Tribute to Tita Cory.

Biography of Corazon C. Aquino

As president of the Republic of the Philippines (1986-1992), Corazon Cojuangco Aquino led her country's difficult transition from dictatorship to democracy. After re-establishing the democratic institutions, her administration made them work, bringing about substantive economic and social reforms. Through great personal courage and unwavering commitment to non-violence, she successfully served her term in office and presided over the peaceful and orderly transfer of power to her successor President Fidel V. Ramos.

Born in Manila on January 25, 1933, Cory Aquino was educated in exclusive girls' schools in Manila, before she left for the U.S.A. where she completed her high school and college education. Her father was a three term congressman. Her mother, a pharmacist, was the daughter of a senator.

Cory Aquino graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree from the College of Mount Saint Vincent in New York where she majored in French and minored in Mathematics. Upon her return to the Philippines, she pursued studies in Law which she discontinued upon her marriage to Benigno S. Aquino, Jr. The marriage was blessed with four daughters and one son, and Mrs. Aquino is now the proud grandmother of five grandsons and two granddaughters.

The late Senator Benigno S. Aquino, Jr., was assassinated on August 21, 1983, at the Manila International Airport, becoming a martyr in the Philippines' struggle for democracy. Senator Aquino, the Opposition leader at the time of his death, had been the first person jailed upon the declaration of martial law in 1972. He suffered incarceration in a military camp for seven years and seven months, with only a brief respite in the U.S. to undergo heart surgery.

For furthering the aspirations of her people for a just society and a better life while honoring Senator's Aquino's memory, Cory Aquino has been conferred 16 honorary degrees from universities in the Philippines, the U.S.A., Japan, Hong Kong, Taiwan, and Italy. She was named Time magazine's Woman of the Year for 1986. Following her administration's international initiatives on human rights and on issues affecting women, children, and the family, Cory Aquino now serves a co-president of the Forum of Democratic leaders with Oscar Arias of Costa Rica, Sonja Gandhi of India, and Kim Dae-Jung of South Korea. Her leadership and her example have been recognized by the Martin Luther King Jr. Non-violent Peace Prize, the United Nations Development Fund for Women's Noel Award for Political Leadership, and the 1993 Special Peace Award from the Aurora Aragon Quezon Peace Awards and Concerned Women of the Philippines, among other distinctions.

Cory Aquino now serves as chairperson of the Benigno S. Aquino, Jr. Foundation, which awards scholarships for education and develops linkages for non-governmental organizations to improve the quality of life for Filipinos. She is also chairperson of the Board of Advisors of the Metrobank Foundation and serves as honorary chairperson of the Philippine National Centennial Commission, of the Foundation for Clean Elections, of the Sulung Pampanga Foundation and the Piso't Puso ng Tarlac Foundation.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Noong Marso 24, 2008, napabalita na mayroong cancer sa colon, isang sakit sa bituka, ang dating pangulo, na kasalukuyang may edad na 75. Pero dahil sa supporta ng kanyang anak na si Kris Aquino mayroon sa kanyang nag-aasikaso at ngayon unti-unti na nawawala ang kanyang sakit. Kung hindi dahil sa pagkamatay ng kanyang asawa na si Ninoy Aquino sa ngayon mas naging masaya at matapang si Cory.

Ngunit sa Petsang Agosto 1, taong 2009 sa oras na 3:18 ng umaga sa edad na 76, ay nagpaalam na ang kauna-unahang babaeng naging pangulo ng Pilipinas at ng buong Asya. Ang babaeng simbolo ng demokrasya ay humantong na sa kanyang huling hantungan. Buong bansa ngayon ay nakikidalamhati sa pag panaw niya. Siya na marahil ang isa sa pinaka maimpluwensyang babae sa buong mundo. Pangulong maraming batas na naipatupad para sa mga kababayan niya. Kaya naman kaming lahat at proud na maging pinoy.



MY CONDOLENCES...



(January 25, 1933 - August 1, 2009)

LOVE ANG PRAYERS
Rest In Peace















Informations From:

http://tl.wikipedia.org/wiki/Corazon_Aquino
http://www.fulbright.org/prize/1996/aquino1.htm


leave a comment.....:)
ben_thoughts@yahoo.com
|bencism|

Ma'am Mataray, with Walk Out on the side..

-- " so alam na ninyo ang lesson, kau na bahalang
mag-aral mag-isa diyan, tutal alam nyo na..
kasama sa prelims yan. "

-- " 3rd year palang kayo, wala pa kayo sa
4th year & 5th year tapos ganyan na ang
mga ugali ninyo. "

-- " parang walang teacher sa harapan ninyo ha!
pinagbigyan ko na kau nung una, pero
inuulit-ulit nyo pa! "

-- " ang iingay ninyo, tapos pag nag exam
naman ang bababa ng mga scores ninyo."


OUCH! ANG TARAY!

SAPUL.. TUMAGOS..

mabilis na bura ng board, maingay na pagtabig
sa upuan.. tapos
NAG WALK OUT PA!..

BENIFIT -- maagang umuwi..
DISADVANTAGES -- walang nalaman sa lesson, at sayang ang bayad..


lets move on.. wag O.A.
ehehe.. peace..

leave a comment... XD
ben_thoughts@yahoo.com

PINK TABLE

Mayroong mag-asawa na matagal nang nagaasam na magkaroon ng sariling anak tawagin nalang natin silang Mr and Mrs. Bagumbuhay..

Ngunit sa kasamaang palad, hindi sila makabuo ng sarili nilang anak..

Sa tindi ng pagnanasa na magkaroon sila ng anak, dumaan sila sa iba't-ibang medical exams at nasubukan narin nilang sumayaw sa obando at manalangin ng mataimtim..


Hanggang sa di inaasahang araw biglang nabuntis si Mrs. Bagumbuhay..
at pagkalipas ng 9 na buwan nanganak na si Mrs. Bagumbuhay, at ang anak nila ay isang napaka gwapong batang lalaki na tatawagin nating Sosep..

Maykaya naman sa buhay ang mag-asawa kaya naman sunod sa luho si Sosep..
Bukod sa magandang lalaki si Sosep, napakatalino rin nito pagdating sa pag-aaral..

Siya ay pumasok sa pre-elementary..
Grumaduate siya ng may awards..
So tuwang tuwa itong mga magulang niya..

........
Mrs. Bagumbuhay: Anak, ang galing-galing mo talaga..

Mr. Bagumbuhay: Syempre nagmana sakin..

Mrs. Bagumbuhay: Anong gusto mong gift anak?
New toys?, Bagong damit? Ano anak?..

Sosep: (nahihiyang pasabi) Ma, gusto ko po ng PINK TABLE..






Mrs. Bagumbuhay:(napaisip).. O cge anak.
........

Pasukan nanaman at nasa elementary na si Sosep. Nagumpisa siya ng grade 1 at lagi siyang nasa Rank 1 bawat quarter, nagpatuloy iyon hanggang sa grade 6 consistent Rank 1. Kaya naman sa Graduation Day nila ay siya ang nanguna. Sa lahat ng gagraduate siya ang naging Valedictorian. So tuwang tuwang umakyat ng stage sina Mr. & Mrs. Bagumbuhay..

........
Mrs. Bagumbuhay: Anak talaga namang pinahahanga mo kami ng daddy mo.
We're so proud of you anak.

Sosep: Thanks ma.

Mrs. Bagumbuhay: O ano gusto mong graduation gift?
Gameboy? PSP? Computer? Ano anak ko?

Sosep: Ma, gusto ko po sana ulit ng PINK TABLE, mejo luma na kc ung dati.

Mrs. Bagumbuhay: (Napahinto at napaisip) ah anak, ayaw mo ba nung mga binanggit ko?

Sosep: PINK TABLE po gusto ko!






Mrs. Bagumbuhay: O cge anak.
........

Pagkatapos ng mahabang bakasyon sa ibang bansa. Bumalik na sila para pumasok
sa High-School si Sosep. 1st year to fourth year consistent siyang nasa honor.
At sumasali pa siya sa iba't-ibang school academic competition. So pagdating ng
graduation niya Valedictorian nanaman tong si Sosep. Galing talaga.

........
Mrs. Bagumbuhay: Anak kohh, ang galing- galing mo talaga. Very proud ako sayo.
Maipag mamayabang nanaman kita sa mga kumare ko. So anong gift
ang gusto mo? Laptop ba? New Phone? Motor bike? ano anak?

Sosep: Mami gusto ko po ng bagong PINK TABLE yung bongga ah..

Mrs. Bagumbuhay: Anak, matanong ko lang, bakit ba gustong-gusto mo ng
Pink Table, ano ba meron yon?

Sosep: Mommy naman, basta po gusto ko un eh.. please mommy.

Mrs. Bagumbuhay: O cge na nga anak.
........

Pagkatapos ulit ng bakasyon, siyempre college na si Sosep.
Kumuha siya ng kursong FineArts sa isang prestihiyosong Universities
sa Manila. Sa Madaling sabi, natapos niya ang kurso at consistent naman siyang
P.L (Presidential Lister) Grumaduate siya ng Magna..

........
Mrs. Bagumbuhay: Anak ko, ang galing mo talaga, ikaw na ang susunod na hahawak nang
business natin niyan lagi mo talaga kaming pinahahanga ni daddy mo.
anong gift gusto mo? Car? or Condo Unit?

Sosep: Mommy, wag na ung mga un. Gusto ko lang ngayun eh ung Long PINK TABLE, ah ma.
Yun lang poh..






Mrs. Bagumbuhay: Anak, ano ba yan, bakit pink table nanaman? ang dami munang pink
table ah. Ano ba kahulugan ng pink table na yan sa buhay mo?
bakit yan at iyan nalang gusto mong regalo?!

Sosep: Mommy sige na, mamaya ko nalang sasabihin, after kong pumunta sa bahay ng
Classmate ko, may party kc sila. Sige na ma.

Mrs. Bagumbuhay: Anak, O cge, hintayin kita sa bahay ah. Tapos sabihin mo na
Kung ano ang Pink Table ah.

Sosep: OK ma, bye I Love You.
........

Ngunit habang patawid ng daan si Sosep, biglang!
Boom, Blag, Wappak!, Sapul! Tug.!
Na hit n' run si Sosep. Kitang kita nang kanyang ina
ang nangyari sa anak. Kaya dali-dali nilang mag-asawang dinala
sa pinaka malapit na ospital si Sosep.

Habang nasa sasakyan. Hirap na hirap na si Sosep.

........
Sosep: Ma, parang mamamatay na ata ako..

Mrs. Bagumbuhay: Anak, wag kang mag salita ng ganyan.

Sosep: Ma, gusto mo na bang malaman kung ano ang kahulugan ng pink table?

Mrs. Bagumbuhay: Ano nga ba iyon anak?

Sosep: Ang ibig sabihin po nun ayyy..
ayy...
ayy...
ano po...
ayy.. (thug.)

Namatay na si Sosep.
........................................

Makalipas ang ilang gabi..
bigalang napanaginipan ni Mrs. Bagumbuhay si Sosep
at sa panaginip ay nag usap sila.

........
Sosep: Ma, nandito na ulit ako.

Mrs. Bagumbuhay: Anak, kumusta ka na? Miss na kita anak ko.. Sasabihin mo na ba
ang kahulugan ng pink table?
Sosep: Ma hindi dito, bukas nalang po, magpapaalam ako, na bababa ako sa lupa ng
madaling madali lang para sabihin ang kahulugan ng Pink Table, gusto ko
palabasin mo lahat ng kapitbahay natin at magpa fiesta ka ma, maraming
handaan.
........

.............
KINABUKASAN..
.............
Isang malaking pag titipon ang naganap sa barangay nina
Mr. & Mrs. Bagumbuhay, kasama lahat ng tao sa barangay.

nang biglang nagbukas ang kalangitan at lumitaw si
Sosep..

Tuwang tuwa ang mga tao..
Nag sisigawan sila at nagpa tugtog ng component ng sobrang lakas.

Mga Tao: woooohhh!!! sosep! yeah! bumalik kanga
wahhhh.. mabuhay ka sosep.. yeahhh...
woooohhhh... plak. plak plak.

Sound: Po po po po poker face.. Po po po po poker face..
Low low low low.....

Mrs. Bagumbuhay: Anak ko, nag balik ka nga.


Nang pag tungtong ng mga paa ni Sosep sa lupa. Umakyat na
rin ito pabalik sa Langit.
Natahimik ang mga tao dahil hindi pa niya
nasasabi umaalis na nga siya.

Mrs. Bagumbuhay: Anak, hindi mo pa nasasabi ang ibig sabihin ng pink table umaalis
ka na nga..

Sosep: (naiinis) pano kc! habang pababa ako sinasabi ko na!! ang iingay ninyo kc eh
kaya hindi nyo narinig!..



THE END.....


bwahahah..

Isa paring napaka laking Misteryo ng PINK TABLE


Sino nakaka alam?
Leave a Comment.. thank u.
ben_thoughts@yahoo.com

Wag kc Ganun: Dapat Quit Smoking

Ano bang meron sa pag hithit ng sigarilyo?

Bakit adik na adik halos lahat ng tao dito?

Kapag nasimulan na nila ayaw na nilang tigilan.


_Acetone: -pang alis ng kyotex sa kuko..
_Cyanide: -nakamamatay na lason..
_Formaldehiyde: -pang embalsamo s patay..
_Nicotine: -pang patay ng ipis..
_Polonium: -cancer na galing sa mga radioactive element..

Ilan lang yan sa 4000 na sangkap sa pag-gawa ng isang stick ng sigarilyo. Naisip mo bang iyan ang ilan sa pinapasok mo sa iyong katawan habang sarap na sarap ka sa paghithit ng sigarilyo mo? Malamang hindi mo na iniisip ang masamang maidudulot nito sayo, habang ramdam mo ang kakaibang sarap ng pagdaloy ng usok patungo sa inosente mong baga(lung).
Marami kang taong makikita na gumagamit nito. Malamang pati mismo sa loob ng bahay ninyo ay merong adik na adik dito. Sa dami ng tumatangkilik sa paninigarilyo milyon-milyon ang kinikita ng mga factory na gumagawa nito.



........ SIR. KING KONG - kaninang umaga lamang ang sarap manapak ng Professor kung sino pa ang na turinggang kailangan magturo ng tamang asal e siya pa itong nagsimula at nagpakita ng kababuyang tunay. Habang nag lelevel ako ng theodolite kasama ng aking mga ka grupo sa HSURVEY LAB. Biglang nag labasan ang mga mahiwagang posporo at lighter, sabay hugot sa nakakamatay na espada ni kamatayan(sigarilyo). Nagtaka ako kung bakit hindi binabawalan at sinusuway ng aking guro ang mga kaklase kong ito. Nang tunguhin ko ang aking tingin sa aking guro, para akong nakakita ng kapreng lumiit. Ayun siya pala ang pasimuno sa paglabas ng mga mahihiwagang sandata. Di mo iisiping siya pa ang dahilan sa mga pangyayaring iyon. Pasaway na Prof. wag ganun!

....... BART MALL - sentro ng usok at tirahan ng mga kapreng walang matuluyan habang nagmumuni muni. Isang lugar na kulang nalang ay maging langit na me ulap sa dami ng mga naninigarilyo sa lugar na iyon. Maliban sa mga internet shop at xerox machine na maaaring makita, mga estudyanteng nakahiligan nalang ang tumambay doon at humithit ng sigarilyo. Maaari din silang tawaging mga taong di tambutso, parang mga sasakyan kung bumuga ng usok walang pakeelam sa mga nakapaligid sa kanila. Wag ganun!

...... SH MEN'S C.R. - palibhasa dominante ang mga lalaki kaya di kataka takang maraming kalalakihan ang nahihilig sa pag hithit ng espada ni kamatayan. Pagkatapos ng isa kong subject, bigla kong naramdaman ang maduming likidong nais kumawala sa aking katawan kaya naman tumungo ako sa isa sa napakaraming sh men's c.r. wala lang pagpasok ko ramdan na ramdaman ko ang prisensya ni kamatayan at pagdungaw ko sa toilet bowl ayun nandun na ang gamit at upos na espada ni kamatayan. Kung minsan pa nga huli sa akto ang ibang alagad ni kamatayan. Mga adik talaga, wag ganun!

..... TSUPER SMOKE LOVER - sumakay ka na ba sa mga ito? Kaasar sarap talagang manapak. Pero kailangan kong pigilan ang aking sarili, kaya kuha nalang ng panyo at takpan ang ilong at bibig. Napakadami ring tsuper ang ka join sa fans club ni kamatayan. Maliban sa usok na nang gagaling sa tambutso ng sasakyan, isa pang usok ang nakaka bulahaw sa mga pasahero ng jeep tulad ko. Ito ay ang tsuper na me tambutso implant sa bibig. Wala lang, hassle lang kasi nakasakay ka sa jeep tapos me naninigarilyo tapos ung driver pa, sana wag ganun..


..Kanya kanyang trip nga lang yan..
.. Walang basagan ng trip

Pero sana ang trip mo ay di nakaka apekto ng masama sa ibang tao..
Walang pumipigil sa trip mo pero siguraduhin mong wala kang dina damay na ibang tao. Dahil mas grabe pa ang maaring mang yari sa mga taong nakalalanghap ng usok mo. Kaya nga hindi sila naninigarilyo kc ayaw niya ng usok sa katawan tapos ikaw si itong walang pakundangan kung magbuga ng lason. Wag ganun.

Bago mo isipin sarili mo,
isipin mo muna ang kapakanan ng mga taong
napapaligiran mo.

Hindi lang ito para sa ibang tao
ito ay para na rin sa pansariling
KALIGTASAN mo.


QUIT SMOKING..

STOP 2ND HAND SMOKE..

SAVE YOUR SELF, SAVE OTHERS, SAVE THE EARTH.

The Proud OLVP Choir

Last vacation the Church of IMACON in Balibago, Angeles City hosted the program entitled "New Voices, Festival of Music". It was collaborated by different kind of Parishes inside the Holy Spirit but only two Parishes joined the choral competition. The first parish is the Our Lady of Grace Parish in Mabalacat and the second is the parish of the Our Lady of Victory Parish in Dau where I belong. The said event happened on April 30, 2009 at SM Clark Cinema 5 at exactly rather late 3 o'clock in the afternoon.

As usual I'm also part of that said event; I am one of the few members of OLVP choir. The choral competition started after the last solo singer ended her song. That was a very tongue-tied moment for us because it was the first competition ever that we joined in. And we are the first to perform. Our choir was composed of different kind of voices like soprano, tenor, alto and bass where I belong, because of having a very big and near to the ground voice.

The performance begins, we went up to the stage having different kind of emotions and the singing get started. We sing two different songs the first was the “I will sing forever” popularized by the Bukas Palad, that was the original piece that we sung given by the competition organizers. The second song was elected by our singing coach and it was entitled “Children of Easter Moring” popularized by Hanggad Music Ministry. At last our performance ended. To make the story short the other participant also ended their performance.

We are now at the deciding moment, the announcement of the winners. We are only two participants that’s why expected that there is only one winner. The score of the judges are final and irrevocable. Before the announcement of the Grand Winner, they gave each participant a certificate of participation. Then winner was announced, the Grand Winner is the OLGP choir, yes they won we lost. But wait there’s more, there is a special award to be announce. We won the best MUSIC CHOICE of the Night. Yeah. Ali kami minuling papasyuk. Cash prize was given and received by our vocal coach.

This is the video attachment of our song that won.

BEST MUSIC CHOICE

leave a comment.. thank you..
e-mail @ ben_thoughts@yahoo.com

Dapat Gawin kapag Umuulan... Bow!

Tag-ulan nanaman

Tag-ulan nanaman, anu-ano ba ang mga masarap gawin
kapag tag-ulan na? Ito ang mga pili-piling bagay na masarap,
at magandang gawin kapag tag-ulan na...

1. Ilatag mo ang iyong banig, kuhanin ang unan at matulog. Damhin ang lamig ng sahig, para ka nang naka aircon.


2. Buksan ang t.v. manood ng mga paboritong palabas tulad ng Eat Bulaga at Wowowee. Mas maganda kung sasabayan mo ito ng mainit na kape na pampainit sa panahong umuulan. At para hindi ka makatulog habang nanood.


3. Kung gusto mong lumabas pero ayaw mong mabasa ng ulan, wag ka nalang lumabas, sa loob ka nalang ng bahay kasi nga ayaw mong mabasa kaya yon sa loob ka nalang talaga. Kaya wag ka nalang lumabas, tapos imaginin mo nalang nasa labas ka habang nakatitig sa labas.


4. Paraang makakatipid sa tubig. Habang umuulan ng sobra-sobra, todo-todo to the 3rd signal lumabas ka ng bahay at maligo ka sa ulan. Nakatipid ka na sa inyong tubig may added vatamins and minerals pa ang tubig na pinaliligo moh. Mas maganda rin kung wala kang saplot sa paliligo para ramdam na ramdam mo ang kalikasan, siguraduhin mo lamang na walang mga taong nakakakita at baka kuhanan ka sa Hyden Cam(hidden cam) at i upload sa internet ang video mo.


5. Masarap ding maglaro ng board game katulad ng scrabble, word factory, o chess pwede na rin ang classic na snake and ladder pag tag-ulan, at makakatulong din itong i excercise ang iyong nilalamig na utak.


6. Isa pang masarap gawin kapag tag-ulan ay ang panood ng bold. Bakit? Pampainit.. ahahah..


7. Kung ikaw naman ay nilalamig pag umuulan magandang magsuot ng mga makakapal na damit tulad ng jacket at sweater. At isang pang arternatibong paraan ay makipag kita sa Syota at makipag yakapan magdamag. Maging maingat lang, dahil baka sa sobrang tagal ninyong magkayakap ay matungo sa pagjujut-jutan yan.. ehehe..


8. Masarap ding makinig ng iyong paboritong musika habang kumakain ng home made clubhouse at umuinom ng sobrang lamig na iced tea. Tea na mapait na binigyan ng yelo, clubhouse na gawa sa pan, cheese, mayonaise, tapos pan ulet, tapos ham, tapos mayonaise nanaman, tapos pinaka huli pan ulet. Gumawa ng sariling food recipe. Enjoy eating.



leave a comment.. thank you..

Goodbye Mr. Pop Star

LOS ANGELES – Michael Jackson, the unforgettable gifted child star who rose to become the "King of Pop" and the biggest celebrity in the world only to fall from his throne in a freakish series of scandals, died Thursday. He was 50.

Jackson died at UCLA Medical Center in Los Angeles. Ed Winter, the assistant chief coroner for Los Angeles County, confirmed his office had been notified of the death and would handle the investigation.

The circumstances of Jackson's death were not immediately clear. Jackson was not breathing when Los Angeles Fire Department paramedics responded to a call at his Los Angeles home about 12:30 p.m., Capt. Steve Ruda told the Los Angeles Times. The paramedics performed CPR and took him to UCLA Medical Center, Ruda told the newspaper.

Jackson's death brought a tragic end to a long, bizarre, sometimes farcical decline from his peak in the 1980s, when he was popular music's premier all-around performer, a uniter of black and white music who shattered the race barrier on MTV, dominated the charts and dazzled even more on stage.

His 1982 album "Thriller" — which included the blockbuster hits "Beat It," "Billie Jean" and "Thriller" — remains the biggest-selling album of all time, with more than 100 million copies worldwide.

The public first knew him in the late 1960s, when as a boy he was the precocious, spinning lead singer of the Jackson 5, the music group he formed with his four older brothers. Among their No. 1 hits were "I Want You Back," "ABC," and "I'll Be There."

He was perhaps the most exciting performer of his generation, known for his feverish, crotch-grabbing dance moves and his high-pitched voice punctuated with squeals and titters. His single sequined glove, tight, military-style jacket and aviator sunglasses were trademarks second only to his ever-changing, surgically altered appearance.

"For Michael to be taken away from us so suddenly at such a young age, I just don't have the words," said Quincy Jones, who produced "Thriller." "He was the consummate entertainer and his contributions and legacy will be felt upon the world forever. I've lost my little brother today, and part of my soul has gone with him."

Jackson ranked alongside Elvis Presley and the Beatles as the biggest pop sensations of all time. In fact, he united two of music's biggest names when he was briefly married to Presley's daughter, Lisa Marie.

But as years went by, Jackson became an increasingly freakish figure — a middle-aged man-child weirdly out of touch with grown-up life. His skin became lighter, his nose narrower, and he spoke in a breathy, girlish voice. He surrounded himself with children at his Neverland ranch, often wore a germ mask while traveling and kept a pet chimpanzee named Bubbles as one of his closest companions.

In 2005, he was cleared of charges he molested a 13-year-old cancer survivor at Neverland in 2003. He had been accused of plying the boy with alcohol and groping him. The case took a fearsome toll on his career and image, and he fell into serious financial trouble.

Jackson was preparing for what was to be his greatest comeback: He was scheduled for an unprecedented 50 shows at a London arena, with the first set for July 13. He was in rehearsals in Los Angeles for the concert, an extravaganza that was to capture the classic Jackson magic: showstopping dance moves, elaborate staging and throbbing dance beats.

Singer Dionne Warwick said: "Michael was a friend and undoubtedly one of the world's greatest entertainers that I fortunately had the pleasure of working with........we have lost an icon in our industry."

Hundreds of people gathered outside the hospital as word of his death spread. The emergency entrance at the UCLA Medical Center, which is near Jackson's rented home, was roped off with police tape.

"Ladies and gentlemen, Michael Jackson has just died," a woman boarding a Manhattan bus called out, shortly after the news was announced. Immediately many riders reached for their cell phones.

In New York's Times Square, a low groan went up in the crowd when a screen flashed that Jackson had died, and people began relaying the news to friends by cell phone.

"No joke. King of Pop is no more. Wow," Michael Harris, 36, of New York City, read from a text message a friend sent to his telephone. "It's like when Kennedy was assassinated. I will always remember being in Times Square when Michael Jackson died."

(News by: By LYNN ELBER, Associated Press Writer)

Rest In Peace

"KING OF POP"

(August 29, 1985 June 25, 2009)

Music within Me: David Archuleta

David Archuleta has Filipino lineage?

There’s a lot of buzz going around that American Idol season 7 contestant David Archuleta has Filipino lineage.

This has yet to be confirmed on the show or on the official idol web site. According to the google’s cached page of TV.com’s page of David Archuleta, David is “Hispanic Filipino” but as of this posting, it has been changed to “Hispanic American“. We’ve also read that a local television station here in the Philippines reported that he is Filipino but didn’t elaborate on the report’s source. The reason that we want to know is because if he’s really Filipino then we should feature his performances here on Mukamo just like what we do with Ramiele Malubay (who is definitely Filipino). Anyway, here’s David Archuleta’s rendition of John Lennon’s Imagine. But Filipino or not, David is a serious contender for the title of American Idol 7.

-- www.mukamo.com

Love Quotes, that are good in the Heart

Love is not a matter of what happens in life. It's a matter of what's happening in your heart.
--Ken Keyes

Love is just a feeling of togetherness and openness in your heart.
--Ken Keyes

Love is blind only to the eyes. The heart sees everything clearly.
--Unknown

A loving heart is the truest wisdom.
--Charles Dickens

Inside the heart of each and every one of us there is a longing to be understood by someone who really cares. When a person is understood, he or she can put up with almost anything in the world.
--Rev Ed Hird

Two hearts, two minds, in time did find one love, one aim
two paths the same. Hold fast. . . and love will last.
--Matt Buttram

The heart is the place where we live our passions. It is frail and easily broken, but wonderfully resilient. There is no point in trying to deceive the heart. It depends upon our honesty for its survival.
--Leo Buscaglia (Born For Love)

Ah, how skillful grows the hand
That obeyeth Love's command!
It is the heart and not the brain
That to the highest doth attain,
And he who followeth Love's behest
Far excelleth all the rest.
--Henry W. Longfellow

Give expression to the noble desires that lie in your heart
--Gordon B. Hinckley

My heart to you is given:
Oh, do give yours to me;
We'll lock them up together,
And throw away the key.
--Frederick Saunders

A smooth and steadfast mind,
Gentle thoughts and calm desires,
Hearts with equal love combined,
Kindle never-dying fires.
--Thomas Carew

The night has a thousand eyes, And the day but one;
Yet the light of the bright world dies, With the dying sun.
The mind has a thousand eyes, And the heart but one;
Yet the light of a whole life dies, When love is done.
--Francis W. Bourdillon

There is no instinct like that of the heart.
--Lord Byron

The heart has reasons that reason does not understand.
--Jacques Benigne Bossuel

The dedicated life is the life worth living. You must give with your whole heart.
--Anne Dillard

As the ocean is never full of water, so is the heart never full of love.
--author unknown

In his younger days a man dreams of possessing the heart of the woman whom he loves; later, the feeling that he possesses the heart of a woman may be enough to make him fall in love with her.
--Marcel Proust

The best and most beautiful things in this world cannot be seen or even heard, but must be felt with the heart.
--Helen Keller

Love is like an hourglass
With the heart filling up
As the brain empties
--Jules Renard

It is only with the heart that one can see rightly.
For that which is essential is invisible to the eye.
--From a book entitled "The Little Prince"

Some people come into our lives and quickly go. Some people move our souls to dance. They awaken us to new understanding with the passing whisper of their wisdom. Some people make the sky more beautiful to gaze upon. They stay in our lives for awhile, leave footprints on our hearts, and we are never ever the same.
--Flavia Weedn

What the heart gives away is never gone ...
It is kept in the hearts of others.
--Robin St. John

The human heart, at whatever age, opens to the heart that opens in return.
--Maria Edgeworth

We all mold one another's dreams. We all hold each other's fragile hopes in our hands. We all touch others' hearts.
--Unknown

Accept the things
To which fate binds you and
Love the people with whom fate
Brings you together
But do so with all your heart
--Marcus Aurelius

The heart of a fool is in his mouth, but the mouth of a wise man is in his heart.
--Benjamin Franklin

To handle yourself, use your head, to handle others, use your heart.
--Unknown

There are no little events with the heart. It magnifies everything; it places in the same scales the fall of an empire of fourteen years and the dropping of a woman's glove, and almost always the glove weighs more than the empire.
--Honore de Balzac

Love anything and your heart will be wrung and possibly broken. If you want to make sure of keeping it intact you must give it to no one, not even an animal. Wrap it carefully round with hobbies and little luxuries; avoid all entanglements. Lock it up safe in the casket or coffin of your selfishness. But in that casket--safe, dark, motionless, airless--it will change. It will not be broken; it will become unbreakable, impenetrable, irredeemable. To love is to be vulnerable.
--C.S. Lewis

Come live in my heart, and pay no rent.
--Samuel Lover

What the heart has once owned and had, it shall never lose.
--Henry Ward Beecher

The love of a mother is the veil of a softer light between the heart and the heavenly Father.
--Samuel Taylor Coleridge

I was at a party feeling very shy because there were a lot of celebrities around, and I was sitting in a corner alone and a very beautiful young man came up to me and offered me some salted peanuts and said, "I wish they were emeralds" as he handed me the peanuts and that was the end of my heart. I never got it back.
--Helen Hayes

Love letters are the campaign promises of the heart.
--Robert Friedman

There are many things in life
That will catch your eye,
But only a few will catch your heart...
Pursue those.
--author unknown

The heart is the place where we live our passions. It is frail and easily broken, but wonderfully resilient. There is no point in trying to deceive the heart. It depends upon our honesty for its survival.
--Leo Buscaglia (Born For Love)

Ah, how skillful grows the hand
That obeyeth Love's command!
It is the heart and not the brain
That to the highest doth attain,
And he who followeth Love's behest
Far excelleth all the rest.
--Henry W. Longfellow

Give expression to the noble desires that lie in your heart
--Gordon B. Hinckley

My heart to you is given:
Oh, do give yours to me;
We'll lock them up together,
And throw away the key.
--Frederick Saunders

A smooth and steadfast mind,
Gentle thoughts and calm desires,
Hearts with equal love combined,
Kindle never-dying fires.
--Thomas Carew

The night has a thousand eyes, And the day but one;
Yet the light of the bright world dies, With the dying sun.
The mind has a thousand eyes, And the heart but one;
Yet the light of a whole life dies, When love is done.
--Francis W. Bourdillon

There is no instinct like that of the heart.
--Lord Byron

The heart has reasons that reason does not understand.
--Jacques Benigne Bossuel

The dedicated life is the life worth living. You must give with your whole heart.
--Anne Dillard

As the ocean is never full of water, so is the heart never full of love.
--author unknown

A woman would run through fire and water for such a kind heart.
--William Shakespeare

I think I would rather possess eyes that know no sight, ears that know no sound, hands that know no touch than a heart that knows no love.
--author unknown

I have learned not to worry about love; but to honor its coming with all my heart.
--Alice Walker

Keep love in your heart. A life without it is like a sunless garden when the flowers are dead.
--Oscar Wilde

Love puts the fun in together,
The sad in apart,
The hope in tomorrow,
The joy in the heart.
--Anonymous

There is much to be known, and above all much to be loved, be it the turn of the seasons or the shape of a river pebble. Indeed, the more we find to love, the more we add to the measure of our hearts.
--Adaon in "The Black Cauldron"

Love means tearing down the separateness and the boundaries between your heart feelings and another person.

--Ken Keyes

(www.gagirl.com)

Ang Mahiwagang Manunulat..

SINO KA BANG TALAGA???

AHA.. Ikaw ba un??

HinDi nGa??

may MaLupet ka bang Sense Of
HuMOr?

bAkit nag Tatago ka??

mamAmatay taO ka ba?

O di kaYa pAnget ka lang?? (joke)

iDol ka ba ng baYan?

wala ka naNg taKas!

di kiTa tatantanan!!



"BoB Ong", my tHougHt says it was U!
ah.. sya ngang tUnay!

Gwapo ba sya?? Mataba?? Payat?? Singkit?? Matangos ang ilong?? Mapute??? o ano??? KaaZar!!!!! Bakit di ko siya madiscribe?? Basta ang alam ko manunulat siya at Magaling talagang sumulat..

ActUally, nakilala ko siya nung nag rereview ako sa DIFCAL (Differential Calculus). Biglang dumating itong kaklase ko tapos me dalang libro, hiniram ko at binasa ko. Pagbukas ko sa unang pahina, nakita ko agad ang pangalang BOB ONG. Siya pala ang sumulat ng librong may pamagat na "Stainless Longganisa". Nag laro sa aking isipan na may longganisa bang stainless? Tapos mga ballpen pa ung nasa cover ng book. Mas maniniwala pa ako kung ang nilagay niyang pamagat ay, Stainless Ballpen" eh.

Nagbasa ako ng ilang lines sa libro niya, infairness ah may sense ang mga sinasabi niya. Kaya bigla nalang akong na curious sa kanya. Tapos bigla nalang may mag ttxt sau ng kowts, tapos pag papatapos na iyong kowts biglang sunod "-bob ong". Napaka sikat naman niya para isend ang mga kowts niya. Kaya naman lalo pa ako na curious kay pareng Bob.


Siyempre sa sobrang curiosity ni ako, nag saliksik ako ng todo. Talagang di ko titigilan at tatantanan itong si Bob.. Hindi kaya kapatid niya si Sponge Bob?? Ay ewan....

Pagkatapos ng pasok ko kanina, dumaan ako sa isang Tindahan ng mga Libro(BookStore), syempre, para hanapin ang mga kinababaliwang Bob Ong's Books. Sakakatingin ko nakakita ako ng libro nya na may pamagat na, "Bakit pabaligtad magbasa ng libro ang mga Pilipino?" tapos meron pa sa kabila, ung "Stainless Longganisa" naman, ayun meron pa ulet, ung "MCARTHUR" na libro naman.. Gusto ko sana silang bilhin kaya lang kung bibilhin ko ang lahat, Php.450 and dapat kong ibayad. Kaya di ko nalang sila binili, dagdag gastos lang tapos, nagiipon pa ako ng ipagagawa ko sa fone ko.. ehehe...

Hay, bakit ganon? Kahit saan ako pumunta, bakit walang nakakikilala kay Pareng Bob Ong?..
Bakit ba siya nagtatago? Natatakot ba siya na biglang may humingi ng authograph sa kanya? O kaya naman may tinataguan lang talaga siya? Di bale kung ano man ang dahilan niya, hayaan nalang natin. Huwag nalang nating panghimasukan ang buhay nya.

Makuntento nalang tayo sa impormasyon na..

- Isa siyang magaling na manunulat..

- Isang manunulat na gustong makilala sa paraang gusto niya..

At ang pinaka importante ay...
Napapasaya niya ang bawat Pilipinong, bumabasa sa mga libro niya..

Dina importante ang pisikal na itsura o nakaraang buhay niya, ang mahalaga..
Isa siya sa mga maraming dahilan kung bakit, kahit sa hirap ng buhay, masaya parin tayong mga pinoy.

How to win a Friend..

Making new friends can be an intimidating experience, especially if you are shy or don’t have a lot of opportunities to interact with people on a daily basis. If you are determined to win new friends, however, there are several things you can do to improve your chances.

Step1..

Start conversations in places where you are likely to get a friendly response. This is especially important if you are afraid of rejection or too shy to start with random people. If you belong to a gym, regularly attend church or are part of your child’s PTA group, you can use these situations to start conversations and see where they take you.

Step2..

Don’t limit yourself to face-to-face contact. Whether because you are too shy to go out into the world or because you live far away from the city and have few opportunities to talk to people, the internet can offer significant help in gaining new friends. If you have a special interest, look for forums or chat rooms that cover that topic. In many cases, the groups are organized by location, so you will end up interacting with people in your area, who you can always arrange to meet later.

Step3..

Try to relax. Smile, establish eye contact and break the ice with an innocent question such as “What time is it?” or a compliment “That’s a great sweater. Can I ask you where you got it?”

Step4..

Give the other person a chance to talk. Rather than talking about yourself a lot and risk boring the other person to death, ask a simple question and let him or her take over the conversation. Good listeners are scarce, and people will certainly appreciate the chance to talk about safe topics such as work, family or hobbies.

Step5..

Remember people. Friends are won over time, by repeated conversations, meetings and things in common. Try to memorize people’s names, faces and details from previous conversations, so you can start off with that the next time you meet.

Engineering Department of Holy Angel University made a new History!....

HAU-ECE Board Takers Ranked 2nd in October 2008 Exams: HAU Student Ranked 9th.

The Holy Angel University Electronics and Communications Engineering (ECE) graduates who took the board examinations in October 2008 ranked 2nd in the top performing schools under the 50-99 examinees group. First on the list is University of Santo Thomas and Batangas State University is third. Out of 4,174 examinees, 1,514 passed the licensure examination for ECE or 36.27% compared to HAU’s performance of 62.00% or 43 successful examinees out of 69. On top of this is Engr. Eleanor Anne Basa Tiglao who placed 9th on the national level.

The list of the successful examinees are as follows;

ALEJANDRINO, ARGEL MALLARI BAYLON, MICHAEL BERVIS BERNARDO, BERNARD RYAN ROMERO CAAGBAY, HEINRICH PATRICK MANDAL CANLAS, FERNANDO BASILIO CORDERO, CEDRIC LABUNG DAVID, ANGELO FRANCIS RAZON DEANG, RAPHAEL FRANCIS TUBIG DEL ROSARIO, MARY JANE FERNANDO DELA CRUZ, ROMER SENICA FRANCO, RENE JR PAMINTUAN FRANCO, BILLY WILLIAM GARCIA GOZUN, JUNAR TIMBOL GUINTO, JONER PINEDA IGNACIO, ADEL SOCCORO OCAMPO LAGMAN, MYLENE MANALANG LAXAMANA, KHELVIN SANTOS LOZANO, REX OLIVER MALLARI LUMANOG, JOHN MARK MORALES MACINAS, JEDAIEL CANTORIA MANABAT, LEONARDO JR TOLENTINO MANALO, JENNIE ROSE TULLAO MARCOS, ANGELICA MAY PARUNGAO MUSNI, NELDIEN SICAT PALO, DIANE FERRER PANGILINAN, EMMANUEL SORIANO PAQUIT, RANDY CARL MONTOYA PASCUAL, GINO PAULO ZAPATA POLINTAN, EDGIE VITUG QUINTO, RHEYNAN MAGNO SERRANO, JEFFREY GONZALES SERRANO, NERISSA LAURINARIA SICAT, SHIRWEEN MENESES SORIANO, LEA LAPIRA TABACO, JOSEPH OCAMPO TIGLAO, HAZEL PAGCU TIGLAO ELEANOR ANNE BASA - 9TH PLACE TIONGSON, RIDEN QUEREZA TOLENTINO, GABRIEL TARUC TONGIO, ROBERTO JR BANAL VILLANUEVA, MICHAEL GALANG VILLANUEVA, RON ARAOJO YANES, RYNEL RYSON LIM

17 OUT OF 23 HAU-ME graduates Passed October 2008 Board Exams

Seventeen (17) Holy Angel University Mechanical Engineering graduates out of 23 examinees passed the board examinations held on October 14 and 15, 2008 given by the Board of Mechanical Engineering of the Professional Regulatory Commission (PRC). A total of 1,132 out of 2,006 examinees passed the board examinations or a national percentage of 56.43% compared to HAU’s passing percentage of 73.91%.

The list of the successful examinees are as follows;

ABOUJAFARI, WILSON G. CALMA, BRYANT LOUIE P. CASTRO, IYRO Y. CORRO, RYAN C. CORTEZ, JOHN MICHAEL C. CORTEZ, RON CRIS Q. CUNANAN, MARION JAY T. GALANG, CHRISTIAN P. PAMINTUAN, JEMAR R. REYES, DARWIN M. RIVERA, MARK D. SANTOS, BRYAN M. SIMBILLO, REGNER B. SUING, JERONE P. TIMOTEO, RENZ LIENEL E. VIADOR, RICKY M. ZAMORA, JEFFREY D.

Ten HAU-EE Graduates Successfully Passed the Board Exams

Ten Electrical Engineering graduates of Holy Angel University successfully passed the board examination given in September 2008 by the Professional Regulation Commission. There were 1,317 out of 3552 examinees who have successfully passed the board exam or a passing percentage of 37.08%.

The names of the successful HAU Electrical Engineering graduates are as follows;

AQUINO, KERVY PAMINTUAN BARTOLOBAC, RENATO VILLALOBOS CUENGCO, RONNEL MANALANG ESTEBAN, JOHN PAUL DESMONTE JOVEN, LIMUEL LUGTU MONTES, ERICKSON OCAMPO PARCIA, ADDISON JULIUS CAMA REYES, RONNELL DE GUZMAN TANHUECO, AMADO MANALO III VALDEZ, BRYAN FELIX DELA CRUZ

Nine new Civil Engineers from HAU

Nine Civil Engineering graduates of Holy Angel University passed the board examination held in November 2008 from a total of 1,672 successful examinees out of 4,831 in the national level. Engr. Jordan Tanedo led the group with a general average of 95.45% compared to 95.80% general average of the 10th placer.

The list of the new Civil Engineers from HAU are as follows;

1. Arceo, Melvin Lacosta
2. Batac, Mike Angelo Borja
3. Cerrudo, Clariz Lufel Lucero
4. Cordero, Janiel Bryan Patawaran
5. Custodio, Daryll Patio
6. Loloy, Gifrel Robbie Lanaria
7. Manalili, Alexander Buan
8. Tanedo, Jordan Yalung
9. Valencia, Edmon Guevarra

Few Tips to prevent "Acne Vulgaris"

Acne vulgaris - (commonly called acne) is a skin disease caused by changes in the pilosebaceous units (skin structures consisting of a hair follicle and its associated sebaceous gland). Severe acne is inflammatory, but acne can also manifest in noninflammatory forms. Acne lesions are commonly referred to as pimples, blemishes, spots, zits, or acne.

Acne is most common during adolescence, affecting more than 85% of teenagers, and frequently continues into adulthood. The cause in adolescence is generally an increase in male sex hormones, which people of all genders accrue during puberty. For most people, acne diminishes over time and tends to disappear—or at the very least decrease—after one reaches his or her early twenties. There is, however, no way to predict how long it will take to disappear entirely, and some individuals will continue to suffer well into their thirties, forties and beyond.

The face and upper neck are the most commonly affected, but the chest, back and shoulders may have acne as well. The upper arms can also have acne, but lesions found there are often keratosis pilaris, not acne. Typical acne lesions are comedones, inflammatory papules, pustules and nodules. Some of the large nodules were previously called "cysts" and the term nodulocystic has been used to describe severe cases of inflammatory acne.

Sadess part of having a "ACNE"

Aside from scarring, its main effects are psychological, such as reduced self-esteem and, according to at least one study, depression or suicide. Acne usually appears during adolescence, when people already tend to be most socially insecure. Early and aggressive treatment is therefore advocated by some to lessen the overall impact to individuals.

Here are some steps on how to avoid Acne Vulgaris....

1. Remove bacteria from your pores. Your skin can become "allergic" to this bacteria. Use anti-bacterial products containing benzoyl peroxide by rubbing, twice daily, into the pores over the affected region or washing with a medicated bar soap or wash. Keep in mind that this may cause dryness, local irritation and redness. Warm water cleans your pores very well. So you should fill the sink with warm water, pull your hair back and put your face under water for about 10 seconds.
2. Avoid exposing your skin to other sources of oil and irritants.
   
   
   • Break the habit of touching your face.
   • Keep bangs off of your forehead. The oil in hair as well as hair products in general may clog pores. Or use oil absorbing sheets.
   • If you use a phone a lot, don't let it touch your face.
   • Change your pillowcases and sheets once a week to prevent the build-up of oils and bacteria that can re-occupy your pores.
   • Use non-comedogenic moisturizers and makeup. Choose cosmetics that are water-based and hypoallergenic. Avoid oil-based products, coal tar derivatives, and heavy creams. Make sure you wash your skin thoroughly every night to remove makeup residue.
3. Review your diet and the research surrounding the links between diet and acne. The relationship between food and acne is a debatable topic. Your diet may or may not have an effect on acne.
   
   
   • Stay hydrated.
   • Studies have shown a correlation between milk and acne. Try substituting with soy milk and other calcium-rich foods.
   • Excessive consumption of foods high in iodine, such as seafood, may worsen acne, but probably won't trigger it.
   • Research suggests--but does not prove--that a diet with a low glycemic index may reduce the likelihood of acne. High glycemic foods to replace with healthier alternatives include:
     
     
     • soft drinks (drink water instead)
     • sweets (substitute with fruit)
     • white bread (replace with whole wheat bread)
4. Consult a dermatologist regarding your acne. Minimize use of medication containing halogens (iodides, chlorides, bromides), lithium, barbiturates, or androgens.
5. Keep your bedsheets clean. Wash your pillow case on a regular schedule to reduce the transfer of natural body oils.
6. Wash your face one time a day. Don't overwash , because that w
7. As with any common condition, keeping your body hydrated is sound advice.
8. Avoid drinking too much alcohol (especially beer) and eating spicy food. These increase the level of heat within, believed by the Chinese to be linked to acne. Salads, avocado etc will help.
9. Drink herbal or green tea at least once a day to help detox your system.
10. Try Dan's regimen of gently washing your face twice a day, then applying generous amounts of benzoyl peroxide and finally putting on a good non-comodogenic moisturizer.
11. Cleanse the colon by taking psyllium husks with water once or twice per day. This is another excellent way of detoxing the body. Psyllium can be found at most chemists, pharmacies, and drugstores.
12. Sometimes the best way of taking care of this condition is by doing it naturally, as in using natural products. Witch Hazel can help when applied with a cotton swab after washing your face.
13. It may not seem like it, but green apples are extremely good for preventing and fighting existing acne both on your face and around the body. To avoid acne, eat one green apple a day (cut it into slices if need be and eat it throughout the day). And to reduce existing acne, cut a green apple into quarters and rub two of those quarters over the acne areas. If needed, use the rest, or just eat them. Combine this with drinking plenty of water to achieve clear skin.
14. If all else fails and you have severe problems: Accutane (also referred to as Roaccutane) removes the underlying root of Acne and will in many cases rid you of the problem forever. It does however have several side effects and potential severe ones.
15. If you have glasses wash them so that all the oil is off your face.
16. There are no perfect creams or medicines that make your face smooth, soft and acne-free.
17. Try sleeping upright as often as possible (with your back facing the bed)
18. If you smoke, quit smoking, as nicotine, an ingredient found in cigarettes, has been tied to the eruption of acne on the skin. Quit smoking, and notice your skin becoming clearer.
19. Consult your dermatologist, he can help you get rid of the problem better than you can do it yourself.
20. Oily skin may be a bad thing now. Fortunatly, the oils on your skin will slow down the aging process so you wont have many wrinkles when your older.

WARNING!....

• Do not make any drastic changes in your diet or skin routine without first consulting a medical professional.
• Anything beyond very gentle cleansing can actually worsen existing lesions and even encourage new ones by damaging or over-drying skin.
• You should only scrub your face if you have no existing pimples. Scrub lightly; avoid scrubbing too much or with too much pressure.
• Benzoyl peroxide can have a bleaching effect on clothes and hair. It may also increases sensitivity to the sun, so you might find that you burn faster!
• Hydrating creams and lotions clog pores.

ABOUT

JOSH WINSLOW GROBAN

Groban's 'hands on' approach in the creative process of "Awake" is reflected in several Groban penned and produced songs along with musical contributions from Ladysmith Black Mambazo, Dave Matthews, Glen Ballard, Eric Mouquet, John Ondrasik (Five for Fighting) Marius DeVries, David Foster, Imogen Heap and Herbie Hancock.
"Awake's" 13 new songs including the just released first single, "You Are Loved (Don't Give Up)" show the Grammy nominated Groban's tremendous growth as a vocalist, producer and songwriter since he first appeared on the musical landscape.
"I learned from touring that my fans are really open-minded, musical, intelligent people and I feel like they want to come on this new journey with me. The music still sounds like it's coming from my heart and my soul and my voice. That is always the most important thing to me. My goal on "Awake" was to create the music and find the best people to help me create it," commented Groban.
With a lineup of stellar producers including Marius DeVries, Guy Sigsworth, Glen Ballard and David Foster, the album contains songs in Italian, Spanish and of course English. An early stand-out, "February Song" with Josh on keyboards came to the 25-year-old Los Angeles native on a sleepless night. “I wanted to write a song that melodically and lyrically represented the craziness I felt in that moment in the dark dark space. I walked over to the piano and it just came to me in a half hour in the most magical way."
Additionally, Groban recorded a suite of two stunningly haunting songs where he harmonizes with longtime idols Ladysmith Black Mambazo. The first song, the Groban/Dave Mattthews penned "Lullaby" is sung a cappella and the follow up, the South African song, "Weeping" which Josh first heard on a trip to South Africa. "The musical tapestry of the country and their heated history, the honor of meeting Nelson Mandela and visiting schools in Soweto was totally inspiring. And, it was a dream of a lifetime for me to sing with Ladysmith in the studio. I've loved them from the moment I heard Paul Simon's Graceland."
Josh Groban burst on to the international music scene in 2001 with the release of his self-titled debut album featuring the hit single, "To Where You Are." His follow up CD "Closer" with the smash hit "You Raise Me Up" brought enormous success to the young singing sensation. He has made scores of television appearances beginning with Ally McBeal and continuing with countless performances on Oprah Winfrey, Good Morning America, The Today Show, two PBS specials, the Superbowl, the Oscars and the closing ceremonies of the 2002 Salt Lake City Olympics with an audience of over 2 billion people. His first PBS Special went on to become the No. 1 selling DVD of 2002. On the touring front, Groban started out his now legendary 40-city concert tour (which sold out in a record breaking 20 minutes) and then went straight forward to a two year arena tour across the US. A Josh Groban tour for 2007 is expected to be announced shortly.