SM shows love with SM Cares

It's nice to know that SM Supermalls has SM Cares, their corporate social responsibility flagship program. It has programs on Children, Environmenr, Senior Citizens, Persons with Disability (PWDs), and OFWs. Examples of these are the SM Global Pinoy Center, Happy Walk in association with the Down Syndrome Association of the Philippines, and the Seafarers Center in SM Manila.

For more information on SM Cares, you may visit their official website or like SM Cares on Facebook.

American Idol Season 12 initial thoughts

My sister and I have been following this season of American Idol, mainly because we loved Season 11 and we are also curious how the three new judges will match with last season's amazing run.

I just saw the Top 10 performance recently and here are some initial thoughts -

It's the year of the girls!

Candice Glover and Amber Holcomb are the top contenders for me.
Angie Miller is the pop star. She can record an album now and it will be a hit.
Kree Harrison is the dark horse. I loooooove her voice - its clarity, precision and surprises. Her manner of singing reminds me of Lea Salonga - so clean and so precise.

As for the boys, hmm..they really ensured there's no white guy with guitar this season. Yeah?

The UNSTOPPABLE DREAM: Nick Vujicic in Manila 2013

Nick Vujicic (VOOY-CHEECH), or Pastor Nick as I "safely" call him, will be in Manila on May 20 for his Unstoppable Dream Tour, a motivational business conference on leadership at the SMART-Araneta Coliseum, 7:30 pm.

I first knew about Ptr. Nick during one of our Monday Bible Study (MBS) sessions at A-Venue, Makati. I cried watching one of his videos. For someone born without arms and legs, he radiated so much positivity, so much peace and joy that could only come from Jesus Christ. Now, he travels the world giving inspirational speeches and spreading his story of hope and faith.

In another note, I totally missed my reservation for his May 18th show (Unstoppable Faith) at the CCF Worship and Training Center at C5 Tiendesitas. I am praying that I could still get tickets for our family and friends to that conference. But I'll definitely watch this one!

See Nick Vujicic live and be inspired on May 20 at the SMART-Araneta Coliseum. For tickets, contact Ticketnet or beccamusic.com (9105524). Tickets are only -

P1,000 for VIP

P 750 for Patron and Lower Box

P 500 for Upper Box A

and P 250 for Upper Box B and Gen Ad.

Check out lifewithoutlimbs.org for more on Nick Vujicic.

Listening to this -

Princess Velasco's Acoustic Princess II.

I'll be posting some thoughts on the tracks soon =) 

Taking my cue from Nina: "All Good" [album review]

Yes, you got it right. I am "reviewing" an album! Yay! It's in quotation marks because these are merely my thoughts on how I find albums and CDs that I come across from now on. Nothing strict or stuffy, just an ordinary music lover's take on what's playing on our radio stations (or streaming on sites) now.

I am very happy that the first CD to be featured here contains mostly original songs with a few well-chosen covers. The Philippines' "Diamond Soul Siren", Nina recently launched a brand new album entitled All Good under Viva Records, her first under the recording company. It gives me hope whenever OPM artists release an album with original lyrics and melodies. Do you agree?

I was ready with a pen and paper to give my thoughts on each track upon hearing it immediately. The first song - Maybe It's Too Soon, reminds me so much of "Someday" (and I'm singing in my head "...someone's gonna love me"). Thus, it has also reminded me of a funny bus ride a few years back. Hahaha!! The sound is classic Nina (I think you'll get what I mean) and I love this particular line -

I love the way your eyes crinkle when you smile

The next track is the album's carrier single, Sa Isang Tingin written by MJ Magno of XLR8. It's a love song that's very sing-able - and that's what Pinoys love: to sing along while it's playing on the radio even if you're riding a bus, a jeep, or wherever. Track #3 is a perfect cover of Perfect. I love how it's so relaxing and I really liked the piano and percussions on this one. And then it goes really melancholic with Kung Walang Ikaw, Walang Ako. The next track is this album's title "All Good." It has a mellow pop sound, but I think it can also pass as a Christian song. The guitar solo on the bridge is amazing!

The next songs are classic Nina ballads-

   Make It Up to You almost made me cry. Seriously. The next track is literally Sad, followed by a Tagalog ballad entitled Paano. 

When the Love is Gone featured some amazing piano tunes. Then her cover of Hurting Inside follows, which I think is sure to be a chart-topper. The last song is Pinili Kong Limutin Ka and the bonus track is Don't Say Goodbye from the movie A Secret Affair. 

I think it's high time to hear Nina sing originals again, with her signature sweet and soulful voice. I love that she wasn't trying too hard to belt it out on this album, and her repertoire reminded me of why she's the Diamond Soul Siren of the Philippines. 

All Good is available at all record stores nationwide. Also, check out these sites to get updates on Nina -

Twitter: @vivavicor

Facebook: facebook.com/vivarecords

Youtube: vivamusicgroup1