David Archuleta and David Cook Back-to-Back Blockbuster Live in Manila Concert Makes Philippine Music History

17 May 2009

From the way they performed last night, about 8:30 to 11:00pm, Manila time, and the way tens of thousands of screaming young fans responded, David Cook and David Archuleta, stars of American Idol Season 7, have started a trend or tradition that will continue for a long time — the musical pilgrimage to the Philippines of American Idol winners.

I did not expect to be there yesterday because of a prior commitment but when I got off earlier than expected, I headed straight to the SM Mall of Asia Concert Grounds, got a ticket into one of the standing only sections and on to Philippine music history. 

David Archuleta started the show with one of his hit songs, Touch My Hand, followed by other songs in his album and, of course, his two big hits, A Little Too Not Over You and Crush which he sang in his Sis and Eat Bulaga guestings.

This is GMA 7's news report of the event courtesy of GMAnews.tv:

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

I tried to upload to youtube very early  this morning (I started this post at 3:10a.m.) the video clip I took of David A's performance of To Be With You (one of several I took) but that was unsuccessful and I gave up finishing the post at that time.  I'm trying to do the upload again (it's painfully progress and it's still in progress - it's now 1:00p.m.).

My upload is now finished (a little past 1 pm), here it is (my apologies for the quality of the video, I was really unprepared to cover this event). You'll see much better videos elsewhere especially those that are taken up close but I guess this one shows you a little of the view  "from the back." 

After David Archuleta finished his segment of the concert, the audience had to wait for about twenty minutes. David Cook's appearance was preceded by a fireworks presentation. 

Please bear with me; i'm still working on this post.  I'll begin the upload to youtube of the David Cook video clip in a few minutes.

  

In the meantime, here's a video of David Archuleta's A Little Not Too Over You straight from AOL music:

More when I return.

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May 10, 2009 is the 112th Death Anniversary of Gat Andres Bonifacio, National Hero of the Philippines — Does the National Historical Institute Care?

10 May 2009

Today, May 10, 2009 is the 112th death anniversary of Andres Bonifacio.  

The National Historical Institute (NHI) is the government agency tasked with protecting our cultural heritage and that includes national monuments such as the Bonifacio Monument in Caloocan City, also fondly known simply as the Monumento.

This is the link to the full NHI Guidelines on Monuments Honoring National Heroes:

I will quote here excerpts from the NHI's guidelines and show pictures of the Monumento for us to find out whether the NHI follows its own guidelines:

GUIDELINE

Monuments and memorials must, therefore, be treated as sacred or hallowed grounds andaccorded with the same full reverence as we have for the Philippine Flag. Any form of desecration against the monument, such as squatting, graffiti andimproper advertising commercialism shall not be allowed. (NHI Guidelines, Section 1, Definitions. Paragraph 4)

REALITY

GUIDELINE

Maintain a simple and unobstructed landscape development. Commercial billboards should not proliferate in a town center where a dominant monument is situated. (NHI Guidelines, Section 2, Definitions. Paragraph 4.2)

REALITY

This is what the National Historical Institute (NHI) website has to say about May 10:

If we zoom in on the relevant portion, this is what the NHI is saying:

That's right!  "10 May ... No Today in History events were found."

After coming out in force against performing artist Martin Nievera for alleged improper rendition of the national anthem before the Manny Pacquiao - Ricky Hatton boxing championship bout in Las Vegas, Nevada, USA, what should officials of  the National Historical Institute (NHI) do regarding the Monumento? What is in their hearts and minds right now?  In fairness to Martin Nievera, I don't think anyone can say that he did not give his heart out in singing Lupang Hinirang in the Pacquiao-Hatton bout.

I believe NHI Chairman Ambeth Ocampo and the other Commissioners of the NHI owe all Filipinos an explanation as to why they are allowing the Bonifacio Monument in Caloocan City to be treated in this manner.

Perhaps the question equally important is: What are we, who call ourselves Filipinos, going to do about this?  Close our eyes and do nothing and be proud about it?!  

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