Why Kris Allen deserved to win? Here's why!

So many people are reacting to the American Idol results. Honestly, I wonder why? I'm not a fan of any of them, instead I simply analyze which one is the most marketable given the present times. Kahit naman kasi mag-react tayong lahat, e as if it will matter naman. Whoever wins any competition will never satisfy everybody. It's part of our nature naman, kahit nga super ganda or gwapo na the person in front of us, we still find something to complain about. Especially Filipinos. Sad but true.

My views are simply from the point of view of someone who came from the entertainment industry. Thanks to my FANTASTIC mentors, Mr. Ramon Chuaying and Ms. Bella Tan, we were trained to have a very good eye for superstars, and very pair of ears for sound (voice) that is going to be huge, marketable and commercial.

Madali naman talagang magsabi na magaling ang isang performer. Usually and mga hirit ng tao:
"Ay, bongga! Ang taas ng boses!"
"Ay ang ganda niya! or Sexy! Pogi! Guwapo! Tangkad! Ang puti!"

We look for so many things... Kilig factor, looks, height, shape, size, skin type, cleanliness (lalo na Filipinos), ilong, tenga, lahat na!!! Sa totoo lang, kawawa ang mga performers dahil in summary, ang hinahap ng mga tao PERFECT! As if the will ever happen di ba? Mga illusyonado tayong mga tao e.


KRIS ALLEN (The Most Commercial)
The cutest contestant in AI8. Boy-next-door slightly young-ish but naughty-sexy love to kiss gentle animal. Hahaha! In short, simple pero nakaka-libog. Importante yan! Dahil hindi ka lang dapat guwapo sa industy na ito. Dapat pinagsnanasahan ka! Mabango pero di mukhang bading. Sexy pero di mukhang manyak! Guwapo pero di nakakasawa. Cute pero di mukhang boring na walang alam. Inosente pero oozing with sex appeal. Kris Allen is in short, a love to be first wild lay in bed.

Maybe he does not have the most amazing vocal range. But his voice definitely has character. A voice that can easily be identified as Kris Allen. This is a very important qualification for recording executives as it is important that a voice is quickly recognizable to the public as their artist. It's also not just a voice that's different, it's beautiful for the current songs and song types that are not just commercial, but also vocally playful. In short, it's what you call intelligent singing. A good singer is not about having a great voice quality. But someone who knows how to use his voice. Take for example Barbara Streisand. She does not have the most beautiful voice, but she knows exactly what to do with her voice to sound good. Therefore, that is why Kris Allen sounds good in the songs he does. Not only did he sing them in a manner that will make him stand out, he even works with an arrangement that can make his voice part of the entire orchestration, thus making the song sound very together. Singing is not just about showcasing one's voice, it's about making your voice part of the entire band. As if your voice is just one of the instruments. That is what a real singer is.

Lastly, Kris Allen has the star quality. A singer that can be an actor, endorser, spokesperson, etc. A singer’s life does not just revolve around music. To keep one’s career alive, they must possess many qualities that can help sustain their popularity. Increase their fanbase and have them respected by many sectors. Otherwise, if it’s only music that they know, then they suffer the same fate one-hit-wonders have in the past. And as for an album, I believe we can look forward to a great album with great arrangements, vocal play and something that one can play, sing-a-long from start to finish. Now that is an artist that can last a long time.


ADAM LAMBERT (The Acrobat)
Adam Lambert generated the most buzz in this season of AI. Fantastic singing yes. Physically pleasant yes. But why do you think did he not win?

Here’s why: HELLO!!! Bading na bading!!! And as much as he wowed everyone in AI, the truth is not everyone will vote for him given that the gay issue is surrounding him. Just google and you will find tons of pictures and issues about him.

Yes he looks good and is quite powerful on stage. One can’t even turn away once he starts staring with those freakingly beautiful eyes! Man! God gave him the most amazing pair! But truth is… The heterosexual world will still fantasize a straight guy. And AI’s fan base is predominantly female.

So, siyempre kahit di naman nila makukuha si Kris Allen or Danny Gokey, vote pa rin sila. Because whether we admit it or not, we all fantasize, and if we do, siyempre dun na sa straight.

Not everyone favors men with eyeliner and nail polish. Emo-Goth fashion that may look good on him, but honestly…. A bigger percentage still prefer the Kris Allen types…

His personality on stage has also become his undoing. Too much exposure to theatre has made him into a great entertainer, but has also stripped him of being himself. Hence, he always comes across as very “staged”. Always proper when speaking and always theatrical when performing. Quite overacting and always projecting.

And what makes a true artist? It’s not just about impressing the audience with your vocal acrobatics. It’s connection. Again, how they can touch the hearts of their audience. That is how you make people to remember you for a very long time. Many freakingly good singers with Guiness-sy vocal range have been broken into the industry, but where are they now? Kasi puro birit! Pero may puso ba?

Did he make just out of my seat with his vocal acrobatics? HELL YEAH! But did he make my heart jump? Not at all… How come? Falsetto can only take you to a certain point, after a while it gets useless when singing songs that require depth. While Adam’s falsetto can go a long way, his natural voice isn’t as good. Fantastic range YES. Beautiful voice? It’s just the same as any good Filipino singer really. I believe we have many Filipino singers who can out-sing him. And using the natural voice if I may add.

Vocal acrobatics are great, but an entire album filled with it? I don’t think so. As much as I am very impressed with his voice, one cannot help but see, he is not for a solo career. Instead, he will make a freakingly GREAT addition to a rock band as its lead singer.

An extremely talented singer with great vocal range, but easily forgotten.


DANNY GOKEY (The Teddy Bear Power Singer)
Danny Gokey must be one of the most charming AI finalists ever. At first he does not really catch attention. But as time goes by, one begins to notice his unforgettable almost impish cute wanna-pinch-the-cheeks smile that make his eyes small and look so cute.. but at the same time mysteriously sexy.

An artist that grows better and better, and is liked more and more. That is one very hard quality to find, and that is what has made Danny Gokey stand out.

Having gone through a very tough time, and I don’t mean to be insentive… Danny’s wife’s death was probably the best reason as far as his performances are concerned. Each performance grows with intensity. Heartfelt. Engaging. Send shivers down your spine. And almost seem like he’s about to have an outburst of emotions that seems like he’s screaming for help. Someone whose emotions are so strong in his voice and song that the connection is so strongly established even the judges fail to speak and simply say, “I know this song means so much to you” (Simon on Endless Love).

That is the most important quality needed for a power ballad singer. Someone who can make anguish felt and seen. Someone who can make love seem visible and splash into our faces like cold water.

A singer who is not afraid to lose the quality of his voice in the name of interpretation. (As with Dream On during Rock night: “It’s a dream, so I scream” says Danny). Simon said it was terrible, but I believe many felt that that was the night he let go of all inhibitions and everything else he was keeping bottled up.

Danny Gokey, the one finalist in Idol who knew how to give a performance that had grand endings. Numbers that start gently and just builds up into a huge and intense climax. Like an artwork that you view up close and you slowly walk away and see the grand beauty that is it from far away.

Danny Gokey, the vocal powerhouse that can move mountains. The heartbreaker and soul of AI. The one Season 8 Idol who knew, the power of his voice lay in his heart. The voice that can last for many many years given great songs. Someone, I predict will be the most famous out of Season 8.


ANOOP DESAI (The Under-Anoop Dog)
Who would have known. And there is no discrimination here, but really… An Indian with a voice like that. Man, if I was still in the record industry… I would go wild and run after this guy.

Anoop Desai has the most beautiful voice of all the Idols this year!!! A beautiful soft, soaring, gentle, easy, effortless voice… So clear that you would almost think this guy must have had a hell of a vocal coach.

It is very rare to hear a voice combination of such, one that can possess such grace and ease that any song sounds so easy.

Just listen to Ooh Baby Baby and you will see the ease and how he simply floats in the entire song. Singing soft is the hardest of all. Honest, it’s not singing out loud, but singing inwards, high notes that require sustaining and varying dynamics. And man, does Anoop have control. Even Randy Jackson was floored with it!

I believe Anoop will be popular someday. Given the right packaging and make-over, there is potential. No genre, just a beautiful album with well written songs that will showcase his fantastic technique. Man I can’t wait!!!

Can he win? Nah, I don’t think any contestant who is not American will even win AI. But what’s great? The world is teaching AI, there are great singers around them. Even better than them. :o)

So, let’s not complain ok? Honestly, I think this Season is the best ever. I myself have never been so confused with who I wanted. As far as I am concerned, I believe all deserved to win. But from the point of view of a record executive, I can honestly say that Kris Allen is the one that will rake in the money for the industry.

Kris Allen
An album that contains maybe 4 commercial songs that can be huge radio hits. Even soundtrack to some movies or tv series. Songs that people can sing along with and remember easily. Well arranged songs that have great solo part for band members so that even band would love to play it. After all, that’s Kris Allen’s signature.

Adam Lambert
Honestly, he’s a Daughtry in the making. I don’t think he can look as good solo. So, a band will be the best route.

Danny Gokey
The perfect voice for movie soundtracks. Even probably for huge occasions such as themes for the Olympics, Independence Day, Benefit Shows, etc. But more than that, I believe his albums will stay with people for a long time. Because he has a voice that calls out to people. A true artist that makes one sit and REALLY listen… In case you noticed, the judges did not really use the line "Who is Danny Gokey as an artist?" (Kara's favorite line.) Reason? He was very clear who he was. And that is the best thing about him. :o)

Anoop Desai
This guy will big someday. Someone in the record industry will pick him up I know it. :o)

Footnote:
I really wish I could say much about the girls. But none of them were really memorable. Great singers yes, but more than that... they were simply the best looking set of girls any season has ever had. But none of the LaToya London or Jennifer Hudsons. :o)

Gym Ethics: The Equipment Hugging Mangkukulam

May 18, 6:00am I began my day as usual. Got up from bed, had a cup of yoghurt. Damn! Those Nestle Fruit Selection flavors really got me addicted hahaha!!! Watched a bit of news, packed my gym bag with a bottled of Fit & Right, gym gloves, a towel and dressed up in my usual tank top, presko board shorts and rubber shoes.

Learned now that those ankle socks aren't that great most especially if you take care of your skin. (Dear me, I am vain! Hahaha!) Well, I used those ankle socks for a while and realized that since they are too low, that part where the tip of the shoes rub against the skin end up really dry and hard. Yikes! Kalyo? Ewww... Therefore, I'm back to longer socks... Anyway, kumusta naman ang medyas topic di ba?

So, I opened the terrace, took my labrador Chi-Chi down to the front porch. I have to take her down every morning till around 11am coz the sun comes up facing the terrace. Wawa naman my baby...

So, Chi-Chi and I went down played with my 2 Persian and 2 Himalayan cats for a while, fed them with their usual Whiskas and Bruno for my Chi-Chi.

Off to the gym I go. Walked about 45 minutes, there's your cardio! :o) Saw some familiar faces, smiled, waved, but as usual no words since I had my earphones enjoy their love affair with my ears top the tune of Slumdog Millionare's sountrack. Latika's theme is really a beauty :o)

So, my day turns up to be great really. :o) I get to the gym, usual stretching, do my abs exercises. A 100 per set, lower abs, mid, upper and left and right obliques = (ding! ding!) 500 crunches. Ooofff.... Hey! They're not that bad. Once you get used to it and get the right posture, believe me, even a 1,000 can easily be done. It's all about the right posture.

So, me and my instructor Iking begin. We were working on my arms - so biceps and triceps were the victims. As usual, there are about 30 people in the gym so it is important to have very good gym ethics. And siyempre, matagal na rin naman ako working out so I have a pretty good idea how it works when it comes to sharing space and equipment with other gym goers. And that's then two ladies caught my attention.

While everyone would be considerate of other people they work out along with, these two seem oblivious to the world and feel they paid a portion of the gym. Hmmm...

Alam naman ninyo di ba? You will hear the usual lines in the gym:
"Pare, tapos ka na ba dito?"
"Dude, can we alternate or take turns?"
"Yo, borrow naman, 1 set lang"

O kung hindi naman, they would really move over a bit to give space to an equipment you wish to use. In case they are near it or in the way once you start pulling away.

I walk over to the dumbell rack and attempt to use a set of dumbells for my tricep exercises. And suddenly a flat not-so-friendly-nasal-palengkera tone berated my ear and very quickly said "Ginagamit ko pa yan!"......... And I have to confess, I have thing about people that don't say things properly.

I look back to see this doubled chinned, rich in handle bars, dark Estelle Getty age 45 looking character looking at me flatly as if the world will move over at her words. Completely devoid of congeniality and simply put... B.I.T.C.H.!!!

At that moment, I decided... "Papatulan ko ba 'to?" Well, as usual, the better side of me wins and wag na lang...

I didn't see how the conversation went, but at the other end, her friend seemed to be doing the same to another gym goer... Hmmm....

So, I went on to use another set na dapat sana gradually getting heavier and succession of weights, e I ended up using the heavy ones agad. And yes, hindi ko pinatulan, pero my mind was already racing with awful things to say to her... In my mind, "Isa pa, makakatikim ng barbell plate na may kalawang ito sa akin e!"

Oh, I work out in a hard core gym. Ayaw ko ng mga Fitness, Gold's or Slimmers. Mga sosyal lang dun. Pang barangay gym lang ako hahaha. But honestly, one of the benefits of working out in a hard core gym is you barely or completely do not have the "ramp models" as I refer to them. Yung mga mag gi-gym daw but come to the gym completely adorned with a complete gym outfit. Sweats, head band, wrist band, towel, matching gym bag and gloves... PERO! Malinis ang suot the whole time. Magbubuhat sandali, magpupunas ng pawis... And walk around for the next 45 minutes.... hayyyyy....

Or... (lapit ka bulong ko sa'yo...) Naku, ikot ng ikot sa restroom.... uh huh.... Ikaw na bahala sa continuation.... Hayyy....

So, hard core gyms are what I love. No sauna, no aircon, no private showers and lockers. Just a regular gym with open windows, a regular restroom with a urinal and a curtained cubicle for changing. Lockers are in the open where you simply keep you bag and that's it.

In short, the less areas for people to lounge and make kwento, the better! Lahat can concentrate on their programs and actually shape up.

Going back to Estelle Getty. I was on my way to the flat bench as I was due to do my lying tricep exercises. I place my towel on the bench and BANG! Once again, that FRIGGINLY IRRITATING nasal sounds comes and says "Excuse me! Gagamitin ko yan. Kanina ko pa nga inaabangan yan e!"

AAAAARRRRRRRRRGGHHHHHHHHHH!!!! I wanted to shout because I don't know why but for some reason she just really has a bastos manner! Absolutely no concept of alternating with someone.

I was so pissed I simply looked at her in a penetrating manner but didn't say anything. I just had to make sure she sees how pissed I am. Pero honestly, mukhang walang effect.

What was more irritating was that when I saw her using it. She simply used it as a bench for her legs. (She was doing crunches...) E GAGA pala tong matandang mangkukulam na to e! Ang pangit pangit naman, ang laki pa ng mga bilbil, tapos yun lang pala gagawin!!!

She could have simply gotten one of the two free flat benches and brought it to a place where no one will be disturbed.

In short, she wanted to use the bench with the attached rack for weights. Stayed in the area where the weights are, did her crunches lying down in the middle of the path where people pass to get the barbells for a solid 35 minutes!!! E talaga palang walang pakialam tong mangkukulam na ito e! Imagine! (parang Vilma Santos naman ako) Everyone had to wait for her to be done coz so many wanted to use the bench. Then everyone had to go around her to get the barbells. And everyone had to wait as well for the set of weights which she was using to place on her flabby stomach!

Dudes, talagang nagmumura ako nun sa isip ko at anak mg pucha! Dahil sa katarantaduhan ng isang mangkukulam, almost 12 people were affected and their routine sira!

Gym ethics should really be given to some people. I don't thank anyone has a right to behave that way no matter how much you have paid. Regardless kung monthly ka, quarterly or 1 whole year. It's a public gym! That simple.

Well, I have to go to the restroom na. Kumulo tiyan ko ata sa bwisit everytime maalala ko si Estelle Getty!

Oh, and manonood pala ako ng American Idol sa StarWorld. Painfully endure watching the loudly gay Adam Lambert for the sake of making sure I am updated with American Idol information.

Abangan ang susunod na kabanata ni Estelle Getty. Who knows, maybe one day ako mismo mag offer ng training sa kanya, para matuluyan na! Grrr....

O siya, later mga kaibigan!

Ding! Ding! :o)

Sharing a Francis Kong blog: HOW TO BE UNPOPULAR IN THE OFFICE

Unbelievably true! But it does happen, it is happening. Bakit nga ba ang mundo natin, puno ng ganito. Ang hirap explain pero talaga atang likas sa Pilipino ang crab mentality. Chronic complainers. Lazy. Know-It-All. We complain so much yet we will never agree to losing to an argument.

That's why it's a huge mystery as to why Filipinos rarely end up being leaders... Huh! Mystery? Hello!

Ok, I am not a Pinoy basher but we have to admit it. We are the first to put down our own di ba? God knows how much I've heard and read about what people say about Manny Pacquiao and Charice Pempengco.... BUT! That's going to be another blog. Hah!

Fow now, I just gotta share this blog. This truly made my day and boy oh boy.... Tamaan na ang tamaan... But we all know how much truth is in this article.

So, here goes... :o)

___________________________________________________________________

Francis Kong's Blog Post

HOW TO BE UNPOPULAR IN THE OFFICE
(Posted: 18 May 2009 06:51 AM PDT)

Some people succeed in their career, some people don’t. All things being equal, the person with a better attitude is the same person who is liked and will be the same person who WILL get the promotions. You cannot succeed alone. You need to earn the respect of your co-workers and you need to earn the admiration of your bosses.
Now this brings us to a very interesting question. So what does it take to become unpopular? How do I get people to dislike me?

Cultivate these unhealthy work habits and you will seal your death certificate as far as your career growth is concerned.

1. YOU HAVE ADHD
ADHD is Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder and this is a neurobehavioral developmental disorder in children and you are acting like a little child. In other words, you are answering cell phone calls, you are responding to emails, you are reading newspapers and you are hammering away on your laptop during meetings or trainings. You are restless and you cannot fix your attention to what is going on. This sends a message that the people around you are less important than the caller. This is because of the second point:

2. YOU HAVE FORGOTTEN COPERNICUS
Copernicus was a Polish astronomer who proved that the earth is not the center of the universe and so are YOU! The universe does not revolve around you.
Everything you do or everything you allow to happen has got to have a personal agenda about making you better, earning more or looking better at the expense of others. You make others ugly so that you may appear beautiful because for you, it’s a zero sum game. Survival of the fittest, the work place is a concrete jungle and only the wise survive. You will be dead in your career soon if you continue to harbor this motive in your heart.

3. YOU ARE BEHAVING LIKE CITY HALL
Popular business guru Tom Peter says that the primary work of many middle level managers is to delay putting their puny little signature on the document in order to prolong the process so that they may be reassured that they are still important in the organization. Act like a bureaucrat and create obstacles for others to do their work. In an age when everything happens at real time and you make things unreal by creating mountains out of molehills will certainly make you so popular everybody wants to have your head on a platter so that some work may take place.

4. TALK LIKE A RAPPER
“Ya know”…… “Yo!”…..”Whazz up bro?”……. “OMG” “oh my gosh!)……and then you lace your email and your text with abbreviations like “LOL” (laugh out loud)…. “CUL8R” (see you later)….F2F (Face to face)….EOD (end of discussion)……and you add those cute little things like smiley’s on your notes and letters, emoticons on your emails and all these show just how silly, amateurish and unprofessional you are. Let’s add and spice up your conversation with some four letter swear words and you will surely be off the shortlist for promotions that will keep you wondering why you have been ignored.

5. YOU DO YOUR “HOME WORK” IN THE OFFICE.
You are fixing your bills, doing your grocery list; maybe you are planning your wedding or a surprise birthday party for your boyfriend. You are ordering for a gift online in other words, you are doing non-official work stuff in the official work place and you certainly turn people off. They don’t see you as efficient; they see you as abusive and will abhor you for using company resources for your personal use or gain.

6. YOU ARE A CHRONIC COMPLAINER
People are so inspired with your non-stop complaining. They love to hear you talk about the abuse you receive from your mother-in-law, they eagerly wait to hear your latest quarrel with your boyfriend and they are so inspired with how victimized you are because of the unfair treatment you are receiving from your boss. You need to know that you brighten up a room by leaving it. So stop complaining and start smiling and infect others with your disposition.

7. YOU ACT UNETHICALLY
You backbite, backstab, you spread rumors and you verbally attack people behind their backs. You are an expert in corporate intrigues. As a matter of fact you can easily run a “Corporate Intrigue Department” if they ask you to.
You do shortcuts. You cross boundaries. You ignore company policies. You “borrow” money from company funds without permission since you are going to return it anyway. School year is about to start and you bring home office stationery for your kids. You bring your girlfriend out for dinner and you put the tab on your office account and charge it under “Representations.”

Everybody loves a cheater don’t they? And the person you are cheating is yourself.
Do things right and do the right things. And make yourself likable by liking others too.

Be efficient and be excellent and be prepared to see your career soar!

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So, what can we say but Amen. I guess at some point we are all guilty of these. Basta, ang akin lang... Grow up and learn to move on without having to hurt anyone.

Okay, mamya na ulit. Tuyo pa utak ko e. Gusto ko lang maumpisahan ang blogging chorva na ito. And since my mind is overflowing with thoughts all the time... Might as well...

Till next time...

Kiti Korn