Sa Araw Ng Pasko (cover by Unang Palapag)

Being an Inspiration

Since history I only had one favorite singer: Michael Buble. I've never really been that passionate about other celebrities either. I'd like them for a while, but see them only as an artist. I love Harry Potter books and movies, but they are fiction. It is only now that I instantly grew fond of a celebrity. I like most of her songs, though not all. I like her movie and tv shows too! But not only does she have one of the best voices I've heard, what made me look up to her is how she became a genuine role model and how she inspires thousands of people. I am 26 and she's younger, but the way she moves lives of young people is incomparable. Imperfect as she is, she stands and stays strong. She is Demi Lovato.

Never in a million years did I ever believe that I would admire a hollywood celebrity, much less write a blog about someone like Demi Lovato. I didn't like her in camp rock and did not mind her vocal talent then because she was annoying. Now, listening to her old and new songs, she has one of the purest and best voices out there. I've watched a lot of her live performances in youtube and she has a great voice sometimes already comparable to that of Kelly Clarkson. The same as Michael Buble, you can't really compare her live and studio versions. Yep, she is that good. To prove my point, go and type "skyscraper covers" in youtube. Listen to all of them and nobody does it better than Demi, whether it be the OMV or live. Even other divas couldn't put the same emotion as Demi does in the song. I was amazed at how good her voice was.

Looking back, I think I got interested with her only little by little. When Skyscraper was released in 2011, I didn't really listen to it well. I listened to the skyscraper covers of Maddi Jane and Boyce Avenue and Maria Aragon. Only in 2012 did I watch the music video. I recall seeing her last in Camp Rock and she was this little Disney girl just like Selena Gomez. In Skyscraper she looked more mature. A few months after that, "Give your heart a break" was released. The song became an instant hit. I liked the upbeat tempo and started to watch more of her live performances. She'd nail the song in every music award and concert she performed in. I was also really impressed with her in the VEVO Special: An Intimate Performance. This is the link of the video: An Intimate Performance

But no, it was not only her voice that stood out from all the other divas or celebrities that made me admire her a lot. Sure, I like the power, soul, and some rasp in her voice. But it is her story that captured me. Demi at a young age was suffering from an eating disorder which resulted from bullying during her time in gradeschool. She then developed anorexia, depression, and self-mutilation. Yep, she cut herself. She said it was a way to release her pain. Her vices got worse when she went to hollywood because the pressure of looking thin was bigger. She was touring when Demi hit rock bottom and had a fight with one of her back-up dancers. That resulted in her going to a treatment facility. She spent Christmas and New Year in rehab without family or friends. After 3 months, she went out. Instead of keeping things to herself, she wanted to let the world know how she faced her problems, and as quoting her, "I want people with problems like mine to feel that they are not alone and that it is okay to speak up". Demi was also diagnosed with bipolar disorder where she would sometimes experience a trance of depression then a manic attack which could last for days. To know more about her story, check out the links below. I particularly suggest the "Stay Strong" special by MTV. http://www.demilovato.org/archives/5547

And another one here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fNpVhQY23Wk


Even with her opening to the public and being an advocate to anti-bullying, there are still so many people putting her down and criticizing her. An example is that they would say she has a problem of trying to eat while a lot of people suffer from famine. Both cannot be compared really. The thing is that, people are facing different kinds of struggles and how we deal with them is the most important thing.

She dealt with hers courageously not realizing the role model status that came with it. I read a lot of comments about her music videos and other blogs about her and I am amazed at how they say that Demi saved their lives. I have never read tons of comments telling one thing, that someone saved them. I mean, people look up to role models, like those who came from rags to riches. But hers is different. Even at this very moment, she is still struggling with her disorder. There is no denying that up to this date she is still recovering. She is still standing and appealing to people about staying strong with her. Her songs also serve as an inspiration, I for one, absolutely love this song especially when I was depressed about something. And I don't really get depressed a whole lot, but the song inspired me good. Here is a very special live performance of it which includes a speech about her fans and staying strong: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ft1PiZLEOHU&feature=youtube_gdata_player

"A lot of you say that I inspire you, but it is really you who inspire me."

The thing that made her stand out from other role models is that she takes strength from her fans and from the people around her as much as she is doing the same thing to them, being an inspiration. I have been a youth leader and what she is doing is really admirable. I hope famous people become like her, using their talent and opportunity in the best way possible. She is still young and can easily change but I hope she remains a role model and someone who inspires not only people with problems the same as hers, but people like me who believe that a person really can make a difference in this world.

A really inspiring video is a clip from X-Factor USA: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BmUL72dIbTA&feature=g-crec-lik This is a real proof on how she affects lives of people.

I don't know if Demi's music would be in my list for years just like Michael Buble's music, see I am more of a jazz person. Well, certainly skyscraper will be there, and give your heart a break, catch me, my love is like a star, and fix a heart, etc.. Anyway, I 'm hoping Demi Lovato will continue to be in the limelight, becoming the strength of others in struggle, being an inspiration.

Stones Do Melt

Thought I had a stone heart
Unbreakable, insensitive
Show me kindness
And love and warmth
I return back the favor
But not all
I hide
I have much more to give
Yet I don't give in
I am unemotional
You hug me
But I don't
You say I love you
I do too
But not in words
No
Because I am ironhearted
I am a stone

Throw everything at me
And I wouldn't care
Punch me, kick me
Treat me like trash
I won't care
Scare me, dump me
Throw rocks at me
Slice me, hit me
Tear me down
I feel nothing
Because my heart is made of stone

But you were too much
You are a pernicious fire
Enough to melt my walls
You stepped on my guts
You showed me disgrace
You spit in my face
I stood for what was right
Yet you showed disrespect
I fell
I cracked
My stone started to crumble
First, a tingle
Then an ache
The pain grew
And I can't hold any longer
Pain, despair
I am bleeding
Sadness overwhelming
My heart was breaking
Yet I stood back up
Not to fight
But to stand my ground
I am human
You are too
You shout at me
Call me stupid,
Imbecile, dumb,
Whatever, you name it
I give you back
Silence instead
For one can only share
What they have
And that is
What I possess
My heart is
Shattering like hell
I will not fight
But I will pray
Because clearly
You do not know
Love at its best
You have the riches
Yes
Yet you are so poor
I pity you
Because you don't know
What is respect
By displaying arrogance
People will not treat you
With kindness
But rather with dread
I am pouring now
My defenses are down
I am shivering
But I keep on walking
I am scarred
But I remain tall
To you who broke me
I wish you
Kindness
Patience
And respect.
I hope other people
Bless you with more
Virtues too
Because you need these
More than I do

If only I had a wish
It is that you
Don't hurt
Other people
The way you did me
Don't share your arrogance
Your hatred
Your ignorance
We have one life
To live
To love.

I am a stone.
I broke down.

Stones do melt.

Half Day Off: Would I Spend It Wisely?

Yeah, a half day it is, coz I spent the morning just sleeping on my bed. I was supposed to jog today, but laziness crept and I slept for roughly 11 hours.

Now I have the chance to spend this off worthwhile firstly by cooking paksiw. Then, to replace my missed jog, would probably walk around the block to stretch my legs and get some air and alone time out of the hostel.

I would clean the room, also. And do some laundry. Then after that I would fix files in the PC and my phone and yeah, read a book.

I hope I can do all of this things in half a day. Already, a few minutes have been spent by composing this diary-like-blog entry.

This entry was written mainly for the purpose of seeing if I could finish all my planned tasks. So why not use a task checkist app instead, you say? I dunno. I just feel like writing something.

Hence, I will return to see this blog at the end of the day.

See you then...

After 18 hours....
I mostly did what I said except for the reading part and the cleaning was very light. But it was a productive off. I got to watch survivor Philippines which had a really interesting episode, and a movie too. So I was delighted with my off.

Now I'm back on duty.

Lewis signs with Mercedes for 2013.

Was it the right call?

This blog is already a week late but I think Lewis Hamilton's decision to move to Mercedes was the biggest move of the year, neigh, the decade.

Lewis said earlier in the year when the speculations started that he only wants to win. Clearly, Mercedes aren't winning at all. In fact they have been struggling battling with midfield teams like Williams, Force India, and Sauber. On the other hand, his Mclaren is a winning car.

Why he moved is probably then not related to winning instantly, but taking on a new challenge. I think he wants to emulate what Michael Schumacher did with Ferrari, and I think what Fernando Alonso is trying to do today at Ferrari. He wants to build a team around him. No offense to Nico Rosberg, but I think Lewis will trounce him at Mercedes. Nico is good, but Lewis is better. With Ross Brawn at his side, he can make Mercedes a winning team.

But not instantly. He's gonna have to work hard in 2013 to get a race win. 2014 is a different topic with all the new turbo engines coming out. But 1 year to struggle in a new team will make him a real man, not that he wasn't in Mclaren, with what, winning the World Championships in only his second year in F1.

It would be very awkward to watch Lewis getting overtaken by Perez next year, if that should happen. Mexican sensation Sergio Perez was signed by Mclaren after Lewis announced he was leaving the team. Surely with the experience of Mclaren, Sergio would have the opportunity to beat Lewis in the races and in the championship next year. And if I prove right that Mercedes are still going to struggle next year, then it would be legitimately appropriate to say that Sergio Perez has overtaken Lewis Hamilton off the track.

At first, I thought it was a wrong move for Lewis because he will be struggling. Remember that Mercedes was also BAR and Honda. And a year ago, there were rumours of Mercedes leaving the sport. But after reading all the news and comments about Lewis leaving Mclaren, I think it was a good decision for him. Great drivers excel in whatever equipment they are given. And he can prove that at Mercedes next year. I only hope that Mercedes give him a winning car sooner rather than later, because the one that he regards as his greatest rival, Fernando Alonso, is waiting for him on track.

10 Conclusions from the 2012 Monaco GP

1. Webber makes it six from six.
The unpredictable season continues as Mark is the 6th winner from 6 races. It is a new record and just shows how competetive the season is. 7 out of 7 is not out of the question since Lewis is usually strong in the streets of Montreal.

2. The race was a snoozefest.
There was no overtaking except for Perez albeit I could hear my heartbeat during those last 15 laps when the top 6 were nose to tail. I think most of us were waiting for an overtake from the front runners that didn't happen.

3. Maldonado goes from hero to silly zero.
Pastor was a favorite going into the Monte Carlo weekend as he has done well there in the past. He started it rough by hitting Perez in FP3, getting a 10 grid penalty, getting yet another penalty after the team changed his gearbox, thus starting last, hitting Pedro dela Rosa, and finally retiring in the first corner.

4. Mclaren and Lotus are wasting points.
The two teams considered to be fastest going into the season took very little points. Grosjean in the faster Lotus got tangled up, and poor old form-dipping Jenson was stuck behind a feisty Heikki Kovalainen. Lewis was struggling with his tyres but the slower pitstop relegated him behind Fernando Alonso and Sebastian Vettel.

5. FIA need to clear the rules about 'holes' on car floors.
A hole is defined as a hollow place in a solid body or surface. How can the 'hole' in front of the rear tyres on the RedBull not be a hollow place?

6. Michael Schumacher and Felipe Massa upped their level.
Michael got round Monaco fastest during qualifying and was impressive although stuck behind Kimi Raikkonen most of the race. Felipe, under threat of his Ferrari seat, qualified impressively close to Fernando and was just a few seconds back from Fernando Alonso during the chequered flag.

7. Pirelli was unusually conservative.
All runners just had 1 trip to the pits which reminded us of the Bridgestone days although less exciting with all cars running with full fuel tanks without differing strategies on fuel.

8. Webber becomes a title contender after a brilliant drive.
After inheriting pole, Mark drove an excellently judged race, preserving his tyres, absorbing huge pressure from Nico Rosberg, and not making a single mistake during the race, even when spots of rain fell down.

9. It was not Grosjean's fault in as much as it was Alonso's during the first corner tangle.
Many blame Grosjean for his contact but footage can confirm that he just had not enough space to go after the faster starting Alonso squeezed him to the left.

10. Paddock rumors continue on who's going where in 2013 and beyond.
Webber to Ferrari? Hamilton to RedBull? Alguersuari to Force India? Di Resta to Mercedes? Vettel to Ferrari in 2014? Perez to Ferrari? I don't know about you guys but I think I would enjoy Mark driving beside Fernando and especially watching Lewis in the same car as Sebastian.


see you guys in 2 weeks time in the Canadian GP!

10 Conclusions from the 2012 Spanish GP

1. Williams needed that win.
Williams, with its rich history, went from winning to selling shares in less than a decade. Pastor Maldonado saved the team with a brilliant win over Ferrari and Alonso's fans.

2. The season continues to be unpredictable.
Most thought that with the European leg, we would be able to see the real pecking order in F1. Spain just made things more confusing with a Williams winning for the first time since 2004.

3. The German World champions need to control their temper.
Sebastian said cucumber, Michael said idiot. The German heroes are definitely not hiding their colours form the public.

4. Maldonado the pay driver is an F1 winner.
He showed that just because you are a pay driver you can't win. Pastor Maldonado does not deny that he pays to drive but now surely no one can also deny his talent and skill.

5. Lewis is not a tyre-eater.
Hamilton was able to make his tyres last despite following cars in dirty air and overtaking quite a lot of drivers. It was a remarkable feat to start last and finsih 8th with only 2 pit stops compared to most who had 3.

6. Mercedes, like this season, is so unpredictable.
They were the class of the field in Shanghai and in Spain they were not fast enough. Yes, the long straight in China helped, but it was confusing that Williams and a Sauber were faster than them.

7. Massa needs to step up or it's goodbye for him.
We could say that Fernando was overperforming the Ferrari but Massa is also underperforming. In the race, Alonso was fighting for the win while Felipe was battling with midfielders.

8. Mclaren needs to tidy up their pitstops.
The pitstop blunders in Mclaren continue and they need to clean up their act immediately and grab back all their lost points in the first 5 races.

9. Disappointed Kimi is not disappointing.
Kimi was disappointed of not winning the race because he knew they could have won if the right strategies were played. Kimi's return to F1 just proves he is a pure skilled racer, now with back to back podiums under his belt.

10. It's Monaco baby.
One of the most anticipated races of the season is coming next and everyone is hungry for a prestigious Monaco win. Will we see a 6th new winner in Raikkonen or Hamilton? Can't wait for the 27th!