Showing posts with label singer. Show all posts
Showing posts with label singer. Show all posts
Lea Salonga helps raise P9.3 million for Filipino flood victims in Hawaii
In the last days that she assumed a role in Victor Hugo’s Les Miserables in New York City, I waited outside in a chilly evening to come close to Lea Salonga--- just to greet her and be thankful for the intense beauty of her performance. Among the lauding fans, I was there to shake her hands, watching her engage the crowd. I noticed the Broadway star was serenely polite --- her winsome smile was part of her persona which was endearing to her admirers.
In Hawaii, Philippine officials thanked the talented songstress for helping raise P9.3 million for the calamity victims--- 2,000 of them died as a result of the horrible floods brought by typhoons Ondoy and Peping. In her kind-heartedness, Lea gave a portion of the ticket sales in her sold-out November 10 concert in Blaisdell Arena. She joined the organizers in asking help for those who suffered the brunt of the wicked storms.
Such act of generosity should not remain unnoticed and must be commended. Along with volunteers and supporters the world-famous musical artist again brought an inspiring example to her kababayans. Thank you so much Lea Salonga! (Photo Credit: last.fm) =0=
===========================================================
Michael Jackson’s posthumous movie rakes in more than $200 million in 2 weeks.
In two weeks that Michael Jackson’s movie “This is it” hit the theatres, the King of Pop’s film grossed more than $200 million ----$61 million in North America and $140 million in other parts of the world.
"Moviegoers and film critics everywhere have truly embraced this celebration of Michael Jackson and his music," Jeff Blake, Chairman of Sony Pictures Worldwide Marketing and Distribution said.
Outside of North America, the film has performed best in Japan where it has earned $27.2 million, followed by Britain ($14.3 million), Germany ($12.1 million), France ($12.1 million) and Australia ($7.2 million).”----AFP/ Inquirer (11/13/09)
“This is it” is the first film after the popular singer died unexpectedly on July 25, 2009 at age 50 from drug overdose of prescription medicines. Enjoyed by fans, Michael's celebrated movie shows behind-the-scene footages of Michael’s rehearsals as he prepared for a comeback in sold-out marathon concerts in London. (Photo Credit: Reuters/ Sony Pictures) =0=
=============================================================
“This is it” ---Michael Jackson and his adoring fans
If only to prove that he is really the King of Pop, thousands of enthusiastic fans and admirers attended the initial presentation of “This is It,” raking in millions to make Michael Jackson right on top of the box office.
The documentary film was culled from about a hundred hours of footages during Jackson’s rehearsals for his comeback concert which was cut short by his untimely death due to drug overdose in June at the age of 50.
The movie was artistically put together by Kenny Ortega who brought life to the hours of behind-the-scene actions as Michael prepared his magical best for that sold-out performance that could have been shown (if not for the tragedy) in London O2 Arena in July this year.
“Thoughout the rehearsals in the movie, Jackson imagines how live audiences will be lured in or dazzled by some bit of unexpected wonder yet to come: an onstage bulldozer in "Earth Song," a 3-D effect in "Thriller" or the sight of Michael himself doing what he calls "sizzling" -- stopping the music just to wait for the audience's love to wash over him. “---Good Morning America (10/28/09, Downe, H; Connelly, C.)
By the looks of the public reaction to the film’s global introduction in Nokia Theater in Los Angeles last Tuesday (October 27, 2009,) the movie is easy to capture the hearts of adoring fans all over the world.
Breitbart.com reports the initial screening of “This is it” has so far captured $20.1 million worldwide----from audience that wanted to get an early view of the unusual film released after the pop singer’s death.
Celebrities like Will Smith, Jennifer Lopez, Mickey Rooney, Paula Abdul, Paris Hilton, Sugar Ray Leonard, Barry Gordy and others were among those who attended the premier, joining fans to celebrate the art and music of the legendary musical star. (Photo Credits: Netallica.yahoo co jp; Reuters/ Sony Pictures)=0=
============================================================
Mary Travers of Peter Paul Mary fame dies at 72
The highly successful Peter, Paul & Mary lost the only lady of the group Mary Travers who died of leukemia, an illness she suffered since 2004. The tall blonde singer who battled the disease with acceptance and bravery died on September 16, 2009 at the Danbury Hospital in Connecticut from complications of treatment. She received a bone marrow transplant.
“Travers and her fellow band mates, Peter Yarrow and Noel "Paul" Stookey, burst onto the American folk music scene in 1961 with an influential style punctuated by rich three-part harmonies and activist politics.”---AFP/; Inbquirer (09/17/09,)
Travers was the inspiring ballad singer and activist who sang with the group Peter and Paul and popularized songs like “If I had a Hammer,” “Lemon Tree," “Don’t Think Twice, It’s alright,” “Cruel War,” "Where Have All the Flowers Gone?." "Puff the Magic Dragon," and the hit song “Leaving on a Jet Plane”
Through her singing, in the 1960’s, Mary and her group were a significant voice in the civil rights and antiwar movement. In a rally-march in 1963 in Washington, they sang “Blowin’ in the Wind,” a song originally attributed to Bob Dylan. In pursuit of solo careers, the trio broke in the 1970’s, but teamed together later in concert tours which were interrupted when Mary got sick. (Photo Credit: www.grose.us) =0=
============================================================
Susan Boyle promotes her recording in the US
After Susan Boyle, the sensational runner-up in the Britain’s Got Talent offered her new album “I dreamed a dream,” the recording hit number one in the US Amazon pre-release chart in less than an hour. Her fans were eager to keep a version of the Les Miserables song among others that made her so popular.
Susan got extraordinary attention in Los Angeles, California when she arrived to sing The Rolling Stones' Wild Horses on American Idol. Mobbed by reporters and adoring fans, the 48 year-old singer had been propped-up with a radical make-over. She had been more confident and glamorous, a far cry from her days as a plain frumpy contestant before she rose to phenomenal fame. The new celebrity is expected to bring home a fortune of 5 million pounds in her first album, completely altering the direction of her future for the better. (Photo Credit: mysusanboylescrapbook) =0=
===========================================================
"A gift of giving, a gift of music "
All Baao residents and friends are enjoined to watch a musical pesentation entitled "A GIFT OF GIVING, A GIFT OF MUSIC (A Benefit Concert)which features
the University of Santo Tomas Singers ( www.theustsingers.blogspot.com ) on
October 24, 2009, Saturday at 7:30 PM Villa Gaite La Medalla, Baao, Camarines Sur
A benefit concert to raise funds for the St. Bartholomew the Apostle Parish Church's restoration project.
Contact:
Rev. Fr. Wilfred V. Almoneda
Parish Priest
St. Bartholomew the Apostle Parish
Baao, 4432 Camarines Sur
st.bartholomew09@yahoo.com
Tel. (054)2663193
================================================================
Michael Jackson touches the hearts of Filipinos
In these two faded photographs, Michael Jackson, the recently deceased phenomenal King of Pop, visited the Philippines in the '70s. In a noontime show "Student Canteen" hosted by Eddie Ilarde, Jackson and company woowed his audience with his electric presence and a song. The photos were sent to me in an egroup. (Photo Credit: Karan Mae Gutierrez) =0=
================================================================
Susan Boyle & her "wonderful time with fame"
After coming second in a nerve-wracking talent show in British TV, Susan Boyle, the Scottish songbird with frumpy looks appeared as a guest in “Today’s Show” with Meredith Vieira.
In an interview, the beaming Susan who became world famous for her impeccable voice complementing her “incongruous” persona said she was having a good time wrestling with her unexpected popularity.
"I don't want it to end. It’s just incredible. It's indescribable, really," she remarked during the interview.
Much improved with her facial make-over since she first sang in “Britain’s Got Talent,” and visibly propped up wearing a purple dress, the middle-aged lady who suffered learning disability, thinks she has adjusted well with the help of people who show her a way to tune her life from obscurity to fame. (Photo Credit: Newslicious) =0=
===============================================================
Cebu jailbirds dance in homage to Michael Jackson
As the tragic details of Michael Jackson’s life are revealed to the world, many of his admirers cope up with the his untimely demise in many ways. Immediately after learning the grim news, many fans converged outside the UCLA Medical Center to find out what happened. In Apollo Theatre at the Harlem section of New York, a crowd gathered to remember and pay tribute the fallen music giant.
Half way across the globe, in the Philippines, about 1,500 inmates of the Cebu Penitentiary staged “Thriller” the dance they performed before that caught the fancy of You Tube viewers throughout the world. Their performance was viewed by almost 25 million people after it was made available in the internet. Grieving for their idol, the prisoners of the maximum security jail last Saturday gave their all dancing to the tune of Michael Jackson’s hit songs.
“After being told of Jackson's death Thursday in Los Angeles, the 1,500 inmates at the Cebu Provincial Detention and Rehabilitation Center hit the exercise yard, practicing for nine hours Friday night – and into the wee hours of Saturday morning – for the show.
They took breaks only to eat or when it rained, said professional choreographer Gwendolyn Lador, hired by the prison to teach the inmates the dance.
"I felt sad because we lost our idol," said inmate Wenjiel Resane, who plays the role of Jackson's girlfriend in the video.”----GMANewsTV / AP (06/27/09, Cerojano, T)
As the world tries to cope and make sense with the passing of a legendary musical entertainer, the sordid details that lead to his early death are starting to surface.
The controversial singer of incredible talent and fame who was adored and at the same time reviled by the public has left three innocent children. His finances are in disarray with about $500 million in outstanding debt. The series of concerts in London that should have ignited his stressful come-back in the entertainment world in July this year is in limbo---in part, because it's a freak creation of reckless, greedy, and manipulative people that managed the star during his career.
Amidst talk of abuse of prescription medications, the result of the pop star’s autopsy has been put on hold pending test results. In anger and frustration, the bereaved family and fans demanded a second autopsy---something that won’t change the sad fact that the king of pop is dead. (Photo Credit: Markiiboi; AFP/ Yahoo.News/ Aljibe, T) =0=
===========================================================
Reactions to Michael Jackson’s Passing
“For so great a talent, his death is too soon. He has been taxed all his life. The guy of great fame has been under extreme pressure to keep an extraordinary life going. A wonderful human being that generations all over the world will remember.”---AFM, UP Ibalon-Bicol (06/26/09)
"I am so very sad and confused with every emotion possible. I am heartbroken for his children, who I know were everything to him, and for his family. This is such a massive loss on so many levels. Words fail me."---Lisa Marie Presley, ex-wife of Michael Jackson. http://www.mtv.com (06/26/09, Vena, J)
"It's horrible news, so unexpected. The world has lost an icon and music has lost treasures. He wrote songs that generations of yesterday, today and tomorrow will all keep on singing. What he wrote was amazing."---Sophia Loren, Italian Actress. AP (06/26/09, Katz, J.)
"A friend of Michael's for the last 35 years, I call on people around the world to pray for him and his family in the hour. I have known Michael since we were both teens, worked with him, marched for him, hosted him at our House of Justice headquarters in New York, and we joined together to eulogize our mutual idol, James Brown. I have known him at his high moments and his low moments and I know he would want us to pray for his family."---Rev. Al Sharpton, http://www.wcbstv.com/ (06/26/09, Dow J.)
"It's so sad and shocking…I feel privileged to have hung out and worked with Michael. He was a massively talented boy man with a gentle soul. His music will be remembered forever and my memories of our time together will be happy ones." ---Sir Paul McCartney, Former Beatles. Telegraph,co.uk (06/26/09, Swain, J; Moore, M.)
“My son is 8 years old, and… he’s listening to this song, brand new, from him. Like, I’m rediscovering Michael Jackson again. It feels like when Kennedy died, when Elvis Presley died.”---Celine Dion, recording artist. New York Times (06/26/09, Paredes, J; Sisario, B; Stelter, B; Barnes, B.)
“I can’t stop crying over the sad news…I have always admired Michael Jackson. The world has lost one of the greats, but his music will live on forever! My heart goes out to his three children and other members of his family. God bless.”---Madonna, singer. US Post Today (06/26/09)
“I talked to him about it this morning. He said to me that obviously Michael Jackson was a spectacular performer and a music icon and I think everybody remembers hearing his songs and watching him moonwalk on television during Motown’s 25th anniversary. But the president also said aspects of his life were sad and tragic…His condolences went out to the Jackson family and to fans that mourned his loss.”---- White House Press Sec. Robert Gibbs about Pres. Barack Obama’s reaction. The Christian Science Monitor (06/26/09, Orr. J.)
"Everyone’s sad... Malaki talaga si Michael Jackson sa programa namin. Kung ‘di dahil sa kantang ‘Thriller’ ‘di magkakaroon ng global recognition ang mga inmates ng Cebu." ---Byron Garcia, provincial security consultant of the Cebu Provincial Detention and Rehabilitation Center (CPDRC) Philippines. GMANews.TV (06/27/09, Ubalde J. H.)
"My heart is overcome with sadness for the devastating loss of my true friend Michael."---Brooke Shields, actress. People (06/26/09, freeman, M.)
"Michael Jackson enriched our lives, made us happy. The accusations, the persecution caused him so much financial and mental anguish. He was vindicated in court, but the battle took his life. There is probably a lesson here for all of us."---Imelda Marcos, widow of Pres. Ferdinand Marcos. AP/ GMANews TV (06/26/09)
“We lost a great entertainer and a pop icon. My thoughts and prayers go out to Michael Jackson's family, friends and fans.”--- Arnold Schwarzenegger. California Governor. TMZ (06/25/09)
“Michael Jackson will be remembered, most likely, as a shattered icon, a pop genius who wound up a mutant of fame. That's not who I will remember, however. His mixture of mystery, isolation, indulgence, overwhelming global fame, and personal loneliness was intimately known to me. For twenty years I observed every aspect, and as easy as it was to love Michael -- and to want to protect him -- his sudden death yesterday seemed almost fated.” ---Deepak Chopra, author. The Huffington Post (06/26/09) (Photo Credits:AP/ Getty Images; AP/ Lefteris Pitarakis; AP/ Michael Mariant; AP/ Ibrahim Usta)
RELATED BLOG: "King of Pop Michael Jackson is dead" Posted by mesiamd at 6/26/2009
=============================================================
King of Pop Michael Jackson is dead
King of pop Michael Jackson, 50, suffered cardiac arrest this afternoon June 25, 2009. Rushed to UCLA Medical Center in California in deep coma, he died at 3:15 PM PT in spite of heroic application of emergency measures.
Paramedics responded to a 911 call from the Jackson home and went to assist Michael whose heart stopped and was not breathing. All resuscitative measures failed.
The popular celebrity with prodigious talent and monumental fame started out as a child star in a band called “The Jackson 5” in the ‘70s catapulting him to full stardom. He was slated to have a series of 50 shows this year, all sold-out, starting this month in England.
“Jackson had been due to start a series of comeback concerts in London on July 13 running until March 2010. The singer, whose hits include "Thriller" and "Billie Jean," had been rehearsing in the Los Angeles area for the past two months.”----OMG (06/25/09).
His grieving fans and supporters in California and elsewhere are starting to gather as the news of his untimely death is known. A man of contrasts, the pop star with a generous heart and astounding worldwide following left three children----Michael Joseph Jackson, Jr., Paris Michael Katherine Jackson, and Prince "Blanket" Michael Jackson II.
The cause of his death is yet to be determined. But there are persistent rumors that Michael's health has not been good. He has been under extreme pressure lately because of his upcoming stage performances. His death is confirmed by TMZ.com, LA Times, AP and Fox News. (Photo Credit: http://www.jacksonmichael.net) =0=
RELATED BLOG: "Michael Jackson's white sequined glove for sale" Posted by mesiamd at 12/15/2008; "April yard sale of Michael Jackson’s glitzy memorabilia in Beverly Hills faces lawsuit" Posted by mesiamd at 3/25/2009
============================================================
Susan Boyle returns to the stage
Susan Boyle, the 48 year-old phenomenal singer who came out second in the latest Britain Got Talent contest returned to sing on stage to the glee of her admiring fans. The shy, emotionally-fragile Scottish songstress who turned her fortune around by aspiring to be like the musicale theatre thespian Elaine Page was treated in a hospital for physical and emotional exhaustion after the contest ended.
According to her publicist, Boyle will join the world concert tour of contest winners in spite of the pressure she endures for her unexpected fame. In a performance last Monday, June 15, 2009, Ms. Boyle sang and received a rousing applause--- a standing ovation from a huge audience of admirers.
Fans from all over the world had been waiting for the release of her album which could come 6 months from now. A You Tube video showed her sang as an underdog which qualified her for the finals--- an astounding internet viewership to hear her soaring voice and fan adulation ensued, exceeding 100 million hits in less than two months.
RELATED BLOG: "With more than 47.7 million viewers, what’s up for new singing star Susan Boyle?" Posted by mesiamd at 4/20/2009; "Susan Boyle comes in second in the Britain Got Talent competition" Posted by mesiamd at 5/31/2009
===============================================================
Susan Boyle comes in second in the Britain Got Talent competition
After weeks of exhausting public scrutiny, Susan Boyle, the singing phenomenon that was the favorite to win the finals of Britain Got Talent, came second to the dance group called Diversity. Third place was awarded to saxophone player Julian Smith.
Boyle’s better rendition of Les Miserables’ I dreamed a dream did not give her enough points to win the talent contest, but nonetheless, it was received with rousing appreciation from the judges and the audience alike. Her “debut” as a singer brought 100 million hits in You Tube prompting music promoter and contest judge Simon Cowell to say: “Its the biggest phenomenon I’ve ever seen out of any of my shows.”
Soon after her Saturday performance, Boyle received a glowing endorsement from Judge Piers Morgan who said it was the "greatest performance I've seen on the history of Britain's Got Talent.” Amanda Holden, the other judge was impressed by her powerful voice.
The 48 year-old Scottish songbird with an angelic voice who lives alone with her cat in Blackburn, gamely accepted her defeat acceding that the best people win. Wearing a dark blue sequined long gown during the finals, she expressed her thanks to the people who supported her.
Having gone through a lot during the competition, including the news that she almost withdrew from the finals because of pressure, Boyle’s meteoric international fame is likely to open new opportunities to the celebrated singer. Among them, an album is what her fans are eagerly expecting. (Photo Credit: Pascal Turcotte) =0=
UPDATE: Susan Boyle was taken to a hospital Sunday, May 31, 2009, to recover from emotional and physical exhaustion brought about by her instant fame. Upon the advise of her private physician, Boyle voluntarily went to the hospital after she lost to a dance group during the finals of Britain Got Talent.
===========================================================
Susan Boyle moves ahead in her bid to win in Britain’s Got Talent contest
The 47 year-old singing sensation who wowed the audience of Britain’s Got Talent last month has qualified for the next round in the talent contest. Susan Boyle whose stunning performance brought 60 million viewers to watch her sing in You Tube will compete on Sunday in a field of 40 contestants---- her bid to win in the final contest on May 30, 2009.
Boyle drew attention when she sang Les Miserables’ “I dreamed a dream” which charmed the TV judges and viewers alike. The plump middle-aged lady with a salt and pepper hair caught the attention of the incredulous audience because of the disparity between her appearance and her angelic voice.
"The youngest of nine children, Boyle grew up in Blackburn, a community of 4,750 people 20 miles (32 kilometers) west of Edinburgh, in Scotland — a district blighted by unemployment and crime. Boyle had learning difficulties as a child and was bullied by other children. As an adult, she's struggled for work but had been a regular on her local karaoke circuit and performed in church choirs."---AP (05/23/09, Stringer D)
For the instant attention and phenomenal fame she received, Oprah Winfrey invited her to guest in her show. Boyle who enjoys global popularity had been a favorite to win the contest which is the counterpart of the American Idol in USA. (Photo Credit: Conceptmail.net) =0=
Boyle Advances to the Final Round
UPDATE: May 24, 2009---Susan Boyle once again electrified her fans with a spectacular rendition of "Memory." a song popularized in the musicale Cats. For her commanding performance she is chosen to move ahead to the finals among 8 contestants in the TV show "Britain Got Talent" on May 30. 2009.
===========================================================
With more than 47.7 million viewers, what’s up for new singing star Susan Boyle?
Most of those who saw Susan Boyle sang Les Miserables’ “I dreamed a dream” were mesmerized, They probably gave her a more rousing standing ovation than Lea Salonga when she sang the same song in the Great White Way. The judges in the Britain's Got Talent were unanimously enthralled by her unexpected stunning performance. Susan Boyle, the 47 year old aspiring British talent caused a world-wide stir for that singing. She displayed pure talent, rocking her watchers on their seats and earning her 47.7 million viewers as of Friday, April 17, 2009.
Almost everybody instantly loved the matronly Ms. Boyle who dreamed of being as successful as Elaine Paige, the popular singer and actress of musical theatre. Perhaps it was because she epitomized the regular lady in the block with little chance of being noticed in the competitive arena of entertainment.
In a discriminating world, she brought down the artificiality of the glittery musical world where performers are supposed to be young, of perfect voice, pretty face, and desirable figure. For a change, people liked to watch and hear plain Susan.
Yet, B. Saunders in her comment titled “How long will Susan Boyle’s dream last” which appeared in Sunday Star Times (sstlive.co.nz) argues that in order to have a great musical career, a fantastic voice like Susan’s isn’t enough and a certain glamour is needed. Saunders vented her pessimism further saying:
“Poor Susan's private life isn't ideal either. As a child she was bullied because oxygen deprivation at birth had affected her ability to learn. At 47, she is unemployed, has never been kissed, and was recently suffering from depression after her mother died. This is tragedy aplenty but it is not the sort of tragedy that anyone much wants to identify with. That wouldn't matter if Susan was super sexy - in fact it would be great because it would fulfill the tragi-glam requirements.
Susan does not have any sort of glamour factor at all though. What she does have is a huge amount of talent and an even bigger dollop of novelty value.”
It is too early to predict what is in store for Ms. Boyle. Actress Demi Moore is said to have shed tears seeing her sing. Oprah Winfrey has invited the new darling of song to appear in her show before the talent contest winner is known. An admiring fan has a website site set up for the newest UK singing sensation at: susan-boyle.com
According to Chris Matyszczyk (http://news.cnet.com), Visible Measures, a company which tracts online audiences said there are than 200 video clips of Susan Boyle’s contest performance including those which can be viewed in You Tube. She seemed to have garnered more attention than the Iraqi shoe thrower, Tina Fey as Sarah Palin, and President Barack Obama, during his presidential victory address. (Photo Credit: You Tube; AP/ Milligan, A) =0=
I Dreamed a Dream
(from the Broadway Musicale "Les Miserables")
There was a time when men were kind
When their voices were soft
And their words inviting
There was a time when love was blind
And the world was a song
And the song was exciting
There was a time
Then it all went wrong
I dreamed a dream in time gone by
When hope was high
And life worth living
I dreamed that love would never die
I dreamed that God would be forgiving
Then I was young and unafraid
And dreams were made and used and wasted
There was no ransom to be paid
No song unsung, no wine untasted
But the tigers come at night
With their voices soft as thunder
As they tear your hope apart
And they turn your dream to shame
He slept a summer by my side
He filled my days with endless wonder
He took my childhood in his stride
But he was gone when autumn came
And still I dream he'll come to me
That we will live the years together
But there are dreams that cannot be
And there are storms we cannot weather
I had a dream my life would be
So different from this hell I'm living
So different now from what it seemed
Now life has killed the dream I dreamed.
==========================================================
April yard sale of Michael Jackson’s glitzy memorabilia in Beverly Hills faces lawsuit
Controversy has been sparked by forthcoming auction of some 2,000 items of Michael Jackson’s interesting memorabilia from his once-glorious 2,800 acre fantasy estate, the Neverland. The sale pieces which have been exhibited in the Newbridge Silverware Museum in Ireland drew crowds of Jackson's curious fans and admirers.
Set in April in Beverly Hills in California, Darren Julien, president of the the Julien Auctions said it is moving ahead with the 4-day sale slated on April 22 to 25, 2009, in spite of demands from Jackson’s representatives and lawyers to postpone the sale because of “danger” posed on the auctioneers. The company handling the sale hopes it will prevail over in a lawsuit in which Jackson asserted he did not give permission to sell many of his personal belongings.
Included in the sale are Jackson’s personal items, decorative arts, and fascinating antiques which are estimated to raise $10 to $20 million---- cash that the legendary King of Pop badly needs at this time of financial difficulty. Five percent of the sale will be allotted to charity. (Photo Credit: LA Times/ AFP/ Getty Images x 2; European Pressphoto Agency)=0=
RELATED BLOG: "Michael Jackson's white sequined glove for sale" Posted by mesiamd at 12/15/2008
==========================================================
Rap artist Francis Magalona, 44, dies of leukemia complications
"The country has lost a modern-day artist, a nationalist in his own creative way. Francis M. used music and fashion to promote love of country among Filipino youth." ---Sen. Bong RevillaEntertainment world in the Philippines grieves the passing of popular rapper-composer Francis Magalona (1964-2009,) a 44-year old father of eight, of leukemia, in Medical City Hospital, Mandaluyong, Metromanila.
Following the disclosure of his illness last year, Magalona was treated with a series of chemotherapy which brought the cancer in remission. However, the ebullient husband of Pia Arroyo succumbed to severe infection---sepsis following a bout of pneumonia.
The celebrated singer was waiting for a bone marrow transplant before his death on Friday, March 6, 2009. His remains were brought to Christ the King Memorial Chapel at Green Meadows in Quezon City. (Photo Credit: fadedmilkyway)=0=
UPDATE: On March 11, 2009, Wednesday, Francis Magalona's remains were cremated.
=========================================================
A footnote from Madonna’s nude photo
If only to remind us that it’s the culture, value judgment, and sensibility of the 21st century that people are living, Madonna’s nude photo taken when the singer was just 20 years old trying to make ends meet, fetched for a record sell of $35,500. The astounding amount is enough to stave off hunger of more than 35,500 indigent families in the Third World for a day or feed greater than 1,167 poor families for one month.
The frontal shot was taken for a measly $25 in a 1979 photo session with the then obscure Madonna Louise Ciccone before she became the well-known Madonna, the celebrity of the musical world. The photo was bought by an unidentified European buyer at a price more than twice than originally expected in a New York auction on February 12, 2009. (Photo Credit: Tony Barton PD) =0=
============================================================
Michael Jackson's white sequined glove for sale
King of Pop Michael Jackson had known what economic downturn means early on. Before the money crunch of Wall Street hugged the news, Michael already met his own financial rut. Because of insolvency, Neverland, his fabled private 2,800-acre (1,100 hectares) amusement park in Los Olivos, California was a subject of foreclosure proceedings. Last month he had to settle out of court with a Bahraini prince on a lawsuit of a failed music deal. This is on top of a child molestation case he had ot endure a few years back.
The 50-year old reclusive music star is now about to tap cash from his personal effects. It was announced that the famous beaded white glove he used in the “Billie Jean” video will be put out for sale along with other items. To woo the highest bidder, the glittery glove and some 2,000 pieces of his memorabilia will be auctioned to realize cash, part of which will be used to support charities.
Jackson’s story continues to befuddle his fans. His life tells of a tragi-comic tale of a ride in a world that is often solicitous, but at times--- harsh and forbidding. Looking at the state of things, what is clear is money problem affects not only the poor but the super rich as well. (Photo Credit: www. Bongo News.com) =0=
==========================================================
Mga magandang himig ng pasko
I. Ang Pasko ay Sumapit
Ang pasko ay sumapit
Tayo ay mangagsiawit
Ng magagandang himig
Dahil sa ang Diyos ay pagibig.
Ng si Kristoy’y isilang
May tatlong haring nagsidalaw
At and bawat’t isa ay nagsipaghandog
Ng tanging alay.
Bagong taon ay mag-bagong buhay
Nang lumigaya ang ating bayan
Tayo’’y magsikap upang makamtan natin
Ang kasaganaan,
Tayo’y mangagsiawit
Habang ang mundo’y tahimik,
Ang araw ay sumapit
Ng sanggol na dulot ng langit..
Tayo ay mag mahalan;
Ating sundin and gintong aral
At magbuhat ngayon
Kahit hindi pasko ay magbigayan.
II. Kami’y NamamaskoSa may bahay an gaming bati:
Merry Christmas na maluwalhati.
Ang pag-ibig pag siyang naghari
Araw araw ay magiging paskong lagi.
Ang sanhi ng pagparito
Hihingi po ng agilnaldo.
Kung sakalit kami’y perhwisyo;
Pasensiya na kayo’t kami’y namamasko.
III. Pasko na Naman
Pasko na naman, o kay tulin ng araw;Paskong nagdaan tila ba kung kaylan lang.
Ngayon ay pakso tayo ay magbigayan;
Ngayon ay pasko tayo ay magmahalan.
Pasko, pasko, pasko na naming muli;
Tanging araw nating mpinakmimithi;
Pasko, pasko,pasko na naming muli,
Ang Pag-ibig ay naghahari.
IV. Pasko sa Nayon: Noche Buena
Kay sigla ng gabi ang lahat ay kay saya;
Nagluto ang ate ng manok na tinola;
Sa bahay tahanan may handing iba’t iba.
Tayo ng giliw magsalo na tayo;
Meron na tayong tinapay at keso;
Di ba notche Buena sa gabing ito
At bukas ay araw ng pasko?
Nagsabit ang parol sa bintana
May awitan habang ginagawa;
Ang pamasko nilang ihahanda
Ang bawa’t isa’y natutuwa.
(Photo Credits: Santa Barbara Catholic School; MKella55; Paula Brandao; Santa Barbara Catholic School)
==========================================================
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
