Under a different sky (Part 1)

He asked to see me again...five years after that last goodbye...

It was already 12 midnight and I was on my way home from Makati. Work’s been keeping me busy… keeping me occupied just to get over him. In between his sips of cappuccino, we updated each other… He told me about how happy he is with his life and how his plans are starting to take form. Plans we both made when we decided to make it official.

It’s been five years… He’s already the Director of this big IT company in Alabang and has been traveling the globe attending countless expositions and conferences. I on the other hand is busy with managing a team of Sales Executives in a big Real Estate Firm in Makati. Life has been good for the both of us but I was shy to admit that up until now I am still looking for that elusive true love. It was hard to admit to him that I still love him even after all those years. He told me I didn’t change and that I still look like the same person since the last time we talked. I would have just cut his statement and just grab him and give him a kiss but I had to control my emotions… I just smiled and thanked him.

"So how are you?" he asked, "Do you still go to that place in Tomas? Remember that bar we discovered while we were driving around that area bored out of our minds?"

I smiled at him and leaned back on my chair. He never aged... He looked like the same guy I fell in love with. Black hair neatly combed. Only thing that changed is his complexion... I see he’s been going to the beach a lot. He still has those Almond brown eyes that disappear every time he laughs. Blame it to him being half-Chinese.

The only thing different is back then we were both mending from the hurt of a break-up. We found ourselves falling for each other in the midst of all the pain and all the confusion.

“Hey you ok?”, he asked with those comforting eyes. I wanted to shout and tell him how stupid he is! Why did you have to leave? Where did we go wrong? Stuff I opted to keep to myself. “I’m good… just tired from work.”

To be continued...

Hope you liked my first attempt into writing a short story. Comments are welcome.

A smart guy!

I love this story! Very funny... Read on.

I never quite figured out why the sexual urge of men and women differ so much. And I never have figured out the whole Venus and Mars thing. I have never figured out why men think with their head and women with their heart.


FOR EXAMPLE: One evening last week, my girlfriend and I were getting into bed.


Well, the passion starts to heat up, and she eventually says, 'I don't feel like it, I just want you to hold me.'
I said, 'WHAT??!! What was that?!'

So she says the words that every boyfriend on the planet dreads to hear... 'You're just not in touch with my emotional needs as a woman enough for me to satisfy your physical needs as a man.'

She responded to my puzzled look by saying, 'Can't you just love me for who I am and not what I do for you in the bedroom?'

Realizing that nothing was going to happen that night, I went to sleep.

The very next day I opted to take the day off of work to spend time with her. We went out to a nice lunch and then went shopping at a big, big unnamed department store. I walked around with her while she tried on several different very expensive outfits. She couldn't decide which one to take, so I told her we'd just buy them all. She wanted new shoes to compliment her new clothes, so I said, 'Lets get a pair for each outfit.'

We went on to the jewelry department where she picked out a pair of diamond earrings. Let me tell you... she was so excited. She must have thought I was one wave short of a shipwreck. I started to think she was testing me because she asked for a tennis bracelet when she doesn't even know how to play tennis.

I think I threw her for a loop when I said, 'That's fine, honey.'

She was almost nearing sexual satisfaction from all of the excitement. Smiling with excited anticipation, she finally said, 'I think this is all dear, let's go to the cashier'

I could hardly contain myself when I blurted out, 'No honey, I don't feel like it.'

Her face just went completely blank as her jaw dropped with a baffled, 'WHAT?'

I then said, 'Honey! I just want you to HOLD this stuff for a while. You're just not in touch with my financial needs as a man enough for me to satisfy your shopping needs as a woman.'

And just when she had this look like she was going to kill me, I added, 'Why can't you just love me for who I am and not for the things I buy You?'

Apparently I'm not having sex tonight either....but at least that bitch knows I'm smarter than her.

An Open Letter from a loving husband

I just had to post this after reading it from another site...



I wish I were writing under different circumstances. I would like to inform you that my wife Leslie Cruz was part of the casualties in the Glorietta 2 Mall bombing in Makati City, Philippines. She was supposed to have a minor out patient surgery at Makati Medical Center at 230pm.

I had taken a leave from work to accompany her there. We dropped off our daughter, Amber, at my parents place in QC to babysit at around 10am. We then proceeded to Makati and was there at 1230pm. Since she had been fasting in preparation for her procedure, she wanted to move ar ound and listen to some music while I grabbed a bite to eat. We parked at the basement of Park Square 2, and headed for the Glorietta 2 entrance. We parted at the top of the escalator, she
turned right towards Filbar's while I went left towards the restaurants. That was the last time I would see her.

Around 120pm, she had called me so that we can meet at the Glorietta 2 exit just in time to make her appointment. As I made my way there from Glorietta 1 through the connecting hallways, and was about to turn the corner, I heard 2 deep thumps and the shock-wave from the blast hit me. At that moment my heart dropped as I knew that the origin of the blast came from the same place where we were supposed to meet. I tried getting to where my wife was, but the dust was too
much and it was as if I was staring at a white wall.

I still tried to convince myself that she was able to make it out, and that after ringing her mobile without a response only meant that she dropped it in the confusion. After 6 hours of searching from Makati Med. to Ospital ng Makati,
the blast site, and back again to MMC - with the help of all the people I could get hold of, that I was able to get confirmation in what the state of my wife was.

My Dad and Uncle signaled me in from the ER of MMC. My Uncle (who's a doctor) asked me to describe Leslie's appearance to another group of doctors. I saw in the eyes of one that the description made sense. Instead of confirming it to me, they huddled together, then brought me to a small examination room. It was only through a digital camera that I was able to confirm (and deny) that she was indeed gone.

I have so many regrets. I should have met her sooner. I should have ran instead of a brisk walk. I should have not chose to park where I did. I should have braved the dust and went in the blast site. I should have ...

Today's the 4th day. It is still terribly difficult to breathe, let alone wake up realizing that your source of strength, your best friend doesn't lie beside you on your bed. That my deepest worry is when Amber starts asking for her Mama.


I am glad that Amber's too young to understand the loss and pain. In time I would like to tell her the details of how her mother died, but more importantly I would like to raise her as how her mother lived - a loving person, strong willed, decisive, caring, and nurturing. She has always cared for her family and friends, and sacrfied her career for being a full time mom and home maker.


As with all couples we had our ups and downs - none of which I regret not going through. The sweet is never as sweet without the sour. For almost 4 years of marriage, we've finally hit our balance in life only to be taken away in an instant. I have no regrets about our marriage. She has loved me and Amber beyond her capacity. I will always love her.

It is my first time to write to egroup as I've lurked and watched emails being sent to and fro. All I want now is that for each of the couples here is to cherish each moment that we spend with our loved ones. Pretty simple to say, very easy to take for granted.

Thank you all for the prayers. I would still like to ask you to please include Leslie in them until her 40th day so that the path to God's kingdom is well lit and she is no longer in the dark.

Sincerely,
Carlo Cruz

Inday Part 2

I believe that my trained skills and expertise in management with the use of standard tools and my discipline and experience will contribute significantly to the value of work that you want. My creativity, productivity, and work efficiency and the high quality of outcome I can offer will boost the work progress.
-Sagot ni Inday sa bago niyang amo

"I stay awake in the coldness of the darkened sky contemplating why, for some reasons, has my emptiness manifested, extending to that niche where I was given life and growth, that because of austerity I was made separate from..."
-Inday, hindi makatulog dahil nahohomesick

"I am solitary. I find it hard to succumb into slumber, though the downpour of rain should've made it easy. This exuberant emotional glue I have for you, cannot be simply washed away. The multiplicity of what I feel for you is inevitable. This isn't platonic. It's real, true romance."
-Inday, nageemote sa may bintana, habang iniisip si Dodong, ang boyfriend niya

"The statute restricts me to love you but you have the provocation. The way you smile is the proximate cause why I love you. We have some rules to think of. We have no vested rights to love each other because the upper household dismissed my petition!"
-Inday, nakipagbreak kay Dodong (driver ng kapitbahay)

"Dear Sir/Madam,

Attached herewith is a list of proposed acquisition in line with my proposal to upgrade your household facilities. I have already made an initial survey of current market prices. Note, however, that prices could vary depending on the prevailing exchange rate and aggregate supply and demand, which we also monitor on an hourly basis."
-Inday, nagpapaalam mamalengke

Amo: Inday bumili ka nga ng mga isda... ay teka, oo nga pla inglisira ka... Would you please purchase many fishes for this week's meals?
Inday: Judging from your statement I believe you meant a variety of fish. The term "fishes", although rarely and even erroneously used, connotes a plethora or an array of different kinds of the aforementioned gilled creatures. But the more pressing questions before I traverse the road to the wet market would be: What certain type of fish? Fillet or not? Frozen or just right smack the day's catch? (Pauses) Aaah... by manner of careful extrapolation, given the meager budget in this household's quasi-peasant middle class taste, I assume then I will source the staple "galewng-gowng" . Am I correct?
Amo: Leche!
Inday: You meant the freshwater milkfish? Then the "ba-ngooz" is it!

La vida no es una broma actualmente. El dinero es tan duro de pasar. Puede usted bajar el precio parci mi? Soy ya su compradora avido diario por favor?"
-Inday, tumatawad sa merkado ng isinama siya ng amo sa España

Drunken shrimp and blue lobster meat with caviar served with milagrosa rice (red variety) and apricot sauce; vegetables in balsamic vinegar splashed with extra virgin olive oil; lychee and peach salad with sour cream cheese topped with lemon zests
-Baon ni Junior sa daycare na inihanda ni Inday

Bloody hell!!! What the f*ck did just land on my cutie top? I mean I've spent all day just to make myself look fabulous. I think I'll have this eewy thing removed in a whip wham of time!"
-Reaction ni Inday nung natalsikan siya ng mantika habang nagluluto ng tilapia

Ipomea aquatica has become the constant ingredient to this Filipino delicacy which is very helpful in the digestion during the peristaltic process of the food we intake. Due to the continuous rains and floods, the harvest of the said vegetable has lessened the production in the market.
-Banat ni Inday kung bakit walang kangkong sa nilutong sinigang

Heavy fire that was exerted by the stimulus affect the best conductor of heat which is the steel, causing the "Oriza sativa" which is the scientific name of rice to change its state of color, smell, as well as the taste.
-Sagot ni Inday nang tanungin siya ng amo kung bakit nasunog ang sinaing

Off you go! Under no circumstance this house would relent to such unabashed display of vagrant destitution!
-Inday, pinapaalis ang makulit na pulubi sa gate

Allergens triggered the immune response. Eosinophilic migration occurs at the reaction site and release of chemotactic and anaphylotoxin including histamine and prostaglandins. These substances result to increase circulation to the site promoting redness.
-Sagot ni inday nung tanungin ni Sir kung bakit may rashes si Junior

Amo: Day! Bakit may bukol si Junior?
Inday: Compromising safety with useless aesthetics, the not-so-well engineered architectural design of our kitchen lavatory affected the boy's cranium with a slight boil at the left temple near the auditory organ.
Amo: (Di nakareact)

Dear Mom,

Had it not been for the smelling salt, I must have collapsed moments ago. Junior has become a little monster to me. Remember the head accident he had? As if it wasn't enough, he was summoned by the principal of his shabbily-run academe. Oh, such an erudite bunch
of baboons! I never thought that being a governess can be such a strenuous employ.
Your daughter,

Inday

Dear Inday,

Walanghiya ka! Magpadala ka ng pera! Nasa ospital
nanay mo, dumugo ang ilong kababasa ng pesteng sulat
mo!

Tatay

Amo: Bakit tuwing pag-uwi ko, nadadatnan kitang
nanunuod ng TV?
Inday: Because I don't want you to see me doing absolutely nothing!

Amo: Inday di ba nanood ka ng The Buzz kahapon? Bkit daw umalis si Angel Locsin sa GMA7?
Inday: Sometimes people choose to leave not because of selfish reasons, but because they just know that things will get worse if they'll stay. Leaving can be a tough act and it's harder when people can't understand you for doing so.

Physical stress and excessive work may result to serious damage to one's body. It is therefore essential that once in a while we take a break from our usual routine to replenish the lost energy we once had."
-Sabi ni Inday sa amo noong humingi siya ng day off

The consistency was fine. But you see, it seems that the increased amount of sodium affected the taste drastically and unfortunately, after several minutes of analytical thought, it seems that the situation has become irreversible. I do apologize. Utmost care will be taken next time.
-Nageexplain si Inday sa amo kung bakit maalat ung ulam na niluto niya

Love - a wildly misunderstood although highly desirable malfunction of the heart that weakens the brain, causes the eyes to sparkle, cheeks to glow, blood pressure to rise and the lips to pucker!
-Si Inday, gumagawa ng blog niya sa friendster

A change in the weather patterns might have occured causing havoc to affected surroundings. The way debris are scattered indicates that the gust of wind is going northeast, causing damage to the path it is going.
-Sagot ni Inday sa amo nung tinanong kung bakit nagkalat ang basura sa likod ng bahay

Much as I want to indulge in the proliferation of such indecent and malicious information, I want to lift the stigma and alleviate society's perception of our profession.
-Inday, tumatangging makipagtsismisan sa katulong sa kabilang bahay

Amo: Inday, anong ginagamit mo sa katawan mo? Ang kinis mo kasi! Siguro gumagamit ka ng papaya o kaya kalamansi?
Inday: NO! ONLY BELO TOUCHES MY SKIN! Who touches yours?

Ederlyn: Walang hiya ka! Wala kang karapatang pantayan ako! Hayop ka! You're nothing but a second rate, trying hard, copycat!

Inday: Excusemoi? Me, a copycat?! Your mockery is so lame and your attempt at English is so predictable! Why don't you open your eyes to the fact that your glory days are over?! Your persistence to persuade people to come to a party that does not exists is simply ridiculous and cheaply constructed! It's beginning to get to my nerves! You and your petty schemes! No one undermined Inday's intellect, you low life bitch!

I'm in Limbo

Wow! It's been a while since I last posted something personal here...

I don't know how to explain it but there's like a battle happening within me (sounds familiar?). A part of me wants to do something and the other wants me to stay in my confort zone.

At my age (I'm 26) I don't feel like I've accomplished much in my life. Well I've done so many things and I don't think not everyone would have the chance to do those things that I did but then again...

Guess part of what I'm feeling right now is the fact that I'm still looking for that one thing that would compliment everything that I've accomplished and done in my life. I think at this point in my life I've already moved on and ready to open myself to the possibility of getting into a relationship. I promised myself that I won't get in a relationship just because everyone I know is committed or with someone... I wanna be ready and I want that person to be someone who's also ready for something serious.

Recently I tried dating again and it's something that I'm not so good at or something that I need to work on since the last time I dated was ages ago! Nothing much has changed since then but still I'm starting to feel that finding the right one would be alot difficult now since I'm no longer new to this and I know who's serious and who's just there for fun (or at least I think I know). I'll keep you guys updated... hopefully the next time I blog there will be better news. :)

Am I Single?

***To those asking if IM SINGLE or TAKEN***

If you’re reading this then you are probably one of those who’s asking if I’m single or not. Some may be able to understand my situation and some might not. I’m just sharing this to answer those people who are asking me the “Are you with?” question.
Am I single?

YES, I am single and at the same time married to myself loyally!(NOW)
It’s been two years since my last relationship… Don’t get me wrong I enjoy having a special person right next to me.

At my age (I’m turning 27 this year) I’ve only had two relationships one for 3 years and the last was for almost a year.

We all know how it goes… it starts with the “Hi I’m… what’s your name?”… a smile… an electrifying skin contact for a fraction of a second... then comes the exchanging of contact numbers... an invitation for coffee, a drink or two, a dinner, a movie or whatever would be convenient for the both of you then followed by a cab ride followed by this awkward and antagonizing silence… Then the question “Can we see each other exclusively?” or “Will I still see you again?” Then silence… you then starting thinking of the what ifs and your mind starts playing tricks on you thinking of the possibilities of you and this person living happily ever after like those fairy tales we’ve all dreamt of. Reality bites!!! You say YES or NO depending if you had a great time with your date. Man has come to evolve into this complex creature but the desire to be with our perfect match is as primitive as it was in those days. Nonetheless we still hope to find that someone who would always be there for us (although we all know everything has an end). I’m not looking for the perfect partner but someone who complements me in most ways possible… someone that can I can lean on in times of need… someone who would be there when I need support… someone who will accept me as who I am and would understand me when everyone doesn’t. Now you see the picture?

Filipinoism 101

Well these words are definitely unique to the Philippines and are definitely funny even to the locals... Some are really being used in regular conversations while some are mostly used to deliver jokes.

These are the words that are so unique and loaded in meaning that they will never find a direct translation in the English language. Forget traditional dictionaries.

1. Achuchu (A-chu-chu). This refers to the pointless insincerities being said during long, involved conversations about nothing at all.

2. Ano (A-noh) The all-around, all-purpose word for everything.

(2.1) Pronoun in interrogation: Ano? (What)

(2.2) Noun: Where is your ano? (Where is your father/mother/dead-uncle's-second-cousin)

(2.3) Verb: Anuhin this. (Paint/kill/maim/castrate this.)

(2.4) Adjective: This is so ano. (This is so pretty/big/astounding.)

(2.5) Interjection: Ano! (What the hell!)

(2.6) Substitute for genitalia: Did you ano your ano?

The use of ano is quite dangerous for the untrained ear, and must be put into the proper setting. "Honey, the ano is too long, we have to cut it," must be accompanied by the proper understanding of the context, as results may be critical to a couple's future.

3. Booba (boo-bah). A female blessed with larger than usual mammary glands, which can be used as weapons of mass destruction.

4. Checheboreche (Che-che-boh-re-che) Same as achuchu. It is interesting to ponder on the reason why there are so many words in the Filipino language that beautifully describe meaningless chatter.

5. Epal (Eh-pal). An individual who believes he is God.

6. Gigil (gee-gil). An uncontrollable desire to bite something.

7. Hipon (Hee-pon). Literally "shrimp," whose body is eaten while its head is thrown away, this refers to a female whose body is to die for and whose face looks like it belongs to the dead.

8. Kikay (kee-kay). Refers to individuals who carry a brush, hand wash, moisturizer, lip-gloss and various other facial enhancements in a case (aptly called a kikay kit) inside her bag. Recent inspections of various backpacks have led to the conclusion it is not a purely female trait. This breed cannot resist checking themselves out on mirrors, glass windows, bread knives, sidewalk puddles and plastic-covered notebooks.

9. Kaekekan (Ka-ek-e-kahn) Same as achuchu and chechebureche.

10. Kilig (keel-leg). A rush of excitement due to the actions, presence or even mention of he whom you see as the future father of your children.

11. Laglag-brip (lag-lag-brip). The female counterpart of laglag-panti

12. Laglag-panti (lag-lag-pan-tee). A man so incredibly hot, so heart-stoppingly gorgeous and oozing with masculinity that female underwear (whether worn by males or females) falls to the ground without effort whatsoever.

13. Indyanero (In-jan-neh-ro). An individual who fails to appear at an appointment without prior warning. Not to be confused with individuals who appear according to Filipino time (approximately 10 minutes before the meeting is to end)

14. Japorms (Jah-porms). Describes an individual dressed differently from the usual (typically involves clothes that have been laundered and pant legs of roughly the same length).

15. Lagot (Lah-got) A prophesy of evil things to come.

16. Para (Pah-rah). A term that informs the driver of a jeep to stop and pause (usually in the middle of the road) as the individual speaking intends to leave the vehicle. Dangerous for individuals as drivers seem to believe having one foot in the air is all that is necessary for descent.

17. Takusa (Ta-kuh-sa). Derived from takot sa asawa (afraid of wife), this is a term used to describe the silent (very silent) minority of males married to feminine reincarnations of Hitler.

18. Torpe (tore-peh). A gentleman who is desperately attracted to a female yet by some strange compulsion is reduced to a frozen mound of stuttering male whenever that female is near.

A thankless job

This is an email I got from my co-worker that I would like to share with you guys especially to those who are currently, previously or are thinking of working in the call center industry. It's a letter made by a Filipino based in Manila who's working as a call center agent for an ISP (Internet Service Provider) company based in the US.

Thanks to my friend / co-worker Karell Cruz for sharing this email with me.

This is a thankless job. I am working 8 hours a day (or night...whatever), talking to people of another race in another timezone about problems with the products they are using of which I care nothing about.

I work in a call center. And I am about to call it quits.

I start work at a time when my family and friends (most of them, anyway) are into their first REM cycle. I eat "lunch" during my brother's breakfast time and I come home to say "goodnight" to my mother cooking lunch. I miss all outings, I don't go to church with my sisters (I work Sundays) and I can't tell what day it is.

I am in limbo.

The people I talk to everyday (night...whatever!) put me in a state of limbo. Some are so stupid (I apologize, I'm only being truthful here) that they won't know the difference between a potato and a cucumber. Some are so funny that I have to hit the mute button ten times in a span of three minutes to guffaw. For crying out loud, everybody knows how to type in a "colon" right? Some are so technical (but still stupid just the same) to blame their ISP (that's the client) of blocking his emails just because he's using MacAfee Scan Mail. Naturally, I told him it scans his emails and rejects them, labeling them "virus". They just don't get it.

I hate my job and I love it.

I hate being yelled at (as if it's my fault they can't get their mail when their mail servers are f*cked up) and being cussed at (of course I release the call after three misses. Hehehe...) and blamed for problems in a country I never dreamed of seeing (the hell with the American dream). I hate being called "stupid" even when I'm doing my best to get them connected to the Internet (guess who turned out to be "stupid" for not having the phone line plugged into the computer?) so they can surf those sick porn sites?

But, as I said, I am in limbo.

May mga taong ang sarap tulungan... (there are those who you'd love to help)

There's a lady who was very upset because she kept getting disconnected. A simple modem init string and I stayed with her for five minutes to make sure she stays on... and she showered me with thanks. A lola (grandma) wanted to get her email because her grandson is sick and her health can't stand another five-state crossing. When we got her Outlook Express configured, she gleefully shared with me the news that her grandson made it to his first birthday and offered to email me the pictures. An old couple in Montana thanked me profusely for connecting them to the internet: their petition to adopt a Chinese baby girl has been granted and they could get her next week.

I love my job because a simple Thank You makes it all worth it. To hell with the obnoxious know-it-all idiots. These special customers give my existence one more reason for continuing.

One time, I told my supervisor that my job is thankless. He told me to stick around and let it grow on me. One of these days, he said, you will see why we all stay.

Last night, I got an email from our corporate headquarters. Remember that woman who kept getting disconnected? Management barged in on that call...and I got another word of thanks.

In an environment like this, "thank you" is the greatest treasure of all.

So maybe, this job is not that thankless after all.

But a raise won't hurt, would it? I sure won't mind saying "thank you" to a thankless job like this.

Dude, ang cute... pink!

When you hear the names of Brad Pitt, Keannu Reeves, Johnny Depp, Justin Timberlake, David Beckham what comes to your mind? You’re right! All these guys are blessed with good looks and are branded metrosexuals. These are the guys who believe in making sure that they look great all the time.

Metrosexuality is the rooted in the concept of narcissism or vanity of men. The Filipinos are slowly catching up with the idea and it’s no longer a taboo for Filipinos to pamper themselves in salons, spas and commercialized gyms in the metro such as Golds, Slimmers, Fitness First just to name a few thereby setting the standards higher to the majority of the Filipino guys.

Contrary to popular belief, metrosexuals don’t get the girls or their dreams as easily as most people would think. The main reason is because, not all ladies dig the fact that their boyfriend is as or even exceeds their vanity.
Media is partly to blame for the emergence of these beauty loving men because media dictates what is beautiful and what is not. Media made it easier for self-proclaimed male showbiz metrosexuals to become vocal about undergoing facial treatment, liposuction, and other self-enhancing cosmetic operations.

To sum it all up, men becomes vain because they just want to be accepted by the society and acceptance sometimes entails a certain standard of vanity.

Joke time with Manay Letty!

Got this funny email from my friend Aldrin Collantes and decided to share it with you guys... This is about Manay Letty a fictional character that gives advise to people through snail mail. Read on!

Dear Daughter Dearest,

Medyo mabagal akong magsulat ngayon dahil alam ko na mabagal kang Magbasa. Dito na kami sa probinsya para tirahan ang bagong bili na bahay pero hindi ko maibibigay sa iyo ang address dahil dinala ng dating nakatira ang number para daw hindi na sila magpapalit ng address.

Maganda ang lugar na ito at malayo sa Manila. Dalawang beses lang umulan sa linggong ito, tatlong araw noong una at apat na araw naman nung pangalawa.

Nakakainis lang ang mga paninda dito katulad ng nabili kong shampoo dahil ayaw bumula. Nakasulat kasi sa labas ay FOR DRY HAIR kaya hindi ko binabasa ang buhok ko pag ginagamit ko. Mamaya ay ibabalik ko sa tindahan at magrereklamo ako

Noong isang araw naman ay hindi ako makapasok sa bahay dahil ayaw bumukas ang padlock. Nakasulat kasi ay YALE, aba eh namalat na ako sa kakasigaw ay hindi pa din bumubukas.

Mayroon nga pala akong nabili dito na magandang jacket at tiyak na magugustuhan mo. Ipindala k! o na sa iyo sa DHL, medyo mahal daw dahil mabigat ang mga butones kaya ang ginawa ko ay tinanggal ko na lang ang mga butones at inilagay ko sa mga bulsa. Ikabit mo na lang pagdating
diyan.

Nagpadala na din ako ng tseke para sa mga nasalanta ng bagyo, hindi ko na pinirmahan dahil gusto kong maging anonymous donor.

Ang kapatid mo nga palang si Jude ay may trabaho na dito, mayroon siyang 500 na tao na under sa kanya. Nag-gugupit siya ngayon ng damo sa Memorial Park, okey naman ang kita, above minimum ang sahod.

Wala na akong masyadong balita. Sumulat ka na lang ng madalas.

Nagmamahal for life,
Mommy Dearest

P.S. Maglalagay sana ako ng pera kaya lang ay naisara
ko na ang envelope.
********************

Dear Mommy Dearest,

Utang na loob naman Inay, bakit naman wala pa ring kupas ang inyong katangahan? Kaya naman dalawang beses na inaatake sa puso si Itay dahil sa konsumisyon sa inyo eh. Tulad ng tinitigan nyo ng isang oras yung ! karton ng orange juice dahil nakasulat dun "concentrate", o nung sinabi nyo na puno na yung sinehan dahil nakasulat sa may pintuan "pull". dyoskoday, mabuti na lang at ang kagandahan ko lang ang namana ko sa inyo.

Para sa iyo, Mommy Dearest (at kailan pa nga pala kayo nagpalit ng pangalan from "Inay" to "Mommy Dearest"?):

M.A.N.I.L.A. - May All Nights Inspire Love Always.

Nagmamahal forever,
Manay Letty
-----------------------------------------------------------

Dear Manay Letty,

Mayroon akong dalawang katanungan na kung inyong masasagot ay makatutulong sa nakararami, at sa katunayan ay maaari pang makapagdulot ng world peace. Una: Ang kikiam ba ay kiki sa umaga? At pangalawa: Ang uod ba pag namatay ay inuuod din? I thanks for you!

Thin Girl
********************!
Dear Thin Girl,

Bago ko sagutin ang iyong mga tanong, gusto ko munang i-address ang ating Dear Readers, especially ang mga hindi taga-Pilipinas na hindi bihasa sa "textese" rhymes with "ch! inese"), ang unique language ng mga pinoys na ginagamit sa texting: usually ginagamit ang "am" or "pm" instead na "morning" o "evening" para mas maiksi i-type, for example: "gud am HoneyBunny!" o "gud pm my sweet LecheFlan Cupcake!". Kaya ang question ng ating mahaderang letter-writer ay kung: "kiki" + "am" "kiki sa umaga"? Actually hindi din ako sure sa sagot kaya tinanong ko ang sa kong kaibigan na lalaki. Ang sabi niya ay "yes" daw ang sagot dahil pareho lang naman daw ang lasa nun.

Ang reaction naman ng inyong asumptionistang lola (meaning ako, gaga!): "YUCK! YUCKADIRI! YUCKADIRI TO DEATH!"

Para naman sa 2nd question mo, Thin Girl: malalaman lang natin ang sagot dyan pag pumanaw ka na, dahil sigurado akong mukha ka namang uod. By the way, alam mo bang magiging bastos ang pangalan mo kapag si German Moreno ang nag-pronounce dahil "tingle" ang lalabas? Wala lang, FYI lang... o sya, heto ang iyong food for thought:

C.A.N! .A.D.A. - Cute And Naughty Action Develops
Attraction.

Nagmamahal forever,
Manay Letty
------------------------------------------------------------


Itong susunod na liham ay hindi talaga para sa "Dear Manay Letty" kundi para talaga ito sa aking friend at sa friend nating lahat dito sa TristanCafe, si Tristan. Totoo itong letter na 'to, believe it or else! . Uulitin ko, ACTUAL LETTER ITO PARA KAY TRISTAN. Naaliw ako ng husto dito kaya ako, ang inyong ever-beautiful Dear Manay Letty, ang sasagot...

Hi Tristan. Good and you make another new website that is cooler and neater. But my only criticism to your website is that, it has a lot of grammar error that has need to be correct. Tristan, this is a website and not just mail or something that here you can use fragment sentences
or something like that. Since this is a Website, you must be careful to your words, your verbs, your sentence structure because there are thousands of People or so are visiting this Filipino website. At isa pa, kung ang mga grammar mo dito sa website mo ay hindi pa rin nagbabago, what would I highly recommend to you is that you better remove this website here because ang kalalabasan tuloy niyan ay magiging kahiyahiya lang ang mga pilipino.

Oh, Tristan i do not know how could i help you to correct your
grammar but what can i suggest for you is to read a grammar books just like constructing sentences book. Gemini
********************

Dear Gemini,

My gas! Did you sure? What does your proof? You're cannot be seriousness! I'm really embarassment at that criticize, so these
is my comments at you:

P.A.S.I.G! - Please Always Say I'm Gorgeous!

Nagmamahal forever,
Manay Letty
-----------------------------------------------------------


Dear Manay Letty,

Letty, anak, ikaw ba yan? Dalaga ka na pala.

Natatandan mo ba ako? Si yaya Mitring mo 'to... natatandaan mo nung bata ka pa! , hinuhugasan ko ba ang singit mo? Miss na miss na kita. Sana dumalaw ka naman dito sa Basilan para sa fiesta. Sige iha, wag ka sana magbago ha, sana ikaw pa din ang mahal kong Lettygirl.


Yaya Mitring
********************

Dear Yaya Mitring,

Kamusta ka na? Natatandaan talaga kita, ikaw yung nagnakaw sa amin bago ka umalis, impakta ka. Kamusta na pala si Loring, yung anak mo na kalaro ko noong araw? Napatawad niya na ba ako sa paghulog ko sa kanya sa bangin noong mga dalagita pa kami, at nung itinulak ko siya sa ilog na may mga buwaya? Wala naman akong masamang hangarin sa kanya noon, hindi ko naman siya sinisisi sa pag-akit niya sa aking kasintahan ng mga panahong yun.


At pakisabi sa panganay nyong si Tonton, ang aking pers lab: salamat sa mga matamis na alaala. Sana naman ay tuli na siya ngayon.

Para sa iyo, Yaya Mitring:
K.E.N.Y.A. - Keep Everything Nice Yet Arousing.

Para kay Loring, na nawa ay nakakalakad na ulit:
F.R.A.N.C.E. - Friendships Remain And Never Can End.

At kay Tonton, who still brings a twinkle to my eyes:
C.H.I.N.A. - Come Here...I Need Affection.

P.S. Taga South of France ako noh! Anong Basilan ang
sinasabi mo dyan... sa ganda at sosyal! kong 'to...

Nagmamahal forever,
Manay Letty
------------------------------------------------------------

Dear Manay Letty,

Ako po ay 19 years old na pero hindi ko pa rin po alam kung totoo ba yung sinasabi nilang pag malaki ung paa nug lalaki malaki rin daw yung kwan nya. Ang size ng paa ko sa U.K. eh 9 1/2,

Jack Stevens
********************
Dear Jack Stevens,

Hindi ko din alam kung totoo nga ang kasabihang iyan, pero ikinagagalak kong sabihin sa iyo na may isang paraan para natin matiyak ang kasagutan sa iyong tanong. Kailangan mong magpunta sa akin para masukat ko mismo ang iyong, uhm... pagkalalaki. Don't worry, I'll be gentle. Tsaka it's for the sake of art and the sake of science, malaki ang maitutulong ng ating gagawing, uhm... experiment sa ikauunlad ng Pilipinas. Maghubo para sa bayan! ! O diba ang ganda ng battlecry mo? 9 1/2 kamo ang size ng paa mo? Ngayon pa lang ay ipinagdarasal ko na na sana'y totoo nga ang kasabihan.

Para sa iyo, Jack Stevens, dahil 19 years old ka lang, virgin at spring chicken (pero not for long), dalawa ang para sa iyo:

T.O.N.D.O. - Tonight's Our Night, Dearest One.

At kapag kasinglaki nga ng iyong paa ang iyong, hm... uhm... o sya sige na nga ang iyong talong, schlong, longanisa, whatever, ito ang aking masasabi:

I.N.D.I.A! - I Nearly Died In Adoration!

Nagmamahal forever,
Manay Letty

Ito po ang inyong Manay Letty na nagpapaalam at nagsasabing...

Remember, there's a Manay Letty inside every one of us!

Mabalos

Green Tea Addict

Green Tea,
originally uploaded by AyanD.

Ok I'm guilty! been drinking green tea for almost a month now and have started to develop a sort of addiction to the substance. Hehehe! Green tea (Camellia sinensis) have been commended for it's health benefits way back 4000 years ago by the Chinese people and this year green tea is getting more hyped up I guess mainly because of the growing population of health conscious Filipinos. Everywhere you look, everywhere you go you'll see promotional materials on the benefits or drinking green tea. (Take for instance the whopping billboard for C2 Green Tea along EDSA in Guadalupe)


Although Green Tea has not been officially recognized as a medical agent, it is known to be effective against diarrhea, fatigue, indigestion and upset stomach while boosting mood and energy. Green Tea also fights cavities and plaque and it is also known to fend off certain types of cancer, particularly of the stomach, small intestine, colon, rectum, breast, lung, and pancreas.

While it has so many benefits it is also suggested to take it in moderation or even avoid by people with weak heart, kidney disease, an overactive thyroid, susceptibility to spasms, or a tendency to anxiety or panic attacks. If you have a weak stomach, Green Tea may cause acid stomach, stomach irritation, and poor appetite. Intake of large amounts can lead to constipation or diarrhea. Adding milk to the tea will usually eliminate these side effects by reducing the potency of the tannins. People who are under alkaline medications should also ask their doctor's go signal cause it can also interfere with its absorption. As for pregnant and breastfeeding women it is advisable to limit its intake to no more than 5 cups daily during pregnancy due to it's caffeine content. For nursing mothers it should be taken in small amounts because, like other beverages containing caffeine, it can cause sleep disorders in infants.

To prepare as a beverage, steep a teabag or teaspoon of tea for 3 to 10 minutes. When taking Green Tea for diarrhea, allow extra time. The longer Green Tea brews, the stronger its antidiarrheal effect. Commercial extracts of Green Tea are available in tablet and capsule form. (The usual recommendation is 3 to 4 cups of tea a day. If you are taking Green Tea extract, a dosage of 300 to 400 milligrams is typical. Because potency may vary, follow the manufacturer's instructions whenever available.)
Although it is impossible to drink enough tea to be fatal, drinking of excessive doses (1,500 mg. of caffeine (about 5 cups of tea) can cause restlessness, tremors, and exaggerated reflexes. The first signs of outright poisoning are vomiting and abdominal spasms. It could also cause irritability, sleeplessness, irregular heartbeat, dizziness, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, and headache.

Busy Busy Busy

It's been a busy week for me and I am not complaining... been going to alot of go sees and auditions this past few days. Told myself I won't go to vtrs, auditions, go sees anymore since I get too tired after, but then I told myself I've had enough rest the previous days so I might as well give it a shot...

I remember my friend calling me from a go see for this fashion show last week... I told him I'm tired and lazy to go and besides I don't even think I'll make it to the lineup... he told me "well if you go here at least you'll get a 0.001% of getting in than staying at home and not coming over."

Anyway early this morning around 8AM, I went to Embassy at The Fort in Taguig to attend a go see for this big hyped up fashion show scheduled for May 25 at the NBC Tent. I wish I get in but I'm not hoping... competition is so stiff and besides I just wanted to check out Fitness First at The Fort that's why I went there... Hehehe!

Saw my friends Russel Clifton and bumped into Luke Jicain and met Felipe from Portugal... Was waiting for the female models but found out that the go see for female models is not yet on until 1PM later in the day. (Bummer!)

By the way I'll have a photoshoot this coming Thursday for a website and tomorrow morning I'll have an interview for a job in a cruise ship based in Hongkong... hope I get the job so I can go and work abroad and at the same time tour Singapore, China and other parts of Asia. :P

Will keep you guys posted...

We have a new Pope

We have a new Pope,
originally uploaded by starDust88.

By WILLIAM J. KOLE, Associated Press Writer

VATICAN CITY - Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger of Germany, a hard-line guardian of conservative doctrine, was elected the new pope Tuesday evening in the first conclave of the new millennium. He chose the name Pope Benedict XVI and called himself "a simple, humble worker."

Ratzinger, the first German pope since the 11th century, emerged onto the balcony of St. Peter's Basilica, where he waved to a wildly cheering crowd of tens of thousands and gave his first blessing as pope. Other cardinals clad in their crimson robes came out on other balconies to watch him.

"Dear brothers and sisters, after the great Pope John Paul II, the cardinals have elected me - a simple, humble worker in the vineyard of the Lord," he said. "I entrust myself to your prayers," the pope said.

The crowd responded by chanting "Benedict! Benedict!"

Ratzinger served John Paul II since 1981 as head of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith. In that position, he has disciplined church dissidents and upheld church policy against attempts by liberals for reforms. He turned 78 on Saturday.

The new pope had gone into the conclave with the most buzz among two dozen leading candidates. He had impressed many faithful with his stirring homily at the funeral of John Paul II, who died April 2 at age 84.

Source: www.yahoo.com

Googlism

Hey guys… was just surfing the internet when I bumped into this cool site… http://www.googlism.com the cool thing about this site is that it tries to find out what google thinks of you or your friends or whatever based on the different information found on the web for the word / name you type in. Try it out and see for yourself how fun it is.

Googlism for: ayan

ayan is one of the most sought
ayan is another character from the same story derek is from
ayan is metaher with less than 40 se'ah applies to a *place* which is classified as a ma'ayan
ayan is the hebrew word for wellspring
ayan is a boston based community program for women to promote and provide opportunities for intensive jewish
ayan is the creativity coach who will lead you to winning ideas
ayan is passionate about "the need for everyone
ayan is sincerely committed to peace
ayan is of the view that bioinformatics is more than a data
ayan is right
ayan is considered to be among the undisputed masters of contemporary tombak playing
ayan is a database of names of israeli educators who specialize in jewish education
ayan is the author of "aha
ayan is no longer part of our corporate structure
ayan is a psychiatrist at turkish human rights foundation
ayan is down upon him
ayan is a noted speaker and author on innovation
ayan is ranked number one in his class and active in numerous musical and athletic pursuits
ayan is a fantastically talented ensemble of female percussionists
ayan is dat boom dont front ya'll noe
ayan is also the name of a type of tree
ayan is in juni veroordeeld tot een
ayan is in juni veroordeeld tot een gevangenisstraf van 1 jaar vanwege het beledigen van
ayan is a finance program designed to meet the requirements of investors in the real estate market
ayan is going to talk to dr
ayan is a young
ayan is to connect with people to enhance your creativity
ayan is suited a little better for me and is a little farther along in implementing features
ayan is an electrical engineer and an ms from iit kharagpur
ayan is a leading international speaker and consultant to corporations
ayan is very helpful and friendly
ayan is married to rudy anyan and has two sons
ayan is an airport that is used to be closed due to weather
ayan is a consultant on creativity and the creative use of technology in business today
ayan is an eighteen
ayan is a very good book on creativity
ayan is in charge of the sunshine fund
ayan is my mate
ayan is intelligent for an animal there are some things that he can't comprehend
ayan is hebrew for spring
ayan is far from complete
ayan is assured that the message is authentic and is from me
ayan is sentenced to one year imprisonment
ayan is an award
ayan is
ayan is an award winning community
ayan is one of them
ayan is an inspiration
ayan is a leading international speaker and consultant to major corporations
ayan is a wood recorded to be suitable which has been little tried
ayan is arag in muddo ah
ayan is a graduate of the hebrew union college jewish institute of religion where she completed a master of arts in jewish education
ayan is a kyzyl
ayan is president of create
ayan is currently on a visit to pakistan
ayan is back in the spotlight once more with the lawsuit against egebank
ayan is back home
ayan is modest for an elf
ayan is a
ayan is widely distributed in west africa from the ivory coast to gabon and zaire
ayan is also there
ayan is oc
ayan is a leading futurist and consultant on technology and innovation
ayan is tiable via
ayan is a hebrew acronym for machon iyun le
ayan is my best friend from somalia
ayan is also doing research in ethiopia on hiv and sexually transmitted diseases
ayan is seventeen years old
ayan is the founder of create
ayan is a psychiatrist
ayan is involved in the organization and hosting of ai

SOURCE: http://www.googlism.com/index.htm?ism=AYAN&type=1

GMA 7 present the new Darna

Darna,
originally uploaded by starDust88.

Following the phenomenal success of its first telefantasya Mulawin, which soared to incredible heights in popularity and viewership ratings throughout its two-season run, GMA-7 offers another fantasy series that will surely delight Filipinos of all ages. Flying to every Filipino home starting April 4 is no other than the original Pinay superhero DARNA!

Created by Mars Ravelo more than five decades ago and presently serialized in Mango Comics, Darna remains to be the most popular and most revered Filipino super hero who, more than being a household name, has become a Pinoy icon of extraordinary strength and principle for all ages. This remarkable character has crossed over generations and multi-media (from comic books to movies and the Internet, to television now) and remains to be the most desired role to be portrayed by the country's premier actresses.

Donning the famous two-piece outfit and crown of valor in GMA-7's presentation of the modern-day Darna is Angel Locsin, who is indisputably one of this generation's most sought-after young actresses. After spreading her wings and conquering the sky as Alwina in the recently concluded telefantasya Mulawin, Locsin flies anew as Darna bestowed this time with super-human strengths and soaring past the heavens to the universe beyond. Locsin also plays Darna's pure-hearted alter-ego Narda, a teenage market vendor who keeps the precious white stone of Planet Marte.

Equally overwhelming as Darna's superpowers is the primetime fantasy series' powerhouse cast. Joining Angel Locsin in Darna are Ms. Celia Rodriguez, who plays the Queen of Darkness Braguda; Eddie Garcia as the Insect King Mambabarang; Christopher De Leon as the evil surgeon Dr. Zombie; Carmina Villaroel as the disastrously fiery Sulfura; Cristine Reyes as the formidable Molecula; and Alessandra de Rossi as the snakewoman Valentina, Darna/Narda's mortal enemy who is also a super model. Appearing in special roles are Lorna Telentino as Adran (leader of the Adranika race in Planet Marte) and Lani Mercado as Narda's kind-hearted mother. Tonton Gutierrez plays the role of Narda's loving and hard-working father while Dennis Trillo is Efren, Narda's childhood sweetheart.

Completing Darna's stellar cast are Maureen Larrazabal, Caridad Sanchez, Karen Delos Reyes, Wendell Ramos, Jacque Estevez, Ella Guevara, Jeremy Marquez, Ms. Gina Pareño, CJ Muere, Ryza Cenon, and Francis Magindayao. The young Narda is played by Rasha Mae Manantan.

Directed by Eric Quizon and Dominic Zapata, Darna premieres on April 4 (Monday) and airs weeknights on GMA-7's Telebabad Block.

Source: www.marsravelodarna.com

Personality Disorder Test Results

Personality Disorder Test Results Paranoid |||||||||| 38% Schizoid |||||||||| 34% Schizotypal |||||||||||||||||| 78% Antisocial |||||||||||||||| 66% Borderline |||||| 26% Histrionic |||||||||||||| 58% Narcissistic |||||||||||||||||||| 82% Avoidant |||||||||||||||| 66% Dependent |||||| 26% Obsessive-Compulsive |||||||||||||||| 70%

Take Free Personality Disorder Test
personality tests by similarminds.com

Disorder Info

Eccentric Personality Disorders: Paranoid, Schizoid, Schizotypal
Individuals with these disorders often appear odd or peculiar.

Paranoid Personality Disorder - individual generally tends to interpret the actions of others as threatening.
Schizoid Personality Disorder - individual generally detached from social relationships, and shows a narrow range of emotional expression in various social settings.
Schizotypal Personality Disorder - individual is uncomfortable in close relationships, has thought or perceptual distortions, and peculiarities of behavior.



Dramatic Personality Disorders: Antisocial, Borderline, Histrionic, and Narcissistic
Individuals with these disorders have intense, unstable emotions, distorted self-perception, and/or behavioral impulsiveness.

Antisocial Personality Disorder - individual shows a pervasive disregard for, and violation of, the rights of others.
Borderline Personality Disorder -individual shows a generalized pattern of instability in interpersonal relationships, self-image, and observable emotions, and significant impulsiveness.
Histrionic Personality Disorder - individual often displays excessive emotionality and attention seeking in various contexts. They tend to overreact to other people, and are often perceived as shallow and self-centered.
Narcissistic Personality Disorder - individual has a grandiose view of themselves, a need for admiration, and a lack of empathy that begins by early adulthood and is present in various situations. These individuals are very demanding in their relationships.


Anxious Personality Disorders: Avoidant, Dependent, Obsessive-Compulsive
Individuals with these disorders often appear anxious or fearful.

Avoidant Personality Disorder -individual is socially inhibited, feels inadequate, and is oversensitive to criticism
Dependent Personality Disorder - individual shows an extreme need to be taken care of that leads to fears of separation, and passive and clinging behavior.
Obsessive-Compulsive Personality Disorder - individual is preoccupied with orderliness, perfectionism, and control at the expense of flexibility, openness, and efficiency.

Pa-coño effect...

Don't you just hate it when you go to bars / clubs and get to hear people trying hard to converse in english just to be regarded as someone who is "coño" or "sosyal".

Overheard in fuckin' coño places with fuckin' pa-coño people:

Employee1 : Yeah,its really good there.but its like a market,and you choose fresh fishes.
Employee2 : Really?its like palengke?
E1 : yeah,its like palengke
E2 : Is dirty the place?
(huh,ano daw?)
Girl : I hate him! He really makes me init ulo!!!!
(duh….!!!! Whatever!!!)

Boy : Its not working? Why don’t you make pindot pindot here? (referring to a faulty computer)
(wutever…)

E1 :Gosh!grabe naman this emails you send me!its really gross!its really kadiri!!!
(and this is a GUY talking!)

E1 : You wanna come with me to glorietta for lunch?
E2 : Kasya ba tyo sa kotse mo?
E1 : Small nga lang my car eh!!!
(wow…sana naman you make ayos your language man….)

G1 : Come on!lets buy nah….
G2 : Ok basta you make me pila!
G1 : Ok ill make you pila basta you make me bili ha.
(dumb …..)

Moral lesson: Try to be yourself... if you do need to converse in English please make sure not to mix filipino and english in one sentence cause it doesn't sound good. Better yet why not try speaking in Filipino? If you have nothing good or interesting to say just keep quiet. No one wants a social climber.

Robots Funny and Heartwarming

Robots,
originally uploaded by starDust88.

The story revolves around Rodney Copperbottom (voiced by Ewan McGregor), a wannabe-inventor leaving his family home in Rivet Town to head for the bustling metropolis of Robot City, where he plans to get a job under gadget mogul Bigweld (Mel Brooks). The only problem is, when he finally gets there he finds out that the big industry isn't all it's made out to be on the telly, and not long after he finds himself in trouble with a powerful enemy in the shape of corporate executive Ratchet (Greg Kinnear).

Although the story is not very original the idea of robots interacting with each other and dealing with daily problems humans ecounter is still worth watching plus there are a number of funny scenes in this movie that everyone would surely enjoy.

There's been so much care and attention put into building this movie... from the robot world down to it's inhabitants... a favorite scene of mine was the dominos scene which would definitely make you wonder how many days it took them to create that scene.

'Robots' is not perfect, but it's very well presented and - most importantly - a lot of fun.

I will give it 4 out of 5 stars

Starwars III trailer available online

Starwars III,
originally uploaded by starDust88.

Guess what the Starwars fever is back and for you guys who have seen but would like to view the trailer of Starwars III you can check it out here or you can also visit their website at www.starwars.com

Mario Vazquez quits American Idol?

Mario Vasquez,
originally uploaded by starDust88.

This is a repost from another bulletin...

In the most shocking exit ever from a reality TV show, Mario Vazquez has quit American Idol 4, leaving stunned fans gasping for answers. Mario Vazquez is not the first person to quit a popular reality TV show or even the first person to quit American Idol. In the past, both Survivor and The Apprentice have had contestants quit during the middle of the competition. Earlier this season American Idol even had its first contestant quit, Marlea Stroman quit because of the stress of being away from her son. What is so shocking about Mario Vazquez quitting is that he was actually a serious contender to win the most popular reality TV show on the air. Previous exits from reality TV shows have usually occurred early in the competition by contestants who probably knew they were longshots to win anyway. Mario Vazquez on the other hand left after making it into the top 12 American Idol finalist. The official Fox press release states Mario Vazquez left for "personal reasons." Speculation of why Mario really left is running rampant on many message boards and theories range from family problems to something to do with Michael Jackson (Mario Vazquez previously sang back-up for Michael Jackson). Assuming that the press release is correct and Mario did leave for personal or family reasons, his departure is likely to shine an even bigger spotlight on whatever those personal or family reasons are. In this age of blogs and message boards, speculation will run rampant until all the details are made public.

Mario Vazquez Quits, Nikko Smith Back In

Breaking News... Fox just issued a press release that Mario Vazquez has quit the American Idol 4 competition. No reason other than that Mario Vazquez withdrew for "personal reasons" is given in the press release. Mario Vazquez will be replaced by Nikko Smith. Nikko Smith and Travis Tucker were the last two eliminated male singers in the American Idol 4 competition, and since Nikko Smith received more votes that Travis Tucker during last week's competition, he was selected to take Mario's place. Nikko Smith re-joins the competition immediately and will compete as a member of the Top 12.