Filipina Soul

When the reality show “Fear Factor” was shown in the US two years ago, it got me glued to the TV while contestants jumped between swerving trucks, ate crawling, slimy bugs and bulls’ testicles. It was all about conquering one’s worst fears.
Well now, Filipino viewers can see what fearless means for their fellow Pinoys in the new show “Pinoy Fear Factor: South America“. And between outcries of “kadiri! (gross!)”, “Kaya mo ba yan? (can you do that?!)”, we can swoon all we like at new host Ryan Agoncillo.
Ryan Agoncillo wanted the hosting job so bad he even auditioned for …read more

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There are now only six contenders for the title of Pinoy Idol!
After Penelope was eliminated this week, the six finalists are Warren Antig, Kid Camaya, Jayann Bautista, Gretchen Espina,Daryl Celis and Ram Chaves.
Here’s a teaser clip of this weekend’s Gala performance and elimination night:

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Write this on your planner now!
 
Philippine Blog Awards
When: September 21, 2008
Where: 1 Esplanade (website and directions)
If you’re a Filipino blogger, or read blogs written by Filipinos, you will not want to miss this event. PBA brings together the best Filipino bloggers for a night of fun and networking, while recognizing the best of Philippine blogs and bloggers.
Nominations are still being accepted, and will be until August 10, 2008. There will be three awards divisions, divided into 36 award categories. Follow the links below to go to the nomination forms:
Best Blog Division
Best Single Blog Post Division
The Special Awards

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The 2008 winner of “American Idol” David Cook is going to the Philippines!
It was a snippet of information, but because it came from the rocker’s mouth, it had to be true. David Cook was interviewed by ChumFM in Canada as part of his scheduled visit to Toronto, as part of the “American Idol” Tour.
Then, after 4 minutes of phone conversation … David reveals he will have a single show in the  Philippines! January 27, 2009! No details yet where it will be held, but mark your calendar now.
By that time, Pinoy Idol 2008 will wrap up and we …read more

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Here is something I picked up from one of my friends… Obviously this had traveled through the internet.
A man in Topeka , Kansas decided to write a book about churches around the world. He started by flying to San Francisco and started working east from there. Going to a very large church, he began taking photographs and making notes.He spotted a golden telephone on the vestibule wall and was intrigued with a sign, which read ‘Calls: $10,000 a minute’.
Seeking out the pastor he asked about the phone and the sign. The pastor answered that this golden phone is, in …read more

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Rick Astley is in Manila! The singer behind such 80s hits as “Never Gonna Give You Up”, and “Together Forever” will be performing at the Araneta Coliseum this weekend. The “Here and Now” concert, which will be at 8:00 p.m. on Friday, August 1, 2008, will be featuring his greatest hits.

TicketNet isn’t selling any more tickets online. I’m not sure if there are still any available, but if you want to go, you can call 911-5555 in Manila. Maybe you’ll be lucky and be able to get a ticket or two floating around.
I say lucky because reports have it …read more

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Our featured blog of the week is by someone whose name should be familiar to you: Jim Paredes.

As a third of the highly respected APO Hiking Society, Mr. Paredes has made his mark on the Philippine music industry. His blog, Writing on Air, has been in existence since October 2003, when most of us probably haven’t even heard of the word ‘blog’. Among his recent posts are his insights into what goes on behind the scenes of the Pinoy Dream Academy. Also not to be missed are these posts about good travel habits and how to stay ahead of your …read more

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Book lovers, this is for you! Don’t miss the 29th Manila International Book Fair next month. Here’s the where and when:
39th Manila International Book FairSeptember 12-16, 200810AM – 8PMSMX Convention CenterBay Area, Pasay City
Among the activities planned are meetings with established and up-and-coming authors, writing workshops, poetry reading and story-telling. There will be forums on books on various topics, including a special one on Philippine regional literature.
Find out more at Manila Book Fair.
Thanks to Gian for letting us know of this event!

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The Qantas 747 plane that made an emergency landing in Manila last Friday is being inspected to determine what caused the 9-foot hole on its fuselage.
Specialists from the Australian Transport Safety Bureau are on site to conduct an investigation. Officials from Boeing, including three engineers, and the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board are also helping in the probe.
So far this is what officials have been saying about the cause of the incident:
* It is not terrorism-related.
* Rust and/or metal fatigue may have been a factor.
* The role of oxygen canisters is being investigated. One canister that was located …read more

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We’re counting down the days to 8-8-08! We’re sure to keep an eye out for any and all news related to the Olympic Games at Beijing. One of the things we’ve learned lately is that Erik Santos will be performing at the event.
Erik was among an international group of performers chosen by the Chinese government. He has been working hard at rehearsing, and is also learning some Mandarin.

Reports say that he will be singing I Believe I can Fly sometime during the closing ceremonies of the Games. For a peek at his rendition of this song in a …read more

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