You are currently browsing the monthly archive for December, 2006.
May God keep you and bless you abundantly in 2007!
I can’t find information on this online, so just to help promote good efforts to do something about the situation of stand-up comedy in this country, which relies heavily on drag queens, toilet humor, and gender-offensive jokes, I encourage all Filipino stand-up comedians to try out for the Ultimate Stand-up Comedy Challenge!
Complete information after the jump. Read the rest of this entry »
Back in 1981, an obscure singer named Joey Scarbury had a #2 hit on the Billboard Hot 100 with a song titled Believe It or Not, which was the theme to a mildly successful television show titled Greatest American Hero.
Here, for your viewing pleasure - or horror, depending on how you look at it - is the original video! I hope y’all can keep a straight face while looking at the girls with their 80s makeup and bored expressions, the godawful fashions, and the grainy video. *sigh* It brings me back to the day! Enjoy!
For this week’s Thursday Thirteen (Fridays in Manila), I write down 13 resolutions for the New Year.
1 Take life less seriously. My God is an awesome God, so why should I go about with rainclouds on my head?
2 Quit the soda. Empty calories and caffeine that no longer jolts. What’s the point? Hello, water!
3 Monthly date nights. Cathy and I need our time and space. Sorry, Nathan, here’s your pillow. Good night, kid.
4 Give up the mindless snacking. My body is the temple of God. It is not His Mall of Asia. Not His Megamall. Not even His Nepa-Q-Mart. Darn it, I want to be faithful and FITful!
5 Think more, talk less. Listen more, gripe less. I can do greater things for this world if my world view expands and I focus less on me.
6 Write songs again. It’s gotten harder because I’m starting to lose the wonder. Lord, I wanna fall in love with You all over again.
7 Audition for something… anything! In 2006, I promised to audition for at least three different productions, and arrived nowhere. This year, I’m going to do it at least once. January’s got that Standup Comedy Challenge… maybe I’ll start there.
8 Go out with friends. I had a bunch of friends back in the day, most of whom I am now out of touch with. It’d be nice to see them again.
9 Participate in music ministry even more wholeheartedly. Music is a gift from God - why am I not using it enough to glorify Him? Wait no longer!
10 One word: exercise.
11 Be less sarcastic. It just doesn’t work with Filipinos.
12 Envy less. Sure, people have more than I do. I’ve got a great life!
13 Love more. In a cold, cynical world, random acts of goodness are like little bursts of warmth that I believe will have a great effect on the people on this planet.
Here’s my encouraging quote for you today: God isn’t looking for someone who is used to being wanted. He’s looking for someone who wants to be used. It’s not that God has preferences; it’s just so much easier to work with and bless someone who’s already with the program. Are you willing to get with the program and trust in Him to provide everything else you’ll ever need?
Get the Thursday Thirteen code here!
The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others comments. It’s easy, and fun! Be sure to update your Thirteen with links that are left for you, as well! I will link to everyone who participates and leaves a link to their 13 things. Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!
As 2006 draws to a close, I am so grateful to Jesus and all you guys out there for your prayers, your love, and your support.
Here’s to a spectacular new year for us all in 2007, full of promise, hope, and joy.
To those of you who weren’t aware, I have a weekly charts page that I call The Top 20 Singles and Tracks. I’ve been doing this since 1990, when the very first #1 single on my Top 20 chart was Release Me by Wilson Phillips. 
Anyway, now that 2006 is about to come to an end, I’d tabulated the year-end charts, similar to what Billboard Magazine does. Points are awarded per weekly position and number of weeks on the chart.
A total of 106 songs entered the Top 20 Singles and Tracks this year. This year, the Single of the Year award goes to Happy, the debut single from Gotee debut recording artist Ayiesha Woods. The Artist of the Year - a surprise to me, believe it or not - is Avalon.
Complete year-end positions after the jump, along with Top 10 commentary.
Y
esterday, Cathy and I took time off from all the Christmas revelry to watch Carlo Vergara’s Zsa Zsa Zaturnnah Ze Moveeh at the SM North EDSA Cinema 6. It was the first Filipino MMFF film I’d seen since Mano Po years ago. (Image lifted off the official movie website - a shame that this particular pic isn’t available for wallpaper.)
I’ve supported Carver’s exceptionally funny graphic novel since I bought a copy of the comic book years back, and was apprehensive about the film, knowing how Filipino movies tend to let me down. I’ve even given away copies of the comic book to friends for Christmas. Not to support the gay subculture or anything, but I just think Zaturnnah is a funny, moving piece of literature. One of my favorite reading materials of all time - never fails to make me laugh. The film, therefore, had a lot to live to. My review after the jump. Read the rest of this entry »
Thanks for saving me.
My prayers are with you all for your individual Yuletide plans, as well as great things to come for you in 2007.
In the name of Christ Jesus, born on this day.
The incomparable Jennifer Hudson sings the roof off One Night Only in her appearance on The Tonight Show.
ONE NIGHT ONLY
You want all my love and my devotion
You want my loving soul right on the line
I have no doubt that I could love you forever
The only trouble is, you really don’t have the time
Chorus
You’ve got one night only, one night only
That’s all you have to spare
One night only, let’s not pretend to care
One night only, one night only
Come on big baby come on
One night only, we only have ’til dawn
In the morning this feeling will be gone
It has no chance going on
Something so right has got no chance to live
So let’s forget about chances, this one night I will give
Chorus
You’ve got one night only, one night only
Will be the only one
One night only, then you have to run
One night only, one night only
There’s nothing more to say
One night only, words get in the way
One night only, One night only
One night only
First off, I just want to say “Thank you” to every single person who swung into GannsDeen.com over the past 12 months. Whether you visited for the first time, thanks in part to searches from Philippine Idol to Jennifer Hudson, or whether you’ve been my friend since I started blogging in 1999, I want to thank you for your love, prayers and support.
My blogging star may have dimmed in the years gone by as real life started to intrude - Cathy and Nathan, after all, require a little more time, and once Baby Deen #2 comes into the picture, I can’t imagine how I’ll ever find time to blog as often as I did - but you’re being around has really helped make my online life fun, exciting, and truly worth keeping.
Having said that, I skipped the nominees this year because I have to mail that medicine box to Project Miracle this weekend. As I mentioned in a previous post, I would like to honor the winners of the Superblessed Christian Blog Awards 2006 by donating medicines to Typhoon Reming’s victims in Bicol in the names of the winners.
“Thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” - 1 Cor 15:57
The winners of the Superblessed Christian Blog Awards 2006 are selected by sheer virtue of their having blessed me. Regardless of whether their blogs are explicitly Christian in nature or whether they ‘live the life,’ if you will, I wish to honor these phenomenal men and women of Christ, and pray their stars continue to shien brightly as they blog for Jesus. Be superblessed!
Best Designed Blog.
DateJoaquin.com. I’ve known Joaquin Valdes informally since I interviewed him for LIVEtheLIFE Magazine, and got to know him a little more after joining the choir/backup at Victory Christian Fellowship Fort, and I never get tired of how he is never ashamed to testify of His love for Jesus. I love the interactivity of DateJoaquin.com, the website detailing his journey and search for a great Christmas date. I mayn’t necessarily agree with his methods, but I give him plus points for gumption and great design.
Most Humorous Blog.
Mental Foreplay. I’ve followed Pam ever since she grabbed hold of the editor position at the Philippine Daily Inquirer’s 2BU section, and it has improved by leaps and bounds under her able leadership. Her blog is a wry view at her life, and her infatuation with Havaianas never fails to put a smile on my face. A visit to Mental Foreplay is always an interesting, never-boring experience to be savored and truly enjoyed.
Most Educational Blog.
Doc Emer. Last year, Doc Emer beat us out for Most Educational Blog at the Philippine Blog Awards, and rightly so. Parallel Universes is chockful of information about health and other topics, and I’ve learned so much from him.
Most Introspective Blog
7 Day Holy. Tanya has maintained this blog for the past few years, and it has served as an oasis of love and refreshing for me. When I’m feeling low spiritually, I run to 7 Day Holy, and I feel and remember God’s love flow through the words on the screen. God’s voice of truth speaks through this website.
Most Useful Christian Resource
BibleGateway.com. Ever since BibleGateway.com added The Message’s translation to its archives, I haven’t been able to pull myself away since. Presenting the Word of God, in various forms, to suit every taste and sensibility.
Most Inspirational/Encouraging Blog.
Wifely Steps. I love Toni for many, many reasons. When one visits Wifely Steps, one gets solid, delicious bites of comedy, domestic assistance, philosophy, religion, relatinship advice, and so many other things. I love how Wifely Steps looks at the world as a good, positive place, and relates this positivity towards making the world even better. The eyes of a child couldn’t equal the wonder present on this blog.
Most Enjoyable Male Filipino-Christian Blog.
Be Still. The sporadic blogger that is Francis may not be present to blog on a regular basis, but when he does, each entry is chockful of joy, love, and thanksgiving for God’s grace. I’ve seen his struggles, and I know his pain, but I also know he relies on a great and mighty God to get him through, and it’s in reading about how Jesus continues to bail him out every single time, that I am encouraged by this man’s faith.
Most Enjoyable Female Filipino-Christian Blog.
In My Pocket. Noelle has been a favorite of mine for years, and this particular year, I’ve seen her grow so much in her faith and her life that I naturally can’t help but be encouraged. I know God will use her even more as He molds her, and In My Pocket will detail that growth to encourage and satisfy other Christian believers. Good job living that life, Noelle.
Most Enjoyable Male Christian Blog (International, Non-Filipino).
Esteban of the Bakura Chronicles. Esteban and his wife Danielle are going to have a baby! But that’s not the only reason why I choose E, as I call him. Esteban’s faith has always been a great source of inspiration to me, and I’m glad his life continues to be superblessed by God as testament to his faith.
Most Enjoyable Female Christian Blog (International, Non-Filipino).
Sue and Katie of Sisters’ Weblog. Sisters’ Weblog, last year’s Blog On! Most Superblessed Christian Blog, continues to encourage me with its ample mix of real-life stories and personal introspection. I love how Sue can look at her new job with a good mix of wonder, excitement and trepidation, and rely completely on God for strength.
Most Enjoyable Podcast.
Ed’s Mixed Bag. I got to know Ed Ovett just this year, and in that span of time, I have learned so much about podcasting and making one’s content available through the Web. Ed’s Mixed Bag is truly that, with a great mix of fantastic music, thought-provoking musings on life, and a left-of-center look at the world. It’s always a pleasure to download his latest podcast, and it’s a blessing to have him as an inspiration in my own podcasting.
Superblessed Hall of Fame Award
What In Tarnation. I don’t think anyone is more deserving of this award this year than Christopher Wright. Maybe it’s because he teaches kids, and funny teachers are a lot more fun than unfunny ones. Maybe it’s because he’s just naturally witty, or sarcastic, or what have you. Maybe it’s because he’s encouraged me too too much throughout the years. Or maybe it’s the air in Montana. Good job, Mr. Wright. Rock those kids’ worlds.
The Blog On! Most Superblessed Christian Blog of 2006.
Journey Inside My Mind. This year, I have seen Dan Johnson live his faith out in so many ways, it makes my head spin. When I look at him and see how his joy comes from God, despite things that would have felled lesser men, I am reminded of God’s power and greatness. No man deserves this award better than Dan Johnson, because in everything he does - as he takes us through a journey through his mind, if you will - you can see how Christ fills it up and leads him on. For being his brother in Christ, one of his prayer partners, and his friend, I am superblessed, honored, and privileged to give the Blog On! Superblessed Christian Blog Award 2006 to my friend, Dan Johnson.
The instructions:
1. Leave me a comment saying, “Interview me.”
2. I will respond by asking you five questions. I get to pick the questions.
3. You will update your journal with the answers to the questions.
4. You will include this explanation and an offer to interview someone else in the same post.
5. When others comment asking to be interviewed, you will ask them five questions.
*****
Now, for my first interview, here are some questions from Arybba. Thanks for the questions, dearheart, they certainly got me a-thinkin’.
1. If you had to choose between La Salle and Ateneo (given that you spent four years in each school), where would you want Nathan to study in and why?
I would choose La Salle for two major reasons: 1) Since Cathy is working there, there are scholarships for which he can apply and it’ll be easier to keep an eye on him; and 2) Cathy and I want him to pursue a career that is best suited for him, and La Salle offers a wider range of courses than the Ateneo, especially in the technical side in which he has already exhibited signs of interest.
2. Suppose you were asked to produce Philippine Idol, how would you improve the show from the way it is now?
Oi vey, don’t get me started! LOL Three things I’d do: 1) Raise the age limit; 2) Fire Pilita Corrales and Francis Magalona; and 3) Improve online and offline community support.
3. What would your ideal last meal be, and which three people in your life would you share it with (hmmm … were they two questions? LOL)?
A nicer way of reminding me I’m going to die, eh, Arybba? Fine, um… a perfect last meal for me would probably feature a cream of pumpkin soup, a seafood salad, a 32-ounce steak well done a la pobre with steamed asparagus sauteed in garlic and butter with a side of garlic button mushrooms, and four slices of turtle pie.
4. You have a tattoo of Hobbes. how come you never had Calvin drawn on you?
Darling, my tattoo is Calvin and Hobbes. Calvin is lying down, laughing, on Hobbes’ stomach. 
The image is from The Indispensable Calvin & Hobbes.
5. Should you be given an opportunity to embark on a creative collaboration with a musical artist, who would you want to work with?
I love that question! LOL Terrible, terrible thing to have to choose one artist. But my dream is to have a Contemporary Christian album produced by Brown Bannister, with tracks featuring/produced by Jody McBrayer, Nicole C. Mullen, Michael W. Smith, Mark Schultz, and Chris Tomlin.
Now, if it were a secular album, I’d want to work with Glen Ballard (Aerosmith, Alanis Morissette, Wilson Phillips), and do collaborations with Indigo Girls, Sarah McLachlan, Deborah Gibson, and Rascal Flatts.
Every year, I take the time to honor the Christian blogs that have blessed me in many ways online in a small celebration I’ve called the Superblessed Christian Blog Awards.
To spice things up this year, as a special ‘thank you’ to all my blogger friends whose prayers and love have supported me throughout the years, and in gratitude to a great and mighty God whose love has given me life, I will donate medicine and canned goods to Project Miracle, a relief effort in the Philippine region of Bicol affected by the recent super typhoon Reming, in the names of the winners of the Superblessed Christian Blog Awards (and my son Nathan).
While I’m spearheading a small drive for medicines in my office, this particular relief box is a separate donation. If you’d like to start a small drive in your own place of influence, or would like more information about Project Miracle, please contact Mic at 0917.855.6977 or email her at jamicah95 at yahoo dot com.
The list of nominees will be posted tomorrow, and the winners announced on Saturday, in time for the sending of the Superblessed Christian Blog Awards/Nathan Deen Relief Box to Project Miracle next week.
Do not withhold good from those who deserve it, when it is in your power to act. - Prov 3:27
Andrew posted a ten things that begin with the letter ___ meme. Here’s how it works: When you see this meme and want to participate, post a comment requesting a letter (as I did at Andrew’s site), and the blogger will respond in the comment form with a letter of his/her choice. Then you go back to your blog and post about ten things that start with that letter.
Andrew was gracious enough to give me an “L.” These were the top 10 things that came to mind:
This morning, after listening to Katharine McPhee’s goshawful new single Open Toes, Cathy pointed out to me that Kellie Pickler’s hot new single, Red High Heels, a song that’s actually doing well on the charts, is also a song about shoes.
What’s with Season 5 Idols and shoes?
I can’t get over it. I’m typing this entry from home! For the first time ever, I actually have an Internet connection in my actual house. I don’t have to go next door. I don’t have to run frantic to send a quick email. I can live blog for Philippine Idol! [Big deal, one week to go.]
Thanks to my uber-techie in-law brothers, Erikson and Rey, who bought me this wireless LAN thingamajig that allows me to go online even without a modem. Hot dawg.
Just a quick update, though, because you never know when the connection might get cut off. We’re still nannyless, which partially explains why I’m here. Cathy’s mother-in-law flew to China with my father-in-law for their first just-the-two-of-us vacation since… since… Lord, I can’t remember them ever taking a vacation, just the two of them. Since Mama Jane’s not here, and we have no nanny, it was either Cathy or me. Cathy didn’t have any choice because she’d already been absent with sick leave for the past two weeks, so that left me.
I’m not perturbed, though, because - surprise! - I am sick once again. This time a more potent bout with tonsillitis. It actually got so bad that I bogged down last Thursday with a fever bordering on 39 and the chills. I can’t recall the last time I had a fever that high. So I’m supposed to stay home and rest, but if you’ve a hyperactive three-year-old in the house running amok, well, good luck to ye. So good luck to me. I’m downing antibiotics - Zithromax, sounds like a superhero straight out of Vertigo comics - and gargling Betadine every three hours because it hurts to swallow.
Anyway, if you need anything, just holler or send me an email, you know where I’m at. And if you’re asking if I need anything, well, inclusion in your prayers for a new nanny and a quick recovery from this tonsillitis would be nice. Thanks, y’all.
