Philippine Idol Updates

Philippine Idol to compete in Asian Idol

2006-12-03T13:41:00.000+08:00

According to a tabloid interview with Philippine Idol host Ryan Agoncillo, the winner of the first Philippine Idol will represent the country in an upcoming Asian Idol, which will be a showdown between Idol winners from Philippines, India, Kazakhstan, Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, and even the Pan-Arab region.

Where are the Finale Tickets?

2006-12-03T13:33:00.000+08:00

A lot of viewers of Philippine Idol are so excited to watch the Finale live at the Araneta Coliseum. Problem is, ABC does not explain fully how to get tickets. Both I Love Philippine Idol and its official website have nothing to say on where and how to get tickets. Although you could get tickets when buying the Philippine Idol CD during the mall tours, only one ticket per person is being given. Come on, ABC, we don't wanna go to Araneta alone.

According to a post at the official forums, there was a problem with the distribution of the tickets. We hope that this will be remedied right away, as more and more viewers are losing their patience.

Miguel is Out! It's the Final 3 at the Big Dome!

2006-11-27T22:01:00.000+08:00

The support for Heartthrob Idol Miguel Mendoza was not enough to put him in the Final 3.

Gian Magdangal, Jan Nieto, and Mau Marcelo are our final contestants who would slug it out vocally on December 9 in Araneta Coliseum. The results of which will be shown the day after also in the Big Dome.

Several viewers commented online that Ryan Cayabyab's "bribe" of offering Miguel a song written by him if he doesn't make it to the Top 3 worked, while others said that criticisms on Miguel was unfair to begin with.

Either way, expect a highly-charged, encore-worthy performances two weeks from now.

Live Chat with Top 6 Idol finalists

2006-11-27T16:04:00.000+08:00

On Thursday, November 30, 2006, Pow Chavez, Ken Dingle, Mau Marcelo, Gian Magdangal, Miguel Mendoza, and Jan Nieto will join Heart Evangelista on I Love Philippine Idol at 9PM on ABC-5 for a live chat online!

Our bubwit tells us tickets will be given away to chatters who participate, so log onto www.mypad.net before 9PM this Thursday for an opportunity to chat with your favorite Idols and possibly get tickets to the hottest Sunday night showdown in Araneta this year!

Get Your Idol Finale Tickets Now!

2006-11-27T13:00:00.000+08:00

Good news from Philippine Idol!

Get in early in SM Megamall Cinema 3 to watch tonight's Results Show and get a chance to receive 3 tickets to watch the Grand Finals in Araneta Coliseum on December 9 and 10 (Saturday and Sunday).

See you there!

Will Cayabyab's "Bribe" to Miguel Work?

2006-11-27T12:46:00.000+08:00

Idol Judge Ryan Cayabyab admitted in a newspaper interview that he tried everything to sway the voters on his side: being polite, being frank, even reverse psychology (remember when he called Jan as "my Philippine Idol"?). However, all of which did not seem to work as more and more talented candidates get eliminated while the so-called mediocre but vote-rich contestants remain.

One of these contestants who have been receiving a lot of flak from the viewers is Miguel Mendoza, the youngest among the Idol finalists. He has been criticized by both the judges and the viewers for having that lack of vocal excellence, and yet he manages to escape elimination, even a place at the Bottom 3 (except last week).

After his performance last Sunday, both Francis Magalona and Pilita Corrales gave fair remarks on his Big Band renditions of True and I've Got You Under My Skin. However, Miguel's performance failed to impress the Maestro Musician.

And in a strange twist, Ryan Cayabyab told Miguel that if he doesn't make it to the Final 3, he would write a song especially for him.

Would this "bribe" work to Cayabyab's favor? Would Miguel's shedding of tears after his performance (whether because of Cayabyab's unimpressed comments or for his fan's show of support) seal his slot in the Final 3? Let's find out tonight.

Big Band Night: It's anybody's ball game

2006-11-27T08:33:00.000+08:00

With only four finalists remaining in Philippine Idol, it remained to be seen who would give in to a show of nerves on Big Band Night. With nary a guest judge in sight, and a somewhat steamy November air hanging around the Megamall Cinema 3 soundstage, all four finalists delivered performances that we at Philippine Idol Updates think genuinely raised the bar.

The night kicked off with "Hunky Idol" Jan Nieto (this is the last time we're using their nicknames; yes, with one more performance night to go, we'd like to say that these nicknames cheapen our idols). Dressed in a simple tuxedo that allowed people to focus on his singing, this season's arguably most improved Idol finalist sassed out a passable version of Beyond the Sea and a more-than-passable version of The Way You Look Tonight. With more fluid movements than previous episodes and general facial expressions that are light years ahead of constipated (but a few eons short of actual genuine emotion), we'd be hard-pressed not to root for Jan's inclusion in the Final Three. Stellar job.

"Idol Heartthrob" Miguel Mendoza followed Nieto. The youngest contestant in the first season actually delivered performances that belied his age and maturity. His versions of True and I've Got You Under My Skin were spot-on and virtually flawless vocally; we'd disagree with the general consensus of the judges that he looked stiff onstage and lacked a connection, and would venture out on a limb and actually say we liked his performances in an off-red jacket, black pants, and white tie. The song choices suited his range, and allowed him to be a little more limber with his performance-style. On a side-note, Ryan Cayabyab promised Mendoza that he would write a song for him if he did not make it to the Final Three, in our opinion a relatively thinly veiled plea to his voters to not vote him through. Let's see if the voters bite the carrot.

"Soul Idol" Mau Marcelo was a vision in a red gown, red gloves, red flower in her hair, and red shoes. Her lipstick was blue. [That's a joke.] Once again, the sole remaining female in the Top Four delivered a world-class performance, cooing out a breathy and soulful version of Dianne Reeves' My Funny Valentine and a sassy stomp-out of Waray Waray, accredited to Eartha Kitt that we find difficult to believe actually exists. One thing we've really noticed about Marcelo is that she manages to hold the attention of both audience and viewers; last night, she neither belted nor sassed, and her version of Waray Waray was actually off-key at several parts during the number, but she received an off-the-cuff reaction atypical of Mau (i.e., standing ovation). For her not to make Final Three would be supreme injustice personified.

Gian Magdangal (yes, we're not even going to mention his nickname) closed out the show with a risky choice - the mid-tempo They Can’t Take That Away From Me and the languid The Very Thought Of You. With a red vest over a simple white shirt, black pants, and a light spring in his step, Magdangal reminded the judges of a young Frank Sinatra. We, on the other hand, felt the key of the first song was too low for the feisty Magdangal, who really came across with touches of Fred Astaire that hit the bar just right to balance the song.

At this point, we're pretty sure most people following the show are rooting for a Magdangal-Marcelo-Nieto Final Three, but we daresay the unpredictable continues to shine supreme on Philippine Idol. With the tradition of American Idol's voting off strong favorites during the Final Four (read: Tamyra Gray, Latoya London, Anthony Federov, Chris Daughtry), we're not even going to try a fearless forecast. As we said earlier, at this point, it's anyone's game.

All remaining Idol finalists don't deserve critical backlash

2006-11-22T09:38:00.000+08:00

Today, Philippine Idol Updates wishes to play devil's advocate. A lot of discussion on online and offline media have played up allegations that finalists Miguel Mendoza and Jan Nieto are running well-oiled voting machines powered by their respective camps that they are virtual shoo-ins for the final two slots.

Regardless of whether or not these allegations are true, here's a thought for all of us: at the end of the day, Philippine Idol is a televised talent show, and these four remaining finalists were selected because the judges felt they had talent. In the eyes of Ryan Cayabyab, Pilita Corrales, and Francis Magalona, Mendoza, Nieto, Gian Magdangal, and Mau Marcelo have talent. Just because other people's bets were booted out earlier does not nullify the fact that the remaining four are there because they received enough votes - whether it's from twenty people voting a thousand times or a twenty thousand persons voting once each - to make it to the top four.

We appeal to the humanity in you - as Philippine Idol correspondent Ganns Deen does in his latest Idol-themed entry about Miguel Mendoza - to remember that Mendoza and Nieto are human beings, too. They do not deserve to be slandered, maligned, disrespected, and slammed just because their performances did not, for whatever reason, meet your own personal standards. If you are angry with their having made it this far, speak with your mobile phones and vote for either Marcelo or Magdangal. But we urge you to remember that both gentlemen - in the eyes of the judges, at least - have talent, and have done nothing to you to deserve the kind of raging hatred some of you have been posting on our blog.

Pow falters, 4 Idols remain!

2006-11-21T05:25:00.000+08:00

In another shocking Results Show, Power Idol Pow Chavez was eliminated last Monday, leaving four finalists in contention to become the first Philippine Idol.

Although she had a passable performance of So Far So Good, and taking the risk of singing guest judge Lea Salonga's Miss Saigon piece "I'd Give My Life For You" (as well as the risk of wearing a Vietnamese dress), her votes were not enough to topple those of fellow Bottom 3 Miguel and Jan.

However, it's not the end of the road of Pow. News has been circulating that a major TV network has taken interest to include Pow in their stable of musical talents. Also, being a part of Top 5 raises her chances of landing an album post-Idol.

Meanwhile, update on Idol Radio will be within Tuesday (Philippine calendar), so keep posted.

Movies & Musicals: Gian, Mau's stars shine bright

2006-11-20T07:33:00.000+08:00

The night with the movie and musical theme starts with the five finalists – Jan Nieto, Miguel Mendoza, Pow Chavez, Mau Marcelo, and Gian Magdangal – singing Seasons of Love from Rent. All the vocalists are in topnotch form – yes, even Miguel – and it is genuinely hair-raising. This particular song finds the spotlight shining on Pow – she gets the high notes and the ad libs, and it’s quite delightful to hear Pow stepping out of her comfort.

Tonight’s special judge is Francis M. Haha, that’s a joke. Magalona, of course, makes a return to the judges’ table, as the show welcomes Tony Award-winning actress Lea Salonga. Salonga promises to “pull no punches.” Each artist gets two songs each – one from movies and one from musicals – and starts the intro with a cheap mini-movie.

Pow Chavez sings So Far, So Good from About Last Night and finally wears a dress, but only in her movie. She selects a Sheena Easton song, and sings it decently, with a good energy and little bum notes. I like her hat.
Pilita: Idol material ka – very good, definitely, but – she looked so beautiful in that dress. I am still waiting to see you in a nicer – medyo gumanda ka – in the second song.
Francis: Pow, alam ko magaling ang boses mo, you deserve to be part of the five, but when you wear clothes, wear them live! I left and you’re still Pow.
Lea: I don’t want to ever see you in a dress. Kung hindi ka comportable, de hindi ka comportable when you sing. Number one, I was telling Kiko, very clear and clean, medyo when you got to the falsetto, it’s windy. On the whole, it’s a great way to open the show.
Ryan: You last steam near the end, nauubusan na. The truth is, I liked the movie better.

Miguel Mendoza promises to deliver youthful exuberance, singing Growing Up from Bagets. The video showcases a BAgets return. One thing that Miguel definitely has going for him is that he has exquisite pronunciation – he sings each word clearly. His notes are okay, but I question the Idols’ scriptwriter’s choice of description, because he doesn’t show ‘youthful exuberance.’ And the MTV shows he can’t dance.
Francis: Malinis ang pagkanta, different from the original.
Lea: I grew up on this song. On a whole, you’re right about the shirt. For someone who’s 17, you did well.
Pilita: I heard very nasal and some not right there notes, but since you’re doing two songs tonight. I was not very impressed with this one.
Ryan: You know what I feel about you. They know what I feel about Miguel. Tonight, I like your smile. That’s it.

Gian Magdangal selects Sana Ay Ikaw na Nga from Eto Na Naman. It’s a terribly cheesy video that accompanies the song, and well, yech – standard love fare, with a busted heart for Gian as Apple Chiu introduces her ‘husband’ Justin. He croons this one out with a lot more emotion than we’re used to, and he doesn’t generally belt it out, which is good because lately, his pitch hasn’t been the same. Hopefully, it’ll work, because some may find it boring.
Lea: First of all, happy birthday. You know how difficult this is for me because I actually know you. You’re gonna get it the worst. All of our musical friends are threatening to kill me. I love that you wore your heart on your sleeve on how you sang; I knew what you were feeling. You acted it as well as you sang. You were actually feeling. Besides the odd flat – and always watch the last note – I found no fault and I really enjoyed you.
Francis: Ako, I always praise Gian. Some people think he’s good with fast songs, this one, a slow song, magaling pa rin. Good.
Pilita: Gian can sing anything. He has proven that from the beginning. Happy birthday. You are one of my favorites.
Ryan: * sigh * Okay, Gian, I was waiting for something tonight. I wanted to cry, but I didn’t feel it. I’ll tell you something, among the boys, you’re the best singer, but I need you to touch my heart because I didn’t feel it. I feel cold. I wish you work on that.

Jan Nieto opts to sing Bakit Ngayon Ka Lang, which comes with a controversial movie: him cheating on “wifey” Suey Medina, using Jeli Mateo. Hmp! It’s a brave choice of song; personally, one of my favorite Filipino songs. He starts it out off-key, eeeh, and his facial expressions are just too much this time around, I suppose to better communicate the angst of the song. His voice is strong, but there’s no buildup, so let’s see what the judges have to say.
Francis: Jan, well, I caught you acting. Haha. I felt you were just going through the motions. You weren’t really feeling it. Technicalities, you were hitting the right notes, so that’s all.
Lea: First the good news. Note-perfect, okay. I cannot fault the singing, but parang you were told where to go, and you tried to hit those spots as you were going about the song. The facial expressions, I don’t know about this right now. I can close my eyes, and it’s fine. Visually, it’s something that you can work on.
Pilita: I was crying because he cheated on me! Visually, I liked what I saw, the way you sang, and what I really like about you, Jan, you really try very hard, and you did it tonight.
Ryan: I think what Lea and Mamita were saying, you looked awkward doing all these facial expressions. The singing was okay, very good for me. But I’ll give you one award: for best performance as an actor on-screen.

Mau Marcelo does a spoof of Diamonds are Forever, with her as the kidnapped celebrity rescued by Brad Turvey. The Shirley Bassey original is a piece of cake for Mau, who is all decked out in a purple gown and a spectacular hairdo. She breathes out that “forever!” Divang-diva! I absolutely loved it!
Pilita: Yes! Yes! My God! Mau, you look beautiful! Honestly, you do! The song suits you. There were just a few times na hindi ka nakaabot but maybe because you’re so engrossed with your beauty and your movement a la Pilita Corrales…! Very good!
Francis: I grew up listening to Bassey. I think you are stunningly beautiful, and, of course, Mau, tonight, vocally, you’re the diamond.
Lea: I think the audience reaction was more telling than anything we could say. There’s one sustained note that got me, but on the whole, that is an incredible performance, vocally. It’s in your body, and your movement looked organic. Everything seemed to come from you, and the fact that that performance just made everybody in the back go crazy, I’d put my money on you. That’s the best performance of the night so far.
Ryan: Great singing, Mau, you know that. One additional award: best supporting extra.

With the return of the musicals, Pow launches into I’ll Give My Life for You from Miss Saigon. Is she crazy, with Lea in the judges’ table?? Oh, look, she’s in a dress! My heart is stopping! Actually, note-wise, almost flawless, save for a few kinks.
Pilita: I think I’d like to see Pow in her pants! Pow, congratulations, as far as I am concerned, I think you did it fantastically well.
Francis: Pow, I think you’re a good actress, and I think that you proved your versatility. Good job.
Lea: This was my song, I was like, you’ve got to be kidding me. You did it well. It’s like a train emotionally, and you’ve got to keep going. That last note is important because that’s the note that people will remember, and a lot of it was great, but careful you don’t lose steam in certain parts that will be memorable.
Ryan: Pow, I had my eyes closed, so most of the time, it was very good.

Miguel awkwardly croons out Can You Feel the Love Tonight, a ridiculously safe choice, and sings it by numbers. I am not pleased by Miguel’s ad libs, and the nail in my coffin for this painful three minutes is the dancing lion couple in the background. Yech – polite applause.
Francis: I think of the five, I think Miguel is the least vocally. This one I can say, one can teach technique, but you can’t teach looks. And that, you’ve got. I’m looking at you as a record producer, and you can sell albums.
Lea: You seem like a sweet guy, so I’ll be kind. You sing it, and a lot of it has to do with the fact you’re 17, and I think that’s the one thing that’s kulang. It’s coming across like something you’re taught in kindergarten. There’s potential, I’m wanting something more than I’m not getting.
Pilita: It’s something lacking in his singing, his expressions, maybe it is the youth, but for me, I don’t know, your voice seemed tired tonight. Are you feeling well? Are you in love with Jeli?
Ryan: I have nothing to say, Miguel. That’s it.

Gian selects Greased Lightning from Grease, and well, what have we to say about this camp classic? Do you really want to select a song by, of all people, John Travolta? Ick. To his credit, he kept that last note going.
Pilita: Wala akong masabi. Ang galing! Gian Carlo, you are still there to be an Idol!
Lea: Now you understand, getting the back of the house crazy? The first song didn’t carry as effectively as this, regardless of what everyone had to say. Obviously, you were comfortable because you’ve done so many musicals. I think the first one, we came into discussion even after the judging was over, with this, you just rolled and rolled, and the audience was with you. If you can get the audience with you from start to finish, you’re in heaven, and the rest is gravy.
Francis: The stage is your playground, you’re a natural, every time you perform, it’s 100%.
Ryan: As we musicians say, mismo na mismo yun.

Jan sings Corner of the Sky from Pippin, and I can’t understand most of what he’s singing. With the women dancing around him, his shirt all down to there, he’s milking the Hunky Idol tag for all its worth. What’s with the
Francis: I liked this performance better than the last.
Lea: You’re a good looking guy and a good singer. However, there’s a lot in your performance I found uncomfortable. I don’t want to see ‘uncomfortable’ in a singer, and I don’t want to see a poor singer on the stage. I couldn’t get the poses, I didn’t know what was going on. It isn’t a rhythm thing. I think there’s just something that’s just not connecting, I’m not sure what it is.
Pilita: His movements are awkward, you’re still very good looking, I don’t care.
Ryan: Of all contestants, you’re the most improved, vocally and it looks that you’ve gotten the right way of singing. You looked awkward in the poses. Other than that, I think the singing was very good.

In a masterful move, Mau selects And I Am Telling You I’m Not Going from Dreamgirls, and channels every ounce of melanin into the Jennifer Holliday classic. While not as close as Holliday’s (or even Jennifer Hudson’s) performance, it was the highlight of the evening.
Francis: Iba yung palakpak ng tala’t paghanga, for both performances we hear the applause of paghanga.
Lea: I liked the first song better, it’s like you felt the diamonds better. The second song, I didn’t feel it as much. The emotional investment didn’t seem as much, the notes were there, but the emotions were kinulang. I’m pretty happy with the performance.
Pilita: As a performer, we’ve seen Mau – and her fashion sense so much better, may slit pa! – but I’ve heard this song done much better than the way you did it tonight. But still it was very good.
Ryan: Sa akin, Mau, panalo ka pa rin.

Who were the judges’ choices?
Francis said the five there have the right to be there. They all have their characteristics.
Lea chose Gian and Mau as the best of the lot. Mau for movies, Gian for musicals. Jan needs to get rid of the poses, relax and enjoy. This is the most fun job, it’s a thrill every time we get to sing.
Pilita says Pow was notable because she was so different and she knows how nervous she was to sing Lea’s song. That, and Gian.
Ryan said Mark Reyes, the director, is the winner of the show.

Broadway and Movie Theme Week: Lea Salonga to sit as fourth judge

2006-11-18T05:33:00.000+08:00

It's only three week away from determining the very first Philippine Idol, and now the competition begins to really heat up.

Each of the five remaining Idol hopefuls would sing two songs each from the Broadway and Movie Theme Week. Both of their songs were selected by the producer and director of the show.

And what further excites the viewers is--no, not the return of Francis Magalona as judge--the inclusion of Lea Salonga as guest judge this Sunday.

No stranger to the Broadway genre, Tony Award winner Salonga is one of the country's pride in the international music scene, having featured in several movie theme songs most notably "A Whole New World" from Aladdin and the movie version of "Reflection" from Mulan.

The mere mention of Lea Salonga would definitely shake the knees of our Idol hopefuls. However, would she be just as frank as former guest judge Mo Twister or become laidback like her colleagues at the judge's table?

Also to wach out for are the special music videos that featured our finalists, which will be shown before their performances. Sources say that Pow would, giving in to Mamita's wish, wear a dress in her video.

Here are the following song choices of our Top 5:
MAU - And I'm Telling You (from Dreamgirls)/ Diamonds Are Forever
MIGUEL - Can You Feel the Love Tonight (from Lion King)/ Growing Up (theme song from Bagets)
GIAN - Greased Lightning (from Grease)/ Sana Ay Ikaw Na Nga
JAN - Corner of the Sky (from Pippin)/ Bakit Ngayon Ka Lang
POW - I Still Believe (from Miss Saigon)/ So Far So Good

Twister doesn't skirt the issue; Dingle bites the dust

2006-11-14T08:58:00.000+08:00

In a tense and markedly biting Philippine Idol results night, "R&B Idol" Ken Dingle received the least amounts of votes and was eliminated. With Dingle in the bottom two was "Soul Idol" Mau Marcelo, and in the bottom three was "Hunky Idol" Jan Nieto.

Dingle was undoubtedly the most criticized of all 12 Philippine Idol finalists, having received less then stellar marks most of the six weeks he was on the show. Last night, guest judge Mo Twister - who threatened to wear a dress if Dingle survived elimination - reiterated his comment that Dingle was the worst performer of the night and should be eliminated.

Regular Philippine Idol judges Ryan Cayabyab and Pilita Corrales expressed their surprise at seeing Nieto in the bottom three, considering he had never been there before.

Radio hits: Dark horse Jan wins two in a row

2006-11-13T07:43:00.000+08:00

[Full review for posting tomorrow.]

Our correspondent left his notes at home and won't be able to post them until tonight. Meanwhile, here are tarty comments on last night's show:

The show's theme is "Radio Hits," and features radio DJs introducing each contestant. They are grouped off into three duos - Jan Nieto and Gian Magdangal, Mau Marcelo and Miguel Mendoza, and Ken Dingle and Pow Chavez - who selected the performance song for each other.

Guest judge is radio personality Mo Twister. Ooh, cool shades.

- Gian starts the show with Jan's selection, Jay-R's Bakit Pa Ba. The judges feel it was a so-so performance, with Mo giving it "6 of 10." Pilita says he's tired.
- Jan sings Gian's choice, You Are My Song - done by many famous artists, including Martin Nievera and Regine Velasquez - and nails it. Mo gives him a handshake. Ryan says he's a dark horse emerging as a true contender.
- Mau sang Jamie Rivera's Mahal Naman Kita, and receives noncommittal comments from the judges. Pilita is thrilled by Mau's choice of clothes. Mau says it's the best she could do because the song is "easy" and "pa-tweetums."
- Miguel sings Wency Cornejo's Hanggan, and is told off by the judges. Mo says its a "boring song," and chastises Miguel for not bringing youthful energy into the song. Miguel says he couldn't internalize it because it's "pang-wedding."
- Ken is given Bryan Adams' Everything I Do (I Do It For You) by Pow, and is vilified by the judges. Mo and Ryan agree it's "all over the place."
- Pow sings Love Moves (In Mysterious Ways) and is complemented for wearing makeup. Mo says it's the second-best performance of the night. Ryan encourages her to stay in touch with her feminine side.

Based on performance and judges' comments, we can assume the following ranking for the Final 6: Jan, Pow, Mau, Gian, Miguel, Ken. Mo, however, predicts a Ken ouster, daring the viewers to vote Dingle out or else he'll "wear a dress for a week." With that, he basically saves Dingle from elimination. Thanks a lot, Twister; pick something in a nice floral motif.

Our fearless forecast: Expect Gian, Mau, and Ken in the bottom three, with Gian getting the boot. :(

Radio Hits and the Idol Challenge

2006-11-07T21:52:00.000+08:00

This coming Sunday, the six Idol hopefuls will sing the greatest hits on radio. And in true Idol style, this week won't be without twists.

Each of the finalists would be "adopted" by an FM radio station (either from 90.7 Love Radio, Yes FM 101.1, Dream FM 106.7, or 93.9 i-FM) not only to promote the Philippine Idol CD, but also to learn the goings-on in the music industry. The radio stations would also provide a shortlist of songs whom their adopted Idol should sing.

According to reports, the Idol finalists will sing two songs this week: one from the list, the other chosen by their co-finalist. Gian Magdangal would choose a song for Jan Nieto and vice versa, same between Mau Marcelo and Miguel Mendoza, and Pow Chavez to Ken Dingle.

We have received unverified reports on six of the song choices:

* Jan Nieto - You Are My Song by Martin Nievera
* Ken Dingle - Everything I Do, I Do It for You by Bryan Adams
* Miguel Mendoza - Hanggang by Wency Cornejo
* Mau Marcelo - Mahal Naman Kita by Jamie Rivera
* Pow Chavez - Love Moves in Mysterious Ways by Julia Fordham
* Gian Magdangal - Bakit Pa Ba? by Jay-R

Pilita Corrales: Prejudist or Just Plain Old-Fashioned?

2006-11-07T21:34:00.000+08:00

Many Philippine Idol viewers reacted to what Pilita Corrales commented on some of the contestants last Sunday. Mamita's take on the contestant's weight and attire, instead of the vocal quality and technique, has compared her to American Idol's Paula Abdul.

Pilita's never-ending prodding on Pow to wear a skirt is slowly taking a toll on the lesbian contender as she is smirking while Pilita is commenting to punch her in the face if Pow feels bad about it. Meanwhile, Pilita said on Mau's song choice "Shy Guy" is that the song is ideal for a singer who is slimmer and sexier.

Some viewers think that Pilita is showing off her prejudist point of view, that girls should wear skirts and remain thin for the rest of their lives. However, we also have to understand that Pilita came from a period where lesbians and fat divas were unheard off (even Aretha Franklin used to be thin).

What is your take on Pilita's judgment?

Philippine Idol slaughtered in ratings?

2006-11-07T15:57:00.000+08:00

Philippine Idol Updates stumbled on this blog, which purports to be a blog posted by "AGB Neilsen." Is there any truth to it? Well, we don't quite know, but those numbers certainly make our eyebrows skyrocket off our faces.

Daddydodu 17.7 share
Pinoy Dream Academy 18.6
Philippine Idol:2.9

Not even three percent?? Is this for real?

Weigh in, Idol fans.

Only six remain as Apple falls off Idol tree

2006-11-07T10:21:00.000+08:00

In yet another Philippine Idol elimination that left many Idols fans frustrated and almost all Idol finalists in tears, rich-voiced Philippine Idol finalist Apple Chiu was voted off last night after receiving universal praise from the judges two nights before with a phenomenal performance of Labelle's Lady Marmalade.

It was Chiu's second time in a Philippine Idol bottom three, having received the third-lowest number of votes to Jeli Mateo and Arms Cruz last week.

With Chiu in the Philippine Idolbottom two was Baguio bet Ken Dingle, who sashayed his way through Stevie Wonder's Signed Sealed Delivered. Narrowly avoiding the bottom two was Pow Chavez, who delivered a by-the-numbers performance of Cheryl Lynn's Got to Be Real.

Round of 7: Dance Night finds Jan, Apple sizzling

2006-11-06T09:58:00.000+08:00

It’s another exciting evening of Philippine Idol, and it kicks off in grand style with a pumped-up rendition of Sumayaw Sumunod. Ryan Agoncillo introduces us to the theme of the evening – dance music – then the guest judge, Regine Tolentino, who sashays onto the judge’s seat to Lady Marmalade. She says she’ll be commenting on the overall package – confidence – because she’d rather leave the singing comments to Ryan and Mamita. Oi vey, to add to the tacky, we’re introduced to the G Force Dancers, who are set to dance with the Idol finalists.

“Hunky Idol” Jan Nieto runs us through his slumbook, and we learn he’s into sports, ice cream, and a rendition of Ricky Martin’s Living La Vida Loca. He starts it out fully clothed, and ends the song sans jacket and sunglasses (at night), revealing a black sleeveless body-hugging shirt (Pilita’s eyes popped out of their sockets). Jan doesn’t seem to bring anything new to the song, copying Martin’s favorite song-ending pose. Vocally, he sings in tune, but there’s no heart to it – it’s singing by numbers. On the bright side, kudos to Jan for keeping himself in pitch and tune despite the moves; the tendency to go off-pitch rises significantly as a person gets more and more out of breath, and it’s a testament to Nieto’s fitness that he pulls off the song without a bum note.
Pilita: Ang galing-galing mo, Jan Nieto! Gusto ko sanang pumuta dyan at sumayaw. (At this point, Pilita runs up to dance for a while with Jan). Very good! Do something different, something they haven’t done before, and
Regine: Alam ko kinakabahan ka and you blew me away. I love you! Powerful, sexy, and you really delivered.
Ryan: Tonight, I knew it was gonna be this noisy and fun. What I did was ask the producers to give me a CD of your rehearsals. Jan, nakakaloka. Very unexpected, keep up the surprises.

“Power Idol” Pow Chavez likes badminton, Justin Timberlake, and Anne Hathaway. She plunges straight into Cheryl Lynn’s Got To Be Real. Pow, wearing a funky outfit featuring a leopard-skin polo and leather jacket, rips into the 70s chestnut with a lot of bravado, and despite a few bum notes, pulls this one off decently.
Regine: I’m glad you listen. You were awesome. That wasn’t my favorite song before, but it is now because of you.
Pilita: I knew that Pow could dance. I think the skirt is getting longer.
Ryan: You have to start reinventing yourself. There’s nothing new, nothing better tonight. It’s getting to be pretty old. I think you gotta do something else next time.

“Idol Heartthrob” Miguel Mendoza’s favorite color is apple-green (hmm!), and enjoys skydiving and scuba-diving. He sings the Pasadena’s Make It With You, a swing favorite, and he takes it to town with a sparkly blue jacket on top of a blue shirt and jeans. Miguel’s energy and enthusiasm is quite high, but his pitch is waaaaaaaay off tonight.
Pilita: Are you nervous? You were shaking. For me, you feel more comfortable singing a ballad, am I right? It’s nice to see him doing something different, but mas gusto ko when he’s singing something different.
Regine: He’s feeling it now, unlike with rehearsals. Ang galing! For me, when I saw the overall performance, I think everything was okay, but I think there were some moments na medyo pa-girl, medyo hindi macho ang movement na iyon.
Ryan: It was a bad song choice. You saw what the others have done, what they could do. You saw how hard they worked. The song choice didn’t do much for you. It was neither here nor there, nothing interesting. Miguel, you have to choose better songs.

“R&B Idol” Ken Dingle tells us that he was born in the year of the pig, is fond of chocolate, and admits he’s emotional. He decides to work on Stevie Wonder’s Signed Sealed Delivered - one of my personal favorites – and I didn’t have high hopes for Ken, especially after seeing the ridiculous purple boa and black/white horizontally striped pants. He certainly ripped into the song with a lot of energy, and, save for the horrific outfit and some kulotations , it was a more-than-decent performance – his second straight.
Regine: I had fun dancing. I would’ve wanted to see more dancing. I’m not so sure, overall performance, kasama dyan ang outfit. I don’t get the outfit. Overall, I think it was a lot of fun.
Pilita: I enjoyed it very much. It seems this is the type of song he would love to sing and make kulot. I liked it.
Ryan: From last week’s performance, you gathered tremendous confidence. That’s what I want to see. I don’t want a brooding personality whenever he performs; I want somebody whenever he/she performs, and I liked it.

“Disco Idol” Mau Marcelo likes adobo, Jericho Rosales, and Queen Latifah. Lau picks Diana King’s Shy Guy, a favorite show band song, and for once, poor Mau gets swallowed by the song, and not in a good way. We can’t understand her words, she reused some of her moves from the Beyonce song she did in Round 2, and, well, it was just a forgettable performance.
Regine: I encouraged her to reinvent herself. When you’re on the stage, you’re like a diva, your moves are there, your face has that ex-factor. Overall, if you look the part. When you’re at the diva level, you don’t laugh at yourself. Be a diva!
Pilita: I want to congratulate the dancers, they’re so wonderful! Mau, that song should be sang by someone who is sexy, slim, and tall. I’m still trying to find out if you would really like to become the Philippine Idol. If you want to be Philippine Idol, help your body!
Ryan: Mau, ikaw na yung pinakamagaling na singer ditto. Many of your fans like you the way you are, but I tell you – they’re right – if you want to be idol, you have to take your craft seriously, take movement seriously. It’s total performance.

Gian Magdangal (sorry, didn't get his idol nick) likes Robbie Williams, Garfield, and strawberry ice cream. Gian selects Williams’ Rock DJ, and, for a change, limits his dance moves, opting instead to go with the ‘cool rock star’ moves a la Williams, which works until he takes off his jacket and whirls it up above his head and grinds his hips like some stripper in a white polo shirt and a rosary. Ick. Vocally, pretty solid, as usual.
Regine: I expected you to dance more, and you use the whole stage, but this time, you didn’t do that. I liked your performance.
Pilita: I appreciated the fact that it was cool. The song, bagay sa iyo, the moves, you were just so comfortable. For me, your performance was the best of the night. Para sa akin lang. Good, nice, nice.
Ryan: Your performance was the counterpoint to everyone else’s. You were trying to be cool and small when everyone was trying to be big and energetic. For me, it was just okay.

“Sultry Idol” Apple Chiu likes Barbra Streisand, Chicken Little, and Miss Piggy. Apple rips into Lady Marmalade, using a wedding veil and tiara, which makes me think, actually, that someone got confused backstage at wardrobe, because the wedding shtick comes from Aguilera’s little fling with Britney and Madonna at the VMA’s, singing Hollywood. She ain’t no Aguilera, but her voice is as strong as ever.
Regine: I remember when we were in the studio, I said do everything fullout. Practice in your heels and outfit. Mas tingin ako as backup dancers mo. Don’t get me wrong, it was right on. I just wish I had seen more moves.
Pilita: Definitely, Apple has the look, the height, the body. You should have just let the pants fall. I enjoyed your singing.
Ryan: We are watching you, Apple, surprise us every week. That was a strong performance, very good. So, surprise us next week.

The judges pick Jan, Apple, and Gian as standouts.

Philippine Idol Forums should have moderators

2006-11-03T00:10:00.000+08:00

As of late, the Philippine Idol Official Forum has been littered with irrelevant threads and posts. Although a lot of threads criticized the show and some of its contestants (which is OK), some members have the nerve to promote a certain maid from Dubai who is a contestant from a Big Brother-style singing contest. Others would bash other members, which is unethical in forums.

We hope that the good people of Philippine Idol would provide the forum with a god in the form of an active moderator, whose duty is to eliminate the off-topic bashing, Rosita-praising, and other threads not helpful in promoting Philippine Idol.

Philippine Idol taking steps vs power voting

2006-11-02T22:17:00.000+08:00

The good people behind Philippine Idol are doing their best in ensuing the accuracy of the voting results. This means that the votes should be from those who not only support their finalists, but also those who have watched the program.

After the newly-imposed two-hour voting period, Philippine Idol has apparently cancelled the Vote PINs. Several Netopia outlets that have previously selling Vote PINs no longer offer them. This means, the only way to vote for your Idols is through landline and multiple text messages.

This should be a welcoming note for those who have been complaining that only the finalists with "rich" resources advance unfairly in the Finals.

Week 6: Dance Grooves/ Vina Morales as Judge?

2006-11-02T21:59:00.000+08:00

This week's challenge for our 7 remaining Idol hopefuls is Dance Music. This is expected to be an exciting performance night as most of our finalist have at least a knack for dancing, especially Pow and Ken. However, it will be a difficult week for the likes of Miguel and Jan whom we have seen in the past episodes having a hard time singing and dancing at the same time.

As for the guest judge for this week, a certain "francis" posted this message on the chatbox:

2 Nov 06, 15:13
francis: mga idol fans, musta na!, kinuha kong guest judge para sa dance theme week, ay si...vina morales! she's the best singer/dancer around. see you soon! be back on nov 11.

It is, however, yet to be confirmed.

Let's Support Idol's First Single "Kaleidoscope World"

2006-11-02T21:33:00.000+08:00

Love Radio and Yes FM, two of the leading FM stations in Metro Manila, are beginning to play Philippine Idol's first single. The 12 finalists revived Francis Magalona's jazzy tune "Kaleidoscope World," delivering their unique voices and musical styles.

So far, Kaleidoscope World has been receiving decent airplay. You probably have heard it by now. If not, tune in to Love Radio and Yes FM (check your local listings for the station).

Let us support our Idols' first single by voting at Love Radio. Just type in LOVERADIO [space] Kaleidoscope World and send it to 2299.

Jeli and Arms felt "slighted"

2006-11-02T21:14:00.000+08:00

The domino effect of the new two-hour voting period has begun. Many sectors have reacted to this new procedure. For one, some viewers--and even some of the eliminated contestants--complained that this should have been done earlier in the competition.

Jeli and Arms lamented during their interview with Philippine Daily Inquirer that they weren't informed of the two-hour voting, leaving their supporters "off-guard".

"Not all of my supporters were able to vote within the two-hour period," Jeli said. Arms agreed. "Most of (my townmates in Zamboanga) just watch the show on the big screen in the town plaza. Some of them went home after watching me perform—I was the second contestant that night—hoping to send their text votes in the morning," she said.

ABC's Creative and Entertainment Production Head Perci Intalan said that the contestants were not informed as part of the "dynamics" of the show. "The program becomes more difficult that way," he said.

However, ABC insiders reported that while host Ryan Agoncillo was announcing the new voting procedure, a parent of one finalist began tinkering on his or her cellphone. The parent was probably beginning a round of text brigades informing the supporters to vote right away.

Jeli and Arms out of competition

2006-10-30T22:04:00.000+08:00

Lounge Siren Jeli Mateo and Zamboanga's Pride Arms Cruz are the latest casualties of Philippine Idol. They are also the first ones to taste the new two-hour voting period.

Stay tuned to Philippine Idol Updates for more info about this event.

Idol Radio now up!

2006-10-30T17:40:00.000+08:00

As promised, the performances of our 9 remaining finalists are now here on Idol Radio x 2! The songs from both Pinoy Band Week and Life's Highlight Week are featured in two Idol Radios. However, Mau's performance of "I Will Always Love You" is yet to be uploaded as of blog time. Will update the radio once it's done. Thanks for your patience.

VERY IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT

2006-10-29T22:40:00.002+08:00

Philippine Idol producers have announced that voting will last for only two hours beginning with tonight's episode, different from before when there was a 24-hour voting period.

Two-hour voting becomes the great equalizer. Those with money (and those without) will all scramble to get their votes in during the two-hour window, and increases the chances of those with more fans to get their votes in, versus those with less fans who have the luxury of texting the whole 24 hours.

We welcome this change very much, and look forward to tomorrow's results with much anticipation.

Round of 9: Message Through Songs

2006-10-29T22:34:00.002+08:00

Tonight’s theme is “Message Through Songs,” and the Idol finalists sing songs that have either special meaning or convey a special message from them to someone important. We start the show with Apple Chiu, who chose Someone to Watch Over Me by Linda Ronstadt. Apple’s rich voice is given a song she can really sink her teeth into, and she undulates through the George Gershwin original with enough yearning to make anyone feel the song. Save for a wayward flat here and there, Apple’s song is a pleasant change from her usual power tracks, and it works.
Pilita: This is my kinda song. You look wonderful! In what you give us, and how you present yourself, you show how much you’ve improved. Tonight, I love you.
Luke: Your voice is lovely and soothing. Galing!
Ryan: I’ve been waiting for you to sing something intimate. Tnoight, I like it. It’s intimate, I can hear the nice tones… I like it.

Arms Cruz chose If I Believe by Patti Austin.
Arms puts a lot of herself into the song, and her strong voice is put to good use with the song. Exhibiting extraordinary control, she certainly works the stage, but the 80s chestnut a boring song choice.
Luke: There were some parts na flat na konti, but you don’t notice kasi ang sarap kumanta. I know someday makahanap ka ng someone.
Pilita: Reymond or Drae? CHEAP!! Whatever happened last week when we had to be strict with you, you have all become so good! You’ve improved so much! You were very good.
Ryan: The choice is very good, you sing it very well. It’s one of your good performances – not the best, but you’re still good.

Ken Dingle chose Get Here by Oleta Adams
Why is a ballet duo behind him? CHEAP!!! The song actually kinda suits his voice, but he when he birits, well, the notes go here and there. Soothing for the most part, a very good performance, but Idol's never had dancers. Oi vey.
Pilita: Let’s give a big hand to the wonderful couple who danced! Ken, you surprised me tonight, you did. All your performances has always had something lacking. I’m so happy to see you improve for this evening.
Luke: I was amazed sobra. Yung range niya, babae. Ang hirap ng ginagawa mo. You did a great job tonight.
Ryan: Ken, I can just imagine all the Ken haters. Para silang tinamaan ng kidlat. That was a complete transformation and that is what this competition is all about. If we diss you, and you prove us wrong... I don’t think you’ll be out next week with this kind of performance. But kailangan tuloy tuloy na iyan.

Pow Chavez chose For Once In My Life by Spiral Staircase
Why are there dancers everywhere?! On the good side, Pow sings the song with conviction, and she certainly looks like she’s enjoying herself. On the bad side, we’ve heard this song so many times, that her version pales in comparison. That last note wasn’t so good either.
Pilita: Pow, last week I had to put you down because it was bad. I don’t know what happened to her. It looks like hindi ka na broken-hearted, ganoon ba iyon? Gusto pa rin kitang mkita in a beautiful gown, with bling bling everywhere. I hope I can see you like that because you look very good. Congratulations!
Luke: Gustong gusto ko yung belt niya. I enjoyed her performance. May konteng mga flat ang kapos na konte, and the ending medyo hirap, pero natumbok kahit papaano. Funky. You’re the man.
Ryan: Pow, I didn’t like the performance. It’s the song choice. Medyo blah ang performance, para kang nanunuod ng show nuong 1970s. The song choice has a lot to do with it. I hope you’re still there next week. It’s not a winning performance, not a bad performance.

Jan Nieto chose Kailangan Kita by Ogie Alcasid.
Jan’s song choice has a very wide range, which would normally showcase a singer’s range, and the first minute of Jan’s song is pure pleasure, with deep, rich notes and an excellent vibrato. However, when he launches into the ‘birit’ mode, it’s obvious he’s having a hard time. That last note skipped a beat, so eeeh.
Pilita: Kailangan daw niya ako, Mr. C. Ako daw ang kailangan! It’s so wonderful to see all of you like this, so nicely dressed, so wonderfully… From the beginning, John, talagang nagpayat ka. I hope to see you again next week.
Luke: I’m sure maraming babaeng magkakagusto ditto. Gwapo, e. But I think he has to work on tone, some flats along the way, at the end and start, breathing… I know mag-iimprove ka talaga. Good song choice.
Ryan: I didn’t like it. Walang ka-energy-energy. You have the looks to be a matinee idol. You have to hit a little harder. Masyadong relaxed. It’s a bit boring. Try to learn the song and be a part of it. Try harder.

Mau Marcelo chose I Will Always Love You by Whitney Houston
Mau says she chose the song because it brought her a variety of styles (and because her mom taught it to her). The first part of the song is done by her in a flawless a capella, before she launches into the ‘birit’ mode – where she throws off the black poncho about her. While it’s nothing new (we’ve seen Lani Misalucha do it, and of course Whitney and every other drag queen in town), it’s yet another stellar performance by Mau.
Luke: *standing ovation* Wala akong masabi. Yun na iyon. Sana sa next album ko, mag-guest ka.
Pilita: Sometimes, I don’t have to say anything, everyone else is saying it. The only thing is that I think Mau knows exactly how good she is. I expected she came with that big overcoat, when she opened it, she’d be in a bikini or something. Very good, Mau.
Ryan: Lagi ka naming magaling. You have the audience in the palm of your hands. I’ll tell you something. Your choice of song, Whitney Houston… sana nagcontrapelo ka. Sana iniba mo yung look mo. When you came on, people laughed because they thought it was Halloween. Kahit nakakatawa, magaling.

Miguel Mendoza chose Sandra by Barry Manilow
Miguel pulls an ace out of his sleeve, starting his song by playing the grand piano as he launches into a song for his mother. He puts a lot of emotion into the song, and the usual flats aren’t present! It’s a virtually flawless performance, and I’m quite surprised. Between Miguel and Ken, someone doesn’t want to get voted out soon!
Pilita: Our youngest finalist, and I’m sure Miguel has gotten a lot of flak for being so young and not mature enough. I think last week you heard what Mr. C and you accepted it nicely, so now you’ve proved you can be better.
Luke: Kasama mo yung Mommy mo? I want to meet your Mom. Nakikita mo yung pagmamahal. It wasn’t the best performance, but it’s good that you can play the piano and sing… it was a good performance.
Ryan: It was a good performance. As a matter of fact, you showed us you play, but more than anything, tonight was the first night I really felt the song that you sang. You showed a certain maturity and an aspect in your personality. It’s good… keep on going. You can do boh high school and this one.

Jeli Mateo chose You Don’t Know Me by Ray Charles
This song was Jeli’s audition piece when she first tried out for a lounge act, and she got the gig. She vamps her way through the song in a slinky red dress (and a black tie, go figure). She apparently practiced in a different key, because she was sick, but for the most part, I was bored out of my wits, and I don’t foresee a longer future.
Luke: Sobrang improved siya from the rehearsals. Ngayon the parts I thought weren’t good, now I don’t see. Good performance.
Pilita: That song really, you need to be on a couch like that. It was like, “sit beside me.” Jeli, this is one of the performances that I like that you’ve done. Congratulations. Bagay mag-bossa.
Ryan: Whether you make it or not, remember this performance. For me that was your best performance. It still doesn’t mean you’re on top of the heap. Just remember, do the best that you can do with the voice range that you have.

Gian Magdangal chose Superstar by Luther Vandross
Gian knows he’s in trouble, having been in the bottom every single week, and decides to croon out the Luther Vandross version of the Carpenters’ chestnut, and does it with style and class – for the most part. Near the end, Gian starts to fall apart, with poor microphone distance and notes that just don’t hit the mark. What could’ve been a phenomenal performance ends up sullied.
Luke: Etong batang to magaling talaga. Wala akong masabi. Keep it up.
Pilita: Yes, indeed. I think I will give up on Jan Nieto and go to Gian! Honestly, from the beginning, I think you’ve taken his advice very seriously, and not doing the theatrics. Tonight, you’re wonderful.
Ryan: Gian, yun lang naman yon. Lose yourself in the song. It was a classy performance. Total atmosphere and feeling was several notches above what a competition usually presents. It was a very good performance.

Luke Mejares to sit as third guest judge

2006-10-27T22:14:00.000+08:00

Former South Border lead vocalist Luke Mejares will fill in for Francis Magalona in this Sunday's Philippine Idol Performance Night. Although his career as a solo artist is not as impressive as when he was part of the country's prime bands, what is important is whether he could out-judge "Kilabot ng Kolehiyala" Hajji Alejandro and "Rock Balladeer" Wency Cornejo.

Meanwhile, Idol Radio will be up on Saturday afternoon featuring the performances during the Pinoy Band Week (come on, how can you call the band Freestyle as a "rock" band?). Tracks from this Sunday's performance night will be added on Tuesday (hopefully).

Don't forget to vote for the BEST PERFORMER this coming Sunday. Philippine Idol Vote PINs are available at all Netopia outlets.

How can Philippine Idol be improved?

2006-10-26T14:20:00.000+08:00

Lately, Philippine Idol has been taking potshots from virtually every sector of its audience. Many people have suggestions and ideas on how to improve the show, from technical aspects to voting possibilities. The show itself is still going strong, and is still an arm's length (Arms length, get it?) away from the other reality singing shows, but, of course, we, the fans, have the democratic right to suggest ways and means to improve the show.

Philippine Idol Updates correspondent Ganns Deen has posted two interesting entries on his personal blog, titled Saving Philippine Idol and Saving Philippine Idol (Part 2), in which he suggests many ways to improve the show, especially in terms of voting means, both of which have some aspect of merit. We invite you to check out his ideas and weigh in on the discussion.

As regular visitors to Philippine Idol Updates, what are some ways you think the show can be improved?

Mau, Gian, Apple

2006-10-25T20:48:00.000+08:00

Unconfirmed reports claimed that had the elimination continued last Sunday, the Bottom 3 would have been Mau, Gian, and Apple. If the reports were true, this would have created another round of controversy in the results, following the trend of eliminating the best contestants.

Miguel's "Payback Time"

2006-10-24T06:24:00.000+08:00

Eyewitness accounts confirmed that Miguel's family and green-shirt-wearing supporters left the Philippine Idol Theater after Ryan Cayabyab's straight-forward remarks for him to "finish school and be a good boy."

In an interview with Manila Bulletin, Cayabyab admitted that he prepared himself to say goodbye to the youngest contender. However, Miguel's good rendition of "Harana" last Saturday made him reconsider his comments.

Nevertheless, the fans did not take Maestro's take on Miguel lightly. They screamed so as to drown Cayabyab's words, even to the point of heckling him. And finally, the fans and Miguel's family walked out of the theater.

However, that does not mean we would see the end of Miguel. For all we know, his family and supporters have made some "payback" time in form of votes.

Second Non-Elimination Explained

2006-10-23T22:59:00.000+08:00

In a recent blog entry, ABC reporter Jove Francisco dished out the juicy details on what really happened last Sunday. Remember that according to Ryan Agoncillo, the non-elimination last Sunday (the second this season) was due to the fact that the mobile network companies experienced certain setbacks.

However, according to Francisco, his candid conversation with ABC's Creative Head Perci Intalan revealed a deeper angle in this issue. Had the elimination continued, because the network is aware of the setbacks in voting, the eliminated contestant has the right to sue ABC. (Take note: each of the 12 finalists is provided with a lawyer by Philippine Idol.)

Franciso further asked Intalan as to who would have been eliminated, but he was tight-lipped about the issue. The reporter pressed Intalan, "Would we be happy of the results?"

"It depends," said Intalan.

Idols earn one week reprieve; new time slot up

2006-10-23T10:18:00.000+08:00

In the most lackluster results show yet, Ryan Agoncillo announced that, due to technical problems on the part of Sun Cellular and Smart Telecommunications, no Idol candidate would be voted off this week.

Instead of a tense night, the judges were given a choice each to select one Idol contestant who would perform an encore (arguably the best three, therefore). Wency Cornejo chose Arms Cruz; Pilita Corrales chose Mau Marcelo; Ryan Cayabyab chose Gian Magdangal.

Please note that next week's performance night is scheduled on Sunday (after the PBA broadcast); results night would then air the next day, a Monday.

Fan feedback on how this new time slot would affect ratings, given the unpredictable ending time of the basketball games and that the next day is a working- and schoolday, with performers slated for later performance slots now disadvantaged, is not yet out. What do you think?

Philippine Idol Round of 9: Band/Rock Night

2006-10-21T23:01:00.000+08:00

Philippine Idol kicks off with a rock song that I am completely unfamiliar with. ABC-5 and Ryan Agoncillo are making a big deal about how the judges are going to be meaner tonight. To that, I say, whatever. We want to be pro-active, not reactive, and I just think it’s a little unfair to Drae, Reymond, and Stef that the judges are now going to be more open and honest, “Tirahan kung tirahan.” Y’all should’ve done that Week 1, in the interest of fairness. Anyway, tonight’s judge is Wency Cornejo, he of early 90s band AfterImage. He’s never seen the show, or so he says. Meanwhile, Pilita and Ryan are both rather defensive about how they’re to comment. Ah, well, let’s launch into the competition, shall we?

Gian Magdangal opens the night’s show with the Eraserheads’ Pare Ko. Gian needs to nail this performance after a bottom two finish last week and a bottom four finish two weeks ago. After the VTR shows us a brief conversation with Raymond Marasigan, he launches into a spirited version that is generally strong, but not particularly memorable. Once again he uses the stage to his advantage, and comes across more honest and open than usual; in my opinion, there’s a little less theatricality tonight than in previous nights. Oops, one bum note – can’t blame him, the way he’s rocketing all over the stage – and oops, there’s another one, but overall, a decent performance that hopefully will keep people remembering him.
Pilita: Since all the newspapers said we would be mean tonight, I will still be nice. No matter what the song, it fits him. I’m not too well-versed in band songs, except the songs of Wency Cornejo. I like you, though.
Wency: You look comfortable onstage, you really did. What I don’t understand is, why did you choose that song? [Gian explains – it was a popular song with his barkada when he was younger. It is, in his opinion, the essence of a Filipino band song.] It didn’t work with his voice; it sounded generic.
Ryan: I’ve always rooted for you from the start. I’ll tell you how you can become a Philippine Idol. One, you should lessen the bigness. This is pop, so soften up a bit. Second, this is a stage, but you have to lessen the theatricality, because people are looking for a pop idol, but I’m still rooting for you.

Apple Chiu had a conversation with Kitchie Nadal over the telephone in preparation for her song, Huwag Na Huwag Mong Sasabihin, which is one of my favorite Filipino songs of all time, by the way. Hopefully, her alto will do it justice, but I’m not too hopeful because Apple’s voice is thick, unlike Kitchie’s. As she sings the song, she carries it well, and her outfit is so biker chic. Save for one extended note that didn’t fall into the chord at all, her almost frantic performance is certainly different from Kitchie’s. I don’t know what to feel.
Pilita: For me, I know that now, we’re singing band songs, so the outfit has to match. [Bling bling, Apple says.] Everything, from look to song, it fits you, but next time, I like you looking sexy. Very good.
Wency: I love the way she made the song her own. When she came in – for rock stars, there is such a thing as detached coolness – it’s not necessarily about knowing the audience, but bringing herself to the audience, and it was so cool. However, she had sharps and flats, so you have to be very careful.
Ryan: Strong performance. You’ve done three songs in overdrive. I want to hear you in something more intimate and personal. You’ve been pushing too hard.

Miguel Mendoza met up with Parokya ni Edgar for their track, Harana, and the band says, “Bring it from the diaphragm. When you sing, don’t forget to smile, shave…” How’s that for advice? Hahaha. Miguel sings it straightforward – eeh, he’s really smiling! The flats are still present, but it’s allowable because “nasisintunado sa kaba.” The vibrato works well, though, IMHO, and I think this is one of his better performances.
Pilita: For me, it did not work. Not for Miguel, because many people say he’s too young. There are some 16- and 17-year-old singers for whom it works. For me, although you sang it very well, there was something missing. Sorry.
Wency: Who arranged the song? [Ria Osorio, daughter of Mel Villena.] I don’t think it would’ve worked, but it really worked! Why did it work with Miguel and not with Gian?
Ryan: That was quite enjoyable. I was ready to diss you tonight, but it went pretty well, though. You know your flats and sharps. Your vocal chords are quite young, and being exposed to the stress of everyday rehearsals, so your vocal chords can’t handle it. But for someone your age, I think you’ve done it well enough. I think you’ve built up experience. My suggestion would be for you to finish high school, and you parents will love you anyway.

Jan Nieto is advised by Ito Rapadas to sing Tuloy Pa Rin with feeling. He’s pitchy all over the place, and he certainly doesn’t look as comfortable as he did in previous weeks. He admitted during the interview that he wasn’t sure what kind of feelings to communicate, and that’s kinda what shows, from the facial expressions to the stance he’s showing. Not his best performance.
Pilita: No falling earrings tonight. John (she never pronounces his name right), I’m not a fan of rock bands like that. I enjoy their music, and I respect a person like you (to Wency) composing songs like this, close to your life. Tonight, I will tell you that I did not like you tonight. He sang it well, but when I see him, I feel finesse, but with rock, you’ve gotta have pants with holes…
Wency: I don’t know what to say about his performance. It’s like it he didn’t smile much, but the song and beat was happy… I couldn’t feel you were enjoying yourself. You sounded good, but you didn’t connect.
Ryan: The performance was not solid, your notes were hello… it was not solid, so you didn’t come across as nice. You have to always prove yourself and show you have what it takes to be Philippine Idol.

Jeli Mateo sat down with Cooky Chua of Color It Red to talk about Paglisan. Cooky reminded Jeli to sing a song like she owns it. The first few bars feel like she’s chasing after the tempo. With Mel Villena adding some much-needed emotion to the song, Jeli takes it home trying to belt it out but with little success. She’s pitchy all throughout the song, which is a real shame because the song could’ve been really good in her hands.
Pilita: I think the song is a nice song. The way she interprets it is like a ballad, which is probably not right for tonight’s theme, but I’d like to congratulate her on her looks this evening.
Wency: I have to say this song is close to my heart, because I’d like to believe that I predicted this song would be a hit even if it wasn’t recorded yet. Jeli, I cannot help but compare, and sometimes, it’s not a bad thing to keep the arrangement as is. The start felt like you weren’t really prepared because the timing was really off.
Ryan: A lot of us know your vocal ability is lightweight. You suffer in comparison to the rest of the girls. I don’t know where you’re going from here. Every week, we see how weak you are compared to the other girls. You really have to work hard.

Mau Marcelo has selected Freestyle’s So Slow - a strange choice, given the thickness of her voice, but whatever. Jinky Vidal tells her about the message of the song, and recommends to Mau to sing it her own way and style so she can make it her own. She takes it easy with this song, keeping her notes simple for the most part of the song. Bad diction notwithstanding, it was once again a great performance for Mau, especially coming from last week’s Dulce debacle. She opts not to belt it out instead, instead injecting the song with a lot of soul that really works.
Pilita: I just realized everyone in yellow in the audience is for Mau. I don’t like your overcoat. [Para bang sofa? Natakot ako na baka maupuan ako kanina – Mau] The way you sang this song was done very well. Congratulations!
Wency: Yung outfit nakaka-off. The strongest performance tonight so far.
Ryan: Yun ang performance. I agree. Ikaw lang ang pinapalakpakan ng halos lahat ng tao dito. It’s so sad if we lose you. All that’s missing is – not the curtain – Mau, we want a winner. So, enough whining and crying. It doesn’t help, win or lose.

Ken Dingle selected Ligaya, and Raymond Marasigan of the Eraserheads admits the song was a little bit on the disco-funk side when everything else was R&B; he recommends that he plays around with the R&B side. Ken certainly does have a lot going for him, but not tonight. He’s very flat, despite the funky arrangement that was very good, including a section where he launches into a reggae portion. He’s winded by the three-quarter section of the song. Eep, he forgets the words! On the positive side, his stage presence seems very good. Unfortunately, the worst of the evening.
Pilita: They had one week to learn one song, you should’ve memorized the song. I think you’ve had enough time to prepare, and maybe you should’ve prepared for the song. Thank you.
Wency: What happened? [He forgot the lyrics.] It was such a big mistake. You should’ve come more prepared to memorize the song, it’s a big no-no. I’m very disappointed.
Ryan: You were very promising, but these past how many weeks, you’ve gone from bad to worse. Tonight was so bad. For me, your journey with Philippine Idol should’ve ended sooner. You have caused the ouster of Drae and Reymond, so I’m appealing to the voters to choose wisely, but all of you have very promising careers. That’s all I ask you to do. Work hard.

Just a note of fairness on Ken’s behalf: the Top 12 is voted, regardless of gender. We totally disagree with Mr. C on that comment. Ken had nothing to do with Drae and Reymond’s ouster. The bottom four the first week were Drae, Stef, Gian, and Pow. Last week, it was Gian and Mau. Ken had nothing to do with their ouster; he was safe. The bottom line is, Drae, Stef, and Rey’s voters didn’t come through for them enough. Don’t blame another Idol – especially one who hasn’t hit the bottom three yet – for another Idol’s ouster. It’s just in poor taste.

Arms Cruz gets the penultimate spot, and she chooses Makita Ka Muli by Sugar Free. An usual choice, and it’s sad we can’t hear their comments because the audio goes on and off. She starts off with a lower-range register that makes it difficult to hear her words, but when she launches into the chorus, the strength of voice comes strong. Shades of Filipina rocker chicks come into full play, and a few flats here and there aren’t too obvious. Some may like it, some may not. I liked it.
Pilita: Si Armarie, iyakin iyan, but she doesn’t know that from the moment we heard her in Davao, we knew she was going to go a long way. Congratulations.
Wency: All night, I’ve been waiting for someone to make my hair stand up. Pinatayo mo.
Ryan: Big girl, big heart, big voice. Kitang kita ang experience. Now we have to ask people to vote. Tonight, you and Mau are my Philippine Idols.

Pow Chavez gets this week’s pimp spot, and she takes the modern kundiman route with Forevermore. Joey Benin, Forevermore’s writer, suggests to do it her way. Pow’s version is pitchy, which is strange, because she normally delivers a standup rendition of anything she’s got. With a tentative introduction, shifting chords, and a more-nasal-than-usual delivery, I think tonight we see the chinks in Chavez’s armor.
Pilita: For me, for the first time since we’ve been here, listening to you, this is the first time you’ve had a lot of flats and sharps in your singing, which I am not used to hearing. Tonight, still, it depends with our people watching.
Wency: Pow, among all the nine, I think you came out as the most confident. The aura was effortless, it’s like “the night is mine.” For me, that was a fantastic performance.
Ryan: We’ve heard you sing this type of song for the past three weeks. It’s time for you to start raising the bar. It’s starting to plateau, and get boring. I predicted you would become Philippine Idol, so tulungan mo naman ako, kasi mapapahiya ako.

Based on tonight’s performances, in a perfect world, our bottom three predictions would fall on the following: Jeli, Ken, and Jan, with Ken getting the boot. Will we get it correct? Hahaha. We can never predict Philippine Idol accurately, can we? Hahaha.

Note! Starting next week, performance nights fall on Sunday, with results nights on Monday. Take note!

Note 2! We're not people to promote other people's blogs, but you've got to visit this one. It's such a funny post!

Wency Cornejo to Sit as Second Guest Judge

2006-10-20T22:24:00.001+08:00

The much-awaited Pinoy Rock Week will have an equally eagerly-anticipated guest judge in the form of Wency Cornejo.

Cornejo is a former lead vocalist of the band After Image, which is one of the most successful Pinoy bands during the 1990's with hits such as "Habang May Buhay" (As Long as there is Life), "Mangarap Ka" (Dream On), and "Next in Line." As a band, After Image received several awards including a Quadruple Platinum Record Award for their album "Tag-Ulan, Tag-Araw" back in 1995.

After leaving the group in the late 90's, Cornejo became more popular as a solo artist. His string of ballads have become a staple for singing contests, including his most famous track "Kung Gaano Kita Kamahal."

Francis M Indeed Leaving for Tour

2006-10-19T23:42:00.000+08:00

Contrary to what some people speculate about Francis M being "gradually ejected" as judge for Philippine Idol, the King of Pinoy Rap posted his latest entry on his blog saying that he is indeed on temporary leave.

Francis M will be one of the performers for the Kumustahan Tour, a concert series dedicated to the Filipino communities abroad. Other artists on the tour include Rico J. Puno, Nanette Inventor, Bituin Escalante, and Jolina Magdangal. Some of the cities where Kumustahan will be held are London, Milan, and Dubai.

Keep posted on Philippine Idol Updates for the latest on anything Philippine Idol.

Idol Radio Down, Again!

2006-10-17T21:17:00.000+08:00

The sudden rush of readers tuning in to Idol Radio made my file host exceed its bandwidth. Not that I am complaining.

However, with my busy offline work I apologize if I could only update Idol Radio come Sunday with a new batch of tracks from the upcoming Pinoy Rock Week.

Again, my apologies.

Week 4: Filipino Rock

2006-10-16T22:23:00.000+08:00

The Top 9 of Philippine Idol will be singing the best of Filipino Rock and Acoustic genres. Here is the complete list of the songs that they have chosen:

* Akin Ka Na Lang (Be Mine Instead) - Itchyworms
* Harana (Old-Fashioned Love Song) - Parokya ni Edgar
* Huwag na Huwag Mo'ng Sasabihin (Don't Ever Tell) - Kitchie Nadal
* Ligaya (Happiness) - Eraserheads
* Makita Kang Muli (To See You Again) - Sugarfree
* Paglisan (Passing) - Color It Red
* Pare Ko (My Buddy) - Eraserheads
* So Slow - Freestyle
* Tuloy Pa Rin (It Would Still Continue) - Neocolors

Our sources say that Reymond would have sung "Narda" by Kamikazee had he remained in contention.

Are We Really Forgetting to Vote for the Best?

2006-10-16T21:47:00.000+08:00

Isn't it ironic that the best performer last Saturday was given the boot yesterday?

Reymond Sajor was eliminated, while Gian Magdangal and Mau Marcelo were at the Bottom 3.

And just like last week, angry viewer were pouring in on different forums (whether from the official Philippine Idol forum at philippinedol.com or through pinoyexchange.com), still furious at the fact that they just could not eliminate the awful performers like Ken, Jan, and Miguel. Some vowed to boycott the program, others wanted the franchise to be given to another channel instead.

Oh well, that's us Filipinos, we feel before we think.

I myself felt really down with the elimination of Reymond. However, I am aware that he is less charismatic compared to other contestants. At least, Reymond proved that his inclusion in the Top 12 was not a mere stroke of luck (in form of sympathy votes when his mic went off while singing).

Reymond's performance of "Be My Lady" after his elimination received a thunderous standing ovation from the Philippine Idol audience. His talent has definitely grown as weeks passed by and I think he will have his break in the recording scene.

Meanwhile, Ryan Cayabyab let his fangs out when he was asked to comment about Reymond's elimination. He said that with the best singers being booted out, what would remain of Philippine Idol? Singing nursery rhymes?

I was so glad that the monster in him is starting to appear. I could not wait for this coming Performance Night as to how he would put those underserving finalists to shame.

However, I strongly disagree at what he said about the viewers do not listen to them. For one, we do listen, it is just that no matter how much we try our best to vote for the best performer those rich relatives of some contestants will still have the upper hand in voting.

Second, the judges did not listen to the pulse of the viewers in the online forums when they eliminated some contestants who are having real fanbase, instead opting for some contestants who may be talented during the audition phase but did not shine at all in the competition (add to that they are not charismatic to the viewers).

Lastly, we do listen to your comments but they were just too lame. Good thing criticisms are starting to appear last Saturday (even from the very safe, but very funny, Mamita) and we hope there will be more. After all, it's for the growth of the contestants.

Continue to vote for the best contenders in Philippine Idol, which makes it easier using the vote PINs that are available in Netopia outlets. We at Philippine Idol Updates urge you to buy three P100 vote PINs (amounting to P300), ask the personnel to have the PIN codes printed on a piece of paper, text the [contestant's name] space [10-digit PIN code] (take note that it is case-sensitive) and send to 2339. The number of votes depend on your cellphone's service provider. Smart and Globe would yield 120 votes, while Sun Cellular would make it into 150 votes. If you want, you could allot those votes to just one contestant only.

I am afraid that Jan and Miguel will buy (I mean, sing) their way into the Finale. Let's not wait for that to happen.

Stranger Than Strange

2006-10-15T15:50:00.000+08:00

Did anyone notice something strange during the Metropop Week?

First, there was a technical kink at the opening number. Reymond forgot to sing the first line of "Kay Ganda ng Ating Musika" on time, creating a seemingly very long instrumental intro. Good thing the musical director Mel Villena is quick to recover.

Second is that the judges' comments were better than last week. They begin to criticize each performances (hooray!). I just hope Francis M picks the tempo that Hajji and the future guest judges would have done once he's back from Europe. I don't wanna be sarcastic in saying that the guest judges (from Arnell Ignacio, Tuesday Vargas, and now Hajji Alejandro) are better than some of the permanent judges, but hey, Idol do not replace judges in the middle of the season.

Third, Gretchen's daughter Dominique is like an anti-Christ personified. Her evil energy just permeates through the screen (along with her texting--and sleepy--girlfriends). I hope the PI staff would make sure to put enthusiastic viewers behind the judges instead (or better yet, leave that row blank).

Lastly, Ryan Cayabyab calling Jan his "Philippine Idol." I know it sounds strange, but I think Ryan had something else in mind when he said that. Since voting is still open, I don't wanna elaborate. Maybe tomorrow.

In the meantime, please wait for the update of Idol Radio. Thanks for your support.

Metropop Week Song Choices

2006-10-13T21:26:00.001+08:00

Here are the songs that the Top 10 have chosen for the Metropop Week:

* Anak
* Ako ang Nagwagi
* Be My Lady
* Give Me a Chance
* Isang Mundo, Isang Awit
* Magsimula Ka
* Sometimes You Just Know
* Swerte Swerte Lang
* 'Til I Met You
* Umagang Kay Ganda

Meanwhile, the judges apparently learned their lesson and promise something different will happen this Saturday. Let's hope it's for the best.

Week 3 Theme: Metropop

2006-10-10T22:39:00.000+08:00

Philippine Idol insiders revealed that the upcoming theme this Saturday is "Songs from Metropop." As you may all know, the Metropop Song Competition was home of the best Filipino songs during the 70s as well as when it was revived in the 90s.

It is still unclear wheter the 10 remaining Idols will choose from the winning songs like "Sometimes You Just Know" (which was sung by Jaya), or will include non-winning but competition-worthy pieces like "Ako ang Nagwagi" by Dulce.

Keep tuned in to Philippine Idol Updates for the latest on everything from STILL the best talent show in the Philippines ever! No need to commit suicide... *wink*

Idol Phenomenon Around the World (Part 2)

2006-10-09T23:31:00.000+08:00

While we mope about the impact of last Sunday, let us review how other countries were swept by the Idol Experience.

First, we look back at Finland's Suomen Idols 2004. This is one of the performances (singing "Eternal Flame") of their first Idol, Hanna Pakarinen, who is currently busy recording her second album.

Next in line is Latin American Idol, which is currently airing its first season. One of its frontliners is Mayre Martinez of Mexico. Here is her rendition of Santana's "Corazon Espinado," which swept the judges off their feet.

Finally, we wanted to congratulate Eva Avila for winning Canadian Idol 4. This was one of her performances during the Finale, a beautiful track called "Wild Horses."

If only our contenders are just as good as them...Sigh...

Complacency Has No Place In Philippine Idol

2006-10-09T23:03:00.000+08:00

This post was delayed for two days. Yes, I must admit, I was lost for words.

The contestant who was tagged by Ryan Cayabyab as the best performer during last Saturday's Soul Night was one of two who were eliminated yesterday! Drae Ybanez, along with Fil-Aussie Stephanie Lazaro, got the boot.

Shockwaves rippled through the Net with fans complaining on the results, pointing the blame on anything from the lenient judges who complemented bad performers (and making underdogs out of them), to the power-voting relatives of certain contestants.

Personally, I have no problem with relatives voting for their anak, pamangkin, or pinsan, just as long as they buy all of his or her album and make it platinum records.

In my opinion, two male contestants should not have been in the Top 24 in the first place. Put sensational Yova Alonzo instead of mediocre Jan, and place jazzy Emman Omaga instead of immature Miguel Mendoza, and we would have had a very good competition.

Anyway, enough of the grunting and the complaining. This just proves that COMPLACENCY HAS NO PLACE IN PHILIPPINE IDOL. If you want your bets to stay in the competition, vote more, more, and more. If we have to spend hundreds, even thousands, of pesos just to outvote those candidates with so-called "relative support," then we should.

In addition, here are my suggestions to the good staff of Philippine Idol:

* Ban the phrase "I hope to see you next week."

* Have the judges criticize ALL performers. Make them look at the tiniest of errors just like what they do in Indonesian Idol, and eventually making all contenders underdogs. And you know in our culture, we love underdogs. Besides, the finalists need that criticism for them to grow as an artist.

* And finally, have Rich Ilustre glue his butt at the director's chair.

Anyway, I am currently transferring the Idol Radio to a new site, including Drae's performance of "You're Not A Young Man Anymore." I apologize for the inconvenience.

Heart and Soul (and R n' B)

2006-10-08T19:41:00.000+08:00

The Top 12 Finalists battled it out yesterday at the Soul and R n' B Week of Philippine Idol. The two performers with the lowest votes will be eliminated tonight.

Although I'm so rushed with time because it takes time updating the Idol Radio, I'll give my insights about last night's show:

* MAU messed up with the lyrics of Beyonce's flagship show "Crazy In Love." I agreed with the judges for her regarding her dancing. She should have either gave out more on her dancing or she should not have danced at all, focusing on her vocal powers.

* KEN struggled with his song "What's Goin' On?" Although Francis and Pilita gave him praises, I think he has yet to surpass his audition phase.

* APPLE gave out her best performance to date. Although "Natural Woman" is still "owned" by American Idol's Kelly Clarkson during her performance at World Idol, Apple's performance is still both respectable and enough to sail through next week.

* STEPH should have done that over-the-top performance she did in the wildcard if she wanted to own Tina Turner's "Proud Mary".

* JAN's performance is so meh. Next.

* REYMOND seemed struggling with singing soul songs like his piece "I'd Rather." Oh well, he did well.

* JELI's rendition of Mariah Carey's "Always Be My Baby" was just plain horrible, from the outfit to the pitch problems. And I feel so sad for Francis and Mamita that they are not honest enough with giving negative comments. Why are there in the first place anyway?

* GIAN ran all over the place, again. Gian's great, I really do think that way. But when he dances while singing, the magic in his voice simply vanishes.

* MIGUEL was a surprise. I do not want to elaborate.

* POW's rearrangement of Usher's "U Got It Bad" was great. Although it wasn't her personal best, her performance was one of the best this week.

* ARM seemed to be angry when she sang "Respect," like lashing out at her landlord after trying to evict from her apartment or something. But on the plus side, we witnessed her full potential with this performance.

* DRAE's performance of an erstwhile-unfamiliar "You're Not A Young Man Anymore" was unbelievably the best this week. Sadly, I couldn't find an mp3 of his performance as of now. I'll update the radio once it's available.

Here are additional notes and observations from last night:

* Francis and Pilita are just plain nice, bordering on the boring. All Idol judges, not just Simon Cowell, are known to be frank and critical of the contestants. Watch the clips of other Idol shows and see what I mean. Where have all the wit and humor they delivered during the audition phase gone?

* Pilita should stop going back to memory lane and referring past performances of each contestant (and even as far as performances outside Idol).

* Ryan C is becoming the monster that we expect from him. Arnel and Tuesday (or even Mitch Valdez) should accompany him next season. Just kidding.

* Gretchen Barreto just doesn't respect the PI judges. I don't care if you own the network, at least you did not set good example as a good audience member by not being attentive during the judges' comments, talking loudly to the person beside you during the live show, texting during the live show, basically everything that you did on cam last night.

* Finally, Philippine Idol should keep Rich Ilustre as the director. Mark Reyes' credibility as the co-director lost when he showed Miguel's butt with the caption "MEL VILLENA". That was just so wrong.

PIU Exclusive: An Interview with Jhona Sison

2006-10-07T06:55:00.000+08:00

FULL NAME: Jhonalene Gimoro Sison
NICKNAME: Jhona, Jho (sa mga mas close sa akin)
BIRTHDAY: December 09, 1984
ZODIAC: Sagittarius
OCCUPATION: wala hhehehe.. band vocalist
HOBBIES: singing, piano playing, internet surfing, playing warcraft, hanging out w/ friends, sometimes composing songs and writing poems
LIKES: yung mga taong may sense kausap. lalo na sense of humor coz i really like to laugh a lot. hahah. mga masayahing tao.
DISLIKES: hmm.. kabaliktaran nun. yung mga moody. mahirap ma-gets. ayoko sa mga taong ma-drama, OA, pa-cute, maarte, plastic, mayabang, at sinungaling
LOVE IS... (nyek! bat may ganitong tanong pa? hahaha!) uhmm... love is all in fire and yet is ever freezing.

Ever since appearing at the Manila Auditions episode of Philippine Idol, Jhonalene Sison has become a darling among the viewers. Appearing in an anime-inspired green costume (which she admitted buying from a thrift store), Jhona has been baptized by fans as the Anime Girl. Although she did not make it to the Top 40, several viewers believed in her talent as evident in their comments in this site's chatbox.

We at Philippine Idol Updates are so honored to have contacted Jhona for this online interview. Below are some tidbits that we want to know about her.

Paano mo nalaman ang tungkol sa Philippine Idol?

Sinabi sa akin ng friend ko

Dumaan ka ba muna sa Fast-Track Audition o dumiretso ka na sa PICC?
Dumiretso na po ako sa PICC

Ano ang feeling habang naghihintay ka sa PICC?

Mainit... hehhe. nagkukulitan lang kami nung isang friend ko at nung pinsan ko.

Hindi pinakita sa TV ang mga comments nina Francis M, Mamita, at Mr. C noong audition mo. Ano ba ang sinabi nila?

Nung pagpasok ko ng room, naka-smile silang lahat.

Then..

Ako: Hello po..

Mr. C: Hello jhonalene..

Mr. C: Jhonalene, nag-aaral ka pa ba?
Ako: hindi na po, nag-stop po.

Mr. C: nagtatrabaho ka na?

Ako: hindi rin po

Mr. C: hmm.. puro hindi ah

Ms. Pilita: so what do you do?

Ako: wala po, tambay lang po..

Ms. Pilita: you sing with a band?

Ako: opo, pero yung mga kinakanta po namin, mga hindi normal

Mr. C: ah.. sige nga jhonalene, parinig nga kami ng isang kantang hindi normal na sinasabi mo..

*i sang voltes v theme*

Mr. C: jhonalene, gusto ko ang boses mo..

Ms. Pilita: I like her. What do you think, Kiko?

Francis M: uhmm.. kung japanese idol 'to, panalo ka na eh.. Eh kaso philippine idol 'to.

Mr. C: jhonalene, parinig naman ng isang kantang normal..

*i sang "Moonraker" by Shirley Bassey*

Naging kilala ka bilang Anime Girl. Saan nagsimula ang iyong interes sa anime music?

I think since 1992 yata. 8 yrs old ako. basta yung kapanahunan nung "Cedie: ang munting prinsipe" Hehehehe!

Nalaman ko na bahagi ka ng "ongaku society." Ano ang ibig sabihin nito?

Ongaku means music in japanese. So it literally means, music society.

Ang Ongaku Society ay isang samahang binubuo ng mga banda at mga indibidwal na japanese music enthusiasts.

Ano ang pangalan ng iyong banda? Paano kayo nabuo?
Ipinakilala ako ng boyfriend ko kay dawn (leader ng New Fallen Snow). Ang New Fallen Snow ang una kong banda. Pero tinanggal nila ako sa band nitong January. Kaya lumipat ako dun sa banda ng friend namin ng borfriend ko. Yun ang Himitsu Heiki.

Pero sa ngayon, dala-dalawa ang banda ko kasi nakipagbalikan sakin yung una kong banda.

Ano ang first impression mo nang makita mo na ang mga katunggali mo noong Theater Eliminations?

May mga mahuhusay, mayroon din namang mga hindi ganon kahusay..
Normal lang..

Sinu-sino ang mga naging kaibigan mo doon?

Yung mga roommates ko. Sina Lilfer Charme at Pavi Elle. Medyo nakasundo ko rin si Erika Jill kaso di nagtagal kasi natanggal na ako.

Naintriga kami sa kinanta mo noong unang round ng theater eliminations. Ano'ng kanta 'yun?

Actually, di ko rin po alam ang title nung kantang yun. Ang alam ko lang ay indonesian song yun at ang kumanta ay si Rita Effendy. Narinig ko lang yun sa Asia Song Festival 2000 kasi yun ang nakakuha ng grand priza. and i really love that song. sana may makatulong sa akin na hanapin yung song na yun. hehehehe...

May nagsabing kasalanan daw ni Erika Jill dahil nagkamali raw siya ng tiyempo sa group performance niyo kaya ka hindi nakapasa. Ano sa palagay mo?

Nyaix! Di naman siguro.. di ko rin napansin yung pagkakamali ni erika dun kung sakali mang nagkamali sya. lumilipad kasi ang utak ko nun saka naka-concentrate ako sa dance steps kasi yun ang weakness ko. i really can't dance. yun din siguro ang dahilan kung bakit ako natanggal.

Pagkatapos ng iyong pagsali sa Philippine Idol, mas marami ba ang nakakapansin sa iyo at sa iyong banda?

Hindi rin.. kasi hindi naman nababanggit yung pagsali ko tuwing may gigs kami. sa ongaku society lang kumalat yun. ehehe.. pero may isa kaming gig na nakuha kami dahil kilala akong sumali sa Philippine Idol nung isang organizer. other than that, wala na..

Ano ang idinulot ng Philippine Idol sa career mo bilang singer?

Mas na-appreciate ko yung pagiging unique ko. Tsaka, sobrang honored ako na nakahanay ko yung ibang professional singers na talaga samantalang sobrang wala akong ka-expe-experience sa ganun. kaya parang na-astigan ako sa sarili ko nun. hahahah!

Saan at kailan ang mga upcoming gigs ng iyong banda?
For info, just go to www.ongaku-society.org

Complete Soul and R n' B Week Song Choices

2006-10-07T06:54:00.000+08:00

Here is the complete song list of the upcoming Soul and R n' B Week of Philippine Idol. Take note that each song has already chosen by a particular finalist, which we would not reveal (but you can spoil it at the comments section or at the chatbox anyway).

- "(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman" by Aretha Franklin
- "You're Still A Young Man" by Tower of Power
- "I'd Rather" by Luther Vandross
- "Crazy in Love" by Beyonce
- "Always Be My Baby" by Mariah Carey
- "Could It Be I'm Falling in Love" by The Spinners
- "R-E-S-P-E-C-T" by Aretha Franklin
- "I Feel Good" by James Brown
- "Proud Mary" by Tina Turner
- "What's Going On" by Marvin Gaye
- "U Got It Bad" by Usher
- "Let's Stay Together" by Al Green

Meanwhile, thank you for the suggesting some good file hosts. You guys are the greatest.

Wanted: A Better File Host

2006-10-03T22:49:00.000+08:00

Since Idol Radio was launched last Sunday, we were shocked to learn that its bandwidth would be nearing its limit after just a day of publishing it. This simply means of the astounding response from our fellow Idol fanatics.

If you guys know of a free file host that has at least 10GB/month bandwidth, please leave a comment. Our current file host is myfilehut.com.

Did Jeli Say What?

2006-10-03T22:37:00.000+08:00

Several Philippine Idol viewers have noted something strange during the Results Show last Sunday. According to viewer accounts, right after Jeli Mateo (I'll be using "Jeli" with a single L because that is her text-vote code to avoid confusion) was declared safe from the so-called Bottom Three--which as we all know was not conclusive--she apparently said something that was not heard but seen on camera.

Jeli opened her mouth two times and some viewers claimed that she said, "Bye Mau."

When Jeli was near the contestant's lounge, she went back to the stage and hugged Armarie. Only Armarie.

Hmmm...Methinks this Jeli-Mau rift is starting to get worse. What do you guys think?

Soul and R n' B Week

2006-10-03T22:15:00.000+08:00

After a rousing Original Pilipino Music Week (spiced-up by a "Special Dedication" theme), our Philippine Idol finalists will be singing top Soul or Rhythm and Blues selections.

Here is the partial list of songs, thanks to our generous sources. Again, help us with the artists who sang some of the songs:

* What's Goin' On? - Marvin Gaye
* I Feel Good - James Brown
* R-E-S-P-E-C-T. - Aretha Franklin
* You Got It Bad - Usher
* Proud Mary - Tina Turner
* Crazy In Love - Beyonce
* I'd Rather - Luther Vandross
* Natural Woman
* Could It Be I'm Fallin' In Love
* Let's Stay Together

Several Idol fanatics have speculated that Mau will breeze through this round, while Armarie will have a difficult time with the theme (as one viewer said, "unless she would kundiman-ize the song").

But one thing is for sure: This would be another interesting week. Not only because we have a rather upbeat theme, but also because two contestants will be eliminated this Sunday.

So remember, don't just vote once, not twice, but a lot of times. Make your Idol bets stay in the competition.

Idol's First Non-Elimination

2006-10-02T21:23:00.000+08:00

Wow! That was a surprise!

Last Sunday's Result Show ended with no one getting eliminated, probably the first time in Idol franchise history. Host Ryan Agoncillo explained that due to the problems encountered during voting, aggravated by the recent typhoon Milenyo toppling power lines in the Metro and disabling mobile phone signals, the producers at Fremantle decided to eliminate no one. However, the votes will be carried over next week and two contestants will be eliminated next Sunday.

There were several surprising events experienced during the braodcast of the Result Show. For one, it aired at an earlier time of 8:30 p.m. since the first games of Philippine Basketball Association ended way earlier than expected (but I guess the 30-minute cushion is being used just in case they have overtimes and injury timeouts), thereby confusing some of the viewers.

Another shocker was when the three contestants remained on stage were Jelli, Armarie, and Mau--with Jelli being called safe first. Armarie and Mau embraced each other crying, with Arms telling the viewers that Mau deserved the contest more, while Mau (frank that she is) exclaimed, "Bakit ako na naman ang huli?!"

However, we have to clear out that Jelli, Armarie, and Mau were not necessarily THE Bottom 3. Ryan A did not say anything about them having the lowest votes. The producers probably decided not to reveal the real Bottom 3 to avoid trending (with fans voting doubly hard to save their bets who would have been in the bubble, making it more unfair).

And because a lot of viewers did not watch last week's episodes, ABC-5 was gracious enough to broadcast the replays of both the Performance Night and Results Show this Thursday, October 5, starting at 7:00 p.m.

Idol Radio now available!

2006-10-01T21:14:00.000+08:00

I should have done this earlier. Oh well, better late than never.

You could now listen to this week's performances of Philippine Idol finalists through Idol Radio. It is intended for our provincial and international viewers to get updated with the songs being performed. It is also originally intended to be posted at an earlier time so that our provincial viewers can judge the best performers and vote for them, but since it was posted way beyond the voting deadline, we hope this does not hinder your Idol enjoyment.

We promise to update the tracks at an earlier time. In the meantime, just press play. It is recommended for Microsoft Internet Explorer (because the code is customized for that browser, and since most of you use IE anyway). Just in case the radio does not display the tracks, you can try Mozilla Firefox.

Philippine Idol Webcast now available!

2006-10-01T20:34:00.000+08:00

In the service of Filipinos living in the provinces as well as those overseas, you could watch tonight's Result Show of Philippine Idol live through the Web!

Our tech-savvy Idol fans have done their part in sharing this great talent search for every Filipino to see.

Just visit http://geocities.com/idolonabc/

Take note that this is not an official webcast (how I wish they would make one). So, watch it now before it's too late!

Enjoy!

Philippine Idol Finals: The OPM Dedication Round of 12

2006-10-01T07:13:00.000+08:00

Today, Philippine Idol Updates is proud to be blogging straight from the lion's den itself! Thanks to generous souls from ABC-5, Philippine Idol Updates sent a correspondent, Ganns Deen, to the Philippine Idol stage at SM Megamall Cinema 3, to get an insider's peek at the first finals' round. Here's what he had to say:

Hi, Philippine Idol fans! I'm blogging - not live unfortunately, because I know I'm not allowed to bring either laptop or digital camera into the Philippine Idol soundstage - for you straight from here in Philippine Idol land at the SM Megamall Cinema 3, and I tell you, the atmosphere here is electric! There were actually two lines here as early as 7PM, one for Philippine Idol and one for Trumpets' Joseph the Dreamer, setting up shop at SM Megamall Cinema 4, and from the looks of it, things are bound to be exciting at both places.

By 730PM, the line at Joseph the Dreamer starts to shorten as people are let into the theater, and the line at Philippine Idol starts to lengthen. I see a dreadlocked Mau Marcelo chatting with a friend; I also see a calm and smiling Gian Magdangal talking to another buddy. I get in line with the rest of the hangers-on who are hoping for tickets, and although I know that I have a ticket with me, it's kinda nice to chill outside with the people who matter - the fans, and are they coming in droves. A bunch of Drae Ybanez fans touting banners for the Rizal/Cebu native; a rowdy group of Arms Cruz supporters, apparently shipped in all the way from Zamboanga; excited Miguel Mendoza fans all dressed in green supporting the 17-year-old Lasallian. Unfortunately, these guys, the ones sending the text votes and coming to the Megamall to support their idols, won't be let in until 830, after the rest of us get our tickets. I hope they get seats.

We're let in at around 730PM (thank you, ABC-5!) and I'm stunned by the look of the new Philippine Idol stage. Gosh, guys, I can't even begin to explain how awesome the stage looked in person. The TV simply doesn't capture it, nuh-uh. A revamped stage touted the new Philippine Idol look, with audience left getting a delightful shot of Mel Villena and his band on the first level, and the three back-up singers on a new second level. To the right, a newly furbished hangout for the contestants. New lighting, including a stunning LCD for the audience, a rehashed center stage, at least six Philippine Idol logos everywhere. Wow, good job, ABC-5. This stage looks spectacular.

At around 830PM, a lady named Joseph takes the stage and begins prepping the crowd for the broadcast to come. The usual - no cellphones on, no food and drink, keep your butt in your seat during broadcast, but stand all you want during commercials. After Joseph's stirring of the crowd- which included ensuring all the contestants' families were in their respective sections of the ground floor, which we couldn't see from our spot on the second - we are introduced to a group called Boys (Voice?) Avenue, an F4-looking, Blue-sounding group of four pubescent boys who treat the audience to a very good mimicking of Blue's All Rise. The harmonies are good, the dancing is so 1997, but it serves its purpose in whiling away a few minutes while waiting for the broadcast to start.

At around 855PM, we see Ryan Agoncillo, dapper in a black suit with a light green polo underneath it. People get into places, and we go live! The Top 12 start the show with a frenzied and energetic performance of Sugod, and the night starts with a bang. The sound system, like the new stage, is stunning, and we wonder if the TV broadcast is able to deliver the same punch that we're getting live. We hope so, because this is concert quality, definitely broadcast quality. Excellent start to the show! Woohoo!

Tonight's theme is OPM Night, Songs to Dedicate to Someone Special. We're given the arrangement in order of how they'll appear: Arms Cruz, Jeli Mateo, Rey Sajor, Apple Chiu, Stef Lazaro, Ken Dingle, Jan Nieto, Mau Marcelo, Gian Magdangal, Drae Ybanez, Pow Chavez, and Miguel Mendoza, then we go to break. During breaks, Ryan Agoncillo chitchats with the crowd, making small talk and having to deal with the occasional "I love you, Ryan... C!" He certainly is a lot more kenkoy off-air than he is on, and perhaps that's part of the charm, we suppose.

Now, we launch into the Idol performances. [Philippine Idol Updates note: The following thoughts are those of Ganns, and not necessarily of Philippine Idol Updates.]

ARMS CRUZ. Singing Araw-Araw,Gabi-Gabi by Didith Reyes for her dad
The first performer on the first finals night, Arms has elected to sing an older track. Considering she got the final slot during the girls' first night, and now getting the opening performance, Arms seems to be going the route of AI5's Mandisa Hundley: powerful pipes that seem great for closing or opening the show. Arms does not fail to disappoint, delivering a solid, strong rendition of Reyes' torch ballad, although it doesn't do well for her pre-performance image as a stodgy singer who chooses old, stodgy songs. She looks great in a shimmering blue gown, her notes are strong and not pitchy, it's a great performance.

Pros: Strong voice, excellent pitch, great outfit, fantastic stage confidence.
Cons: Ancient song choice that may alienate voters unfamiliar with the song.

Francis Magalona: Very professional.Clean. You look beautiful, but I think your choice of song was too old-school.
Pilita Corrales: I think it has wonderful meaning. I disagree with FM. Arms can sing anything, old or new, whatever, with her heart and soul. But your song choice could've been better.
Ryan Cayabyab: Arms, we know you're a good singer. We're looking for a Philippine Idol 2006. Your style's a bit old. Freshen it up.

JELI MATEO. Singing Iisa Pa Lamang by Joey Albert for her Lola
You gotta hate being in Jeli Mateo's shoes. The woman is undoubtedly beautiful, but her strong point - a sweet, almost crystal voice - is ignored in all the hooplah. Can Jeli prove she deserves to be in the Top 12 with her version of the Joey Albert classic? In an emphatic word, YES. Jeli pulls out the stops, starting with a soft, yearning delivery, then taking it a notch in the buildup, back to a classic, although slightly flat - finish. Miles ahead of her previous performance.

Pros: Decent song choice, okay outfit (anything looks good on her anyway), good stage presence.
Cons: Relatively unmemorable performance.

FM: I love this performance. Much better. With your performance, there's a voice that can match your pretty face.
P: Really, I know you are going to prove you can match your pretty face.
R: It's embarrassing that you have to apologize for being prety. I'm glad you proved that pwede ka sa Top 12. Your strength is that your voice quality is nice. I'm sure some producer will ask you to do a CD.

REY SAJOR. Singing Hindi Magbabago by Randy Santiago for his Mom
If people gauge Rey from this performance as his first legitimate one - cancelling out the previous performance where his microphone conked out - we can see that he has the goods. Possessing Clay Aiken-like qualities in voice and mannerism, Rey rips through Hindi Magbabago like it was cotton candy, effortlessly hitting the high notes and sounding confident and brash.

Pros: Great song choice, powerful delivery.
Cons: So-so outfit, didn't necessarily use the whole stage.

FM: Ang maganda sa iyo, fast then slow, kaya mo. You're not to be pitied (in reference to mike incident -PIU). It was a delivery that was sure and confident, parang recording.
P: You lost your mike, but congrats, professional ka. I hope you can make it to the last.
R: You're part of the top guys. Fast you sounded great. Slow, you sound even better. It's an excellent technique that sounds natural.

APPLE CHIU. Singing Ngayon for her lola.
Apple selects a virtually unknown track, and didn't even identify the singer. Nevertheless, it's a good showcase for her smoky pipes, and her low registry is put to excellent use. It's a powerful delivery, but rather whitewash compared to the previous songs.

Pros: Excellent voice.
Cons: Unknown song choice could backfire on her.

FM: Your voice can sell. Buong-buo. Low qulaity good. No flaws.
P: I thought you wouldn't make it, but people become pretier better. I'm very happy you're part of the Top 12.
R: I have nothing to say.Apple has the fullest,deepest voice. Always remember though that it's about performance and song choice. You didn't do the song well enough, but I'm glad you're here.

STEF LAZARO. Singing Pangako Sa Yo by Rey Valera for her husband.
In a shimmery red/green gown and her hair all pouffed up, Stef looks like something out of Dreamgirls. In an effort to connect with the audience, she sings her first Tagalog song - a Rey Valera track - and speaks to Ryan afterward in Tagalog, although it's rather pilit. The song itself is rather meh: it doesn't showcase Stef's strong raspiness, and her being hoarse guarantees she won't pull off the high notes with the same aplomb. Being based in Australia, it remains to be seen if Stef's gambles will pay off. Will she get points for trying, or will she be seen as trying hard?

Pros: Good stage presence.
Cons: Song doesn't show off her raspy quality. Pitchy. Words have twang.

FM: Stef, you deserve to be part of the Top 12. You came back, but I'd love to hear the raspy voice again.
P: Congrats on your outfit.I'm happy to see you singing and talking in Tagalog. Flaws? A flat here and there.
R: This comment isn't about you. The contest has been good, but really, no one has exerted much effor.t It's very boring. Some stray notes.

KEN DINGLE. Singing Di Na Natuto by Danny Tan/Gary V for his mom
Ken's voice is back, and he uses it to full effect on a jazzed-up version of Gary Valenciano's Di Na Natuto, curling his voice here and there to match a head-bobbing action that is more distraction than funky. Nevertheless, he's obviously more confident today than previously. Ooh, Mel Villena on sax. Ken's voice is not a natural tenor, and you can tell because he strains his throat in reaching the higher notes, not coming from diaphragm. The effect: unsupported high notes that make him sound like he's shouting. Oi, his voice cracks on that last power note. Ouch.

Pros: Good song choice.
Cons: Lost the melody in all the kulots. Bum last note.

FM: He'll always find work. You did it in your own style. I don't like the kulots.
P: His kulot was just fine. I think you are a sexy singer.It's everything, and he's got it.
R: Ken, it was bereft of feeling. [People clap. What?! Bereft of feeling is NOT a good thing, people. C'mon, Ryan C., keep it simple!] Thank you for risking it, but embellishments mean more chances for stray notes. Wala for me, wala. Good luck.

JAN NIETO. SingingTuwing Umuulan at Kapiling Ka by Basil Valdez for his dad
Strange song choice to dedicate to a male, but whatever. Jan redeems himself from the Bridge Over Troubled Water fiasco, and delivers a confident, surefire performance of the subsequent Regine Velasquez chestnut. It suits his voice. His outfit doesn't match the song, but whatever. Few stray notes and a strange outfit don't a bad performance make, and Jan should be a shoo-in for the next round.

Pros: Great song choice. Great delivery.
Cons: Couple of flats. Weird outfit.

FM: Bagay dahil bumagyo. From no connection to potential Philippine Idol. Panalo.
P: Surprised ako sa iyo, Jan. First I liked you, but you have improved.
R: Normally, I'm critical of people who sing my song, but I'm happy. Meron ka pala, ba't di mo pinakita? The secret is enjoying your performance and giving it to the people.

MAU MARCELO. Singing Minsan Lang Kita Iibigin for her boyfriend.
FLAWLESS. When Mau sings, you hold your breath because you don't want to miss a note. I tell you, the entire Philippine Idol stage was hers, and the audience didn't move a muscle the entire time, save to give her a thunderous round of applause at the end of her performance.

Pros: Perfect song choice. Perfect delivery.
Cons: All things considered, Mau played safe.

FM: Why are your birits effortless? Vocally, equipped ka. Perfect CD quality.
P: Magandang-maganda ka, hindi ka pangit! Ikaw, perfect ang singing mo.
R: Mau has the gift of claiming a song as her own. Marami ang nagbabantay sa kanta mo.

GIAN MAGDANGAL. Singing Himala by Rivermaya for his sister, Maggie
Gian's a smart singer, almost calculating in his song choices. His latest, the rock standard Himala by Rivermaya, is the perfect showcase for his tenor, and he rips into this track with gusto, using the entire stage for his performance like a man possessed. Vocally, this man can do no wrong, and with his rock choice setting him apart from the others (it was the only uptempo track, if you think about it), Gian's a sure bet into the next round.

Pros: Excellent song choice, excellent delivery.
Cons: Can't think of any.

FM: He makes his stage his playground.
P: He's been singing for a loong time. I can see Gian taking the place of Gary Valenciano.
R: Thank you for saving the night. For me, tonight, you are the Philippine Idol.

DRAE YBANEZ. Singing Hang On by Gary Valenciano for the head of his foundation
Drae is obviously having an off-night, despite looking sharp. He's chosen a boring song, and his notes are pitchy allthe way. I am genuinely afraid for him.

Pros: Good outfit. *sigh*
Cons: Poor song choice, pitchy.

FM: Smile pa lang, Philippine Idol ang dating. Maganda ang pag-awit. May pag-asa si Drae.
P: Toby! Drae has always been good.May konteng kulang, though. Song choice.
R: Drae, your performance before was much better than tonight. This song needs emotion and wala, e. Sorry.

POW CHAVEZ. Singing Nakapagtataka by Rachel Alejandro for her mom
Pow raised the ante with her heartfelt delivery of Ikaw Lamang last week. Can she deliver the emotional goods? Absolutely. Pow's take on Alejandro's massive hit is pleasing, powerful and dripping with emotion. Pow delivers yet another stellar performance.

Pros: Excellent song choice.
Cons: Stray note here and there.

FM: Pow, where do you getyour voice? Your shoulder pads? Your hair? Night after night she puts the best performance on. I tie you with Gian.
P: Gumaganda si Pow. Ok ka sa akin.
R: That's part of the magic of Pow. Very feminine ang haplos niya sa kanta't damdamin. You are a modern kundiman singer. Tumatagos sa emotion.

MIGUEL MENDOZA. Singing Next in Line by After Image for his friends
I hate this song, but I'll try not to let that influence my critique of Miguel's performance. The bunso gets the pimp spot - yay for him! Miguel's vocal range obviously isn't quite fully developed, and his nasal delivery doesn't bring me any closer to liking the song - or him. On the bright side, he seems a lot more confident, and, as the so-called voice of the youth, he should garner enough teenage girl support to cruise into Round 2.

Pros: Decent song choice, good stage control.
Cons: Pitchy, nasal delivery.

FM: Swak ang kanta, good choice. Miguel has a big heart. That alone, he should make it to the next round.
P: Can you imagine he's only 17? I'm sure people will vote for you. You seem to be a kind person, because it comes out in your singing.
R: I'm sure you'll be there next week. Good choice of song, perfect ending to tonight.

With that, the 12 idols launch into a reprise of the show's starting song.

Because voting patterns are so darn unpredictable, I'm basing my personal predictions on song choice and delivery, ignoring previous voting patterns:

Contenders for Bottom 3: Drae, Apple, Stef, Ken, Jeli
Most Likely Bottom 3: Drae, Stef, Ken
Most Likely Ejection: Stef

Stage, sound, performances, I hope we get tickets again next week, so we can give you an insider's look at Philippine Idol. For Philippine Idol Updates, this is Ganns Deen. Be superblessed!

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

Ganns Deen is a writer, musician, and family man. He operates his own blog out of www.GannsDeen.com. He is one of several people corresponding for Philippine Idol Updates.

Idol Album in the Works!

2006-09-29T17:56:00.000+08:00

Our Philippine Idol Top 12 will battle it out this Saturday with an array of OPM songs, but did you know that the songs that they would sing tomorrow would be included in their upcoming album.

Yes, folks! Philippine Idol is not selective when it comes in producing their very first album of unforgettable OPM classics. All of them will have the chance to shine, not just four of them like in other substandard talent shows.

Remember to vote for your favorites after their Performance Night. As I would like to say: Don't vote once, don't vote twice, but a LOT of times.

All-OPM for Top 12!

2006-09-26T23:25:00.000+08:00

It's confirmed! The Top 12 Performance Night would be an all-OPM feast!

Here is a partial list of the songs that our Finalists would choose (help me guys about the original artists who sang some of the songs by leaving a comment here, thanks):
* Minsan Lang Kita Iibigin (I will love you only once)
* Araw-araw, Gabi-gabi (Everyday, everynight)
* 'Di Na Natuto by Gary Valenciano (You never learn)
* Nakapagtataka by Hajji Alejandro (Baffling)
* Himala by Rivermaya (Miracle)
* Tuwing Umuulan at Kapiling Ka by Basil Valdez (Whenever I'm with you through the rain)
* Iisa Pa Lamang (Only one)
* Hang On by Gary Valenciano
* Next in Line by After Image
* Pangako Sa 'Yo by Rey Valera

Even if I would know who would sing which song, I'd let you guys predict them instead. After all, revealing too much information kills the excitement.

Visit Philippine Idol Updates for everything latest on the best talent show in the Philippines...ever!

Yova Alonzo: Why Does It Hurt So Bad?

2006-09-26T21:58:00.000+08:00

Here's a video clip of Yova's performance of Whitney Houston's "Why Does It Hurt So Bad" during the "Kakaibang Idol" Special of Philippine Idol. Special thanks to kazumi17 of youtube.

Yova Wins Kakaibang Idol! Other Issues Rose!

2006-09-26T06:32:00.000+08:00

Congratulations to Kenneth Paul "Yova" Alonzo for winning "Kakaibang Idol" (A Different Kind of Idol) last Sunday. That's the power of being the last person to perform, but nonetheless Yova's performance was a standout.

Also standouts were performances of Shane Romulo, Jhona Sison, and Lalaine Enriquez. During the results show, the seven candidates for Kakaibang Idol sang "We are the World" and was joined by some of fellow Gold Passers who served as chorus. Boy, Jhona can really hit the high notes. (Makes me wish that she and Yova become part of Top 24; oh well, it's the judges' decision).

Several issues were raised after the results show and I would like to address them one by one:

* Although Leonard Ocampo, the "lucky charms" guy, was among the three contestant that were called, Ryan A did not say whether they were actually the Top 3. For all we know, the "actual" Top 3 could have been different, but we would never know (until a few weeks or so).

* I wonder what Yova received aside from a glass trophy. Was there an unnannounced cash prize? (Idol franchises are not allowed to mention money, that is why the P1 million prize for the winner is never announced) And what upcoming projects offered to Yova? Let's hope it would become a success.

* The Philippine Idol judges, especially Francis and Mamita, should learn a thing or two from Arnell Ignacio and Tuesday Vargas. These singers/ comedians have always something new whenever they comment, not the usual one-word and "I like your performance" comments we are trying to get used to. Actually, Pinoy Exchange has a poll on its Philippine Idol poll whether Arnell and Tuesday should replace Francis and Mamita. So far, the "yes" are leading. But, reality bites, Francis and Mamita are there for the whole duration of the show (as well as its upcoming seasons), so we could all hope that they critique contestants better because if they don't, the viewers would not listen to them at all.

* There seems to be a rift between Maureen and Jelli. Don't you just feel the tension between them whenever they answer about the issue about "beauty versus talent"?

MAU: May mga nakapasok na ganda lang ang puhunan...
JELLI: I've paid my way through college because of singing. Hindi naman siguro ganda lang ang dahilan kung bakit may trabaho ako.

* Is Gian's relationship with Aiza Marquez on the rocks? We have received reports that a couple who looked like Gian and Ira were spotted dining at Pizza Hut Bistro at Gateway Mall during the height of Philippine Idol's semi-finals. Maybe it was just a friendly date.

* And it seemed that Ira has become the darling among the guys of Philippine Idol. Not only was Gian seemed to be interested at her, but Ken as well. He even "begged" Gian during the live chit-chat at the Kakaibang Idol results show to just give Ira to him.

Hmmm...This show is getting more interesting, and I can't wait for the Top 12 Eliminations this Saturday. There were conflicting reports as to what the theme is: it could be either all-OPM, or "Songs that you'd like to dedicate to someone," or even a combination of both.

N. B.: Philippine Idol Updates has a new e-mail address. philippineidolupdates@yahoo.com

What's In Store for the Eliminated Contestants?

2006-09-24T09:42:00.000+08:00

Ever wonder what happened to some of the eliminated contestants?

JOSEPH ASTOR was offered to try his luck in showbusiness. I think he should accept the offer before his "popularity" dwindles.

GAIL BLANCO is currently performing at Chef and Brewer in Greenbelt.

YNAH PANGAN accepted several international bookings.

SUEY MEDINA was offered to try newscasting. I'm not going to tell at which network though.

IRA MARASIGAN was offered to sing front-act for the upcoming VonTrap Children Concert. Although it is unsure whether she accepted the offer, it is definite that she would perform at the Aawitan Kita Live Concert this October.

TING OTERO was offered to sing in Singapore but she turned it down since the job is only temporary compared to her current work as a medical representative in Davao where she is now.

Always remember to visit Philippine Idol Updates for the latest on everything Philippine Idol.

Kakaibang Idols!

2006-09-24T08:23:00.000+08:00

My apologies for the delay of updates. My offline life has become busier than usual, aside from the fact that my dial-up connection was down...again.

Philippine Idol created a special presentation for this weekend just to give the Final 12 their much-deserved rest. "Kakaibang Idol" features seven of the most memorable auditioneers of this season. Some were rejected, others received Gold Passes, and one even made it to the Top 40.

And since this is a special presentation, the contestants deserve a special set of judges: comedians Ethel Booba, Arnel Ignacio, and Tuesday Vargas.

Anime Girl Jhonalene Sison was first to perform. If is always not easy to sing first in the competition and it reflected in her rendition of the Voltes V theme. Even so, she gave out her best to which she received a thunderous applause. Her performance, like in most proceeding presentations, have back-up dancers.

When the judges commented on Jhona's costume, it seemed that she did not take it well enough. The smile from her face was erased. But overall, we love the performance.

If you want Jhona to win, text JHONA to 2339 until 8:30 p.m. tonight.

Next up is John Jerico "Jeck" Perrey, the guy who taught the judges (and Ryan A. as well) to dance the hula. I thought his performance would be serious all throughout with his rendition of "Broken Vow." Boy, I was so wrong. During instrumental, the music suddenly became Hawaiian and the dancers stripped off his coat to reveal a hula shirt complete with a lei hanging on his neck. Jeck and his dancers hula'd their way to the judges' delight.

If you liked Jeck's hula, text JECK to 2339 until 8:30 p.m. tonight.

The girl who sang "Babae Po Ako" during auditions was third to perform. Lalaine Enriquez entertained the audience with a performance that was at par with Tuesday's original rendition, to which she congratulated Lalaine. Arnel told her that the theater community would definitely welcome her.

If you think Lalaine is the one, text LALAINE to 2339 untl 8:30 p.m. tonight.

After the break, we saw Leonard Ocampo do a sing-and-dance performance of his audition piece "Sumayaw Sumunod," of course with more trenchcoat-wearing dancers. If you may remember, he considered his trenchcoat (as well as the Piglett doll hanging with it) his lucky charm.

Do you think Leonard's luck is on his side, text LEONARD to 2339 until 8:30 p.m. tonight.

Shane Romulo's performance of "Huwag Mo Akong Ligawan (Kuya Huwag Po)" was the most hilarious in my opinion. She was dressed as a maid, with musical director Mel Villena acting as her "Kuya." We all know that the song is funny, but her performance was even funnier. How would you sing while scrubbing floors and ironing clothes?

She even shared a joke with the audience (with permission from MTRCB Chairwoman Laguardia, who was present at the Philippine Idol Stage) that "kung malaki ang 'su,' malaki ang 'pe.'" Kung malaki ang sugat, malaki ang peklat.

If your bones got tickled by Shane, text SHANE to 2339 until 8:30 p.m. tonight.

Oh no! It's the Mystica guy! Winjohn Dacay totally shocked the judges during his audition with his splits while singing "Joyful Joyful." Yesterday he was at it again, but his splits were lesser because he suffered an injury while doing a showdown with the original Mystica at I Love Philippine Idol.

If you like the splits, text JOHN to 2339 until 8:30 p.m. tonight.

Finally, the diva had arrived! Yova Alonzo was last to perform with his rendition of Whitney Houston's "Why Does It Hurt So Bad." Pitch problems aside, I think he carried it superbly. Even the judges agreed with me.

If you think Yova should have been in the Top 24, text YOVA to 2339 until 8:30 p.m. tonight.

The show ended with a medley of performances. Pilita Corrales, with Ryan C on the piano, sang "Thank You for the Music," while Francis M and the rest of the Top 12 performed The Dawn's "Salamat." And, as usual, Miguel was off-key and Ken is still sick. At least Jelli improved a bit.

N. B.: The theme for the Top 12 Performance Night would be all-OPM.

Join the Growing PI Online Community!

2006-09-21T05:23:00.000+08:00

A lot of forums and message boards have arised after the introduction of Philippine Idol and we advise you to visit them to make new like-minded online friends. Here are some of the forums that Philippine Idol Updates recommend.

Pinoy Exchange
PRO:
* The country's largest online community with over 180,000 members.
* Not just a forum, but a community of people with different interests from Idol fans to movie buffs to philosophers to sports nut and even wiccans.
* Known for having the most opinionated members. Several TV networks read the TV program threads for suggestions from their viewers.
* The Philippine Idol thread has an assortment of members from Idol fanatics to even relatives of certain finalists.

CON:
* Since opinions flow freely in PEX, debates and arguments sometimes get ugly (especially at the Local Movies and TV section).
* Use of avatar is limited to its old members (from 1999 to 2002).
* Use of signature is not allowed.

Official Philippine Idol Forum
PRO:
* Being an official forum, several ABC staffers read some of the comments for their input about the show.
* Very, very active
* Use of avatars and signatures allowed.

CON:
* Mods are not strict at all, so personal arguments tend to flow freely.

Philippine-Idol Forums
PRO:
* The site itself (particularly the chatbox) is very active.

CON:
* Ironically, the forum is not much active.
* The site is often mistaken as the official site because of the title's similarity to Philippine Idol.
* Some spam/ ad messages spotted.

The Digital Pinoy
PRO:
* Not only you could post messages on their forums, but you could also download OPMs for free (they use DPhp as currency, which accumulate as you post in the forum). Also available in Linkshare are the downloads (mp3s and some videos) for Philippine Idol.
* Use of avatar and signature is allowed.
* Interact with Filipinos all over the world.
* Users are never banned, just sanctioned.

CON:
* Philippine Idol thread (found at the Moves and TV section) is a little active, since most of its members are into computer gaming.
* A ridiculous thread rating (what is it for anyway?)

Idol Media Files
PRO:
* A community site featuring downloads (mp3s, videos, photos) from several Idol programs.
* Answer daily poll questions.

CON:
* Messaging is all related to the downloads, not much argument or debate about the shows.

Idolforums.com
PRO:
* An forum on everything Idol! Get to know what is happening at other Idol franchises worldwide.
* Download a variety of Idol-related video clips and mp3s provided by its members.
* The most international forum in the list.
* Use of avatar and signature allowed. You can even ask to have a custom-made signature.

CON:
* The ads and contextual links can be annoying at first.

Of course, drop by Philippine Idol Updates for the latest in everything Philippine Idol!

Mau's Statement: Frustration or Sarcasm?

2006-09-21T01:27:00.000+08:00

"Ano ka ba? Hindi ito singing contest...pagandahan. Joke!"

During the Results Show of the Wildcard Round, only one slot remained in contention after Ken, Steph, and Gian, were all became eligible for the Top 12.

Ryan A called Suey and Mau, whose fates were not yet known. Suey tried to break the tension

SUEY: Bakit niyo ako pinatabi kay Mau?

MAU: Kasi maganda ka.

SUEY: Eh Idol kita eh.

Mau replied with probably the most controversial quote yet in Philippine Idol.

It received a thunderous applause and laughter, especially from Mr. C who had been so visibly frustrated with the results of the Top 12.

A lot of debate and argument have been going on in different online forums regarding Mau's statement. Some say it was a way of outbursting her frustration over the voting process, while others say that it is a sign of arrogance.

How about our PIU readers? What do you think about this issue?

Get Philippine Idol updates directly in your email!

2006-09-19T14:21:00.000+08:00

Get word of the latest Philippine Idol updates delivered directly to your email!

Join the Philippine Idol Updates mailing list - joining is absolutely free - and receive word when we've posted new blog entries, polls, or other updates on our blog!

Know when the latest Philippine Idol videos are posted on YouTube, get information on your favorite Philippine Idol finalists, and maybe get a chance to join a Philippine Idol contest or two!

Joining the Philippine Idol Updates mailing list is wonderfully easy. Just send a blank email to philippineidolupdates-subscribe at yahoogroups dot com. It's that simple! You'll get a confirmation email and you can even introduce yourself to the growing community here at Philippine Idol Updates!

So what are you waiting for? Sali na sa Philippine Idol Updates, kasi Idol maging iba!

Philippine Idol Kakaibang Idol teaser

2006-09-19T08:15:00.000+08:00

This is the teaser for the Philippine Idol Kakaibang Idol show.

Here is your Top 12

2006-09-18T09:56:00.000+08:00

Last night's results show gave us the final four Philippine Idol finalists: Gian, Ken, Stef, and Mau.

Here are your Top 12 Philippine Idol finalists!

POW CHAVEZ

APPLE CHIU

ARMS CRUZ

STEF LAZARO

MAU MARCELO

JELI MATEO

KEN DINGLE

GIAN MAGDANGAL

MIGS MENDOZA

JAN NIETO

REY SAJOR

DRAE YBANEZ

Philippine Idol Wildcard Recaps

2006-09-16T22:44:00.000+08:00

I want to apologize to Stef Lazaro and blame Mini Shabu-Shabu. I got home ten minutes past nine and missed Stef Lazaro’s live performance of Total Eclipse of the Heart. Ryan Cayabyab says she raised the bar, so it must’ve been better than Home.

Gian Magdangal.
Gians hopes prayer and luck are on his side. He’s singing Lately by Stevie Wonder. He’s seated, he’s standing, and he’s looking at the camera. His voice is strong, and he’s comfortable with the song, so that’s a good thing, I suppose. He trips over so slightly over a few notes – obviously his range isn’t that good – but it’s a delivery that is otherwise winning.
Francis: Born to do this. You’re looking at someone who was born to be Philippine Idol.
Pilita: I’m used to seeing him dance. He can do it all – and he’s good-looking, too.
Ryan: You are the best overall male performer in this competition. You have to be in the Final 12.

Ting Otero.
Ting is a little miffed by the judges’ earlier comments that few talent came from Davao. She’s thankful, and encourages Davaoeños to vote for her. She’s singing Sana’y Maghintay ang Walang Hanggan, which I am unfamiliar with, and after the first few bars, I conclude it doesn’t sound like a competition piece good enough for Philippine Idol. Ting’s warm and soothing voice is tentative. It looks like her nerves are getting to her and I’m sorry, Ting, but it isn’t looking good for you. Huh, a break before the comments?
Francis: I’ve always rooted for Ting. There’s something about Ting, and her voice, the way she sings. They chose the songs, and the song didn’t connect.
Pilita is defensive about her comments. “Most of the good talent in Davao are in Manila or in Cebu.” She didn’t comment on Ting at all.
Ryan: All the musicians like you. This particular performance doesn’t mean you’re a good talent, but your particular interpretation didn’t work because this song calls for lyricism. You were choppy. It needs haplos.

She sure is confident. ;)

Onyx Culala.
Onyx is given a second chance, and he cries in his video. He’s singing Wildflower - the version I know is Color Me Badd’s, and it seems that this performance is based on that – and it’s miles ahead of his last performance, but this, like Ting’s, is a problematic song choice. Onyx has a good voice, I’ll give him that, but I don’t think people connect to him. Oi vey.
Francis: Interesting.
Pilita: I’m surprised. He has improved from the first time. Fantastic. Very good.
Ryan: I agree with Mamita. I didn’t expect you to sing good tonight but it was a very big improvement. Baka maiwanan ka ng trend.

Ira Marasigan.
Some people think she’s sosyalera, but she thinks it’s a way and means for people to find someone worth idolizing, not because she has sikat parents, but simply because she has what it takes to be Philippine Idol. She’s singing In My Life by Patti Austin. Ick, blue eyeshadow. Her voice is strong and jazzy, but I personally think the version she’s picked is a little too big for her. Gasp! She gets reverb! The others didn’t get that! Oh dear, Ira, I’m a little concerned…
Francis: Skill is skill, and Ira has it. I would also like to comment that you look different. Very beautiful. Utot mo.
Pilita: Ira is always very classy, she’s very talented. I think the song is medyo kulang. Her movement was sexy – like me – but she’s got everything.
Ryan: Two things: nothing wrong with good education and intelligence. We need people like you in the industry. But sometimes, when you’re very well-educated and classy, the warmth disappears. You need more spontaneity and warmth, but I wish you were in the Top 12.

Joseph Astor.
Joseph is really relying on Philippine Idol to bring his family out of poverty. He’s singing Maria Maria by Santana. This should be interesting. His diction’s a little off - you can’t blame him, given his background – but he does bring a little kind of street cred into the song. Eeh, the Sexbomb dance. He kisses Mamita’s hand. Save for a few bum notes when he launches into a very weak falsetto, it’s not a bad choice of song – it’ll make him stand out.
Francis: Joseph, if you want to save your family, join Laban o Bawi. The energy was good, we have a contender right here.
Pilita: Joseph can be a Philippine Idol because he’s a ready idol for females and gays. Napakamacho niya.
Ryan: Joseph, ang hirap magtrabaho, no? Because of that, we can see your sincerity, you’re really trying to perform. I’ll remind the people listening that you have a good voice.

Ken Dingle.
Ken left his job to do Philippine Idol - that’s sacrifice for him, and he’s the only one in his family who’s here in Manila. He’s singing A House is Not a Home - ooh, not a good choice, top of mind. His voice is high, but it doesn’t seem to have any support. He’s pitchy through the song – and it seems like amateur night at the Roxy – and the last few bars are really agony. Sorry, Ken, but unless you pull off a Miguel Mendoza, thanks for your time.
Francis: I could feel his sincerity, but there were sharp notes in the end part. I felt that it was too serious, a little too heavy.
Pilita: It’s a beautiful song with beautiful lyrics. He sang it from the soul and from the heart. It’s up to him to convince the others to vote for him.
Ryan: Congratulations, Ken, for giving a good fight. I know for a fact that it’s obvious you’re very sick, it shows in the way you sing. It wasn’t good at all.

Ramirr Grepo.
Ramirr is inspired by his fiancée, Faye, and is singing I Don’t Wanna Miss a Thing. Steven Tyler’s shriekfest, the one Diane Warren song I don’t like. Oh Lord. Why do I feel like I’m still in the girlie bar that Ramirr transported me to two weeks ago? Eeek, he’s singing to Faye, and it’s just so S.O.P. Ohmigosh, I’m getting shivers up and down my spine, and not in the good way.
Francis: Ramirr is my chicken. We know you can do those songs – you were in your comfort zone. I wanted to hear something different. Your voice was stronger then.
Pilita: He sang this song for this beautiful girl that is here. What if he makes it into the 12? There will be a lot of beautiful women who will like him – what do we do then? I’ll stop saying “I love you.” You are still one of my favorites.
Ryan: This time I will agree with Francis. This competition is not ‘pataasan ng nota.’ You were phenomenal and the magic disappeared because you did the same thing.

Suey Medina.
Suey is doing this for her mother, who died of breast cancer. She’s singing Best of My Love, a classic show band tune considering she’s probably done it a thousand times before. Ohmigosh, Ramirr can’t dance. She’s pitchy, though, and while I really think Suey is beautiful, her voice just doesn’t carry through, oi vey. I want to like her, I really do, but I don’t.
Francis: I would pay tickets to watch this lady. Beautiful.
Pilita: Suey said earlier everyone in Marawi City is all watching, but Mr. Cojuangco is here. When are we going to have Channel 5 everywhere. Very good, Suey, I enjoyed it.
Ryan: Suey, I see a dozen more bandstand girls sing that better than you. None of those bandstand girls are standing in front because they don’t have what you have – you’re nice to watch. I hope you make it.

Mau Marcelo.
Mau did this for her mom, who raised her after her father left her. She’s got the feather boa and the slinky gown. Cathy likes her outfit; I can’t stand it. She chooses Til My Heartaches End, and, naturally, knocks it out of the ballpark, although there seemed to be a lack of power. She hits the right notes almost flawlessly, although I realize her range isn’t as wide as I thought it was.
Francis: I am calling on the executives of Sony-BMG, give her an album, since the texters don’t listen to us anyway.
Pilita: Natutuwa ako because I have seen her become more elegant. Mau, what can I say? You’re perfect.
Ryan: World-class. That’s all.

Ryan A. asks if they did better.
Francis: Some were invincible, but the chinks in their armor showed.
Pilita: It seemed like some were very serious and they felt this is the last time. If I don’t make it today, they can’t make it. They all tried their best.
Ryan: Oh yeah, it improved. All did, except for a couple. Sana marami kaming makikitang second, third, fourth times, lalong gumagaling. That’s the magic.

For some reason, we're unsatisfied by these performances. They were generally safe, for the most part, and, ugh, all the tears. Bordering on emotional blackmail. C'mon ABC-5, we're gonna vote for them because they're good, not because your editing brings about sympathy votes.

Anyway, based on these performances, these are our predictions:
Mau Marcelo. In a field of five, Mau's song choice was strategic and classy. She won't slip through the cracks this time.
Ira Marasigan. In a tight fight between her and Ting, we pick Ira as a strategic choice for a wide fan base with significant text-voting power.
Gian Magdangal. Gian is such a pimped horse that we can't imagine a Top 12 without him. His Lately was not the best version in the world, but it was more than sufficient.
Joseph Astor. In deciding between him and Ramirr, we opted for his stronger vocal and the fact that now that Pilita's let the cat out of the bag, people are going to see him as a poor pretty boy who could use the break.

As it is, though, the past few episodes have shown that Philippine Idol tends to defy logic, so what do we know anyway?

2006-09-13T15:48:00.000+08:00

Here is a teaser for the Philippine Idol Wildcard night this coming Saturday.

Here's a video for Heart Evangelista's I Love Philippine Idol.

Who deserved a slot in the Wildcard round?

2006-09-11T07:58:00.000+08:00

After yesterday's Philippine Idol results show, where Philippine Idol semifinalists Pow Chavez, Apple Chiu, Arms Cruz, Jeli Mateo, Mig Mendoza, Jan Nieto, Reymond Sajor, and Drae Ybanez became the first eight into the round of 12 finals,

By tonight, we'll find out who will get one of ten slots available.

Spoilers in our comment boxes show an unconfirmed list:

Girls wildcards - Mau, Suey, Ting, Ira and Stef - eliminated are Gail, Ynah, and EJ
Boys wildcards - Gian, Ken, Onyx, Joseph and Ramirr - eliminated are Freddie, Christian and Robert

That's unconfirmed, though, folks, so don't get your knickers in a twist.

Since our poll is weekly, though, here's the question for all y'all to vote on or talk about in the Comments boxes: Who do you think deserved a slot in the wildcard round?

Insider Report: Girls' Perfomance Night

2006-09-11T00:22:00.000+08:00

Philippine Idol Updates is pleased to present to you a report from one of our contributors who have watched the Girls' Live Performance last Saturday and yesterday's Results Show. You may now take the floor:

Hello everyone! I got the one-of-a-kind opportunity to watch the Girls' Semi-Finals last Saturday at SM Megamall Cinema 3 (which is now being called "Philippine Idol Theater"). I am telling you now, it's much...much better to watch Philippine Idol live.

The live show is actually on a "by invitation" basis. I got my ticket from a colleague who works at ABC-5. However, you can watch the show live (and free of charge) even without a ticket! You can either volunteer as a supporter for a certain contestant (make sure you make banners of support for you favorite Idol) or wait until all the ticket holders get in (wherein you occupy the remaining vacant seats and certain spaces such as the stairs).

The live event began with a pep rally. The speaker named Joseph tried her best (yeah, you got that right; Joseph is a "she") to motivate the crowd. She reminded everyone not to appalud at the beginning of the show, only to break out and clap to your heart's desire eventime the jingle of Philippine Idol is being played.

The audience can tell that host Ryan Agoncillo was very nervous before the show. He called on to the audience to applaud. "Pampatanggal nerbyos," he said.

Here are other notable off-cam moments during the Girls' Performance Night:

* Before the show, an audience shouted, "I love you, Ryan!" In jest, Ryan answered, "I love you, too!" Then the audience shouted, "Ryan Cayabyab!" The people in the cinema were laughing and applauding on that joke.

* Ting Otero actually tripped on stage during the roll call of the female finalists. Her right shoe simply slipped off her feet, and it took a while before she put it back on.

* At first I thought Erika's fans were not that many, not until a lot of people were wearing yellow t-shirts with "Go EJ!" on it.

* Aside from Erika, Apple also has a huge amount of banner-carrying supporters. So many, some were even at the balcony. So is Pow's team of supporters, shouting "Pow power!"

* Meanwhile, Armarie had the fewest supporters that night. I guess a lot of her relatives from Zamboanga were yet to arrive.

* A lot of Gold Passers were watching the show, the most prominent ones were John Perrey (the guys who taught the hula dance) and Jaime Barcelon (the former Julliard scholar, who looked a litle bit chubbier, and a little bit cuter, that night).

* Jeffrey Santos, the guy who shocked Pilita with his trumpet playing, was spotted wearing a purple gown as part of his I *Heart* Philippine Idol segment. By the way, his hair is really natural curls.

* During Pow's performance of "Ikaw Laman," someone was peeking through the wing curtains. It ws Jelli! Hmmm... I wonder why.

Tune in tomorrow for more insider info during the Results Show.

Philippine Idol results: First Final 4 from the girls

2006-09-10T21:47:00.000+08:00

The women start by singing Larger Than Life.

We’re reminded about last night’s performances in their order, as well as some judges’ comments - Gail Blanco, Ting Otero, Ynah Pangan, Apple Chiu, Jeli Mateo, Ira Marasigan, Pow Chavez, Stef Lazaro, Mau Marcelo, EJ Bautista, Suey Medina, and Arms Cruz – then we’re told that Jasmine Trias is going to sing for us.

Oh, joy. *roll eyes* We get an Idol also-ran after the break. Good job, ABC-5 – boost those ratings!

Jasmine sings Inseparable, and I’m pleasantly surprised. Her voice is much stronger this time, a lot less scoopy with its pitches, and a lot less nasal. She lets a little loose but her voice wavers near the high notes. She certainly has improved as far as performance is concerned. Good job, Jazz. She gives a lovely little go-go speech.

We’re introduced to Mel Villena and the Idol band, and it’s his birthday! Hahaha. Happy birthday, you! Then the judges – Francis Magalona, Pilita Corrales, and Ryan Cayabyab.

Ryan tells us Kris Aquino votes for one candidate 80 times. We’re not told who, though. I think it’s Ira because of the Ateneo connection. My wife thinks it’s Pow because ‘she was good, she’s endearing and because I think she gets people excited and wanting to text for her.’ Well, we’ll never know.

We review the judges’ comments again. Ynah, Jeli, Stef. Pow gets cheers. He calls Ynah, Arms, Jeli, Apple, Mau, Pau. These are the top six placers! Wow.

Ynah Pangan is asked to step forward, then Arms Cruz. Arms made it! That’s one for our predictions! :D Yehey!

Jeli Mateo is made to step forward, but she’s made to wait until after the wait. Break. She’s asked if she’s going back to singing. She doesn't have to wait. She makes it. Okay - great looks do pay off.

Apple Chiu is going to the second round. Ooooh. I'm glad, because I liked her voice but not her song choice. I'm sure she'll do better in the Final 12.

Pow Chavez and Mau Marcelo are left onstage. Both cried. Both were praised by the judges. Francis M thinks the people voted for Pow. Pilita chooses Pow too. Ryan chooses Pow too. Mau says it’s up to God. Pow says thanks for the right to sing for you. The people choose Pow Chavez!

The top four guys - Drae Ybanez, Miguel Mendoza, Jan Nieto, and Reymond Sajor – join the top four girls – Pow Chavez, Apple Chiu, Arms Cruz, and Jeli Mateo. Those are your top 8.

Next week, Wildcard round, with only five girls and five boys singing. The names will be announced tomorrow night.

Philippine Idol Round of 12 Girls Recap

2006-09-09T23:02:00.000+08:00

Welcome to Philippine Idol, where the sound is much better and Pilita Corrales should be jailed for all that shameless flirting with Ryan Agoncillo.

Mrs. Robinson jokes aside, we're reminded about last week, when Drae Ybanez, Miguel Mendoza, Reymond Sajor, and Jan Nieto became the first finalists into the Top 12.

Oh, look, Ryan's wearing a funny microphone on his head. "Hello, Easycall, may I take your message?" It's so call-center, I swear.

Anyway, we’re introduced to the semifinalists, then the judges. Ryan asks about the other qualities that make a Philippine Idol.

Francis: Kahit sino diya, boundary iyan. Looking for someone to rise to the occasion, shift gear. Ito na.
Mamita: I like Francis because usually when there is a pretty girl, pero hindi na ngayon. For me, they’re all standouts. Before saying anything, I want to listen to them tonight.
Ryan: Sing as best you can. We’re supposed to guide you, critique your performance. Don’t take it personally. Voters, kahit minsan, makinig din kayo.

Excuse me. I thought you liked last week’s four placers. Tonight, you pip the selection. Ano ba talaga? Whatever. The one male Philippine Idol semifinalist I actually sent votes for made it; happy na ako, belat.

The first singer up is Gail Blanco. We’re told that she wrote a song inspired by the experience. She sings What’s Love Got to Do With It. On the bright side, she puts a lot of heart into it, but doesn’t seem to connect with the audience. Voice-wise, she’s a little breathy, but it’s all right.
Francis: hard to be the first, I found it okay.
Pilita: Gail can join the Bb. Pilipinas. She’s so beautiful. I don’t like the song, but I like the way you did it.
Ryan: That song was difficult, and we know how the original singer did it. When you choose a song, you ride on it, or it eats you up. Sadly, it ate you up.

She thanks them in Cebuano, and appeals to the regional vote. Smart move.

Ting, Ynah and Apple are next. Break.

Sige na, sige na, sige na, sige na! Hahaha. Lucky backup girls.

Ting Otero didn’t pass the first fast-track, but she made it the second time around. She chooses Come in From the Rain by Diana Ross, so she’s hoping to give it a different turn and make it her own. She reminds me of CeCe Peniston (remember her?). My wife doesn’t like her tight outfit, and thinks it’s making singing hard for her. Her version isn’t half bad, but the backup music is waaaaay too loud, and she looks at the camera a lot, which is good. Her voice is strong, and, save for a few bum notes, especially near the end, she ends decently.

"A good ting na bumalik ka." God, Ryan, quit the puns.
Francis: Papirmahin na ng kontrata iyan. Album.
Pilita: Bisaya ka, Day? Ang mga Bisaya, iba talaga, katulad ko.
Ryan: I like your voice, Ting. One thing I can say: we’re looking for an Idol – you need a makeover to make yourself look younger. Your voice is good.

Ynah Pangan is up next. She feels like she was beheaded when she made it into a finals’ competition. She chooses Halik, the first OPM song up, and her voice is powerful enough to capture the Aegis feel and sound. She looks great, although I don’t care for her outfit, and I feel like I’m in a cheap girlie bar. She’s going for the rocker chick feel, and, well, I’m sure the crowd’ll eat this one up.

Francis: Courageous effort, when everyone sings a pop song, Ynah sings this local song. Tuwang-tuwa ako.
Pilita: I can assure you Kuya Germs did not teach her to sing. I like the choice of song. Good luck.
Ryan flirts cheap, going vintage.
Ryan: Big gamble, but you won it.

Apple Chiu is an interior designer from Cebu. She sings Rhythm of the Street by Patti Austin. She starts from the audience and works her way up to the stage. Her voice is certainly smoky, and she definitely works her way into the song. She’s gyrating all over the stage, but the song is simply forgettable, and that’s not going to work.

Francis: I don’t think it’s the song that you should perform kapag labanan, but Apple doesn’t hold a song, parang alam na alam niya. Kinareer niya.
Pilita: Huwag mo akong tarantaduhin (to Francis). I think you’re very sexy. I like your performance too.
Ryan: Meron si Apple buong buo yung voice, pero hindi ko ma-take yung kanta. I don’t like ganong klaseng kanta because what more can you do with it?

Jeli and Ira are up. Break.

Jeli is gorgeous, looking like Miriam Quiambao from certain angles. She says she wants the Idol title more than she needs it, and sings Bridges. Her voice is pretty, but with little support underneath it, she’s extremely pitchy. I can’t understand her words, and that’s never good. Ooh, strategic move, she sings in Filipino – eek, flat notes – that I suppose may win a couple of votes. Ugh, what was that last note?

Francis: English, Portuguese, Tagalog. It’s a gamble, I hope the voters catch on.
Pilita: You don’t fit with Ryan. (Crazy flirt.) I enjoyed all the songs she’s sung from the beginning. This song, she took a gamble, but I still liked your performance.
Ryan: You know what’s going for you? You’re tall, you’re beautiful, expressive voice, you gotta work on your songs. You have pitch problems, dapat binaba ng konti, di mo na siya maabot.

Text typo! Text Jelli to 2339, but we’re supposed to text Jeli.
Ira Marasigan, daughter of Irma Adlawan, is up next. She sings Natalie Cole’s vocally challenging Mr. Melody, and she vamps it up like anything. She scats, she hits the high notes, not all of them. Confidence-wise, best of the night, but she was flat near the end. Focused a lot on performance, her face wasn’t too expressive.
Francis: The thing that strikes me about Ira, may kultura tong batang to. You can’t argue with the energy.
Pilita: She’s blossomed – that’s what PI does to you. I hope you make it.
Ryan: I’m so happy you’re here, nagkaroon ng class. You’re very musical, one thing you do very well, ang galing mong maglakad.

She’s contagious, but I hope the energy is contagious and you’ll vote for me. Eh. Next are Stef, Pow, and Mau.

Another interior designer who came with a friend to audition, but she was chosen (just like Ira, who came with her Mom). She’s singing Ikaw Lamang, a brave choice. Wow. She reminds my wife of Dessa, and her voice is pure and lovely. Save for a few bum notes we can count on one hand, Pow has shown herself a frontrunner.
Francis: Alam mo itong si Pow, manloloko ito. Pa-hiphop pero mahusay na mangaawit. Ang gandang boses, kelan ka magpapalda? She says sorry na lang po. That’s truth to oneself.
Pilita: I asked her what she’d wear. She and Ryan are wearing the same shoes. Whatever you wear, whatever you say, I love you, Pow!
Ryan: Your plus factor: your voice is full of emotion, so you don’t need a gimmick, sing alone, and I’m sure if people will vote correctly, you’ll make it into the final four.

Stef Lazaro chose Home by Diana Ross because for a large part of her life, she felt she didn’t belong anywhere, growing up in Australia. Her voice is good, and her low notes are decent enough. Her camera eye contact is good, and I can tell she’s used to performing live, even if my wife finds it boring. Music waaaay too loud, and that last note… meh.
Francis: I think in spite of the fact that you came here from Australia, you did good.
Pilita: I’ve seen Stef and she can actually sing anything. Listening to Home, I wanted to see her do better. I hope everyone votes for you.
Ryan: To sing a national competition song, we’ve heard that song a hundred times. Nothing new.

Mau Marcelo set aside her petition to move abroad to sing here. She’s singing Sweet Love, and she hits those low notes very well. Her outfit hides a lot of her pounds, and her vocal is more than decent, good adlibs and all. Her look is very different.
Francis: Kung kantahan lang, you deserve to be in the Top 4. Fantasia taob.
Pilita: Maureen, I really liked the way you changed. Sexy ka na ngayon. Definitely, I like you very much.
Ryan: Performance mo, I do not understand why you are not yet an international recording artist. He stands up for her, a strategic decision to get people to vote for her. She breaks into tears.

EJ and Suey next. Break.

EJ is up next. The Philippine Idol Updates poll frontrunner is singing Paalam Na. She doesn’t bring anything new to the Rachel Alejandro song, though, and although she’s dressed prettily in yellow, the passion and emotion of the original doesn’t communicate well. Eeek! What happened to that one note when the band stopped? Oh dear…
Francis: Malinis ang pagkaka-interpret. (Hello? Are you deaf? It’s supposed to be EJ.)
Pilita: She’d always been in tune, in the right key.
Ryan: Just good enough. That’s all. Nothing exciting, nothing spectacular.

Asked for a comment, she sings the local Philippine Idol jingle. Ah, well, people will have their gimmicks.

Suey says she was scared when she first tried out. She sings Almost Over You by Sheena Easton, and she gets away with a passable rendition, pitchy in parts, but she belts out in the appropriate sections, but in the words of my wife, ‘it’s just too much.’ She tried to do too much, tsk tsk tsk.
Francis: Beautiful. Suey, you killed it.
Pilita: Me? I’ll ask you – do you like her? Suey, very good.
Ryan: I watched you yesterday and even this morning. I was ready to diss you, but you did something. Your performance was much better today than yesterday. Congratulations.

What is Arms wearing? Things hanging from her bustier. She’s singing Superwoman by Karyn White, and her strong vocal carries it well. Vocally, it’s very good, and her ending is a wee bit dramatic but she pulls it together.
Francis: One of the best performances tonight.
Pilita: It’s strange that this is the first time she wasn’t crying. You are my superwoman tonight.
Ryan: Very solid performance, very professional. I hope you make it.

Overall, I'm not that impressed with the ladies, but they certainly did do better than the gentlemen. It's your call on who to vote for, Philippines, but based on performance alone, our predictions hinge on the following:

Pow Chavez. This girl never fails to amaze week after week. Her voice was pure, and her being-true-to-herself is refreshing. If the girl won't wear a skirt, don't make her wear a skirt! Ano ba?

Maureen Marcelo: Mau looked really classy, and delivered a powerhouse performance. Kudos.

Ira Marasigan: Song was relatively forgettable, but she did deliver the goods in a truly stylish, elegant way. She should go through to keep some class in the show.

Arms Cruz: It was a consistent, solid performance by the Zamboanguena.

Dark horses looming in the distance: Ynah Pangan (what do we know? What didn't work for Ramirr Grepo may work for her) or Suey Medina (good song, meh performance). Let's find out tomorrow.

WHO DID YOU GUYS VOTE FOR? Post it in the comments!

Philippine Idol teasers for Round of 12 Girls tomorrow

2006-09-08T09:58:00.000+08:00

Here are the teasers for the Philippine Idol round of 12 girls this Saturday, September 9.

Featuring EJ Bautista, Gail Blanco, and Pow Chavez

Featuring Suey Medina, Arms Cruz, and Stef Lazaro

Featuring Ynah Pangan, Apple Chiu, and Jelli Mateo

Featuring Mau Marcelo, Ira Marasigan, and Tin Otero

Philippine Idol Updates' Day-before Analysis

2006-09-08T09:52:00.000+08:00

With two days to go before the broadcast of the round of 12 female on Philippine Idol, we at Philippine Idol Updates admit that even fansites like us can get our information in a loop, so while we try to get our bearings, let's confirm those song lists once again (with correct names, so you'll know what to text to 2339 come Saturday):

1. Philippine Idol semifinalist Ira Marasigan - Mr. Melody
2. Philippine Idol semifinalist Jeli Mateo - Bridges
3. Philippine Idol semifinalist Stef Lazaro - Home
4. Philippine Idol semifinalist Mau Marcelo - Sweet Love
5. Philippine Idol semifinalist Arms Cruz - Superwoman
6. Philippine Idol semifinalist Suey Medina - Almost Over You
7. Philippine Idol semifinalist Apple Chiu- Rhythm of the Street
8. Philippine Idol semifinalist EJ Bautista - Paalam Na
9. Philippine Idol semifinalist Ynah Pangan - Halik
10. Philippine Idol semifinalist Pow Chavez - Ikaw Lamang
11. Philippine Idol semifinalist Tin Otero - Come In From the Rain
12. Philippine Idol semifinalist Gail Blanco - What’s Love Got to Do With It

Our Predictions on Paper (POP, predictions made on song choice):
With the mixup over Suey's and Cherry's songs, and taking into account new information on SMS and landline voting, we are going to revamp our choices as follows:

We predict, on paper, a final four finish for the following:
Gail Blanco (What's Love Got to Do With It). A different song choice, a strong vocal, and telegenic looks make this Philippine Idol semifinalist stand out.
Ira Marasigan (Mr. Melody). Ira gets points for her confidence on stage, her pretty face, and a seasoned vocal. We're also going out on a limb here and betting that what worked for Jan Nieto - a strong Atenean following with plenty of cash to spare - may rocket this Philippine Idol semifinalist into the top 4.
EJ Bautista (Paalam Na). EJ topped the Philippine Idol Updates poll, and we're sticking by our guns and betting that this half-deaf Philippine Idol semifinalist has generated a solid fan base and selected a song popular enough to win enough votes to make it into the Top 4.
We're predicting a tight race for the final slot between:
Suey Medina(Almost Over You) and Apple Chiu (Rhythm of the Night). Suey has generated a lot of positive buzz over the week with her appearances on I Love Philippine Idol, and her choice of Almost Over You is an impeccable and smart decision. Also, we can't deny Apple's popularity and runner-up status on Philippine Idol Updates, but her decision to go with the name Apple instead of Cherry may cost her votes.

The other Philippine Idol semifinalists have just as good a chance as any, but we're a little concerned:
Mau Marcelo. Great vocal and awesome song choice, but can she overcome the Philippine bias towards plus-size women? Nasty comments about her looks are circulating on the Net - can the Philippines look beyond base looks?
Stef Lazaro. Lazaro's fan base in Australia - another mighty foreign currency - can certainly vote her into the Top 4, but her song selection of the gentle Home for her otherwise powerful vocal is distressing.
Pow Chavez. Odd woman out selects a Filipino ballad. Can Paw's personality shine through with this song choice, or will she end up a victim of image vs. song choice, similar to American Idol 3's Briana Ramirez-Rial?
Arms Cruz and Ynah Pangan are contest veterans, so these ladies can pull off a surprise. Where does that leave Jeli Mateo and Tin Otero? Hey, they can surprise us come contest night - Jeli's looks have gotten her a good fan base with people who think she looks like Jennylyn Mercado, and Tin Otero can be this season's Latoya London, unnoticed until show night, when she blew people away.

Philippine Idol Updates Poll of the Week for 12 Girl Semifinalists

2006-09-06T10:04:00.000+08:00

With three days to go before the female Philippine Idol semifinalists take the stage at the SM Megacinema, where a state-of-the-art stage has been built for the Philippine Idol broadcasts, the results of four days of informal voting on Philippine Idol Updates' Poll of the Week has brought in more than 450 votes.

Erika Jill Bautista, the partially deaf Philippine Idol semifinalist, leads the pack with 244 votes. Erika has earned more than a 53% share of total number of votes cast. Second after her is Philippine Idol semifinalist Cherry Chiu, the Spaghetti singer, with 56 votes (12% share). Completing the top 4 are Philippine Idol semifinalist Ira Marasigan (35 votes, 7% share) and Philippine Idol semifinalist Stephanie Lazaro (24 votes, 5% share).

Dark horse Philippine Idol semifinaliststs, according to the Philippine Idol Updates survey, are Philippine Idol semifinalist Maureen Marcelo (17 votes, 3.7% share), Philippine Idol semifinalist Pow (Pau? Paw? We'll confirm the official spelling for voting before Saturday) Chavez (15 votes, 3.3% share), Philippine Idol semifinalist Suey Medina (11 votes, 2.4% share), and Philippine Idol semifinalist Jellica Mateo (10 votes, 2.2% share).

Rounding out the bottom four female Philippine Idol semifinalists are Philippine Idol semifinalist Abigail Blanco (9 votes, 2% share), Philippine Idol semifinalist Armarie Cruz and Philippine Idol semifinalist Christina Otero (4 votes each, 0.9% share), and Philippine Idol semifinalist Rina Lei Pangan, who has not received a single vote.

24 Philippine Idol Updates visitors votes that they haven't found a favorite yet (5% share), one Philippine Idol Updates visitor likes them all, and one Philippine Idol Updates visitors doesn't like any of them (0.2% share).

Please note that this is an informal survey, taken even before we've heard any official notes come out of their talented mouths. It is no indication of popularity on the show.

On behalf of all of us at Philippine Idol Updates, thank you for making us part of your Philippine Idol internet habit. Drop by the Philippine Idol Updates blog for more information, photos, videos and surveys. Thank you very much!

What are the Philippine Idol girls singing

2006-09-05T09:03:00.000+08:00

Reliable sources have given Philippine Idol Updates this spoiler.

Jazz seems to be the genre of choice for the majority of the Philippine Idol contestants, with six ladies picking jazz songs for their showcase. Philippine Idol finalist Ira Marasigan is set to fly over the runs of Mr. Melody, Philippine Idol finalist Jellica Mateo will try to bring something new to Sergio Mendes' Bridges, Philippine Idol finalist Stephanie Lazaro will take on Home (we're not sure if it's Michael Buble's showpiece or the immortal ballad from Judy Garland), while Philippine Idol finalist Maureen Marcelo is set to impress with Anita Baker's Sweet Love. Philippine Idol finalist Anmarie Cruz will try to shed off a reported old-soul image with a take on the neo-soul classic Superwoman, while Philippine Idol finalist Suey Medina plays it equally cool with Patti Austin's Rhythm of the Street.

Five of the remaining six Philippine Idol girls are delivering OPM tracks and torch ballads. Cherry Chiu, the Philippine Idol finalist who sang Spaghetti at her audition in Manila, has lined up the torch ballad Almost Over You, while current Philippine Idol Updates poll front-runner Erika Bautista will do her own version of Rachel Alejandro's Paalam Na. Other Philippine Idol finalists doing local songs include Ina Pangan, who is set to give her own take on Halik, and Paw Chavez, who will try to bring a new twist to Ikaw Lamang. In a risky move, Philippine Idol finalist Christina Otero will take on Wendy Moten's Come In Out of the Rain, inviting comparisons to that other female champion on that other network who sang that as her finals contest piece. Philippine Idol finalist Christina Otero will take on the Melissa Manchester chestnut, the Carole Bayer-Sager-penned Come In From the Rain.

The sole breakaway Philippine Idol finalist to not pick a jazz, OPM, or ballad piece, is Abigail Blanco, who picks the uptempo R&B pop hit by Tina Turner, What’s Love Got to Do With It.

Our Predictions on Paper (POP, predictions made on song choice):
In a crowded group of female singers, Blanco's different song choice, if she delivers it well, bodes well for an easy entry into the Top 4. What's Love Got to Do With It is the only uptempo track for the ladies, and will make Blanco stand out without a doubt.

Cherry Chiu's strong voice and selection of the immortal pop ballad Almost Over You (a favorite with the masa and AB crowds) stands to make her a strong contender, while we can't deny the decent-to-good vocal and incredible back story of Erika Bautista, the current #1 placer in the Philippine Idol Updates poll of the week for female contestants, coupled with a popular OPM track, Paalam Na, could signal her entry into the Top 4.

Our final POP entry is a tossup, because we're torn between the simple elegance and class of Ira Marasigan, whose song choice is, in our opinions, a terrible choice (refer to Jasmine Trias' botched attempt at Mr. Melody) and Maureen Marcelo, who we're sure will knock Sweet Love out of the ballpark. Sentimentally, we love Ira, but at least for the moment, we're placing our last bet on Marcelo.

Vote for your initial favorite female Idol contestant!

2006-09-04T09:47:00.000+08:00

Well, we're not scientific or anything, but the top 2 placers on the Philippine Idol Updates poll ended up in the Top 4 (Drae Ybanez, #1, and Jan Kurt Nieto, #2) at last night's results show. Coinkidink?

The time has now come to vote for your favorite lady! Go to the voting box to the right and click on your favorite girl's name! Polling updates will be posted Tuesday and Thursday in preparation for girls' night on Saturday.

Note: Philippine Idol Updates' polls exist primarily for fun. No one at Philippine Idol Updates manipulates the poll results (certainly without our knowledge, anyway), and is not scientific nor representative of the results on Sunday, September 10.

Philippine Idol results: First Final 4 from the boys

2006-09-03T21:52:00.000+08:00

Welcome to the first-ever Philippine Idol results show! Hope they fixed up their technical difficulties.

Ooh, semi-live blogging. I love it.

The boys start out with On the Right Track, and the relatively cheesy song suits their High School Musical setup rather well. This should be interesting.

Ouch, bright lights.

Recap of their performances: Robert, Ken, Joseph, Drae, Gian, Freddie, Reymond, Ramirr, Christian, Onyx, Miguel, and Jan Kurt.

Ryan Agoncillo introduces Heart Evangelista to the tune of Isn’t She Lovely. She is, but the volume control on that electric guitar isn't. Ew. Heart’s mike isn’t working... oh, there it is. Gosh, she's pretty.

Her role: from 8-830PM every night, she will be the contestants' best friend, helping them "get through challenges," get information on personal life and family... in other words, the world's prettiest spy.

We meet Mel Villena, the gentleman leading the band, and then the three judges, yeah, yeah, get on with it.

Ryan asks the judges to name their selections.
Pilita – I like them all! (Yey, Mamita, you're truly useful.)
Francis – Drae, Ramirr, Robert, Gian Carlo.
Ryan – Gian Carlo, Drae, Robert, Ramirr.

The boys are divided into two groups:
Group A
Ken, Freddie, Robert, Onyx, Christian, Joseph

Group B
Ramirr, Reymond, Gian, Jan Kurt, Drae, Miguel

Obviously, Group B has the group of people who’ll make it, and Group A is made to sit down.

Ryan calls Drae Ybanez and Miguel Mendoza to the front. He asks Drae to step forward. He then tells them they've both made it! Wow – the teen vote carries through! Good for you, Miguel. Do better next time, you heard Pilita.

Reymond Sajor and Gian Carlo are asked to step forward. Ryan reminds Reymond his microphone short-circuited. He reminds Gian that he "killed" Footloose. Reymond makes it; Gian does not. Wow – there are shockers in this show!

Finally, Ramirr and Jan Kurt are asked to step forward. April Boy vs. Atenean cutie. Jan Kurt makes it; Ramirr issues a shrug and steps back.

Your first four Philippine Idol finalists: Drae Ybanez, Miguel Mendoza, Reymond Sajor, and Jan Kurt Nieto. (Note: Drae and Jan topped the Philippine Idol Updates poll. Shows you pessimists our poll isn't that stupid after, nyet?)

What happened here? Our interpretation: Gian and Ramirr's fan base - or those who were impressed - simply didn't vote; the same probably happened for Robert, who was an overwhelming favorite of Ryan C's and Francis M's. In Tagalog, kampante. You can never get kampante with this show, guys. You want your bets in, you gotta vote.

See you next week for the girls!

Philippine Idol Top 12 guys Recaps

2006-09-02T22:58:00.000+08:00

So! Did you tune in to Philippine Idol? What’d you think? While ABC-5 should be commended for pulling off the show, they’ve much to improve on. Sound quality was terrible, affecting performances, as you’ll learn later on in this recap, and production has a long way to go before it really matches the quality of other Idol shows aboard.

Bad sound notwithstanding, here are your recaps:
Freddie Cabael - Macho Gwapito
Freddie already becomes the answer to a trivia question, being the first semifinalist to sing in Philippine Idol history. His performance is decent, despite a nasal delivery that brings into question his earlier broadcast performances that showed his breathy R&B style. Certainly not a winning performance by my standards. I wonder if his father’s tuning in – I hope he is, because I don’t see Freddie making it to the Top 12.
Francis: I saw the real Freddie Cabael tonight.
Pilita: Lose the hat.
Ryan: Hope to see you in the next rounds to sing a ballad.

Robert Bernadas - Take a Look Inside My Heart
Robert’s voice is soothing, but the poor sound quality is killing me. His version of Take a Look Inside My Heart is more than passable. Let’s see what the judges have to say.
Francis: It was relaxed, effortless. You really could be Philippine Idol. I like your dimple.
Pilita: You look thinner.
Ryan: You are my bet!

Ken Dingle - More Today Than Yesterday
Ken's charismatic personality takes full control with his delivery of the Ayala Center theme song (Hahahaha!). He looks good, he rules that stage, and he makes good eye contact with the camera. Ken looks like he's about to run out of steam near the end, but that's okay. Good job, Ken.
Francis: It was fun.
Pilita: I remember when you forgot your lyrics. You’ve got to do better than that.
Ryan: You’ve got a wide range; use it to the fullest.

Drae Ybañez - What You Won’t Do for Love
The Philippine Idol Updates poll topnotcher lives up to his top ranking, delivering a confident version of the Bobby Caldwell original. Ooh, he starts out on top of the stage and moves his way down. Strong vocals, good eye contact with the camera, and a solid finish. Hey, he does look like Spiderman.
Francis: Best performance of yours so far, but a bit safe.
Pilita: I like your confidence. I hope you make it.
Ryan: Best performance so far. You looked relaxed, you’re charming. Even if you don’t make it, you’ll make a good recording artist.

Onyx Culala - Windmills of Your Mind
The singing lawyer selects an ancient track, hoping to interpret the archaic single into something more contemporary. Unfortunately for Onyx, the arrangement and poor sound quality fail him, and the performance comes across as languid and lazy.
Francis: [I missed his comments because my son started to run across the room.]
Pilita: Kulang sa puwersa.
Ryan: Wrong choice of song.

Gian Carlo Magdangal - Footloose
Gian picks a relatively safe song, choosing the Kenny Loggins 80s chestnut Footloose. Magdangal performed this song as part of the chorus in the Footloose musical production, and his slick performance doesn’t fail to disappoint, save for a bum note at the end when his voice gives out.
Francis: In your element. You were born to do this.
Pilita: Really knows how to entertain the people. Ang galing-galing niya. That’s what we need. Appeal.
Ryan: Professional, sleek. I hope the voters come in for you.

Ramirr Grepo - Bed of Roses
Ramir wishes to package himself as a rocker, and his selection of Bed of Roses certainly wouldn’t make one question his rock-on preferences. A spot-on delivery – almost identical to Jon Bon Jovi – makes me wonder if I’m watching Philippine Idol or hanging out in a sleazy bar, but then again, if Ramirr’s looking to tap into the masa vote, he’s got it, especially with that money note at the end. The judges love it - again, proof that in the Philippines, hitting the high notes relatively well will result in almost unanimous praise. Tsk tsk tsk.
Francis: Kinikilabutan ako. Mawala na ang lahat, huwag lang si Ramirr.
Pilita: Ramirr, I love you!
Ryan: Best choice of song tonight. You are the singer to beat tonight.

Miguel Mendoza III - Highways of My Life
Hoo boy. Miguel admits he didn’t know the song, a foreshadowing that virtually dooms his performance. He is painfully pitchy all the way, his nerves are showing, his posing is a bit on the and one can see his nipples through his shirt. Ryan makes light of the fact he’s the youngest.
Francis: You have the potential to be the Philippine Idol, but do better.
Pilita: You’re still in school. Can you imagine all La Salle voting for you? I hope they all vote for you.
Ryan: I don’t think you’re mature enough to sing that song. You should have chosen better. I wish you well; sana makapasok.

Reymond Sajor - Tell Her About It
Reymond’s dancing is certainly infectious (can’t say the same for the near-all-white outfit). It’s a little variety show performance. Oh no! His microphone malfunctions! They give him a second chance, and he redoes the song, but he’s lost energy. What a pro. He deserves to go through to the next round just for picking up the pieces.
Francis: All contestants should emulate. This is the way a professional should act. Gumaling ka lalo. Panalo.
Pilita: That makes you a professional. It’s nice to see him perform.
Ryan: Tonight, you went to hell and came back not only alive but bongga.

Joseph Astor III - Why Can’t It Be
Joseph picks a Rannie Raymundo chestnut, and sings a decent version, although the low notes come across pitchy. Astor knows he is good-looking (the illegitimate son of Piolo Pascual and Sam Milby? He does look like either), and uses it to full effect, eye-mashing the camera. I can understand now why there’s a Parental Guidance sign above my screen.
Francis: Polish the diction, pero para sa akin, pasok ka.
Pilita: I’ve always liked Joe. You can see how much he wants to be Philippine Idol.
Ryan: Gusto ko ang boses mo. The earnestness, I can feel it. Sana makapasok ka.

Christian Masaga - Have I Told You Lately?
Christian chooses a song most popularly redone by Rod Stewart, a bit safe choice for his soothing baritone. Ooh, he lives up to his name, changing the lyrics a bit and makes it a Christian song, adding “Lord” in strategic places to give glory to his Maker. Wow, dude, that’s brave. I’ll send one vote your way.
Francis: It’s very emotional, he becomes one with the song. Moving performance, great.
Pilita: He always sings full of emotion, feeling. I hope he can make it.
Ryan: I didn’t like the song; I would have wanted to hear another song. It was good enough.

Jan Kurt Nieto - Bridge Over Troubled Water
The Atenean crooner and Philippine Idol Updates poll runner-up gets the pimp spot, and delivers a strategic performance of Simon and Garfunkel’s Bridge Over Troubled Water, which gave Clay Aiken the boost he needed into the Final Two of Season 2 in American Idol. His performance is pitchy, just not that impressive, but hey, he’s got the look, and the pimp spot. Francis: I liked what you did at the end.
Pilita: I hope to see you again.
Ryan: I didn’t like it. I’m sorry. You didn’t connect.

Who do the judges pick?
Francis picks Ramirr for his song, and Reymond for grace under pressure.
Pilita has five choices and won’t share the names, save for Ramirr.
Ryan picks Ramirr and Gian Carlo.

Who do we pick?
My fearless forecast places comfortable Top 2 finishes for Ramirr Grepo and Gian Carlo Magdangal. The other two slots up for grabs, we’re going to go out on a limb and place Reymond Sajor for simply pulling through that technical mishap (sympathy votes count for a lot), and bypassing Ryan Cayabyab’s favorite Robert Bernadas for Philippine Idol Updates votegetting champ Drae Ybañez. Let’s see what happens!

Philippine Idol tasers

2006-09-01T08:19:00.000+08:00

Here are the teaser videos for tomorrow's Philippine Idol broadcast featuring the 12 boys:

DRAE YBANEZ, JAN KURT NIETO, REYMOND SEJOR

GIAN CARLO MAGDANGAL, CHRISTIAN MASAGA, MIGUEL MENDOZA

JOSEPH ASTOR, FREDDIE CABAEL, ROBERT BERNADAS

ONYX CULALA, RAMIRR GREPO, KEN DINGLE

Heart Evangelista to host Idol Exclusives

2006-08-31T17:17:00.000+08:00

A reliable source in ABC confirmed that young actress and veejay Heart Evangelista will host Philippine Idol Exclusives, your daily news and updates show on anything Philippine Idol.

When she will appear for the show, however, is still unconfirmed (although we can surmise that Heart will debut on Monday, September 4).

Idol Exclusives has ben running for three weeks and a lot of juicy info have been featured. For one, we took a peek on what songs some of our Top 12 Men will most likely perform this Saturday at SM Megamall Cinema 3.

Philippine Idol Updates male frontrunner Drae Ybanez would be singing "What You Won't Do for Love" by Bobby Caldwell, while poll runnr-up Jan Nieto practiced "Bridge Over Troubled Water" by Simon and Garfunkel.

Baguio rocker Ramirr Grepo will perform the ultimate rock ballad "Bed of Roses" by Bon Jovi, while Gian Carlo Magdangal plans on tracing back to his musical roots by singing Kenny Loggin's "Footloose."

It seems that only Freddie Cabael would be singing a Filipino song, and it's not the usual pop or RnB that we are familiar with. He plans to sing "Macho Guwapito" by Rico J. Puno.

Also, take a look at the picture on your left. This is a miniature of the Philippine Idol stage that will be mounted in SM Megamall. In true Idol fashion, LCD screens and neon lights will fill this stage. Special thanks to jeric234 of Pinoy Exchange for this screencap.

We thank our readers for their continuing support for Philippine Idol Updates. Rest assured that you will get the freshest Idol news here before you see it in other Idol fansites.

N.B.: Do you know that there is a Friendster account that exclusively contains Philippine Idol Gold Passers? You can find the profiles of your favorite Idol hopefuls from Erika Jill, Drae, Christian, Gail, Armarie, Stephanie, and others who have made it in the Top 169 on one account. Now that's what I call "cyberstalking made easy."

Philippine Idol Updates Poll of the Week Statistics

2006-08-31T08:24:00.000+08:00

With two days to go before the male semi-finalists of Philippine Idol take the stage at the SM Megacinema, where a state-of-the-art stage has been built for the Philippine Idol broadcasts, the results of four days of informal voting on the Philippine Idol Updates' Poll of the Week has brought in almost 400 votes.

Paul Andrae Ybañez (left, Friendster pic), the charity worker from Cainta, Rizal, leads the pack with 180 votes. Drae earned more than a 45% share of total number of votes cast. Second after him is the singer from Unilever, Jan Kurt Nieto (right, Friendster pic), who registers 80 votes, for a 20% share. Third and fourth from him are Kenneth Dingle, the fast-track survivor, who earns 67 votes, for a 17% share, and Miguel Mendoza, at 16, the youngest competitor in this year's Philippine Idol, with 16 votes (4.1% share). Rounding up the top 5 is theater actor Gian Carlo Magdangal, whose 15 votes give him a 3.6% share.

In the middle of the pack are Joseph Astor (8 votes, 2% share) and Freddie Cabael (4 votes, 1% share).

The bottom five are , and Jasper Onyx Culala and Christian Masaga (3 votes each, 0.8% share), Reymond Sajor (2 votes, 0.5%), and Robert Bernadas and Ramirr Grepo (1 vote each, 0.3% share)

Six Philippine Idol Updates visitors votes that they haven't found a favorite yet (1.5% share), five Philippine Idol Updates visitors don't like any of them. (1.3% share), and two Philippine Idol Updates visitors like them all (0.5% share).

Please note that this is an informal survey, taken even before we've heard any official notes come out of their talented mouths. It is no indication of popularity on the show, nor is it You still have one day to vote before close of voting at 5PM tomorrow.

On behalf of all of us at Philippine Idol Updates, thank you for making us part of your Philippine Idol internet habit. Drop by Philippine Idol Updates for more information, photos, videos and surveys. Thank you very much!

The Top 24! (With Update on Wildcard Round)

2006-08-28T02:13:00.000+08:00

After months of speculation, Philippine Idol has finally unveiled its Top 24 candidates, but not without any drama.

Many viewers were probably surprised that a lot of the so-called "professionals" have been ejected after the group performances. The likes of Divo Bayer, Jason Velasquez, Marinel Santos, Ivy Paredes, OJ Mariano, and Floramae Lucida, packed their bags and left CCP after the bad news was delivered by the judges.

A lot of contenders who did well on their auditions were eliminated at the onset of Top 40. We see Jaime Barcelon (a scholar from Julliard) in total disbelief; Cjara being consoled by her bisexual husband; Michelle Belmonte planning to follow her boyfriend in Austria; Rowell Quizon tearfully embracing his new-found friend Freddie Cabael.

The massive ejections turned the historic building into a virtual ghost town as the remaining 40 contenders were all anxious and nervous. They are just this close to make it to the televised semi-finals.

And Markki Stroem seemed to be in a seious struggle. Apparently, he was to leave the country the day after the theater eliminations to pursue his college education. Although he wanted to continue, his parents decided that it would be best for him to join them in Switzerland. He tearfully left the theater; let's hope we'll see more of him in the coming years.

After each and every remaining candidate sing with much passion on stage, it was time for the judges to break the good news or the bad news to them. Each took an elevator leading to the stage, and one of the judges told them whether the made it or not.

Fred Abaquita, the barber from Cebu, didn't make it.

Nerves took over Myla's (the single mom from Cagayan de Oro) singing. She didn't make it either.

Lenebelle Padillo danced her way on stage for the nth time, didn't pass either.

It resulted with a pretty-much diverse and untapped talents from Luzon to Mindanao. Here are your Top 24 Semi-Finalists:

ERIKA JILL BAUTISTA
Most remembered thus far for her being partially hearing-impaired,
24-year-old Erika's eardrums were damaged in an accident.

ABIGAIL BLANCO
Abigail, 24 years old, started singing professionally at 12 in Cebu.
Now Manila-based, she records commercial jingles, among other things.

PAU CHAVEZ
Pau, 23, survived a gunshot wound to the ear during a mugging incident
to end up part of the Top 24.

CHERRY "APPLE" CHIU
Cherry, 22, first sang her way into Philippine Idol viewers' hearts by
belting out a non-traditional version of the Sex Bomb Girls' Spaghetti.

ARMARIE CRUZ
Armarie, 27, has won various singing contests, including Quest for the Best,
a National Panasonic-sponsored Indonesia-based singing tilt.

STEPHANIE LAZARO
Australian Idol also-ran Stephanie Lazaro-Bainbridge, 27,
belted out Anastacia's I'm Outta Love for her initial audition.

IRA MARASIGAN
21-year-old Ira Marasigan sang Route 66 during her initial audition. The daughter of theater artists Dennis Marasigan and Irma Adlawan, she was 5 when she won her first singing contest.

MAUREEN MARCELO
Maureen, 26, has participated in several singing competitions. She's most excited - who wouldn't be? - about her chances in Philippine Idol.

JELLICA MATEO
Infamous for her crush on Philippine Idol judge Francis M., Jellica sings in hotel lounges and bars, having been encouraged by family and friends, including renowned composer George Canseco.

YASMI ROSE "SUEY" MEDINA
Suey, 26, took time off from her busy schedule as member of a band to be a full-time mother. Her return to the entertainment industry comes in the form of a slot in the top 24.

CHRISTINA OTERO
25-year-old Christina is a Davao-based medical representative.

RINA LEI PANGAN
Elegant and poised Rina, 26, was a singing finalist at the 1998 Metropop Song Festival.
She was the grand prize winner of the Singgaling Ni Pops song contest in 2005.

AND THEN THE MEN...

JOSEPH ASTOR
27-year-old Joseph hails from Angeles City, Pampanga.

ROBERT BERNADAS
Robert, 26, is an artist, painter, and actor from Cebu.

FREDDIE CABAEL
23-year-old Freddie is most remembered for his search for his Afro-American father,
who left him at a young age to return to the US.

JASPER ONYX CULALA
Jasper is a 25-year-old was a member of the UP Singing Ambassadors.

KENNETH "CAJUN" DINGLE
A testament to the power of perseverance, Kenneth, 23,
joined the fast-tracks three times before the judges gave him a go-signal.

RAMIRR GREPO
Ramirr, 26, is a voice teacher at Yamaha. An original composition of his
was a Red Horse Musiklaban winner.

GIAN CARLO MAGDANGAL
Theater veteran and former boy band member Gian Carlo, 24, returned to his soulful roots
and secured a spot in the Top 24.

CHRISTIAN MASAGA
26-year-old Christian, a former theater actor and band member, is now a medical technologist
at the Philippine General Hospital.

MIGUEL MENDOZA
16-year-old Miguel is the youngest of all the 24 semifinalists, having earned a place after his initial audition at SM Dasmarinas.

JAN KURT NIETO
24-year-old Jan Kurt works for Unilever Philippines.

REYMOND SAJOR
27-year-old Reymond was a winner at the 2003 Hamilton Talent Hunt in Canada.
He has released an inspirational album here.

PAUL ANDRAE YBANEZ
26-year-old Drae volunteers for the Children's Garden of the Philippines and the Children Community Ministries, groups dedicated to alleviating the plight of street children.

(all photos courtesy of www.philippineidol.com)

Don't forget to vote for your favorite guy on our Philippine Idol Poll of the Week on the menu bar to your right! :)

UPDATE #1: Representatives of SM Megacinema confirmed that the Philippine Idol Semi-Finals are on a "by invitation" basis. Each semi-finalist is required to bring up to four audience members, while other invites are distributed among the show's presentors (San Mig Coffee Sugar-Free and Smart) and major sponsors (McDonald's and Wow! Magic Sing) as well as some network executives. A lot of anxious PI fans have been wanting to watch the program live. We hope that ABC-5 would someday allow the fans to support their Idols in person.

UPDATE #2: An article in Manila Bulletin confirmed that there will be a WILDCARD PHASE. The four men with the highest votes goes in the Top 12 this Sunday, same with the top 4 females coming September 10. The remaining 16 contestants will battle it out on the Wildcard Round on September 16 to determine the top 2 males and females that will complete the Final 12.

ABC Sets Philippine Idol to a Faster Pace...Finally!

2006-08-27T14:57:00.000+08:00

Answering to clamors from the viewing public, ABC-5 gladly sets Philippine Idol to a faster pace. Now, we will get to know the Top 24 a week earlier than scheduled, and that means TONIGHT!

Not only that, the Spectaculars leading to the Top 12 will also be on a higher ante. Starting on September 2, Saturday, the Top 12 Men of Philippine Idol's Season One will perform live at SM Megamall Cinema 3 (information on how to get tickets will be posted as soon as possible). The public is encouraged to watch it live and vote for their favorites (through landline or text messaging) to show their support for the show. And then on the day after, September 3, the four guys with the lowest votes will get the boot.

Following the trend, this is what the Spectaculars would be scheduled:

SEPTEMBER 2 - Top 12 Male Performance
SEPTEMBER 3 - Top 12 Male Eliminations (4 with lowest votes eliminated)

SEPTEMBER 9 - Top 12 Female Performance
SEPTEMBER 10 - Top 12 Female Eliminations (4 with lowest votes eliminated)

SEPTEMBER 16 - Top 16 (Male and Female) Performance
SEPTEMBER 17 - Top 16 (Male and Female) Eliminations (4 with lowest votes eliminated)

By the time the Top 12 is announced, this is where the competition really heats up. One will be eliminated every week, each performing with all passion and heart, all vying to win your affection.

The judges will not save them, the contenders will not vote for a potential threat.

ONLY YOU HAVE THE POWER TO KEEP YOUR FAVORITE IDOLS IN COMPETITION.

Top 24: The Juicy Details

2006-08-22T01:16:00.000+08:00

No, we will not post any partial list of the confirmed Top 24 candidates. As much as we want to type it, let's also bear in mind that there are Philippine Idol viewers who do not want to be spoiled.

However, we can provide you some juicy info that has been circulating all over the Net.

As you have seen, the scenes from the Theater Eliminations will continue next Sunday, but there are reports that Philippine Idol will formally announce the Top 24 on September 3. They will check-in at Bayview Park Hotel beginning September 4, which only means one thing: If you wanna see them in the flesh, we recommend to lounge around the lobby. Perhaps you could have them sign autographs (and don't forget to share it with us!).

Technically, the Top 24 are not allowed to reveal that they are part of it while the Theater Eliminations are being shown. They are also not allowed to perform at gigs until the Top 24 is announced, which detriments several contestants whose performing at bars is their bread and butter. But once the Top 24 Eliminations begins, they can campaign whatever they want, however they want.

An online source revealed that the composition of the Top 24 consists as such: 1 from Mindanao, 3 from Visayas, and the rest are from Luzon. It is not stated whether the breakdown is according to residence or audition venue.

Meanwhile, the venue for the Performance Shows had a sudden revision. We at PIU were aware that the live shows will be held at PICC. However, we have learned from an unconfirmed online source that ABC-5 is tossing up between SM Megamall Cinema 3 or SM Mall of Asia Music Hall as its show venue. Not that there is anything wrong with that. We think that the change of location, if this is true indeed, would make it more reachable for the masses.

The Top 24 Performance Shows will be held every Saturday starting September 9, while the Eliminations will be held the day after (after an approximate 12-hour voting).

We recommend our fellow Idol fanatics to watch the show live rather than in television. Let's show our support by showing up and root for our favorite Idol hopefuls.

2006-08-15T10:52:00.000+08:00

These are the teasers for this coming Sunday's theater eliminations this Sunday, August 20, 2006.

Complete list of Philippine Idol Gold Ticket recipients

2006-08-14T10:39:00.000+08:00

Philippine Idol in Mindanao: the good, the bad, and the icky

2006-08-14T07:45:00.000+08:00

Philippine Idol's Mindanao episode started at 8PM sharp, a nice thrill for Philippine Idol fans who - let's face it - weren't exactly inspired by ABC-5's Teka Mona. I didn't care for the replacement program, either, tuning in only at 7:57PM. Call me an Idol fanatic. Whatever.

Before the program started, my wife and I wondered whether previous remarks from Philippine Idol judge Pilita Corrales would backlash onto the Mindanao episode. We also wondered whether it was the organizers or the contestant who wrote down the numbers on their Idol stickers. Coming from Cebu, where the episode focused on the disgustingly bad singers, would Mindanao prove to be indeed the place that Corrales insinuated had little to no talent?

Philippine Idol's third episode kicks off with a recap of some of the better singers (an additional two seconds of airtime!) for Cebu auditionees (yet Manila-based!) Stephanie Lazaro and Gian Carlo Magdangal, as well as gold-ticket receiving Manila-based singers Jhonalyn Sison and that undeserving trumpet-playing cheeseball whose name I have conveniently opted to forget).

Calling upon the spirits of Mig Ayesa's hair, Philippine Idol host Ryan Agoncillo decides to forego the pleasantries and launches straight into how Davao is "home of the royalties," with it being the base of the Philippine Eagle (king of birds) and the durian (king of Philippine fruits), among other things.

We then get a taste of some of Davao's choicest singers, whose song selection features gems like, "footloose, footloose, pull me out of my knees."

Gladly, kiddo. Gladly.

Strangely enough, we get a prize horse as soon as the gun goes off. Ann Quitoriano of Sto. Tomas croons out a decidedly soulful version of Randi Crawford's One Hello, and pleases the judges.

Francis: Interesting.
Ryan: Problems with low notes, sumasayad, but good singer.
Pilita: Right key but good quality. Pwedeng pwede.

Good to go. Gold ticket right there.

John Peter Paual Carriedo of Lanang, Davao City, then follows Ann Quitoriano with his rather pitchy version of Stevie Wonder's My Cherie Amour.

Ryan: Sometimes, some problems with pitch, but yes.
Pilita: I like the look. Yes.
Francis: You're in.

After two in a row, it was only natural that we get a good singer who just doesn't meet the grade. Unfortunately, it's Maritess “Inday” Vargas, an 18-year-old tree climber from Tacurang, Sultan Kudarat. She sings Crazy by Patsy Cline. Ryan compliments her on her choice of material, then takes back the carrot.

Ryan: Good choice of song, but it’s not PhilIdol material, no.
Pilita: Kulang pa.
Francis: Better luck next time.

After a commercial break, Philippine Idol lets the circus begin, starting with Regine and Jaya impersonator Winston Ko, a 26-year-old queen from Toril, Davao. He belts out an off-key, window-breaking version of Bukas Na Lang Kita Mamahalin.

Francis: Meh. Pass.
Pilita: Might have a hard time in Manila.
Ryan: No.

To further the point that the Philippines loves anything remotely American, we get a gratuitous flashback of gold-ticket winning cowboys Benjamin Cruz (yech) and James Yebes (bro, button up that shirt!). We're then given a cowgirl, in the form of diva-in-the-making Ma. Amor Bacharpa, whose chameleon look - cowgirl today, whatever she feels like tomorrow - doesn't quite match her song choice: Whitney Houston's I Believe in You and Me. Nevertheless, the judges are stunned by the singer-painter.

Ryan: Impressive – welcome to Manila.
Francis: Pronunciation, pwede ka.
Pilita: I like the voice, I like the style.

After much filler, we're then given Archie Regencia, whose version of Lionel Richie's Hello, well, makes me want to hang up the phone for sheer pitch and nasality. Much to my surprise, he's passed by the judges.

We're then given a profile of Jaime Miguel "Jamie" Barcelon, a rich Pasig-based kid who's studied in Juillard. He studied there but didn't make it. Meh. My wife thinks he's cute. Meh times two - because of that, I automatically don't like him. He's traveled from the US, didn't make the auditions in time, so flew to Davao. [Someone's got money.] But look, he's writing his own Philippine Idol number on his ticket. I win! I win! Belat my wife. But anyway, look, Jamie's singing Ain't No Mountain High Enough. Or in his case, enoff.

Francis: Yes, I like what I saw.
Pilita: Me too
Ryan: You’re really good, welcome to Manila. Go back to Pasig.

The judges then elaborate what it takes to be the Philippine Idol, then ABC-5 sends us a picture of exactly what the judges are not looking for.

Pilita - a singer who can be entered into the international market. Can talk, can dance a little.
Some nameless "I Need You" singer. Meh.
Ryan - Patient, persevering, tolerant, should accept everything they tell you, take all criticism because it'll make you grow.
We get Louraine Marie Jipos, whose style of singing Celine Dion's It’s All Coming Back to Me, is, in the words of the judges, "very immature."

I miss what Francis said, but Billy Jay Galang's Superstition butchers the Stevie Wonder original, so we can assume it had something to do with impact, style, looks... but then again, we don't really get much feedback from Francis, now, do we?

We're then given a taste of Barbie Almalbis look-alike Amy Lyn Joy Notarte. She's peppy, she's cheery, she makes everyone sign her "slambok." She sings You Don’t Have to Say You Love Me.

Ryan: Voice isn’t strong enough.
Pilita: Voice isn’t there to be able to go to Manila and compete.
Francis: Better luck next time

We then get single mother Myla Gracia Abales of Cagayan de Oro. She opens her mouth to sing a flawless, controlled, utterly beautiful version of Dito Ba, and my wife and I are floored. WOW. The judges are, too. Calling Fantasia, take a look-see at the local Baby Mama.

Ryan: I like your voice.
Pilita: I like her.
Francis: I don't care if you're fat or thin, magaling ka. Pwede ka sa 2nd round.

16-year-old Neil Simpson Antiquesa launches into Swing Low Sweet Chariot, obviously pulled from Beyonce's The Fighting Temptations version, and Francis says he sounds like a goat. Tsk, tsk, Francis.

ABC-5 then does an about-face and gives us a consuelo de bobo about how they don't care about sexual orientation, giving us Paula Chavez's take on her being lesbian and Yobab Alonzo's "way of expressing" himself.

Francis then says "sexual preference is never an issue. Kung magaling, walang problema." *roll eyes* Doesn't matter if you're gay. Doesn't matter if you're fat. We'll hold you to your word, Francis.

We're given a few minutes of Marianie Caban's changing into a bright blue gown. She vamps out
Love Takes Time.

Ryan: I like your energy, it's very professional, but you've a problem with swallowing your words. Voice is okay, but it takes a lot more to be Philippine Idol.
Francis: Sorry, 2-0 better luck next time.
P: No for me, she can join again.

Caban's demeanor is refreshing. She accepts it.

We then get two sob stories.

Julieto Alquizar needs money. He sings Perfect by Simple Plan.
Francis: Saksakan ng pangit.
Ryan: No.
Pilita: No.

He started to beg. We start to feel uncomfortable. He's led out by security. The distaste in our mouth is icky.

Joseph John Temporal needs money. He sings I'll Never Say Goodbye.
Ryan: Voice is nice, but it takes more to be part of Philippine Idol. No.
Pilita: I like him.
Francis: I do, too.

And Ryan is once again outvoted by the other two. hwek hwek hwek

We then get "never say die" singer Jiegfred Pakino. He tried in Manila, meh. Tried in Cebu, meh. Now he's in Davao. Perseverance, thy name is Jiegfred. He sings a decent version of Fire, and is booted out yet again. 0 for 3.

Ritchie Asibal also tried out in Manila and didn't make it. He flies to Davao and oozes out a saccharine version of Go the Distance, that Michael Bolton shmaltzfest that Disney used to own before American Idol laid claim to all syrupy ballads. The judges give him a go, and send him to Manila.

Myla Manalang, meanwhile, also sings Go the Distance, supported by her oh-so-loving husband. My wife hopes she'll make it; she doesn't. We're both furious she can't make it but off-key singer Ricardo Sanabal can.

We get an unusual story out of Cjarah Perpetua, who married gay Davao comic "Mocha." She'll "fight for their love." She belts out River Deep Mountain High, and makes it, sharing the creepiest kiss on television since Lisa Marie and Michael recorded it for all posterity on You Are Not Alone. Chalk one up for unconventional love.

The battle of the families begins:
Henri Harvey Go vs. Hazel Mari Go.
Gaano Kita Kamahal vs. Anything For You
Both don't pass.

Mark Neil Macabenta vs. Marjorie Macabenta
Angels Must’ve Brought You Here vs. a song I didn't write down.
Both don't pass.

Armarie Lourdes Cruz vs. Armando Cruz
Hiram vs. a song I didn't recognize.
Their father was a rebel; their mother prays the rosary. How those two got together, we'll never know. But the Cruzes looks like a good, solid family, and Armarie, in particular, looks like Zsa Zsa Padilla, or Champagne Morales, or Sunshine Cruz, depending on your angle. Either way you look at it, she's a star. Her brother, well, cute but no cigar.
They pass. Chalk two up for unconvential love.

We get a view of next week's theater auditions, and I shut off the television, my computer, and rush off to sleep, because this review has to make it in time for tomorrow (that's today), and I still have to complain about age limits.

Local Press Lack Support to Philippine Idol

2006-08-12T18:52:00.000+08:00

Several entertainment write-ups have recently appeared in various publications expressing their so-called disappointment about Philippine Idol. However, it is obvious that they are writing just for the sake of discrediting the phenomenal program.

An entertainment writer in a not-so-popular periodical wrote in his article that "many" people were dissapointed with Philippine Idol's premiere telecast. However, he only creditted his Lifestyle editor-in-chief saying that the audition looked very much like a "perya." In our opinion, one person is not enough to be considered "many". Analyzing his feature further, the writer claimed that the premiere episode tackled the auditions held in Cebu and Davao, which are definitely untrue as the pilot focused on the Luzon Main Audition held at PICC.

Scroll his column down and you will see positive features about two GMA programs. Now we see here where his allegiance lies.

Another periodical writer sarcastically commented that Philippine Idol's pilot rating of 7.7 points as "pivotal enough to topple the two giant networks." She seems to have forgotten that a 7.7-point rating is equivalent to over 1.2 million viewers in Mega Manila (if using 2002 population data). That alone is an amazing amount of audience for ABC.

Several tabloid writers appeared cynic about Philippine Idol (where looking at their columns would reveal that they are not watching the program at all), obviously showing their passive attitude towards the program just because it is aired on ABC, not in ABS-CBN or GMA.

Some writers criticized Philippine Idol's blatant similarities with American Idol, while others commented on how PI is dissimilar with AI.

Unlike in the US where entertainment news programs can feature programs from a rival network, Philippine entertainment writers place their allegiance on who would feed them more plates of pancit and glasses of orange juice. It appears to us Idol fanatics that the local entertainment press would only take notice of Philippine Idol if it were shown on another channel.

But we know that Philippine Idol is beyond those petty network wars. We know that the Idol franchise is strong and can rise up no matter which channel it will be shown.

We at Philippine Idol Updates commend ABC for having the guts to showcase the best untapped local talent. We believe that in due time, even without the support of the passive and biased press, Philippine Idol will stand true to its name as TV's phenomenon.

Philippine Idol teasers for auditions in Davao

2006-08-11T14:13:00.000+08:00

Here are two Philippine Idol teasers from ABC-5 for the Philippine Idol auditions in Davao. Uploaded with permission from ABC-5.

Broadcast #2: Who impressed you in Cebu?

2006-08-07T09:05:00.000+08:00

There were several great Philippine Idol contenders from Cebu, but Philippine Idol Updates needs screenshots. Send us image links and we'll link to you! :)

LENEBELLE PADILLO

RANDOLPH LEBRES

KENNETH PAUL "YOBAB" ALONZO

The following screenshots were generously provided by Jeric. Thank you, man.
You rock our socks.

KYRLEY SUMAGAYSAY

FRED ABAQUITA JR.

JAMES YEBES

EDWIN LOTIVIO, JR.

STEPHANIE LAZARO

GIANCARLO MAGDANGAL

BRIAN SOMBRERO

JEFFERSON GAYO

ZANDRA TAN

RICARDO SABANAL

Idol Contender "Pirated" To Pinoy Dream Academy

2006-08-07T01:37:00.000+08:00

Sad news. ABC-5 executives have confirmed circulating rumors that one of Philippine Idol's Top 24 semi-finalists have dropped out of the competition in order to join ABS-CBN's "Pinoy Dream Academy."

"We are sad because kids have to face decisions like these so soon,” Perci Intalan, ABC 5 Creative and Entertainment Production head said in an interview with Philippine Daily Inquirer. "They are still new in the business. From our end, we are flattered. Instead of looking elsewhere, other networks decided to just get 'Philippine Idol' contestants, apparently because they see that the best have come here."

Pinoy Dream Academy (PDA) is an Endemol franchise which is similar to Philippine Idol, only that the contestants were made to live in a house/ training academy filled with spy cameras, much like another ABS-CBN program "Pinoy Big Brother" (PBB). This rival talent search was abruptly launched by the country's former number 1 network (according to AGB studies) and caused the postponement of the supposed-to-be second season of PBB.

PDA's American counterpart, "The One: Making Of A Superstar," was cancelled after four weeks with a record low in US network ABC history.

Auditions for PDA have been lacking in luster of both talents and numbers, as well as experienced setbacks, notably after an Inquirer reporter went undercover to auditioned. He noted that after seven hours of waiting, an entire row of people (including him) were told "thank you" and asked to leave, without even singing at the auditions.

Meanwhile, rumors have spread that ABS-CBN employees approached several Idol contenders to drop from the competition and transfer to PDA, with promises of bypass from the audition and an automatic slot in the Finals. These scheming network employees had also gone to meet with one of the respected "Idol" judges to "just let (some of) the contestants go."

Read more about the article here.

UPDATE 1: The name of the contestant who jumped ship is still not confirmed, although Idol Source suspects that it is a male who auditioned in Manila. Meanwhile, a noted entertainment writer said in his column that it is a female who also auditioned in Manila.

We at Philippine Idol Updates are saddened that this healthy competition has become ugly because of greed and deceit on the part of certain parties. We urge our fellow Idol fanatics to keep on supporting Philippine Idol. Also, we ask our dear readers to avoid posting spoilers (information that are yet to be shown on TV) in the comments section as well as at the chatbox.

UPDATE 2: ABC-5 Head Perci Intalan visited Philippine Idol Updates to clarify that the contestant "pirated" by ABS-CBN's Pinoy Dream Academy was eliminated early on in the competition, and did not make it to the Top 24. He urged Filipinos who are following Philippine Idol to follow the show regularly and see the theater eliminations to further cement the assertion that the contestants who do make it to the Top 24 are all deserving of the title of Philippine Idol.

ABC-5 Happy With Modest Philippine Idol Ratings

2006-08-02T14:18:00.000+08:00

In an interview with Manila Bulletin, ABC-5's entertainment head Perci Intalan stated that the network is very happy with the above-average ratings of Philippine Idol's premiere episode.

The independent AGB survey revealed that Philippine Idol clocked in at 7.7 points against GMA-7’s "Mel & Joey" with 21 percent and ABS-CBN’s "Rated K" with 26.7 percent; but towards the program's last 30 minutes, the ratings climbed up to more than 12 points against "All Star K’s" 21.9 percent and "Sharon’s" 15.9 percent.

Intalan explained that although ABC-5 is not "yet" a habit network, they view the ratings climb as an indication that the viewers stayed on until its last minutes. Read more about the article here.

Meanwhile, the impact of Philippine Idol's first episode was evident in many radio shows last Monday. For instance, RX 93.1's morning tandem of Chico and Delamar said that they were laughing in delight as they watch the program, their favorite being one reject saying that she will come back. "Magpa-practice lang daw siya," the DJs happily narrated.

Initial broadcast: Who are your favorites?

2006-07-31T09:18:00.000+08:00

So the first broadcast of Philippine Idol went on last night at 815 on ABC-5 (tsk tsk. Delayed, delayed). What do you think? Who are your favorites? Who stood out? :)

With YouTube on the fritz for the meantime, here are some people you can choose from (based on availability of screenshots from PinoyExchange.com):

JHONALENE SISON
Sang Voltes V Theme

CHERRY ANN CHIU
Sang Spaghetti

IRA PATRICIA MARASIGAN
Sang Route 66

LALAINE ENRIQUEZ
Sang Hindi Ako Bakla

JOHN JERRICO PEREY
Sang Broken Vow

ERIKA JILL BAUTISTA
Song title unknown as of blog time

ROWELL QUIZON
Sang Lately

JELLICA MARIE MATEO
Sang You Don't Know Me

MARCELLO STROEM
Sang Anak

PAULA PATRICIA CHAVEZ
Sang I Want You Back

Discuss.

Tonight Is The Night!

2006-07-30T14:15:00.000+08:00

Yes! Tonight is the much-awaited premiere of Philippine Idol. At 8PM on ABC-5, right after the premiere of Joey De Leon's "Teka Mona," we will witness a TV phenomenon as it unfolds. Don't forget to post your first impressions about the show at the chatbox.

Meanwhile, in an article at Philippine Daily Inquirer, ABC-5's entertainment head Perci Intalan revealed that the Gold Passers from Visayas and Mindanao will be arriving tomorrow in expense-paid first-class transportation via Super Ferry, while all the Gold Pass receipients from Luzon will be shuttled by bus from different pick-up points in selected SM Malls. All of them will be accomodated in Bayview Park Hotel, where a welcome dinner awaits them tomorrow night.

However, 3 Gold Passers backed-out (two from Luzon and one from Visayas) with reasons ranging from family problems, an unpermitting spouse, to working abroad. This means, 166 aspirants remain to battle it out at the Theater Eliminations, which will be held in Cultural Center of the Philippines Main Theater from August 1 to 3. Only 24 of them will make it to the televised semi-finals. Read more of the article here.

Keep posted on this site for more Philippine Idol Updates.

View new Philippine Idol trailers on YouTube

2006-07-26T09:26:00.000+08:00

With only four days to go before Philippine Idol kicks off, there are four new videos for you to view on YouTube. Embedding was disabled, so Philippine Idol Updates won't bring you the videos directly here, because 1) we respect copyright; and 2) we can't. Cheers!

Philippine Idol Text Downloads Now Available!

2006-07-25T19:04:00.000+08:00

Philippine Idol Premium Downloads are now available for you mobile phone! Just text IDOL to 483 exclusive to Smart subscribers.

Text IDOL NEWS for the latest Philippine Idol news and infotext. You can also download exclusive picture messages and logos by typing in IDOL PIC or IDOL LOGO and send to 483.

Tune in to this site for more PHILIPPINE IDOL UPDATES. You can help us promote this site to win premium Idol merchandise!

Official Philippine Idol Airing Date

2006-07-19T16:17:00.000+08:00

It's official: Philippine Idol will air on ABC-5 on July 30, 2006, Sunday, at 8PM. Its maiden broadcast is certainly one to keep us hanging; Philippine Idol is scheduled for an hour and a half of Sunday primetime.

Very reliable sources have told Philippine Idol Updates that Philippine Idol is the centerpiece of a powerpacked Sunday night for ABC-5. Prior to Philippine Idol, at 7PM, comedian Joey de Leon will launch his new gag show Teka Mona. [The same source tells us that Alyssa Alano, more famously known as the Keys Me karaoke tart, is scheduled to perform.]

After Philippine Idol, at 9:30PM, Lucy Torres-Gomez hosts Shall We Dance: The Celebrity Dance Challenge, the most recent incarnation of the successful ABC-5 show. The latest batch features self-proclaimed sex guru Asia Agcaoili, former matinee idol Jao Mapa, and 80s variety show partners-turned-competitors Roderick Paulate and Carmi Martin.

ABC acknowledges the confusion that resulted from the change of premiere date, and assures its viewers that the change will be worth it, because now, Sundays have gotten even more exciting than ever on ABC-5.

Mark your calendars! Malapit na ang Philippine Idol!

Philippine Idol Premiere Moved Or Not: The Confusion

2006-07-16T15:07:00.000+08:00

I would personally like to explain the issue about the supposedly moved premiere date of Philippine Idol.

Last Sunday, the TV Guide of Philippine Daily Inquirer posted an advertisement of Philippine Idol where it said that it will premiere on July 30, Sunday, 8PM. I checked for confirmation from the official Philippine Idol website as well as on ABC-5, but the premiere date was still July 29. I thought the ad carried a typographical error.

However, Monday's issue of Inquirer carried another advertisement of Philippine Idol on its TV Guide with the premiere date still on July 30. This prompted me to confirm the July 30 premiere on this site, which caused confusion among Idol fanatics.

I apologize that I got a bit carried away.

Until ABC-5 confirms it otherwise on its TV plugs, Philippine Idol would still premiere on July 29, Saturday, 8PM.

Visayas Main Auditions, A Goldmine Of Talent

2006-07-16T14:31:00.000+08:00

The high expectations that faced musically-inclined Visayans were exceeded as Philippine Idol judges Francis Magalona, Pilita Corrales, and Ryan Cayabyab, gave a total of 36 Gold Passes that were held last week at the state-of-the-art International Academy for Film and Television (or Big Foot Entertainment) located in Mactan Island, Cebu.

After what was described as a "disappointing" Mindanao Audition, the judges were allowed to give at least 33 Gold Passes, more than the usual 25. With an estimated 5,000 that auditioned during the pre-casting stages, 89 had the opportunity to face the Idol judges.

Corrales described that most of the auditioneers are the ones that you would see in bars, clubs, and hotel lounges, but not everyone were brave enough to join the auditions because they were afraid to risk their jobs as professional singers.

A lot of interesting Visayan Gold Passers have emerged from this auditions, among them a tranvestite named Kenneth Paul Alonzo, aged 21. He (let's make that a "she") was described by Cayabyab as someone "who looked and sounded female" and all of the judges were drawn to her singing talent. If Alonzo wins the coveted title, the Philippines would have been the first in the world with a tranvestite "Idol."

Magalona meanwhile singled out Monette Rica Lim, a radiology technician, whom he said in an interview with Inquirer Entertainment as "too good to be true." He said even Corrales joked that she didn't want to pick a contestant prettier than herself.

Other Visayas Gold Passers include James Yebes, a photography student at Big Foot; Fred Abaquita, who first joined "Fam Jam," a family singing competition that Magalona hosted; Mabel So, whom Cayabyab said reminded him of award-winning singer Dessa; Gian Carlo Magdangal, cousin of popular singer-celebrity Jolina Magdangal and a member of singing group 17:28; and Robert Bernadas of Toledo City, who is Cayabyab's bet in the Visayas leg of auditions.

Overall, a total of over 40,000 aspirants tried-out at all Philippine Idol main auditions, truly a rousing success for its first season. We at Philippine Idol Updates congratulate ABC-5 and the staff of Philippine Idol for a job well-done.

Philippine Idol Wall of Fame [updated]

2006-07-12T11:24:00.000+08:00

The following are photographs of Filipinos who claim to have received the Philippine Idol Gold Pass to the next set of auditions. If you received the Philippine Idol Gold Pass and would like your photograph here, send an email to philippineidol@national-champs.com with your photograph (preferably holding the Gold Pass, eherm).

Good luck to all of you!