David Archuleta and David Cook Interviewed by Pia Guanio for 24 Oras — Read the Transcript, See the Video

16 May 2009   3:28am, Manila time

Pia Guanio, host of the Chika Minute segment for 24 Oras interviewed David Cook and David Archuleta a few hours ago at the Edsa Shangri-la.  I ran the video over and over for the past several hours or so to bring you this transcript of that interview (there are some segments that I found difficult to transcribe ... sorry for any possible errors, I'll go over the transcript again after a few hours' sleep then correct whatever errors there are):

TRANSCRIPT:

Chika Minute …

Pia          :  Mga kapuso, nandito tayo ngayon sa Edsa Shangrila Hotel at kasama natin walang iba kundi sina David Cook at David Archuleta ng American Idol Season 7.  For David A, as promised, I have the mangoes here for you … and for David C, since you said you wanted to try them, this is balut and I’m just gonna put it right here… when you’re ready, have some for yourself. Anyway good evening to you guys.  Welcome to Veinte Cuatro Oras.  Aside from the food, how are you guys liking the Philippines so far?

David A :  Ah, it’s great!

David C  :  Yeah, I think for me it’s been … it’s really an experience … to come up out of Idol and then go on Idol tour and now we’re doing a college tour back home to take a break from that and come half-way around the world to a beautiful country of the Philippines and be greeted the way we have…it’s really an absolute blast.

Pia        :  Were you shocked at all by the reception you got?

David A:  Yeah, I mean it’s like, you know, wherever you go .. it’s like, it’s like the same response ‘coz like you know wherever there’s like a group of fans and know that you’re going to arrive there … they get excited  but here, it’s like … just, you’re in a casual setting and people recognize you and get excited and stop,  it’s really interested.

Pia          :  Well, the Philippines is really big on American Idol, so thus the reception.  But I was just a bit concerned because you guys have been giving back-to-back interviews and doing back-to-back guestings… how do you guys take care of  your voice?  For you David, do you have … David C … do you have any rituals?

David C :   For me, I just … I really had to kinda take stock of  the existing things I was doing before Idol you know … I used to drink a ton of soda … and I had to really cut back on my Coke and stuff like that  it’s just like tea and coffee and water ah, which just helps a lot and yeah, ... passed that  … I’ve never been so strained vocally before but I imagine if I weren’t taking care of myself … this strain will …

Pia          :  I know David, that … David A that you had … you suffered from partial vocal loss at some point. 

David A :  Oh yeah, yeah.

Pia         :  How did that happen?

David A:  … Am, you know, It’s pretty interesting … I just got really sick one time and …  was sick for a few months …I’d never got better … and ah, I was singing and ah … like when I sing, I could barely get to one song … and it’s just what’s going on here … and it kept getting worse and worse and worse… and oh, like, I don’t know what’s going on here … so I went to the doctor and they put the scope … and then they said oh yes …  like, oh, ... what’s that?!

Pia      :  And what did he tell you to do?

David A:  You can have surgery which was risky or you could just do voice therapy and see if  that works and what.  Okay,  What?!  I was just worried … shocked … and I was like… what does it mean for singing … I mean I love singing … I don’t get what paralyzed vocal cords gonna affect… you know, how that’s gonna affect it … but you know, just kinda like … things kinda fall down for a couple of years after that … and you know, went back to school and do normal things … had a summer job, went to the American Idol … auditions came up … and … I wasn’t really expecting anything to happen… Ok, I’ll go audition I guess and then everything else happened… so, it’s really amazing.

Pia         :  And from the way your career’s been going I think it’s safe to say that you’re totally been without that right now.

David A:  Yeah!

Pia        :  Good for you!  

David A:  Yeah!  I mean, you know, it’s really amazing to see that, you know … despite the things that happen to you and you know, the challenges that come up … if you really have a passion to do … something… that you can manage to work things out… to accomplish those things.

Pia        :  And with all your commitments and all your gig and show, do you guys still have time to go on  dates at all?  Nobody’s even mentioned this.

David C :  I’ll let you go first. 

David A:  Me first? My life’s not been exciting in that area but .. when we’re home, I don’t know … I didn’t go out one on one.  But you know it’s fun … maybe I should go on one when I go back home.  I don’t really go on serious dates that are like … uh, intense or anything.  It’s a fun … to know the person … I don’t know … it’s really casual, light, fun… fun … I like that fun on dates.

Pia        :  For you, David?

David C:  I’m ah … I’m married to my job… so dating … dating seems … impossible, yeah. I think you know when things settle down maybe I’d like to but … right now I enjoy playing music.

Pia       :  It’s gonna have to wait.

David A:  … Yeah, it’s hard to focus on that … when it’s like, you know, thatt’s a pretty big commitment … and you have so many other commitments you’re focused on right now … it’s just a lot … it’s not the right timing.

Pia        :  Everyone’s so glued on American Idol Season 8 right now … well, since the first season actually, and, uh, they wanted to know how does it feel to be before the AI judges … Simon Cowell, for instance? (Laughter from both Davids)

David C:  Ah … I could think of a lot of things … a lot of terrible bad things that I would rather do… (laughter from Pia and David A) and ah … singing in front of the judges like that again.  You know it’s really one of the most gratifying experiences … to be a part of … but at the same time … it was, I mean, all the stress … pressure cooker situation …  the viewers see? that’s exactly what’s going on …  I have to do that every week.  I hope I don’t fall over myself.  I just remember the finale … I think I told you … ‘I don’t really care who wins …  I just want to go to bed.’  Ah … it’s … it’s stressful … that’s the word I can use to describe it.

Pia      :  How about you?

David A:  Oh, well, it was … when we went back to singing on the show  like after you know we’re done … just like singing as an artist and stuff  like … welcome back, a few weeks ago, that was a lot more nerve-wracking to me because it’s like … I wasn’t prepared to like,  see the  judges there in that table and have all those memories flood back into my mind… oh it’s like … oh, my gosh … this is where I got judged every week by so many people … those judges … it’s just weird you know getting … getting from that, what to do … it’s so much fun … and then get judged and critiqued after each performance … it’s really scary so I can’t get that out of my mind… I was so … I just really felt it in front of those judges … it’s just … see their faces … it’s just like, I don’t know what they’re thinking, it’s just scary .. Especially Simon, because his expression never really changes … whether it’s good or bad.

Pia      :  Oh I think this is proof of what strong stuff you guys are made of… you not only went through the whole experience but you totally wowed everyone…

David A:  Oh, thank you.

David C:  Thank you.

Pia      :  Well, it’s been great talking to you guys… the second time around.  You wanna invite the viewers out there to come watch your show tomorrow?

David C:  Yeah!  Where are we looking?  … Right here?  Everybody make sure you come out … Alright here!  We’re gonna go right here instead.  Make sure everybody comes out … at the Mall of Asia Open Grounds .. Mr. Archuleta and myself will be performing … making a lot of noise, having a lot of fun.  Maybe we can talk him into dancing (pointing at David A).

David A:  I don’t know if you want to see that …

David C:  See you guys there tomorrow night.

Pia       :  Thank you very much … David Cook, David Archuleta.  Two Davids and good luck on your show tomorrow… Don’t you want to practice your Tagalog? 

David A:  Ah, yeah! Well, I mean …

Pia        :  Salamat.

David A:   I’ve found a greater way of saying that because … I feel like there’s so much more thanks to give to everyone here, but ...

Pia        :  And don’t forget your goodies. 

David A:  Oh, yeah, yeah!

Pia        :  Good luck on your show tomorrow. 

David A:  Thank you very much …

Pia       :  Maraming, maraming salamat po. Have a great weekend everyone.  Ako po si Pia Guanio and this has been Chika Minute.

Here's the video clip courtesy of GMAnews.tv:

For the latest Philippine news stories and videos, visit GMANews.TV

Tonight, the Big Night is finally here!

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David Cook and David Archuleta are Now in the Philippines for their May 16 Back-to-Back Concert at the SM MOA Concert Grounds

13 May 2009

David Cook and David Archuleta arrived separately in Manila on Tuesday, May 12, for their one night back-to-back concert on May 16, 8pm at the Concert Grounds of the SM Mall of Asia. Cook was American Idol Season 7 grand winner while Archuleta was the runner-up.

Here are the video clips of their arrival courtesy of GMAnews.tv:


For the latest Philippine news stories and videos, visit GMANews.TV

For the latest Philippine news stories and videos, visit GMANews.TV

For the latest Philippine news stories and videos, visit GMANews.TV

Both Cook and Archuleta, who were met at the NAIA by Fearless Productions head Jomari Yllana, producer of the event, expressed excitement at their Manila visit and looked forward to their concert on Saturday.  The two idols are expected to hold a press conference on May 14, Thursday and are also scheduled to do TV guestings at GMA-7's Sis and at Eat Bulaga! on the same day.

Jomari is saying, in an article attributed to the controversial Philippine Entertainment Portal (PEP), that the contract with the two Davids is a "package deal" and that he is not aware of the talent fee sharing between the two or of their managers.   

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I Hope It's True — They're Saying 200,000 Jobs are Available at Jobapalooza '09!

29 April 2009

"Employers who are participating have promised to hire three workers on the spot," that's what DOLE Undersecretary, Minda Padilla, said during a press conference on Jobapalooza earlier today.

About "200,000 jobs from about 1,000 participating employers and recruiters," await job applicants according to the DOLE.

Jobapalooza '09 is on Labor Day, May 1, 2009 at the SMX Convention Center, Mall of Asia Complex in Pasay City.  The main Labor Day program will start at 9:00 a.m at the SMX Hall and will be preceded by a ribbon cutting ceremony at 8:45 a.m.

The day's celebration will be capped by the Jobapalooza '09 Concert featuring Gary Valenciano and Rivermaya.

Here's the video clip from gmanews.tv:

For the latest Philippine news stories and videos, visit GMANews.TV

Please note that there will be other Jobapalooza '09 events all over the country running simultaneously with the main Metro Manila celebration. Here's the full announcement from the DOLE:

In celebration of Labor Day: More than 20,000 jobseekers register for JOBapalooza '09

Wednesday, April 29, 2009

More and more new graduates and jobseekers are riding on the wave of opportunity by registering with the country's biggest jobs fair dubbed "Tayo Na! Trabaho Na! JOBapalooza '09" Labor Day approaches, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) today reported.

Labor and Employment Secretary Marianito D. Roque said that based on the latest DOLE preliminary report, more than 20,603 jobseekers have already registered for JOBapalooza '09, which shall be held at the SMX Convention Center, Mall of Asia Complex, Pasay City on May 1, 2009.

More than 1,000 local firms and overseas recruiters would offer more than 250,000 productive job opportunities to new graduates and jobseekers.

Following the ribbon cutting ceremony at 8:45 a.m., the main Labor Day program will commence at 9:00 a.m. at the SMX Hall, followed by the launching of the DOLE Hotline and the reading of Labor Day Manifesto, and the awarding of livelihood and training certificates/vouchers to disadvantaged sectors and workers under various DOLE and government thrusts (WIN AP, DOLE-AMP, Phil-Health, Ye-Ye, PGS, and OWWA).

Simultaneously, a Livelihood Display and Sale, complemented by entrepreneurship slideshows, training/livelihood seminars, and medical missions, will proceed in the area from 10:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The day will be capped by the launch of Hatid Saya (Alay sa Manggagawang Pinoy sa Ibayong Dagat) courtesy of the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration, the Trade Unions concert, a spectacular fireworks display in honor of the Filipino worker, and finally, the JOBapalooza '09 Concert dubbed "Alay sa Manggagawang Pilipino" featuring Gary Valenciano and Rivermaya.

Roque said that JOBapalooza '09 is a collective offering of the Philippine Labor Movement comprising the country's labor federations and the country's Three Plus (3+) Social Partners (which include management, government and other sectors). He cited the Trade Union Congress of the Philippines (TUCP), Federation of Free Workers (FFW), Philippine Transport and General Workers Organization (PTGWO), All Workers Alliance Trade Union (AWATU), Trade Union of the Philippines and Allied Services (TUPAS), Alliance of Filipino Workers (AFW), Philippine Organization of Labor Unions (POLU), and Employers Confederation of the Philippines (ECOP), for presenting the Labor Day jobs fair in partnership with major sponsors Globe, Banco de Oro (BDO), SM Shoemart, PHIL-JobNet (www.phil-job.net), JobStreet.com, STI, Philippine Online Chronicles (POC), the City Government of Manila, and the City Government of Pasay City, as well as the DOLE's National Capital Region (NCR) Office, which is supervising the event.

As this developed, the DOLE's Bureau of Local Employment (BLE) continues to encourage new graduates and jobseekers to avail of the available opportunities by registering for the JOBapalooza '09 using the Internet links at http://www.phil-job.net, or the DOLE's website at http://www.dole.gov.ph. Walk-in applicants are also welcome at the SMX on the Labor Day itself.

Roque emphasized that on top of the main"Tayo Na! Trabaho Na! JOBapalooza '09," more job/livelihood fairs will highlight the nationwide Labor Day celebrations in the Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao areas under the supervision of the DOLE Regional Offices (ROs), at the following tentative venues on May 1, 2009: Region I (Ilocos Region) - SM Rosales, Pangasinan; Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) - Baguio Convention Center/SM Baguio Job Fair; Region II (Cagayan Valley) - Paseo Real, Tuguegarao City (job/trade/livelihood fair) and Faustino L. Dy Gymnasium, Cauayan City (registration of professionals); Region III (Central Luzon) -- Pampanga (SM City Pampanga, SM City Clark, SM City Baliuag, and SM City Marilao); Region IV-A (CALABARZON) - SM Sta. Rosa (livelihood fair); Region V (Bicol Region) - SM Naga City; Region VI (Western Visayas) - Robinson's Place, and Gaisano City, both in Bacolod City, Negros Occidental; Region VII (Central Visayas) - Cebu City Sports Complex (overseas fair), SM City Cebu Jobs Fair, Provincial Capitol (local fair); Region IX (Zamboanga Peninsula) - ZC Golden Boys Grille, Nunez Extension, Zamboanga City; Region X (Northern Mindanao) - SM Cagayan de Oro City; Region XII (SOCCSKSARGEN) - Kidapawan City Gymnasium, South Seas Complex, and KCC Mall of General Santos City; and CARAGA Region - Luciano Convention Center, GP Rosales St., Butuan City. 

source: Information and Publication Service

More when I return. 

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