Jessica

CEBU, Philippines - Jessica Sanchez lost in ‘AI’ but won our hearts It broke the hearts of many Filipinos watching the finals of American Idol Season 11 that Jessica Sanchez lost out to Phillip Phillips. Many Pinoys here at home and in the US were rooting for Fil-Mexican 16-year-old to win the finale of the American Idol but was denied.

Nevertheless, Jessica has conquered the hearts of many with her talent and her meteoric rise to fame since she set her foot on the American Idol stage. She may have lost but things are looking up for the talented Fil-Mexican who traces her roots to Samal, Bataan.

A lot of people were disappointed with the result. Some cry racism because Jessica is non-American. Not even the combined votes of her Filipino fans and her Mexican followers were enough to give Jessica the win. It would be an insult for Americans if a Fil-Mexican like Jessica would pull one over them.

Well, we are all disappointed by the result. Of course, we would have liked Jessica to win but maybe there is something big waiting for her in the horizon even if she’s just a runner-up. It was all about voting and not a measure of talent. Jessica’s duet with Jennifer Holliday was a far better measure of the makings of a winner than the result of 132 million votes, said to be the highest in American Idol history.

True, another White Guy with a Guitar won the reality show but we are certain that Jessica has made her mark. It’s no mean feat to be up there in Top 2 and it is something to crow about.

Phillip Philips may have won but in the hearts of many, they believe Jessica is more deserving. Too bad the text votes did not go Jessica’s way. But if talent is the only basis for the selection of the winner, Jessica is the clear winner. For all of us Pinoys who rooted for Jessica as she made her way to the Final Two, Jessica is our winner.

Congratulations, Jessica! Conquer the world with your voice and talent and make us even prouder.

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Now at the bookstores is the novel “It’s Not That Complicated (Bakit Hindi Pa Sasakupin ng Alien ang Daigdig sa 2012), written by Eros Atalia. The book was launched Saturday (May 19) at the Bestseller Bookstore in Robinson’s Galleria.

This new book by Eros Atalia is the sequel of the book “Ligo na U, Lapit Na Me” which was adapted into a movie and was entered at the Cinemalaya Independent Film Festival. It starred Mercedes Cabral and Edgar Allan Guzman, who won two best actor awards (Cinemalaya and Golden Screen Awards) for his performance in the said film.

Edgar Allan was among those who attended the book launching. Also in attendance were Luis Alandy, Lucky Mercado, Kenneth Salva, Direk Erick Salud, Direk Lem Lorca, Noel Ferrer, screenwriters Ricky Lee and Jerry Gracio.

In the event last Saturday, it was mentioned that “Ligo na U, Lapit na Me” sold more than 18,000 units at National Bookstore. The publisher of “It’s Not That Complicated” is hopeful that sequel would be likewise a bestseller.

Incidentally, “It’s Not That Complicated” will likewise be produced as a movie that will have Edgar Allan and Mercedes reprising their roles. It will be directed by Erick Salud.

In case you’d want to watch Ligo na U, Lapit na Me, its DVD copy is now out in the market.

According to Noel (Ferrer, manager of Edgar Allan), he also accepted the offer to have his ward play as alternate of Paulo Avelino in the theater version of “Bona” that will star versatile actress Eugene Domingo.

“Bona” starred Nora Aunor on the big screen under the direction of Lino Brocka. She has given her go signal for its theater adaptation. (FREEMAN)