COVID-19

There are over 100 million cases of covid worldwide with over 2 million deaths so far. It has been over a year since the first case and the pandemic has entered a second wind. Hopefully, the vaccines will slow the virus down. Praying that the end of the pandemic is near.

2021

It has been years. I'm sure no one reads blogs anymore. At least not this kind. Though years back, even when blogs were the fad, no one came in here to take a peak. So it's all the same. Maybe. Let's just do this for the sake of. And see what happens.

Olympic Dreams

Tonight, the very first Filipino representative to the Winter Olympics skates for the first time. Michael Martinez is the country's lone representative to the Winter Olympics happening in Sochi, Russia.  No matter the results after this competition, the Philippines should be proud of what he has achieved!

A long time ago, it was also my dream to represent the country in a competition abroad.  I used to dream of being on the first place podium with USA or China on my either side!  And I did it, in my day dreams anyway, in every kind of sport. I used to say that I'd be the very first Filipino to ever win an Olympic gold medal in table tennis. Then in badminton. In swimming (even though I barely knew how to swim). And in all other sport.  I even remember the feeling of pride and nationalism whenever I imagine standing on the first place podium with my right hand over my left chest, our flag being raised and Lupang Hinirang playing.  I think I even used to sing it out loud and proud.

But that was years ago. I know that nothing is impossible but let's face it.  My body has already undergone irreversible changes. Changes that don't exactly support my Olympic dream.  But who knows, right?  There are several other kinds of sport that doesn't require a young, athletic body.  I just hope I find the enthusiasm and inspiration to at least continue on dreaming.  So for now, I will live vicariously through Michael, who at a very young age has achieved what only millions of us dream of.

The Real Top 10

All but two of the 10 duets for this week got a standing ovation from the judges!  That's how great the performances are this week! Oh my gosh!  I don't have the words!  The All Stars really brought everything to the next level ten levels higher!

The show started off elegantly with the top 10 number choreographed by Chris Scott.  Clever use of the rocking chair!  These choreographers have such weirdly creative ideas for props.

The duets were started by a high energy, heart-stopping disco routine by the great Doriana Sanchez performed by Brandon and Amy.  The lifts are really scary but it's Brandon who is doing them and with those big biceps, and considering how small Amy is, they were done perfectly!  Almost too perfect really especially on that last death drop!  An inch from the floor! Oh my!

That was followed by a sharp and funky jazz performance by the beast herself, Melanie paired with Fik-shun.  Their dance really left you feeling good.  Melanie is as sharp as ever and Fik-shun for the most part was able to match her brilliance.

Tsunami

Fear and tear inducing footage of the tsunami that devastated Japan in 2011.  You should watch the video to see how powerful Mother Nature can be.

The initial 3 minutes of the video shows the almost empty river, obviously the water has receded.  Sirens, announcements are blaring in the background.  I assume that people are being asked to move to a higher ground.

Then the water starts coming in and I think to myself, maybe this is town is very far from the places I saw on TV that were totally immersed in flood and debris.  But for 15 minutes, water kept on rushing.  The water in the river rose and rose until it overflowed into the streets and then into the nearby playground.  And then the water brought in small debris, and then cars and boats and finally houses!

VoicePHBattles

The Battle Rounds on The Voice of the Philippines have not really delivered... yet.  I am hoping that a good battle happens soon.  Save for the battle between Mitoy and Chien last week, there's really nothing memorable among the performances.  The contestants have almost always been uncomfortable on stage, singing off key and not giving the full performance expected of them.  The song choices of the coaches, too, have not really showcased the beautiful voices of the contestants.

Remember this?

Do you still remember this performance between Jessica Sanchez and Jennifer Holiday?  That's the kind of battle that I am expecting from The Voice of the Philippines!  And I hope to see it soon...

SYTYCD 10 Top 10

Yes.  It's still two more weeks until the top 10 dancers are revealed but as early as now, I would like to make my predictions.

I think the girls are so much stronger than the guys this year.  They are better trained, have more personality and are amazing performers.  Here are my thoughts on who will make it to the top 10.

1. Hayley.  Let me just say what an opportunity for Hayley this week to be able to dance with the choreographer himself - Leonardo! Even Mary Murphy was envious!  Hayley has been consistently voted to safety so even though she isn't the strongest among the women, I think she'll cruise through to the top 10.
2. Makenzie.  Consistently at the bottom 3.  Consistently saved by the judges because of her amazing performances and professionalism.  I hope America votes her to the top 10 and if not, I hope the judges do not tire of saving her.
3. Paul.  The ever-gelled Armenian, who I admire for having the courage to take on another season of SYTYCD in a foreign country at that, has revealed himself to be a very strong contender.