Patrick Swayze and Lisa Niemi

Recently, after a 20 month battle with pancreatic cancer, Patrick Swayze died at age 57. I was saddened after I learnt about this tragedy . To be honest, I wasn’t aware of what happened to him or his whereabouts. I know this may be delayed but I just wanted to express my thoughts about Patrick Swayze considering that he’s one of the hollywood stars I adored during my childhood days.

Patrick Swayze with Jennifer Grey in Dirty Dancing

Like many adoring fans, I grew up watching the movie Ghost, which was the movie that made him famous back in the ealy 90s. I just loved him being paired up with Demi Moore. Back in the days, the story was unique and both Swayze and Moore played their parts well. It was an absolute classic. Another one of his movies that was considered a box office hit was “Dirty Dancing” and I just loved the energy and grace he demonstrated in this movie. Despite the title I found the movie entertaining. I loved how he danced with his co-star Jennifer Grey in this movie.

Demi Moore and Patrick Swayze in "Ghost"

After I found out from the Internet that he died and saw recent pictures of Swayze during his cancer days, I couldn’t help but feel terrible and sad. I always pictures Patrick Swayze with muscular physique and raging energy but the recent photos displayed a thin and sickly version of the actor. So I posted some pictures of Patrick Swayze  on this site during his vibrant days in Hollywood since I wanted to remember him that way.

Dirty Dancing

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Former Pres. Corazon Cojuangco Aquino dies at 76

Once again the Filipino People weeps due to Former President Cory Aquino’s death. Earlier this morning, her son, Sen. Benigno “Nonoy” Aquino III confirmed that at exactly 3:18 a.m., Corazon Cojuangco Aquino died of cardio-respiratory arrest. Mrs. Aquino had been diagnosed with colon cancer earlier last year and was recently confined at the Makati Medical Center for more than a month.

She will always be remembered as a courageous leader and icon of democracy who helped the country fight for its freedom against a thoughtless dictator. She led the popular people power revolt back in 1986 and this proves her deep love for her country and her love for the Filipino people.

It was reported that at 5 a.m. earlier today, her son, Noynoy read a statement announcing the death of his mother.

The statement read:

“Our mother peacefully passed away at 3:18 a.m., August 1, 2009, of cardio-respiratory arrest.

“She would have wanted to thank each and every one of you for all the prayers and your continued love and support. It was her wish for all of us to pray for one another and for our country.

“Hinihiling po ng aming pamilya ang kaunting panahon para makasama namin ang aming mahal na ina.

“Later today, we will be announcing further details of her wake para sa lahat ng ating mga minamahal na kababayan na nais magbigay ng respeto sa aming ina. Maraming salamat po.”

President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo who is currently in the US, expressed her condolences to the family of Cory Aquino. According the Press Secretary Cerge Remonde, Pres. Arroyo is set to declare a week of national mourning. Arroyo is expected to be back in Manila on August 5 after her US visit. Arroyo’s Secretary also stated that under the law, all presidents were entitled to a state funeral but this would be subject to the family’s approval.

Kris Aquino’s close friend and a close friend her family, TV host Boy Abunda told reporters that the Aquino family were praying the Rosary when Cory Aquino gave her “last breath.” After finally realizing she’s gone, all five siblings wept quietly. Kris Aquino, Cory’s youngest daughter on the other hand, was very quiet according to Abunda. She was trying to be brave even after her mother’s death.

Abunda’s actual statement read:

“Malungkot. Tahimik na nag-iiyakan. Tahimik, except for Kris who was very quiet,” he said, referring to the youngest daughter of Mrs. Aquino.

“Kris was very quiet. She was displaying such courage pero noong dindadala palabas mga labi ni Tita Cory… because you have to remember that Kris was in the hospital, Kris was by the side of her mother since July 20 hanggang sa mga oras na yun. Hanggang ngayon si Kris ay nasa tabi ng kanyang ina,” Abunda said.

It was also reported that Fr. Catalino Arevalo, a very close friend of Cory, held a mass after her death.

Source: Inquirer.net

We all know Michael Jackson is not just a King of Pop, he’s a Legend. As they say since Michael has no definite religion, instead of giving a funeral service of all the religions he tried, they made a tribute. Different songs from his albums sung by popular artists like Stevie Wonder, Mariah Carey, Usher, Jennifer Hudson, Lionel Richie and others. Here’s a video from MSNBC.com for the full coverage of his memorial service. May you rest in peace Michael.

Here is a transcript of Michael Jackson’s memorial service from TV.com

TV.com’s transcript of the Michael Jackson memorial service live blog
9:45 a.m. Welcome to TV.com’s live coverage of the Michael Jackson memorial service! We’re tuned in to CNN, and they’ve reported that the service has been pushed back to 1:30 ET/10:30PT.

9:49 a.m. Looks like people are already being seated! And there are bootleggers outside … weird.

9:53 a.m. Where are you watching the memorial?

9:57 a.m. Now they’re reporting that the service is about to begin at its scheduled time. Less than five minutes away!

10:00 a.m. Staples Center is packed! It’s pretty beautiful to see everyone turn out for the event, despite work schedules, travel issues and personal beliefs. It’s a celebration of Michael Jackson’s life, after all.

10:05 a.m. Who was Michael Jackson to you?

10:07 a.m. Mariah Carey, Stevie Wonder, Usher, Lionel Richie, Jennifer Hudson and others are scheduled to perform — what better way to celebrate the King of Pop than with more music?

10:10 a.m. Do you know anyone who’s attending the service? How far did they travel to be there?

10:13 a.m. Smokey Robinson is the first speaker. What a quote: “Thank you, Katherine and Joe, for sharing your son with the world.”

10:16 a.m. 1.5 million tried to get 11,000 tickets. That’s a tribute in itself.

10:20 a.m. There’s a pause in the service, but it’ll be back on soon. The anticipation builds — just like it did during his concerts.

10:23 a.m. How much do you think the yearbook-style programs will go for on eBay?

10:26 a.m. How will the performers honor Michael Jackson? We’re betting that Mariah Carey sings “I’ll Be There” and that Usher moonwalks.

10:31 a.m. Did you know that residents of New York, Florida and Rhode Island were not allowed to participate in the online ticket lottery? It had to do with state-specific sweepstakes rules.

10:35 a.m. Michael Jackson would have loved that gospel choir — he featured voices like theirs in “Will You Be There.”

10:37 a.m. Rev. Lucious Smith speaking now.

10:40 a.m. Mariah does her beautiful rendition of “I’ll Be There,” as predicted, with Trey Lorenz, who’s doing some solid justice to the falsetto notes in the song.

10:45 a.m. Queen Latifah now, speaking on behalf of fans, adds her smile to the somber but respectful mood.

10:47 a.m. Quoting Maya Angelou: “He gave us all he had been given.”

10:50 a.m. Lionel Richie now, singing “Jesus is Love” with more soul than he’s had in quite awhile. Here’s a throwback to the “We Are The World” days.

10:55 a.m. Berry Gordy, founder of Motown Records: “He was the consummate student. He studied the greats and then became greater.”

10:59 a.m. What was your favorite Jackson 5 #1? “I’ll Be There,” “ABC,” “I Want You Back” or “The Love You Save”?

11:02 a.m. What do you think of the ambiance in the Staples Center? Is it respectful? Subdued? Flashy? Not flashy enough?

11:03 a.m.Gordy, again: “He was the greatest entertainer that ever lived.”

11:05 a.m. Watching this dance-moves montage is like being at a dozen concerts — it covers everything!

11:07 a.m. Stevie Wonder: “This is a moment that I wished I didn’t live to see come.”

11:10 a.m. Stevie Wonder, wonderful as usual, sings “Never Dreamed You’d Leave In Summer.”

11:13 a.m. Do you think that Michael Jackson would have liked costume tributes? We expected a few fedoras and white gloves …

11:16 a.m. Kobe Bryant & Magic Johnson, two Laker greats, now talking about Michael Jackson’s philanthropy. Remember the time Magic Johnson was in a Michael Jackson video?

11:21 a.m. Jennifer Hudson sings “Will You Be There,” one of Michael Jackson’s most powerful songs.

11:24 a.m. But Michael’s voice remains at the end of the song, as in the original version.

11:26 a.m. Rev. Al Sharpton speaking now about the strength of the Jackson family. He definitely puts the “rev” — as in “rev up” — in Reverend. What a powerful speaker.

11:27 a.m. Check out the Jackson family’s fashion coordination — sunglasses, yellow ties and black suits.

11:31 a.m. Sharpton to Jackson’s children: “There wasn’t nothing strange about your daddy. It was strange what he had to deal with.”

11:34 a.m. John Mayer gets the crowd clapping with an instrumental version of “Human Nature,” backed by a few singers. Nice song choice.

11:38 a.m. Brooke Shields now addressing her relationship with Michael: “It was the most natural and easiest of friendships.”

11:41 a.m. Shields is really showing the human side of Michael Jackson: “Both of us needed to be adults very early. But when we were together, we were two little kids, having fun.”

11:46 a.m. Michael’s favorite song was “Smile,” from Charlie Chaplin’s Modern Times: Jermaine performs it for him.

11:48 a.m. … wearing a white sequined glove.

11:53 a.m. Martin Luther King III speaking now with his sister Bernice by his side.

11:57 a.m. Bernice King: “He was indeed a shining light, like our father Martin … May we all be inspired to go and let our lights shine.”

12:02 p.m. Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee talking now about Michael Jackson’s leadership in the fight against AIDS and his devotion to people in need.

12:06 p.m. Lee: “Michael Jackson never stopped giving” — and they’re going to debate Resolution 600 on the House floor. A very cool tribute. Here’s a link to it.

12:09 p.m. Usher singing “Gone Too Soon” — sadly, too appropriate.

12:12 p.m. Usher looking at the casket — a powerful image.

12:14 p.m. Smokey Robinson admiring Michael Jackson’s maturity in his age 10 performance of “Who’s Lovin’ You.”

12:17 p.m. Robinson: “I’m glad I lived in this era.”

12:19 p.m. Child prodigy Shaheen Jafargholi (from Britain’s Got Talent!) really belts out “Who’s Lovin’ You” — the best performance of the memorial thus far. Michael Jackson would have been proud.

12:22 p.m. Kenny Ortega now speaking about the “This Is It” tour — it would have been his “triumphant return.”

12:25 p.m. “We Are The World” medley: Robinson, Ortega, Hudson, Richie, Michael’s kids and many others onstage for the ultimate tribute.

12:29 p.m. Straight into “Heal the World,” led by the First black Miss Indiana, Kellee Patterson.

12:37 p.m. Jermaine and Marlon represent the family in sharing their emotions and anecdotes — even in his disguises, Michael Jackson was recognized by his shoes.

12:39 p.m. Paris speaks. No words from us here.

12:39 p.m. The memorial ends as it started — peppered with shouts of love from the audience.

Former NFL quarterback Steve McNair and 20 year old Sahel Kazemi were found dead yesterday afternoon inside McNair’s condominium.

McNair was found sprawled on a sofa in the living room with mulitple gunshot wounds including a shot through the head. Kazemi was found hear his body on the floor with a single gunshot. police hadn’t found nor determined any suspects yet.

According to an article by the Associated Press

McNair, 36, and Kazemi were together just two days earlier, when she was pulled over driving a 2007 Escalade registered to her and McNair. She was arrested on a DUI charges, and he was allowed to leave in a taxi.

Police said a witness saw McNair arrive at the condo in the upscale Rutledge Hill neighborhood between 1:30 and 2 a.m. Saturday and that Kazemi’s vehicle was already there. The condominium is located within walking distance of an area filled with restaurants and nightspots, a few blocks from the Cumberland River and within view of the Titans’ stadium.

An arrest affidavit from Thursday said Kazemi had bloodshot eyes and alcohol on her breath when she was pulled over, but refused a breathalyzer test, saying “she was not drunk, she was high.”

It was also reported that McNair and his family frequently went to the restaurant where Kazemi worked as a waitress.

For more updates visit suntimes.com.

King of Pop diead of cardiac arrest

TMZ and LA Times recently reported that the King of Pop, Michael Jackson, died of cardiac arrest yesterday at the age of 50.

King of Pop

LA Times also reported that Michael Jackson was no longer breathing as soon as the medics arrived at his home in Holmby Hills. They tried to revive him by performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation but this did not help. Jackson was then rushed to the UCLA Medical Centre hospital where he eventually died.

Michael Jackson at 50

Michael Jackson was supposedly planning a comeback concert in London starting July 13 and been practising for the said concert for the past two months in Los Angeles.

Michael Jackson - the King of Pop

Michael Jackson - the King of Pop

Photo credits: www.tmz.com