The sluggish Internet connection didn’t stop me from working on my latest web project, Brink Notes Entertainment (BEDNetwork). Brink Notes Entertainment Daily is an entertainment magazine-type blog where one can get local and foreign Entertainment news. I will try my best to update the site at least once daily. My two other celebrity fan blogs, Toni Gonzaga and Kim Chiu Fan would get a makeover soon.

Oh, change is coming to this blog very soon!

Basically, GMA Kapuso Foundation commissioned Gary Granada to compose a jingle for a new campaign based on the lyrics provided by the said foundation. Mr. Granada revised the lyrics provided by the client (GMA Kapuso Foundation) by replacing a few words. Revision/s made on the original lyrics is/are subject for approval of the clien. Mr. Granada submitted his study; but it was then rejected. In the end, GMA 7 allegedly used Mr. Granada’s revised lyrics and allegedly based the final tune of the jingle on the musical structure on Granada’s study with no credit at all. On the other hand, GMA said through writing that the jingle was a collective work.

If indeed the jingle was a collective work, why was Mr. Granada not credited for the things he contributed?

In a typical school group project, even how small a member’s contribution was in the project the member would still get a credit in the end, right?

It’s hard to make conclusions here. Because yes, the audio recording (Mr. Granada’s side) is just one side of this whole hullabaloo. I don’t know if GMA 7 has stopped airing the said campaign. How GMA Kapuso Foundation would handle this is what we should watch for. As I’ve said, the audio recording is just one side of the issue although Mr. Granada has narrated that Atty. Dick Perez GMA has sent him a letter stating that he has no claim on the said jingle for it was a collective work.

In the same audio recording, Mr. Granada clearly stated that he is not claiming the jingle GMA Kapuso Foundation used for the campaign. What he is claiming is that GMA Kapuso Foundation wouldn’t come up with such a jingle if not for his study, which they allegedly abused.

“What is now [sic] stopping anyone from commissioning artists in general to make studies only to rejected them, make easily done modifications out of their hard work and pass them off as entirely new creations altogether,” stated Mr. Granada on the same audio recording.

Stealing, infringing or neither of the two it is clear that someone made a mistake somewhere. It’s just a matter of finding who made the mistake and holding that someone liable for his/her mistake.

Related Links

Composer cries foul vs TV Foundation (Inquirer Entertainment)
Gary Granada airs complaint vs. GMA Kapuso, the New Media way (Ang Kape Ni LaTtEX)
RP bloggers pick up on Gary Granada’s complaint (Inquirer.net Blog Addicts)
Gary Granada Versus GMA Kapuso (Filipino Voices)

Actually, it is only this week that I’ve found time to watch a movie or two. I’ve seen two movies this week alone, The Curious Case of Benjamin Button and W.

The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
The Curious Case of Benjamin Button is one of the very few films that made me cry. I cried, really. Watching this film wasn’t really part of my plan until I’ve heard and read a lot of positive reviews about it. Well, I don’t regret watching the film. In fact, I loved it. Although the movie is a bit long than any other full-length film, this one didn’t bore me. The clock maker’s story at the beginning of the movie touched and moved me. Gateau, the clockmaker made a clock that intentionally runs backward in the hopes that it would bring back those who died (including his son) in World War I. If only we could turn back time.

The special effects used in the film were great especially the transition of Benjamin from being a baby boy with an appearance that of an 86 year old man to being an adult and back to being a baby. It is also fascinating that the story is being told in Benjamin’s point of view. In this way, the inner thoughts of the main character is also narrated and relayed to the audience. As with the cast, I can’t say anything but praises for they did a wonderful job in portraying their respective roles.

W.
W, on the other hand is fun movie to watch. No, it’s not a comedy film. It’s a film about the 43rd President of the United States of America, George W. Bush. The film showed how Bush goes from being an alcoholic bum to being the most powerful figure in the world. A friend was talking about this film a couple of nights ago. I was curious and decided to give this movie a shot. The movie didn’t disappoint at all. Why is it fun to watch? The cast is outstanding, really! Josh Brolin’s (the one who played the role of George W. Bush) performance is the bomb! It was like Tina Fey portraying Sarah Palin. There are many instances in the film that it felt like I’m watching the real George W. Bush, the real Condoleezza Rice, and others. I don’t know if this film would have a theatrical release here in the Philippines. But if you really want to watch the movie, I know you that you know where to score a copy (wink, wink). It is also in this film that you’ll learn where George W. Bush’s nickname, “Dubya” originated.

And those are the two films I’ve seen for this week. After writing this post, I think I need to go back and attend to the things I need to do (school-related or not). Finals would be on the last week of February so there are just too many things to submit in the coming days. But I can’t really focus on school stuff right for the news about Ugly Betty getting shelved is really bothering me. Why Ugly Betty? It’s the only show I watch on ABC aside from Grey’s Anatomy. Ugly Betty has been interrupted many times in the past. Please, please shelve / pre-empt any other show but Ugly Betty.

That’s all I’ve got for now. Stick around

UPCAT 2009 Results

The list of qualifiers would also be posted at the Office of Admissions, UP Diliman.

Congratulations to the UPCAT qualifiers!

Links:
UPCAT 2009 Results
UPCAT 2009 Results Mirror 1
UPCAT 2009 Results Mirror 2

Dayo Poster from http://dayomovie.multiply.com

Dayo sa Mundo ng Elementalia is a movie about an 11-year-old boy named Bubuy who tries to save his beloved grandparents who have been abducted into Elementalia — a mysterious, mystical, and magical land house to the popular creatures from Philippine Mythology.

“While there are some fight sequences in the film, they are generally non-violent and child-friendly. The film is rich in folklore. It abounds in traditional values that are reflective of Philippine culture,” according Director Robert Quilao in an interview with Manila Times.

Nash Aguas, Katrina “Hopia” Legaspi, Nova Villa, Michael V., Pokwang, Peque Gallaga, Johnny Delgado, Laurice Guillen, Gabe Mercado and Pocholo Gonzales are some of the famous voice actors and actress who brought life to the characters of Dayo.

Official Trailer of Dayo sa Mundo ng Elementalia

In an article written by Danny Vibas in The Manila Times, Jessie Lasaten, executive producer of Dayo revealed that Cutting Edge Productions’ spend around $1.3 million to produce Dayo.

World-renowned singer, Lea Salonga sings the official theme song of Dayo entitled “Lipad”. FILharmoniKA conducted by Gerard Salonga recorded the musical score of the movie.

Lea Salonga sings Lipad, official theme song of Dayo

Dayo would surely delights its audience as it brings the moviegoers to the wonderful world of Elementalia. Cutting Edge Productions’ opens in theater nationwide on December 25, 2008 and an official entry to the 34th Metro Manila Film Festival-Philippines.

Visit: http://www.dayomovie.com, http://dayomovie.blogspot.com, and http://dayomovie.multiply.com for more news and updates regarding Dayo.

I could still remember Dianne’s first JanSport bag. It is this cute plain orange JanSport bag that my mom bought from Bratpack some time in 2000. Among my sister’s vast collection of bags, I believe that this orange JanSport bag is the most abused. Why? My youngest sister, mom, even one of my cousins and I are taking turns in borrowing the JanSport bag from my eldest sister, Dianne up to this date. Despite all, the bag is still in tip-top condition and is still vividly orange. I have my own story about using this orange JanSport bag but I won’t share it here *mihihihih*. But it’s somewhere in the World Wide Web.

JanSport Bags

But if I have the money to buy my own bag, I would probably buy Timbuk2. Timbuk2 is the brand that carries this very cool Blogger bag. I like their messenger bags for the designs are very nice, simple and classy. I’m not really a fan of overly designed bag. I want my bag to be simple, if not plain.

Timbuk2 Bags

Since my eldest sister loves bags, our visit to malls wouldn’t be complete without a visit to bag stores like Bratpack. I think we would now frequently visit Greenbelt 5 for Bratpack’s flagship store is right there which my eldest sister loves for the store is really huge and houses a vast number of bags. Aside from Greenbelt 5, Bratpack has branches in Robinsons Place Manila, Robinsons Galleria, SM Cagayan de Oro, SM Davao, SM The Block, SM Pampanga, SM Southmall and Ayala Cebu.

Bratpack Flagship Store, Greenbelt 5

Here comes, Pocketful of Kids, the very first interactive toy village in the country. It is where kids and their parents or guardians get to experience first hand the popular American and European toy brands that encourage to wonder, to discover and to learn through play which is important to the growth and development of the kids. Pocketful of Kids is not your ordinary “look, but don’t touch” toy store. At Pocketful of Kids, you can play with the toys and interact with the other kids in the village.

“The notion of bringing learning into playtime is really something that Pocketful of Kinds wanted to push. Our vision is to provide high-quality toys that help children learn and ensure that these will aid significantly in influencing a child’s mind,” explained Natalie Tanchip, founder and owner of Pocketful of Kids.

The first interactive toy village in the country carries only top-of-the-line developmental toys from reputable American and European brands such as Melissa & Doug, Learning Resources, Educational Insights, HaPe, Educo, Alex, Tatiri among others. Aside from toys, Pocketful of Kids also features books and other services for kids like a health food section and playground. The toy village also extends its reach to parents and guardians through parenting seminars and workshops conducted by no less than child experts.

“As parents, we play a vital role in equipping our children with the opportunity for growth, innovation and learning. What more effective way to do is than by providing them with toys that boost their ability to learn,” added Natalie Tanchip.

My mother, sister Dianne and I had a chance to experience how fun and exciting it is to be in the first interactive toy village in the country. It is where we feel that we’re preschoolers all over again. Here’s a glimpse of what’s in store for everyone especially for the kids at the first interactive toy village in the country:

You too can experience the fun & excitement with your kids starting this Saturday, October 25, 2008 by visiting Pocketful of Kids, the first interactive toy village in the country located at 15/F Strata 2000, Emerald Avenue, Ortigas from 10am to 7pm or call (02) 634-7888 or (02) 634-2888.

Map:

More pictures:

Last year, ABC, an American television network apologized to the Filipino community for an episode of Desperate Housewives that questioned the competence not only of Filipino doctors but also the quality of education being delivered by the medical schools in the Philippines. The said episode of Desperate Housewives raised many talks about racism. I think we are experiencing some sort of déjà vu.

During the sketch in the Harry & Paul show, Enfield’s character urges his neighbor to have sex with another neighbor’s Filipina maid, saying he is trying to see if “we could mate their Filipina maid with our Northerner, but he’s not having any of it”. He then says, “Come on Clyde, mount her” and addressing the maid, says: “You, you, present your rear.” (quoted from AFP)

This specific scene from the said show ignited the Filipino community here and abroad (especially the Filipino community in the UK) to send a complaint to the involved television network.

“Beyond any doubt, the show is malicious, unethical and insulting. It is a clear case of discrimination of Filipino women. They insult one of us, they insult all of us,” Akbayan Rep. Risa Hontiveros said in an interview with Manila Standard Today. On the other hand, the Philippine government thru Department of Foreign Affairs Secretary Alberto Romulo lodged a diplomatic protest with the United Kingdom’s ambassador to the Philippines over the said TV show.

Should the said spoof on Filipina maids bother us? Or should we just shut up and deal with more significant issues?

Let me quote a song from the famous musical, Avenue Q, “everyone’s a little bit racist.” Isn’t true?

Before we look at how other countries makes fun out of our race, let’s look on how we make fun of ourselves and other races. How many jokes have been delivered on local TV and everywhere about Indians and other races? Take a look how a typical Filipino would call a person from India. If you would take a closer look at the jokes being passed around the streets, text messages, TV and even on print most jokes talk about race and even social standing, if not all. Look at how we mock the accent and even the enunciation of people from the Visayas region. How many jokes have been passed around about Filipina maids?

We Filipinos are racist too and the worst, we are racist against our fellow Filipino. Although the said scene was insulting in some way, it is just funny how we (or most Filipinos) suddenly became patriotic in times like these.

As written in an article published by the AFP, it is said that the production company behind a BBC comedy sketch that provoked outrage in the Philippines for being racist said Tuesday that the show was “absurd” and should not be taken seriously. Can’t we accept the fact that it was just a joke? In the first place, the show “tackles many situations in a comedic way”. Jokes are to be taken lightly.

Although things like these shouldn’t be ignored, let us not act as if we have not done the same thing to other races and other Filipinos of different social standing. We may not understand the kind of humor that these British people have, but please let us not over react.

If you’re a Filipino citizen and have what it takes to creater an original shirt design with the theme, “Why are you hurting your neighborhood? What’s wrong with you?” then Volcom needs you!

The best among original submitted graphic shirt designs with this theme will be picked out by Volcom and made into a limited edition shirt. The chosen designer will be featured by Volcom and enjoy the following awesome perks:

- A cash prize of Php 25,000.00
- A Php 10,000 shopping spree of Volcom stuff from Aloha Boardsports.
- Plus, media mileage and bragging rights for holding the title of being a Volcom Featured Artist

You can use any art or graphics medium. Just be sure to submit it in the following format:

- 16 ½” width x 23 ½” height JPEG format with 300 dpi
*Artwork should incorporate the Volcom stone

Upload your piece to http://www.volcomcallforart.com using the registration form found in the site. You will receive a confirmation email acknowledging receipt of your entry.

All artwork must be in before midnight of October 30. Deadline extended until November 15, 2008 due to public demand! Results will be out by the 2nd week of November so start working on your all-original piece now, ’cause you just might be the next Volcom Featured Artist.

If you are interested in joining the contest, read the terms and condition of the contest at Volcom Call for Art website.

California Pizza Kitchen uses only fresh, premium ingredients sourced locally and from around the world. CPK is the pioneer in hearth-baked California-style pizzas. Cooked quickly in 3-7 minutes in approximately 500-degree heat, hearth-baked pizzas offer a different pizza experience. Aside from pizzas, California Pizza Kitchen also offers salads and appetizers, soups, pastas, focaccia sandwiches, desserts, smoothies, beverages and blended beverages.

Here are some pizzas you want to try on your next California Pizza Kitchen visit:

BBQ Chicken Pizza. The global pizza chain also carries classic bestsellers. Its most popular pizza, the Original BBQ Chicken, is one of the original recipes used by Rick Rosenfield and Larry Flax, the founders of California Pizza Kitchen.

Greek Pizza. Diners can also experience a slice of adventure in the Mediterranean with the Greek Pizza. Made from Mediterranean spiced grilled chicken and Mozzarella cheese, this pizza is topped with a chilled Greek salad of cucumbers, red onions, fresh tomatoes, Greek olives, Feta cheese and lemon-herb vinaigrette; and served with homemade Tzatziki sauce and chopped Italian parsley.

Jamaican Jerk Chicken. Guests of the Make Your Own Pizza event were given the chance to savor their creations, which were served fresh from the hearth oven. One of these was the smoky sweet Jamaican Jerk Chicken, a pizza that offers a taste of the world. It is made from grilled Jamaican Jerk spiced chicken breast with our spicy sweet Caribbean sauce, Mozzarella cheese, applewood smoked bacon, mild onions, roasted red & yellow peppers and green onions.

Cajun Pizza. One of the newest offerings of California Pizza Kitchen, the Cajun Pizza is made blackened from the chicken and spicy Andouille sausage with a Creole sauce, roasted red and yellow peppers, mild onions and Mozzarella cheese.

The Philippine franchise of California Pizza Kitchen is owned by Global Restaurant Concepts, Inc. and currently operates 6 branches located in Glorietta 3 (867-2115 to 16), Alabang Town Center (850-5771), Shangri-la Plaza Mall (687-7841 to 42), Trinoma Mall (901-3881 to 82), Greenhills Shopping Center (725-7377) and Powerplant Mall (895-3447).