Michael Jackson - My Childhood Hero

I was going about my usual routine, when I opened my laptop this morning to check my email. I was surprised with what it says on my browser. It says the King of Pop Dead at the age of 50, I was still sleepy or probably groggy from all the medicines I was taking the previous day. People here in the house thought I have H1N1 already. Going back,I have to double check,different browser same headline.

As I left the house I listened to the radio in my car. There were these radio stations giving there condolences and tributes. There was this one radio station that I always listen to, and I was glad at first that they have come up with a tribute for Michael Jackson.

I was listening during the entire program at first the DJ was knowledgeable and giving these bits and pieces of trivia of Mike. Then, since he is doing this live and knowing that two hours for a tribute is not enough for an artist iconic such as Mike.

He was playing the commercials and segues two songs without giving any information of how significant that song is to Michael's life and career. I was disappointed, he said he was a big fan. In short he didn't do him justice.

If I was the station manager or program director of that station , I would've recorded that show and made it at least in two parts. And aired it on a later date. Since it is a Friday and it fits well in their Oldies programming they shouldn't have rushed it or the DJ would've just played all of his songs during that particular time slot and just didn't say it is a tribute to Michael Jackson or a Special.

Because it didn't sound like it.

What even made it more worse he aired a fan that sounded more knowledgeable than him and made him more stupid on air. He didn't have to air a caller since he only have two hours. A lot of people are already grieving and mourning this day.

I could recall back in 1983, my parents and everyone else was watching the Grammies and there he was. He won a lot of awards that night, I would imitate his dance moves, I looked up to his style of clothing and his demeanor.

I was probably in third grade that time and the other kids in school would do the moonwalk and do the crotch thing.

He was so cool,my uncle bought a cassette tape of Thriller and I would play it more often than not. And do the moonwalk, I wanted to be like him, I wanted my name changed to Michael. I would often wait for the video of Thriller or Billie Jean on television.

He influenced me with his music, creativity, and his iconic appeal to everyone. I wanted to be in music, because of him.

Later on, he had a few more albums. But not quite as a big hit as Thriller which is the all time best selling album of any artist on the planet.

Finally, the year 1996 he performed here in Manila as part of the History Tour. I was a radio deejay back then we had concert tickets as part of our promo. I played songs of Michael but this time with 50,000 watts of power behind it.

It was an eventful day, I was a college student at the same time. I finished class or even if I had class the later part in the afternoon, I will definitely skip it.
I would'nt miss this for the world.

We trooped in early, it was a long way from Manila to Paranaque. I did'nt have a car that time, I invited a friend with a car to be with us. We were early, a huge crowd has gathered from far and wide to witness this momentous occassion.

We singed, we danced the night away that day. It was a dream come true for me, even if we had complimentary tickets only it was so special. The experience will truly be remembered and treasured.

I also had a copy of the History double disc album, which escapes me, I can't seem to remember where I last saw it. It's been quite some time since I played a song of his.

Only a hypocrite would tell that in no way was Michael Jackson an influence to him, or her once in their lives. We sometimes outgrow our childhood heroes when we grow up. But always remember that without looking back we can never go forward.

Another tragic loss in music, he was an actor, a brother, a father, composer, writer, singer, philantropist, artist, friend, an inspiration for everyone to look up to.

Sometimes looking back he was a lot different from the Michael, we saw in the early 80's. Later on he was troubled and confused but lets keep the good memories of him.

We will treasure your music. We love you Michael... Now you're at peace.

Merry Month of May

Hey, guys I'm sorry it's been weeks since I did my last blog here. I've been busy with hosting, vo jobs and other stuff. I barely have time to check on my laptop. It's been such a breeze lately.

I've watched the biggest movies this summer but there are still more to come. Yet I forgot to do my usual reviews. Like X-Men Origins-Wolverine, Angels and Demons, Night at the Musuem 2 just to name a few. I will try to post some stuff about these movies or better yet not anymore since it would be pretty late by now.

Yet I assure you that I will try to post some more interesting stuff you guys like. So tell me what do you guys really dig?

Don't forget to greet the special someone in your life and that's your mom. Belated Happy Mother's Day! Better late than ever.

I will try to summarize everything up in just one page. hehehe. Or unless I'm pretty much idle then I will have time again to do some more blogging.

Sunday Showdown

Well, last sunday April 19, I was able to watch the Flash and the Furious. The Boxing event this Summer to hit the Big Dome Araneta Coliseum featuring Nonito "The Pinoy Flash" Donaire IBF Flyweight Champ facing Mexico's Raul Martinez and Brian "The Hawaiian Punch" Villoria returned to form to win his Championship Belt back IBF Lightweight Crown versus Ulises Solis.

My dad was able to score some free tickets for the event and boy we had to wake up early for that one. Oh,yeah. It had a different feel of watching it live minus the commentaries from Quinito Henson and Chino Trinidad. Otherwise I would have to wait for the delayed telecast at 1PM that day.

From the ring announcers introduction to the round girls intermissions it was electrifying to hear the crowd react to whats happening in the ring. The moment when the national anthem was sung by the lead vocalist of Six Cycle Mind Ney Maculangan if I'm not mistakened. The adrenaline was pumping from everyone watching, Pinoy Pride and Glory and once again our nemesis the Mexicans.

We were able to catch Denver Cuello's fight which he won against a Japanese or Chinese fighter they look the same. It had a little dose of comic relief as his opponent keeps on hugging him during the match. And the referee pushed aside the Japanese almost throwing him out of the ring everyone was getting cracked up.

If Brian Viloria is just 5'4" these guys are probably an inch or 2 smaller and a few more pounds lighter. They sometimes look like toys against the towering foreign referees.

Also some celebrities were able to capture the limelight once again like Former President Joseph "Erap" Estrada when he arrived everyone was shouting "Erap,Erap,Erap!" until he reached his seat together with his entourage near ringside.

Then it was Brian's match against Ulises he was able to open a cut on the Mexican's eye and 11 rounds later the knockdown. Ending the Filipino executioner's reign and the streak.

And the Main Event, Nonito Donaire VS Raul Martinez. This one was short and sweet. He was able to get some knockdowns as early as the first round, 2 to be exact. And then finish it off in the fourth.

Just goes to show that Filipinos are natural born fighters, we are survivors. We have survived typhoons, martial laws, coups, inflation and what more of a recession. Yet we still enjoy the things we love to do like goin out on weekends with your family and friends.

I believe that we should focus more on sports that does'nt require height as much in order for us to be competitive. Like boxing, soccer we are good runners as well, and the list goes on. Given enough training Filipinos are world class boxers soon as Manny Pacquiao retires there is another one coming out soon.

Congratulations to Nonito and Brian! Mabuhay kayo. You give everyone inspiration to keep fighting no matter the odds.

Jai Ho - Slumdog Millionaire

Fresh off the cinema, just watched the premiere of Slumdog Millionaire a couple of hours ago. Winner of 8 Academy Awards including Best Picture, Bollywood has just entered Hollywood. With all the hype and publicity it's having and the music soundtrack featuring the Pussycat Dolls - Jai Ho a dance hit now topping the airwaves since I dont have anything better to do, I decided to watch it since its free. This might be a spoiler so if you haven't seen the movie yet don't continue reading.

Set in Mumbai, India where poverty is almost a way of life. Very much like the Philippines, I just wonder whose country is much better in terms of way of life. If the average person can eat three meals a day and still afford an education.

Jamal Malik, is an unusual story an orphan at a young age forced to live in the dumps, just like the Smokey Mountain of the Philippines. With his brother Salim, and another orphan named Latika.

They were taken in by Mamam, (if the spelling is incorrect the names its because the subtitles are fast)who runs a syndicate of children to beg for money. All seems well, until Salim saw what Mamam does to kids who sing well. They are drugged and then blinded. Until it was Jamals turn, Salim and Jamal ran for their lives but Latika was left behind.

It was not mentioned how Jamal was able to join the contest. It is very difficult to join, I remember the time when we had our own version of Who wants to be a Millionaire? here in the Philippines hosted by Edu Manzano on IBC 13 now hosting Game KNB on ABS-CBN Channel 2 which was on primetime hosted by Kris Aquino.

Our jackpot prize back then in 2002 or 2003 was 5 Million Pesos if I still remember it right, for India there jackpot prize is 20 Million Rupees which is equivalent to 19 Million Pesos. If the show wasn't cancelled probably it would still rule the primetime block on TV, now its still Telenovelas.

But we all know that winning the prize money is anyone's ticket out of a life of poverty and misery. Which is luck and wisdom combined, the story itself shows that human spirit can thrive even through all the adversities.

Jamal's story is from rags to riches that anyone can relate to, and hope not to live in as he tells his story to the police who arrested him on suspicion that he cheated.
And his ultimate goal reuniting with a lost love.

The last scene, where in Latika and Jamal finally meet at the train station was very Bollywood, enter Jai Ho music and the entire cast and crew dancing to the song. Its definitely a feel good movie and another asian film enters hollywood.

I just hope we could make more movies like that, recently weve been making a lot of horror films that leave you wishing they have more budget for the effects alone. India is proud of their culture, with the colorful costumes, music, and also their artist.

I think we could make a better movie given the right people,cast,crew,director and studio. And also a mean soundtrack album we can make Hollywood have a run for the box-office.

Did I forget to mention that Nicole of the Pussycat Dolls has Filipino Lineage. If we could put together Arnel Pineda of Journey, Charice, Apl of the Black Eyed Peas together and then write a story.

Let's put our thinking caps. Congratulations to Slumdog Millionaire. Nice Movie. Goin out of the theater I wanted to dance to Jai-Ho.

Knowing

Yesterday, I watched Monster Versus Aliens it was the number 1 movie in America this week and since that Watchmen was still showing at the cinemas. So, I returned only to find out that Watchmen was no longer showing it was the last day, yesterday. I have to watch out for its DVD release soon.

So instead I watched "The Knowing" starring Nicolas Cage, since it had some good reviews. And I really like the premise that it had a paranormal storyline which more than often amazes me. Like other movies of the same sci-fi/horror/mystery genre like that of the X-Files, the Village, the Happening and other movies of M. Night Shymalan.

John Koestler,(the character Nicolas Cage is playing) a professor recently lost his wife in a terrible accident. Together with his son Caleb suddenly unravel a mystery of global proportions. The story starts in 1959 where in a mysterious girl writes a cryptic message as part of their school dedication ceremony wherein they will put their drawings of what to expect 50 years later in a time capsule.

Fast forward to the present, Caleb as part of the new generation class gets his hands on the cryptic letter that he takes home.And John gets to decode the message and the terrifying apocalyptic message it reveals in sequence, disaster after one another struck.

It was scary and spine tingling when it suddenly hits you. You never know what purpose you have in this world. It sometimes comes across my mind when I'm in deep thought. Thinking of what is currently happening in today's world, all this calamities, disasters, and all.

Did we just had a glimpse of what could happen when our time is already due?
I'm not saying the world is about to end. But the scene when John showed the sudden spike of the Sun's flames on all three planets Mercury, Venus and Earth. Just one flicker, one sudden rise of its flames and all life on Earth will cease to exist.

And the last scenes where in the rise of temperature, causing the oceans to rise with gigantic waves and forest fires and the whole world is in chaos. No one will survive.

Was it destiny that John and Caleb had to get hold of the letter? And meet the whisper people? Their is always a scientific approach and the way we look at things that sometimes science alone cannot explain.

Given the chance of knowing how my life will end, I wish not to know. But let fate continue its course.

Confessions Of A Shopaholic?

I was suppose to write this blog two weeks ago,when I watched Confessions Of A Shopaholic starring Isla Fisher (pronounced with a silent 's') over at Robinson's Movieworld Ermita, the New Wing called "Midtown". 

It was kind of funny but predictable. Already in her 30's, Isla Fisher plays Rebecca Bloomwood, reminded me of other previous movies that almost had the same story. But she is really hot. Girl loses job, gets a new job, a new wardrobe, a love interest and then falls in love with the cute boss.

Has anyone heard about Bridget Jones Diary? Or how about Legally Blond? Similar story lines different actresses. But the main focus here is her uncontrollable urge to use her credit cards. Maxing out all her credit cards for a debt worth a little over $16,000 Usd Dollars converted to Php Philippine Pesos would be a little over P 775,000 . Whoa, thats already a new car.

Buying signature brands like Prada, Gucci, Dolce Gabana just to name a few, would really set you back by that much. A bag here of one of those designer brands cost 30 to 50K. I would'nt be surprised at all.

Looking back I had my own share of credit card problem a few years ago. I started in 1996 or 97, with just one plastic. Then suddenly it became 4 credit cards. But I never had a situation when I maxed out, I knew how much my spending power is.

At first you feel empowered to have your own credit card at such a young age and you could literally buy or pay for anything you want and just sign. You go to any store open your wallet and ask do you accept cards? It was this certain level where you feel you could purchase anything even when you don't have that money at all. Everyone at that certain point in your life was young and stupid. 

I went on a shopping spree, bought some stuff sometimes I really never needed. Then when the bill came it was like a nightmare. How can I pay for all these? So they had this scheme where you can have your credit card bill payed by another credit card company. But you have to get a new card from them and pay the easy or lite way. 

So in no time I was just paying the bills and before I knew it all of my monthly salary ends up with the credit cards. With the high interest sometimes you wished you never purchased the thing or had the balance transfered. 

So one by one I had to stop this madness. It has to end. Some friends told me they never payed their bill or just dissappeared. You won't go to jail for that matter, they would never spend this much on lawyers and collectors for a small amount.

But I had a conscience, so I payed up and settled the bill. 

I remembered the scene when Isla was being stalked already by the bill collector. It never did came to that point but I had the fear of that, there was this law firm that called me up and he was intimidating me. He yelled at me, he was psyching me out and I also had the fear of going to jail. But these guys are really good at what they do, I almost wanted to see him face to face and punch him in the nose when I have the oppurtunity.

So they made a deal that if I payed this amount they would'nt charge interest anymore. But it was a one time deal meaning I have to settle the amount right away. Not partial payments but the amount in full at a discounted rate.

So now I'm credit card debt free. I only check out the sales and discounted prices. For major purchases I make sure that its zero interest free. THE LESSON HERE IS NEVER BUY ANYTHING WHEN YOU DONT HAVE THE MONEY.

I like the scene when she was breaking the ice on her frozen credit card, talk about freezing your assets. He-he. All in all it was a feel good movie, the opening scene it was kind of weird.

She was probably 7 or 8 years old when she first saw a lady using plastic "magic cards"for purchasing an item. She made a pact that one day she will also have a credit card of her own. 

By the way I don't use credit cards anymore. More of like debit cards if you dont have the dough its no. 

Remembering the Master Rapper

It was a weekend last Friday heard it over the news and read it on the papers that the "Mouth", "Man from Manila", "Master Rapper", or just plainly as "Kiko" Francis Magalona past away at the age of 44. Hard to believe, it was just like yesterday first time I saw saw him visit the station doing a radio tour. I was star struck, I was a fan since I was in highschool.

Who could forget the early 90's, he was skinny wearing spandex and high cut Reeboks, when he first started the revolution of Pinoy Rap with his debut album "Yo". With hits like "Mga Kababayan", "Gotta Letcha Know", "Cold Summer Nights" and a whole lot more. Before the likes of Andrew E., Michael V., (Yes, it was old school that time all their surnames were wipe out with just a letter)came out both now actors, comedians,and paved the way for other hip hop artist.

He was promoting his album that time "Happy Battle", inspired by the Tekken CGI Characters. With him in the cover with a Bruce Lee like outfit. He was with his kids that time the whole family behind supporting him. Too bad that time I did'nt have a camera with me. He was game, most of the time for the interview. During this time he was already experimenting with a different sound far different from his previous albums.

I did remember like asking him why the sudden change? He told me that as an artist they should never feel like shying away from the different genres. Although almost leaning to the sound of the Beastie Boys, sometime soon he did a spoof of a Beastie Boys song.

He did a lot of collaborations with artist like the Eraserheads, Gloc-9, Parokya ni Edgar, just to name a few. He was an actor first (who could forget the Ninja Kids)before he became a rapper, ZJ(Zone Jock), then a producer, host, a VJ (the oldest I think in his 30's for MTV), and he also came out with a clothing line.

I had an oppurtunity to host a mall show for him over at SM Bicutan in 2004 or 2005. He remembered me, that's what I like about him. Especially people who appreciate and support his music. So I thought he was like finished with the whole gig, but I was about to say thank you to all the sponsors and our audience. He interrupted me and said "You wanna join me", although I did had some second thoughts of jamming that time but I said man"its your show". He was getting ready for an encore, he has this charisma for the audience to love him and his music. So I reintroduced him once again and he had some artist from his stable that he called on to join him.

Every sunday we had a radio program called of the "Best of Pinoy Pop", were we play all OPM songs and I never fail to play a Francis M. song . Until someone took my copy of his "Best Hits Album", I have one in cassette and CD. I guess everyone knows good music is equal to Francis M. What I really like about him is that he was always nationalistic, he always believe in the Filipino Talent. Even in his own clothing line, mas mahal dapat yun pinoy. He was like a vampire he never aged since the 80's, the time when Ninja Kids came out.

Last sunday, I had a flashback, I was in Subic for the weekend for an event. In the van it was a radio station 96.7 K-Lite doing a Francis M. tribute,playing all of his hits from the "Yo" album til Kaleidoscope World from "Freeman". I almost shed a tear when it finally sink in, we wont be seeing him anymore in "Eat Bulaga". Gone but not forgotten he will always be remembered.


All in all, man there is no doubt youre still No.1 in our hearts and minds. The Father of Pinoy Rap. You're now a Freeman.

Who is Rick Stryker?

The first thing that comes out when you google "Rick Stryker" is like a pornstar. Oh! My Lord! I never knew that name is related to a porn star named "Jeff". No wonder when gays ask me what was my airname in radio way back they would often crack up.

It was the early 90's and I was still struggling on my way to make it to the broadcast industry. I always like comic books and when the oppurtunity came. I really wanted to be a superhero.

I was one of the members of Batch Four or Five (could'nt rememeber it anymore) of the Student Dj's of Campus Aircheck in 1994. I'm with Tom Garcia now Tom Alvarez of Monster Radio of RX93.1, Reggie Valdez of 101.9 For Life (formerly WRR 101.9), Raffy Ruiz of (Yes-FM! before)they are probably more, probably the best batch ever.

I applied at Eagle Broadcasting and made it, I had to have an airname that would reflect my personality. Most of the deejays had the initials R.S., like Raymond Stone and Richard Steele.
So I came up with Rick for the "R" and the next element that came close to stone and steel, that will forge with the team.

Recalling one of the comics from Image Comics, there was this cyborg hero name Stryker. He was first before the Capcom hero or villian (not quite sure) with the same name as well who dresses like a policeman on patrol.

Hence, Rick Stryker was born.

It felt good it had a nice ring to it. Back then deejays would have this mysterious aura that the voice alone was the complete personality. Until now, they are mostly personalities that really know how to smooth talk. And then again some kin of some celebrity name or foreign half breeds meaning they were born elsewhere or had a mom or dad whose a foreigner. Or just really look good that's it and a funny accent not from here.

They would have to request for a copy of our photo on a song mag, radio websites didnt exist back then, so they would have to satisfy their curiosity by swinging by the station to see how we look like.

I was a celebrity in some way, at the end of the day. You made someone happy in your very own little way by hearing their song on air. Back then it was pretty expensive to buy a CD it was 450 pesos and a cassette was like 150 pesos.

And a college or highschool student would scrimp their way to purchase a copy of that album. After my shift I can revert back to just being the ordinary me, ride the public transport and just go home rent some VHS tapes and relax.

Im just an ordinary dude that time trying to play everybody's song with 50,000 watts behind it heard almost the whole NCR region. It was total bliss, sometimes I would even play straight from the package with its plastic cover rip it. And yeah say it to myself you heard it first here.

Especially if it was like an Eraserheads song or Rivermaya and True Faith. I was really rooting for all the OPM (Original Pilipino Music) bands and Artist to make it big. A little bit of being nationalistic and some local pride and I can boast to anyone that we are world class. Baby.

So the next time you come across my name on the internet and you search it.
It should come out as a radio dj/presenter, host, vo talent, coliseum barker.
And probably more... continue to evolve.

And a return to radio remains to be seen. Some people dont know talent when they hear one.

DM 95.5 disc jockey 1995-2002

Strike Anywhere

What happens to a radio dj,when he loses his J-O-B? Yeah, that's right. You heard me job. Or better yet his life or world. It's like a fish out of water, a day without sunshine. How can I forget that day? It keeps playing sometimes in my head. An endless flashback. The year was 2002, a lot of radio stations were either closing or reformatting like 89DMZ now Wave 89.1 . Even Superman met his match with Doomsday and Charles Barkley retired from the NBA.

We are talking about super heroes here getting killed in action or just losing his powers. My life is not a comic book... And sometimes faith has decided to end it. Man, I was just getting started. I was just getting the breaks I need.

We were given the boot, the pink slip. We did'nt even had the chance to say goodbye at least. No farewell or bye-bye song that I used to play before I go. Ouch, pretty harsh aint it. All the love, the loyalty, the life I gave for that radio station. DM 955.

All the hits that we made... All the songs played ...
Good things come to an end they say...

I wonder if they still remember me? Rick Stryker

Well, life goes on. A lot of different jobs came by... I tried being a customer service associate or plainly a call center agent. A freelance voiceover announcer for corporate events. A host for mall shows and bar tours. A resident dj at Ratsky's Morato and Malate.

And I got stuck in being a venue announcer or a coliseum barker for almost all the leagues.
I started with the NBL, then a short stint with the PBA, and the PBL , during the off season the NCAA and sometimes the UAAP.

I always wanted to be a basketball player but it's pretty close. he-he. ;P