2013: My Best Of

2013 wasn't my good year but I listed 13 reasons why should remember this year.

1 – Chris H

He’s one of the Top 5 finalists of America’s Next Top Model Cycle 20: Guys and Girls. Born on 18th July 1988, he dreamt of becoming a model and proved that he’s one of the role models in his generation. Though his image in the show wasn’t good, he showed his positive personality in clearing those through his Ustream show titled Chris Unwrapped. His tweets inspired many, including me through his quotes that marked in every ChrisAtic’s hearts.

2 – The Heirs

I watched it for only 3 consecutive days turned into my favorite Korean drama of 2013 starring Lee Minho as Kim Tan, Park Shin Hye as Cha Eun Sang, and Kim Woo Bin as Choi Young Do. It was one of the most anticipated Korean dramas of 2013 because of its star-studded cast, including CNBlue’s Kang Minhyuk as Chan Young and f(x)’s Krystal Jung as Bo Na. The drama was shot in Malibu Island and Los Angeles, California. In 2013 SBS Gayo Daejun, its parody composed of SHINee’s Lee Taemin as Kim Tan, Girl’s Day’s Minah as Cha Eun Sang, and K. Will as Choi Young Do made us miss the drama so much. I can’t wait to air it in ABS-CBN next year, hoping to be in the primetime slot. In fact I have no idea what will be their English names but I’m sure it’ll be hit and trending in social media.

3 – Lawson

They’re one of my favorite bands. I became a fan when they went here in Manila for a one-night concert last April and their song Standing In The Dark is my LSS (last song syndrome). I love all of them but my favorite member is Joel Peat. Also, I communicated with admins of Lawson Philippines and became friends with some Geese like Mark Ruiz and Chiva Marie Mahinay. I support them by buying their latest album Chapman Square Chapter II, voting for their MVs on MYX and requesting them in radio stations and music channels.

4 – VJ Ai Dela Cruz

She’s my favorite MYX VJ. She started as a MYX VJ in May 2013 and like her very much because of her bubbly personality. She also replies to my tweets that’s why I appreciate her a lot. I want to meet her, be her friend, and take a picture with her soon maybe in MYX events, in ABS-CBN, or in somewhere else.

5 – Nicholas Hoult

The guy who played a zombie role named R in the movie Warm Bodies made our hearts melt followed by the movie Jack The Giant Slayer. Because of Warm Bodies, he’s one of my Hollywood crushes. I never thought that he was in the movie About A Boy with Hugh Grant and portrayed the role of Beast in X-Men: First Class. He’s the boyfriend of Oscar award winner Jennifer Lawrence. I am looking forward to his next movies including X-Men: The Days Of Future Past.

6 – EXO

They’re the rookie group from SM Entertainment who received Album Of The Year award in Mnet Asian Music Awards 2013 held in Hong Kong for their album XOXO. I noticed Kai first in their music video Mama, but in Wolf, it turned out that Kris is my bias. The reason why I chose Kris over Kai is he can speak in English. Because of their show on MBC called EXO Showtime which it airs every Thursday, I got to know more about the members and easily notice them one by one.

7 – The X-Factor USA

I tuned this show hosted by Mario Lopez showcased talents of aspiring singers in America every week and its top 40 was divided into 4 categories with their mentors: Simon Cowell for the Groups, Demi Lovato for the Girls, Paulina Rubio for the Boys, and Kelly Rowland for the Over 25s. I guess the four chair challenge was very memorable for the season wherein the mentors will decide who will stay in the competition based on their performances. In the end, the finalists were Alex and Sierra for the Groups, Jeffrey Adam Gutt for the Over 25s and Carlito Olivero for the Boys. Based on America’s votes, the winner was Alex and Sierra who received a lifetime recording contract from Sony Music. Nevertheless, I was very proud of Ellona Santiago, a Filipino-American contestant from Demi’s Girls who made it in Top 6.

8 – The Voice of the Philippines

The Philippine franchise hosted by Toni Gonzaga, Alex Gonzaga, and Robi Domingo showcased world-class Filipino aspiring singers. The judges were Black Eyed Peas member Apl.de.Ap, former Rivermaya member Bamboo Mañalac, the international broadway diva Ms. Lea Salonga, and the popstar princess, Ms. Sarah Geronimo. The top 4 were Janice Javier for Team Apl, Myk Perez for Team Bamboo, Mitoy Yonting for Team Lea, and Klarisse de Guzman for Team Sarah. The winner was Mitoy Yonting based on the Philippines’s votes.

9 – Sarah Geronimo

I’m a Popster since she started after winning in Star For A Night hosted by Asia’s Songbird, Ms. Regine Velasquez-Alcasid. This year, besides being a coach and a judge of The Voice Of The Philippines, she released her latest album titled Expressions. Her first single Ikot-Ikot from that album reached number 1 in MYX Charts. Her latest single Tayo rocks in MYX Charts as the loyal Popsters are voting for its music video and rule in MYX Daily Top 10, Pinoy MYX Countdown, and MYX Hitchart. Her latest album received a platinum award and Ikot-Ikot MV was top 3 and top 6 on year-end specials of Pinoy MYX Countdown and MYX Hitchart respectively. She’s awarded as the Philippines’s Artist Of The Year in 2012 Mnet Asian Music Awards and recognized as World Performing Arts Entertainer of the Year nominee as proofs that she’s a popstar royalty.

10 – BoA

She’s my one and only queen of Korean Pop. She’s popularly known with hits Hurricane Venus, Girls On Top and Only One under SM Entertainment for 13 years. Debuted last August 25, 2000, she’s rocking not only on music scene but also in her debut KBS drama Waiting For Love and debut Hollywood movie Make Your Move. I bought her 7th album Only One when it was available in the Philippines. She recently won Short Drama Award-Female in 2013 KBS Drama Awards for her role in Waiting For Love.

11 – Warm Bodies

It’s a film released last February 1, 2013 starring Nicholas Hoult as R and Teresa Palmer as Julie. I was obsessed with this movie because I watched it in theatres, bought original DVD with BTS features and lanyard as a freebie, and bought novel book written by Isaac Marion. Indeed it’s my favorite Hollywood movie of 2013 because it’s a different love story that a zombie fell in love with a human and transformed into human again as time flies.

12 – iPhone

This is my dream phone that’s already in my hands. No matter what number it is, as long as it’s an Apple iPhone. Big thanks to my brother that he bought it for me, rewarding for my hard work in my job as store operations officer of a salon for at least 6 months.

13 – Teng Brothers

Jeron Teng, from De La Salle University Green Archers and Jeric Teng, from University of Santo Tomas Growling Tigers battled against each other, together with their teams in the UAAP Men's Basketball Championship. I always support UST because that’s my alma mater. Though DLSU won over UST, the intense during the games was very memorable. Both are competitive but they didn’t forget that they’re sons of PBA legend, Alvin Teng.

My Fave 2 Guys from ANTM Cycle of 20: Guys vs. Girls

I wasn't a fan or an avid viewer of the TV show America's Next Top Model (ANTM) from the start. But this year, it has changed. When I picked up the remote and changed channel to ETC (Channel 14 on Sky Cable), the new season of ANTM aired its encore telecast and saw some handsome guys. I have 2 favorites for this season (unfortunately I have no female as of this moment since it's still running):

Jeremy Rohmer

19 years old, 6'3" from Mission Viejo, California

"I have 0% modelling experience"

(c) ANTM 20 Girls and Boys Facebook Page
Posted on 13 August 2013

(c) ANTM 20 Girls and Boys Facebook Page
Posted on 9 April 2013

He's the first guy I noticed. He's the youngest yet he's so tall. In the second episode, he's partnered with Jourdan, a female contestant on the same show with the theme "Nude Wedding". I really admire his face, his shoulders, his chest, and his abs. He's indeed sexy and handsome, so a lot of fans like me picks him as one of their favorites.

(c) ANTM 20 Girls and Boys Facebook Page
Posted on 22 February 2013

Chris Hernandez

25 years old, 6’1 ½” from North Bergen, NJ

(c) ANTM 20 Girls and Boys Facebook Page
Posted on 13 August 2013

(c) ANTM 20 Girls and Boys Facebook Page
Posted on 9 April 2013

He's my second favorite. The reason is he loves his Filipino fans. I admire his answer in Ask.Fm app that he wants to visit the Philippines. Thus, I became a ChrisAtic (fan name of Chris H).

(c) ANTM 20 Girls and Boys Facebook Page
Posted on 11 August 2013

(c) ANTM 20 Girls and Boys Facebook Page
Posted on 23 April 2013

(c) Print screen photo taken from my Twitter account: @ChristineCabel
August 20, 2013

(c) Print screen photo taken from my Twitter account: @ChristineCabel
August 21, 2013

(c) Print screen photo taken from my Twitter account: @ChristineCabel
August 22, 2013

I am hoping that either one of them (or both would be better) will go on until the finale. Whether they win or lose, I'll support them.

(c) Print screen photo taken from my Twitter account: @ChristineCabel
August 20, 2013

Good luck, Jeremy and Chris!

My 2013 Birthday Wishlist

It's exactly 2 months before I turned 24. Here's my 6-item wishlist (2+4 = 6) that I want to receive for my upcoming birthday:


1. Lawson - Chapman Square Deluxe/Repackaged album

I'm a Fanipino since April of this year when Lawson visited the Philippines. Standing In The Dark is my favorite released song, and Waterfall is my favorite unreleased track from that album.

2. Girls Generation - Complete Video Collection DVD

I'm a fan of Girls Generation when they released the song The Boys. Taeyeon, Tiffany, Jessica, and Sooyoung are my biases.

3. CoverGirl & Olay Concealer Balm

I just saw this product on this site: http://www.cosmo.ph/beauty/makeup/10-concealers-to-solve-skin-woes/. It says: "If you have dry skin, you'd benefit well from this ultra-smooth stick that's infused with Olay's emollient-rich serum to hydrate while giving buildable coverage. The balmy texture lets you steer clear of any chalkiness, especially when used on flaky skin." 

4. Cake

Birthday celebration is not complete without a cake. Dedication cakes or cake rolls -- any of these would do:

• Dairy Queen - KitKat Blizzard Cake
• Goldilocks - Mocha Chiffon Dedication Cake
• Red Ribbon - Leche Flan Roll, Triple Chocolate Cake Roll, Choco Caramel Cake Roll, Mango Cake Roll, Chocolate Heaven Round Cake, Mango Round Cake, Dulce de Leche Round Cake

5. Food

On my birthday, I want these to be served at home or at work:

• Tokyo Tokyo's California Maki
• Shakey's Basket of Mojos
• Shakey's Mandarin Salad
• Chowking's YangChow Family 
• Greenwich's Beefy Baked Macaroni

6. Ice Cream

My favorite!!! Just one variant in any of these:

• Nestle - KitKat Bites, Crunch
• Selecta - Hershey's Whoopers, Mrs. Fields Chocolate Chip Cookies

This is what I want so I already planned it. Hope at least 70% of it come true. :)

An Awesome 'Threesome' Xperience With My Fave DJ On RX

June 24, 2013 --- That was yesterday. And indeed it was another date to remember. Here's the story.

I was watching The Fugitive: Plan B, a Korean drama with English subtitles starring Bi Rain on KBS World (Channel 75 on Sky Cable). At the same time, I was online on Twitter. I just saw Monster Radio RX93.1 DJ Tom Alvarez's tweet because he's on air for RX Threesome segment in his program called The Late Nite Clinic where he's playing three songs from one artist. It was 11:45 pm when I tried to call the phone number that he mentioned on his tweet. It was ringing. Someone from that radio station answered. I doubted at first place as I waited for few minutes. During that short commercial break, DJ Tom Alvarez talked to me via phone. He asked for who's my threesome artist. I chose the British band Lawson but unfortunately they only had 2 songs from that artist: Standing in the Dark and Brokenhearted. My second choice was Demi Lovato, one of my favorite female singers from Disney's Camp Rock. I asked for Heart Attack, This Is Me, and Skyscraper. Those were my top 3 favorite songs from her. I greeted some people on air and had a little chat with my favorite DJ. I was a little bit nervous and it's my first time on that show. After I was on air, I quickly turned on my radio to listen what I requested on Threesome. As a bonus, he played my favorite song from Lawson called Standing in the Dark as he wrapped up his show before the clock strike 2:00 am.

Demi Lovato - Heart Attack

Demi Lovato feat. Joe Jonas - This is Me

Demi Lovato - Skyscraper

Lawson - Standing in the Dark

Well, I first heard Tom Alvarez from Monster Radio RX93.1 on that same show while I was studying for my exams during senior high school. I enjoyed listening to him because he's granting three songs from favorite artist plus he has a nice voice on radio. Then last year, a Facebook friend told us to listen to a show called JinTomia where it had a segment for KPop fans called 'KPop Goes My Heart'. I wrote a blog about that show titled The JinTomia Addiction. The male DJ's voice was so familiar that I heard before. I realized that he was the voice behind the Threesome show when I turned on my radio during late night.

Requesting songs on radio, being on air, and talking to a friendly DJ was really an experience. I enjoyed a lot especially for a first timer on Monster Radio RX93.1 like me. And I want to meet him and take a picture with him soon. I think if I would meet him personally, he is manly like his voice that I heard on airwaves and he's much more handsome than seeing him on pictures posted by the radio station's official Facebook page. (Maybe soon I'll be visiting him at the station while he's on duty or at his office would be awesome!!!)  

My MTV Song Bar

It's already the second season of my favorite show called The MTV Show in MTV Asia. With new VJs Hanli and Alan and its new segments like Instagram Dedications and People's Chart, still it gives latest updates on music and movies. I made my all-time favorite 10 songs that's included on my song bar.

1

Heart Attack

Demi Lovato 

(2013)

It is my LSS (last song syndrome). I hooked up with its lyrics especially on the chorus part. Well Demi is one of my favorite singers-actresses since Disney Channel days, from her debut film 'Camp Rock' until her latest album release 'Demi' this year.

2

The Boys

Girls' Generation 

(2011)

I was very addicted with this song so much. I memorized the choreography and practiced it for more than a year. It was part of our performance during our Christmas party last year which they thought that I brought the branch at the first place. I was the lucky charm when I danced it 100%.

3

Standing in the Dark

Lawson

(2012)

4

The Man Who Can't Be Moved

The Script

(2008)

5

Stay 

Carol Banawa

(2001)

I sang this in 2003 UST-EHS Acquaintance Party during my freshmen year. I will never ever forget that song since Carol Banawa was my favorite female Filipino singer.

6

Don't Cry Out Loud

Rachelle Ann Go

(2004)

This was one of the songs that I practiced when I took voice lesson last 2009. My mentor named Teacher Angie said that it's one of many songs that fits my voice so well.

7

Because You Live

Jesse McCartney

(2007)

8

Wide Awake

Katy Perry

(2012)

9

Looking Through Your Eyes

LeAnn Rimes

(1998)

I sang this last 2012 when we had our mini recital as I enrolled to a free workshop.From the movie 'Quest of Camelot', I will never ever forget its lyrics and its melody because my mentor, Mr. Jerome Vinarao recommended this song that fits my voice.

10

Hopelessly Devoted To You

Olivia Newton-John 

(1978)

Another song that I sang during the entire free workshop, but this time, it was when our grand recital was held at Area 05, Tomas Morato Ave., Quezon City. It was from the musical film 'Grease' starring John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John. I watched the film, observed Olivia's movements when she was singing the song, and performed it on stage.

The Handsome and Charming Nicholas Hoult

A new Hollywood actor caught my attention in the movie trailer Warm Bodies. His name is Nicholas Hoult, a 23-year old celebrity who starred in Hugh Grant's movie About A Boy. I didn't know him at first, but got interested in knowing who he is after searching the cast of that zombie-inspired romance-comedy film on the internet. When I saw his pictures on Google, he's indeed handsome and charming.

Nicholas Hoult
Photo source: www.gossipcheck.com

Last March, I watched his two movies Warm Bodies [on 12th] and Jack The Giant Slayer [on 17th] that were released last February 1st and March 1st simultaneously. I made my own movie review about his 2 latest released movies.

Warm Bodies

Warm Bodies Official Movie Poster
Photo source: www.tribute.ca

It's a novel from Isaac Marion. Nicholas portrayed the role of R [yeah, that character wearing old cappuccino shirt with red jacket and that hair...] who felt in his heart that he was falling in love with Julie (played by Teresa Palmer). In fact he's the only zombie in the film who loves listening to music, playing classic compact discs like Bruce Springsteen and Guns N Roses. He's amazing in playing the role of a zombie. If I were Julie, I will be also afraid at first, but I will fall in love with him.It's better if he will be human again.I will rate this movie 8 out of 10.

Teresa Palmer and Nicholas Hoult attended at Warm Bodies premiere
Photo source: photogallery.indiatimes.com

Yeah... That stare... Was that what you call love at first sight?
Photo source: onlyinhd.wordpress.com

Jack The Giant Slayer

Jack The Giant Slayer Official Movie Poster
Photo source: www.impawards.com

This time, Nicholas played a giant slayer named Jack. This movie was kind of adaptation from a famous fairy tale Jack and the Beanstalk, but with a twist -- falling in love the princess named Isabelle (played by Eleanor Tomlinson). I liked its special effects and its story from Jack's father telling him to he telling his children the giant legend after marrying the princess.

Eleanor Tomlinson and Nicholas Hoult attended at Jack The Giant Slayer premiere
Photo source: www.zimbio.com

This was my favorite scene. I love his reaction here after seeing that big blade...
Photo source: www.justjared.com 

From playing a zombie-turned-human role to portraying a giant slayer, Nicholas proved that he's one of the new Hollywood actors in 2013, though he starred in previous films like About A Boy, The Weather Man, and X-Men: First Class. Well, I'm looking forward to his upcoming movies Mad Max: Fury Road, Young Ones, Dark Places, Birdsong, and X-Men: Days of Future Past. I can't wait to watch him again on the big screen.

An Unready Heart of Mine: A Disastrous Valentine That I Should Forget

The start of my 2013 wasn't good. I thought I was ready, but I wasn't.

There was a guy, 6 years older than me. We met at the same workplace but different field. He decided to pursue me and I let him prove that he's worth it. But everything had changed when a sudden thing happened that I never expected. That thing was a kiss; a kiss that supposed to be memorable, but for me that was a disaster. In fact he said 'I love you' so fast... For me, it's kinda weird and awkward that he's never been my bo. Yeah, he came to my life at a wrong time. But now, I'm fully decided not to entertain guys until I am ready to fall in love and be in a relationship.

Since I'm a music lover, I made a list of songs plus lyrics that I can relate to my recent life.

M2M - Don't Say You Love Me

You're moving too fast I don't understand you 

I'm not ready yet baby I can't pretend 

No I can't 

The best I can do is tell you to talk to me 

It's possible eventual 

Love will find a way 

Don't say you love me 

You don't even know me 

If you really want me 

Then give me some time 

Don't go there baby 

Not before I'm ready 

Don't say your heart's in a hurry 

It's not like we're gonna get married 

Give me, give me some time 

Jojo - Disaster

You shot the bullet, you shot the bullet that killed me

Not feeling my heart beat, and I was dying

I, I've been through it

I, I've been through the all agony

And now my eyes I'm trying, trying, no more crying

Lying's just a game

So disaster strikes and I'm all right 'cause my love's on his way

'Cause the walls burned up and our love fell down

And it turned into whatever now we're saying never

Feel the fire 'cause it's all around and it's burning

For forever and always

We gotta let it go, be on our way

Look for another day, 'cause it ain't the same my baby

Watch it all fall too the ground

No happy ever after, just disaster

Joss Stone - You Had Me

You tried to trade on my naivete

But the things you do and say embarrass me

See once upon a time I was your fool

But the one I leave behind is you

Hey listen you'll be missin'

Out on all my love and my kissing

Make your mistakes on your own time

When you come down you're just no good to have around

Instead of making money you took mine

You had me

You lost me

You're wasted

You cost me

I don't want you here messing with my mind

I've realized in time

that my eyes are not blind

I've seen it before

I'm taking back my life

Nina - I Don't Want To Be Your Friend

I'll forget we ever met

I'll forget I ever let

Ever let u into this heart of mine baby

You just gotta let me be

You gotta keep away from me

Coz all I want is just to be free from you baby

Don't you come around

And say you still care

About me, just go now , go now

Don't call me in the middle of the night no more

Don't expect me to be there

Don't think that it'll be the way it was before

Don't think that i care

I'm not over you yet

And i don't wanna be your friend

Jojo - Too Little Too Late

I was young

And in love

I gave you everything

But it wasn't enough

And now you wanna communicate (You know it's just too little too late)

Go find someone else

In letting you go

I'm loving myself

You got a problem

But don't come asking me for help

'Cause you know...

It's just too little too late

a little too wrong

And I can't wait

But you know all the right things to say (You know it's just too little too late)

You say you dream of my face

But you don't like me

You just like the chase

To be real

It doesn't matter anyway (You know it's just too little too late)

Taylor Swift - We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together

Then you come around again and say

Baby, I miss you and I swear I'm gonna change

Trust me, remember how that lasted for a day

I say, I hate you, we break up, you call me, I love you

Oooh we called it off again last night

But Oooh, this time I'm telling you, I'm telling you

We are never ever ever getting back together

We are never ever ever getting back together

You go talk to your friends talk

To my friends talk to me

But we are never ever ever ever getting back together

To conclude, I will wait for my Prince Charming to come into my life for as long as there's a guy who will accept, care, and love me and my family.  

2013: The Year of the Water Snake

The year of the water snake has entered. Traditions and predictions were talk-of-the-town. Chinese community from different countries celebrated, including the Philippines.

I was born on the year of earth snake (1989). According from the US Bridal Guide's Chinese Horoscope, earth snakes are the most relaxed of the breeds. They lead calm lives and offer a down-to-earth appeal to any conversation or outing. This may make them seem more friendly, as you may not feel the need to wonder what he’s got up his sleeve. They may also shun the need to lash out or take risks, but it isn’t from paranoia. They figure their good sense and work ethic will pay off and bring them much fortune and material satisfaction. In addition, one of the most beautiful breeds of the Snake, (because my zodiac sign is Libra) Libran Snakes are graceful and kind. They are always being pursued by someone interested in them and fall deeply in love with the right partner. Hmm... Those were absolutely true.

As a K-Pop fan, I made a list of K-Pop idols (who I know) who were born on the year of earth snake.

Jokwon (2AM)

August 28, 1989

Wooyoung (2PM)

April 30, 1989

Hyunseung (B2ST / Trouble Maker)

September 3, 1989

Yonghwa (CN Blue)

June 22, 1989

Onew (SHINee)

December 14, 1989

Henry (Super Junior-M)

October 11, 1989

Taeyeon (Girls’ Generation)

March 9, 1989 

Yuri (Girls’ Generation)

December 5, 1989

Tiffany (Girls’ Generation)

August 1, 1989

Hyoyeon (Girls’ Generation)

September 22, 1989 

Sunny (Girls’ Generation)

May 15, 1989

Jessica (Girls’ Generation)

April 18, 1989

Sunye (Wonder Girls)

August 12, 1989

Yenny (Wonder Girls)

May 26, 1989 

Ailee

May 30, 1989

As I conclude this article, the more important in life is prayer and hard work. Those predictions in career, health, and love regarding our Chinese zodiac signs are only a guide. 

Gong xi fa cai! Kung hei fat choi! Xin nian kuai le! Hope you have a prosperous year of the water snake.