OPC Top Pinoy Songs of 2011

Yeng Constantino dominates with two songs in the Top 5, with her single "Wag Na" taking the #1 spot for 2011. She also closes out the Top 20 together with her Sesa bandmates. David DiMuzio, Maldita and BBS complete the upper quarter, while Gloc-9 and Sheng Belmonte also make multiple appearances on the Pinoy Year-end Chart.

OPC Top Pinoy Songs of 2011

1. Yeng Constantino, "Wag Na" [VIDEO]
   #1 PINOY SONG: Q1 2011, Overall Year-end Score (OYS): 68.2
2. David DiMuzio, "Naiisip Mo Ba" [VIDEO]
   #1 PINOY SONG: Q3 2011, OYS: 55.1
3. Maldita, "Porque" [VIDEO]
   #1 PINOY SONG: MARCH & APRIL 2011, OYS: 42.3
4. Yeng Constantino, "Siguro" [VIDEO]
   #1 PINOY SONG: JULY 2011, OYS: 37.9
5. BBS feat. Kean Cipriano & Jay Durias, "Pawiin"
   #1 PINOY SONG: AUGUST 2011, OYS: 34.7
6. Gloc-9 feat. Jaq Dionisio & Jomal Linao, "Elmer"
   #1 PINOY SONG: JUNE 2011, OYS: 31.3
7. BBS feat. Kean Cipriano, "Habang Buhay"
   #1 PINOY SONG: DECEMBER 2011, OYS: 27.1
8. Rivermaya feat. Julianne Tarroja, "Nowhere to Run" [VIDEO]
   #1 PINOY SONG: SEPTEMBER 2011, OYS: 27.0
9. Charlie Green with Rachelle Ann Go, "A Friend Like You"
   #2 PINOY SONG FOR 4 WEEKS, OYS: 26.4
10. Kyla, "How Deep Is Your Love" [VIDEO]
    #1 PINOY SONG: NOVEMBER 2011, OYS: 26.0
11. Sheng Belmonte, "Gigil"
    #2 PINOY SONG FOR 2 WEEKS, OYS: 24.1
12. Parokya ni Edgar feat. Gloc-9, "One Hit Combo" [VIDEO]
    #1 PINOY SONG: Q4 2011, Pinoy Year-end Score (PYS): 65.9
13. Juris, "Kahit Di Mo Sabihin"
    #1 PINOY SONG FOR 1 WEEK, PYS: 63.1
14. The Bloomfields, "Express Highway" [VIDEO]
    #1 PINOY SONG: Q2 2011, PYS: 61.4
15. Marlou Morales, "Dear Mother" [VIDEO]
    #1 PINOY SONG FOR 1 WEEK, PYS: 61.0
16. Sarah Geronimo, "Bakit Pa Ba"
    #1 PINOY SONG: OCTOBER 2011, PYS: 60.1
17. Bunny Malunda, "For Your Information" [VIDEO]
    #1 PINOY SONG FOR 1 WEEK, PYS: 59.2
18. Sabrina, "Saranghae"
    #2 PINOY SONG FOR 1 WEEK, PYS: 58.5
19. Gloc-9 feat. Sheng Belmonte, "Walang Natira" [VIDEO]
    #2 PINOY SONG: FEBRUARY 2011, PYS: 58.0
20. Sesa, "Umalab Ka" [VIDEO]
    #3 PINOY SONG: JUNE 2011, PYS: 57.9

OPC Quarterly Picks [Q4 2011]

One. Hit. Combo. One, because it's #1. Hit, because it had "hit" written all over it. And combo, since Parokya ni Edgar and Gloc-9 are definitely a deadly combo when they collaborate. That's why they take the top honors this quarter. "One Hit Combo" lands at #1 on the Pinoy chart for the 4th Quarter of 2011.

Overall Top 10
4th Quarter of 2011

1. Westlife - Lighthouse [VIDEO]
   
2. Jodi King - Happy [VIDEO]
3. Big Time Rush - Music Sounds Better With U (feat. Mann) [VIDEO]
4. We Are Leo - Live for Love [AUDIO]
5. Girls' Generation - The Boys [VIDEO]
6. One Direction - What Makes You Beautiful [VIDEO]
7. Beyoncé - Love on Top
8. Brokedown Cadillac - Can You Hear Me [VIDEO]
9. Avril Lavigne - Wish You Were Here [VIDEO]
10. Bruno Mars - It Will Rain

Pinoy Top 10
4th Quarter of 2011

1. Parokya ni Edgar - One Hit Combo (feat. Gloc-9)
2. Juris - Kahit Di Mo Sabihin
3. Anne Curtis - Tinamaan Ako
4. Rivermaya - Nowhere to Run (feat. Julianne Tarroja) [VIDEO]
5. Bamboo - Questions
6. Kyla - How Deep Is Your Love [VIDEO]
7. Sarah Geronimo - Bakit Pa Ba
8. Erik Santos - Sana Ikaw
9. BBS - Habang Buhay (feat. Kean Cipriano)
10. Ginoong Vitalis - Pilit

OPC Catch-Up Charts [December 2011]

Coming soon on this blog is OPC's Top Songs of 2011! But before that, let me present to you the last monthly and weekly charts of the year. Jodi King is "Happy" to sweep the entire month of December, but it's One Direction who ends up with two entries on the overall chart. On the spotlight is their second single, "Gotta Be You," followed by the monthly tally for December, and the weekly tally for December 25-31.

Overall Top 10

December 2011

1. Jodi King - Happy
2. Westlife - Lighthouse
3. Big Time Rush - Music Sounds Better With U (feat. Mann)
4. One Direction - Gotta Be You
5. Plumb - Drifting (feat. Dan Haseltine)
6. BBS - Habang Buhay (feat. Kean Cipriano)
7. Kelly Clarkson - I'll Be Home for Christmas
8. One Direction - What Makes You Beautiful
9. Kyla - How Deep Is Your Love
10. Stars Go Dim - Between Here and Now

Pinoy Top 10

December 2011

1. BBS - Habang Buhay (feat. Kean Cipriano)
2. Kyla - How Deep Is Your Love
3. Bamboo - Questions
4. Amber Davis - Light Years
5. Anne Curtis - Tinamaan Ako
6. Slapshock - Ngayon Na
7. Juris - Kahit Di Mo Sabihin
8. Parokya ni Edgar - One Hit Combo (feat. Gloc-9)
9. Erik Santos - Sana Ikaw
10. Ginoong Vitalis - Pilit

Tukuran Pasko sa Parke 2011

This Christmas season, the municipality of Tukuran, Zamboanga del Sur is holding its first-ever Pasko sa Parke. Check out this video as Marlou Morales takes us on a tour of the park situated right in front of the Tukuran Central Elementary School.

For more information regarding Tukuran's Pasko sa Parke, visit this page at the town's official website. Special thanks to Tukuran Mayor Atty. Francis Vic Villamero for gracing me with a brief interview regarding the activity.

New Year's Resolution

Reduce Speed: In Cebuano, pagpaniwang paspas!

Street sign seen in Tukuran, Zamboanga del Sur.

OPC Song Picks [2011.12.18]

The lady who gave us the hits "Real" and "Stranded" is back with a new song, and it debuts at #2! Here's the music video for Plumb's "Drifting" which features Jars of Clay's Dan Haseltine, followed by this week's Top 10 lists.

Overall Top 10
December 18-24, 2011

1. Jodi King - Happy
2. Plumb - Drifting (feat. Dan Haseltine)
3. One Direction - Gotta Be You
4. Westlife - Lighthouse
5. Big Time Rush - Music Sounds Better With U (feat. Mann)
6. Kelly Clarkson - I'll Be Home for Christmas
7. Amber Davis - Light Years
8. BBS - Habang Buhay (feat. Kean Cipriano)
9. One Direction - What Makes You Beautiful
10. Kyla - How Deep Is Your Love

Pinoy Top 10
December 18-24, 2011

1. Amber Davis - Light Years
2. BBS - Habang Buhay (feat. Kean Cipriano)
3. Kyla - How Deep Is Your Love
4. Slapshock - Ngayon Na
5. Bamboo - Questions
6. Anne Curtis - Tinamaan Ako
7. Juris - Kahit Di Mo Sabihin
8. Parokya ni Edgar - One Hit Combo (feat. Gloc-9)
9. Erik Santos - Sana Ikaw
10. Ginoong Vitalis - Pilit

OPC Song Picks [2011.12.11]

Amber Davis enters the Pinoy chart this week with "Light Years," which you can buy from her Facebook Shop. Check out its official music video as well as this week's (and last week's) lists that follow:

Overall Top 10
December 11-17, 2011

1. Jodi King - Happy
2. One Direction - Gotta Be You
3. Westlife - Lighthouse
4. Big Time Rush - Music Sounds Better With U (feat. Mann)
5. Kelly Clarkson - I'll Be Home for Christmas
6. BBS - Habang Buhay (feat. Kean Cipriano)
7. Kyla - How Deep Is Your Love
8. Stars Go Dim - Between Here and Now
9. One Direction - What Makes You Beautiful
10. Slapshock - Ngayon Na

Pinoy Top 10
December 11-17, 2011

1. BBS - Habang Buhay (feat. Kean Cipriano)
2. Kyla - How Deep Is Your Love
3. Slapshock - Ngayon Na
4. Bamboo - Questions
5. Juris - Kahit Di Mo Sabihin
6. Anne Curtis - Tinamaan Ako
7. Amber Davis - Light Years
8. Parokya ni Edgar - One Hit Combo (feat. Gloc-9)
9. Erik Santos - Sana Ikaw
10. Ginoong Vitalis - Pilit

Top 20 on the Wishlist

Each year, the company that I work for has a Manito-Manita (or exchanging of gifts) during the Christmas Party. Prior to this, names are drawn by lots so one would know who to give his or her gift to. We also have a bulletin board where we could post our wishlists on. This will serve as a guide for the gift-giver on what to give.

Being the chart enthusiast that I am, I decided to tally up the wishes found on each one's list. With this, I bring to you the Top 20 Items on the Alliance Wishlist!

Mona, Magbabayad Ka!

Eh, sino ba si Mona?! Do I get to ride for free if my name's not Mona?

Seen on a 12D jeepney.

OPC Monthly Tally [November 2011]

On the latest monthly tally: Kyla tops the Pinoy Top 10 (and is also the only Filipino in the Overall chart) with her version of "How Deep Is Your Love." Plus it was also her wedding month! So, congratulations for topping the chart and best wishes, Mrs. Alvarez!

Overall Top 10
November 2011

1. One Direction - What Makes You Beautiful
2. Westlife - Lighthouse
3. Big Time Rush - Music Sounds Better With U (feat. Mann)
4. Girls' Generation - The Boys
5. Jodi King - Happy
6. Beyoncé - Love on Top
7. David Guetta - Without You (feat. Usher)
8. Kyla - How Deep Is Your Love
9. We Are Leo - Live for Love
10. Simple Plan - Astronaut

Pinoy Top 10
November 2011

1. Kyla - How Deep Is Your Love
2. Anne Curtis - Tinamaan Ako
3. Juris - Kahit Di Mo Sabihin
4. Parokya ni Edgar - One Hit Combo (feat. Gloc-9)
5. Bamboo - Questions
6. Erik Santos - Sana Ikaw
7. Ginoong Vitalis - Pilit
8. Rivermaya - Nowhere to Run (feat. Julianne Tarroja)
9. Sarah Geronimo - Bakit Pa Ba
10. BBS - Habang Buhay (feat. Kean Cipriano)

Pirated nga CD

PIRATED NGA C.D.
Cebuano parody of "Love You Like a Love Song"
by Selena Gomez and the Scene
New lyrics by JP Cabrales
Download

Di gyud mahuman
Di gyud maabot sa kinatapusan
Sigeg balik uno, makaboang
Mas maayo pa nga mohilom ka, o palihug lang
Di na gyud mada, imong istorya tuyuk-tuyok ra
Naghinaot nga moundang ka na
Pagpalayo diri
Akong u galabad na ni

Mo-mora kag pirated nga CD
Mo-mora kag pirated nga CD
Mo-mora kag pirated nga CD
Nagsige ra kag repi-pi-pi-pi-pi-peat
Mo-mora kag pirated nga CD
Mo-mora kag pirated nga CD
Mo-mora kag pirated nga CD
Nagsige ra kag repi-pi-pi-pi-pi-peat

Gitabunan na
Ang akoang dunggan gisampungan na
Pero mabatian ra gihapon ka
Kay pwerte ra gyud kakusog
Dako kaayo imong tingog
Alingugngog
Basta naa ka, di ko katulog
Ikaw tabian, sabaan, langasan
Imong baba angay istipleran

Mo-mora kag pirated nga CD
Mo-mora kag pirated nga CD
Mo-mora kag pirated nga CD
Nagsige ra kag repi-pi-pi-pi-pi-peat
Mo-mora kag pirated nga CD
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Gipirata ka nga CD

20111130

SoundSessions Top Picks [November 2005]

It's once again time to take you back six years ago for the November 2005 chartography of the SoundSessions Top Picks, a chart that was based on my and my friends' preferences. Hale gained greatest, zooming in from #18 to #4 with this track called "Kahit Pa." Here's the song's official music video, followed by the month's Top 20 list:

SoundSessions Top Picks
November 2005

1. Orange and Lemons - Pinoy Ako [2ND MONTH AT #1]
2. Bonnie Bailey - Ever After (Eric's Beach Mix) [NON-MOVER]
3. Sponge Cola - Gemini [NON-MOVER]
4. Hale - Kahit Pa [PREVIOUSLY AT #18]
5. Cueshe - Sorry
6. Green Day - Wake Me Up When September Ends [PREVIOUSLY AT #14]
7. Yasmien Kurdi - I Know [PREVIOUSLY AT #8]
8. Kyla - Till They Take My Heart Away [PREVIOUSLY AT #6]
9. Crazy Frog - Axel F [PREVIOUSLY AT #7]
10. Nickelback - Photograph
11. Pussycat Dolls feat. Busta Rhymes - Don't Cha
12. James Blunt - You're Beautiful [PREVIOUSLY AT #4]
13. The Black Eyed Peas - Don't Lie [PREVIOUSLY AT #10]
14. Jimmy Bondoc - I Believe
15. Jasmine Trias - Lose Control
16. Sugababes - Push the Button
17. Michael Cruz - Crazy For You [PREVIOUSLY AT #5]
18. Rihanna - Pon de Replay
19. Mr. Vegas - Heads High
20. Daddy Yankee - Gasolina

I'd also like to congratulate Chelx for guessing the #1 song correctly; she's the winner of this blog's P100 Load on My 100th Post giveaway! Good job, Ms. Happy Young Mother! I'll be sending you a message on Facebook for details on how to claim your prize.

Chart list originally published on November 8, 2005 at The Talkthrough with Johnny Talker.

OPC Song Picks [2011.11.27]

Big Time Rush is now on its third week inside the Top 3! Here they are with "Music Sounds Better With U" featuring Mann, followed by this week's Overall and Pinoy Top 10 lists.

Overall Top 10
November 27-December 3, 2011

1. Jodi King - Happy
2. Westlife - Lighthouse
3. Big Time Rush - Music Sounds Better With U (feat. Mann)
4. One Direction - What Makes You Beautiful
5. BBS - Habang Buhay (feat. Kean Cipriano)
6. Kyla - How Deep Is Your Love
7. Stars Go Dim - Between Here and Now
8. Bamboo - Questions
9. Girls' Generation - The Boys
10. David Guetta - Without You (feat. Usher)

Overall Top 10
November 27-December 3, 2011

1. BBS - Habang Buhay (feat. Kean Cipriano)
2. Kyla - How Deep Is Your Love
3. Bamboo - Questions
4. Anne Curtis - Tinamaan Ako
5. Juris - Kahit Di Mo Sabihin
6. Parokya ni Edgar - One Hit Combo (feat. Gloc-9)
7. Erik Santos - Sana Ikaw
8. Ginoong Vitalis - Pilit
9. Sarah Geronimo - Bakit Pa Ba
10. Rivermaya - Nowhere to Run (feat. Julianne Tarroja)

Beach Rally

A few months ago, I blogged about Snake Xenzia. This time, I’m featuring another game on the Nokia X1-01, Beach Rally. It is a race-type game that actually reminds me of Road Fighter from the Nintendo Entertainment System (actually, I knew it as the Family Computer when I was a kid). You control a red sports car and try to go as far as possible.

Along the way, you’ll be able to pick up some power ups in the form of lightnings which boost your car’s speed for a short period of time, and flags which add five seconds to the game clock.

There are other cars in the course, but I consider these as just obstacles since the game is not really about getting to the finish line ahead and being ahead in the ranking. So you plainly have to overtake them and no longer worry about them catching up with you.

When you get to a checkpoint, more time will be added to your clock and the game goes on. But once you run out of time, then it’s game over for you! Your final score will then be assessed, with your final total multiplied depending on the level you have chosen (Easy is times one, Medium is times 1.5, and Hard times two).

The farthest I’ve gone: 4 checkpoints and a final score of 7926 on the hard level. Now I gotta play some more and master this game. If I do, I might just see “Superman” flying by. Just like Road Fighter, right?

OPC Song Picks [2011.11.20]

While Kyla debuts at #1 on the Pinoy category with her version of "How Deep Is Your Love," a new King (who is actually a queen) reigns on the Overall chart this week! And she's definitely "Happy" about it! Watch Jodi King's official music video for the latest single off her album Little Smile, then head on to her official website and sign up on the mailing list to get a copy of her song "Breathing In/Breathing Out" for free!

Overall Top 10
November 20-26, 2011

1. Jodi King - Happy
2. Westlife - Lighthouse
3. Big Time Rush - Music Sounds Better With U (feat. Mann)
4. One Direction - What Makes You Beautiful
5. Kyla - How Deep Is Your Love
6. Bamboo - Questions
7. Girls' Generation - The Boys
8. Beyoncé - Love on Top
9. David Guetta - Without You (feat. Usher)
10. We Are Leo - Live for Love

Pinoy Top 10
November 20-26, 2011

1. Kyla - How Deep Is Your Love
2. Bamboo - Questions
3. Anne Curtis - Tinamaan Ako
4. Juris - Kahit Di Mo Sabihin
5. Parokya ni Edgar - One Hit Combo (feat. Gloc-9)
6. Erik Santos - Sana Ikaw
7. Ginoong Vitalis - Pilit
8. Sarah Geronimo - Bakit Pa Ba
9. Rivermaya - Nowhere to Run (feat. Julianne Tarroja)
10. Maria Aragon - Born This Way

P100 Load on My 100th Post

Since it's my 100th post here on OPC, it's contest time! Up for grabs: P100 worth of cellphone load! I know it's not a lot, but it could still definitely help on your daily or weekly prepaid load budget. Just answer the question:

What was the #1 song on the SoundSessions Top Picks
six years ago (November 2005)?

Mechanics

1. Post your answer as a tweet on Twitter or as a status update on Facebook or Google+ in the following format:

   My answer: <title of the song>. Check out the question and have a chance to win P100 load at One Pebble Cab! http://bit.ly/OPC100

2. Make sure your answer is publicly visible.
3. Post the link (URL) to your answer as a comment to this blog entry.
   Note: You will be required to use your Google Account when you post a comment. Do not include your cellphone number.
4. Only one answer per person is allowed.

If you got the correct answer, then you're on your way to win! If nobody gets the correct answer, then I'll just have to raffle off a couple of minor load prizes. You have until November 28, 2011, Monday to qualify for this giveaway.

Getting it right maybe initially difficult, but once you've figured it out, you'll probably even say it's easy. So better do some digging and make some intelligent guessing because the P100 load is just waiting to be yours! 

Winner will be contacted on how the load shall be credited. Contest is available only to prepaid subscribers of Smart, Talk n' Text, Red Mobile, Globe, Touch Mobile and Sun Cellular. OPC reserves the right to modify mechanics as deemed necessary. In case of any inconsistencies, the decision of the blog author shall be considered final.

Baguio Been

Trip. The Victory Liner bus left the Cubao station on time, but it was only out of EDSA after about an hour. Traffic: very uncool. But what's cool is the bus had free wi-fi service, courtesy of Sun Broadband. I was able to test it out during one of the stop overs, and the verdict: Connection is good and the speed is fast enough. We finally reached Baguio at around 1:30am, or after seven and a half hours of being on the road.

Taxi. The taxis in Baguio don't have air conditioners, as these are very unnecessary. That makes the ride cheaper: flagdown is only at P35.00 with P2.00 increments. We took one to get to where we stayed for the night. We finally were able to doze off and rest at around 2:00am.

Been. After some setback, we were finally able to explore Baguio in the afternoon. It was still drizzling a bit, but the sky thankfully lit up soon after. With only limited hours in our hands, we were able to go to Burnham Park (where I learned that I suck at rowing), Mines View Park, the Mansion House, and Wright Park, as well as a quick stop at the front of the Baguio Botanical Garden. We then ended up at SM City Baguio, before we headed back to base. After a good night's sleep and a good breakfast, we headed early to the Victory Liner terminal for our 9:40am return trip to Manila.

OPC Song Picks [2011.11.13]

This week on the OPC Song Picks: MercyMe's "The Generous Mr. Lovewell" is still hanging around (it pays to be generous, doesn't it?), Bamboo has "Questions" on the OPM chart, and boybands take over on the top 3 of the Overall tally. Big Time Rush debuts at #2 with "Music Sounds Better With U" but it's Westlife taking the top honors with their new song called "Lighthouse." Here's its official music video, followed by this blog's latest Top 10 lists:

Overall Top 10
November 13-19, 2011

1. Westlife - Lighthouse
2. Big Time Rush - Music Sounds Better With U (feat. Mann)
3. One Direction - What Makes You Beautiful
4. Girls' Generation - The Boys
5. Beyoncé - Love on Top
6. David Guetta - Without You (feat. Usher)
7. We Are Leo - Live for Love
8. Simple Plan - Astronaut
9. Enrique Iglesias - I Like How It Feels (feat. Pitbull & The WAV.s)
10. MercyMe - The Generous Mr. Lovewell

Pinoy Top 10
November 13-19, 2011

1. Juris - Kahit Di Mo Sabihin
2. Anne Curtis - Tinamaan Ako
3. Bamboo - Questions
4. Parokya ni Edgar - One Hit Combo (feat. Gloc-9)
5. Erik Santos - Sana Ikaw
6. Rivermaya - Nowhere to Run (feat. Julianne Tarroja)
7. Ginoong Vitalis - Pilit
8. Sarah Geronimo - Bakit Pa Ba
9. Maria Aragon - Born This Way
10. Yeng Constantino - Paniwalaan Mo

Chokepoint

So one thing I learned on our trip to Baguio was that aside from checkpoints,

there are also what we call chokepoints. We passed this one on our way back

to Manila; I'm just unable to determine the exact place where it's located.

OPC Song Picks [2011.11.06]

This week on the OPC Song Picks: MercyMe survives the onslaught of four new entries, Anne Curtis hits #1 on the Pinoy chart, and One Direction takes the right direction to land at the top of the Overall chart. Here's the British-Irish boyband from The X Factor with the music video for their debut single "What Makes You Beautiful," followed by this blog's latest Top 10 lists.

Overall Top 10
November 6-12, 2011

1. One Direction - What Makes You Beautiful
2. Girls' Generation - The Boys
3. Beyoncé - Love on Top
4. David Guetta - Without You (feat. Usher)
5. Simple Plan - Astronaut
6. We Are Leo - Live for Love
7. Brokedown Cadillac - Can You Hear Me
8. Blush - Undivided (feat. Snoop Dogg)
9. Enrique Iglesias - I Like How It Feels (feat. Pitbull & The WAV.s)
10. MercyMe - The Generous Mr. Lovewell

Pinoy Top 10
November 6-12, 2011

1. Anne Curtis - Tinamaan Ako
2. Juris - Kahit Di Mo Sabihin
3. Parokya ni Edgar - One Hit Combo (feat. Gloc-9)
4. Erik Santos - Sana Ikaw
5. Ginoong Vitalis - Pilit
6. Rivermaya - Nowhere to Run (feat. Julianne Tarroja)
7. Sarah Geronimo - Bakit Pa Ba
8. Maria Aragon - Born This Way
9. Yeng Constantino - Paniwalaan Mo
10. Erik Santos - Kulang Ako Kung Wala Ka

Touchdown Manila!

Airplane. On the plane, I initially enjoyed looking at the window, seeing the city lights. But as we moved farther away from Cebu, all I could see was the dark night sky. So I decided to take out the book lent by Godsend Debbie and read some Freaky Fact or Fiction: World Records. I also actually kind-of anticipated for an in-flight game, but as I found out, not all flights have one.

Airport. At NAIA, while waiting for mom who was on a later flight. I decided to see if they got free wi-fi services. Well, there were two public networks I could connect to, but none could provide internet access. I wonder why that is. Once mom arrived, we stepped outside only to confirm that the immediate exit to the terminal only had fixed rate and yellow cab taxis. Since Mom was rather in a hurry (and hungry), she opted to just take the more expensive yellow taxi to get to our next destination. To find out how to get a regular white taxi, check out this post.

V. Luna. The V. Luna General Hospital is quite relaxed and peaceful, unlike most hospitals. Maybe because it's exclusive for military personnel and their families. We went there to see my uncle (who is confined, but now fine enough and on his way to recovery) and aunt. We had breakfast at the hospital's canteen before going up to my uncle's ward. Where I could say that some hospitals may give you a feel that you'll get sicker staying there, this really is a place where one could recuperate. I was even able to take a comfortable short nap on a reclining chair (not sure how it is called).

Bus Terminal. We went to the Victory Liner bus terminal in Cubao after lunch. There was a long queue! (It doesn't help that we are lining up along with fellow passengers who will be going home to their provinces for Undas.) After more than an hour, we were finally able to secure 6pm bus tickets for Baguio. Since we had time to kill, we spent it at SM Cubao, before heading back to the bus terminal at around 5pm.

OPC Monthly Tally [October 2011]

After topping the weekly chart twice in October (thrice including the previous month), Christian electro-pop rock band We Are Leo tops this blog's latest monthly top picks. Listen to "Live for Love" below, then say Hello to the quartet by liking them on Facebook!

Overall Top 10
October 2011

1. We Are Leo - Live for Love
2. Avril Lavigne - Wish You Were Here
3. Bruno Mars - It Will Rain
4. Brokedown Cadillac - Can You Hear Me
5. Girls' Generation - The Boys
6. Kelly Clarkson - Mr. Know It All
7. Beyoncé - Love on Top
8. MercyMe - The Generous Mr. Lovewell
9. Jennifer Lopez - Papi
10. Blush - Undivided (feat. Snoop Dogg)

Pinoy Top 10
October 2011

1. Sarah Geronimo - Bakit Pa Ba
2. Parokya ni Edgar - One Hit Combo (feat. Gloc-9)
3. Rivermaya - Nowhere to Run (feat. Julianne Tarroja)
4. Yeng Constantino - Paniwalaan Mo
5. Maria Aragon - Born This Way
6. Juris - Kahit Di Mo Sabihin
7. Rachelle Ann Go - Masasabi Mo Ba
8. Erik Santos - Sana Ikaw
9. Ginoong Vitalis - Pilit
10. BBS - Pawiin (feat. Kean Cipriano & Jay Durias)

Dear Jollibee (Part 2)

Thank you for happily holding my water container for me.
(Here's Part 1 if you want to see it.)

OPC Song Picks [2011.10.30]

Looks like “The Generous Mr. Lovewell” is on its way out as he dips to #10 this week on this blog’s Overall Top 10. So before he exits, let me give the spotlight to him and MercyMe. Enjoy this video!

Overall Top 10
October 30-November 5, 2011

1. Girls' Generation - The Boys
2. Beyoncé - Love on Top
3. We Are Leo - Live for Love
4. Avril Lavigne - Wish You Were Here
5. Brokedown Cadillac - Can You Hear Me
6. Blush - Undivided (feat. Snoop Dogg)
7. Kelly Clarkson - Mr. Know It All
8. Bruno Mars - It Will Rain
9. The Fray - Heartbeat
10. MercyMe - The Generous Mr. Lovewell

Pinoy Top 10
October 30-November 5, 2011

1. Juris - Kahit Di Mo Sabihin
2. Parokya ni Edgar - One Hit Combo (feat. Gloc-9)
3. Erik Santos - Sana Ikaw
4. Ginoong Vitalis - Pilit
5. Sarah Geronimo - Bakit Pa Ba
6. Rivermaya - Nowhere to Run (feat. Julianne Tarroja)
7. Maria Aragon - Born This Way
8. Yeng Constantino - Paniwalaan Mo
9. Erik Santos - Kulang Ako Kung Wala Ka
10. Rachelle Ann Go - Masasabi Mo Ba

It's Time to Begin, So Count It In!

 My boot-scootin' baby is drivin' me crazy...

Taxi and Jeepney

Journal 002. If Bachelor Girl has a song titled "Buses and Trains," I have a blog entry titled "Taxi and Jeepney." Hehe.

Taxi. Just when I thought I could be early to work last Tuesday, stomach trouble strikes. Then the jeepneys were few and all full, forcing me to take a taxi. Instantly gone was my P100 (and I forgot to ask for a receipt), but at least I've learned that it's only 4.3 kilometers from home to the office. I could pay the minimum fare on the jeep then next time!

Jeepney. My two cents: (1) Ayaw kuhita ang driver kung motunol ka og plete. Use your mouth (but don't shout) to let him know. Your pagpanguhit might startle him and cause an unnecessary vehicular accident. Also don't give any fare to the driver when he is maneuvering a turn; it might distract him and make him lose his concentration. Road safety should always be a priority. (2) I believe it's our responsibility as commuters to bring enough coins and/or small bills with us especially in the morning. As we often read: "Sinsilyo lang sa buntag." Just saw a father and son walk off the jeep without paying their fare after the driver refused to accept their P100 bill, as he didn't have change for it yet. If that's your technique to get a free ride, well I say that's an ugly thing to do. As for drivers and conductors, I just request you to please give us the correct change (as well as honor discounts for students and senior citizens). After all, it's also been said: "Ang tamang magsukli, maraming suki."

Dear Jollibee

Si Ronald ba ang may gawa niyan?!

Pebble Talk: Pilot Edition

Journal 001. Dear Mark and Courtney, I've read from Kresia's blog about her wishing that more of her friends post more about what's going in their lives. Well, here's one from me. Sort of.

Rise and Shine. Woke up today with bright daylight, I really thought it was already late and I overslept. Yet, it was still 6:15am, good enough time to get up out of bed. (I usually wake up between 6:00 and 6:30 in the morning, with my cellphone alarm set at 6 o' clock, plus up to a couple of snoozes.) And it was raining! I thought it was a gonna be a difficult commute to the office but thankfully, the rain stopped as I was preparing for work.

Cold. Our workplace's temperature is too low. I urinate too many times. Plus today, my newly cut short hair also somehow contributed to a headache caused by the two aircons blowing its cold air directly on my head (one in front, one at the back). You know, less hair, less protection. But a new pwesto away from the ice-breathers would also most likely help. Now here's hoping my headache would be gone when I wake up tomorrow.

Long Queue. After Saturday's grand opening of the Krispy Kreme stores in Cebu (Ayala Center and IT Park), the lines are still long when me and Godsend Debbie checked it out tonight. So we just decided to postpone our first Krispy Kreme purchase until either we have time to endure the queue, or if the queue ain't too long anymore. But it's gotta be sometime this week! The earlier, the better.

Pendragon. My opening sentence (mentioning Mark and Courtney) is a reference to Pendragon, a ten-volume book series I really recommend. Its author, DJ MacHale, also has a current trilogy called Morpheus Road. Which reminds me, I gotta read Book 2 real soon!

20111024

TV and Software

Ako na Lang. Ruling the MYX Daily Top 10 today is Zia Quizon's "Ako na Lang." At Chart Central PH, there are comments doubting MYX's credibility and accusing it of bias, likely because of its unlikely #1. But I say the song is such a welcome entry, and it's deserving enough to be on top. The track is fresh and original. The first time I saw Zia's video, my first reaction was: "Woah, that face has that voice?!" But it's cool, her voice is good, as well as the song. She could just make it successfully even without associating her with her famous parents.

Top 14. The presentation of tonight's MYX Mobile Top Picks was certainly messy. After the Bottom 4 videos were shown, Anne Curtis's "Sukob Na" was introduced as the #10 entry, but the number on the upper left indicated #7 (or was it #6?). Things got realigned by #4, but it all got crystal clear during the recap; surprisingly we got a Top 14 this week instead of the usual Top 10. Oh-kay!

Buggy. The Notepad application on Windows XP (version 5.1) is buggy. I'm reminded of it while I'm composing this journal entry. I won't go into much detail about it, but it has something to do with word wrapping. You've probably already experienced it too. So Microsoft never bothered to provide a fix for this, huh? Or maybe this would be their advice: upgrade now to Notepad 6.1 on Windows 7! Edit: The same bug still exists on Windows 7. Well, there's always Textpad or Notepad++.

No More Popups. Avira has just released a new version of their anti-virus software. Previously, their free version features a prominent pop-up every time it downloads program component and virus definition updates (once a day). But not anymore, the pop-ups are all gone! And that's certainly good news. So upgrade your computer's umbrella now, because superior protection just got more awesome.

OPC Song Picks [2011.10.23]

Two new number ones debut on the OPC Song Picks this week: The Power of 9 rules the overall chart with "The Boys," while Juris tops the Pinoy tally with "Kahit Di Mo Sabihin" (yup, I'm quite a late-bloomer in including this good OPM song on the list). We also have new entries from Beyoncé, Erik Santos and Ginoong Vitalis.

Here's Girls' Generation with the music video for the Korean version of "The Boys" (I would have embedded the English version but its official Youtube upload by SM Town has not been made available in the Philippines):

Overall Top 10
October 23-29, 2011

1. Girls' Generation - The Boys
2. Beyoncé - Love on Top
3. We Are Leo - Live for Love
4. Brokedown Cadillac - Can You Hear Me
5. Avril Lavigne - Wish You Were Here
6. MercyMe - The Generous Mr. Lovewell
7. Bruno Mars - It Will Rain
8. Blush - Undivided (feat. Snoop Dogg)
9. Kelly Clarkson - Mr. Know It All
10. Marié Digby - Your Love

Pinoy Top 10
October 23-29, 2011

1. Juris - Kahit Di Mo Sabihin
2. Parokya ni Edgar - One Hit Combo (feat. Gloc-9)
3. Erik Santos - Sana Ikaw
4. Ginoong Vitalis - Pilit
5. Sarah Geronimo - Bakit Pa Ba
6. Rivermaya - Nowhere to Run (feat. Julianne Tarroja)
7. Maria Aragon - Born This Way
8. Yeng Constantino - Paniwalaan Mo
9. Erik Santos - Kulang Ako Kung Wala Ka
10. Rachelle Ann Go - Masasabi Mo Ba

Jones Brothers Pizza

So is this pizza store owned by Nick, Kevin and Joe Jones?

SoundSessions Top Picks [October 2005]

Last month, I gave you the SoundSessions Top Picks for September 2005, so this month, I'm going to give you, yup, the top songs for October 2005! Again, this is a personal music chart based on my and my friends' preferences. Here were our picks, topped by the smoking hot Pinoy Big Brother theme:

Top Picks for October 2005
Period covered: September 1-30, 2005

1. Orange and Lemons - Pinoy Ako
2. Bonnie Bailey - Ever After (Eric's Beach Mix)
3. Sponge Cola - Gemini
4. James Blunt - You're Beautiful
5. Michael Cruz - Crazy for You [PREVIOUSLY AT #14]
6. Kyla - Till They Take My Heart Away [PREVIOUSLY AT #13]
7. Crazy Frog - Axel F
8. Yasmien Kurdi - I Know [PREVIOUSLY AT #11]
9. Nina - I Love You Goodbye
10. The Black Eyed Peas - Don't Lie
11. Janno Gibbs - Fallin' [PREVIOUSLY AT #8]
12. Hilary Duff - Wake Up
13. Britney Spears - Someday (I Will Understand)
14. Green Day - Wake Me Up When September Ends [PREVIOUSLY AT #10]
15. Cueshe - Stay
16. Lifehouse - You and Me [PREVIOUSLY AT #6]
17. Sean Paul - We Be Burnin'
18. Hale - Kahit Pa
19. The Ambassadors - Ulipon Sa Gugmang Giatay
20. Bamboo  - Hallelujah

This chart was originally published on October 1, 2005 at The Talkthrough with Johnny Talker.

Avenue Na, Street Pa!

Is it telling us that there is a street somewhere at the end of Mango Ave?

OPC Song Picks [2011.10.16]

Blush is a five-piece multinational girl band composed of Angeli (from the Philippines), Ji Hae (from South Korea), Alisha (from India), Victoria (from China) and Natsuko (from Japan). Here's the video for their single "Undivided" featuring Snoop Dogg, which debuts this week at #6:

Overall Top 10
October 16-22, 2011

1. We Are Leo - Live for Love
2. Bruno Mars - It Will Rain
3. Brokedown Cadillac - Can You Hear Me
4. Avril Lavigne - Wish You Were Here
5. MercyMe - The Generous Mr. Lovewell
6. Blush - Undivided (feat. Snoop Dogg)
7. Jennifer Lopez - Papi
8. Kelly Clarkson - Mr. Know It All
9. Chantelle Barry - You Should Be Here
10. Marié Digby - Your Love

Pinoy Top 10
October 16-22, 2011

1. Parokya ni Edgar - One Hit Combo (feat. Gloc-9)
2. Rivermaya - Nowhere to Run (feat. Julianne Tarroja)
3. Sarah Geronimo - Bakit Pa Ba
4. Maria Aragon - Born This Way
5. Yeng Constantino - Paniwalaan Mo
6. Rachelle Ann Go - Masasabi Mo Ba
7. Bunny Malunda - For Your Information
8. BBS - Pawiin (feat. Kean Cipriano & Jay Durias)
9. Giniling Festival - Hipon
10. David DiMuzio - Naiisip Mo Ba

Men at Work

Just what would it mean if the word "down" is omitted?

OPC Song Picks [2011.10.09]

Lots of fresh tracks this week on the OPC Song Picks! There are some new Pinoy goodies from Parokya ni Edgar and Gloc-9, Maria Aragon as well as Giniling Festival. MercyMe's "Move" has moved out but "The Generous Mr. Lovewell" has taken over. We also have a Christmas track from Chantelle Barry, but making a grand entrance this week is American country act Brokedown Cadillac. Their song "Can You Hear Me" debuts at #1!

Overall Top 10

October 9-15, 2011

1. Brokedown Cadillac - Can You Hear Me
2. We Are Leo - Live for Love
3. Bruno Mars - It Will Rain
4. Avril Lavigne - Wish You Were Here
5. Jennifer Lopez - Papi
6. MercyMe - The Generous Mr. Lovewell
7. Kelly Clarkson - Mr. Know It All
8. Chantelle Barry - You Should Be Here
9. Marié Digby - Your Love
10. Parokya ni Edgar - One Hit Combo (feat. Gloc-9)

Pinoy Top 10

October 9-15, 2011

1. Parokya ni Edgar - One Hit Combo (feat. Gloc-9)
2. Rivermaya - Nowhere to Run (feat. Julianne Tarroja)
3. Sarah Geronimo - Bakit Pa Ba
4. Maria Aragon - Born This Way
5. Yeng Constantino - Paniwalaan Mo
6. Rachelle Ann Go - Masasabi Mo Ba
7. BBS - Pawiin (feat. Kean Cipriano & Jay Durias)
8. Bunny Malunda - For Your Information
9. Giniling Festival - Hipon
10. David DiMuzio - Naiisip Mo Ba

OPC Song Picks [2011.10.02]

After the September and 3rd Quarter picks, we go back to the regular weekly top picks. We Are Leo stays on top as they continue to "Live for Love," while we have new entries from Bruno Mars, Jennifer Lopez and Rachelle Ann Go.

MercyMe's "Move" moves down to the bottom of the Overall Top 10, so before they finally move out, here's the band performing the song live and acoustic on K-LOVE Radio. As usual, the list follows after the video.

Overall Top 10

October 2-8, 2011

1. We Are Leo - Live for Love
2. Bruno Mars - It Will Rain
3. Avril Lavigne - Wish You Were Here
4. Jennifer Lopez - Papi
5. Marié Digby - Your Love
6. Kelly Clarkson - Mr. Know It All
7. Leona Lewis - Collide (with Avicii)
8. Sarah Geronimo - Bakit Pa Ba
9. Rivermaya - Nowhere to Run (feat. Julianne Tarroja)
10. MercyMe - Move

Pinoy Top 10

October 2-8, 2011

1. Sarah Geronimo - Bakit Pa Ba
2. Rivermaya - Nowhere to Run (feat. Julianne Tarroja)
3. Yeng Constantino - Paniwalaan Mo
4. Rachelle Ann Go - Masasabi Mo Ba
5. BBS - Pawiin (feat. Kean Cipriano & Jay Durias)
6. Bunny Malunda - For Your Information
7. David DiMuzio - Naiisip Mo Ba
8. Marlou Morales - Forever I Won't Forget You
9. Angeline Quinto - Kunin Mo na ang Lahat sa Akin
10. Yeng Constantino - Siguro

OPC Quarterly Picks [Q3 2011]

Time to recall what happened on this blog's song picks from July to September. Looking at the music videos that I include in each post, only Rebecca Black is in the Overall Top 10 for Quarter 3 that hasn't been featured previously. While others find her really annoying, I would go on the record to say that yeah, she doesn't have the best voice quality, but it's tolerable. With the right songs, she might just do okay in the music scene.

She actually reminds me of Lolly, of "Viva La Radio" fame who also did a cover of "Mickey" (though I'd prefer Lolly over Becky). Anyway, here's Miss Friday with "My Moment" which is #8 on the tally. The full list follows after the embedded video.

Overall Top 10
3rd Quarter of 2011

1. Stars Go Dim - Hesitate [VIDEO]
2. The Script - Science & Faith [VIDEO]
3. David DiMuzio - Naiisip Mo Ba [VIDEO]
   
4. Simple Plan - Jet Lag (feat. Natasha Bedingfield) [VIDEO]
5. Taylor Swift - Sparks Fly [VIDEO]
6. Lady Antebellum - We Owned the Night [VIDEO]
7. Avril Lavigne - Smile [VIDEO]
8. Rebecca Black - My Moment
9. Weird Al Yankovic - Perform This Way [VIDEO]
10. Yeng Constantino - Siguro [VIDEO]

Pinoy Top 10
3rd Quarter of 2011

1. David DiMuzio - Naiisip Mo Ba [VIDEO]
   
2. Yeng Constantino - Siguro [VIDEO]
3. BBS - Pawiin (feat. Kean Cipriano & Jay Durias)
4. Rivermaya - Nowhere to Run (feat. Julianne Tarroja) [VIDEO]
5. Sheng Belmonte - Gigil
6. Sarah Geronimo - Bakit Pa Ba
7. Marlou Morales - Forever I Won't Forget You
8. Bunny Malunda - For Your Information [VIDEO]
9. Gloc-9 - Elmer (feat. Jaq Dionisio & Jomal Linao)
10. BBS - Wala na Tayo (feat. Kean Cipriano & Eunice)

OPC Monthly Tally [September 2011]

Lady Antebellum not only owns the night, they also own the month of September! They top the overall tally here at OPC with "We Owned the Night." Here's a live music video of that song (the official music video on Youtube is not available when accessed from the Philippines) followed by the 9th monthly honor roll.

Overall Top 10
September 2011

1. Lady Antebellum - We Owned the Night
2. Kelly Clarkson - Mr. Know It All
3. Leona Lewis - Collide (with Avicii)
4. Avril Lavigne - Wish You Were Here
5. Gym Class Heroes - Stereo Hearts (feat. Adam Levine)
6. Patrick Stump - This City (Remix) (feat. Lupe Fiasco)
7. Rivermaya - Nowhere to Run (feat. Julianne Tarroja)
8. Taylor Swift - Sparks Fly
9. Stars Go Dim - Hesitate
10. We Are Leo - Live for Love

Pinoy Top 10
September 2011

1. Rivermaya - Nowhere to Run (feat. Julianne Tarroja)
2. Sarah Geronimo - Bakit Pa Ba
3. Yeng Constantino - Paniwalaan Mo
4. BBS - Pawiin (feat. Kean Cipriano & Jay Durias)
5. David DiMuzio - Naiisip Mo Ba
6. Marlou Morales - Forever I Won't Forget You
7. Angeline Quinto - Kunin Mo na ang Lahat sa Akin
8. Yeng Constantino - Siguro
9. Bunny Malunda - For Your Information
10. BBS - Wala na Tayo (feat. Kean Cipriano & Eunice)

OPC Song Picks [2011.9.25]

Just bought Marié Digby's new album called Your Love, and its title track now debuts at #4 on this blog's top picks. Also worth mentioning are the new leaders We Are Leo with "Live for Love" and Sarah Geronimo with "Bakit Pa Ba" (originally done by Jay-R). Here's Miss "Say It Again" with the video for her latest single followed by this week's list.

Overall Top 10
September 25-October 1, 2011

1. We Are Leo - Live for Love
2. Avril Lavigne - Wish You Were Here
3. Kelly Clarkson - Mr. Know It All
4. Marié Digby - Your Love
5. Leona Lewis - Collide (with Avicii)
6. Lady Antebellum - We Owned the Night
7. Sarah Geronimo - Bakit Pa Ba
8. Rivermaya - Nowhere to Run (feat. Julianne Tarroja)
9. MercyMe - Move
10. Yeng Constantino - Paniwalaan Mo

Pinoy Top 10
September 25-October 1, 2011

1. Sarah Geronimo - Bakit Pa Ba
2. Rivermaya - Nowhere to Run (feat. Julianne Tarroja)
3. Yeng Constantino - Paniwalaan Mo
4. BBS - Pawiin (feat. Kean Cipriano & Jay Durias)
5. Bunny Malunda - For Your Information
6. David DiMuzio - Naiisip Mo Ba
7. Yeng Constantino - Siguro
8. Marlou Morales - Forever I Won't Forget You
9. Barbie Almalbis - Goodbye My Shadow
10. Angeline Quinto - Kunin Mo na ang Lahat sa Akin

OPC Song Picks [2011.9.18]

Avril Lavigne is back at #1 with the third single off her album Goodbye Lullaby. Check out the very raw official video of "Wish You Were Here" followed by this week's top picks.

Overall Top 10
September 18-24, 2011

1. Avril Lavigne - Wish You Were Here
2. Kelly Clarkson - Mr. Know It All
3. Leona Lewis - Collide (with Avicii)
4. Rivermaya - Nowhere to Run (feat. Julianne Tarroja)
5. Lady Antebellum - We Owned the Night
6. Gym Class Heroes - Stereo Hearts (feat. Adam Levine)
7. Patrick Stump - This City (Remix) (feat. Lupe Fiasco)
8. Taylor Swift - Sparks Fly
9. Stars Go Dim - Hesitate
10. Demi Lovato - Skyscraper

Pinoy Top 10
September 18-24, 2011

1. Rivermaya - Nowhere to Run (feat. Julianne Tarroja)
2. Bunny Malunda - For Your Information
3. BBS - Pawiin (feat. Kean Cipriano & Jay Durias)
4. David DiMuzio - Naiisip Mo Ba
5. Marlou Morales - Forever I Won't Forget You
6. Angeline Quinto - Kunin Mo na ang Lahat sa Akin
7. Yeng Constantino - Siguro
8. BBS - Wala na Tayo (feat. Kean Cipriano & Eunice)
9. Sheng Belmonte - Gigil
10. Gloc-9 - Elmer (feat. Jaq Dionisio & Jomal Linao)

SoundSessions Top Picks [September 2005]

Can you still remember the songs that hit the airwaves six years ago? Well, here's a list to help you remember just that. Presenting the SoundSessions Top Picks, a personal music chart which was based on my and my friends' preferences. Here were our choices for the month of September in 2005:

Top Picks for September 2005
Period covered: August 1-31, 2005

1. Nina - Love Moves in Mysterious Ways
2. Ryan Cabrera - True
3. Cueshe - Stay (Acoustic)
4. M.Y.M.P. - Tell Me Where It Hurts
5. Kitchie Nadal - Same Ground
6. Lifehouse - You and Me
7. Erik Santos - I'll Never Go
8. Janno Gibbs - Fallin'
9. Hale - The Day You Said Goodnight
10. Green Day - Wake Me Up When September Ends

Fish

Lesson learned: Eat slowly, especially when you are eating fish. No matter how hungry you are.

Not only would you enjoy your food's taste more and improve your digestion (read about it here), you also minimize the risk of having some mouth injuries caused by the food you eat.

I was starving during lunch last Monday that I carelessly hurried in having my stomach filled with the piniritong isda that I've brought from home. While I was chewing my meal, I felt some sharp fish bone pricking the side of my tongue, which I didn't actually give much thought about at the time.

OPC Song Picks [2011.9.11]

A brand new overall Top 3 emerges here on OPC headed by Kelly Clarkson, while Rivermaya and Julianne Tarroja take the #1 spot on the Pinoy chart. Here's the official video of the acoustic version of "Nowhere to Run," which is featured in the movie Thelma, succeeded by this week's lists:

Overall Top 10
September 11-17, 2011

1. Kelly Clarkson - Mr. Know It All
2. Leona Lewis - Collide (with Avicii)
3. Rivermaya - Nowhere to Run (feat. Julianne Tarroja)
4. Lady Antebellum - We Owned the Night
5. Gym Class Heroes - Stereo Hearts (feat. Adam Levine)
6. Patrick Stump - This City (Remix) (feat. Lupe Fiasco)
7. Stars Go Dim - Hesitate
8. Taylor Swift - Sparks Fly
9. Demi Lovato - Skyscraper
10. Iyaz - Pretty Girls (feat. Travie McCoy)

Pinoy Top 10
September 11-17, 2011

1. Rivermaya - Nowhere to Run (feat. Julianne Tarroja)
2. BBS - Pawiin (feat. Kean Cipriano & Jay Durias)
3. David DiMuzio - Naiisip Mo Ba
4. Marlou Morales - Forever I Won't Forget You
5. Angeline Quinto - Kunin Mo na ang Lahat sa Akin
6. Yeng Constantino - Siguro
7. BBS - Wala na Tayo (feat. Kean Cipriano & Eunice)
8. Sheng Belmonte - Gigil
9. The Chongkeys - Gabi ng Lagim
10. Gloc-9 - Elmer (feat. Jaq Dionisio & Jomal Linao)

Snake Xenzia

Snake Xenzia is a built-in game featured on the Nokia X1-01. It is basically a colored refresh of the 3310's monochrome Snake II, which I enjoyed playing some years ago. This further reminds me of the 5110 and 3210's Snake where we've already deviced a strategy to achieve the maximum score of 2008.

Snake Xenzia has eight levels (unlike its predecessors, which have nine) and three game types:

• classic,
• modern - choose from five mazes available: box, tunnel, mill, rails, and apartment (six if you count the "no maze" option which is just the same as classic), and
• campaign - where you advance to the next maze after your snake eats a certain amount of food (not really new to me, I've seen this one on the Snake EX2).

What's missing though is the 2-button control (at times, I would have preferred to press only the 1 and 9, or 3 and 7 buttons respectively, like I used to before) instead of using 2-4-6-8. Anyway, I've been playing with the classic game type and my highest score so far is at 4784. Now, I'm wishfully thinking I could play some Space Impact and Bantumi on this phone, too!

OPC Song Picks [2011.9.04]

While the locals are somewhat steady, there are four new entries on the overall chart this week. Gym Class Heroes, with the help of Maroon 5's Adam Levine, debuts at #3 this week with "Stereo Hearts." Enjoy its video, then feast on this week's Top 10 lists.

Overall Top 10
September 4-10, 2011

1. Lady Antebellum - We Owned the Night
2. Patrick Stump - This City (Remix) (feat. Lupe Fiasco)
3. Gym Class Heroes - Stereo Hearts (feat. Adam Levine)
4. Taylor Swift - Sparks Fly
5. Demi Lovato - Skyscraper
6. Stars Go Dim - Hesitate
7. Simple Plan - Jet Lag (feat. Natasha Bedingfield)
8. We the Kings - Say You Like Me
9. Evanescence - What You Want
10. Iyaz - Pretty Girls (feat. Travie McCoy)

Pinoy Top 10
September 4-10, 2011

1. BBS - Pawiin (feat. Kean Cipriano & Jay Durias)
2. David DiMuzio - Naiisip Mo Ba
3. Marlou Morales - Forever I Won't Forget You
4. Angeline Quinto - Kunin Mo na ang Lahat sa Akin
5. Yeng Constantino - Siguro
6. BBS - Wala na Tayo (feat. Kean Cipriano & Eunice)
7. Sheng Belmonte - Gigil
8. Gloc-9 - Elmer (feat. Jaq Dionisio & Jomal Linao)
9. Sarah Geronimo - Kung Siya ang Mahal
10. Novus Luna - Ayoko

OPC Monthly Tally [August 2011]

No wonder about Stars Go Dim and BBS taking the top spots on their respective lists for August, but what surprised me is that I rated Rebecca Black's "My Moment" so high that it finished at #2 overall (although I could say that this song is an improvement from her previous one). Anyway, looks like Bunny Malunda, who spent a week at #1 on the weekly Pinoy chart, is on her way out as she barely stays inside the leader board. However, before she exits, here's her video for "For Your Information" preceding the latest monthly tally.

Overall Top 10
August 2011

1. Stars Go Dim - Hesitate
2. Rebecca Black - My Moment
3. Simple Plan - Jet Lag (feat. Natasha Bedingfield)
4. Taylor Swift - Sparks Fly
5. BBS - Pawiin (feat. Kean Cipriano & Jay Durias)
6. David DiMuzio - Naiisip Mo Ba
7. The Script - Science & Faith
8. Charice - One Day
9. Lady Antebellum - We Owned the Night
10. Avril Lavigne - Smile

Pinoy Top 10
August 2011

1. BBS - Pawiin (feat. Kean Cipriano & Jay Durias)
2. David DiMuzio - Naiisip Mo Ba
3. Yeng Constantino - Siguro
4. Marlou Morales - Forever I Won't Forget You
5. BBS - Wala na Tayo (feat. Kean Cipriano & Eunice)
6. Sheng Belmonte - Gigil
7. Angeline Quinto - Kunin Mo na ang Lahat sa Akin
8. Gloc-9 - Elmer (feat. Jaq Dionisio & Jomal Linao)
9. The Chongkeys - Gabi ng Lagim
10. Bunny Malunda - For Your Information

Finger Frenzy

How fast can you type the English alphabet? Find out by taking this simple Finger Frenzy test. My personal best is at 3.269 seconds. Can you beat it?

Update (2011.9.01): I have beaten my previous best finish and now my fastest time is at 2.313 seconds. It seems the key is to type really quick carelessly. This way, you sacrifice accuracy and will have to try many times, but if you get it right, then you'll be rewarded with a super speedy score.

OPC Song Picks [2011.8.28]

There are three new entries this week including a brand new #1, as Simple Plan and Natasha Bedingfield experience a "Jet Lag" to fall at #4. Check out the video for the band's second single (there's also a French version feat. Marie-Mai) off their new album Get Your Heart On, followed by this week's and last week's lists.

Overall Top 10 

August 28-September 3, 2011

1. Lady Antebellum - We Owned the Night
2. Taylor Swift - Sparks Fly
3. Stars Go Dim - Hesitate
4. Simple Plan - Jet Lag (feat. Natasha Bedingfield)
5. We the Kings - Say You Like Me
6. Rebecca Black - My Moment
7. Evanescence - What You Want
8. BBS - Pawiin (feat. Kean Cipriano & Jay Durias)
9. Michelle Branch - Loud Music
10. David DiMuzio - Naiisip Mo Ba

Pinoy Top 10
August 28-September 3, 2011

1. BBS - Pawiin (feat. Kean Cipriano & Jay Durias)
2. David DiMuzio - Naiisip Mo Ba
3. Yeng Constantino - Siguro
4. Marlou Morales - Forever I Won't Forget You
5. Angeline Quinto - Kunin Mo na ang Lahat sa Akin
6. BBS - Wala na Tayo (feat. Kean Cipriano & Eunice)
7. Sheng Belmonte - Gigil
8. Gloc-9 - Elmer (feat. Jaq Dionisio & Jomal Linao)
9. Novus Luna - Ayoko
10. The Chongkeys - Gabi ng Lagim

I Know You're There, I Can Hear You!

One late afternoon in the office, the phone rang. I picked it up, "Good afternoon."

There was no answer. However, I can hear some noise on the background telling me that the line was still open. After several seconds, I said, "Hello... I know you're there! I can hear you!"

"Uh, hello, mamalihug kong Mark," the voice on the other end of the line finally demanded.

"Ah ah, kadali lang Sir," I stuttered as I replied. It was our company president.

This entry was originally published at my Talkthrough blog on September 14, 2006.

OPC Song Picks [2011.8.14]

The stars just went dim for Stars Go Dim as Taylor Swift sparks and flies at #1. Here's the video for her new single "Sparks Fly," followed by this week's list:

Overall Top 10
August 14-20, 2011

1. Taylor Swift - Sparks Fly
2. Stars Go Dim - Hesitate
3. Rebecca Black - My Moment
4. BBS - Pawiin (feat. Kean Cipriano & Jay Durias)
5. David DiMuzio - Naiisip Mo Ba
6. Simple Plan - Jet Lag (feat. Natasha Bedingfield)
7. The Script - Science & Faith
8. Charice - One Day
9. Avril Lavigne - Smile
10. Michelle Branch - Loud Music

Pinoy Top 10
August 14-20, 2011

1. BBS - Pawiin (feat. Kean Cipriano & Jay Durias)
2. David DiMuzio - Naiisip Mo Ba
3. Marlou Morales - Forever I Won't Forget You
4. BBS - Wala na Tayo (feat. Kean Cipriano & Eunice)
5. Yeng Constantino - Siguro
6. Angeline Quinto - Kunin Mo na ang Lahat sa Akin
7. Sheng Belmonte - Gigil
8. The Chongkeys - Gabi ng Lagim
9. Gloc-9 - Elmer (feat. Jaq Dionisio & Jomal Linao)
10. Bunny Malunda - For Your Information

Fire Truck

Before I started writing "Fired From Work," my other "Firework" parody, I first had this idea of a song about a fire truck. So I was able to come up with this song fragment, which I then recorded. Last week's fire drill held at our workplace made me remember to post this, and finally I am now able to do so.

FIRE TRUCK
To the tune of "Firework" by Katy Perry
New chorus lyrics by JP Cabrales
Download

Cause baby, you're a fire truck
C'mon let your water burst
Your siren goes woah, woah, woah
As you put the flame out, out, out
(Repeat)

February 2011

Fired From Work

Here's a parody for computer programmers, software engineers, web developers and all those who work in a similar field. My advance apology for barely being able to sing the chorus right, the original singer's got a pretty high voice range and kudos to her for that.

FIRED FROM WORK
Parody of Katy Perry's "Firework"
New lyrics by JP Cabrales

Do you ever feel like a hopeless lad
App's not functioning
You'll need to start again
Do you ever feel pressure build within
Why is this so hard
Frustration creeping in

Do you ever feel like you are buried deep
Six hours overtime but you still haven't done a thing
Do you know that I, I'm just like you
I don't know what to do

My head is aching so bad tonight, no I'm not fine
It's late at night, I can only just sigh

Chorus:
Oh please don't have me fired from work
Wish that you'd still see my worth
Though my bugs are up, up, up
I can't fix em fast enough, 'nough, 'nough
Hope I don't get fired from work
But my bugs have gone to worse
I wish away they go, go, go
Why don't they leave my code alone, 'lone, 'lone

Doom, doom, doom
Gotta find solutions soon, soon, soon
When will I finally be through, through, through
But I can't figure what to do, do, do

Repeat Chorus

Doom, doom, doom
I just wanna go home soon, soon, soon
Doom, doom, doom
I just wanna go home soon, soon, soon

May 2011

OPC Monthly Tally [July 2011]

Yeng Constantino scores her third month at #1 (she was also on top in January and February) with the latest single off her 2009 album Lapit. She finishes ahead of fellow Pinoy Dream Academy schoolmates Bunny and Sheng with "Siguro," which is the featured video for this blog entry:

Overall Top 10
July 2011

1. The Script - Science & Faith
2. Weird Al Yankovic - Perform This Way
3. Avril Lavigne - Smile
4. Yeng Constantino - Siguro
5. Beyoncé - Best Thing I Never Had
6. David DiMuzio - Naiisip Mo Ba
7. Owl City - Galaxies
8. Sheng Belmonte - Gigil
9. Jennifer Hudson - No One Gonna Love You
10. Stars Go Dim - Hesitate

Pinoy Top 10
July 2011

1. Yeng Constantino - Siguro
2. David DiMuzio - Naiisip Mo Ba
3. Sheng Belmonte - Gigil
4. Bunny Malunda - For Your Information
5. Gloc-9 - Elmer (feat. Jaq Dionisio & Jomal Linao)
6. Novus Luna - Ayoko
7. The Chongkeys - Gabi ng Lagim
8. Sesa - Umalab Ka
9. Marlou Morales - Dear Mother
10. Sarah Geronimo - Kung Siya ang Mahal

Beggars Don't Buy

Taking you back four years ago with this parody, first published at my Friendster blog, The Talkthrough with Johnny Talker, which is now defunct. So let's now take a trip to memory lane with this song about beggars:

BEGGARS DON'T BUY
Parody of "Big Girls Don't Cry" by Fergie
New chorus lyrics by JP Cabrales
Download

I hope you give, so I could live
I gotta ask everything from you
I want a phone, a car and home
And please supply me with great food too

And I'm gonna need you to provide me with a TV
And the things I really crave for in my life
It's time to be a beggar now
And beggars don't buy

September 2007

No X Trespassing

While I don't get what "No X Trespassing" exactly means, this auto repair shop in the neighborhood is always getting a healthy stream of customers, proof that they give excellent service and good value for their patrons' money. They have been getting nice reviews from internet forums, advertised through word of mouth and now also featured on this blog.

OPC Song Picks [2011.7.31]

From the Oklahoma band who first gave us "Love Gone Mad" and "Like I Mean It" comes a new song from their upcoming new EP called Between Here and Now. Here's Stars Go Dim with "Hesitate" which is currently at #1 this week.

Overall Top 10
July 31-August 6, 2011

1. Stars Go Dim - Hesitate
2. David DiMuzio - Naiisip Mo Ba
3. Simple Plan - Jet Lag (feat. Natasha Bedingfield)
4. Rebecca Black - My Moment
5. The Script - Science & Faith
6. BBS - Pawiin (feat. Kean Cipriano & Jay Durias)
7. Charice - One Day
8. Yeng Constantino - Siguro
9. "Weird Al" Yankovic - Perform This Way
10. Avril Lavigne - Smile

Pinoy Top 10
July 31-August 6, 2011

1. David DiMuzio - Naiisip Mo Ba
2. BBS - Pawiin (feat. Kean Cipriano & Jay Durias)
3. Yeng Constantino - Siguro
4. Marlou Morales - Forever I Won't Forget You
5. BBS - Wala na Tayo (feat. Kean Cipriano & Eunice)
6. Sheng Belmonte - Gigil
7. Bunny Malunda - For Your Information
8. Gloc-9 - Elmer (feat. Jaq Dionisio & Jomal Linao)
9. Novus Luna - Ayoko
10. Sesa - Umalab Ka

Sige'g Taxi (Solo Version) (video)

Since my cousin Marlou was not available the past weekend, I decided to carry on with a solo version of this Cebuano interpolation. I admit it would have been more fun if both of us were around for this one, but nonetheless, here's a video of me performing this parody of Girls' Generation's "Mr. Taxi." Enjoy!

If you didn't already know, our duo version (we call ourselves The Raleses) can be heard and downloaded here. Check it out!

OPC Song Picks [2011.7.17]

I was amazed when I stumbled upon this song by David DiMuzio. Though he is an American singer/songwriter, he has a track with a chorus sung in Filipino! Check out his video for “Naiisip Mo Ba,” which is this week’s sole new entry on the list that follows.

Overall Top 10
July 17-23, 2011

1. The Script - Science & Faith
2. Yeng Constantino - Siguro
3. Avril Lavigne - Smile
4. "Weird Al" Yankovic - Perform This Way
5. Sheng Belmonte - Gigil
6. Beyoncé - Best Thing I Never Had
7. Owl City - Galaxies
8. David DiMuzio - Naiisip Mo Ba
9. Jennifer Hudson - No One Gonna Love You
10. Taylor Swift - The Story of Us

Pinoy Top 10
July 17-23, 2011

1. Yeng Constantino - Siguro
2. Sheng Belmonte - Gigil
3. David DiMuzio - Naiisip Mo Ba
4. The Chongkeys - Gabi ng Lagim
5. Gloc-9 - Elmer (feat. Jaq Dionisio & Jomal Linao)
6. Bunny Malunda - For Your Information
7. Novus Luna - Ayoko
8. Sesa - Umalab Ka
9. Marlou Morales - Dear Mother
10. Sarah Geronimo - Kung Siya ang Mahal

Edit: David Muzio's "Naiisip Mo Ba" has been retroactively added to the Pinoy Top 10 as MYX considers the track a local entry. This has bumped off Kaligta's "Awitin Mula Sa 'Yo" from the list.

Sige'g Taxi

SIGE'G TAXI
Performed by The Raleses
Parody of "Mr. Taxi" by Girls' Generation
New lyrics by JP Cabrales
Download

OPC Song Picks [2011.7.03]

Bunny Malunda, of Pinoy Dream Academy fame, takes over the Pinoy tally this week with "For Your Information," a song from her up and coming album. You can check out the track at Soundcloud or below, written by Muller and Patton (who also wrote for my sort of favorite Kelsey Adams).

Overall Top 10
July 3-9, 2011

1. The Script - Science & Faith
2. "Weird Al" Yankovic - Perform This Way
3. Beyoncé - Best Thing I Never Had
4. Avril Lavigne - Smile
5. Owl City - Galaxies
6. Jennifer Hudson - No One Gonna Love You
7. Owl City - Deer in the Headlights
8. Charice - Louder
9. Taylor Swift - The Story of Us
10. Girls' Generation - Mr. Taxi

Pinoy Top 10
July 3-9, 2011

1. Bunny Malunda - For Your Information
2. Gloc-9 - Elmer (feat. Jaq Dionisio & Jomal Linao)
3. Novus Luna - Ayoko
4. Sesa - Umalab Ka
5. Sarah Geronimo - Kung Siya ang Mahal
6. The Chongkeys - Gabi ng Lagim
7. Angeline Quinto - Wag Mo Akong Iwan Mag-Isa
8. Marlou Morales - Dear Mother
9. Kaligta - Awitin Mula Sa 'Yo
10. The Bloomfields - Express Highway

OPC Song Picks [Q2 2011]

The second quarter of the year is through, so it's now time to recall this blog's song picks from April to June. After trailing Miranda Cosgrove in Q1, Avril Lavigne finishes first this time as her single "Smile" topped the May and June overall monthly tallies. While on our local charts, it was another close battle, but traveling on The Bloomfields's "Express Highway" seem to be faster than the speedy mouth of Gloc-9.

Overall Top 10
2nd Quarter of 2011

1. Avril Lavigne - Smile
2. Taylor Swift - The Story of Us
3. Selena Gomez & the Scene - Who Says
4. Charice - Before It Explodes
5. Owl City - Galaxies
6. Lee DeWyze - Beautiful Like You
7. Shontelle - Say Hello to Goodbye
8. Glee Cast - Loser Like Me
9. Lady Antebellum - Just a Kiss
10. The Script - Science & Faith

Pinoy Top 10
2nd Quarter of 2011

1. The Bloomfields - Express Highway
2. Gloc-9 - Elmer (feat. Jaq Dionisio & Jomal Linao)
3. Marlou Morales - Dear Mother
4. Maldita - Porque
5. Angeline Quinto - Patuloy ang Pangarap
6. Yeng Constantino - Habang Humihinga
7. Kaligta - Awitin Mula Sa 'Yo
8. Sabrina - Saranghae
9. Novus Luna - Ayoko
10. Sesa - Umalab Ka

OPC Monthly Tally [June 2011]

Despite being #1 for the past 3 weeks, The Script is stopped at #3 on the monthly tally by the smiling Avril Lavigne and the galaxy-hooting Owl City. Meanwhile, it was a sweep for Gloc-9 and company on the Pinoy tally. Here is OPC's music chart action for the month of June:

Overall Top 10
June 2011

1. Avril Lavigne - Smile
2. Owl City - Galaxies
3. The Script - Science & Faith
4. Taylor Swift - The Story of Us
5. Jennifer Hudson - No One Gonna Love You
6. Owl City - Deer in the Headlights
7. Weird Al Yankovic - Perform This Way
8. Charice - Before It Explodes
9. Lady Antebellum - Just a Kiss
10. Charice - Louder

Pinoy Top 10
June 2011

1. Gloc-9 - Elmer (feat. Jaq Dionisio & Jomal Linao)
2. Novus Luna - Ayoko
3. Sesa - Umalab Ka
4. Marlou Morales - Dear Mother
5. Kaligta - Awitin Mula Sa 'Yo
6. Angeline Quinto - Wag Mo Akong Iwan Mag-Isa
7. Sarah Geronimo - Kung Siya ang Mahal
8. The Bloomfields - Express Highway
9. General Luna - Tila
10. Sarah Geronimo - Fallin'