Since the trailer for “Nandito Ako” was released several days ago I’ve watched it more times that I care to admit. I’m mesmerized by the fast pace, the Tagalog language, the intriguing storyline and mostly by seeing David in his first serious acting role. Staff Writer Betsy, casually asked me what my favorite part of the trailer was. It wasn’t a difficult question but it’s hard to choose  just one so I came up with a few.

1.  The restaurant scene. Josh and Holly are sitting at a table and Josh tells Holly that she can speak in Filipino if she wants. Holly then asks Josh if he understands it. Josh makes a cute sound like “oh uh”. Holly, with a big smile, tells Josh that he is amazing.

2.  Josh sings “Nandito Ako” outdoors with a few of the members of the cast around him.  I can’t get this melodious song out of my head.

3. “You get out of my house! You get out of my house!”, Holly’s mother screams at Josh, who retorts “Let me explain!”

I could go on and on but now it’s your turn.

Thanks Betsy, for the inspiration.

credit TV5Philippines

collage by djafan

Do you dare step away from your computer to do something menial like oh…eat, sleep or pay a bill without feeling that you might miss something? Do you keep refreshing every minute so as not to miss a tweet? Do you feel compelled to stay in constant touch with what David is doing in The Philippines? I think it’s safe to say that we are drowning in news but that is not a complaint. He is embracing acting, the newest endeavor in his life. I’m not at all surprised that he’s loving it. From the beginning we knew that he had a natural acting  ability. It was only a matter of time before it could happen. I’m amazed and beyond thrilled at how relaxed he is.

So relaxed that director Mac Alejandre had this to say about him:

“David is such a delight to work with. He knows what’s expected of him. And he’s a perfectionist. Siya mismo ang gustong umulit ng eksena [He offers to do a scene over] if he feels he can do more. If only he could stay here longer, it would be great to do a movie with him. For a first-time actor, he’s a natural.”

I remember several months ago when I read the first rumblings on Twitter about David doing a miniseries in The Philippines. For the most part, the tweets from fans there were negative. Overjoyed at the prospect of having David come there again but not so much for a soap opera type miniseries. Perhaps soaps aren’t the most revered type of TV fare but why do I know that this one will be different? Maybe because I know that David only gets involved in things with positive messages. We don’t know the entire plot of “Nandito Ako“,  but I have every faith that we won’t be disappointed

We are blessed with a treasure trove of memorable projects before his mission: an English version of “Nandito Ako” called “Forever With You”, a rumored Valentine concert in Singapore and a five-week TV series including a concert scene to warm our hearts. Add to this, an appearance on Saturday on a TV show called “Will Time Big Time”.

The U.S. entertainment industry is clearly missing out on a gem of an entertainer, so versatile that everything he takes on turns out to be ridiculously amazing. He’s like the best guarded secret that will one day be impossible to ignore.

The My Kind of Christmas Tour continues on the west coast with two more shows in a series of four on the California Leg of the tour. Tonight, David will blow the ceiling off of the Majestic Ventura Theater in Ventura, California.

credit Heather JT

credit Djafan

credit Djafan

Tomorrow, David hits the stage again at The National Grove of Anaheim, in Anaheim, California.

credit ArchieFanDoc

Credit PaulaFOD

It’s been five days since Westbury and I miss it big time. But I can’t complain; it was a midwinter night’s dream to be at VIP, sit in Row 4 and see David perform, to finally meet Angelica and Abrra and catch up with old friends. The planets aligned nicely for me; the only missing link from The Voice was Djafan. We have been looking forward to The Grand Meeting for the last two years since we started The Voice. There’s something about that third dimension that cinches the deal.

(Dear David, do you know how many people you have brought together, how many friendships you’ve created, how much good you have brought to the world? You are so young in years and have accomplished more than you realize. But that‘s another subject for another time. )

I recognized Abrra when I first saw her at VIP. She’s cute and warm and friendly and funny and nurturing and every bit as efficient and geeky as she is online. We hugged and I gave her the big kiss on the cheek I promised. It feels like I know Abs my whole life. She is like a warm fuzzy blankie. We bonded instantly, at first sight.

VIP took place in the lounge and the lights were low and hazy. It was packed and we knew David entered the room when we heard screams followed by a hush. I could barely see him at the far end of the lounge but when I got closer, there he was, dressed like a typical teenager in jeans and a hoodie, signing posters for the fans.  It was a pleasure to spend some time with SandyBeaches again and to see  TOFan and refnaf. I also met Kizzi for the first time! Abrra was already in line to get a signed poster and she saved me a spot. I almost forgot that Mr. Bebereader was sitting at our table, with our coats and purses.  He’s been a fan of David’s since Idol and never misses a chance to say hi to him. I quickly let him know that it was time. Since he didn’t want to leave the purses unattended, he arrived at the line with three ladies purses in tow.  LOL The line moved quickly…

Me: Hi David. I’m Bebe. B-E-B-E (I was sure he wouldn’t know how to spell my name.)

David: (Repeating me, as he signed) Beeee beeee B-E-B-E. Lower register. Dead. Why did he have to do that?

I could barely see him in the darkness but I wasn’t really looking either. Have you heard of self preservation? Then I heard him say “So how’re you doing?” I guess he was talking to me; I was the only one there.

Me: Great! Good luck at the show tonight! (So generic.)

David: Thanks! And thanks for coming out!

He handed me a life-sized signed poster and I made a beeline back into the crowd. A new line formed for pictures and then he sang the first verse of “My Kind of Perfect”, a capella. Lovely.

We were back out in the lobby after VIP when someone told me that Angelica had arrived. I turned around and knew exactly who she was. She’s beautiful, blond, bright, and a firecracker, a combination of attributes that you’d expect in someone who writes with so much passion.

I thought I’d pull a fast one so when I approached her I said “Hi Angelica, I’m Abrra and this is Bebe (pointing to Abrra who was standing beside me.) She had never met either of us but you can’t trick her. She good-naturedly laughed at my attempt at silliness but knew I was teasing. She sparkles; she’s fun; she’s a people magnet and she pulled me right in.

We had some time to sit in our seats in the venue before the show started. There I had the pleasure of speaking to SilverFox again; we met at a VIP two years ago. Shoutouts to FunnyGirl, who is even funnier than her screen name and Marciami, mi compadre. It was evident that fans were there from all parts of the country and elsewhere. This is such a credit to David and I was proud of him before the show even started.

On with the show…

This was not the David I remember from American Idol. He has evolved into an adult, a charismatic performer, fully in charge and a tease onstage. He knows how to work the crowd with his banter, jokes, and by the way he uses his voice. He came out with a slow saunter, singing the words to “Sleigh Ride”, looking completely different from the teenager in the jeans and hoodie I saw moments before. We gasped collectively when we saw him. We screamed. We stood, honored to see him once again. The New York audience never got a chance to see him sing songs from TOSOD and I was thrilled when he sang the title song. The setlist was eclectic and it worked. There were pop tunes, Jazzy numbers, Christmas standards and new Christmas songs. David was playful onstage but he owned it, giving the band cues, dancing, and joking with us:

“That one’s a mistletoe. I don’t know if it’s active on the stage tonight.” LOL

The highlights for me were:

1) The new bi-lingual Christmas song David wrote with Sunny Hilden, “Fa la la la la la.” It’s fun, upbeat, has a catchy tune. And it gives David a chance to let loose and do a little dancing onstage! It’s going to be my ringtone for the holidays.

2) The Amy Grant cover, “I Need A Silent Night”. Fun lyrics and David’s beautiful vocals. I go to sleep and wake up with this song in my head.

credit 8throwcenter

3) “The First Noel”, “Silent Night”, “O Holy Night”. Exquisite vocals. Beautiful reverent performances.

4) Little Drummer Boy! What on earth???!!! I was blown away by this performance. David chooses songs for a reason because they convey a message. I believe he was telling us that he wants to do music forever, is grateful for his gift and will build his career as he sees fit, thank you very much. He made a bold move and beat aggressively on the drums with mallets, to make that statement. A sight to behold when he held the two mallets up in the air. More power to you David. Own it! It’s yours!

All in all it was a great show and had something for everyone. I left the venue feeling both exhilarated and peaceful at the same time. I spoke to a few people as we were exiting. We all had the same look on our faces. What just happened?

After the show, about 50 of us gathered at the Broadway Diner to try to figure it out.  We’re still not sure.  Except that when all our powers of reasoning fail us, the words of Michael Orland, Musical Director of American Idol, Season 7 are brought to mind. “David Archuleta came to American Idol as a genius and he left as one.“  On a cold wintry night in December, Mr. Orland’s words ring loud and clear.

photo credit: SandyBeaches

Who’s feeling anxious and excited with David? Yeah, me too! His first stop on the My Kind of Christmas Tour was the last stop on his Christmas From the Heart Tour two years ago: The Theater at Westbury in Westbury, New York.

I’ve been to this venue many times and I like it because it’s different. The theatre is in the round, the stage is in the center, and the audience sits around it. It has a nice intimate feel.

I took a ride to Westbury about two weeks ago to scout the area for restaurants for before or after the show.

I found a place nearby in walking distance, in case you get there early and want to hang out or grab a bite to eat before the show. They close at 8pm.

Brush Hollow Deli and Pizzeria
990 Brush Hollow Road
Westbury, NY 11590
516/334-4242 or
516/334-2992

For after the show there’s a 24/7 diner about four minutes away by car. It’s called Broadway Diner on North Broadway in Hicksville. Hope we can get a group together even for a little while, after the show.

287 N. Broadway
Hicksville, NY 11801
(516) 681-3982

www.broadwaydiner.net

Directions to Broadway Diner from venue:  Make right out of parking lot. Go down to the light. Stay to the right. Make a right turn on North Broadway. Diner is 1/8 of a mile on left side.

Hope to see a lot of you there to meet and decompress 

after this first show of the tour! Are y’all ready for this? Well, GET READY cause here he comes!

Amb4DA made a Smilebox!   Thanks for sharing!

Skate for the Heart

Holiday music is the theme for this Saturday’s Pandora Unforgettable Moments on Ice event. David is the special guest singer and will sing a Christmas song or two while ice skaters perform. Joining David on the bill is the popular group of musicians, Manheim Steamroller, known primarily for their modern recordings of Christmas music. The show will be hosted by Kristi Yamaguchi, with the skating side of the event led by Brian Boitano and two-time Olympic champion Ekaterina Gordeeva. The show will be taped on Saturday, November 12, at 7:00 p.m. at Grand Canyon University Arena in Phoenix, AZ.  NBC will broadcast the show on Sunday, November 27, from 4:00 – 6:00 p.m. EST.

No stranger to ice skating shows, David has lent his voice to the  Kaleidoscope series…

and has participated in Skate For The Heart as well.

This year David shares Pandora’s stage with innovative musical ensemble Manheim Steamroller. Watch their eye and ear pleasing rendition “Carol of the Bells”:

Note: Grand Canyon University is now offering a 33% discount on tickets for this event through Friday at 5pm. Use promotional code VETSDAY to get the discount online at www.gcuarena.com, by phone at 602-639-8999, or at the GCU box office at 3300 W. Camelback Rd. in Phoenix.

@DavidArchie
Meeting the 50 Champions of @CMNhospitals! What cool kids #celebration11

@DavidArchie
Actually more than just 50 haha

David is at Disney World in Orlando this weekend for the 2011 celebration of The Children’s Miracle Network, a charity that raises funds for children‘s hospitals in the U.S. and Canada. The celebration honors the champions, one child from each state, representing all of the children who benefit from CMN’s efforts.

“Meredith Vieira and David helped get the morning started with a Champion’s breakfast. Pictured here are Texas and Oregon Champions Dustin and Hannah!”  ~ Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals

Each of these children has been treated for a serious illness at a CMN hospital. This weekend’s celebration affords them the opportunity to catch up with some very special Disney characters and to visit the attractions at Disney World. They will be honored tonight at an awards ceremony and treated to a performance by David, with background vocals by Sunny Hilden, one of David’s songwriting collaborators.

Twitpic from @SunnyHilden: #Celebration11 Lupe & David Archuleta, Meredith Vieira, me & Kelli & Elizabeth from @CMNHospitals ♥

“Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals was founded with two simple goals.
Help as many children as possible by raising funds for children’s hospitals.
Keep funds in the community in which they were raised to help local children.
The organization was founded by Marie Osmond and her family, John Schneider, Mick Shannon and Joe Lake. As of 2011, Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals have raised more than $4.3 billion—most of which is donated a dollar or two at a time.”

I had never heard of Nico Vega, the band who opened for Blondie at the concert David recently attended at the Nokia in Los Angeles.  But I’m enjoying their music on YouTube. When David says a band is awesome, I check it out because I usually agree with him and I’m rather fussy in my taste in music. Once in a while I enjoy the music of other artists, but  it’s always temporary. My heart leads me back to what I love the most.

I feel very fortunate that David seems to be fascinated with music from my era, the eighties and nineties, because during that time I was a  music junkie and followed the careers of many artists. I wasn’t obsessively stuck on one like I am now. 

On the Christmas From The Heart Tour, David covered “The Riddle” and “Fields of Gold” two of my favorites.

Salt Lake City/First Night of CFTH Tour! The Riddle is so Archuleta;  it’s as if this song was written for him! It’s a pure message song.

Fields of Gold/Baltimore CFTH Tour

It didn’t take long for these two cover songs to become fan favorites for those who had never heard of them before!  I just know David is cooking up some more beauties like these.  There’s a new cover or two up his sleeve for the My Kind Of  Christmas Tour, especially if the four songs on the Asian Tour Edition of TOSOD don’t get released in the U.S. by that time.

What would I like him to cover? Let me count the songs. Here’s a start:

When A Man Loves A Woman – Michael Bolton
I Don’t Want To Miss A Thing – Aerosmith
The Prayer – Celine Dion and Andrea Bocelli
Candle in the Wind – Elton John
Have I Told You Lately That I Love You – Rod Stewart

Do you have any favorite songs that you’d like David to cover on his upcoming tour?  Take the poll below and let your voice be heard! *

*This post hijacked by Angelica.  Three years people!  Three long years I have campaigned for this song.  Denied!  But this year, THIS YEAR is different.  I have come up with a plan so ingenious, (heehee) so Machiavellian, (oh lol) it can not fail!  Here goes. Y’all take the above fair and unbiased, (snort) poll, choosing whichever answer you like most. Your vote will not be revealed, only the results.  You can vote as many times as you like.  Then someone with a VIP, which I don’t have, gives the results to David, informing him that in a poll on the site, this song won by a landslide margin of  *insert astronomical number here* votes.  Voila! Duh! Done!  Oh lawz, I scare myself sometimes.

Check it out and BELIEVE.  <That’s another song I want for Christmas.  I ♥ Polar Express.

David  has created lots of buzz in Arizona as he headlines a concert at The Constitution Fair in Gilbert. Fans have come from all over the country plus Canada and Mexico to see David’s first United States performance since his epic Asian Tour last month.
Lots of goodies today! Several interview videos including one that revealed an upcoming  U.S. Holiday Tour!

Marylee_Angel received a reply tweet from David today when she tweeted:

@DavidArchie We’re sitting here on Twitter wondering about VIP at your upcoming Tour…what are the chances? *pretty please*

to which David replied:

@Marylee_DAangel I think the chances could be good.

One poster among several with song requests.

The stage is set for the show.

Opening act Firefly with David.

Filed under: concerts, David Archuleta, God Bless America, National Anthem, tours Tagged: Arizona, Constitution, David Archuleta, How hot is it?, travel, Wearing your wristband? ]]> http://thevoicedavidarchuleta.com/2011/09/17/david-archuleta-headlines-the-constitution-fair/feed/ 116 Bebereader Untitled photo 2i9gm11 x2_8512e8f 297476_274388149245984_112137025471098_1086825_860998011_n