Hollywood Buzz

 

 

The Appren-tease in Jesse James Blindsided Sandra Bullock

 

I really liked Apprentice Celebrity Season 1 a lot and loved the clever Piers Morgan and his biting (but objective) tongue in it.  I caught several reruns of Apprentice Celebrity Season 2 and was intrigued by it despite not having as many strategic players as the first one.   Jesse James, 40, had a cool stance during the whole season and maintained his stand on not using his wife’s connections to get more money for their team projects.

 

Sandra Bullock, 45, was freshly minted with the coveted Oscar best actress awards several weeks back.  Nowadays, she’s back in the limelight but not for her acting chops in Blind Side, but because of Jesse James’ infidelity.  Not only with one woman –but with FOUR others.

 

 

The news broke when Michelle McGee told In Touch, she and James had unprotected sex once a week during their 11-month romance.  Soon after, more women came out dishing about their affairs with James.

 

Sandra Bullock broke her silence to People Magazine and denied reports that there’s a sex tape with her and husband Jesse in it.  “There is no sex tape.  There never has been one and there never will be one.”  Other than that statement, Bullock has remained quiet about her current relationship status with James.  Many speculate that she will file for a divorce.

 

 

Meanwhile, Jesse James also denied Internet rumors of a sex tape.  He said in a statement, “There is only one person to blame for this whole situation, and that is me. It’s because of my poor judgment that I deserve everything bad that is coming my way. This has caused my wife and kids pain and embarrassment beyond comprehension and I am extremely saddened to have brought this on them. I am truly very sorry for the grief I have caused them. I hope one day they can find it in their hearts to forgive me.”

 

His lawyer reports that James is struggling to get back into Sandra’s good graces.  “When all is said and done, he wants the same people who were living in his house before all this happened to still be living there,” his attorney, Joe Yanny, said in a statement Monday. “And he wants to save his marriage with the woman he loves more than anything in his life.”

 

Ricky Martin is Gay

 

After so many years of keeping his personal life private, Latin pop star Ricky Martin admits in his book that he is gay.  In his official Website, Martin says that writing his memoir and his twins are what made him go public about his homosexuality.

 

 

 “I am proud to say that I am a fortunate homosexual man.  I am very blessed to be who I am.”  I think not a lot of people were surprised but it’s still a brave thing to come out in the open.

 

So Mr. PJ, when are you writing your book? 🙂

 

 

Rockband Friday at King Francis’

 

Potluck Dinner

 

Dinner: Cherry’s Spareribs, Pizza and Carbonara.  Jane’s Wrong Pasta, and Madz’ Uncooked Tikoy (operative word: uncooked)

Usual Suspects: Francis a.k.a “Milo Kid,” Madz a.k.a “Princess Maddie,” Chris a.k.a “Bubba,” and Jane a.k.a “Queen La.”

New Recruits: Pearl a.k.a “Si Pearl Na Naman” and Judd a.k.a “Coron Next Day” -Hannah (MIA)

 

Notes:  Morgan Freeman.  Wrong Pasta.  Delicious Spareribs. 

 

Since Bubba had a late meeting Friday night, I had to ride with Francis from the office to his place.  I bonded with Francis’ lovely (Read: hot) mom on the way and even bragged about the pasta I was going to bring.  The pasta it turned out was cooked the wrong way by the help (since I changed something in my usual recipe).  I was so embarrassed so I promised the mom I would bring her another one (I woke up early Monday to cook the pasta myself).

 

 

(After lunch, I went to the office of Francis and handed the pasta to his mom.  I gave Bubba pasta too for his packed lunch and after gym during lunchtime, I also handed one to my newfound friend and gym buddy, Nolan) 

 

Rockband

 

After many months of waiting, this plan of Francis pushes through (with so much berating from me and Madz!)  We started around 9pm.  But first, the muscles of Francis and Judd had to work because they had to move the flat screen from one room to Francis’ game room.  Bubba claimed injury for not helping.

 

First Song.  First Score.

 

*UPDATED*  Here are the videos!

 

Paramore – That’s What You Get

 

Madz on the Mic

 

 

 

Francis Liamzon’s photos (-one of my top three favorite photogs!)

 

Maddie and Bubbs

Uh-huh.

Hamming it up for the camera 😀

Madz and I are still seriously following the notes

Ok, now it’s only Madz.

Err, Maddie, what’s wrong with Bubba’s stick?

Judd = Madamot

Bubba’s muscle about to pop

Me = Extra

 

Outtakes (Photo Sesh with Francis)

Korean Pose

Semi-Korean Pose

“Illusion”

Maddie with the drums

Chucks

Guits

Back to regular programming

 

Or maybe not. 😉

 

Notes: I think I scared Judd off with my singing (Paramore -That’s What You Get).  But what can I do?  They forced the mic into my hands.

 

Rockband Album (Francis Cam)

Rockband Album (Jane Cam)

 

 

*Bubba took a video of the first two songs.  You want to see me when I’m in the mood to sing?  So far I’ve only shared it with one friend.  Shoot me an email.  And I will find somewhere someday the courage to send you the link 🙂

 

 

 

 

Van Gogh is Bipolar

 

 

Bubba first found out about this secret place in a magazine.  Bubba called the number trying to place a reservation but it was a packed night –as the usual in most days.  Bubba tried calling again right after mass last Sunday around 830pm and fortunately as fate would have it, we were advised that we can be accommodated that evening. 

 

 

After hearing mass at Sanctuario de San Jose and running quick errands at Shangri-la, Bubba and I headed out to Maginhawa St –the famed street laced with interesting foodie discoveries.  It wasn’t very difficult to locate VGIB (Van Gogh is Bipolar), just tread along Maginhawa St. in Sikatuna Village and look for the landmark, Redbuck’s.  That pathway going to the inner duplex will lead you to an evening you would definitely remember.

 

 

There is a sign on the door that says, “Welcome!  Please remove your shoes.  Thank you,” which reminded me of my own “Shoe Stop” sign (thanks to my good friend Mon for the artwork!) I placed by the door of my condo several years ago.  I held intimate dinners with groups of friends frequently in my small rental condo unit and was really anal-retentive obsessive-compulsive about the grime that “shoes” bring in.  That’s why I’ve asked guests to remove their shoes and if possible, disinfect their feet with the wipes/alcohol before coming in.  All my friends can attest to how squeaky-clean my condo was and how spotless the floor was.  It wasn’t only my neat freak attitude kicking in, but also, engaging with a clean “base” (feet) makes for a fresh and raw/natural ambience –open and free.

 

Van Gogh’s Front Door

 

Replica of the “Shoe Stop” sign I had at the condo

 

 

Back to Van Gogh, my jaw dropped at the sight of the living art space –make that art and food space.  The span of art in every corner and inch of the room emits so much energy that one can’t help but be stirred. 

 

I seriously love this old-fashioned cabinet (reminds me of my Grandma’s cabinet)

 

The bell clonked and our attention immediately shifted to the face behind the little kitchen window placing newly cooked dishes on the counter.  We meet Jetro, a travel photographer and the creative director behind the art and food of Van Gogh is Bipolar.  He good-naturedly welcomed us to his rousing abode.

 

 

Upon my probing, Jetro shares the story behind VGIB and alludes that people misconstrued this sanctuary of his as a mere “restaurant.”  It is not.  This is, first and foremost, Jetro’s private refuge, where his most intimate of thoughts and talents weave into a creative spin.

 

 

Before anything else, read the House Rules.  Key word: Self-service.  No one waits after you.  After perusing the nonconforming menu that informs one about ingredients that release happy enzymes, Bubba wrote our orders on a sheet of paper and gave it to the kitchen.

 

 

As we patiently wait for what the kitchen offers, we stuffed ourselves visually with the artistic splendor of his apartment.  Unique is probably the word that guests usually mouth off stepping into VGIB.  Other than being distinctive, I would say that the place is quite engaging.  The naked eye sees the red graffiti wall at one end of the room, 2 regular coffee tables with seats, 2 low coffee tables with rugs/pillows for sitting/lounging, and a main dining table for groups of 5 or more.  But other than the obvious, there is so much stimulating vibe in the whole room radiating from the different quirky art pieces hanging, etched, written, deconstructed, and basically pieced together.

 

 

I wish I had my own boudoir that channels my very own energy and thoughts in the spaces between.

 

On the Table

 

Spanish Plum Mint Tea PHP 55

The engagement doesn’t stop with the furnishings and art fixtures –it stems to the food as well.  When you order tea, you choose your own pot from the table decked with teapots, shot glasses and tea/coffee jars.  Tagged on the menu as an “Extra Upper,” it is mint tea with blend of premium quality organic Spanish plum tealeaves.  The teacup is decorated with a lone fresh mint leaf.  Pour yourself a warm start to an elevated food experience. 

 

 

Axl Rose’s Egg Shot PHP 25

Organic egg submerged in hot water for 5 minutes served in its eggshell and with honey mustard or Jetro’s special black sauce.  The shot glass is already filled with the wild honey and special black sauce.  The food in itself is again very interactive.  You crack your own egg, carefully pour the yolk and whites inside, stir the mixture and do the shot.  Bubba valiantly tried the shot and said that it can perk you up immediately.  Texture wasn’t slimy and was more of a soup shooter full of protein with a hint of balsamic sweetness that perks the mood.

  

Egg is an excellent source of protein that gives that “extra kick” you need especially when soft-boiled.  

  

 

Pres Clinton’s Meal – Van Gogh Rice PHP 275

Grilled Aussie Lambchops with organic black mountain rice with olive oil/bagoong sauce and olive oil/soy sauce base.

 

 

Despite having read (in another blog) a not-so-good feedback on the lamb chops, I boldly ordered it, knowing that one man’s claim might be another woman’s tasty treasure.  Boy, am I so glad that I didn’t let that stray me away.  The lamb chops were brimming with flavor, balanced out well by the organic black mountain rice that’s full of texture.  Add a distinct layer of flavor by dabbing a bit of the black mint/rosemary semi-sweet sauce.  Try a shade of saltiness by dabbing it in the bagoong with sprit of calamansi sauce. 

 

 

There’s a slice of orange as garnish.  Take a citrus route and get the pulps on your rice.  I also loved the fresh herbs such as the stalk of marigold and basil in the dish –giving a fresh minty note that pulls the dish together. 

 

Emperor’s Fish PHP 255

Bubba was supposed to order Roosevelt –a salmon dish that’s a house specialty but they ran out.  Bubba opted to get the Emperor’s Fish.  It was a special of the day.  I wasn’t able to note what kind of fish was served but it tasted clean and light like sole.  The fish was moist and cooked perfectly.  The Emperor’s Fish was also accompanied by organic mountain rice. 

 

 

Jim Carrey’s Sardines PHP 99

This is usually accompanied by mountain rice but since they ran out, we were asked if we wanted it served with pasta instead –of course!  Variety is always welcomed.  Bubba and I both liked the sardines that had a tinge of spiciness that wakes up the senses.

 

 

Mel Gibson’s Darkest Sins (2) PHP 125 each

It’s a vodka shot deep in dark chocolate with walnut and almond.  When you take the shot, get wonderfully overwhelmed with the dark chocolate… slowly and smoothly, a shadow of bitter liquorish flavor travels in your buds… and steadily, you feel warmth in your mouth, then feel the heat or intensity crawling up to your throat and nose, surrendering a fervor inside.  An hour later on your way home, the impression it left you is still vivid.

 

 

 

Thanks Jetro for welcoming us in your “world”.

 

In the coming weeks, Jetro will no longer accept walk-ins and will fully focus on by-reservation format only.  Cooking is a fondness of his and he wants to be able to share this in a happy busy kitchen but not a frenzied one.

 

Van Gogh is Bipolar is an almost full encounter of Jetro’s senses –from visual art to textural and taste experience of his food concoctions.  The dishes are bright and delightful.  Place is charming, the food are innovative and on the whole, experience is utterly memorable.  It is already a treat in itself to meet someone as passionate as Jetro.

 

Leave with an inspiration.

 

 

Van Gogh is Bipolar

154 Maginhawa St.

Sikatuna Village, Quezon City

(632) 394 0188

0929 163 8592

 

 

Van Gogh is Bipolar Album

 

 

 —

American Idol Season 8 Finale

 

 

There is a new American Idol and it’s Kris Allen.  KRIS ALLEN, ladies and gentlemen.

 

Gotta give props to Adam Lambert because he was really a superstar all throughout the competition and he brought AI to a whole new level –singing and stage presence –wise.

 

Image Source: watchingamericanidol.com

Image Source: watchingamericanidol.com

 

Kris Allen despite missing some key notes in Kara DioGuardi’s written song, No Boundaries, triumphs as the last man standing in Season 8 of American Idol.  Even if Adam did a better performance hitting the notes, I feel that Kris’ acoustic rock voice suits the song better than Adam’s mellow Aerosmith voice.

 

 

Image Source: watchingamericanidol.com

Image Source: watchingamericanidol.com

 

 

Other than the star-studded guest list that includes Kiss and Queen, Kara DioGuardi made the season finale more memorable with an epic showdown between her and “bikini girl” Katrina Darrell.  Not so long ago during the auditions, Kara pointed out that Katrina didn’t hit the right notes.  Katrina made a sarcastic rebuttal that distressed Kara to showing her how it’s properly done.

Image Source: Fox and Huffintonpost.com

Image Source: Fox and Huffintonpost.com

At the end of the singing duel, Kara unveiled her bikini body by unbuttoning her trench dress to flash a black string bikini she had on underneath.  Ryan commented that by flashing the world at the end of the song, Kara won a bet and a donation to charity.

Image Source: Fox and huffingtonpost.com

Image Source: Fox and huffingtonpost.com

 

In other news, Hayden Christensen (no, not the infamous local doctor with scandalous videos) and Djimon Honsou stars in Mandrake the Magician adaptation.  Anakin Skywalker of Star Wars is supposed to do the lead role in the film “Mandrake.”  MTV news however reports that a representative from Hayden’s camp denies that he has anything to do with the film. 

 

The movie co-star Djimon Honsou will follow Hayden’s character, an “underground magician and escapologist” who is approached by the CIA to do some work after “a daring escape from an SUV that has been dropped out of an plane at the Burning Man Festival.  Hounsou will presumably be taking on the role of Mandrake’s assistant, Lothar.  I love Djimon Honsou in Blood Diamond and I cannot wait to see another film with him in it.

 

The Zeitgeist and Moon movies are the two movies I want to watch soon.  Have you seen Zeitgeist?

 

 

Pussycat Dolls in Manila Again

 

The sexiest girl group in the pop music scene is set to perform in Manila on June 11, 2009.

 

It’s going to be the group’s second concert in the country with half-Filipina Nicole Scherzinger on lead vocals.  Venue is at the SM Mall of Asia Concert Grounds.  Standing only in all areas.

 

Ticket Price:

 

VIP          6695

Gold        5150

Silver      2884

Bronze    515

 

Image Source: plong.com

For Early Bird Promo rate, visit Clear’s website at www.clear.com.ph

 

CLEAR Presents PCD Live in Manila

June 11, 2009

8PM

SM Mall of Asia Grounds

Website: http://www.pcdmusic.com

 

The David Cook Experience Contest

Get a chance to meet Skechers’ latest global endorser, David Cook, and watch his concert on May 16, 2009.

 

Your purchase of any regular-priced Skechers shoes or watch from April 30 to May 11, 2009 gives you a chance to win one of the following prizes:

 

First prize: (1 winner) 2 passes to meet David Cook in person plus 2 VIP tickets to the David Cook and David Archuleta Concert

 

Second prize: (3 winners) 2 VIP tickets to the David Cook and David Archuleta Concert

 

Third prize: (10 winners) David Cook album CD

 

 

 

 

Visit our participating stores in TriNoma, Glorietta 5, Market!Market!, Robinsons Place Manila, Festival Mall and selling areas in SM Department Stores: North Edsa, Megamall, Mall of Asia, Makati, Bacoor, San Lazaro, Manila and Las Pinas.  Customer shall fill up the raffle stub with name, address, tel. no., cel. No., email and affix signature and drop in designated drop boxes.  Deadline for submission of raffle stubs is on May 11, 2009.  Raffle draw will be held on May 12, 2009 5 pm at 2804-C PSEC East Tower, Tektite Towers, Exchange Road, Ortigas, Pasig.  Prizes may be claimed from May 14-15, 2009 at the same address.  Winners will be notified through SMS and/or a phonecall on May 13, 2009.  To calim, present claim stub, valid ID, and proof of SMS message.  Employees, suppliers, agencies and relatives up to the third degree of consanguinity or affinity are disqualified from joining the promo.  A participant can only win once; if a participant wins more than once, he/ she automatically gets the bigger prize.  Transferrable but not convertible to cash.

 

Per DTI-NCR Permit No.2049 Series of 2009

 

Seasons of Love

Seasons of Love

Rent 

 Five hundred twentyfive thousand six hundred minutes
Five hundred twentyfive thousand six hundred moments so dear
Five hundred twentyfive thousand six hundred minutes
How do you measuremeasure a year?
In
daylights — In sunsets
In midnights — In cups of coffee
In inches — In miles
In laughter — In strife
In — Five hundred twentyfive thousand six hundred minutes
How do you measure a year in the life?
How about love?
How about love?
How about love?
Measure in love
Seasons of love
Seasons of love

In truths that she learned
Or in times that he cried
In bridges he burned
Or the way that she died
It’s time now – to sing out
Tho’ the story never ends
Let’s celebrate
Remember a year in the life of friends
Remember the love
Remember the love
Remember the love
Measure in love