2008 is just a few days away...  The whole world is about to welcome another year.  I pray four great things for all of us: GREAT FAITH, GREAT HEART, GREAT HEALTH & GREAT WEALTH in 2008.  Happy New Year Asia... Mabuhay!!!

Definitely, nothing can stop the most wonderful time of the year-CHRISTMAS!  Here in the Philippines, you can see and feel the festive atmosphere wherever you go despite well, the usual differences and problems.  You can see the joy in everyone's eyes as you go to the malls, down the streets to the bazaars and churches.  Whatever happens, eveyone's giving their all out preparations for this season of love and sharing.  Maligayang Pasko ASIA!!! May the New Year brings more blessings and happiness worth remembering!!!

During the weekend, I was glued to our TV set as I followed through the very first Asian Idol finals which culminated in Jakarta, Indonesia.  Six countries namely Philippines, Indonesia, Malaysia, Vietnam, Singapore and India battled it out for the prestigious idol title. Of course my bet was RP's Mau Marcelo though I also had other Asian favorites like Jaclyn Victor of Malaysia who lost to Vina Morales in the ASEAN Ikon finals last August 2007.  I did also like Mike from Indonesia.  But it was a night of big surprises as Singapore's bet Hady Mirza clinched the top prize.  Congratulations Hady  and make Asia proud in your next endeavors!!!

If you're looking for an album to warm your cold December nights, I highly recommend Asia's songbird REGINE VELASQUEZ's only one Christmas album dubbed as LOVE WAS BORN ON CHRISTMAS DAY. For 10 years now, it has become a staple playlist as early as October. The carrier track Love Was Born on Christmas Day talks about God's infinite love for mankind as it narrates the Nativity story. Regine's rendition of the FIlipino classics Himig Ng Pasko and Payapang Daigdig adds chill to the temperature with beautiful arrangements by the renowned Louie Illustre. On the romantic side, the first track Remember This Christmas speaks about letting go and parting ways on a Christmas day. The succeeding track Maybe Next Year hopes that a lost love will find its way back next Christmas. Cradle Me This Christmas and I Dream of Christmas are the coolest tracks in the album. From the lyrics to the arrangements and backing vocals, what superb December lovesongs to play over and over again!

 
For Regine fans, I think it’s still available in leading record bars in the Philippines and on on-line music stores worldwide.