For Some Reason, I Found Myself Listening to THESE
“Call Me Maybe”
by Carly Rae Jepsen
“Payphone”
by Maroon 5 featuring Wiz Khalifa
And for some reason, they both have something to do with A PHONE. Hahaha!
On a serious note, it got me thinking why these songs are hits… And I guess just like every song, it’s because people can relate to their lyrics. Not to mention, groove to their melodies! 
But let’s start with “Payphone.“ How exactly can people relate to it? Okay, the music video’s out of the question. The whole concept of it and its relation to the song are still a mystery to me! This version is actually better, in my opinion:
But anyway, if you’re going to ask me, the part that really got my attention was this:
“If happy ever after did exist, I would still be holding you like this. And all those fairytales are full of s*it; one more f*cking love song, I’ll be sick… I’m at a payphone.”
And it wasn’t just the “happy ever after” and “fairytales” that made me press the replay button again and again, it’s the way it was written — in second conditional (excuse the grammarzilla in me) and with straight-to-the-point-no-excuses swearwords! It’s as if the writer really tried to express both the LOVE and PAIN he/she felt, feels, and will feel! And for me, he/she succeeded in doing that exactly. 
As for “Call Me, Maybe,“ how do people relate to it? Hmm… To make it easier, let’s make the question how do I relate to it? Hahaha!
Well, I’ll let you in on a secret: Ms. Jepsen‘s hit song is actually one of my fantasies when I travel! You know, go to a foreign place, spot that kind of guy, approach him, give him my number even though we both know it’s craaazy, but then what’s done’s done, so the ball’s already in his court and it’s up to him whether or not he’ll do the next move. Call me. But maybe. Tapos ang kanta! 
That. And well, the song’s truly catchy! Even YOU can’t deny that! Mwahahahahaha!
And there goes another rambling from yours truly. =)) To end this, I just want to say that I also found myself WATCHING these. Enjoy!!!
my fellow Lasallians‘ take on “Call Me, Maybe”
ANIMO!
Alex G‘s sweet rendition of “Payphone”
I wish she stuck with the original swearwords, though.
Instead of changing them to “it” and “stupid” respectively… If you know what I mean! 
Still COOKin’ in 2012!
“I’m sorry if it took us awhile to go back.” He said during that night. Or something like that.
Well, apology accepted! After all, we’ve waited three years to see him again! (By “we,” I’m referring to me, my Ate Fai, and the rest of his loyal followers since his Idol days!)
So who exactly am I talking about? Why, David Cook, of course!
The guy sure owns several guitars, which he used during his concert!
It’s true, it did take him awhile to come back to Manila because when he first played for his Filipino fans, I still haven’t found my first full-time job, my sister just got married, and he shared the stage with his runner-up, David Archuleta! In fact, I documented that epic concert in my previous blog, which you can check out by clicking HERE.
Whether it’s 2009 or 2012…
…my sister and I are definitely COOKistas! Haha!
Indeed, a lot of things have happened since 2009. And now that we’re in 2012, these happened: I just resigned from my first full-time job, my niece is about to turn three years old soon, and David Cook (DC) finally decided to have a concert of his own! But one thing remains: my undying love for his angelic-yet-powerful rock voice!
And speaking of his “angelic-yet-powerful rock voice,” have you gotten yourself a copy of his latest album This Loud Morning?
Well if you still haven’t, I suggest you go get one as soon as you can and turn to tracks like “Right Here, With You,“ “Fade Into Me,“ and “4 Letter Word.“ Why? Wala lang, those are my favorite tracks kasi! Eh nagbabakasakali lang na pareho tayo ng taste in music! Wahahahaha!
But seriously, DC‘s voice never fails to put a smile on my face! If only I could describe his voice by using an adjective that is used to describe looks, “gwapo” would be the appropriate one! Oh wait! I did describe his voice like that once, twice, or thrice. Whenever I listen to his songs, bigla nalang ako mapapasabi ng “ang gwapo talaga ng boses niya!” Hahaha!
I guess you just really can’t deny “talent” when you “hear” one! ♥
Always a David Cook fan, Mika
My Direction Infection
So One Direction. Ever since I got “infected,” I’ve written two 1D-related posts on this blog (HERE and HERE). If those weren’t enough, I even acquired my very own “fangirl stuff,” which includes 1D‘s debut album, their two official books — One Direction: Forever Young (Our Official X Factor Story) and Dare to Dream: Life as One Direction, their first concert DVD, a baller, a fan magazine, and still counting…
So when Ms. Dyan Zarzuela of Candy magazine asked me if I could share my 1D “fangirl story” with her, of course I didn’t think twice! There’s no better way to proclaim to “the world” my 1D devotion than with the help of the Philippines’ #1 teen magazine, Candy, right???
“Candy Girl Mika Chiong on 1D” can be found inside Candy magazine’s July 2012 issue!
The feature was short, but definitely sweet. As for the interview itself, I kind of got carried away! Hahaha! But if you get to read it, you’ll definitely UNDERSTAND how and why I got “infected” in the first place! So I decided to share it with yoouuu!
And now I’m warning you… what you’re about to read from hereon was pretty much how I gushed about 1D!
The video that made me become a 1D fan.
I’ve to be honest… my Direction Infection wasn’t a “love at first sight” thing. In fact, I kind of overlooked their “What Makes You Beautiful” music video the first time I saw it on TV. But on MARCH 21, 2012 (yes, it’s pretty recent; and yes, I know the exact date! Haha!), THIS video made me see 1D in a whole different light:
“ONE DIRECTION Teaches You to Speak British!” was THE video that made me a 1D fan!
The top 3 things I love about 1D.
First, they’re BRITISH — which is kind of a giveaway already since I’m a self-proclaimed Anglophile! Heehee.
Second, their STORIES. All One Directioners know that 1D was formed thanks to The X Factor (UK), but when I read their latest book, Dare To Dream: Life As One Direction, it was as if I was able to have a deeper connection with the boys and realized that yes, they, too, were just ordinary humans like most of us who once upon a time had big dreams… and were able to make them come true!
Last but definitely not the least, their MUSIC. Of course! 1D‘s album is actually what I play ALL DAY on my iPod! And I repeat, not just their hit singles, but the ENTIRE ALBUM — no kidding! I love the fact that each song in their album is distinct from one another. For example, “What Makes You Beautiful” sounds very current, typical for a boyband… but when you reach the last track, “Stole My Heart,” I actually get some kind of an 80′s vibe or something! I can’t really explain it… all I know is that 1D‘s music isn’t something people should take for granted or worse, underestimate.
My fave 1D member.
HARR-EH!!! Yes, Harry Styles is my favorite 1D member because I love his (husky) voice, I love his megawatt smile, I love his hair, I love his green eyes, I love that he loves cats, I love his personality (such a self-proclaimed cheeky chappy!), I love his “Isn’t She Lovely” audition on The X Factor, I love the fact that he’s close to his mum, I love that he doesn’t think age matters (hahaha!)
Oh let’s face it, I love EVERYTHING about him!!! ♥
Things that make a real 1D fangirl AND things that a real 1D fangirl would never do.
A real 1D fangirl is someone who…
…knows all 1D‘s songs by heart.
…has a Facebook wall/Twitter feed full of 1D news/stuff!
…gets her hands on every possible 1D merchandise — whether it’s from the U.K., Australia, America, or just any part of the world (guilty as charged! Haha!)
…smiles at the thought of 1D. As simple as that.
…supports not just her favorite member, but ALL the members!
…will name her future sons Harry, Liam, Louis, Niall, and/or Zayn! =))
A real 1D fangirl would never…
…bash/trash-talk any of the boys’ girlfriends/love interests (no matter how much that sucks!) </3
…buy a pirated 1D album/CD/DVD. It’s just plain wrong… not to mention ILLEGAL.
…compare the boys to other artists. Simply put, the boys are unique in their own ways. 1D IS 1D; they’re incomparable. (Spoken like a true One Directioner! Hahaha!)
…outgrow the boyband. 5, 10, or more years from now — even when they’re already classified as a “middle-aged men” band! There’s just NO CURE for this Direction Infection!!!
—
And actually, I once had a Facebook status talking about my decision to resign from my job:
“I contemplated… and changed my mind. Fight ’til the end! Ika nga, use all possible ‘lifelines!’ You’ll be surprised that even One Direction played a big role in this decision-making… That’s HOW MUCH they’re influencing my life right now! But then again, only a REAL FAN GIRL will understand why.”
Believe it or not. But yes, BELIEVE IT!
My friends actually found it “different” that I decided not to resign from my job because of 1D. Obviously, the boys weren’t the only reason BUT they were one of the major factors.
First is very obvious. How else would I be able to afford 1D fangirl-ing stuff and merchandise if I didn’t earn my own money? At my age, I already pay for my own “wants” and asking money from others isn’t just an option.
Next, they inspire me. To WORK HARD, that is. We think that being a celebrity/superstar is all glitz and glamour. True. But it also takes a lot of hard work. We all witnessed THAT (hard work) during the seventh season of The X Factor (UK). We all STILL see that while the boys are busy traveling the world, satisfying each and every fan… while enduring being away from their families and not having the same kind of privacy when they were still ordinary British boys. Why do they do those? Because that’s how DEDICATED they are. Because that’s how they’re grateful for all the support they received, are receiving, and will receive from their fans!
But going back to my status, I’ve to say that the “fight” is over now. I did use my so-called “lifelines,” but my decision to finally resign eventually became a “need” instead of a “want.” I may be unemployed now, but I’m not rushing anyway. It’s because when I land my next job, I don’t want it to be just another job — I want it to be where I can finally have a “career.” Besides, I already have sufficient time to focus on my graduate studies now. And guess what? I still get to be my fangirl self and get my hands on 1D merchandise — thanks to my ever supportive family members! Harharhar.
Like I said, only a REAL FANGIRL can get me! Enough said.
—
Ooh, while we’re at it,
why not grab a copy of Candy magazine’s latest issue?
Turn to page 70 for “A Fangirl’s Story” (photo courtesy of Candy magazine)
Available wherever magazines are sold for only Php100.
This Thing People Younger Than Me Call An “Infection”
It all started with a link — a “tweeted” link, actually. After that, I practically waited ONE week before I decided to post something about my entry’s focus for this day. You know, just to make sure that what I feel is legit… After all, “it” happened oh so fast — thanks to my friend Jeselle!!!
:)
Oh yes, I needed ONE week to really convince myself that I’m indeed a fan of, none other than, One Direction (or 1D for short)
But I have to be honest. The first time I saw their music video on a local music channel, the first thing I thought of was:
“A boyband? In the year 2012?! Oh not again…”
And then I kept hearing their songs almost everywhere. Nada.
And then I found out that they’re British. Oh-kaaay… but still not enough.
And then Jesselle finally sent me something on Twitter, telling me that the link she provided reminded her of me since I love everything British…
I watched it… found them very charming… and then realized that they were the same people on THAT music video I didn’t give much attention to the first time I saw it…
After pressing “replay” a few more times, watching related videos here and there, and basically spending more time on YouTube than expected (almost 6 hours!), I stumbled upon THAT music video again. But unlike before, my eyes were finally glued to the screen, my ears were finally listening rather than hearing, and overall, I just saw “What Makes You Beautiful” in a whole new light:
That’s when it hit me. I finally got the so-called “Direction Infection” — which usually affects younger people. But hey, Jesselle and I can be the “exception” to this “infection!” =))
And of course, just like Ronan Keating (Boyzone) and Nicky Byrne (Westlife) from the nineties, I also have my eyes on a particular 1D member: HARRY STYLES. ♥
The other "Prince Harry" of England. Heehee. ♥
Watch the following video to know why Harr-eh‘s oh sooo “lovely” to me! Gaaah~
Yes, One Direction was formed thanks to the seventh season of The X Factor (UK).
And yes, thanks to Simon Cowell.
To prove that I’m far from being “cured” of this “infection” (not that I want to be anytime soon!), I bought 1D‘s debut album in less than 24 hours of being “infected.” Haha!
Of course, I bought the one with the "Harry" cover! ♥
I know, I know. I’m already too old for this kind of stuff… but as One Direction “sang” it,
♪ “I don’t, I don’t, don’t know what it is, but I need that one thing… And you’ve got that one thing.” ♫
Yes, I need THIS one thing… whether you call it a crazy thing, fangirl-ing, and even an “infection,” only one thing‘s for sure: whatever THIS thing is, 1D‘s definitely the only ONE that’s got it!
And I don’t plan on doing anything about it, but simply ENJOY it while I’m still already not-so-young and not-so-beautiful. Wahahahaha! Heard enough of IT? Okay, great!
THAT Accent
Sobrang babaw ng dahilan but last night, I was literally SMILING before going to sleep. Why? Because I watched the interview of A1‘s Ben Adams with Boy Abunda. It was already around 12:15AM, but I didn’t care — I had to finish the entire Bandila show just to watch a rare interview of one of my boyband member crushes that dates back more than a DECADE ago!!!
So anyway, A1 is here in the Philippines because they have a concert tomorrow, February 25, 2012 (Saturday) at the Smart Araneta Coliseum with Blue and 98 Degrees‘ Jeff Timmons.
Too bad I can’t find a copy of THE interview on the Internet, but I hope this video will suffice:
It’s all about THAT accent, yo!
Sabi nga ni Karen Davila, kung may LINsanity na nagaganap sa mga panahong ito, pwes kagabi, namayagpag ang BENsanity! Numero unong trending topic agad sa Twitter (Philippines) ang interview!!!
Seriously, what is it with THAT accent anyway? I know it always “has” ME in that Jerry-Maguire-you-had-me-at-hello kind of way AND I know for a fact that I’m not the only one! Most girls fall for it, too!
Honestly, if the Brits could think of using their “accent” as a form of a marketing strategy, it might just work — at least for ME! I know this because I think I might just be getting A1‘s latest album… thanks to THAT interview and yes, thanks to THAT accent! Haha! ♥
So yeah. UNFORTUNATELY for me, I won’t able to watch the concert! Boo-hoo. 
But FORTUNATELY for me, I can always go to the nearest record store and buy THIS:
-Excerpt from the interview-
Ben Adams: Why do you think roses have thorns?
Boy Abunda: Because beauty is deadly!
(Meganon talaga Tito Boy?! Wala na tuloy ibang nasabi si Ben kundi TAYNK YOW! *in THAT sexy British accent of his* HA HA HA)
Oh well. Gotta keep calm and carry on…
And oh, long live the Queen!
—
P.S: My DTC Mobile giveaway is still ONGOING! So keep those LIKEs and SHAREs coming to get a chance to win a new phone! Thanks!!!
Family Night
February 18, 2012. My family and I attended a thanksgiving dinner for our grandparents’ joint death anniversary.
We love you Lolo Joe and Lola Vic! Rest assured, you'll forever be in our hearts!!! ♥
It started with a Mass… then dinner… and of course, ENTERTAINMENT courtesy of The Executives Band!
My Tito Hector and cousin Julius Sanvictores are actually part of the aforementioned band, as well as one of my favorite bloggers, Cara Manglapus — who also happens to be the only girl member-slash-vocalist of the said group.
The Executives Band
The Executives Band's Cara Manglapus
That night, I was also lucky enough to have finally met her. (Thanks to my cousin Julius for introducing us! Haha!)
another "fangirl moment" for me! =))
Check out Cara‘s blog HERE.
And of course, who can forget our much needed “cousin bonding!” One just tied the knot, the other WILL also tie the knot within the year, and then another one just got engaged too! Sooo, hindi naman ako masyado na-prepressure ng mga pinsan ko noh?! Oh well. HA HA HA
Anyway, meet my beautiful and handsome cousins! And along the way, guess who’s who!
Couples' Corner ♥♥♥
After our thanksgiving dinner, we made the most of our “bonding time” by deciding to go to a spa across the street. Spontaneous Moment #1.
at Babaylan Spa
Babaylan Spa‘s second branch is located at Scout Tuazon, Quezon City. You can avail of their full-body massage for only Php450. But if you prefer a quicker way to relax, you can opt for a foot massage (Php300) or foot spa (Php350). Aside from the fact that it’s open from 9-2am (yes, 2AM!!!), I love Babaylan Spa for its location. Let’s just say that its location is where I had most of my childhood memories, and THAT place will forever hold a special place in my heart JUST BECAUSE.
And if that wasn’t enough, we all decided to drink MILK TEA in the wee hours of the night (read: 2am)! We went to four different milk tea places along Tomas Morato but unfortunately, the first three milk tea places we went to were already closed. Luckily, we found SerendipiTea!!!
(photo courtesy of My SerendipiTea)
My SerendipiTea = milk tea fix at 2am!
Visit My SerendipiTea‘s Facebook page here.
And that was our Spontaneous Moment #2. Ah, one of the good things about spending time with my cousins: SPONTANEITY. We may not have the chance to meet as often as we want to but when we do, it’s something I always look forward to! So there. See you next time! (And I do hope it’s SOON, too!!!)
The Lady is now out!
Meet Kevin.
Kevin is my 15-year-old cousin from Sacramento, California. He can actually play the drums, guitar, ukulele, and of course, piano!
Kevin and I when we were still kids (circa 1999)
The other day, I asked him to play a piano cover of my “LSS” (Last Song Syndrome) for the past few days — “Without You” by David Guetta featuring Usher, and I think he nailed it:
As you can see, ni hindi nga siya gumagamit ng piyesa (sheet music)! I say that’s pure talent!
And here’s another favorite of mine:
Find Kevin on Facebook and Twitter.
Anyway, he actually has a YouTube account and I highly encourage you to LIKE and SUBSCRIBE. He has more covers showcasing his musical talent there, and you can check them out here.
Who knows? With talent like that, I believe Kevin has the potential to be the next (social media) “sensation!” And when that happens, well… don’t say I didn’t “warn” ya!
