Penelope is OUT of Pinoy Idol

The worst had come for Pinoy Idol. The best idol hopefuls are being eliminated - votes are clearly based on popularity and "influence" and not true talent. This is what I'm saying when I blogged that Pinoy Idol can't succeed like American Idol because of different culture.

Penelope is one of the best singers in Pinoy Idol, Robbie, which was eliminated earlier is another. In battle of singing talent, these two shoul've battle it out in the finals. But at this point in time, they're OUT. Hear me Philippines, they're OUT.

Judges Jolina and Ogie gave an standing ovation for Penelope in her farewell song last night coz they know she's the best in that league even at 16.

Check her performances at you tube to prove my point;

Papa Can You Hear Me

One Step at a Time

Wild Horses

Everything I Do (I Do It For You)

The way Pinoy Idol is going, the winner might sell an album but won't last in the music biz (not to downgrade them, just frankly speaking).

Here's an option for Pinoy Idol; 1. Offer a wildcard 2. Change the ruling of the show. Do not depend on text votes only.

Other music afficionados are shameful of what is happening in Idol. What would other nations think of us? That's all that we can offer? Filipinos are very good singers and this show is not portraying that...

LESSON FOR ASPIRING GOOD SINGERS AND PERFORMERS;

> Choose PINOY DREAM ACADEMY. The ruling is better and more credible: First talent, popularity only comes next...

Look at Laarni, she can't be expelled despite her "attitude problem" cause she delivers well and had a good voice..

Pinoy Dream Academy

Copyright from partner Endemol, Pinoy Dream Academy is Kapamilya's version of reality search for the next singing sensation. The format is similar to Big Brother, where a set number of finalists (billed as "scholars" throughout the series) would live inside the Academy for four months and will be trained by guest teachers to be multimedia performers. Activities in the Academy are being monitored 24/7 by the headmaster. It uses the tagline Ang drama sa likod ng pangarap (The drama behind the dream). The program is aired through ABS-CBN.

ABS-CBN affiliate Studio 23 airs a companion program under the same title. It is a separate show from the flagship station that will feature scenes that were not shown on the main program and has different hosts.

The Gala Night was performed every saturday via ABS-CBN and also the announcement of expelled scholar. The probationary announcement, on the other hand, is done every sunday. There is a bonus for PDA season 2 with the performance of Little Big Dreamers every sunday. The Little Big Dreamers is for the children level, and I love to see these little kids do their own rendition of the songs. This portion was not staged during the season 1, which is an advantage because viewers get to witness the variety of the show.

The contestants' life inside the Academy is chronicled on the nightly episodes from Monday to Friday. This includes the classes the students have to take and their domestic time outside of these classes.

The episodes shown on Saturday (sometimes known as the Gala Nights) showcase the talents of the contestants, and exemplifies the progress of each of them in regards to their education in the Academy. In these nights, they mostly show singing performances, although in some cases, there are also dance numbers prepared by the scholars themselves.

Every Sunday, the contestants are assessed by the jury from the performance night.^[1] The probationary students and the Star Scholar was determined in this episode. The probationary students are the four scholars who obtained the lowest scores in the performance night while Star Scholar is the one who gets the highest. In the first season, if a scholar obtains the highest score from the judges for two consecutive weeks, that scholar will only get the title of Star Scholar in the first week; the title then has to be passed to the second highest pointing scholar in the second week. However, this ruling was changed in the second season, allowing a scholar to be the Star Scholar of the week for several consecutive weeks.

PROS:

Being a scholar is prestigious.
ABS-CBN had hired the best people in the music scene to mentor the scholars in different aspects. These key personnel are highly reckoned with on the music scene and mind you, their fees are also "high" if you want to hire them personally - An average Filipino cannot afford to pay them all in one package for a span of 4 months!

Headmaster: Jim Paredes(season1)/Ryan Cayabyab(season2)
Performing Arts: Jose Javier Reyes
Voice teachers: Moy Ortiz/Kitchie Molina
Jurors: Gerard Salonga, Jimmy Antiporda, Loiue Ocampo, and other credible music gurus

Other trainings include diction, dance, fitness, songwriting, etc., which implies the "scholarship" to stay in the "academy" to be trained and equipped as singers and performers.

Definitely, nobody will not turn down the above mentioned trainings to be gained from highly respected mentors!

Viewers who wants to learn would also prefer PDA since clips of the trainings being done to the scholars are showed on TV. These insights can be inculcated in the mind of the viewer and they will also benefit from it.
Of course, "gossips" and "personal issues" are mostly shown on primetime, but its part of the show. Somebody might say its a talent search, so why should these issues need to be shown? While i agree that these portions are mostly shown because they want to attract more viewers through them, the reality is, more issues and gossips will be dealt with by the aspiring singers in the outside world. Besides, every show is doing it and Filipino culture "want" them.

On the voting portion, Endemol created a very good rubrics of the show.
By being objective, the scholars are assessed by the jury from the performance night.^[1] The probationary students and the Star Scholar was determined in this episode. The probationary students are the four scholars who obtained the lowest scores in the performance night while Star Scholar is the one who gets the highest. In the first season, if a scholar obtains the highest score from the judges for two consecutive weeks, that scholar will only get the title of Star Scholar in the first week; the title then has to be passed to the second highest pointing scholar in the second week. However, this ruling was changed in the second season, allowing a scholar to be the Star Scholar of the week for several consecutive weeks.

I believe that this rule is best for Filipinos since we are also used to vote and like the artists based on their outside appearance despite the unoutstanding performance of an artist. With the objectivity of the matter, the scholar which to be expelled are chosen by the jurors through the grading system.

The scholars on probation will now have to be saved by the viewers which determines their "charisma" and "saleability" in the near future.

With these ruling, the best singer will definitely remain and cannot be expelled unless she/he performed terribly.


CONS:

A scholar will be "confined" in the academy for more than 4 months. However, an open-minded scholar need to set his/her mind on this, having them known this kind of rule before they enter the academy. Man, you need to sacrifice for your dreams!

I'm totally pissed off and frustrated (same as Direk Joey) with the season 2 scholars (except for Chivas whose voluntary exit is due to health problems) who exited because of missing their families. I have to reiterate, man, you need to sacrifice for your dreams! That excuse is so not acceptable!

I dont see any disadvantage for this show. Win-win situation for all parties: scholars, viewers, of course, ABS-CBN need to have sponsors to finance the show...


MY BET:

Season 1 finalists are way better than the season 2 scholars. In fact, I was one of those who voted seriously for Yeng everytime she's in probation. I was not disappointed as she earned the Star Dreamer because of her vast talent and distinctive voice. Other season 1 scholars, though not won, are still way better than the season 2 finalists. The likes of Panky, Yvan, and Jay-R, to name them, are good singers.

I'm looking for someone who has that distinctive voice, one who can carry a song and call it her own. One who is original and can sing any song with her "label". Unluckily, i am not seeing this potential to any of the season 2 scholars. Liezl sings well and carries her notes flawlessly but i pardon me if i say I am not seeing her to shine like Yeng and Jay-R. RJ, on the other hand, even if he is not very good in handling his notes, had an RJ voice, plus his songwriting talent gave him an album. Again, I can't hear a distinction in Liezl - her voice is "general". I like Bugoy with his R&B style though, but he can't beat the likes of JayR (SOP) in this genre. Plus, he kinda fail in the looks department, we must admit it.

Other scholars are OK but not exceptional. I will not be giving a single vote to any PDA scholar this season. I will just be an spectator, but will not join in the voting part compared to my addiction the last season.


Finally, I would chose Pinoy Dream Academy than Pinoy Idol mainly because PDA had a better ruling. I resist to be bias in this aspect and definitely basing my decision with the PROS & CONS of these two competing shows. The result of the voting and expulsion process gives us a clear view of how Filipinos chose their talent. The better singers in Pinoy Idol are being eliminated while scholars who are performing well can't be expelled in PDA because of the grading and probation system.

Promised prices for the "chosen" are almost the same - both are eye-popping!

Who earns more? I don't have any figure comparing the number of votes being received by the two shows but since PDA allows only two scholars to vote for in a week compared to PI's all idol hopefuls, i think, PI earns more with the text votes.


Wishful thinking: Kitchie Nadal to enter PDA house for one day to share herself to the aspiring singers. It could also be in Pinoy Idol since judge Jolina is her friend... hehe

Stereofame fever!

Create your own label at stereofame... just click one of the links below, and be my friend! lets enjoy new music...
See you there!

http://www.stereofame.com/vilma77

The New Power Jobs: Engineers and Trade workers

http://hotjobs.yahoo.com/career-articles-the_new_power_jobs-449

> Jobs indeed sizzling with good payday as oil price is continuously surging higher!
> Unluckily, i am not qualified...

White-hot jobs are opening up in the power sector.

"These aren't just hot jobs, they're sizzling jobs," said Christine Real de Azua, spokeswoman for the American Wind Energy Association. Wind energy grew by 45 percent last year. "We need every type of job candidate."

Indeed, with oil topping $100 per barrel, expect power industry jobs to explode in the next 10 years -- and not just in petroleum or the electric company. Want to repair wind turbines, manage a nuclear reactor or install solar panels? The jobs await.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and energy leaders reveal what fields are expected to grow, and they are listed below with projected growth levels through 2016, salary data, and what you need to get a related job.

Engineers
11 percent projected growth
$44,790-$145,600 annually, depending on specialty

"We're experiencing a comeback in 'dirty jobs,'" said Chris McCormick, partner and head of the energy division of venture capital firm Landmark Ventures. "While a few years ago, what we wanted were the 'clean' jobs in computer engineering, now we're back to the types of engineers who get their hands dirty with chemistry and broad-application engineering."

Chemical engineers who work with biofuels, electrical engineers who design power plants, mechanical engineers who find better ways to capture air and wind energy, and nuclear engineers who make plants run more efficiently will all be in high demand -- with salaries to match. While some engineers, like chemical engineers, may need a PhD to do their jobs, most others, like environmental engineers, only require a bachelor's degree in physics or engineering, according to the BLS.

Nuclear Power Reactor Operators
11 percent projected growth
$35,590-$75,240 annually

"When I got out of college, people told me, 'Go do other things.' The conventional wisdom was that nuclear power was going to go away," said Carol Berrigan, senior director for industry infrastructure at the Nuclear Energy Institute. "But now, with some regulatory changes, we have something like nine applications out there for 16 new nuclear power plants in the next few years."

Which jobs will grow fastest? Think Homer Simpson, but with more computer knowledge and less buffoonery. On top of the billions of dollars the industry is spending on new construction, the field's employees are aging: In the next 10 years, half of all nuclear reactor operators are expected to retire. You don't need to have an engineering degree for these jobs, but you should expect extensive on-the-job training and classroom instruction as well as licensing exams, according to the BLS.

Industrial Machinery Mechanic
9 percent projected growth
$42,350 median annual income

Someone's got to install the solar panels and repair wind turbines, and industrial machinery mechanics are often the ones who get the jobs. In solar, Tioga Energy's Executive Vice President Preston Roper said the biggest demand is for solar installers.

Both Roper and Real de Azua said local community colleges are the places to go to get the training necessary for the jobs. Many are offering specialized training in solar or wind repair work.

Skilled Trade Workers
Electricians: 7 percent projected growth
$44,780 median annual income

Line Workers: 7 percent projected growth
$52,570 median annual income

Welders: 5 percent projected growth
$32,270 median annual income

These workers repair the lines that bring power to your home and build and repair power plant structures. Want one of these jobs? Usually you don't need post-high school education, but you will need an apprenticeship through a union or other skilled trade group. The programs usually take about four years.

Kitchie Nadal and Stereofame

I joined this site because Kitchie Nadal joined Stereofame for the "Like Dandelion Dust" movie soundtrack contest. Of course, as a Kitchie supporter, i signed up so that i can vote for her songs. Well, listeners can also win perks by voting and listening to stereofame, so i gave it a shot! (^_^)
Who knows, impossible it may seem but i would be happy to go to Los Angeles! haha

Listeners (including me):
Cast your vote for the songs you want in the major motion film "Like Dandelion Dust" soundtrack. With each vote, you earn a chance to win round trip airfare and accommodations to the film's premier in Los Angeles.

Artists:
10 of the highest ranking artists from this contest will be forwarded to the film's production company and a final winner will be chosen for inclusion in the film.

KN armour bearers' votes are worth it! Kitchie was in the top 5 artists who gained the most positive results. Her songs available in stereofame will be forwarded to the film's production company for consideration and a final winner will be chosen for inclusion in the film. Praying her songs will be selected and included in the film...

Pinoy Idol

Since music is one of my best interest, and singing talent reality show's one which i check often, i hafta give my shot regarding these two rival shows, Pinoy Idol (GMA-7) and Pinoy Dream Academy (ABS-CBN 2) ...


Pinoy Idol

From the makers of the most watched American Idol, here comes the Pinoy counterpart. Aired in GMA Channel 7 (Kapuso) , the show is hosted by Raymond Gutierrez with judges Ogie Alcasid, Jolina Magdangal, and Wyngard Tracy. Extra features about the idol hopefuls and backstage happenings are also being aired through Pinoy Idol Extra daily at 11pm hosted by Karylle and Rhian Ramos.


Pros and Cons;

On the basis of viewers impact is concerned, the show is not hard to "sell" because American Idol is very popular here in the Philippines. The show was copied in almost all aspects as this is being implemented in the franchising business. Viewers are familiar with the show's format and hence, involving themselves into that "international feeling". On the other hand, comparison is the

Since this is the first batch, i am very sure the idol hopefuls were keenly selected based on their potentials. However, i didn't see that singing talent alone was involved in the selection process.

The process of selection using text votes by the "viewers" will not help much to let the best singer win. Filipinos are also particular in "looks criteria", we must admit it or not. Robby Navarro was voted out instead of Daryl Celis. Robby's singing talent is 60% more supreme than Daryl, a Daryl voter can admit that. Robby is in my top list who must remain in the top 3 though i am not voting for him. I just remember that Robby was featured days before he was voted out - the drama of a voluntary exit. I think this was one of the factors why texters didn't vote for him, a hopeful who joined the contest then gives up due to alleged "personal" attacks and issues doubted voters if he can able to handle more negative and more personal issues when he get the title. I, for particular was disappointed with that drama.

Raymond Gutierrez hosting job is very neat though i think he must add more wit and grace during conversations with the judges and the idol hopefuls. I know, he's not Ryan Seacrest, but I was used to Ryan's cheerful spiels.

I like the judges always appealing to the texters to vote wisely and i hope that will work. The burden when not the "best" win is still in their shoulders despite Wyngard's claim it is not their fault if that happens.
I think Jolina, Ogie, and Wyngard gives good opinions and comments after every performance. They're doing a good job though they have to think other script sometimes. Simon Cowell's "evil charm" cannot be equalled by nobody, and i think the judges is not trying to emulate Simon - its nonsense after all...

I dont like the sounds during performances, the mic and the instruments' mix are not very good.

TV production needs to improve. The shots are very limited and cliche.

Vocal and musical arrangements are not displayed during group performances. I dont like hearing "all-melody" wherein the songs can be arranged better with different blends of voices.

Pinoy Idol staffs need also to work harder on the hopefuls' developments most especially on diction.

Finally, i am rooting for Penelope. At 16, she is a powerful singer and can sing any kind of genre. Her version of Natasha Bedingfields' Wild Horses was beautifully done. A hard song that is, and yet she nailed it. Sue's voice is cute and unique, and even if Robby was voted out already, he's still in my list. Ram is good but i dont dig his "Bamboo" style performance. He must look for his original style and can only be his. Other idol hopefuls are forgetful, no offense.



Pinoy Dream Academy on my next blog...

blogging as a job?

lmaJefford has convinced me to have this site and he actually made this one for me. Thanks Jeff, i hope we get big bucks here huh?! hehe



I like to write stuff of different sorts. I am most interested in music (ccm digger particularly) and a critique of current events, art, and other peoples blogs. Critique, in its best sense for me, applies to how can a certain music, person, event, art, thoughts, etc. can be adopted as being constructive and how can it help develop my positive outlook in life. Optimism is very important as it also implies to hope, faith, and enjoying life's journeys no matter how cruel the situation might be.



I think this will be a restrained-free site for me. Hafta write any stuff which pops out of mind - might as well release those stacked ideas and opinions in my neuron...



Just wondering if this "job" can sustain my gig attendance when i quit my present job? hahaha