. Nuff said.

Louie - The notes were okay, but the middle part seemed uncomfortable. The ending was flat. It could have been better.

Cris with Richard Poon - Kissing a Fool (George Michael)

The performance lacked power at the middle part. Good chemistry, but kinda boring overall.

Gerard - There were two flat notes towards the end, but I've never heard you sound this good. The style fits you.

Zel with Joey Generoso - Tell Me (Side A)

Liezel was sharp all the way, and they lacked chemistry. But then, this was a last-minute-change-of-plans-song.

Dulce - You weren't intimidated. Be careful of your entry notes, they might go sharp. Overall, it was beautiful.

Sen with Rachel Alejandro - Can We Just Stop and Talk a While (Gary V and Kyla)

Very pitchy performance by Sen, it's a good thing they have chemistry.

Louie - The message of the song came across, but the intonation was shaky and there was a slight diction issue.

Bugoy with Vina Morales - Muli (Gary V and Regine Velasquez)

The musicality is high, and there was good chemistry.

Gerard - Overall, it was good. Bugoy, your entrance was quite hard, though, but there is no questioning your singing talent.

Poy with Ryan Cayabyab Singers - Livin' on a Prayer (Bon Jovi)

Good blending, high energy, fitting style.

Dulce - Afinado all the way, you've got fire, perfect.

Voting Results: Miguel got about 75% of the votes while Iñaki only got about 25%, making him the latest expelled scholar.

Star Scholar: Bugoy (9.81)

On Probation: Sen (7.29) and Van (7.30)

The surprise: There will be no more bottom 4 and no "saving", so Van and Sen are automatically the probationary scholars for this week.

To vote, text PDA VAN or PDA SEN to 2331 for Globe, TM and Sun subscribers and to 231 for Smart, Talk n' Text and Addict Mobile subscribers.

There will be two Grand Dream Nights featuring the Top 6 Scholars, which currently includes Bugoy, Cris, Miguel, Liezel, and Laarni. The first one will be on September 13. On September 14, the voting for the Grand Star Dreamer will end on ASAP and the winners will be announced in the evening.

Read full post!

Posted in , by Spife

17.8.08

Pinoy Dream Academy Season 2 Gala, Expulsion and Probation Night - Bunny Malunda is Expelled from the Academy  

Labels: , 0 comments

At last, after a very very long hiatus, I'm finally back to reviewing talent shows. So Pinoy Idol is ending tonight, and I want Ram Chaves to win. Oh well, maybe I'll be wrong again, as expected.

Anyways, on to Pinoy Dream Academy's gala and expulsion and probation night.

Theme: Counterpointing Songs {Two Same-Sounding Songs Sang Side by Side (Nice alliteration, ain't it?)}

Jurors: Louie Ignacio, Lani Misalucha, Gerard Salonga (he's back!)

Sen and Bunny - Say That You Love Me (Martin Nievera) + Huwag Ka Lang Mawawala (Ogie Alcasid)

Bunny: I've never seen someone enter the stage in a worse condition, but herr effort brought up her performance. She looks very good.
Sen: Started out very competitive, his voice was very good-sounding.

Sen kinda brought down the chemistry between the two of them.

Louie - Bunny: I felt you weren't at your best. Sen: the beginning was shaky. Individually so so but the performance was ok.
Lanie - They did a good job. Some uncertainty in the beginning, but you pulled it through.
Gerard - Sen, you are good in group situations, but you need to make singing your strongest suit. Bunny, I know your physical conditions hinder your talent

Miguel and Liezel - Stay Awake (Ronnie Laws) + Sometimes a Love Goes Wrong (Carrie Lucas)

Miguel seemed to enjoy his performance. The counterpoint was vocally competitive.

Louie - Liezel, consistent singing. Miguel, I enjoyed you more this time.
Lanie - I felt you enjoyed your performance. Liezel, you need to loosen up a bit.
Gerard - Individually, you both did very well. Miguel, this is the best I've seen you. The interaction bothered me a bit.

Van and Poi - Forever's Not Enough (Sarah G) + Maybe (Peabo Bryson)

Poi is pitch perfect and full-toned as always, Van is quite tense but he is showing improvement. The counterpoint was brought up by Poi, except for a bad note at the near end.

Louie - Poi you did a good job except for a few sharp notes. Van, good but nothing really fantastic. The counterpoint was a nice mixture.
Lanie - There are parts which are not clear, but the performance was good.
Gerard - Van, you have to become the singer, the singing has to come first. This was a normal performance for you. Poi you sounded really good. The last part, you didn't quite come together.

Iñaki and Chris - Dahil Mahal na Mahal Kita (Roselle Nava) + Kunin Mo Na Lang Lahat Sa Akin (Jeremiah)

Cris, I was surprised at the good tone of her voice and at the good start to the song. She seemed more "pro". Iñaki, the falsetto was kinda sharp. His serious side showed well in this song. The counterpoint sounded okay. The chemistry was there, considering Iñaki's interest in Chris.

Louie - Inaki, work harder on the ballads, but you are improving. Cris, okay, but the
Lani - (gibberish, same same. I didn't understand. But I know it was a positive comment.)

Laarni and Bugoy - On the Wings of Love (Jeffrey Osborne) + Back at One (Brian McKnight)

Laarni was shaky at the beginning, but Bugoy was consistent. The counterpoint, Laarni's voice was louder.

Gerard - At the start Laarni, your alignment was low, but you are a good singer. Bugoy, I remind you to fix your diction, but you are great.
Lani - Bugoy, only your pronunciation needed improvement. Laarni, only the beginning was shaky.

Liezel and Poi - I forgot the title of the song. Dammit. I was running errands that time.

Top Three - Poi, Laarni & Bugoy

Star Scholar - Laarni - she will be performing on ASAP next Sunday

Voting Results for the Probationary Scholars:

Sen - 60.05%
Bunny - 39.55% (expelled)

Too bad, I wanted Bunny to stay. But then she can now take care of the cyst in her throat.

Bottom four - Sen (saved by the mentors afterwards), Miguel, Cris, Inaki

Read full post!

Posted in , by Spife

16.8.08

Back in the Blogosphere: Contest Extended, Need Sponsors for My First Contest  

Labels: 12 comments

This is a post on my three blogs: Pinoy Fries, Unplug and Play and Musikalye

I'm back from my hiatus, and I passed the board exams! Although I did not make it to the top 10, I'm glad I passed, 'coz I found the test too hard, and I didn't review too much (okay, I was quite TOO confident going into the exam, but we'll talk about that later). Thanks to everyone who wished me luck, it really did me well!

Also, this is my one-hundredth post on this site!

About my Top Droppers win an ad spot mini-contest:

I figured out that it's too ridiculous to check my top droppers now when I can use Entrecard's "Top Droppers in the Last 30 Days Feature" 30 days after I announced the contest.

I just want to ask the ones who read, visit, and/or drop on this blog. Should I count the droppers on July 28, the day I announced the contest, or should I start counting from July 29?

Okay, so the ad spot is still up for grabs. Keep on dropping!

Also, I'm in need of sponsors for my first contest on Pinoy Fries. So please please do consider being a sponsor for my first contest. You get lots of link juice and you get to help a fellow blogger. Sponsorship could be in form of ECs, cash, or ad spots or text links. Just head on over and comment on this post to announce your sponsorship.
Alright? Alright!

Read full post!

Posted in by Spife

Subscribe to: Comments (Atom)