I love Michael Jackson

My little vocal tribute to the King of Pop.

(photo taken from: http://blog.juststopeatingsomuch.com/was-michael-jackson-a-crybaby/)

Original demo: Sunrise (Thinking of Me)

Here's a little beachy tune I wrote with my friend, Jay. We recorded it on a laptop in the living room, using a built-in mic and Ableton. Hope you enjoy! Peace, light, love. :)



Lyrics & vocal arrangement: Cara Manglapus
Musical production: Jay Arguelles

Oh Louis

(via http://www.buzzfeed.com/summeranne/the-50-most-romantic-photographs-of-all-time)

Maybe the CUTEST picture ever.

An adorable moment is captured:

From the Primetime Emmy Awards red carpet, Zooey Deschanel gets her very dreamlike whimsical ball gown caught in Lucy Liu's sexy metal dress while in line to speak with Ryan Seacrest of E! 

Don't you think their gown choices are also so fitting of their personalities? 

Too cute.

Home Movies 2: Stage Jitters

I found an old video (okay, fine, it's just a year old) of the first time I sang infront of an intimate crowd in a little hole-in-the-wall jazz joint in Timog. 

It was an impromptu jam, so yes I look very nervous and don't even have any makeup on (haha), but my dad was kind enough to accompany me on his guitar as I put my own little feeling-freesyle-jazz spin on Maroon 5's "Sunday Morning." A good friend, Ale Rivera, joined in with his violin to make it all sound a little prettier.

I've become much more comfortable on stage since my start as an amateur singer just a year ago, I think... everyone starts somewhere, the important thing is to start. :)

This was the 2nd time I ever "took the stage" on my own, the first time was at Fete de la Musique 2011 (story here). More recently, I've tried to sing bigger songs like Etta James' "At Last," which made its debut at the French Film Festival (story here).

Travel Tidbits 7: Corregidor Island Day Tour

(photo credit: RJ Cabaluna)

Corregidor is an island at the entrance of Manila Bay, just an hour boat ride away on one of Sun Cruises' two impressive fast ferries. I say impressive because the term "ferry" can be used very loosely in the Philippines, sometimes referring to a bangka, which was what I was expecting when some friends and I signed on for the tour. 

However, Macy, RJ, Christian, and I were very comfortably carried by two first-class airconditioned catamarans, and I got to take nice little naps each way. :)

On this island, General Douglas McArthur made his famous statement: "I shall return."

(photo credit: Macy Yap)

There are many things to do on the island if you plan an overnight trip, such as hiking, biking, camping, bird watching, and other beach resort activities, however our group of 4 went on a very informative historical day tour which took us around the tadpole-shaped island in a trolley. 

(photo credit: RJ Cabaluna)

(photo credit: Macy Yap)

Corregidor, or "The Rock," served as a military nerve center during the Spanish and American colonial periods (Fort Mills), and the Japanese occupation in Philippine history, particularly during World War II, which you can read more about by clicking here. Defense installations on the island cost the US government $150 million. 

(photo credit: RJ Cabaluna)

(photo credit: RJ Cabaluna)

What remains on this heavily bombed fortress are ruins of a life that once was: old artillery, memorials to the brave souls that fought, symbols of Philippine-American friendship, and most importantly, a reminder of the sacrifice our forefathers made in a fight for freedom.

(photo credit: Macy Yap)

(photo credit: Macy Yap)

Aside from the gorgeous scenery, a nice change of pace from the bustling city, tourists are in for a treat at "Light & Sound Show" inside the Malinta Tunnel, an interesting walking capsule tour of what it was really like for those living on the island, particularly for then President Manuel L. Quezon in hiding.

Macy and I at one of the batteries. (photo credit: RJ Cabaluna)

RJ, Macy, Christian and I by the lighthouse

Arial shot of Corregidor ruins (via web: Wikipedia)

The total package for the day tour costs an all inclusive Php 2,200, with roundtrip transportation, buffet lunch, and a very smart and engaging tour guide. There is, however, an addition Php 150 for those interested in the optional Malinta Tunnel Light & Sound show. 

It was a Saturday morning and afternoon well spent. We certainly enjoyed ourselves... maybe even a little too much. ;)

(photo credit: Macy Yap)

Gangnam Style without Music

So the world has been struck by the "Gangnam Style" storm. Korean musical sensation, PSY, has given the fine citizens of the world another silly trending dance accompanied by a catchy tune (think Soulja Boy, Dougie, and heck, the Macarena). 

But what happens when you take the music out of the music video? 

One Youtube user has tweaked the viral video to his liking, leaving only the vocals and sound effects to match the scenes. Watch this and you'll have an even better laugh than you did when PSY taught Britney Spears how to do the giddy-up on the Ellen de Generes show.

You're welcome!

You can view the original music video (around 350M views and counting) here.