I'M BACK

Well, I have been out for a while and you might have noticed that I don't have much posts starting May 2011. There are several reasons to that. First is that it is closing again and my job as accountant is really making me miss most of my writing tasks. Secondly, a sad event has actually crippled my mind juices lately. My dad has passed away last Friday, May 6, 2011 and was already laid to his final resting place last Tuesday, May 10, 2011. But all things must go on and so as with my blog. To avid fans and readers, I am back!

There are tons of posts to look for. Movie reviews for Rio, Beastly, Thor and a lot more. There will be special posts about the Royal Wedding and Pope John Paul II's beatification. Also, I'll have a write-up about my beloved father who is now with HIM. New music charts are also up on the list together with updates on the recently concluded Bieber concert. There's also sports news most notably insights on the Pacquiao-Mosley fight. And it's Fashion Week season again so prepare for loads of updates on that one.

I MISS PERFORMING

I miss performing, may it be dancing or singing in front of the crowd. The last time I have performed really was with P&G, most notable is my participation in one of their Rockstar contests. Although, I am not a full blood rocker, it still is music and I just have so much musicality in me. I am more of a balladeer and a crooner. You could ask my friends about it.

I miss those days. I wonder when I'll be able to perform again. My love for the performing arts, dancing, music and singing is really great that I am eager of sharing my talents again to the people. :)

Photo: From my MSC Rockstar days

CONFESSIONS IS 8 MONTHS OLD! YIPEE!

It all started one day when I had nothing to do - no job yet, no activities, no one texting or calling.

And so I grabbed my pen and notebook and scribbled some ideas. What to write? How to call them... And then I made outlines and drafts. Wow! I never thought I would have my writing self awakened again. I love a lot of things. From movies, travel, food, guys, girls, sports and a whole bunch of stuff. It was early 2009 since I last wrote and it was August 2010 when I got back into writing.

And how time really flies. It has been 8 months already since I started writing once more. And my blog has somehow become a regular fixture in my daily life. I thank all the people who continuously read on my blog and share their thoughts. My initial plan was just have something to put my random ramblings of the mind. I did not think of this to be something that could reach people from different places. Surprisingly I have readers from all across the globe - representing different culture, personalities, age, gender and sexual preferences.

To my readers, thanks a lot! Keep on reading and I'll be more than willing to continue writing for you.

Photo: Resorts World Manila

MY EVER EVOLVING HAIRSTYLES

In the past 5 years, I have been a bit adventurous with my hairtyles. I have tried a lot of different do's and experimented on some stuff like colors and even braids. Now, in 2011 I wonder what else I would try. Perhaps have it relaxed or something like that. While I am still looking for a new thing to do with my hair, I just want to get back to how I have made changes to my crowning glory.

Barber's Cut

- Just a plain cut as the usual Filipino guys do. Clean, nice and simple.

Short Spikes

- Hair cut very short and styled up with the use of hair products. Much like making my hair look like spikes.

Colored Hair

- Yup, I tried hair coloring as well. This is courtesy of the great stylists in Vivere Salon. Yup, sort of reddish brown was the best choice for my pitch black hair making my look less firm but a bit softer.

Brushed Down

- No hair products at all. I tried having my hair on a usual brushed down fashion. Lengthy yet still looking good and easy to wear.

Frizz Up

- This is usually the stage when my hair is growing after a shave. I call it frizz up much more like a caterpillar.

Brush Up

- Finger styled hair. This is the style where I usually play with my hair using just my fingers. Sporting a relatively good length of hair and brushing fingers to meet at the middle to form a cone head and troll like hair.

Short Bob

- A bit shorter than the normal barber's cut but still easy to style with mousse or gel. A ready to wear hairstyle even when fresh out of bed.

Braids

- After growing my hair a bit, I tried sporting braids. A bit painful at first but still I loved the look. Hell yeah, fashion over comfort.

Long Hair

- Long hair with bangs covering the forehead.

Semikalbo (Shaved)

- My current look. Shaved head but still with hair on it. (not the complete shave). Love this look and makes it easier to move. Aside from the fact that I usually get plus points when I sport this look. A great summer hairstyle.

FOLLOW ME ON TWITTER AS WELL

Well. I am in a sort of brain freeze and can't really gather my thoughts well and come up with new posts. I only have drafts for movie reviews for Tangled, Black Swan, Burlesque and I am Number Four. Hope to post them by tomorrow at least or later. :)

Since I don't have anything much to say, just wanna invite you to follow me on Twitter as well. Yeah, that tweet tweet thing!

Happy reading! Happy blogging! Happy tweeting!

VERSATILE BLOGGER AWARD

2010 was my first full plunge into the world of blogging ang the responses were really overwhelming. Over 100 followers in FB page for my blog and 60 followers via google. It was so nice to be one of the nominees for the Philippine Blog Awards as well. But the more encouraging citations and awards are really the ones coming from your fellow bloggers. Thanks Hazel for this nice award. =)

To accept this award, there are certain rules to follow:

1. Thank and link back to who gave the award.
2. Share seven things about yourself.
3. Pass it along to seven blogs you've recently discovered and enjoyed.
4. Leave your recipients a note, telling them about the award.

And so as the rule says, here are the beans I will spill about me. =)

1. I am an accounting graduate so I like numbers (a lot). But I'm not boring as what most people think of Accountants. Maybe them, but not me. =)
2. I like the performing arts as I sing (even tried out for Philippine Idol) and I dance as well.
3. I like to travel a lot - meeting new people, exploring cultures and seeing all the scenic views of the Philippines and the world.
4. I love pictures - may it be a picture of me, my family, my friends or all the beautiful things this world has to offer. The simple thought of taking shots amazes me and makes me appreciate life.
5. I love watching movies. I can watch movies for the entirety of the day. (just need food on the side to keep me busy) I am a sucker for drama and love story. But just about anything interests me as well.
6.  I do some sports as well and have tried most of them except swimming (dunno how to swim) and biking (dunno how to ride a bike, hahaha). I play badminton, tennis, table tennis, volleyball, bowling, frisbee, I run etc. etc.
7. I am definitely unique. If you are looking for someone who is a bundle of everything, then find me. I find interest even in the nothingness of things. Eccentric as I may say or weird by some perspective. At any case, pure human being with a heart that loves and soul that cares.

Here are the seven people that has somehow made my daily blogging and reading fun an nice. Keep those writing pens going as you are truly great people. =)

Vinvin

Rochelle

Mica

Chris

Lhan

Tolits

Armie

Thanks to all. Happy 2011!

2010: RECALLING THE YEAR

2010 is already part of the past but it was one of the more challenging years I had in my life. But the past year were just not challenges but it was alaso filled with lots of things to ponder and reflect upon. There were also some triumphs for me along the way. Overall, I see 2010 as the best year for me in terms of personal growth and maturity. I was tested and I believe I have passed  the test.

This is a recollection of the past year's activities, highs and lows

JANUARY

New Year celebration at Manila Ocean Park

Baguio Trip with bestfriend

FEBRUARY

Velentine's Day at MOA

Mall of Asia Weekend Bowling Fun

MARCH

First IMAX movie experience

Malaysia Trip (Melaka)

APRIL

Summer at Puerto Galera

MAY

A visit to Laguna

Clash of The Titans Special Screening

JUNE

Singapore Trip with bestfriend

JULY

Preparations for relaunch of blog

Portulano, Batangas

AUGUST

Therapies for my heart (Singapore and Hongkong)

Birth of blog - "Confessions of An Eccentric Mind"

SEPTEMBER

Last series of therapies for my heart ailment (Singapore)

Vivre Fort's 100 Bachelors

OCTOBER

The Social Network Special Screening

My first non-Batangas birthday celebration

Philippine Fashion Week

Manila Black Party

NOVEMBER

My sister's wedding

First Time at a PPV Venue for Pacquiao-Margarito fight

Nominee for Best Personal Blog (Philippine Blog Awards 2010)

DECEMBER

Sister's Graduation OTP-BPI

Christmas with my loved ones at Batangas

Won A PLDT MyDsl modem from Nuffnang

Thanks 2010 for a nice collection of memories. Here;s hoping that 2011 will be much better!

CHRISTMAS IS A TIME FOR EVERYONE

Since we can't deny the fact that the Christmas season and the holiday times is already here, I would be doing a barrage of personal notes in the next few days as well as part of me showing that I truly love the people I have had nice times with - my family, friends (then and now), acquaintances and everyone else in between.

This is a season of merrymaking and sharing. We don't only share presents but more importantly love and smiles. The world is created not for one person to live alone but to share it with others. To all the people I love so dear, the following posts will be specially for you. Happy Holidays everyone!

LESS POSTS... BYE BYE LAPTOP

Laptop's gone so I would be doing lesser posts in the coming days. I will try my best to sneak up some write-ups still. Thanks to all avid readers.

Since it is December, I'll be doing several year-end top lists for all of you guys in the next few days. I'll be going home to t\my province so I will just connect with our PC back home. See you again soon. =)

I SUPPORT FACEBOOK : VIOLENCE AGAINST CHILDREN

This week, an ongoing campaign was pushed in the social networking site Facebook. The drive asks people to change their profile picture to a cartoon character of their childhood and maintain that profile picture until Monday, December 6, 2010.

I fully support this endeavor and has made sure that I change my pic right away. And so I changed mine to Kenshin Himoura of Samurai X. He is my favorite anime character of all time and I have grown watching that series on TV. As the taglines in facebook says - "Change your facebook profile picture to a cartoon from your childhood and invite your friends todo the same. Until Monday there should be no human faces on facebook, but an invasion of memories. This is for violence against children.". How about you, have you changed yours already? Hello Kitty? Gokou? Doraemon? Optimus Prime? Batman? It does not matter which character you choose, but doing so makes your voice be heard.

CONGRATULATIONS AND THANK YOU

The first online poll on my blog is a success. Your votes have been counted (blog poll, blog comments, email, facebook, friendster, twitter). But before we finally reveal the Top 10 it's time for me to give back to those who have voted and helped in making this poll a success. These are just tokens but I have sent you emails already or facebook messages to let you know you have a gift from me and how you can claim them. Here are the lucky ones!

STARBUCKS GC (PHP 500)

Czarina Yap-Lin

SODEXHO GC (PHP 200)

Andrew San Pedro

Michael Torres

CELLPHONE LOAD (PHP 100)

Carla Miranda

Jose Mauricio Santoja

I know this is small but will work on having bigger prizes for you. Thanks again for your patronage.

LAPTOP CRASH

As you can see I have been put of blog posting in the past 2 days. Well, that can be attributed to my laptop crashing. CRASH. Yup, it crashed after for more than 2 years with me. I guess my HP mini got a bit of tired. I had it checked at Complink in Glorietta and had the OS restored and save some of the files. I got my personal pics and some of the files I need but my blogging folder was greatly affected and around only 5 % of the info and pics there were saved. It was an upsetting end to November but thankfully my mini is up and going again. As always, a hiccup like that won't stop me from doing what I love and that is writing for all your pleasures. I'm back!

PHILIPPINE BLOG AWARDS: NOMINEE

Wow! Just Wow! When I first got an email from Philippine Blog Awards (PBA) about confirming my nomination, my initial reaction was - FOR REAL? I thought it was just a joke since it has been over 3 months that I have been back to blogging back then. Plus I don't know where to categorize my blog since I capture all topics since I like everything in general. And so I decided to put mine into the Personal Blog category. And then I have not heard from them after a long while until I opened my google mail once more and there was my official badge. Wow, so it is indeed true.

This is the 4th year they are doing this and for me to be a part of the list of nominees was such a wonderful pre-Christmas gift. Whoever made the nomination, all I could say is thank you. It was really appreciated and I could only assure one thing. I'll continue writing and sharing thoughts to everyone. I will let everyone see life in its entirety including its lows and of course its highs.

The Philippine Blog Awards 2010 will be held on December 12, 2010 at the Carlos P. Romulo Auditorium at RCBC Plaza, Makati City. I am happy enough to get nominated but who know with fingers crossed, a victory could really be nice. The event is brought to you by Nokia and Globe Tattoo.

THE TIE THAT BONDS: MARRIAGE NOT WEDDING

Well, for me, what is more truthful and wonderful is marriage rather than a wedding. Marriage is bounded by love, by truthfulness and respect. And I am just so happy that my sister, Rose tied the knot and was indeed a persona of happiness last November 17. I am also greatful that Ryan loves her so much and I know he will take care of my sister and her children.

If my words are not enough proof that love is really strong between them then just see how smiled filled each photo of them together. All I can hope is for them to have a good life together and share the most out of what they have. Church wedding is coming soon next year and I can't wait for that as well.

Love meets love... In their love story, I did not just see love but also genuine care, respect, trust and togetherness. For the years to come, I will be there for you both. Wishing you all the best!

FOR ALL OF MY LIFE: MY SISTER'S WEDDING

"For All Of My Life" is the song that has been a big part of their lives. For my sister, Rose and her new hubby Ryan, all I could see is happiness. They are both brimming with smiles and I could not help but be happy for them as well. November 17, 2010 marked their union through civil wedding and it will be the start of a life of togetherness.

I was in the civil wedding ang got a lot of things learned from the presiding judge. He told that MONEY should never be a part of one's relationship as usually it just tends to complicate things between couples. It is compelling that he told that MONEY is just an acronym - Momentarily Owned Not Eternally Yours. Wow, that truly shows something that being rich and getting a better financial standing will not merit a successful marriage. It is love and devotion, trust and respect. He has told a lot more about success, love, reasons and all. Truly marriage is a special contract - no expiration dates, only bounded by love!

To Ate Rose and Kuya Ryan, congratulations. May God continously bless you both. I know you both love each other much. Kakainggit! =)

ANNOUNCEMENT!

The poll for the Hottest Men and Women International will be temporarily closed and will resume on December 1, 2010 and will end on December 31, 2010.

This is to put focus on the 2 polls that are gaining thousands of votes already - The Hottest Men Philippines and Hottest Women Philippines. As of date, after two weeks only of voting, there are already 6,018 votes casted for the men while 4, 174 for the women.

Keep voting for your bets. The updates will be posted in a while.

OCTOBER 2010 FACTS AND HOAX

Since October is my birth month, I have found a lot of interesting facts about October of 2010.

10.10.10 - October 10, 2010 Apparently the 10th day of the 10th month of the 10th year of the century is such a rare cosmic occurrence and a very positive mystical number. A lot of people see and view this as one of the best days to get hitched, laid and even tie the knot. And for a day to come once in every 100 years, no one could blame making such day special. After all, they won't be able to catch the next 10.10.10

5 Fridays, 5 Saturdays and 5 Sundays - Yup, all at one time. This October 2010 has 5 of those days in one calender. Don't mind the fact about it happening every 823 years. It's a hoax. But for sure it does not happen yearly. Last time it occured was 2004 and the next one is not until 2021. And also, any month that starts with a Friday and has 31 days will have 5.5.5 as well.

27 AND COUNTING...

Another year added to a life full of everything.
October 3 has been a very special day for me as it is the day of my birthday! Yeah, I am still awake and awaiting for the clock to tick at exactly 12.

The past 26 years was just amazing even though the last 2 years have been somewhat rocky and even times very difficult. Despite that I still found the very beauty and the sheer importance of things. I might have lost some but for sure I still gained a lot and still some of the things remained and even became stronger.

Today marks the start of another year for me. A fresh chapter that is up for the taking. I am gonna celebrate my 27th year with a smile in my face. And I might say, a new hair-do as well. I had my hair braids. =)

So everyone, join me in celebrating this very special day. HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME!!!

ONLINE POLL LAUNCH

Just over a week ago, I have made a soft launch of my first online poll about the Hottest Men and Women in the World. I was not expecting quite a lot of responses in my blog, Facebook page and even my Facebook inbox. There were a lot of names that were cited for both men and women from all over the world. With this, I am officially launching the online poll with 4 teasers that would come to you all within the day.

I have now grouped the voting into four categories. Hottest Men International, Hottest Women International, Hottest Men Philippines, Hottest Women Philippines. Your previous votes still count and I will just tally them to their respective categories.

Hottest Men International
1. Anyone from around the world (outside Philippines) can be voted from models, TV actors, moviestars, celebrities and even your friends.
2. You will get to vote 5 people who you think is hot.

Hottest Women International

1. Anyone from around the world (outside Philippines) can be voted from models, TV actresses, moviestars, celebrities and even your friends.
2. You will get to vote 5 people who you think is hot.

Hottest Men Philippines
1. Anyone who is currently a Filipino or a citizen of which is entitled to be voted. Voters can also pick from famous celebrities who ar non-Filipinos but has established a working status here in the Philippines (ex. Brapanese models Ide, Matsunaga etc...)
2. You will get to vote 5 people who you think is hot.

Hottest Women Philippines
1. Anyone who is currently a Filipino or a citizen of which is entitled to be voted. Voters can also pick from famous celebrities who ar non-Filipinos but has established a working status here in the Philippines (ex. Carmen Soo etc...)
2. You will get to vote 5 people who you think is hot.

Vote through leaving comments in the posts for Hottest Men and Women in the World and through the official Facebook Page of "Confessions Of An Eccentric Mind"
Regular updates on the votes will be given in this blog plus in my Facebook Page.
The final rankings of the Top 100 for the 4 categories will be announced on December 1, 2010.
Random voters will get tokens of appreciation from me. Prizes to be announced on later dates. Same winners will be announced on December 1, 2010.

Thanks,
Bluecloud

HOTTEST MEN AND WOMEN OF THE WORLD TOP 100

Hi frequent readers!

Is Jessica Alba your ultimate goddess? Or maybe Megan Fox or Maria Sharapova? It maybe Angel Locsin, Marian Rivera or Venus Raj or maybe even your officemate?

Does Kellan Lutz give you the chills or maybe you want Filipino and opt for Piolo Pascual, Dingdong Dantes or Jake Cuenca? Or are you plain Brad Pitt or Zac Efron fan? Or maybe you just find your friend uber hot.

From now, September 21, 2010 up to November 30, 2010, I will gather all your votes on who is your hottest men and women of the world. You can vote for 5 male and 5 female hotties and I'll make a tally of your votes. You may vote foreign celebrities, local celebrities (music, TV, film and whatever industry), entrepreneurs, facebook friends and anyone you find hot. On December 1, 2010, I'll unveil the Top 100 List for both the guys and the gals.

Updates will be provided weekly and the last update will be on November 29,  2010 (for final push for your votes)

There are several ways of making your vote count:

OPTION 1:

1. Leave your comments to thsi post or to this blog citing your Top 5 for both Men and Women.

2. It would be easier to track if you click "FOLLOW" and follow my blog publicly.

OPTION 2:

1. For Facebook Fans of Pages:

a. Go to Confessions of An Eccentric Mind Official Page.

b. Click "Like" and post to wall your Top 5 Men and Women

2. For Facebook Friends (Bluecloud Serrano)

a. Send message for your votes

OPTION 3:

1. For Friendster

a. Add me up (new account - Bluecloud Serrano)

b. Send message for your votes

Random voters will be chosen to receive small tokens as appreciation from me. Winners will be announced also on December 1, 2010 as I unveil the Top 100 Hottest Men and Women of the World.

Your truly,

Bluecloud