I’m not really the biggest Justin Bieber fan out there, but I really need to watch Justin Bieber’s concert here in Manila this May 10th! And I’m dead serious about this. No kidding.

But I have a very big problem. I don’t have the financial resources to buy myself a ticket to watch the concert. Even if I have the financial resources to buy one, I believe that there aren’t many available tickets at the moment. So I’m getting really desperate here, my friends.

So here’s the deal.

If anyone out there can provide me with at least two (2) tickets to Justin Bieber’s Manila concert (Silver or better) happening this May 10th will get the following awesome stuff from me:

1. Text linkbacks from the following websites for 6 months (You provide the anchor text and link – one link only):
   1. blog.justjeric.com
   2. brinknotes.net
   3. brinknotes.org
   4. bncast.com
   5. kimchiufan.com
   6. tonigonzaga.net
   7. distanceeducationblog.com
   8. awitatpapuri.com
   9. littlenars.com
   10. annakatharinamd.com
2. One dedicated blogpost about you / your company / your website at http://blog.justjeric.com
3. Brand / Website / Company Exposure on the following social networking websites/profiles:
   1. Jeric Peña’s Twitter
   2. BNcast’s Twitter
   3. Brink Notes Entertainment’s Twitter
   4. Jeric Peña’s Plurk
   5. Jeric Peña’s Facebook
   6. BNcast’s Facebook Page
4. Acknowledgement, linkback, mention in all blog posts, videos, and podcasts regarding Justin Bieber’s Manila concert in (but not limited to) http://blog.justjeric.com, brinknotes.net, and bncast.com.
5. Personally written letter/message of thanks from Jeric Peña (to be sent via snail mail).
6. Some other cool stuff that I have yet to decide on.

I’m pretty serious about this, so if there are any takers, please contact me via e-mail at jeric.pena [at] gmail.com. You may also contact me via this page. I’ll be glad to answer if you have any questions regarding this offer.

If you don’t really need the stuff I have mentioned above but would still want to give me tickets, please contact me! Pretty please?

Thank you very much! May your tribe increase!

So, I was having a Six Feet Under Season 1 marathon yesterday. I was specifically watching the 9th episode of the first season of Six Feet Under and one particular line delivered by character Brenda Chenowith (played by Rachel Griffiths) really caught my attention. I even watched that particular scene more than once!

The line in question?

Brenda Chenowith (played by Rachel Griffiths)

“You know what I find interesting? If you lose a spouse, you’re called a widow or widower. If you’re a child and you lose your parents, then you’re an orphan. But what’s the word to describe a parent who loses a child? I guess that’s just too fucking awful to even have a name.”

—Brenda Chenowith (Rachel Griffiths), Six Feet Under

No, I wasn’t carried away by the line nor the delivery of line. Upon hearing that line delivered, I told myself, “WTF? I already heard this somewhere!” I’m really sure I already heard this line somewhere!

Where? YOU HAVE TO WATCH THIS VIDEO.

Sabi nila, ‘pag ang asawa daw namatay, ang tawag sa naiwan biyudo, biyuda, balo. Ang anak ‘pag namatay ng magulang, ang tawag ulila. Pero ang ina, ang magulang, ‘pag namatayan ng anak, ang tawag sa kanila wala. Walang tawag doon. Wala kasing salita na magpapaliwanag sa nararamdaman ng isang ina na nawalan ng anak. Walang salitang magpapaliwanag kung anong nararamdaman dito sa puso—’yong sakit na nangungulila. Dito, hindi mabubura ‘yun. Hindi mabubura ‘yon. Waaalaaaaa.

- Daisy Hernandez (Vilma Santos), Maalaala Mo Kaya (REGALO episode)

I’m pretty sure someone in the show (READ: the writer) is a fan of Six Feet Under!

WOW. JUST WOW.

When I was in fourth year high school, our class performed Legally Blonde the Musical for the Literary Musical contest during the English month, where my classmate Leslie Santos (who played Elle Woods) won as Best Actress.

I feel in love with the musical version right away.

As you guys know, Legally Blonde the Musical is actually based on MGM film Legally Blonde starring Reese Witherspoon as Elle Woods and on Amanda Brown’s book of the same title. Legally Blonde is basically the story of sorority star Elle Woods who follows her one true love ,Warner Huntington III, to Harvard Law School. The musical will definitely take the audience from the sorority house to the halls of justice.

Legally Blonde the Musical Manila is produced by Atlantis Productions, Inc. with Nikki Gil as Elle Woods, Nyoy Volante as Emmett Forrest, and Guji Lorenzana as Warner Huntington III. This production is directed by Chari Arespacochaga while Beth Martin was the musical director.

My friends and I watched the June 25, 2010, 8:00pm performance (also known as the opening night) of Legally Blonde the Musical Manila. We were seated at the first row that gave us a great view of the stage while Billy Crawford was seated a few seats from us.

Here’s my review of the June 25, 2010, 8:00pm performance of Legally Blonde the Musical Manila.

THE CAST

I would admit that I doubted Nikki Gil’s capabilities as a theater actress and a singer when I first heard that she’ll be playing Elle Woods at the local production of Legally Blonde the Musical. But, I was proven wrong. Actually, the preview performance of Legally Blonde at ASAP XV’s failed to showcase her true prowess as a singer and a theater actress. Her performance as Elle Woods didn’t disappoint.

Geneva Cruz shined in this musical as the fitness instructor Brooke Wyndham. I’m so amazed with the Whipped Into Shape number because Geneva’s voice didn’t even crackle even though she was jumping rope!

Props to Nyoy Volante and Guji Lorenzana who played Emmett Forrest and Warner Huntington III, respectively for giving justice to their roles. Snaps also to Emerita Alcid, Yannah Laurel, and Myrene Santos who played the important roles of the Delta Nu Girls and Elle’s Greek Chorus; however, it seems that they lacked caffeine in their system during the performance. Delta Nu Girls are highly caffeinated.

I so love Jinky Llamanzares’ performance as Paulette Bonafante! She was really great! Cris Viollonco as Vivienne Kensington was okay though she lacked the mataray look that the role demands. I also love Enid (played by Alys Andrea Serdenia) and the courtroom stenographer (played by Geraldine Agir) who both stood out even though their exposure were minimal.

CHOREOGRAPHY

I love the way that the choreography of this production didn’t exactly copied the choreography of the Broadway version. The choreography was original although there were a bit of likeness to the Broadway version. The choreography’s actually good. However, I could really see that the dance movements were less complicated and were toned down especially during the Omigod You Guys and What You Want numbers.

PRODUCTION DESIGN (Sets, Props, Etc)

The production design of Legally Blonde the Musical Manila didn’t disappoint. Just don’t expect the sets and props to be like the production design of the Broadway version. The sets were actually pretty good for a local production and didn’t look cheap. And, please don’t expect to see live dogs (to play Bruiser and Rufus) during the show. The sets and props were just right and were able to set the right mood-slash-atmosphere required for the scenes. However, their wigs didn’t look so good. Nikki Gil with the wig on looked more like Goldilocks rather than Elle Woods.

SOUND

We were seated at the first row so we could really hear the orchestra crystal clear. They were really great! However, just like in any local stage production, the sound system was a bit annoying. There were times when you can’t hear the actor/actress singing because his/her lapel was off. Plus, audio levels were not flat, meaning, some actors sound so loud while the others were totally inaudible. Atlantis Productions should really do something about this!

The audio reminders before the show and before Act Two resumes were cute—Elle reminds the audience to turn off their cellphones and even warns the audience that she’ll run after anyone who would post a video of the performance on YouTube. Funny!

One more thing, the conductor should stop using that flashing LED wand as her baton. It’s annoying, especially if you’re in the front row.

OVER-ALL COMMENT

Legally Blonde the Musical is a great and fun musical to watch! You definitely should watch out for the punch lines! You could really see that the production exerted a lot of effort to pull a show like this—from the actors’ performance up to the minute details like the set and props. Although there were a few scenes that didn’t meet my expectations, the show is really enjoyable to watch and I assure you that your money, effort and time wouldn’t be wasted.

HIGHLIGHTS OF THE SHOW

• Whipped into Shape
• Ireland
• Legally Blonde
• Legally Blonde Remix
• Court Room Scene / Omigod You Guys Reprise
• Find My Way / Finale

Of course, my friends and I gave Nikki Gil a standing ovation. Oha! I’m definitely watching this again (closing night, maybe)!

Legally Blonde the Musical runs at the Meralco Theater in Ortigas Ave, Pasig City from June 25 to July 18, 2010. Call Atlantis Productions, Inc. at 8927078 or Ticketworld at 891-9999 for tickets.

I’m not really a fan of chocolates. But, whenever my mom would bring home chocolates I couldn’t resist to take a bite. Besides, chocolate does wonders on one’s mood and or feelings. Giving chocolates to show appreciation is also sweet and heartwarming, right?

Did you know that in 2006, Reader’s Digest conducted the “Great Reader’s Digest Global Courtesy Test” and among the 25 countries who participated in the said test, Manila ranked #22 land it in the least courteous list. Have we forgotten to say “Thank yous” to show appreciation and show gratefulness? Good thing, Toblerone started the fist National Thank You Day in October 20, 2007 and is now celebrated annually.

National Thank You Day Awards 2009 held November 20, 2009 at the SM Mall of Asia Music Hall

This year’s celebration of the National Thank You Day is made even more special with the introduction of the first National Thank You Day Awards held November 20 at the SM Mall of Asia Music Hall, which aims to recognize outstanding individuals who the Filipino think deserve the country’s sincerest Thank You. For this year’s awards, among the nominees are People’s Champ Manny Pacquiao, the late Francis M., Comedy King Dolphy, Daniel Razon, Efren Peñaflorida and former President Corazon Aquino.

Alongside with the awards, a photo competition was also held called “Spread the Sweetness of Gratitude Photo Competition.”

Winners are: Remi Ann Sta. Cruz’s “My Best Playmate Ever,” Jordana Quedding’s “Walang Iwanan,” and Pat Lorico’s “Smooch and Pooch.”

It was then revealed that the First National Thank You Day Award goes to Former President Corazon C. Aquino (Posthumous).

Ms. Viel Aquino-Dee accepts the her late mother Former President Corazon Aquino's award

The award was accepted by Ms. Viel Aquino-Dee. I didn’t expect anyone from the Aquino family to accept the award. I was really going ballistic in my seat during the program because I want to have my picture taken with Viel Aquino-Dee. Star struck talaga. Praise the Lord because I was able to approach her and had my picture taken even though a group of media people is already mobbing her.

Ms. Viel Aquino-Dee

Thank you to my sister Dianne for taking this super fantabulous photo. Thank you always to our digital camera (and the memory card) for not acting up!

PLDT MyDSL WatchPad

Wouldn’t life be easier and more satisfying if everything you love to do online can be done in one application? Yes, that’s now possible with PLDT MyDSL WatchPad, a free application for all myDSL subscribers nationwide, which will allow you to watch your favorite television show, blog, and chat for FREE. PLDT MyDSL WatchPad brings the best of both worlds—the television and the internet—right into your computer!

Wait, you could also watch movies on PLDT MyDSL WatchPad for FREE! Seriously, isn’t that exciting?

I’ve been an entertainment blogger since 2005 and the ability to watch television on my computer is important especially if I’m doing reviews and whatnots. See, as an entertainment blogger, I must be updated on the latest happenings on the entertainment world and one great source is the television. Without WatchPad, it’s actually hard to look at two screens—television screen and computer screen—simultaneously. WatchPad is actually heaven-sent to me as I can easily do the things that I love in one application, making my life easier.

What is really great about this WatchPad thing is that I don’t have to pay for humongous amounts of money for cable TV subscription because I can watch National Geographic, Cartoon Network, Pinoy Box Office, CNN, Animax Mobile, CNBC, and GMA 7 in just one click and for free!

Can’t wait to experience PLDT MyDSL WatchPad? You only have to do 3 Easy Steps to get WatchPad running on your computer.

1. SIGN UP for a Free WatchPad Account on www.pldtwatchpad.com
2. DOWNLOAD and install the WatchPad player
3. RUN the WatchPad player and sign in with your account.

What is even more exciting about WatchPad is that you could also update your favorite social networking accounts like Facebook, Multiply and Twitter without having to open another application or another browser. So, if there’s something great showing on WatchPad then you could easily post it on your Facebook, Multiply and Twitter profile! Do everything you love on PLDT MyDSL WatchPad—watch television/movie, chat, blog and update social networking accounts!

Now, there’s no reason for you to leave your computers just to watch television shows and movies. Of course, you might want to leave your computers for restroom breaks (LOL).

Try it today and see how can WatchPad makes your life easier and more satisfying!

Remember my post last month about bugging Kris Aquino through e-mail, fax and snail mail asking her to join Twitter? Well, guess what? Kris Aquino is finally on Twitter and also Facebook!

My prayers have been answered! This isn’t just another poser! She announced on her show SNN: Showbiz News Ngayon about her Twitter and Facebook so I’m pretty sure that this is the real deal. During her announcement, I hyperventilated. Seriously. I rushed to my laptop and followed her in a heartbeat.

FINALLY, Kris Aquino is on Twitter (@iamkrisaquino).

I am not so sure if she received the letters that I’ve sent her. Well, I hope she did. Anyway, for as long as she’s on Twitter, I’ll be fine. Kris said that she’ll start posting regular updates on her Twitter account starting this Saturday, September 26, 2009. I can’t wait to @ reply to her tweets.

I hope Kris Aquino follows me soon.

I’m sorry if I’ve been raving about Kris Aquino in the past few posts here. It’s just that I’m really a Kris Aquino fan. I know that you’ll follow her on Twitter, too! HEHE.

Last week, I did something that I might regret doing in the future (or not). Well, it depends. If Kris Aquino would start using Twitter then, I might not regret it. But, if my efforts would lead to nothing, then I might regret doing it in the first place.

Ok, enough.

I sent a fan mail to Kris Aquino!

Fanmail for Kris Aquino

Yes, you read it right! I sent a fan mail to Kris Aquino, the actress / TV host / daughter of Former President Aquino / wife of basketball player James Aquino / mother of Josh and Baby James! I’ve been a Kris Aquino fan since time immemorial. But, I’m not that vocal in saying so because I fear getting stoned for being a Kris Aquino fan (of course, I’m kidding!).

Since the “Twitter bug” have hit famous personalities, I’ve been wishing (yes, wishing! LOL!) that Kris would join/use Twitter as well. She’s fond of sharing “too much information” and I love her for that! I would really love to read her updates and @ reply to her tweets every single day.

So, I’m really desperate to have Kris Aquino on my Twitter “following list.” What I did exactly is write a letter telling her all about Twitter and the wonders of using it. I sent the letter via e-mail, fax, and of course, via snail mail. In short, I bombarded the K! Magazine office with the same letter. Sorry for being stalker-ish. I don’t know whether I should be proud in doing that or not. But, I’m sorry. I’m really *that* desperate. I know some day, other Kris Aquino fans would thank me for doing so. Hahaha!

I hope I didn’t scare anyone. Kris Aquino, please join Twitter NOW NA!

PS: Don’t forget to follow me on Twitter: @JericPena

For the past few weeks, I’ve been busy working on my latest web project, Brink Notes Entertainment Daily. If you’ve heard about it already then GREAT if not, go ahead, and check out the site.

Brink Notes Entertainment Daily is obviously, an entertainment news website that aims to give the latest Philippine entertainment news as well as foreign entertainment news. Aside from putting up articles, photos, and videos daily, I also produce podcasts from Mondays through Fridays for the site. So, if you want your entertainment news to be delivered in audio format, I suggest that you subscribe to the BED Podcast via iTunes.

Let me know what you think about Brink Notes Entertainment Daily, drop me a line at jeric.pena [at] brinknotes.net.

I currently have two more pending web projects – first is the website of our church, and the second one is still a secret. It’s great that I still have a short break from school despite my decision to take summer classes. This short break gives me time to work on things I love to do. Summer classes start after Holy Week.

By the way, Holy Week is fast approaching and I’m not sure if mom has plans to go out-of-own or whatever. May you have a meaningful Holy Week!

Last Sunday, March 8, 2009, I spent my whole afternoon at TriNoma for we (me and my two sisters) are to celebrate Roxanne’s (my youngest sister) birthday. Roxanne’s birthday celebration started with my surprise, The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus’ concert at the activity center of TriNoma. Thank you Jayvee for giving us tickets to the concert. We were seated near the stage giving us a good view of the concert. I gave the meet and greet stub to Roxanne and she seems very happy with her close encounter with the band. The band wasn’t able to sign her CD though.

After the concert and “meet and greet”, Roxanne and I met up with our sister, Dianne for dinner and ice cream. I really love Cold Rock’s Forest Berry sorbet, which is made of pure awesomeness!

Afternoon of Wednesday, March 11, Roxanne and I decided to watch Jonas Brothers: The Concert Experience in 3D at SM The Block’s D Cinema. Although I’m not a fan of Jonas Brothers, I enjoyed the movie because it’s on 3D and Jonas Brothers aren’t that bad. (Please don’t hate me!) It’s also amazing to see how the film/movie/concert comes to life just by wearing the 3D glasses. I just wish that Coraline would be shown at the D Cinema of SM The Block too.

Happy Birthday, Roxanne!

For this month of February, I’m actually looking forward to watch two three movies — Confessions of a Shopaholic, He’s Just Not That Into You and You Changed My Life.

Why?

I’ve read the book Confessions of a Shopaholic by Sophie Kinsella last year (or was it in 2007? Sorry I really can’t remember when I read that book). I’m quite excited about You Changed My Life is which the sequel to A Very Special Love starring Sarah Geronimo and John Lloyd Cruz. I love A Very Special Love. It’s a cute, funny and entertaining movie. Call me baduy or whatever but nothing can stop me from watching the film this February.

I need monies to see the three films! Confessions of a Shopaholic and He’s Just Not That Into You will be in theaters starting February 18 while You Changed My Life would premiere on February 25. So, probably I’m going to watch alone again unless somebody wants to have a movie date with me. Hihihi! Just kidding

On the other hand, it’s Valentine’s day on Saturday! According to my calendar, the 14th of February is just another school day for me. I’m just hoping that traffic on that day is not worse as everyone is predicting.

Happy Valentine’s day from me to you!