First Time.

As some of you may know, I've been joining singing contests since late 2011 and with God's grace, I've managed to bag a couple of runner-up spots but I've never had a WIN. Well, that changed a couple of days ago when I won Dream Catchers Vision's LOKAL RHYTHM: The Search For The Next PINOY ONLINE SENSATION!

A little background: I came across one of my Facebook contact's post about joining this certain contest in Dream Catchers Vision's website and I got a lil curious so checked out the mechanics and found out that the contest is open to all Filipinos aspiring to make it big in the music scene. Dream Catchers is a Singapore-based talent showcase platform with global ambitions. It is an online community for musicians/artists/performers which regularly holds contests for registered users. Aside from the amazing platform of hosting the users' videos on their website, Dream Catchers Vision awards winners of their contests with cash prizes! 

So, anyway, I signed up, uploaded my video, and prayed to God (seriously) that my video gets chosen. I wasn't even praying for the top prize. I guess that's what happens when you've been a runner-up all your life. Ha ha! Kidding aside, I wasn't really expecting anything, so imagine my surprise when I received an e-mail from none other than the CEO and Founder of Dream Catchers Vision herself, Miss Shalima Motial saying this:

This couldn't have come up in a better time. I'm really grateful to all the judges and to everyone who voted for my video! I seriously won't forget this because this is my first actual win! And with $500 to boot! But more than the cash prize, I'm just really thankful that there are people who actually appreciate what I do and there are those who are overly supportive of my music. Thank you guys, from the bottom of my heart! :)

Really cool to see my video on the number 1 spot in their website! Argh! By the way, I uploaded my cover of One Direction's "More Than This" as my entry for Lokal Rhythm. Who knew a 1D song can win me $500? Ha ha! Thanks to Sir Caio Cadiz of 10-0-71 Digital Post for helping me out with the track! Watch the video below :)

Again, thanks to everyone behind Dream Catcher Vision's Lokal Rhythm and to everyone who voted for my video! I encourage everyone to visit Dream Catchers Vision's website and register so y'all could join their contests, too! Such a wonderful community of talented people! See you there, okay? :)

Fire Away.

Posted another cover on my YouTube account last night! Do check out my cover of the phenomenal song "Titanium" which was originally done by David Guetta and Sia. I chanced upon this amazing yet very tough to sing orchestral instrumental of the song by Jamie Cleaton so I decided to finally record it, being it one of the most requested songs in my inbox. I decided to do it in one take so it'd be more raw. I struggled with the belts because the arrangement's about a step high from my range but I took it as a challenge and did what I could. 

It's weird (not really) because as of typing this, I can actually hit the notes better now. Ha ha. Talk about muscle memory. Anyway, do check it out and feel free to LIKE, COMMENT on it and SHARE it!

Let Me Kiss You.

So, I finally have a new cover up on my YouTube channel and what do you know?!  It's another One Direction song! Ha ha! I got several requests for this song ever since management (One Direction's, not mine coz I still don't have one. Yet.) announced that it'll be the next single off of their sophomore album. I copped a high-quality instrumental of the track and started recording while trying out several audio interfaces and editing software. Halfway through the track, I felt that something wasn't right so I took a break from doing it. After a couple of hours, I decided to do a live, acoustic cover of the song instead of just putting vocals on top of the track. I was hesitant at first because I haven't played the guitar for a long time and since I'll be recording it live, there was added pressure to do good. After n takes, here it is! My live, acoustic cover of One Direction's "Kiss You"!

I used my Samson C01U Condenser Microphone for this and Garage Band. I also added the back-up vocals after the live recording because I just love doing harmonies. Blame it on my dream of becoming a back-up singer. Ha ha. Feel free to LIKE, COMMENT, SHARE and SUBSCRIBE! :)

(Slightly) Better Than Naked.

I like my gadgets naked. There's something about the feel of wonderfully crafted materials against the skin. However, I can't risk bringing them out without something that can protect them so I searched for a case that I could put my new toy into whenever I need to go out of the house. It took me around three days to finally get a case/cover for my Samsung Galaxy Tab 8.9 (Thanks, The Peninsula - Manila!) because 1) it was quite hard to find something that suited my personal preference and 2) I was waiting for my TF from a gig so that I'd be able to get something without having to ask money from mum. Ha ha! And so the morning after the gig, I scoured SM City Calamba for a case and I was lucky enough to find this leather folio case from Swisstech.

The Peninsula - Manila's SING@NING Samsung Galaxy Tab Giveaway Winner.

As I've mentioned in my previous post about the Grand Finals of The Peninsula - Manila's SING@NING Search for the Ultimate Voice, Samsung gave out Samsung Galaxy Tabs to the Top 7 contestants and boy were we (other contestants who were part of the Top 20) jealous! Ha ha! Never did it cross my mind that I'd be going home the next day with my own tablet! How, you ask? Well, The Peninsula - Manila's Facebook page held a "liking" contest which was kinda like a "guessing game". The "liker" should "like" the link of the video of whoever he/she thought would win the SING@NING Search for the Ultimate Voice. Being the good friend and room mate (HA HA), I liked all three videos! Besides, I really can't choose among the three because they're all really talented and all of them deserve to win! So yeah, I remember I was still in the shower when Sir Joseph Arias phoned our room. I was intrigued about the call and I scanned my memory of the things me and my room mates did in our room. Baka kasi sobrang ingay namin kaya gusto ako kausapin para pagalitan. Ha ha! I returned his called right after fixing up and he told me that I was the "lucky one" who got chosen as the winner of the contest. I was dumbfounded at first because I've totally forgotten about the contest, but then I remembered it and man, was I ecstatic about the prize! Sir Joseph told me to meet him for lunch and then meet The Peninsula - Manila's Director of Marketing, Ma'am Cristina Cruz. I was really giddy after the phone call and was jumping around in 420! Ha ha! 

Receiving the Samsung Galaxy Tab 8.9 from Ma'am Cristina Cruz (The Peninsula - Manila's Director of Marketing)

I didn't have the chance to use the tablet once I returned to 420 because the boys wanted to go swimming and make the most out of the remaining hours of our stay at The Peninsula - Manila. Upon my arrival at home that night, I immediately tinkered with my new toy! Here it is! My very first Android device! Ha ha!

Samsung Galaxy Tab 8.9 16GB WiFi (GT-P7310)

I never knew it could be so sexy! Ha ha!

Sexy back, eh? 

All the basics, covered.

Surprisingly excellent stock earphones! 

Some features of the Samsung Galaxy Tab  8.9 (GT-P7310)

• 8.9" WXGA (1280 x 800) TFT
• 3MP AF Camera + 2MP VT
• Dual-Core 1 GHz Processor
• HD Recording & Playback
• 6100mAh Battery
• Android Technology
• Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n
• Bluetooth 3.0

My very first Android device and being the iOS and everything Mac addict that I am, kinain niya 'ko when I used it for the first time! Ha ha! I'm getting used to it, though, and I'm really liking how it's soooooo customizable. I haven't changed/upgraded my software or ROM (because I'm scared LOL) but I'm having so much fun using the tablet. It's got everything a social media junkie like me needs! Here are some screenshots of my homescreens!

Easy access to everything! I put the apps I frequently use on the first homescreen.

Second homescreen features apps and widgets for the world wide web! 

Third homepage features all my social media needs. Plus memos and e-book readers!

The fourth homescreen serves as my very own "music studio"! My favorite homescreen! :)

The last homescreen houses the games. I've downloaded a lot more after this screen cap was taken! Ha ha!

I have yet to learn more about Android devices! I've been meaning to get a tablet for the longest time to use for gigs and music sheets and fine, academics, so this was a very pleasant surprise! I want to thank The Peninsula - Manila, especially Sir Joseph Arias and Ma'am Cristina Cruz, and of course, Samsung Philippines/Samsung Mobile Philippines,  for this wonderful, very early Christmas gift! Definitely a worthy addition to my weapons for social media! I promise I'll put it to good use! Ha ha!

I've never won in online contests up until now so I guess they're real! Ha ha! Don't forget to visit the official site of The Peninsula - Manila and also view and LIKE their Facebook page for more information about reservations, events, promos and exciting contests and giveaways! Y'all can also follow them on their official Twitter account. 

The Peninsula - Manila's SING@NING Search For The Ultimate Voice Grand Finals.

Last November 6, The Peninsula - Manila's SING@NING Search for the Ultimate Voice held its grand finals in Salon de Ning. After more than 200 initial auditions and 2 months of eliminations, rehearsals and coaching (and eating), the final 3 took the stage and showed the audience and the esteemed board of judges why they're in the Top 3. Each of the grand finalists was given 15 minutes to impress the judges, and audience alike, with their musical talent and witty spiels; pretty much like having their own show. 

Joselle Feliciano (Photo by Jamin Lim)

21-year old Joselle Feliciano from the Ateneo de Manila University started the competition with her set aptly named "Jazzelle". She opened her set with "Let Go", a Mon David Original, and was followed by "Memories" by Joey Albert. She also shared an almost a capella version of "Blue Skies" by Irving Berlin, which she used as one of her audition pieces during the live audition stage of the competition. She ended her set with a jazz-bossa version of Rivermaya's "214". Joselle's elegance, wit, and genuine "jazz-y" style and voice truly enchanted the audience as well as the judges.

Garrett Bolden Jr. (Photo by Jamin Lim)

Garrett Bolden Jr., a 21-year old student from Lyceum of Subic Bay, impressed Salon de Ning with his soulful voice. Garrett opened his show with a tribute to one of the country's acclaimed jazz singers, "The Vamp", Miss Vernie Varga, by doing her song "Being With You". This was followed by a very soothing yet still heartbreaking version of Bamboo's "Much Has Been Said". He more so tugged the hearts of everyone in the venue when he sang a snippet of Luther Van Dross' "Dance With My Father" right after he told the story of how music helped him get reunited with his father. He closed his show with his own English interpretation/translation of the George Canseco hit, "Ikaw", or in Garrett's version, "You". 

Rafael Gutierrez (Photo by Jamin Lim)

Representing the University of the Philippines - Diliman, 19-year old Rafael Gutierrez wowed the audience with his suave singing style, technique, and humorous spiels. His show featured his own understanding of the "Stages of Love". His first song, which corresponds to the first stage of love aka the courting stage, was an English translation "Para Sa Akin" which was originally done by Sitti. He then sang Boy Katindig's "I Will Always Stay In Love This Way" which represented the "being in love" stage. He even dedicated this to his girlfriend, Karen, who was present in the venue. He then called up on stage two of his pals and they did a very funny impromptu song making segment using words that the members of the audience had given them. Rafael did a heartbreaking performance of Martin Nievera's "How Can I" as a representation for the "break-up" stage of a relationship.

Joselle performing "Kalesa" (Photo by Pixelado Productions)

Garrett performing "Sitsiritsit" (Photo by Pixelado Productions)

Rafael performing "Pen Pen de Sarapen" (Photo by Pixelado Productions"

The 3 finalists were also given the task to interpret a classic Filipino folk song and make it their own. Joselle performed "Kalesa", Garrett sang "Sitsiritsit" and Rafael did "Pen Pen de Sarapen". This part of the show was really fun and it was exciting to hear folk songs which were given several musical twists!

The Company (Photo by Pixelado Productions)

Shiela Valderrama (Photo by Pixelado Productions)

The Company, probably the most acclaimed vocal pop group in the Philippines, graced the event with several songs, including my favorite APO Hiking Society song "Mahirap Talagang Magmahal Ng Siyota Ng Iba". It was fun to see one of our mentors, Teacher Sweet Plantado, and one of our previous judge, Sir Moi Ortiz, perform! Miss Sheila Valderrama sang a medley of Disney classics while a video montage of the whole SING@NING experience was being shown. I reckon several semi-finalists, myself included, were fighting back tears while seeing what had transpired over the past couple of months. Ha ha!

Top 7 Finalists with their brand new Samsung Galaxy Tab 8.9!

Before the winner was announced, the Top 7 contestants were called on stage. They were surprised when it was announced that each of them will receive a brand new Samsung Galaxy Tab 8.9! The other finalists included in the Top 21 were jeering for tablets, too! Ha ha! Never did it cross my mind that I'll be getting a tablet, too! More on that on the next post, though :)

The top three finalists were called up on stage again for the announcement of the winner. Garrett got the 2nd Runner Up award. Rafael finished in the second spot and got the 1st Runner Up award, while Joselle bagged the top spot and was awarded the Grand Prize Winner of the first-ever SING@NING Search for the Ultimate Voice competition! Along with the P100,000 cash prize, Joselle also received a scholarship from John Robert Powers and Spotlight Artist Centre, plus a three-month contract to perform at Salon de Ning!

Joselle Feliciano wins the first-ever SING@NING Search for the Ultimate Voice! 

Joselle with our Musical Director Sir Onyl Torres and the members of the SING@NING band. (Photo by Jamin Lim)

SING@NING Finalists :)  (Photo by Jamin Lim)

Congratulations, Joselle! I know that our Lord God has so many amazing plans for you and this is just the start! Keep on dreaming and performing your heart and soul out and just let go! Ha ha! We'll be here to support you always! EK! EK! EK! :)

I'm gonna post a separate entry for thank yous and kadramahan, so y'all better check the blog in the coming days for that! Ha ha!

And Then There Were Three.

And, I'm back! "Abandoned" the blog for a little over two months 'coz there's too much happening with school and with my eternal quest to be a singer. Ha ha. Anyway, I was chosen as one of the final 21 contestants for The Peninsula - Manila's SING@NING Search For The Ultimate Voice and I can't stress how much I'm thankful for everyone who viewed and liked my video on YouTube and especially those people who prayed for me. After three grueling rounds, the SING@NING finalists are down to just 3!

I'm really excited for these three! They're all unbelievably talented and really good and genuine people! If you have time, drop by Salon de Ning at The Peninsula - Manila this coming Tuesday, November 6, 2012, at 7:00PM for the Grand Finals of SING@NING Search For The Ultimate Voice! Get to listen to these three amazing singers while experiencing world-class ambience that only Salon de Ning can give! 

I'm gonna do another entry solely for my SING@NING experience so y'all better watch out for that!

CHRIS BELISON for The Peninsula - Manila's Sing At Ning

Hello, guys! Kindly LIKE and SHARE my Self Introduction Video for The Peninsula Manila's Sing@Ning :)

The top 3 SELF INTRODUCTION VIDEOS with the most number of LIKES in YouTube by August 31, 2012 will automatically be qualified for the next round. If you don't have a YouTube account/channel, you can still LIKE this video by simply logging in to YouTube using your G-Mail/Google account :)

Here's my LIVE SINGING AUDITION video for Sing@Ning! This is "Tuwing Umuulan" by Sir Basil Valdez.

I cannot express how thankful I am for my good friends Matt Baguinon of Matt Baguinon Films and Jeremiah Pilapil of JePe litratography for helping me out with my online video entries! Please don't forget to visit their Facebook profiles and pages! Also, don't forget to check out and like my Facebook page as well :)


Thanks, guys! :)

Los Baños Idol 2012 Auditions.

Ever since I got eliminated from The X Factor Philippines, I've been blessed with a number of opportunities which gave me the chance to showcase my, uhm, singing ability, if you may. Ha ha. I had the chance to perform in The Indie Culture's INDIE OVERDRIVE 2 ("Sure Thing" and "Ulit-ulitan"), several private events, and in the UPLB CAS Freshman Night 2012 ("I'm Going Down" and "Use Somebody"). And recently, like last Saturday recently, I got the chance to perform in Robinsons Town Mall Los Baños when I auditioned for Los Baños Idol, a singing contest which is one of the activities for the upcoming Bañamos Festival.

My stint on The X Factor Philippines fueled my desire to make it as a singer and I knew then that it won't be easy. I also knew then that for me to get "noticed" and get someone interested to "manage" me, I have to get myself out there. More exposure, the better. A number of people actually discouraged me from trying out for LB Idol, for the sole reason that it is not a "big" contest. But every time they tell me off, I'd always say that for me, there are no big or small opportunities; what we make of the opportunities given to us make it big or small. So yeah. I registered a week before the auditions and I was set to perform a ballad for the screening. A few days before the event, a good friend of mine reminded me that I should place my style out there. That I shouldn't conform to the traditional "biritero" singers in singing contests. That's why I changed my piece and chose a song that can showcase my style but still have highlights for my voice. 

I arrived late for the auditions which resulted to me waiting for around four hours before going on stage. No big though, since I enjoyed watching the other aspirants. It's amazing how many talented singers Elbi has! When it was my turn, I didn't feel any jitters at all. One thing's for sure, I think I'm growing more and more comfortable on stage. I sang my piece and got very good reaction from the audience, and a very good comment from one of the judges. They'll be picking 50 singers which they'll put through to the next round. As of the moment, there's still no announcement so I'm still praying that what I did last Saturday is enough for me to get one of the 50 spots. I'll be posting updates over at CHRIS BELISON so y'all better check that page out and like it and share it if it ain't asking too much! :)

For now, I leave you with the video of my performance last Saturday! 

Exit: Chris Belison on The X Factor Philippines (ABS-CBN)

Pulled a Mac Arthur during my exit interview for The X Factor Philippines and I got bombarded with tweets, wall posts and messages about it. I guess it's about time I write about the amazing time I had during my TXF journey. Photo dump coming right up! Pardon the not-so-good quality of some of 'em.

First screening. December 8, 2011 in SM City San Pablo Activity Center.  Quede up at 7:00AM, got to sing at 1:00PM.

Performed "Breakeven" by The Script for the first screening aka the pre-audition. Watch/listen to my studio version of the song here.

Got called back for the Producers' Auditon on April 20, 2012 and I performed "Look At Me Now" and "One and Only". Click on the links to watch/listen to the studio versions of the songs.

Blessed to be called back again for the LIVE AUDITION in front of the celebrity judges (Sir Martin Nievera, Sir Gary Valenciano, Ma'am Pilita Corales and Charice) which was held in PAGCOR Grand Theatre last May 31, 2012.

Registration jitters. Ha ha!

Live audition pieces. British pop and a lil soul/RnB. Watch/listen to my studio versions of "Glad You Came" and "I'm Going Down".

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Was able to perform after more than 12 hours of waiting.

Performed "Glad You Came" by The Wanted and I can honestly say that that was one of the fun 2 minutes of my life! :)

Received very good feedback from the audience and most importantly from the judges. 4 YESes and it's all because of God and the talent He lent me! :) I, along with 171 acts from all over the Philippines went straight to BOOT CAMP!

Checked in at Remington Hotel for BOOT CAMP.

BOOT CAMP stage! 

Some of the talented boys I was with during BOOT CAMP.

Our category (Boys under the age 25) was assigned to perform the Basil Valdez classic "Tuwing Umuulan" a capella. Received a "Great job!" from Sir Martin Nievera for this one :)

Unfortunately, I was one of the 106 acts which got sent home the first day. Of course, I was devastated at first but the amount of things I've learned, the friends I've gained, and just the ultimate blessing of being one of the TOP 35 BOYS or one of the 172 ACTS OUT OF THE 20,000 who auditioned made me feel happy again. The announcement that I was eliminated broke me, but once I got my thoughts back in place, I began rebuilding myself and I'm now in the process of working even harder just to achieve what I want. It's like I finally know what I want to do for the rest of my life. Those few minutes I've spent on that stage, in front of the camera, in front of thousands of people, in front of the 4 judges, were just "previews" of what I could be doing if I work hard enough and if I'll be given the right break/opportunities. 

I know this entry's quite long already but I'd like to take this chance to express my gratitude to everyone who supported me with my The X Factor Philippines adventure! Thank you all especially for your prayers! Special thanks to my family, especially my MUM, for letting me do this. For sacrificing money and time for the screenings and for the live auditions. To all my friends and organizations (BLD Youth Ministry, UPLB Street Jazz Dance Co., UP Entrepreneurs' Club, UP ECOSS) in UPLB, thank you all for your unwavering support! Wouldn't have done this without all the things I've learned from the times I've spent with y'all. 

Last but definitely not the least, I'd like to thank the Lord God, Almighty for this wonderful experience. For the talents and skills you've lent me. For making my family change their minds about this thing. For always guiding me. For always being my inspiration. For always keeping my hopes up but still keeping my feet on the ground. For Your never ending affirmations. Most especially, thank You for Your love. Lord, I'm not really the best servant or follower and yet You still bless me with these amazing things. For that, I'm really grateful. I love You, Lord. And I'm always praying that in everything that I do, may YOU always be GLORIFIED.

My TXF journey might have ended already, but this is just the start of my journey towards the realization and actual fulfillment of my dream. You'll see me around :)

"Basta, babalik ako. Babalik ako."

CHRIS BELISON's exit interview for The X Factor Philippines.

Don't forget to LIKE my Facebook page! Click here! :)

One Direction - More Than This (Cover by Chris Belison)

Yes, I listen to One Direction and honestly, I think their songs are good! Try listening to all their songs from their debut album Up All Night and I'm pretty sure you'll be listening to a track or two (or the entire album) everyday! 

Here's my take on one of my most favorite songs off of the album. I love the lyrics and the harmonies so much and I decided to try doing the harmonies myself.

This was recorded and filmed in 10-0-71 Digital Post and mastered by Sir Caio Cadiz.

Please feel free to LIKE, COMMENT, SUBSCRIBE and SHARE! :)

Chris Belison - One And Only (Adele Cover)

Can't get enough of this song so I decided to make a cover! 

Thanks to Juls Parado for playing the guitar and to Caio Cadiz of 10-0-71 Digital Post for playing the keyboard and for engineering the track!



DOWNLOAD THE AUDIO HERE:


http://soundcloud.com/chrisbelison/chris-belison-one-and-only

Chris Belison - Biglaan (6 Cycle Mind Cover)

Finally got the chance to have another session in 10-0-71 Digital Post yesterday! I did two songs and here's the first one. Here's one of my most favorite OPM song from 6 Cycle Mind, "Biglaan". 

DOWNLOAD AUDIO HERE: http://soundcloud.com/chrisbelison/chris-belison-biglaan-6-cycle

Don't forget to SUBSCRIBE to my channel and share my videos if you like 'em!

I do not own the song. This is just for entertainment purposes. No copyright infringement intended.

"Copyright Disclaimer Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for "fair use" for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing. Non-profit, educational or personal use tips the balance in favor of fair use."

Chris Belison - Gone (*NSYNC Cover)

Chanced upon *NSYNC's "Gone" and couldn't get it out of my head so I decided to make a cover. Did this around 4:00AM, I think. What is with me and doing covers during untimely hours? Ha ha! Check it out!

I swear I didn't say fvck! I mispronounced "fact" in the second verse! Ha ha! 

Here's To Tomorrow.

2011's ending in a few and I can't help but express my gratitude to God for an amazing year. Like, seriously, 2011 has got to be one of, if not, the best year of my life. I've received so much blessings and got through a lot of trying times. I'm really just thankful to God and to my family and to all my friends for being with me this past year. Let's welcome 2012 and claim that it'll be sooo much better than 2012! 

For the past years, my New Year's resolutions' list has always been filled up with only two statements.

This year, I'll be better.

This year, I'll take risks.

I believe I need not add more. Heck, even just those two are hard already since they're kinda general. Ha ha. Anyway, I'm really excited for 2012. I just know that it's gonna be great, what, with me graduating this coming October headlining the events. Ha ha! So, keeping true to the "This year, I'll take risks" statement, I leave you all with a video of me doing one thing that I know I don't have a bright future in. Yes, doing a rap. Whut.

Do check it out and click the "Show More" tab to know more about the stuff I used in making this one. Hit the SUBSCRIBE and LIKE button if y'all liked it!

Sorry for the shameless plug. Ha ha! Anyway (again), here's to a great year coming up ahead! Keep safe tonight, okay? We don't wanna welcome 2012 with fewer body parts, right? Ha ha!


HAPPY NEW YEAR and GOD BLESS!

Christmas 2011

Merry Christmas! I intended to do a Christmas post much earlier today but I was running around with some of the cousins who dropped by our house. So, how did you spend Christmas eve and Christmas day? Here are some photos of what me and my family did.

Cooked a simple Noche Buena spread.

Molo Soup was definitely the star of the table last night.

No Noche Buena's ever complete with Queso de Bola, Chicken and Potato Salad.

Colors of the season.

We spent a good hour during Noche Buena then headed upstairs to have tea and exchange stories; a first for our family. Ha ha! Went to bed right after because we had to wake up to hear the 9:00AM Eucharistic Celebration in St. Therese of the Child Jesus Parish in UPLB.

Christmas morning. With some of our relatives from Talim Island, Binangonan, Rizal.

Before heading out to hear Mass.

Change position daw. Ha ha.

I guess one of the best things about Christmas is that I get to hear Mass with my family. See, my mum and aunts don't really attend Mass every Sunday and RJ goes to Mass with his girlfriend so I usually hear Mass with friends from the BLD Youth Ministry. The Christmas Family Mass is actually one of the things that I always look forward to whenever Christmas season comes.

Went home right after the Mass and spent time just chillin' and waiting for relatives to drop by. Mum and Mama thought of this neat idea of giving out "Papasko" to some of our younger relatives. They clipped on different denominations in a rack and each person gets to pick out a piece of paper with a number on it from a fish bowl. The number on the paper corresponds to the piece of plastic which contains PhP 40.00 - PhP 1,000.00! Ang saya lang kasi thrilling and excited kaming lahat. Ha ha! 

The Money Rack. LOL

Yes, I did join and I got PhP 50.00! Ha ha! Mum imposed this isang bunot kada tao lang so ayun. Ha ha! My ten year old cousin Buchoi got the PhP 1,000.00! Swerte! The rest of the day was spent running around with hyper active kids and some videoke. Definitely a tiring but fun day!

Kayo? Kamusta ang Pasko niyo? :)



Again, Merry Christmas and may the love, joy and peace of the Lord fill your hearts!




P.S: Don't forget to join my first ever blog give-away! I'm giving out one Moonleaf Tea Shop 2012 Planner! Click here to know more on how you can score this one! :)