Thursday, August 16, 2007

Colors Of The Wind

Hi. My name is Ruff, I’m a Bettyaholic, and I need help.

It was said that the steps crucial to initiating a change process are to (1) admit the existence of a problem, (2) accept your inability to change that problem, and (3) eliminate behaviors of denial. And I guess, this is me… exactly doing that.


The last weekend was crazy.
I spent more time watching Ugly Betty, all 23 episodes and special features of it, than making something more productive like pottery or something. This little Betty addiction of mine has been outlandish and I need to purge it out of my system. Or maybe not.



I have professed my undying devotion to Betty in my last Emmy Forecast post and I’m hitting myself in the head for not *watching the Colombian Yo Soy Betty La Fea telenovela when it was shown almost a decade ago in Philippine TV. It was said that this Betty remake was the farthest version from the original but I still want to watch the original one for comparison’s sakes. *Tears tears.

Anyways, I am soo loving this Americanized Ugly Betty. Most of you might already be familiar with the story so I won’t blabber too much information here. I just want to say this simple truth with my simple post; Everything I needed to know about life, I’ve learned it in Ugly Betty.

From Daniel Meade (Eric Mabius), Betty’s uber-yummy boss and confidante. Not really my type of guy, but his arrogance and boyish charm is soo appealing.



Nobody’s perfect. Behind everyone’s perfect façade lies a flawed interior. No amount of cover-up, concealer, or arrogance will disguise the fact that people needs other people in order to survive. And too much of something is always dangerous a thing.



From Alexis Meade (Rebecca Romijn), Daniel’s dead brother who turned out to be a post-op transsexual.
This lady is gorgeous. Need I say more?


What you don’t see is hidden under the skin and it may be more important than physical beauty. Happiness lies for those who cry, those who are hurt, those who have searched, and those who have tried, for only they can appreciate the importance of people who have touched their lives.



From Justin Suarez (Mark Indelicato), Betty’s nephew.
Watching this little boy reminds me of myself—both of us are passionate with our desires and won’t accept being second best.


Follow your heart’s desires. Do what makes you happy, because in the end, the only person you are answerable for is yourself. Be steadfast in your convictions. Do not let other people define the real you. You are fabulous. Deal with it.



From
Marc St. James (Michael Urie), Wilhelmina Slater’s Assistant. Marc is flamboyance personified and I know that most women, and some gay men, could definitely relate to his character.



Be true to yourself. Protecting someone with deceit does not make you a hero, but a liar. Do not let loyalty and faithfulness forsake you; bind them around your neck, and write them on the tablet of your heart.




From Amanda Tanen (Becki Newton), Mode’s receptionist.
If ever I become a straight man again, I will definitely look for this gorgeous woman in NY or somewhere. She is sooo my type of girl!


Looks could be deceiving. Do not dismiss a person just by his/her appearance, first impressions, or what you can get from him/her. Self-respect is important, and so is a healthy insight about yourself. Life is short, so pop up that bottle and sip the champagne.



From Henry Grubstick (Christopher Gorham), Betty’s officemate and love interest.
This guy breathes new life into the show—a nerdy, geeky guy who shares the same interest with Betty—I so so love this guy even when he was still Jake 2.0 or Dr. Miles McCabe from Medical Investigations. I’m glad to see him back on the TV scene.


Honesty is always the best policy. Fight for someone you really love. Don’t let that person slips by your grasp. Holding on is sometimes more important than letting go.



From Wilhelmina Slater (Vanessa Williams), Daniel & Betty’s archnemesis.

As (1) the first African-American woman to win Miss America, (2) a prolific singer-actress who should have won the Grammy's for singing Pocahontas’ Colors of the Wind, and (3) an uber-lovely woman whose fashion style I adore and worship, this lady epitomized John Keats’s saying “truth is beauty… beauty, truth. That is all ‘ye know on earth, and all ‘ye need to know.” No need to explain that. Vanessa Williams, you are my hero. You are true beauty personified! Exquisite, rare, delicate…

From Betty Suarez (America Ferrera). Daniel Meade’s loyal assistant and true friend and confidante. And of course, the show’s heroine.



Intelligence is power and personality is *everything. People don’t care whether you are beautiful or not, what matters is what’s inside your head and your heart. A true woman never frets about her place in the world, but just slides into it by the gravitation of her nature, and swings there as easily as a star.



Ugly Betty
is definitely a feel-good dramedy series that evolves around the concept of beauty, friendship, loyalty, honesty, love and acceptance, amidst the world of superficiality, deception and lies. There is something in each of the main characters that makes them worth imitable, and even the worst nemeses possess intrinsic goodness that balances their evil sides. The outstanding ensemble of characters and a light, but exciting storyline will definitely crave a Betty fan more and more of this hearty and jovial series.

And to borrow Betty's mantra (repeat after me, if you may)
“I am an attractive, intelligent, confident businessman/businesswoman,” and I am beautiful, if I might add.

*

Originally I wanted to post a separate entry about my *new icon and heroine, but whattheheck, since we’re/I'm in this Ugly Betty phenomena, I want to publicly profess my renewed love and dedication to the most beautiful Miss America that ever graced our TV screens—my current obsession—Vanessa Williams.



Vanessa Williams
became the first African-American woman to win the coveted crown of Miss
America 1984 on September 18, 1983 in Atlantic City, New Jersey. In July 1984, she had to relinquish her crown due to previous nude pictures of her that were published in Penthouse magazine. After the pageant controversies, Williams rebounded by launching consecutive album deals, theatrical and film roles, and television career; topped by performing the Grammy-Award Winning song from Pocahontas, “Colors of the Wind,” and her Emmy Nominated portrayal of Wilhelmina Slater, Betty and Daniel’s nemesis in Ugly Betty.

All I can say is that, this woman is pretty pretty pretty!!! I could not get over with my Williams obsession. In a span of a week, my iTunes list are topped by her songs “Colors of the Wind,” “The Sweetest Days,” and “Save The Best For Last” among others. The list does go on.


She also launched a Christmas album, to which the preview can be heard here. (Too bad I couldn't find a free download.)


And here are my most-loved songs from this gorgeous lady:

The Sweetest Days
The Sweetest Days (1994)


Her voice in this song is soo crystal-clear—unmistakably Vanessa Williams’. Just perfect for the melancholic mood the song exudes. (She even looks like Tyra Banks in some shots.)

Save The Best For Last
The Comfort Zone (1992)


Oooh, Vanessa’s signature song that propelled her to stardom. Love love this one. It was said that this song covertly retells her life post Miss America-Penthouse controversy and was noted to be teeming with redemptive undertones. Notice the words: “all I did was wish,” “not the way I hoped or how I planned,” “when I thought our chance had passed” among others?

Colors Of The Wind
Pocahontas Soundtrack


This is Vanessa at her finest, prettiest and most stunning. That face, my friends, is beauty personified. This music video makes me want to get my grandma’s shawl and sashay in a jungle/zoo, wear animal hides, or something. Timeless and enduring, this song marked William’s status as a brilliant artist-performer in US R&B history.

*

Yeah, I know that my Wilhelmina Slater/Vanessa Williams obsession shall pass, but for now, allow me to indulge my sweetest days trying to paint the colors of my wind as I save the best for last. Okay that was too Williams-ish. Totally uncalled for.


Do not be surprised if my header transforms into Vanessa William’s images and my blogger name turns into Vanessa, Wilhelmina or Pocahontas. This is just a phase, Ruff. You’ll pull through this. This “corniness” must stop. But then again, maybe not.

*

Sorry if this post is so senseless and narcissistic. I just need an outlet for my Betty obsession or else I might become insane or something. Images from Wikipedia, ABC.com, and some random Vanessa Williams fan sites.

39 comments:

Russ Ligtas said...

Ugly Betty Huh?..My dad never misses a Betty La Fea episode, and he's the only one who watches it.haha thank God naka-comment na ko!

bananas said...

america is uber. i so adore her too. and that woman named vanessa william? well, what can i say?

Anonymous said...

now pareho tayong utak it just so happened that my post's about tagalog teleseryes while yours is about an American one. haha.

oh my favorite song of vanessa williams is "Love is..." with Bryan McKnight. Super uber nice song, download it ruff, it's a must!

ice said...

geez..

ang ganda talaga ni vanessa williams!!
andun pala xa?

gotta watch!

ice said...

..
if you can't find a free download, you can record it on windows movie maker..

hee hee! ^^

Jhed said...

I've heard a lot of good things about Ugly Betty. Pero hindi ko pa rin siya napapanood. Haha! Matawagan nga si manang tindera. :))

Anonymous said...

I'm not there yet but I'll soon be addicted to Betty La Peks, too. HeHe.

Anonymous said...

I cant somehow relate to the Ugly Betty since I have no time watching it.. But I do like the series and I also used to watch Yo Soy Betty La Fea... Very fond and inspiring to watch... and Ohh Btw!!.. I like Eric Mabius.... For me he's a hottie and my type of guy.. :-)

Anonymous said...

I've been wanting to watch the Ugly Betty on DVD/VCD but I've no copy yet, so I try to be patient with how slowly Studio 23 airs the series.

This has got to be one of the most reflective posts I have ever read in relation to a TV series. Seriously, everything is written beautifully and leaves a mark. Food for thought.

I've been a Vanessa Williams fan since...well, I've forgotten. Since I was a kid, I suppose? I totally love her songs. My mom has to put up with my ravings whenever I see Williams on TV. An actress, singer, AND dancer. A well-rounded entertainer, aye? ;)

ruff nurse-du-jour said...

@YAS LIGTAS: Thanks for the comment RUSS. Well if that’s case, then I really *have to talk to your dad ASAP. But this I have to agree: your dad really has an *exquisite taste!

Hope you’re doing well now russ. I suggest watching Ugly Betty for an instant lift-a-mood. And a chocolate cake too. Be well always!

ruff nurse-du-jour said...

@BANANAS: I agree bananas! America is adorable. Have you watched “Real Women Have Curves?” Her performance in that HBO mini-movie is spectacular. And her role in “Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants” just doesn’t do that amazing woman justice. That role is way, way underrated for an artist that good. And Vanessa Williams? Classic.

ruff nurse-du-jour said...

@CORY: Thanks for the frequent visit! This pop culture obsession is sooo addictive right? I couldn’t last a day not watching any American TV series. I will definitely miss watching them when I get back to my work sometime next month. That would definitely be tragic. =(

Yeah Cory, I’ve downloaded that already!!! And her versions of Constantly and Moonlight Over Paris too… And Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas, and Merry Christmas, Darling, and so on… This addiction’s got to stop. =)

ruff nurse-du-jour said...

@ALLEICARG: Yeah, Vanessa/Wilhelmina is the other reason, of course aside from America/Betty, why I’m addicted to that show. I’m always looking forward to her appearance in the show. Parang hindi complete ang 1 episode pag wala cya. =)

And on the latter episodes, Henry/Gorham’s character too. He was “dork-ified” in the show pero he looks extremely good pa rin. Even cuter than Daniel/Eric. =) It’s not too late to be an Ugly Betty fan chei. You won’t regret watching that wonderful show.

And yeah, Vanessa Williams is human perfection. =)

ruff nurse-du-jour said...

@JHED: Thanks for stopping by jhed. I appreciated the visit! You’ve got to watch Betty Jhed, if only for Eric Mabius or Christopher Gorham. =) If that show won’t snag an Emmy this year, the Emmy foundation surely deserve to be abolished. Call Manang quick!!!

ruff nurse-du-jour said...

@REYVILLE: You’ll get there reyville… and it won’t be long before you get there. I hope. Well in my case it only took one episode, and when Vanessa came out on the second episode, thence I knew that Betty and I are *definitely soulmates. And when Christopher Gorham appeared on the 5th, the *fate is sealed. =)

ruff nurse-du-jour said...

@DAIZUKE: Thanks for the visit daizuke! Betty la fea was phenomenal when it was shown years ago. I just don’t know why on earth I didn’t watch it. Such was one huge, stupid mistake. And yeah, it was sooo moving, funny and empowering. The show’s premise: “beauty as only skin deep” is inspiring. The show truly reflects the reality of true beauty in its subtlest, simplest ways.

And Eric Mabius is such a hottie. Sophisticated, classy, and a little arrogant, such a likable man. Careful of the womanizing though.

ruff nurse-du-jour said...

@SHARI: Thanks for dropping by shari. And thank you for the compliments. Really really appreciate it. This was the first time I received such compliments about a post of a TV review. From the bottom of my heart, my sincerest appreciations shari.

I started watching Ugly Betty in Studio 23 too (until episode 8 or 9) where I’ve decided that I couldn’t contain the obsession any looonger. I bought a (pirated) DVD (my bad) and watched the entire 1st season during the entire weekend. And it was SOOOO good. I thought that the series won’t lose it’s “telenovela-ish” undertones but it surprisingly did! I watched the entire season again, and it just keeps on getting better and better. It’s lighthearted, truly inspiring and will definitely make you crave for more.

It was such a strong and effective antithesis to the common human preoccupations of beauty and superficiality. It’s beautiful without being over-the-top, wonderfully written, and the characters prodigiously well-portrayed.

And ooh Vanessa!!! Yeah, she has gone far from where she has started (Penthouse nude model/Miss America) and she definitely keeps on getting better. She is aging really gracefully, and her portrayal of Slater is just sublime. Well I guess, this Vanessa obsession isn’t bad after all. Besides, that kind of woman is *truly worthy to be admired and adored naman diba? =)

Anonymous said...

Betty La Fea is indeed MILES different from Ugly Betty. For instance, the Colombian Betty stated all of her fine academic achievements (getting Magna Cum Laude, the ability to speak four languages, etc) during her job interview while the American Betty did not even have a chance to be interviewed.

Anyway, I only get to watch the pilot on YouTube (during office hours) and it really touched me, especially the photoshoot scene. I am planning to buy a DVD of that (original or otherwise).

Anonymous said...

I do think that Vanessa Williams kinda more look like Vivica Fox from Kill Bill codename: Copperhead.. hehehe :-)

At first glance, I thought Copperhead is Vanessa

Kiks said...

Darn gurl, we're so like big-small sisters!

America is fantabulous in Ugly Betty! I saw her in the "Sisterhood of the Travelling Pants" or whatever and knew she had it in her.

Nakakainis ang Ugly Betty kasi it's so true. Nakakaiyak pa kaya kasabay ako ng ate ni Betty na umiyak after mategras ni Carlos papa.

And Vanessa Williams? Vanessa Williams. There is only one.

Unknown said...

Hey, I download and watch Ugly Betty! I like the way Betty's character is such out of placed in a superficial world. And I like the way she survives.

Although I must note Betty and Henry aren't that ugly. Compared to the Colombian Betty of Betty La Fea.. :)

ruff nurse-du-jour said...

@EMPRESS MARUJA: Thanks for the visit empress. I have been catching up on my Betty La Fea replay episodes on Studio 23, though I still wasn’t able to watch the pilot but I guess it would suffice. The parallel characterizations: Betty=Betty, Armando=Daniel, Hugo=Marc, etc. are interesting and the artists in the American version internalized the characters really well. The revisions made were suited for the US audience and it was amazing how did the US Betty really *lose its telenovela undertones. America portrayed the character prodigiously well, and I would *die if she won’t win this year’s Emmy’s. I guess what is more pressing to know is whether Betty will undergo a make-over in the latter seasons, or she will remain as such, and what’s going to happen with Daniel and Betty in the end.

Yeah, its Pilot episode was brilliant. After watching that episode, I swear I was hooked. And yeah, the photoshoot scene was touching and moving. America makes portraying Betty an effortless, classy act. Truly perfectly suited for her. I was dying to know what will happen in the second season by the way. I hope Studio 23 will air it real-time. =) See ya soon next Friday Empress!!!

ruff nurse-du-jour said...

@DAIZUKE: Oooh, nice observation daizuke, Sorry I’m not a Kill Bill fan but she looks younger than Vanessa right? Saw her photo at Wikipedia and yup, Vivica Fox shares the same features as Vanessa—only that Vanessa looks more gorgeous isn’t it? ;)

ruff nurse-du-jour said...

@KIKS: KIKS!!! BIG SISTER!!! I’m so addicted to Betty kiks! Before it was Dexter, now it is Betty, and I’m currently critiquing Heroes in my marathon nights.

America is really good, though she is TOO BRILLIANT to play her character at the “Traveling Pants.” She is way too good for that character but that movie definitely gave her good silverscreen exposure. Her role in Real Women Have Curves definitely sealed the deal.

OMG KIKS! Alam mo ba super crushie ko din si papa Santos! He’s sooo yummy right? Parang I’m suddenly drawn to those hunky, gangster guys. Ang swerte ng ate ni Betty no? His role in Betty is short-lived pero it’s soo remarkable. Ang swerte din ni Justin for having a good-looking, swoon-worthy dad like Santos. Feel ko rin tuloy kumanta ng “Somewhere…” cyempre a la Vanessa Williams yun. (Tsaka mas love ko pa rin si Henry Grubstick hehehe).

Vanessa Williams is Vanessa Williams. That lady definitely amazes me with her talent. Remember the scene where Wilhelmina reminisces her special moments with her fag hag Marc tapos “The Way We Were” yung background song? She sang that version daw, and I’m desperately looking for that mp3 in the Net. Haaay, I definitely can’t get over with my Williams obsession. And I guess it will be here to stay. =) Bon voyage to Venezuela kiks. Latino guys ko ha. =)

ruff nurse-du-jour said...

@KING OF CHOCOLATES: Thanks for dropping by king. Yeah, Betty’s role as the fish out water in the world dominated by beauty, superficiality and fashion is so refreshing. It could be any “real-er” than that. And what is really amazing is that, in such a cunning world, outside beauty is not at all important. Intelligence, wit, shrewdness, confidence, ingenuity and cunning are what really matters, and might be all that is necessary in order to survive.

And yeah, America looks kinda cute as Betty. I was actually thinking as to whether the producers will opt for a makeover or will retain the original Betty. And Henry Grubstick is G-O-R-G-E-O-U-S. He is sooo adorable. Mas bagay sila ni Betty because of that certain *nerdy, geeky chemistry. (Henry will be a mainstay for the 2nd season btw, yippie to that). And I’m definitely looking forward as to how Daniel *might fall for Betty in the succeeding episodes. Now, that is exciting! =) Thanks for the visit chocolate king. Yum yum.

leeflailmarch said...

I love Ugly Betty. :) Weee!

The most recent episode freaked me out. Alexis was really Alex pala. Well, I wasn't able to begin the whole series anyway.

ruff nurse-du-jour said...

@MYK: Thanks for the visit myk! Who doesn't love Ugly Betty by the way? That show, much like America Ferrera, is scorchingly hot!!

Yeah, Alexis was Daniel's transsexual ex-brother who had a sex-change operation, which was paid for by Wilhelmina Slater. Actually that was just one of the show's biggest mysteries revealed so far. Much much more mysteries in the upcoming episodes, even involving the secondary characters, ie., Amanda, etc. And ok lang if you weren't able to watch the Pilot episodes, you can catch up naman in the latter previews. =)

Anonymous said...

what do you think of the finale? I wasnt that satisfied, to be honest. There are better episodes than their season finale. Basta, parang walang dating yung final episode, unlike finale ng, say Desperate Housewives.

But I still love the series.

Oh, you missed my favourite character: CHRISTINA!!! Ehehehe. Or maybe I just adore anything Scottish.

Wilhelmina Slater is love.

Anonymous said...

and oh, my most loved Vanessa Williams song is LOVE IS. Yung duet nya with Brian McKnight.

Vanessa Williams is love. Ehehehe.

chase / chubz said...

Intelligence is power and personality is *everything
i love this saying..
i've got to watch this show.
just watched 2 seasons of grey's anatomy..
i so hate the show!!!
super ganda kc.. kakainis.. heheh

really? rebecca romijn is in this show?
more reason to watch it. i love her. she is so pretty.
hahay.. ako na lng ata ang hindi nanonood sa show na to.

ruff nurse-du-jour said...

@YOSHKE: Thanks for dropping by YOSHKE! Yeah, the finale was not that exciting. But the cliffhangers would suffice, I guess (the brothers, er, sisters, er, whatever, dying; henry leaving; claire's elopement, etc). Though I have to admit that there are even better cliffhangers within the season's episodes itself, I think the producers wanted to achieve something light and not overly melodramatic. Betty was meant to be something light pa naman, maybe that's the impression the producers wanted to impart its viewers.

Desperate Housewives, well, I wasn't able to religiously watch its 3rd season but i have to admit that it just keeps on getting better. The plot, its flawless.

And yeah, sorry about Christina. I had her in my first draft, I just didnt know what happened why she was left out. Sorry =) Dont worry nandyan naman si Wilhelmina eh (to compensate for Christina, hehehe). =)

ruff nurse-du-jour said...

@YOSHKE: Oooh, I love that song too. But my current favorite... THE SWEETEST DAYS. That song is soo emotional, i want to cry or do something melodramatic or whatever. =)

There's something in her voice that radiates such emotions. And I guess my obsession ain't gonna stop for now. =)

ruff nurse-du-jour said...

@CHASE: Oooh you loved Grey's Anatomy na? It's so good right? Wait until you've watched the 3rd Season. Soon, you'll be addicted to much Mc-isms or something. Gusto ko lang munang madeviate from something non-medical kaya ako nag-Betty and Heroes marathon. And both are very recommended too. It's soo addicting.

Yeah chase! Rebecca Romijn is Daniel's post-op transsexual brother! But you have to wait till episode 12-or-something before she comes out on the screen. Spoiler alert: she's the masked girl in the first episodes nga pala. At first I thought of her as the nemesis eh (like Wilhelmina), pero in the end, she's one of the good guys/girls pala. Much more reasons to love her (and Wilhelmina too kahit kontra-bida siya). Hehehe.

Glad to hear you've got your much needed rest chase! =) Be well always! =)

chase / chubz said...

cge. i'll try to grab the 3rd season.
heheheh. And also betty. thank you very many =)

Anonymous said...

Remarkable idea and it is duly

Anonymous said...

I precisely know, what is it ?an error.

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