Music Recap of 2008

My Top Artists of 2008

Rihanna: I used to love Rihanna when she was all about Dancehall and Reggae inspired songs. I’ll admit that I was hella dreary when she came out with “Umbrella”. I remember I heard that song a couple of months in advance and I was like “What is she thinking with this song?” Little did I know, I’d turn around and really be digging her new sound. I soon got her album on my ipod and I was putting her CD on repeat on the way to work. She’s an artist who might not have the best voice, but her stage presence and hunger for success is what makes her a standout. Favorite 2008 Singles: Disturbia, Take a Bow, Rehab

Leona Lewis: Leona Lewis was all over the UIC cafeteria when I still lived back in the dorms. I remember I’d look at the TV’s and wonder “Who the fuck is this girl?” Finally got around to looking her up on YouTube and shit, the rest is history. Her voice is one of the greatest I’ve heard and I definitely see the comparison to Mariah Carey. Not only is this girl beautiful her talent seems to be limitless. She’s one of the greatest imports from the UK since the Spice Girls. Haha. Favorite 2008 Singles: Bleeding Love, Footprints in the Sand

Beyonce: Where do I start? Sasha Fierce. Her album is sick. It’s fire. I’ve been listening to it on crazy repeat for the last week. I’ve become a huge ass fan of hers because one of my friends helllllllllla loves her. And I guess my friend’s love, rubbed off on me and I find myself listening to Bee anytime I can. I always just liked Beyonce as an artist, but now I find myself wanting to go see her live and catch anytime she performs. I appreciate her hard work and the journey she’s had to endure in order for her dreams to come true. I don’t see many other artists who dance and REALLY sing at the same time. And she dances hard. She’s definitely an artist who will have a long career and she’ll be known for as on the greats. Favorite 2008 Singles: If I Were A Boy, Diva

Britney Spears: Let’s talk about the comeback girl herself. Miss Britney Spears. She’s been through hell the last couple of years: Kids, Divorce, Death Scares and a reemergence on the music scene. I’ve always believed in Britney. I’ve liked her ever since those “Baby One More Time” days and I’m not afraid to admit it either. She’s a girl who was crafted to be multimillion dollar machine, and that obviously had a tremendous impact on the type of adult she’s become. But even at 27, she’s back, healthy and doing her thing. She’s moving in the right direction and I hope that with the success of Blackout and Circus she can move forward and have a more positive life. Favorite 2008 Singles: Break the Ice, Circus

Ne-Yo: Always going to be a fan of this guy. His writing skills are amazing and his voice is just as good. You can hear the emotion in his voice and that’s a main reason why Ne-Yo made my top artists of 2008. Not many artists can have the power to write such great songs, but also have the talent to perform. He’s been on a lot of tracks this year either as a solo or being featured alongside another artist. Either way, he’s still shining on every track he’s on. Favorite 2008 Singles: Closer, Mad, Bust it Baby Pt. 2 (Plies Feat. Ne-Yo), Single (NKOTB Feat. Ne-Yo)

Chris Brown: C-Breezy! I’ve been a Chris Brown fan since he came out when I was back in high school. He’s consistently put out great singles and his CD is great as well. He definitely is an all around artists and on top of everything a great performer. Might I add that his style is dope as hell? Haha. I find myself using him as inspiration when buying new clothes and trying to dress myself. He’s definitely the face of R&B and I expect huge things out of him in the future. Favorite 2008 Singles: Superhuman (Feat. Keri Hilson), Freeze (T-Pain Feat. Chris Brown)

Keri Hilson: One of my top top top favorite artists of 2008. Keri Hilson first made huge strides with her collabo with Timbaland on his track “The Way I Are”. She wrote Britney Spears’ “Gimme More”. She is hella talented and her voice is different. I remember hearing her song with Timbaland and I was wondering who the hell this girl was. I kept up with news on Keri Hilson and made sure I caught her singles and CD information. Unfortunately her album was pushed back to 2009, but she’s definitely made great impact this year. She is one of those artists who’s an individual and who’s distinctive and has immense talent. Her style is so fresh and so is she. Favorite 2008 Singles: Energy, Turn Off (Feat. Lil Wayne)

Craig David: I’ll always be a fan of this British R&B sensation. His smoothness on his tracks and the emotion in his voice is what keeps me a fan. Not only really till last year was when I became a huge fan. I realized he had a follow up to his first album and this year he released his third studio album “Trust Me”. I definitely will always be a fan of his. His music is upbeat and can either start to get you pumped or can help you get through some rough times. I hope he can pull some more momentum back here in the U.S. I think he’s too talented to not be recognized anymore here. Favorite 2008 Singles: 6 of 1 Thing, Insomnia, Let’s Dance

T-Pain: I feel like T-Pain currently has like 12 tracks that he’s featured on or has released on his own. I think I may be right. He’s distinctive cause of his kind of auto tone voice. I feel as in many of his songs, it’s a guaranteed hit. It’s like you collabo with T-Pain and you’re guaranteed a top 10 hit. He makes hip hop translatable to a more pop music crowd. He might not be a conscious rapper, but his material is about having a good time and letting loose and there’s nothing wrong with that. Favorite 2008 Singles: Chopped ‘N’ Screwed, Go Girl (Ciara Feat. T-Pain)

T.I.: One of my favorite rappers. His swag is sick and his material is even sicker. I won’t lie that I haven’t really looked into much of his other non-released material. But I’ve always liked T.I. even before this year. Again his style is dope! Not much else to say, I also expect a lot out of him. He’s too talented to not have a long career. Favorite 2008 Singles: Swagger Like Us, Live Your Life (Feat. Rihanna)

Lil Wayne: Used to a Weezy F Baby Haterrrrr, but now converted thanks to my brother. Enough said. Favorite 2008 Singles: A Milli, Got Money (T-Pain Feat. Lil Wayne)

Honorable Mention: Janet Jackson, Lupe Fiasco, Usher, Jordin Sparks, The Dream, Brandy, John Legend, Keyshia Cole, Common

Who To Look Out for In 2009: Jazmine Sullivan, Karina Paisan, David Archuleta, Jennifer Hudson, Janelle Monae, Colby O'Donis, Kid Sister, Kid Cudi

Who Needs to Stop: Jonas Brothers, Miley Cyrus

Gettin All Creative and Shitt...

A big thing for me this year was cell phones. I went through 4 this year. I lost my Samsung in the UIC Cafeteria. Then I extended my contract and got the Nokia Music Xpress Phone. Then that phone screen got hella cracked and then I got an old school Motorola Silver Razor V3. Then that phone got messed up, cause I think I left it in the sun while I played tennis...oops. Finally and hopefully for the next 2 years or so I have my Sidekick 2008. One of the main reasons that pulled me into this phone was the ability to have changeable shells. This shells can be personalized to fit your own tastes but also there are tons available at sidekickshells.com. It's definitely a good phone, would be better with an Internet plan but that will soon come. I got hella bored within the last couple months and I've used all my creative juices the right way and created a few shells. Check 'em out and tell me what you think...=]

All these are just kinda inspired by different things. A lot of work but also kinda just going with the flow and making those small changes. As you can tell, I like to incorporate a lot of things that I either like or find important. Philippine Flag Sun, Japanese Naval Ensign, Music, Venus & Serena and the city of Chicago. The Panda one was kinda inspired by Ate Heather and Nate cause I totally remembered they had panda shirts and also Pandas are just pretty sweet. haha. The "Smiley Star" was inspired by a Tee I saw online. Tell me what you think!

Tennis Recap of 2008

Hmmm..tennis. One of the few things in life I truly love and truly give my heart to. That was my escape in the high school. The tennis court. I'd play with Jeff, Nate and my Lil brother. Used to play for as long as the sun was out during the summer. Long long days playing tennis. It was the sport that I felt was mine no one could tell me how to play except for me or my coach. I had control over how I played and who I cheered for. I miss it so much. It's been hard to play lately, mine and Nate's schedules didn't really work all that well and when you're a college kid it's pretty hard to come by ca$h to re-string racquets. What I'll miss the most is, after winter break in high school. We used to start conditioning and then practice in the 40 degree Chicago weather in March. It felt like it would never warm up, but it did and in May was the worst when it was like 80 for a whole. Uhhh...weird right? That's Chicago weather. I'm gonna miss the stress and the competition and all the focus I put into it. Anyway, back to the reason why I'm posting. This year was a GREAT year for my favorite players.

Serena Williams won the Hopman Cup for the U.S. along side Mardy Fish

Novak Djokovic won his first Grand Slam at the Australian Open

Serena went on a tearrrr she won 3 straight tournaments: Pattaya Women's Open, Sony Ericsson Open and Family Circle Cup. Dannnng girl. She was lookin hella fit and her tennis was on point.















Rafael "Rafa" Nadal went on to win his 4th Straight Roland Garros Title (The French Open). He's undefeated there. He's won the entire slam every time he's played there. BEAST!



My oh my, the girl who was in my dreams, Ana Ivanovic won her maiden Grand Slam at Roland Garros out toughing Dinara Safina in a very tipsy-turvy final.

Just when I thought Venus was having a hard year, she comes out of no where and beats Serena in the Wimbledon final. Showing her athleticism and her long reach in a greatly contested final. Not only did she win the Ladies Singles Championship, but she won the Ladies Doubles Championship with Serena later that day. It was her 5th Wimbledon title in the last 8 years. (2000, 2001, 2005, 2007 and 2008).

Guess who out dueled the King of Grass at this year's Wimbledon's Men's Singles Championship? Yup, my boy Rafa Nadal. He out grueled Federer in a match that went to 5 sets and didn't finish until very late that day. This dude is the real deal! Sick play on a surface that really works against his game. But this shows the fight and hard work that pays off.

My girls won another Olympic Gold at Beijing in Doubles.

After a disappointing Roland Garros campaign, Serena showed off her dominating and hard hitting play in her winning her 9th Grandslam of her career at the United States Open. She beat Venus in the Quarters and that stupid Jankovic in the Final.

Venus closed off a shaky beginning of the year with two pretty big titles. The Zurich Open in Zurich, Switzerland and the Sony Ericsson Year End Championships beating Vera Zvonareva.

Last Day of Class

Thank God this semester is officially done. No more class, just final left. Then 4 weeks of winter break. Granted there isn't a huge weight of my shoulders yet cause I still have 2 pretty huge finals next week. Today had my final Anatomy and Physiology lecture exam and damn was that hard. I've been studying like a dog since Sunday and you can see that on my face. YES I LOOK A MESS! lol whatever I hope it paid off. I won't know how I did in this class until next Friday and as an effect of that I won't specifically know how well to do on the final. I NEED A B, FUCKERS! It's gonna suck huge balls if I end up getting a C in a 5 credit class, but what can I really do? Yanno...I've been spreading myself so thin and busting my ass like no other. I really do work hard, whatever I know that. Fuck it, if my parents can't realize it. Anyway this post is just a little something something to relax a little bit and soon get in gear for Finals.

Tomorrow is my brother's 16th Birthday party. Yea...16 years old? Crazy right. And tomorrow is also Manny "Mexicutioner" Pacquiao VS Oscar De La Hoya. I'm pulling for my boy MANNY! It's gonna be a sick fight and I hope the "Pac-Man" can come out on top. Let's GOOOOOOOOOOO

(Look he's already got his game face on...HOLLLLLLLLLLLLLA)

Smiling & Relaxed Jeff is not here...please leave a message

I'm in AARCC right now updating my blog, but I should be in my Calculus discussion but I don't even learn in with my T.A. anyway. =) So it's all good. I need to vent a little bit, I'm HELLA stressed, I feel like this week will not end. It's like a pre-finals week, I love that we have 2 test in Anatomy this week. It's like how can life get any better? I'm already stressed up the ass with finals and I now I have to worry about this stuff? Really? Well I had my last Lab Test (for those you that don't know--the T.A.'s tag cadavers and we have to label the muscles, among other functional questions). Sounds easy right? It's not! The feet and hands of the cadavers are so dried out and the tendons and muscles are so hard to look at. It's just really tough, you need to know the nerves with innervate the muscles, where they attach and so much more. I don't wanna sound like a little bitch complaining about it, cause I know it just comes with the territory of being a Kinesiology major but damn! It's just always so tough around this time of the semester. I just need to weather the storm and stay steady and it's hard when you just wanna give up cause you've tried your hardest. I guess I can suck it up for another week. I might be getting a C in this class, I'm gonna fight till the end and I just hope I can get it there get that B even if its only by a .5. whatever. I need this B I don't wanna have to climb. Well back to studying Anatomy...wish me luck on my test.

Crunch Time

Thanksgiving is tomorrow. Usually, this is like MY holiday. I helped kinda changed the way my entire family eats. We used to just do typical Filipino party food. Like Lumpia and Pancit, but I was always really envious of the typical "American/Traditional" thanksgiving. You know: Turkey, Stuffing, Potatoes, Pie. Sure before we had a combo of both but it was more Filipino. And now it's more Traditional than Filipino. Mmmm, the reason I wanted to make Thanksgiving a special food celebration was because we have so many parties and we always eat similar Filipino food. So I like having one special day to just kinda embrace some "Traditional" food. And stuffing and green bean casserole is damn good too! =]

Well even with all this good food and good family time. School has been hella tough. Anatomy is really hard. But, as I look back on this semester I know more and understand so much more about the body. All those morning formaldehyde filled cadaver labs are paying off. I just gotta be steady during this mini-break and study cause I have test next Thursday and Friday. The most important lesson I've learned in college is that you need to step up your game when it matters most. And right now it's crunch time and I'll be buried in my Anatomy book and notes for the next 2 weeks. My friends have told me that I've been and look more stressed than ever. They can tell by my irritability too. Sorry guys, I'm just in that mode right now. I'll be more fun after my Anatomy final, I promise =]. After crunch time is over it will be CRUNK TIME.

So my Thanksgiving cooking starts tonight - Cheesecake.

And a long awaited Sneaker Post

Nike Dunks Project AC/DC

Supra Vaider in Yellow.

Pictures courtesy of SneakerFreaker

Enjoy your Thanksgivings. Eat Up and then Get ready for Finals! hahaha

Hope For The Future

November 4th will forever be a pivotal day in my life

I skipped all my classes and went back home to the North burb of Mundelein, Illinois. I cast my ballot, performed my civil duty and voted for the 1st time in probably one of the most historic elections this country has seen in in some time. I went to go the church where I was supposed to vote and they gave me a felt tip marker and a ballot which reminded me of a scantron exam sheet. Man, let me tell you I was kinda disappointed when I didn't see the electronic ones. (Cause those seem so much cooler.) But, my congested and stuffy nose self just voted for what was required in order for my vote to count. Anyway I saw Barack Obama and with hope and belief I darkened that circle. In hopes that I could see a change and a progression in the United States and the entire globe.

Fast forward to last night. I was home celebrating my Tatay's (which to me is my Lolo on my Mom's side) birthday and I was tuned into CNN as well. I was kinda worried when I first saw the electoral votes in the beginning McCain had a lead. Then Obama had a lead around 7:30. Then I had to get to the Metra and come back to the city. I got back to my apartment pretty late and I showered and after the shower I saw the on the TV "Barack Obama is elected as the 44th President"

HOLY CRAP! I was in shock and happy.

Then when I actually realized it. I started tearing up and realizing that my hopes to change the world for Asian Americans can be accomplished. I never voted for Obama because of race, sure that was kind of a plus but I voted because I believe he was the better candidate and that he could would be the change that American needs to badly. I cried through his speech, understanding the enormity of his win and what it meant for minorities and the American people as a whole. I believe in this man 100% and I have the highest hope. He's inspired me to speak up and chase my dreams. Let the next 4 years bring the US much needed change and much more hope. YES WE CAN!

Love Lockdown

Let me update you all with stuff before I get onto studying for my next Anatomy test tomorrow.

This morning I think I kicked my Anatomy Lab test's ASS. It's so nice going into a test, hyped and knowing almost all the stuff I needed. Oh yea, I almost got hurt really bad today, almost got hit by a car, but I'm okay. I was just angry at first, but then I realized that I was lucky I jumped out of the way. Right before i jumped though I saw this kinda flash of white light, maybe this was some type of sign from God. Who knows, I'm just thankful I'm not in the hospital.

To the point of this post and the title of it. I'm going to have to admit that I've made some pretty bad choices when it comes to girls. Like who I pick to crush on and pursue. And this isn't bad choices as in they're ugly or racist or something like that. But I've fallen for girls that realize I'm a good genuine guy and they take advantage of it. You know, I start falling for a girl and start trying to pursue her and she'll play with me and my heart. Lead me on to believe one thing and then turn and do something else. I can't let myself continue to be into these girls or these type of girls. I realized I need to experience stupid shit like this in order to realize the mistakes I've made. All I know is that they've missed out on a good thing yea damn right I'm getting cocky. But let's make that into confidence. Cause damn I know I'd treat a girl right, respect her and give her the world. I'm not about all these stupid mind games, sex or whatever else. I'm about living life with her and making her smile. I'm about growing and learning.

I have no idea how I got this way, to the point of where I'm kind of "mature" in love. I know pretty well want I want in a relationship, but of course I'm willing to keep on learning. My ipod is filled with music, about love and lost love chances and we'll see how the future goes.



I'm a hopeless romantic [and cheesy =)]...what can I say, I'm a sucker for smiles and laughs and just sharing quiet moments with someone I care about. Say what you want, make fun whatever. This is just who I am.

Things feel pretty good right now. I'm glad tomorrow is Halloween and my tests will be done.

Currently Listening To:
Steven Cole - Photographs and Memories Remix
Add him on Myspace - Myspace.com/StevenColeMusic

Recap of the Weekend/Can't Sleep

So it's still actually Wednesday. Fuck I am kinda nervous for my Anatomy Lab test tomorrow morning. That shit is so tough, like forreal. Muscles, their attachment sites, the nerves that innervate them. But I guess that just comes with the territory of being a Kinesiolgy major. It sucks!

This weekend at FACT was pretty awesome. The drive kinda sucked, hit bad Chicago traffic and that took about an hour and a half to get through...ughh. But Justin and I had fun being stupid in the car on the way there. The rain was crazy and the wind was gusting to strong that you could feel his car kinda sway and shake. So first night there, big party at the FIA hotel. Good stuff, met some people. Workshops on Saturday were alright. My first 2 kinda sucked balls, the speakers needed to know how to interact and not make it a freaking lecture! CMON! My last one was a Modern Dance workshop and I immediately assumed it was just gonna be dance. But our speakers: Kimmy Nguyen and Joe De La Rosa were actually just going to be talking about the business and stuff like that. Kimmy actually went one to talk about how Filipinos and Asians are underrepresented in American Media (Movies, Music, TV, etc). Since I am actually working with FIA and Phil Ozaki on a workshop about this stuff I was curious to see how people reacted and what they had to say. And I was kinda surprised, because a lot of the people did have that awareness about the lack of a positive representation. So I'd definitely looking forward to the workshop, hopefully going to change some minds, open some, and maybe recruit for AACC. Either way I just want to make at least a little change in at least a few people's minds. Oh so back to FACT, the Variety show was really good! FIA Modern killed it and the Spoken Word artist was real good too. Oh but, I can't forget the YOYO Guy. Seriously RAW talent, and pretty funny, got a standing O at the end. The Afterset at Canopy was pretty dope! Saw some old friends, danced a lot and definitely sweated buckets, yea gross I know. haha. But it was cool. And we then ultimately finished the whole trip off with a stop at Sonic down at Urbana. Mmmm, finally got to taste some of that food that's all over the TV.

So...as this week comes to a close I'm looking forward to getting all my Anatomy tests done (tomorrow my Lab Practical and Friday my Lecture test; wish me LUCK =)) Then back to the burbs for Halloween. Gonna finally see my Lil CUZ, Travis after like a MILLION freaking weeks. Miss that little kid. Hopefully my brother will come up on Saturday and sleepover at my place. We'll see.

Eye Candy:

Supra Skytop (Chad Muska) - Photo Courtesy of http://www.Sneakerfreaker.com [check 'em out!]



FIA Modern at FACT08 (University of Illinois @ Chicago)^