The Day Has Come! (Charice's One Day Music Video is out!)

After too many weeks of anticipation, it's finally here. No flashy CGIs and not a microsecond of sex and violence. It's just pure, clean and inspiring music from Charice. Enjoy!




The video link is from HollywoodLife.com
GTGL8RZ!

Toronto Pride 2011 (You Belong)

Another great Pride Week has passed. For the Sunday parade, we chose to stay at the southwest corner of Yonge and College, which turned out to be a better choice if you plan to see the whole event without worrying about acquiring melanoma or, worse, full on sweat stains on your white capris. It was a little challenging though to take good pics of the revelers given the amount of the security's bald spots blocking our view.

It could well be our location, being close to the end of the parade, but this year's march was not as loud and shocking as the previous year. I was half expecting a harsh reaction towards the absence of the current Toronto mayor in the celebrations so it was not a surprise to see banners mocking the man and a few Rob Ford masks scattered all over. He could have chosen to join the march but, in my opinion, that would have resulted in a less than peaceful pillow fight. So I think he made the right decision to stay as far away as he can from all the noise until the circle of reality comes back around next year.

I saw a few familiar faces marching again, which proves that no matter how political the, supposedly, accepting and tolerant pride events get, there would be people who would be out there just to get a chance to say to the whole world that it's okay to be different; that it's alright to be vulnerable than be caged; that everybody belongs no matter who they are or what they aspire to be.

For the complete gallery CLICK HERE

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Charice's Far As The Sky Video

Another music video of Charice's new song "Far As The Sky." This is currently the theme song for a Japanese TV show about a forensic pathologist entitled "Bull Doctor."

I love the use of the Intervalometer here and Charice's stiletto heels.

The video was uploaded under the YouTube account of Warner Music Japan.



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In A Better World, Are We?

I had a hard time accepting the fact that Incendies did not get the Oscar it deserved. But after watching "In A Better World," I understand now. This flick had me on the edge of my seat the whole time. The subtleties were very provocative. The voyeur-type of cinematography added to the snowballing emotional intensity. One major part that the movie did really well was to put closure on hard-hitting issues. If there is a theatre near you that does second runs, it's worth the walk and the sticky floors.



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Mine's not a Kingsize

I've been a fan of Rihanna since the SOS days and it's always nice when she comes up with a "torch song" like this.

This is dedicated to couples who still live together and share one bed but have lost the bedroom's soul. In other words, the romance had a slow death. Really, it's not the size of the bedroom or the size of the actual bed that matters. Who needs a "king size" when you sleep with a snoring log? I'd rather sweat it out on a "single" where my presence is never ignored.



I'm not from California but you get the idea? ;)

I found a great instrumental thru this page and tweaked the pitch a little bit:

TheHMKARAOKEMC



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Sakura 2011

Sakura 2011, a set on Flickr.

Due to the extended cold weather, this year's delicate buds waited for another 2 weeks to bloom. Not all of the trees have opened buds yet though so I'm guessing by the middle of next week, if the temperature does not go lower than 14 C, the blooms will peak.

As always, I never learn to go in the morning for softer lighting so I had to wait for the late afternoon sun for a less than harsh shadow. It also becomes a challenge to get a solitary tree shot without any eager hobbyist clicking around it so I have to think of how a picture will be cropped after.

Other people, of course, brought their cars so there was bumper to bumper traffic going to the park. It's always best to go by public transit or pedal power. I was there for less than 2 hours, got the shots that I wanted and breezed through the crowd to go out.

Maybe I'll try again next week or if not, at least there's something to look forward to again next year.

GTGL8RZ!

She's Always A Woman Cover

For the only woman who's put up with all my angst and unattainable dreams. A 3-minute imperfect video isn't enough to express everything but I made this with a lot of love.

Happy Mothers' Day, Nanay!



Original song by Billy Joel






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Snowballing

I finally had the time to unbox my new toy. After staring at it for several weeks contemplating if my purchase was necessary, I've convinced myself that a 50% discount for this gadget is worth the extra night of just canned tuna and rice for dinner.



Music by Nic Bommarito "Hymn for 200 Sugar Packets"


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It Is OK To Sing About It!

I had no clue that the balding, frantic lawyer who did this song on Harry's Law's Season Finale was the same Paul McCrane who appeared on Fame.



If you haven't seen Fame (The Original Movie) released in 1980, this song was actually sang by the character Montgomery, a young and openly gay aspiring actor. The theme is universal though. How many times have we dreamt of actually talking to our ultimate crush? How many make-believe dates have we booked?

I dedicate this song to the hopeful romantics who are in the verge of crossing over to extreme stalking. If all else fails, then it must be a sign to move on.

This cover was created using the following:
1.Canon T1i
2.Garageband
3.iTunes
4.iMovie

Ramune "Almost Epic" Fail

I discovered a very interesting non-alcoholic beverage while vacationing in Montreal. I've never actually seen it in Toronto but that's partly because I never actively looked for it. But I'm guessing I'd probably find it in Spadina or in an Asian-operated convenience store.



If I were to describe the taste, it's similar to a "flavoured martini" without the actual alcohol zing. If they start selling an alcohol-based version of it, this would be perfect for people who cannot control their intake 'coz even sober guys would have to exert some extra effort just to open the bottle.

GTGL8RZ!

Unboxing Gary Fong

Here's my unboxing video of Gary Fong's Light Sphere, Power Snoot and the Amber Dome.  As mentioned in the video, you will save more if you just buy these accessories in local shops.  I learned it the hard way by buying online. You are probably safe from the brokerage fee if you live in the U.S.  I have yet to use the new toys but will definitely share my snaps as soon as I get the chance.



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Granada

Thank you Bruno Mars for such a tragic song for those broken-hearted who just wanna sleep through February 14. I will ride on the bandwagon with a massive grenade launcher in my backpack!

Obviously, this is not an official music video.  For the cheesier original, CLICK HERE.

Granada
Uploaded by R_Q. - See the latest featured music videos.

Happy FREAKIN' Valentine's Day suckers!

GTGL8RZ!

6:59 PM, Once a Year

It's a deafening explosion of contemporary art in one night. Even if you plan your trip, you will never get to see everything. I don't think I ever saw the "people's choice" winners for 2010, but I still enjoyed the ones that I got to experience. Yes, it's not just a "look-see" kinda exhibit. Most of the installations feed on the interaction with the people, which is why the whole experience is exhilarating. It's sad that there's only one night to enjoy this compendium of creativity and good taste; but then again, art is all over the city 24/7 waiting to be discovered.









Check the Nuit Blanche official website for the 2011 event.

For more of my pics, CLICK HERE.

GTGL8RZ!

Fierté Dans La Capitale

It's not as big and as loud as the Toronto celebrations but it's great that we don't have to stand behind fences to enjoy that amazing day.

CLICK HERE for the link to the gallery on flickr.










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Toronto Pride 2010

Toronto Pride 2010
Originally uploaded by shutternewbie 

After 6 months of hibernation, I'm finally uploading most of the contents of my memory cards. It's been a busy 2010 but at least it's a nice way to reminisce and prepare for the next Pride event in Toronto. Enjoy!


CLICK HERE for the link to the gallery on flickr.










GTGL8RZ!