Madonna (Queen of Pop) and Michael Jackson (King of Pop)

Two of the greatest music artists of all time in a rare photograph together, Madonna (Queen of Pop) and Michael Jackson (King of Pop). My dream of both of them to do a duet will not be a reality anymore after the death of Michael last June 25, 2009. I always admire the two of them for their music and life is a great influence to the music world.

Versace Man Eau Fraiche Cologne

My fetish for perfumes and colognes are undeniably forever and lasting. As long I live, I will never be tired of using it everyday. Today, I was able to visit World Perfumes and Cosmetics shop in Rahmaniah Mall in Al-Khobar. Looking for a good perfume that would add to my collection, I asked the sales clerk if they have one that smells fresh like after you take a bath, but not too strong enough to irritate someone else. He recommended me VERSACE MAN EAU FRAICHE cologne. Upon spraying on my left part of my hand, the smell is refreshing and manly. It's a fairly good scent that reminds me the aroma of fresh wooden floors and I bought it at once. It will be a gorgeous fragrance for a day at work. Now I have added a new perfume and cologne to my collection counting more than a hundred.

A QUICK LOOK AT THE SCENT: This new Versace Man version is fresher and more aquatic. While the original Versace Man had a certain Latino vibe to it due to tobacco note in its oriental surroundings, Eau Fraiche has a Mediterranean quality with some woody notes. Top notes include lemon, bergamot, rosewood, and rose. Heart notes feature cedar, tarragon, sage and pepper. Base notes are amber, musk, saffron and woody notes.

Gone Too Soon - May You Rest in Peace, Michael Jackson

It was a very bad morning when I looked up the news at the internet. I thought it was only a joked or something else. But as I read the breaking news, my tears began flowing down unknowlingly. It was the news of Michael Jackson's death of cardiac arrest that shocked me this me morning. Though people around the world may hate or love him, Michael Jackson in a way has been part of our lives. He is considered one of the greatest pop artist of all time, together with Elvis Presley, The Beatles, and Madonna. His unforgettable hit songs like Thriller, Bad, Billie Jean, Black or White, Smooth Criminal, Beat It, Dirty Diana, Man in the Mirror, etc. will never be forgotten, and his music will live on forever. Although Michael Jackson songs are on pop/rock genre, the songs that struck me most are those slow music that I admired most. These songs are Heal the World, Will You Be There, You Are Not Alone, I Just Can't Stop Loving You. These songs I believe are so much pesonal for Michael Jackson, sentimentally portraying his feelings and thoughts about his life. The legacy of Michael Jackson's music as well as his personal life will be remembered in our history. He is one of the most talented entertainers of the 20th century. I'm sad that we had lost one soul that somehow in my life had influence me through his music. But I'm very happy that Michael Jackson no matter how controversial and eccentric his life is, he is already with our Creator. I'm dissapointed because my dream of he and Madonna will collaborate for a song will not be a reality. I'm really waiting for that duet for a long time. And I believe it will be a great song that will rock the music world (two music Icons singing together) if ever that materializes.

With Michael Jackson's demised, among his songs I will never forget is "Gone Too Soon", a song actually dedicated to Ryan White, a young victim of AIDS whom Michael befriended. Upon hearing the song, tears will always come from my eyes. It is very solemn and meaningful. The song's message and meaning is very clear. It makes me believe that we should respect the length of time we have to make for the rest of our lives. Allow me to publish the lyrics of the song. It is only fitting to dedicate this song to a legend and an icon, that is Michael Jackson.

May you rest in peace, Michael!

Gone Too Soon
(Michael Jackson)

Like A Comet
Blazing 'Cross The Evening Sky
Gone Too Soon

Like A Rainbow
Fading In The Twinkling Of An Eye
Gone Too Soon

Shiny And Sparkly
And Splendidly Bright
Here One Day
Gone One Night

Like The Loss Of Sunlight
On A Cloudy Afternoon
Gone Too Soon

Like A Castle
Built Upon A Sandy Beach
Gone Too Soon

Like A Perfect Flower
That Is Just Beyond Your Reach
Gone Too Soon

Born To Amuse, To Inspire, To Delight
Here One Day
Gone One Night

Like A Sunset
Dying With The Rising Of The Moon
Gone Too Soon

Gone Too Soon

Dear Father

Today, we are celebrating Father's Day. An annual event that complements Mother's Day. Father's day is a day honoring our father. In every home, a father is considered the paternal protector and provider of a family. He is the foundation of every home. This morning I was able to call my father. Indeed, I missed him so much. He is a father I admired most for he was able to gave us the best education, discipline, and fatherhood to our family. As a tribute for his undying support for us, a fitting gift for him is a short poem which I had written especially for Father's day. I want him to know that my love will never change, as I do much for my mother.

Dear Father

When I was a child
You always kiss and hug me
Whenever I fall
You give me a helping hand
That gesture is something I would cherish
For the rest of my life
My admiration for you is unblemish

Father, you are dear to our family
You and mom are sources of our humility
You teach us the right path to civility
To be a better citizen of our country.

I'm very proud of you, Father
I'm grateful to God
For having you as a good provider
No matter life complicates us
You selflessly stand as our protector.

Father, I pray for your good health
I know, you are always an athlete of your time
Just take care of yourself
Wherever you are
As your dedicated son
My love for you will never die.

Shades of Inspiration

"On a long journey of human life, faith is the best companions; it is the best refreshment on the journey; and it is the greatest property."

-Gotama Buddha-

Son of the Night (Hijo de Noche)

From flesh to flesh
You got what you want
The unwavering satisfaction is high
You endures the test of time

Creating your own world
To adore you and worship your body
The carnal desires you enjoy
A price someday you will regret

Your soul is not for sale
This is God’s gift for you to take care
A soul that is meant to be pure
Not for everybody’s to treasure

The finest of the night is yours
Because you make others happy
In return for a big sum of money
That gives you the power to carry

You are called the Son of the Night
You trade your innocent soul in the dark
You justify your means, and believing it to be right
As if there’s no end to the bright side of life

Have you ever realize the transgression?
That you had desecrated in the eyes of our Creator
The decision is yours to change
Repent, take the chance to embrace the goodness of life

Mother's Day

The Miracle of Life nurtured by a woman who gave us love and sacrifice . . . . is our MOTHER.

-Joel Barquez-

It's Mother's Day. A special day for the greatest woman on earth. A very special gift from God. This morning I was able to call and greet my dearest and lovely "nanay", wishing her good health. My mother is a perfect woman of piety, symbol of love, and sacrifice. Although we are miles away, my love for her is growing strong everyday, missing her so much. She is my inspiration and the wind beneath my wings. I really thank God for his greatest gift to us .... a woman called MOTHER.

My New Sony Mini HI-FI Component System

Just bought my new Sony Mini HI-FI Component System a few days ago. The whole system is superb, specially the direct radiation subwoofer. The sound is worth the price. I enjoy playing all available CD's I have in my collection rack. The system can play any DVD video mode, VR mode, audio CD, video CD, or any data CD format containing MP3 audio tracks, JPEG image files or DivX video files. Aside from these features, a multi port for walkman phones and other portable devices is included. There is also a USB port for USB device which can play MP3 audio tracks only.

To sum it all, the Mini Hi-Fi system features 3 Disc DVD changer, Karaoke Function, MP3/JPEG playback, USB Function and Digital Media Port, a 7,900W power output.

Now I'm enjoying watching my DVD collections. Two thumbs up!

The Great Manny Pacquiao

I was never been a fan of Manny Pacquiao (although he is a national pride of our country). Nor do I seldom watch a boxing game at my own will, unless someone will persuade me (I despised seeing blood coming out of the boxers face and the punches they hurled to each other, it makes me puke). Until my officemates convinced me to watch the fight of Manny Pacquiao with Ricky Hatton this morning at the Internet room, I now became a fan of Pacman as what they called him. Suddenly, my doubt was erased as I was amazed and stunned how Pacman demolished and destroyed the current IBO light welterweight champion in just 2 rounds with an amazing and deadly left hook that took the Englishmen flattened on the ring and was hospitalized.

It was indeed a glorious moment for every single Filipino watching Manny Pacquiao winning this match. I myself cannot explain this enormous pride. For me, Manny symbolizes greatness in his sport, greater than Muhammad Ali as what Bob Arun emphasized. He is the greatest boxer alive, pound for pound, no doubt! Congratulations Manny, you really makes us proud as a Filipino. From now on, I will be one of your legion and million fans around the world. The greatness in you will forever be recorded in the history of sports. You are "The Great Manny Pacquiao".

Celebrating the 2nd Anniversary of My Blog

Today, I’m celebrating the 2nd anniversary of my blog. It was only like yesterday that I started to join this site (April 2007). I’m very grateful to this blog that everyone of us are given this opportunity to share our thoughts, photos, and essays. A chance that people from all over the world can read our personal website. Nevertheless, I would like to convey my deepest and sincerest thanks to the team of BLOG for this chance of a lifetime for free posting of photos as well as posting of views on a wide variety of subject matter. My friends were able to see my photos as well as reading my thoughts. Through this blog, they were able to reach me and had known me better with regards to my aspirations in life, my beliefs, as well as my feelings. I was able connect to other blogs and became friends with them. It is interesting to note that different people from all over the world were able to connect from each other, communicating and celebrating the beauty of life. I would like to commend myself that I was able to share a part of my life, a part of my country to people of different culture and traditions. I hope that this blog will continue to share good ideas, views, opinions, and photos that convey educational, informative and relevant issues. Cheers!

Tony's B' Day

It was my friend Tony's b'day last April 16. We had a unique time dining together at KUDU, our favorite food hang-out near Corniche at Al-Khobar. Eating out is our weakness especially that we ordered our favorite Kudu Chicken Lunch Meal, with strawberry cheesecake of course. Here are some snapshots of the special occasion.

Kudu Chicken Lunch Meal

Tony and Me

Prince Faisal Bin Fahad Sea Park, Al-Khobar Water Front

Here are more snapshots of the Sea Park in Al-Khobar Water Front. I just love taking pictures of this place. It's a sight to behold and the tranquility of the morning is just relaxing while walking.