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.