If there is spring cleaning, what does one call the act of throwing out old stuff to make room for new ones beginning of the year?

While family is away on vacation, I have been doing a bit of cleaning. Our house is 18 years old and we have decided to refurbish (major repairs are in order) this year. We will also be building a library and a mezzanine which will act as our “bodega”.

I decided to start with my own things. The idea dawned on me while I was looking for my Star Cinema script. I have been so busy I just pile everything in one corner. I started sorting them out- “Maalaala mo Kaya?” script and Mano Po 6 scripts are now nicely stowed away. Lyrics from shows and itineraries from  the Divas tours piled in another corner.

So far, I  have cleaned two desks- one inside my room and the other right outside where I hang out to do bills, write letters, do photo albums and sometimes, type on my computer- just like today.

I was supposed to film for Star Cinema today (hang on tight Kimerald fans), but it was canceled, so I decided to stay home to do more cleaning. We accumulate so much mail, magazines, books, knick knacks, “abubot” the whole year ’round and January always seems  a reasonable time to clean, right? It’s easy for me to throw things out but it’s important to know what you shouldn’t throw away. Like the old adage goes, no one throws away memories.

Things I couldn’t throw away:

1. Pictures. Why aren’t we printing enough anymore though?  This digital frenzy makes it impossible to choose. I mean, aim and shoot. How hard could it be? And as long as you, your friends and family are in the photo, that makes for a good shot, right?

Photo albums are so much fun to look at. And seeing how fast my kids have grown, makes me sigh and ask myself,  ” Where has the time gone?”.

And scrapbooks are fun to make. I think the last time I had pictures printed was 2 years ago. My bad. I need to sort out good ones and have them printed. Wow, thinking about it makes me dizzy. Some task that’s going to be.

2. Cards/ letters, Souvenir programs from concerts, my kids’ school programs, report cards, drawings,  scripts, lyrics and travel/tour itineraries, etc, etc.

I’m sentimental but I don’t know where to keep them anymore. I had my staff go to SM MOA today to get 6 big plastic containers.Luckily, it was on sale. I filled one with old and new posters of concerts/ movies and the other one with important mail, letters, souvenirs, cards, report cards, scripts, etc.

3. Magazines especially with Karylle on the cover. Proud Mom will keep them forever!
I also keep newspaper articles and it’s all piled up in a corner! That has got to go in one container.

4. Paper weights. I have about 4 and they are cute and basically just acts as knick knacks on my desk. Most are from my girls and it makes me happy seeing them on my desk.

That’s about it. I have not been keeping cds of music materials like I used to. It’s already in my computer. After I upload them, I throw them out. Kinda wasteful, don’t you think?

I still own a cassette player/recorder and several tapes though. Although they are obsolete, they have been neatly filed by my staff early last year.

And so i am done cleaning my desks. I’m thinking of old clothes and shoes next. So many people may be able to make good use of them.

I don’t want an empty desk. I even put the most “painful” mail I have where I could see it. And as I fixed my desk today, I put it right back at the very top of the heap.

I need to glimpse at it daily. Because even with this long hard struggle, I have learned to be grateful. And so I thank God that I get to live another day even if it’s to fight this long battle. If there’s one thing in my life that has not yet been granted, there have been so many blessings that have probably taken it’s place.

And yes, I have lived another year to “declutter”. Who knows, this year, I may have the chance to finally throw these registered mail out. For good.

-ZZP

anyhow, we spent the weekend in one of my favorite hotels- the park hyatt. i love it there!!!
then we moved to melbourne.

can’t wait to be back here. flying back to manila tonight. see you, guys!

love,
zsazshing

Hi everyone! It’s fiesta time here in Coron and I was invited by Governor Joel Reyes and Mrs. Fems Reyes to sing for the good people of Coron for their town fiesta. It was held near the hotel we were billeted at- Mt. Tapyas Hotel. I hear that the town celebrates every fiesta time for a whole week.

There is wi-fi here at the veranda coffee shop! The phone signals are good as well. I love it!

It”s beautiful here. Before the plane landed at Boswanga, you could see the beautiful white sandy beaches of several islands.

I was invited along with Lovie Po among other stars of ABS like Rachel Ann Go and Makisig.

It was good seeing Lovie. I remember the first time I saw her was at the wake of her Dad. It was quite a sad moment. The last time was during the show of Ogie da pogi at Araneta. I don’t get to see Kapuso stars very often so it always gives such a positive feeling.

I was worried about my asthma because it was so humid yesterday. It rained around 4p.m. and so before the sun was about to set, I decided to do a bit of cardio. I wanted to walk around. I wanted to go near the water but I was told that you’d need a banca to go island hopping because it’s where the beautiful beaches were at. I was just in the mood to walk so i asked what else i could do aside from going to the beach. They told me i could climb their mountain, Mt. Tapyas. It would take 700 plus steps but really now- my body guard (a local we got for my short stay here) said- it’s not much of a challenge.

And so we walked. My manager, Nene joined us when we saw her in a van coming from the sound check.

The view on the way top was breathtaking. And at the very top was a cross that served as a substitute light house. It’s really pretty. There was a rainbow right beside it which made everything seem a bit surreal. I’m so sorry- my phone camera was not working well and could only take shots from the secondary one. And as of the moment, I am trying to blue tooth them but my computer won’t seem to accept. Anyhow, I’m sure you can picture them in your mind for now.

On my way to the very top, we met a young boy who sold drinks. Sino ba s’yang artista? were the first words I heard from him.I laughed because he couldn’t understand why other people were asking to have their picture taken with me even before i reached the top.

He is 14 years old. He looked 8 to me. His name is Eric. And he sells drinks when you reach the very last step at the top. Such an enterprising young man. He says he does this everyday for a living. “Hopefully, after school”, were thoughts running in my mind. He was a bit shy from all the questions I was asking so I felt it was time to go near the cross and say a little prayer — but before that, I asked to have a picture taken with him.

Thank you to the peaceful townspeople of Coron. It has been a wonderful short stay. I’ll be leaving for the airport in a few.

Until next time….
zzp

Hello, friends! My album “Unchanging Love” turned gold last Sunday, August 16. Thank you once again to everyone who bought a copy of the album. It means so much to me!

I hope to see you in my forthcoming mall shows. Today, I will be at Robinson’s Imus, Cavite and our last Robinson’s show will be in Bacolod City on the 29th of August.

Take care, everyone. See you at Asap ‘09 later.

p.s.
Isn’t my sister blooming lately? i love this shot of her.

zzp

below is the message i wrote that’s at the lyric sheet- the fonts are too small (in the album) so i think it deserves some blog space here in my site.

My hope is that, as you listen to the songs in this album, the songs would bring inspiration in your lives. I have poured my heart and soul in interpreting each song in this album, and I pray that each song touches your heart the same way it did mine.

It is hard to express in words the joy, excitement, trepidation I felt while working on this album. The whole process- from meeting with my bosses and producer in conceptualizing the album, to choosing the songs- original and cover songs that the arrangers and I would give new life to, up until the time I had to record them at Pink Noise — felt like a whole new experience. It was a long tedious process that I have been too proud to admit I missed… until now.

And so, I am back, only too happy to present you – my latest baby, our labor of love. To say that I missed working in a recording studio would be an understatement. Quite honestly, I can’t wait to be back there for more exciting and new challenging projects!

It took me 7 long years to find the courage to record again- mostly because; it was a struggle to fight for an album I truly believe in- an all-original OPM album. I have made a deal with my bosses with PolyEast EMI to record a combination of OPM revivals and new compositions only because we couldn’t find enough material to come up with an all-original OPM album. We gave it time, yes. And I even asked the heavens for some miracle for me to come up with my own compositions (sadly, no luck in that department yet, maybe next time). Needless to say, I probably only need a better system of collecting work from our many talented composers. The upside is that, my label has promised me the dream project I pitched at our very first meeting, for our next project.

Probably being out of touch in the recording scene made it difficult for me to find new good songs that would be worthy of people’s attention and luckily, radio airplay. So to all composers who may be reading this (especially the budding new ones), I implore your support in helping Filipino artists like myself, in getting new and fresh compositions to record.

Marketing is not my area of expertise, so putting my ego aside, I had to listen to my bosses and understand what the market wanted to buy and hear from artists like myself. I had to listen to the voice of reason. Besides, there is always challenge in interpreting songs- be it original or cover versions.

I cannot deny the fact that the market in our country still clamors for revivals. There is comfort in seeing familiar titles while looking at the back cover of an album. Sometimes, it simply stirs my curiosity. But mostly, I still feel an adrenalin rush and get overwhelmed with excitement when I try to imagine my favorite artist or band’s take on the songs.

But with the new songs in this album, I assure you that we have done our very best. It is up to you to give the new songs in the album a chance. I pray that the songs grow on you.

I have been in the business for 26 years now but I know in my heart that I still have so much to learn. With all humility, I wish to thank all the hard-working people of PolyEast EMI. Thank you for the new learning experiences that I have faced making this album.

Thank you all for listening. Thank you for inspiring me to be the artist that I am today. This would not have all been possible if not for you.

To my bosses in Polyeast EMI, Mr. Ramon Chuaying, Mr. Jesmon Chua, Mr. Willie Monzon, Ethel Cachapero, Arleen Zabala, I give you my sincerest thanks.

To my producer, Chito Ilagan, it was good to be reunited with you after our “Ikaw Lamang” album from many years ago.

Thanks to all of you at my new Polyeast EMI label for trusting me to be part of your family. I appreciate all that you have done for me for this album. I am looking forward to more projects with you. You guys are the sweetest and may I add- I felt so loved whenever you guys dropped by the studio during my recording sessions.

We all have a bigger task at hand- promoting this album. And I am looking forward to meeting new faces; even familiar ones when we start doing promo work at our mall shows. I hope only to gain more friends by way of this new album.

To my technician at Pink Noise, Nikki Cunanan, you are a gem with your efficiency, attentiveness and good ear!

To Marlon Doc Pecjo, thanks for the great photos and to Jerome Chang who made me look young beyond my years, thanks for the great hair and make-up.

To my manager, Nene Atilano, thank you for your hard work and dedication.

To my family, who continuously pour love, concern, affection, dedication, understanding, trust and belief in me, thank you.

Thank you to everyone in my life- my friends, co-workers, my staff, my angels.

Thank you to my mother station ABS-CBN. My heartfelt thanks goes out to everyone- from all my bosses to the staff and production people of A.S.A.P. Thank you for all the love, all-out support, understanding and dedication you all have given me though the years.

Thank you to my precious girls Karylle, Nicole and Zia. I hope I will continue to make you proud. “Pagmamahal na Walang Wakas” goes out especially for you, my girls.

Thank you, Dolphy, my partner for more than 2 decades. You continue to inspire me with the unconditional love that only you can give. You are what “Unchanging Love” is all about.

And most especially, thank you to my fans who continue to support me unconditionally and believe in my abilities as an artist. This album is for you. I love you all with all my heart and soul.

Zsa Zsa

Anticipate the coming of Ms ZsaZsa Padilla’s new album entitled UNCHANGING LOVE… which will be officially available in the market on Thursday, June 11 featuring her first single and a classy remake of “Hanggang” (popularized by Wency Cornejo) which only proves our Divine Diva’s boundless passion for her craft in a 2-CD special edition package

UNCHANGING LOVE will be available at O Music and Video; Odyssey Music and Video; Astrovision/Astroplus; Music One outlets and all SM Shoemart Record bars nationwide for only P350.00

Another Birthday
Originally posted May 29, 2009
By: Zsa Zsa Padilla

today, i turned 45. sounds really old. but then i don’t feel any different. i don’t feel older, nor wiser. it’s just the same old me- just getting birthday greetings for 2 days. friends and family from manila, australia and the states would e-mail, text, call and greet- filipino time and american time. it was quite amusing. really sweet of all of you, guys. it felt like a long birthday celebration, only without having the actual party.

to everyone who sent messages here at my multiply account, thank you from the bottom of my heart.

we came from LA this afternoon and landed at the dallas airport adding another two hours to our watches. i would always sing in my head the martin nievera song i recorded years back- “where did the time go?”, adjust my watch and smile to myself. ahhh… next stop, hotel then hopefully a quick shower and do hair and make-up for the meet and greet at one of the hotel function rooms.

we were received so well. the pinoys here are as warm as the texan weather. i was thinking, i’ve been here before with dolphy. then someone from the crowd gave me a copy of our picture together with the cute cowboy hats he gave us. ahhhh. i was right! been here before.

that was 10 years ago. i am happy to be back here in dallas (for my birthday at that!). the vip crowd sang me a birthday song. awwww. sweet. i was hoping to blow candles on some surprise cake but that didn’t happen. ha ha so much for expectations. our host kept saying to the guests about having more cake and so i guess that’s how the idea popped in my head. but it doesn’t matter. cake or no cake, party or not, i am thankful. the meet and greet felt like a big party anyhow.

we didn’t get to eat at the meet and greet so as to accomodate everyone, but i was so hungry and had a bit of salad. and i was thinking maybe room service would still be open after- hoping i could still order some steak.

i was originally planning to treat our group to lawry’s in LA but that idea did not push through. we would dress up and wear the shoes we’ve invested in since we started our tour, but alas, most of them had to go to some office downtown LA and apply for their social security number. yes, uncle sam is afer us now, too. double taxation. i just smile so as not to add wrinkles on my face. some of us ended up shopping and when we got back to the hotel, we were all too tired to even think of dinner. i woke up around 3a.m. grabbing a protein bar. what happened to dinner, i ask myself? hmmmm. i would loose some weight. great. another birthday treat.

so, today, when i got back to the room, i took some pictures of myself. i thought i looked hot in my new dress ( from manila). pardon the over-confidence, i had to feel good ’cause after all, it is my birthday.

the tag was still on before i wore it to the meet and greet and it felt like a birthday present to myself.

then i took off my make up, showered (again!), got in my jammies and ordered room service.

damn! the menu said i could only order steak ’till 10 p.m. it was 10:15. i dial room service and thought, i could ask nicely? anyhow a gentleman with a pinoy accent answered and i had an inkling i was going to be saved. i asked for steak and he said, “sure, mam!”. yipppppeeeeeeee. i felt lucky.

steak came. i said grace and consumed the meal as fast as i could. i was thinking, i would need two hours before i could lie down and give it time to settle in my stomach or my ulcers would act up. so, it would be 12 midnight before i could go to bed to sleep. hence, this blog. it’s a great way to kill time and be creative in a sense. also, gives people a better idea of the real me.

i hope i didn’t bore you with this. i may go back to this one day and just have a good laugh. i hope multiply keeps this blog ’till i turn 50. or 60, 70, 80. who knows. as long as i can type in the keys- even with my artritis by then, i hope to keep in touch with you guys for as long as i can.

i did cry last night though. i know it wasn’t birthday blues. i was home sick. i still am. but i’ll be done with this tour this weekend and home right after. i guess by now you all know that that’s one of the downsides of touring- being away from home and from the people you love.

thank you to all of you for reading this and sharing the last minutes of my birthday with me. i enjoyed your company. virtual champagne for everyone! cheers!

-zzp