PHILIPPINE IDOL: 6th ELIMINATION
WARNING! WARNING! WARNING! (The following entry is a very opinionated piece.) El Cid: The Legend movies
BREAKING IDOL NEWS:
“late last night, the final six idols were told of the twist for sunday. love radio, yes fm, ifm and dream fm gave a shortlist of songs for each idol. but the twist is, the idols must choose the song for one of their rivals. jan and gian will choose for each other. miguel and mau will choose for each other. pow and ken will choose for each other. the question is, will they help each other or will they make sure their rival will not survive the final 5?” (text from PI staff)
RYAN CAYABYAB:
“I’m really down tonight, down because I know we are going to lose another good singer tonight!”
And it turned out that the good singer he’s talking about is:
APPLE CHIU
Again and for the nth time, I’m saddened about this turn of event. And again, I am asking: WHY and WHY HER?
Last night, veil or no veil, she convinced me that she deserves to be considered a frontrunner in this singing contest. Again, let me repeat that, singing contest. Earlier in the contest, some of my friends just didn’t get Apple. But week after week, I secretly voted for her. Meaning, I included her name in my list of four Idol hopefuls that I shower (hehehe) with votes every Sunday. Even during her weak night, when she sang that Jaya song (Metro Pop night), I still rooted for her. I appreciate her because just like Arms, Drae and Reymond, they always bring something to the competition. Their hard work? Always evident on stage! She was, in my opinion, the dark horse that turned into a strong contender. And maybe that is the reason, (or the omen?) why she’s now out of the contest. She deserves a slot among the best of them. A precious slot among those who are no longer in the running as the first PI, but are actually the best ones in the flock. In the real world where justice is common, she’s one of those that deserve the title Philippine Idol. But it seems we are in a bogus world where the best ones are booted out in the competition, week after week.
Too bad there was no exit song for Apple tonight. She was asked to sing her PI CD song NGAYON earlier in the results show. Sayang, she deserved a standing ovation or a prolonged applause from the audience.
So long, Spaghetti Girl! But remember, pataas yan Apple ng pataas, huwag kang mag alala!
More power to you Apple Chiu, definitely you are unforgettable!
(in the background: Apple, apple, apple, apple… as chanted by your Apolonians!)
KEN DINGLE
He performed great during the Song Of My Life week. I’ve noted that in my past entry. Last night, he performed okay, I ranked him accordingly, and I even clapped profusely after his performance. Tonight, during the results show, I noticed something different about Ken. I had to rewind and repeat the tape of the show to make sure. He wasn’t smug and annoying tonight. His facial expressions seemed sincere for the first time. He actually looked convincingly humble. Walang pagmamalaki. Walang hysterics. No jumping. No face contortions. When he tried the least to look affected, he looked really affected. Kudos to that, Ken. Even the kisses he planted on the cheeks of Apple and Pow (during the commercial gap), seemed heartfelt. By golly, I even saw a glimpse of “resignation” on his face while the elims was on going. I think he had an epiphany of sort, somewhere in the stretch of this competition, mukhang right after the night Mr. C totally dissed him.
But despite these acknowledgments, I have to be honest, deep inside me I still wish he leaves the show ASAP. I already wrote in my past entry, the right time for Ken to leave is after he gets some sort of redemption. These past few weeks, he redeemed himself. That, I believe is enough reason to go.
POW CHAVEZ
If Ken looked resigned.
Pow looked really hurt.
And during this portion of the results night, Pow, I believe almost cried. Her voice evidently cracked while answering Ryan Agoncillo’s question.
Ryan: Ano sa tingin mo ang kulang sa performance mo kagabi?
Pow: Ahhh (pauses), I’m not perfect, I’m not the perfect performer, I know that, every time lumalabas ako, I’m on stage I do my best. I just hope I’ll be given the chance to reinvent myself
I really, really can’t fathom the reason why the two resident judges (Mamita and Ryan C) were too harsh on the three remaining (Pow, Mau and Gian, now that Apple’s gone) good contenders on PI, and especially on Pow.
I joined the ambush interview of the print reporters with Mr. C after the show. He tried to explain why, but his reasons failed to convince me. But hey, he’s the judge, I’m just a viewer nga naman, wala tayo powers, kundi ang i-express ang ating disapproval.
Yes, Pow is getting to be too predictable. But is that really a bad thing? Shouldn’t they consider the quality of the performance despite the fact that it was, as they say, predictable? Hindi ba sampal sa mukha ng mga weaker Idol wannabees yung mas strong pa ang performance nina Pow sa kanila kahit “predictable”? I’m sorry but I really can’t accept the fact that these better singers get castigated for their plateaus, while the weaker ones get praised for imperfect performances na mejo naiba lang ang presentasyon.
Tama ang tanong ng mga reporters sa inyo kanina Mr. C eh, do you really think that at this point, yung reverse psychology tact of pounding on the good ones para makakuha ng sympathy from the public— is still working? If it is working, how come, nadedelikado sina Gian, Mau and lately si Pow?
For the record, Pow’s performance last night wasn’t perfect. I agree. But to be fair, at least one of the judges should have at least noted what a lot of people inside the forum and some of those who left messages in this entry said: that Pow danced like there was no tomorrow, but notice how better she sounded than the others, while doing so.
But no, not one judge noted that.
Mamita was so into her annoying gown suggestion/obsession.
Kanina, I was talking with my good pal Kiko over the phone about the gown issue. We both agreed that there surely is a variation of the butch look. Just look at Ellen (btw, Pow seemed to have patterned her look last night, with that of Ellen’s new look on her famous show) and just look at that lesbian model contender in America’s Next Top Model.
Sure there are ways to soften up her look, great ways without asking her to turn “girly”. But judges, having tact and political correctness helps in convincing someone.
Kiko reminded me that even Aiza Seguerra wore a gown for kicks in a concert.
That gave me an idea, why not let Pow wear a gown, and before her performance, let the people decide if she looks great in it, and if hindi, punitin niya sa harap ni Mamita. To reveal her real costume for the night underneath that gown. That’s a kick ass way to start a number. Napagbigyan na si Mamita, nalaman pa ng lahat kung okay o hindi. At least hindi siya sell out di ba?
That’s kind of extreme right? But the point is, it is not clear Mamita, if you are against Pow’s dressing style or if you are not comfortable with the choice she made about her sexuality. Clarify, please.
And by the way, Pow danced the swing with a lady dancer during the opening number tonight. This proves how progressive and accepting the PI production people and the general viewers of the show are. Yova? Pow? Others? Sadly, Mamita seemed trapped in a time warp.
+++
THE THIN LINE THAT SEPARATES THE REMAINING SIX?
POW GIAN AND MAU
Based on the recent comments of the judge, they are The Butch, The Bottom Guy and the Fat Lady Who Sings.
Sa totoo lang, di ko na mawari kung ano ang gustong ipagawa sa kanila ng judges. Paiba iba sila ng suggestions sa mga ito.
Tonight, Mr. C told reporters that he doesn’t agree with the fat comment made by the other judges about Mau. (he seemed in agreement with them last night di ba? O mali ako intindi?) he explained that he just wanted to make a point about “movement” and how important it is for a performer.
A friend reminded me of Frenchie Dy’s take on SHY GUY in an ABS CBN talent show, years ago. Si Mel Villena rin ata ang musical director duon nuon. Frenchie sang it really good. Mamita, Frenchie is not “sexy and slim”. Tama bang sabihing pang sexy lang ang kantang iyun?
Mr. C also commented about Gian’s “missed opportunity” “to dance or out dance” the others during the performance night. Iyun daw ang kulang. Duon daw natalo or naunahan ni Jan si Gian. Pwede. Maari. But really, I love that song, and that song is not “usually” a song suited for heavily choreographed dancing (tama ba ako Benzon Corpuz, my choreo friend?), it is “usually” a song suited for “grooving”, meaning “kahit paps”, iyung tipong igalaw ang katawan kung paaano naapektuhan ito ng kanta. Wasn’t that what Gian did? (well aside from singing the song in a good way, lest we forget?)
Again, my point, if the judges want to guide the contenders, what’s the direction kaya ng guidance?
KEN, MIGUEL AND JAN
(one friend noticed how the three of them were in the group that were standing behind the couch during the Apple goodbye video. Those seated wereMau, Pow and Gian)
Ken, nasa taas ang lahat ng tungkol sa iyo. I wish you well.
From where he was on stage, Miguel started crying when Apple’s name was announced. He cried buckets more after the show. Inaalo na nga siya ng mga kaibigan kapatid at mga idol hopefuls eh. Actually, his facial expression, after it was announced that he’s safe, said it all. There are great reasons why the contenders love their BUNSO, so much. One evident reason is the fact that he is very humble.
During the ambush interview with Ryan Cayabyab, it was acknowledged that the next round is a battle between three good singers and three not so great singers.
Sadly we have come to this.
+++
JUDGES MOMENTS DURING ELIMINATION NIGHT
Mamita: She was covering her face in horror just before Apple was voted off Philippine Idol. She couldn’t take it, really. Ken and Apple were standing in front of her, they were her top picks from last night.
Regine: why did she have trouble answering Ryan’s questions during the start of the show? It sort of was a “duh” moment, reminiscent of the Farah Fawcett “duh” moment in a late night talk show in the US, years ago.
Ryan: when Ken almost failed to start his song DI NA NATUTO the right way, Mr. C gestured as if he was throwing a hard object towards Ken’s direction. The he exchanged laughter with the group of bright talents who were booted out earlier in the competition. (Arms, Drae, Reymond and Jeli)
+++
An insider gave me a lead on how the so called bloc voting is being done. I was tipped to look at the way one of the internet partners of the show (the said internet company, in fairness is not involved in the scheme, ginagamit lang sila “because that’s the way the ball bounces”)… is being used by some to affect or sway the votes. I am looking into it now. My first reaction when I was told of the procedure? Ganun pala iyun?
+++
NEXT WEEK’S THEME: RADIO
Vague? Perci Intalan told us that the Idol hopefuls will sing songs picked by the radio partners of Philippine Idol. (RMN, Dream FM etc)
UPCOMING THEME? There will be a MOVIES theme scheduled, when? No word yet.
+++
Greetings to the whole PI production team, especially to Direk Rich Ilustre!
+++
PERFORMANCE NIGHT RECAP
Are you guys in the mood to dance? – Ryan Agoncillo
We’ll just have fun tonight! – Ryan Cayabyab
I’m in the first sentence of this entry and I still can’t decide if I’ll write a serious review of last night’s Philippine Idol Performance Night, or just enumerate the notable visuals we saw during the show and giggle with you, my dear friends.
Don’t get me wrong, the show last night wasn’t bad, but I sort of got the point that last night was all about loud music, hearty cheers, sweaty fun and lots of dancing, so I didn’t take it too seriously and I just “chilled”.
Gorgeous drag queens, ravishing but useless female models, Mamita dancing with a DI (oh, it was Jan), Regine Tolentino sort of “outing” someone who isn’t gay (fueling suspicions some more), Ryan Agoncillo uttering the word “bottom” to the delight of PLUs, dressed to kill party people and …. faux Ostrich feathers (!)… WHAT A FUN AND FUNNY NIGHT, indeed! Guffaws and all!
Really, I asked myself, why dance with the party people just to feel good, when all I had to do pala was to remain seated and enjoy the “sights and sounds” of the night?
It was quite a “spectacle”, don’t you agree?
First impish laugh moment of the night? Regine Tolentino’s entrance. Who would have thought a dance entrance will occur on Philippine Idol, a singing contest?
Most Laughter inducing segment of the show? The Slum Book intro videos.
It was rich with quotes:
Jan: “Biggest regret ko sa buhay ko ah siguro yung tinago ko passion ko for singing for the past 25 years…” (polite laughter from the gallery)
Pow: “Ang favorite superhero ko ay si superman” (polite laughter on one side of the theater)
Miguel: the kulit pics used in his video (kapag nawawala ang mata ni Miguel, nakakatawa pala)
Ken: “Ken in one word: emotional” (nothing funny, but people laughed near me when someone said: Ken oily ka sa video)
Mau: “Ang favorite expression ko ay Chorva….” (she’s so funny, really)
Gian: “Pag ako ay naging presidente isang araw… ako ang magiging Philippine Idol” (the joke’s on who? Hehehe)
Apple: favorite ko si Miss Piggy (pinagtabi talaga ang face nila sa screen)
Funny Moment On Stage: Mamita, did you go on stage to dance with Jan, or did you fool us by making it appear like you want to dance but in reality you went up there to hug Jan lang talaga? Mas matagal pa ang hug kesa sa sayaw e.
People laughed but Miguel and his family surely were not laughing Moment:
When Regine remarked:
“Maybe, two moments lang nasabi ko, ops mejo hindi masyado macho ang movement na yun, mejo pa girl!”
Offstage smart alecky remark by a Party people guy:
“Waiter, oorder kami!” (referring to Ryan A who was just a few inches away from him)
Big Question of the Night: Why are the party peeps wearing shades? Nobody sang “Sunglasses At Night” naman di ba?
Mamita’s Lesbian Moment of the Night:
No it wasn’t her usual Pow bashing moment.
It was when she said:
“You should have just let the pants fall!” to Apple.
+++
Pasensya na, hindi po ito statement, but this week, I have no one in mind for the top slot.
All of them performed okay, just okay. Just okay, meaning, (in my honest opinion) there were no breakthrough of stand out contenders. With one or two hopefuls breaking out of the “okay, just okay pack”, not as “angat performers” but as “napag iwanan” bets of the night.
Apple, Gian, Pow, Mau and Ken are in the okay pack. With Apple and Gian edging the rest “total package” wise. But sa aking opinyon, they were all in the same league.
He was really good last week but Miguel wasn’t good this week.
Jan? Jan made me realize what ambivalence felt like. We know the meaning of the word, but he made me feel ambivalent tonight. (naks, Mr. C!)
JAN NIETO: La Vida Loca
I felt ambivalent about the whole performance. The judges liked it. My co-reporter, Carmela liked it. Some of the party people really liked it. How come I didn’t like it? First, I was distracted by the noise around, I wasn’t sure he sang the song well. (I saw the tape at home, he sounded horrible in the first few lines pala. Tama si Dr. Bombet Cabrera, who texted me na pangit daw ang pagkanta ni Jan). Another distraction? How he looked like on stage (and on cam), I give him A for effort in dancing. But really, his face had anguish written all over it. One pal texted that Jan looked constipated while performing. I agree, he looked like he’s in pain the whole time. I really don’t understand what was great in that performance.
POW CHAVEZ: Got To Be Real
She actually brought the house down. Prolonged applause after her song and all. Yes, in some parts, I felt scared, baka hindi niya makaya. But she did okay. But can I just ask why Mr. C is being too hard on her lately? Okay lang naman. Kasi it is for her own good. But to diss her and praise others na mas inferior ang performance? What’s with that? Parang sa University yun ah, the teacher’s hard on the best students, all the time para maging mas achiever pa sila, ganun kaya?
And Mamita, where’s the skirt in that outfit? And if you are still into that lesbo issue, the song itself is the message. Listen well: Got To Be Real!
I hope you are safe later, Pow!
MIGUEL MENDOZA: Make It With You
The song is a dance song. The kind that is apt for swing. I have no problem with the “slow song” issue, the problem is that he didn’t sing it well. Sayang, he was great last week. Anyways, we’ll be seeing you next week pa rin naman eh. So I’ll just comment about the suit. Someone said: you looked like a penguin victimized by an oil slick.
KEN DINGLE: Signed, Sealed, Delivered
Bagay sa iyo ang kanta, Ken! Nadala mo naman. You were okay, despite the numerous “c’mon” (ilang beses ang adlib na yun ha). You also faltered sa dulo after dancing with Regine. Pero in totality, it was okay.
“Hindi ko masyado ma gets ang outfit mo (Ken butts in, “its funky time tonight!”), it’s a little bit distracting, consider a different image!” Regine Tolentino
An insider told us that the production staff actually (politely) cautioned Ken about the costume. But Ken was bent on wearing it. At least may paninindigan.
Kwento ng grupong nasa balcony:
When Ken remarked that he loved the work of the designer, someone remarked loudly: “designer???!!!”, and all the PLUs upstairs craned their necks and laughed impishly in agreement!
MAU MARCELO: Shy Guy
She pulled it off, as usual.
What’s with the unrealistic comment about slimming down for the sake of the Philippine Idol title? Mamita, have you seen Ruben Studdard? Kung hindi body issues, gender issues. What else?
GIAN MAGDANGAL: Rock DJ
Total package. I really enjoyed his take on Robbie Williams’ hit song.
APPLE CHIU: Lady Marmalade
Strong performance. Yes, we are watching you Apple, mukhang pwedeng ikaw na nga!
(www.starmometer.com)
+++
And guess what else I tremendously enjoyed tonight?
The company of Jeli, Drae, Arms and Reymond! Sitting next to them was quite a treat! Fun bunch, indeed. And I really have to give it to them: such good sports talaga sila. Cheering on the remaining seven hopefuls, easing the nerves of their colleagues just before their performances. Sinayawan pa nila!
I also enjoyed the company of this great woman. Magkasundo kami sa comments, and it was as if, magkakilala kami kahit hindi. I know she blogs though, I read her kasi, all the time! Good thing siya nakatabi ko. (One forum guest noted na “parang galit” ako last night sa upuan ko, my seatmate can attest to the fact that I wasn’t, ang saya saya nga namin eh, hehehe)
And to answer questions from people who texted and emailed… the CD I was holding during the show is this: PHILIPPINE IDOL, THE FINAL TWELVE. Yes, the cast album is now on sale, and I bought my copy just outside the Philippine Idol Theatre (Megamall Cinema 3).
Jeli was first to sign my copy. She did so after we exchanged hugs. Sweet girl na alaskadora, maniwala kayo! Lagi ako inaalaska kay *bleep. Reymond autographed my copy after Jeli (you deserve the write up, Sajor! At hindi yan dahil relative ka ni Sir Vic!). Drae and Arms, followed. Then Stef. After the show, Pow signed my CD. She wrote something about “acceptance”. Of course, Pow! Only Neanderthals find it hard to understand diversity and choices. An ABC5 news team was interviewing Mau when I approached her for an autograph. Miguel and Apple signed the CD on stage, in between kodakans. So did, Gian. Kumpleto! Jeli, Reymond, Drae, Arms, Stef, Pow, Mau, Apple, Miguel and Gian. Okay, KUMPLETO NA ANG PIRMA SA CD KO!
+++
Fun and unintentional laughter last night, tears and shockers AGAIN tonight?
I dread the results show later.
My only prayer, I hope we won’t get used to the weekly pain and shock, that we become numb already and don’t really care who wins anymore.
Huwag naman. May justice pa rin naman sa mundong ito.
Sa pulitika nga, binigyan tayo ng pag asa ng Korte Suprema sa isyu ng CHACHA, hindi ba?
Sana naman sa PI ganun din.
+++
I will get criticized again for these blind items.
But I’m giving out some items again today. Why? Because, they serve a purpose. Sa maniwala man ang mga naiinis o hindi.
Here it goes:
The parents of this controversial contender was notably MIA or missing in action last night. Nakakapanibago!
A good hour before the live show, my group was talking with the ticket ladies at the lobby. I was waiting for our reserved tickets to be handed to us, when we heard a sort of “commotion”. One of the more “popular” (he’s an ABC5 talent with a show to boot) PI production staff informed his superiors the “request” of the relatives and supporters of this “much talked about Idol hopeful”. The “request” (actually, demand is the better word) ? …. “ayaw na po sana nilang pumila”. (FYI, even ticket holders of reserved seats fall in line before the 7:30 opening of the gates). We heard people from the crowd say “pa importante”, “feeling special!”, “throwing their weight around”, “sabagay, mukha naman silang elderly citizens, kaya dapat pagbigyan”. My group didn’t mind “the request”, pipila kami eh kahit may ticket pa kami, kasi yun ang rules. Pero kumain muna kami para may lakas! Hehehehe.
An hour later, a production hand approached me to complain na “tinarayan” siya ng same group, dahil pinuna niya na labas masok ang mga miyembro ng grupo kasama ang ilan pa nilang kasama, using the same pinilas na, na tickets. Wow, bending the rules. I told the lady production hand: “hamo na, karma na lang!”
(here’s a reaction to what’s been raised in the forums about the party people) Some of the party people looked really familiar! Sure they looked different and were dressed better tonight, but I see them all the time. Yes, some of the party people are indeed relatives and friends of contenders. Nothing wrong with that naman. Lahat naman ng nasa “party people” area are supporters of this and that contender. Huwag na raw intrigahin pa.
And about, MR.C, lately, i don’t get him. Mas lalu kanina. Hindi mo alam kung being sarcastic ba siya or what? He dissed Pow (who was okay last nite) he praised Ken (who was okay last nite), and then, during the commercial break (after Ken’s segment) he turned around, looked at the hopefuls who were booted out already, laughed like crazy na parang hindi seryoso naging comment niya before the break. Ano ba talaga? Nalilito ang mga taong bumoboto kung sino ba talaga ang best and worst for you eh. Aim nga is to guide eh. Labo.
+++
Useful links again:
, and Technorati (for the latest blogs that touched on PI)They Wait ipod
