BOOTY

Uncanny as the title may be, this post is not about body parts, fashion, celebrities, events or whatsoever. This is me jotting down my personal thoughts and feelings about someone which I feel the need to express and share. If you are not into mushy cheesy ride, you may stop reading from this point on. :) TY.

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This is an open letter to you my big sister, my spiritual guide and my inspiration.

Dear B,

How are you? You must be busy in Cebu right now working hard, making sure that P is at his best for his grand event later. Oh well, you are always busy, and always hard working. ALWAYS.

Anyway, I am writing you this letter to say thank you from the bottom of my heart. I wrote this knowing that you will never really get to read this, heck, you may not even know this letter exists. But I just want to share to everyone our story and to show them how grateful I am on the impact you have made in my life.

It started from last night's dream about you and M. It just dawned on me how you two (who I really love and care about) are at the extreme ends of my life right now. You at the closest and him at the farthest. It breaks my heart, for you were once both at the same end. But nevertheless, I am thankful and I feel blessed that you were the one who remained close.

I have said this to you already, but I did not know if it did impact you as much as I really wanted to: THANK YOU so much for always being there, (especially during darkest time (so far) of my life). Breaking into pieces were much easier to deal with because of the many things you shared to me, the advice you gave me, and all the lessons you taught me. 

Thank you for your heart that listens first before it feels. It was really a big help for me to have someone whom I can talk to---someone whom I can be completely honest about everything and not feel ashamed of sharing even the shameful issues of my life, for I know you do not judge easily.

Thank you for helping me rediscover my faith and my special connection with Him. This has got to be the best gift I have ever received---the gift of rekindled faith. You made me believe again, and with that, everything seemed to have fallen into their rightful places.

Thank you for your prayers. While everybody else is busy gossiping about me, hating on me, or turning their backs on me, you did what a true friend does---you prayed for me, and for all the people who affect me. 

Thank you for making me realize that real friendship is not really about the amount of time you spend together. It's not about common interests and likes. And definitely not about the labels (babe, sis, bestfriend, bestie, lovey, etc.), for labels are best left on clothes and not on people. It is about the quality of moments you share, the learning you share with each other, and how you help each other grow as a person. Our's definitely is way beyond our common love for Tinkerbelle, Toblerone, Videoke and a whole lot more. Our's is deeper, something I don't want to define by words.

I always forgive easily, you know that. But you made it easier for me, even to the people whom have caused me so much pain. You made the pain easier to bear, and you helped me eradicate all the hate. In that case, you also helped me to move on easier and faster.

Thank you  for seeing the good in me. I know I am not perfect. I may be a drama-queen sometimes, or a bitchy bitch or maybe a TMI kind of friend at some point, but I know you always tried to see the good in me. I may be a mess when it comes to relationships with people, be it with friends or lovers, but despite that, you never turned your back on me. It's always nice when you feel you are appreciated especially whenever you are down, and you certainly did not fail me on that.

And lastly, thank you for preparing me for the things which may still come to break me. I know that what I have been through is just one part of my journey. And there will be more to come. I can say that I am more prepared now. Thank you for shaping my mind, my heart and my spirit, so I can take on the next challenges God will give me. 

I honestly owe to you a big part of what I am today, of what I have become as a person and how I think and feel about things and people. 

You humble me so much with how good your heart is, and how good you do things to other people. 

Walang echos, but you truly are an inspiration to me. I wish I could also do the same things you did to me, to other people. I wish I could also pass on what I have learned from you. And I wish to also inspire others the way you inspired me. 

Out of all the people whom you have in your life now, please know that I am one of the many who will forever be thankful for a lot of things: for the meaningful friendship, for the life-long learnings, and for the love and prayers. I will also be one who will run miles, swim oceans and climb mountains for you when you need me. I will always be here for you, just like how you have always been there for me too.

I know you will never get to read this anyway, but in case you do, please don't let me know. haha! 

I love you so much! 

May God bless us with more years of friendship and unending life-lessons. 

Love,

R

WTF TYRA?

It is official, Tyra Banks' AMERICA'S NEXT TOP MODEL show is totally revamping on their upcoming 19th Cycle with a whole new set of judges and team.

Yes ladies and gentlemen, Tyra just fired three of the longest running people on her ANTM team: Ms. J Alexander (runway coach-diva extraordinaire) who was with Tyra and ANTM since Cycle 1; Mr. Jay Manuel (creative genius of all their photoshoot and runway shows), and Nigel Barker (notable fashion photographer) who was with ANTM for 17 Cycles already.

Andre Leon Talley's exit last season was not that of a shocker really. It was indeed a sad news (for I believe it was ALT who was the ONLY credible fashion person ANTM had as a judge), but it was something I have seen coming even when he first joined the show on Cycle 14. But this time, the axing of the three who can be considered as the pillars of the show is something way beyond crazy. Like, WTF is Tyra thinking? (First, she thought of bringing British girls in "AMERICA's" Next Top Model, and now she wants to axe out her brilliant team?)

Tyra Banks posted the news on her official facebook page today saying, "To my Nigel Barker, Miss J, and Mr Jay. Thank you for all our years together on America's Next Top Model. Working with you is always an absolute pleasure. Excited for what the future holds for us."

The decision was made after the significant drop on ratings and viewership of the current season, and they wanted to shake things up. It was said to be the decision of CW Network and the other producers, and not just Tyra's alone. (Like, whatever Tyra, but you own the show and you have a say!)

On the other hand, Nigel barker wrote on his blog today: "I will miss the cast, the crew and ATM will always have a special place in my heart, having made life-long friendships and countless memories."

Seriously, after the ANTM All Star Cycle, I never really got myself to watch ANTM again. (Do you remember how infuriated I was when Lisa won over Allison? Gosh!!!) Though I have seen a few clips here and there while browsing channels whenever I am infront of the TV, but I have never watched a single whole episode. I am not that interested anymore.

If there's a "SAVE" here, I will use it one Ms J. He is actually my favorite from the show. But yeah, there's no saving anymore, coz they used it on Jessica Sanchez already. (Ay wait, ibang show pala yun. LOL)

So, who do you think should replace the three? Any names/persons in mind? Share! :)


PS.
Lola Tyra, ikaw na talaga. Lakas mo talagang magloka-lokahan! Goodluck on your show, and I wish you all the best! PAK!!!

THE SAVE

Just a tad too many boo-boos for today. Oh well, it's Friday the 13th anyway. Apart from the failure of North Korea's rocket satellite launch, America also failed by voting off one of American Idol's best contestants ever!

Jessica Sanchez, 16-year old Filipino-Mexican singer, got eliminated on tonight's results show, having garnered the lowest number of votes from the viewers. 

ARE YOU GUYS KIDDING ME????

SERIOUSLY????

I mean, it is obvious, she is one of the best singers (if not the BEST) among this season's contestants! Are you guys kidding me that she got the lowest no. of votes considering she has the most solid fanbase and most number of supporters online not just in America but all over the world?!? I mean, that can be at least bear something, right?

On this case, it is really hard for me to believe that it was really about the votes this time. For me, it seems to be a way too perfect well-orchestrated TV Drama for ratings' sake---getting the perfect subject (Jessica) and the perfect moment (her being the best singer of the batch, she gets the boot, sings for her survival and the heroic judges came into her rescue, and urging the audience to vote more ~insert producers happy smile~). *clap clap clap* Unfortunately, I do not totally buy the scene, but it was good though. Thank God for they used the save on Jessica, she truly deserved to stay. 

Here is the video of the result show. Watch it for yourself.

(After watching the video a couple of times, I can only feel that Phillip was the only one who was genuinely happy that Jessica was saved. I mean, look at the fake smiles from Hollie, Skyler and Elise. And with what Randy has said, that has got to be the biggest slap on the face to the other contestants. LOL)

Feeling deja vu? Oh yes, who can forget last season's save moment with Casey Abrams. Almost the same scene, Casey got eliminated, sings for his life and the judges cut him in the middle of the song declaring they will save him. *clap clap clap* (But that was a sad case though, because when America voted off Pia Toscano, the judges and all of us AI die-hards were all so helpless.

They always say that the best singers in American Idol competition NEVER win. Does Tamyra Gray, Jennifer Hudson, Melinda Doolittle and Pia Toscano ring a bell? I just hope that this time, Jessica Sanchez will be a different case. 

Anyway, I am closing this post with an ode to all great talents killed on the arena called American Idol. (well, at least not J-Hud where all odds went to her favor and eventually rose all the way to the top with an Academy and Grammy award under her belt).

You watch this and you realize that this is the FIRST ever live performance in American Idol history. *chills*



J-Hud belting out Whitney---that's how it is done!!!



Probably one of the most likeable and powerful singers who ever graced the Idol stage.



She was just so perfect! Her getting eliminated too early was a major disappointment on the show.

I am not putting a video of Jessica Sanchez in here for it may set a bad luck. I am totally praying that her fate on Idol will be different from these lovely amazing ladies I posted above.

For me, it is not about Pinoy pride anymore. It was totally okay for me when CamilleVelasco, Jasmine Trias, Ramielle Malubay and Thia Megia were eliminated. It just doesn't feel right if Jessica leaves at this moment of the competition. She definitely deserves to be at the finals.

Well, we can only do so much here in the Philippines. So to all my lovely readers from the US, vote Jessica Sanchez and help make her dreams come true.

HOUSEMATES LOVIN'

Last night, after a long time I was able to catch up with my booty Caress, and this time with my dear PBB Housemates Deniesse and Divine. Of course, with PBB Big Winner Slater aka Destiny. :)

Just sharing with you some pics from our bonding-chikahan over milk tea. Just to tell you guys, Deniesse, Divine and Slater are really not far from what we see them on PBB. Deniesse is so much fun to be with---very Baclaran Station! hahaha! Divine is very cool and nice. And of course, Slater is such a charmer---very down to earth and very humble.

With Baks Deniesse and Divine. <3

Wintermelon Gang! :)

Me, Slater, Divine, Deniesse and Caress

Booty and Destiny. :)

We capped the night with a major heart-to-heart talk at Slater's condo. While Slater tried to sleep, Caress and I took time for a little more catching up. I so love this girl, she practically saved me from self-destruction a few months ago. Haha! She's my ultimate soul warrior! :p

Inside the elevator going to Slater's condo.

In the spirit of Easter Sunday, this egg-shaped chair on Slater's living room is majorly posh and pretty!!! <3

Catch them tonight on PBB Teen Edition Opening Night, they will have a dance prod. I did Slater's outfit styling! :)

GOOD TIMES.

Looking forward to our videoke session guys! I wanna hear Slater sing Just The Way You Are, buong kanta naman this time. haha!

LOVE LOVE LOVE! :)



PS.

>>>follow us on twitter! :p
@iamRJG
@thatguyslater
@caressing
@deniessejoaquin
@Divine_MMS


HAPPY EASTER SUNDAY!!!!

LADY GAGA in MANILA: The Born This Way Ball

Yes, fellow little monsters! Mother Monster is coming back to the Philippines for her Born This Way Ball World Tour.

Are you ready?



She is set to stage her second concert in the country (her first was last 2009, her first ever headlining arena concert held at the Araneta Colliseum) on May 21st, at the new SM MOA Arena. She will be the first act to hold a concert on the said venue.

I was actually going to reserve Patron tickets for my sister and I this afternoon, so checked it online and was kinda thrown back by the crazy expensive prices of the tickets.

P2,120 for General Admission (Free Seating)
P5,280 for Upper Box (Free Seating)
P11,620 for Lower Box (Reserved Seating)
P15,840 for Patron (Free Standing)



Well, it's LADY GAGA and not just any music act, so I know the show is worth the price. I still remember her last concert in Manila, it was a dream come true for me. Seeing her in the flesh, being just a few meters away from her. that concert by the way tops my list of all foreign singers/performers who have had concerts in the country. Yes, Beyonce's The Beyonce Experience only comes second for me. :)

Oh! And I also remember creating a suede jacket with exaggerated pointed shoulder pads for me to wear on her concert. Talk about outfit effort! LOL

Anyway, I still have a month or so to gather the riches I need to attend to the ball. (Isn't the idea of attending an expensive ball kinda fancy and exciting?)

Will I watch the concert? DEFINITELY YES!

What will I wear? WE'LL SEE.... :)


PAWS UP!!!!!

HAS THE FIGHT FOR GENDER EQUALITY GONE TOO FAR?

This has been the question running through my mind, after hearing the news about Jenna Talackova, a transgender candidate for Miss Universe Canada, pushing a legal battle on the edge against MUC and MUO (Miss Universe organization), on her being disqualified to compete on the said pageant.

Well, as of most recent news, Donald trump, owner of the MUO, has already said that she can compete on the said pageant "provided that she meets all legal gender recognition requirements of Canada, and the standards established by other international competitions".

However, having this statement from Trump, Ms. Talackova still is unconvinced and wants to have everything straight and simple, whether she will be allowed to compete or not.

Anyway, I just want to give my two-cents about the issue.

I admire Jenna's courage to stand up for her rights and for what she believes in. I respect her stand about equality and fight against gender discrimination  (which I would like to assume what she is fighting for and her purpose why she joined the pageant). However, I find a bit of a gray area on the ground of pushing gender equality---I seriously believe she is pushing it too hard, and maybe not even doing good for the good of everyone in the long run.

As you see, one of the RULES of the pageant is to only allow naturally born females to compete. Our society might be changing, but that doesn't really mean we also need to change the rules about everything. In this age that more and more the transgender population, or the gay community in general, is being accepted in the society, we cannot EXPECT nor FORCE all our beliefs and shove it down to everybody in the guise of fighting for equality.

I totally respect Jenna, but you cannot expect to change the world overnight. There are just rules we all need to follow, and these rules are not just there and created to discriminate nor restrict the freedom of people to choose their gender/sexuality and express it and show it to the world. But these rules are there to keep things in line and in their proper places.

And that's why there are gay pageants and beauty pageants for transgenders around. There is always the right venue for everything. Labeling or Categorizing as you may say it is, but we all need to know our place in this world.

I completely understand though, where she is coming from, and her battle may be a good start to the kind of equality and non-discriminating world she is aiming for. But let's face it, it will not happen in an instant.

She may be allowed to compete on the pageant, she may even win Miss Universe Canada and compete for Miss Universe. That's good for her, but that will only lead to a more challenging and bigger battle for her and for her purpose of joining the pageant.

I do think that the world is not yet ready for "women with history" to take over the world of "real women".

In a nutshell, Miss Universe (and any other beauty pageants) is a celebration of womanhood and femininity. And you don't just call someone a woman just because she (already) has a vagina. Womanhood is far more beyond anatomy. Let us respect that fact.

And to Jenna, I totally respect and accept you, you are beautiful, but it's Miss Gay Universe for you dear, not Miss Universe. You should also learn to respect and accept that.