A statue for Arnel Pineda?

[Rick]

I have to agree with Dan. Who cares if it's too soon or whatever? The guy does a lot with his foundation, he's a helluva singer, and his country loves him. You can see that with all the media coverage they've given him, etc.

Not sure why people want to turn it into something bad. Sounds like Arnel is one heck of an inspiration to those in his country and that's pretty cool to me and something that should be appreciated.

Agreed 100%

[Don]

I have to agree with Dan. Who cares if it's too soon or whatever? The guy does a lot with his foundation, he's a helluva singer, and his country loves him. You can see that with all the media coverage they've given him, etc.

Not sure why people want to turn it into something bad. Sounds like Arnel is one heck of an inspiration to those in his country and that's pretty cool to me and something that should be appreciated.

I don't think anyone here made a big deal about it, even though the original reasons given by mdaemon and wech were more to do with his success as an International star, with no mention of his charity.

[Rhiannon]

i don't get it, but i don't have to.

I agree. And maybe it's just me but... statues of people while they're still living seems a bit creepy. As if statues aren't creepy anyway.

They are goin to erect one in Virginia for you for doing a valve job on a 327 just under 58 minutes

You're funny.

[WIX]

I have to agree with Dan. Who cares if it's too soon or whatever? The guy does a lot with his foundation, he's a helluva singer, and his country loves him. You can see that with all the media coverage they've given him, etc.

Not sure why people want to turn it into something bad. Sounds like Arnel is one heck of an inspiration to those in his country and that's pretty cool to me and something that should be appreciated.

Agreed 100%

Hey it is all good

I gotta be honest. I was a mayor in a small Utah town for 8 years.

They were going to put up a statue for me as well but I couldn't keep my erection down long enough for the artists to carve the near exact likness. So they just did a flower garden instead!

[Jana]

I have to agree with Dan. Who cares if it's too soon or whatever? The guy does a lot with his foundation, he's a helluva singer, and his country loves him. You can see that with all the media coverage they've given him, etc.

Not sure why people want to turn it into something bad. Sounds like Arnel is one heck of an inspiration to those in his country and that's pretty cool to me and something that should be appreciated.

Agreed 100%

Dittto .

[Don]

i don't get it, but i don't have to.

I agree. And maybe it's just me but... statues of people while they're still living seems a bit creepy. As if statues aren't creepy anyway.

They are goin to erect one in Virginia for you for doing a valve job on a 327 just under 58 minutes

You're funny.

No laughing allowed in this thread. Now bow your heads damn it!

[Don]

I have to agree with Dan. Who cares if it's too soon or whatever? The guy does a lot with his foundation, he's a helluva singer, and his country loves him. You can see that with all the media coverage they've given him, etc.

Not sure why people want to turn it into something bad. Sounds like Arnel is one heck of an inspiration to those in his country and that's pretty cool to me and something that should be appreciated.

Agreed 100%

Dittto .

Copycats

[Jana]

I have to agree with Dan. Who cares if it's too soon or whatever? The guy does a lot with his foundation, he's a helluva singer, and his country loves him. You can see that with all the media coverage they've given him, etc.

Not sure why people want to turn it into something bad. Sounds like Arnel is one heck of an inspiration to those in his country and that's pretty cool to me and something that should be appreciated.

Agreed 100%

Hey it is all good

I gotta be honest. I was a mayor in a small Utah town for 8 years.

They were going to put up a statue for me as well but I couldn't keep my erection down long enough for the artists to carve the exact likness. So they just dip a flower garden instead!

Maybe they were underwhelmed and didn't want to embarrass you

[WIX]

I have to agree with Dan. Who cares if it's too soon or whatever? The guy does a lot with his foundation, he's a helluva singer, and his country loves him. You can see that with all the media coverage they've given him, etc.

Not sure why people want to turn it into something bad. Sounds like Arnel is one heck of an inspiration to those in his country and that's pretty cool to me and something that should be appreciated.

Agreed 100%

Hey it is all good

I gotta be honest. I was a mayor in a small Utah town for 8 years.

They were going to put up a statue for me as well but I couldn't keep my erection down long enough for the artists to carve the exact likness. So they just dip a flower garden instead!

Maybe they were underwhelmed and didn't want to embarrass you

I actually thought about that, but they said it looked like I was holding three walking canes!

[Don]

We found your statue WIX. It was trying to make a run for it.

[Luvsaugeri]

My question is:

Why didn't they make a Steve Augeri statue in the USA?

They didbut Frigas bus backed over it in Raleigh NC

[Rick]

I have to agree with Dan. Who cares if it's too soon or whatever? The guy does a lot with his foundation, he's a helluva singer, and his country loves him. You can see that with all the media coverage they've given him, etc.

Not sure why people want to turn it into something bad. Sounds like Arnel is one heck of an inspiration to those in his country and that's pretty cool to me and something that should be appreciated.

Agreed 100%

Hey it is all good

I gotta be honest. I was a mayor in a small Utah town for 8 years.

They were going to put up a statue for me as well but I couldn't keep my erection down long enough for the artists to carve the near exact likness. So they just did a flower garden instead!

[stevew2]

i don't get it, but i don't have to.

I agree. And maybe it's just me but... statues of people while they're still living seems a bit creepy. As if statues aren't creepy anyway.

They are goin to erect one in Virginia for you for doing a valve job on a 327 just under 58 minutes

You're funny.

No laughing allowed in this thread. Now bow your heads damn it!

if i break down on the fuck AAA, im callin Rhiannon

[Rick]

if i break down on the fuck AAA, im callin Rhiannon

I'd say call her anyway. She would love to hear from you.

[Rhiannon]

if i break down on the fuck AAA, im callin Rhiannon

I'd say call her anyway. She would love to hear from you.

I prefer texting.

[Arianddu]

Reading all the 'too soon' comments got me thinking; it's all about perspective, and I think it's kind of like the 'one hit wonder' thing.

For example, Nena in Australia and the USA is a one-hit wonder with 99 Luftballons (99 Red Balloons). In Germany, the band is huge, with multiple hits and to call them a one hit wonder would get you laughed out of the room. Mention the band Hoodoo Gurus in the US, and unless you were into the College music scene around 1984/85, or were a huge Bangles fan and knew Michael was going out with a member of this Aussie band, odds are you have never heard of them. But in Australia, the Hoodoo Gurus have been around for 30-odd years, had a lot of success and have been a big influence on a lot of other musicians. Don't know that we'd go so far as to make a statue, (at least, not unironically) but if some place decides to re-name a street 'Hoodoo Lane' or something, I wouldn't be surprised and I wouldn't think it was over the top.

Ask a 30-50 year old American if they've ever heard of a band called Journey, and they'll give you a look like 'of course, are you dumb or something?' Ask the same thing to a 30-50 year old Aussie or New Zealander and you'll probably get a blank look.

The bottom line is - most 'old time' Journey fans (for want of a better term) had never heard of Arnel Pineda until he became linked to Journey. But he's been a successful, professional musician in Asia for around 20 years. The whole rags-to-riches story might be new to us, it isn't in the Philipines; he has a history, a well known past, his work with street kids didn't just start overnight as some caring label to stick on his persona, it's something he's been doing for a long time, and now with Journey, he's reached a new pinnacle, a new height in a career that has been steadily building for 20 years. He might be the new boy in Journey, but his own fame, in his own country, isn't something new.

Personally, I find the idea of a statue to an individual during their life time is a bit grandiose and over the top. But based on what a few others have said about it reflecting Pinnoy pride, I guess I can see it as kind of being like the statues representing the famous raising of the flag at Iwo Jima; it's more about a nation looking to the acheivements of the few, taking pride and hopefully striving to acheive more, than glorifying one individual. Or something .

[Don]

Reading all the 'too soon' comments got me thinking; it's all about perspective, and I think it's kind of like the 'one hit wonder' thing.

For example, Nena in Australia and the USA is a one-hit wonder with 99 Luftballons (99 Red Balloons). In Germany, the band is huge, with multiple hits and to call them a one hit wonder would get you laughed out of the room. Mention the band Hoodoo Gurus in the US, and unless you were into the College music scene around 1984/85, or were a huge Bangles fan and knew Michael was going out with a member of this Aussie band, odds are you have never heard of them. But in Australia, the Hoodoo Gurus have been around for 30-odd years, had a lot of success and have been a big influence on a lot of other musicians. Don't know that we'd go so far as to make a statue, (at least, not unironically) but if some place decides to re-name a street 'Hoodoo Lane' or something, I wouldn't be surprised and I wouldn't think it was over the top.

Ask a 30-50 year old American if they've ever heard of a band called Journey, and they'll give you a look like 'of course, are you dumb or something?' Ask the same thing to a 30-50 year old Aussie or New Zealander and you'll probably get a blank look.

The bottom line is - most 'old time' Journey fans (for want of a better term) had never heard of Arnel Pineda until he became linked to Journey. But he's been a successful, professional musician in Asia for around 20 years. The whole rags-to-riches story might be new to us, it isn't in the Philipines; he has a history, a well known past, his work with street kids didn't just start overnight as some caring label to stick on his persona, it's something he's been doing for a long time, and now with Journey, he's reached a new pinnacle, a new height in a career that has been steadily building for 20 years. He might be the new boy in Journey, but his own fame, in his own country, isn't something new.

Personally, I find the idea of a statue to an individual during their life time is a bit grandiose and over the top. But based on what a few others have said about it reflecting Pinnoy pride, I guess I can see it as kind of being like the statues representing the famous raising of the flag at Iwo Jima; it's more about a nation looking to the acheivements of the few, taking pride and hopefully striving to acheive more, than glorifying one individual. Or something .

I just want to point out one thing, he was't a successful artist in the Philippines. No one in the Philippine music industry gave any thought to him. He was bar singer. Arnel even said himself, he was thinking of going back overseas to make enough money to support his family, right before the gig with Journey came about. Of course now, he is Solid gold and everyone in the RP industry wants to be associated with him, though a year and a half ago, Lani Misalucha would have thought you were crazy if you suggested she should sing with Arnel for charity. Someone mentioned PacMan the boxer is getting his own statue too, and I wouldn't be surprised if Charice doesn't get one, especially with the announcement today that she will be sing at one of the pre-inaugeration parties. I just want to see what the next Journey album holds for us. I could give a shit about his marriage or him doing gigs with exband mates or singing duets with munchkins. None of that is going on here in the states and is mostly stuff meant to promote himself amongst his countrymen and not international audiences. All I care about is what he does with Journey. As someone so eloquently put it, why should people give a shit what they are doing in the Philippines? They've got their own ideas of what a star is, as we do here.

I'm not chopping on anybody here but whenever someone starts an AP thread, some people seem to get their panties twisted if we have a little fun with it. A little bit of a double standard seeing as Perry and Cain get beat down daily around here.

[stevew2]

if i break down on the fuck AAA, im callin Rhiannon

I'd say call her anyway. She would love to hear from you.

problablly not

[Rockindeano]

I have to agree with Dan. Who cares if it's too soon or whatever? The guy does a lot with his foundation, he's a helluva singer, and his country loves him. You can see that with all the media coverage they've given him, etc.

Not sure why people want to turn it into something bad. Sounds like Arnel is one heck of an inspiration to those in his country and that's pretty cool to me and something that should be appreciated.

Agreed 100%

COMPLETE BULLSHIT on BOTH of you.

The guy comes in and sings songs already written for him. He did NOTHING Augeri didn't do.

What a load of shit.

Might as well erect an Aaron Rodgers statue at Lambeau already, huh? Same fucking difference. Look, nothing against Pineda, but a statue is supposed to mean something. Hell, with your reasoning let's erect a statue in Mike Baird's front yard as well as Kelly Hansen. hell, I am worthy of one for my work on MR!

[Rick]

I have to agree with Dan. Who cares if it's too soon or whatever? The guy does a lot with his foundation, he's a helluva singer, and his country loves him. You can see that with all the media coverage they've given him, etc.

Not sure why people want to turn it into something bad. Sounds like Arnel is one heck of an inspiration to those in his country and that's pretty cool to me and something that should be appreciated.

Agreed 100%

COMPLETE BULLSHIT on BOTH of you.

The guy comes in and sings songs already written for him. He did NOTHING Augeri didn't do.

What a load of shit.

Might as well erect an Aaron Rodgers statue at Lambeau already, huh? Same fucking difference.

Evidently I missed something. If the Fils want to erect a statue for their countryman, why shouldn't they?

[Rockindeano]

I have to agree with Dan. Who cares if it's too soon or whatever? The guy does a lot with his foundation, he's a helluva singer, and his country loves him. You can see that with all the media coverage they've given him, etc.

Not sure why people want to turn it into something bad. Sounds like Arnel is one heck of an inspiration to those in his country and that's pretty cool to me and something that should be appreciated.

Agreed 100%

COMPLETE BULLSHIT on BOTH of you.

The guy comes in and sings songs already written for him. He did NOTHING Augeri didn't do.

What a load of shit.

Might as well erect an Aaron Rodgers statue at Lambeau already, huh? Same fucking difference.

Evidently I missed something. If the Fils want to erect a statue for their countryman, why shouldn't they?

Because his accomplishments are NOT worthy! This is akin to having students run out on the field after an all mighty win over Baylor for fucks sake!

Come on Rick, I am no Arnel hater, but dude, you need...nevermind. Fuck it.

[Rick]

I have to agree with Dan. Who cares if it's too soon or whatever? The guy does a lot with his foundation, he's a helluva singer, and his country loves him. You can see that with all the media coverage they've given him, etc.

Not sure why people want to turn it into something bad. Sounds like Arnel is one heck of an inspiration to those in his country and that's pretty cool to me and something that should be appreciated.

Agreed 100%

COMPLETE BULLSHIT on BOTH of you.

The guy comes in and sings songs already written for him. He did NOTHING Augeri didn't do.

What a load of shit.

Might as well erect an Aaron Rodgers statue at Lambeau already, huh? Same fucking difference.

Evidently I missed something. If the Fils want to erect a statue for their countryman, why shouldn't they?

Because his accomplishments are NOT worthy! This is akin to having students run out on the field after an all mighty win over Baylor for fucks sake!

Come on Rick, I am no Arnel hater, but dude, you need...nevermind. Fuck it.

I'm glad they have pride for their boy. Fuck dude, Philadelphia erected a statue for Rocky Balboa. Yeah it was great and all, but it was nothing more than a movie.

[Rockindeano]

I'm glad they have pride for their boy. Fuck dude, Philadelphia erected a statue for Rocky Balboa. Yeah it was great and all, but it was nothing more than a movie.

THAT movie, while only just a movie, put "Philadelphia" on people's minds, as a hard working, blue collar city, and I hasten to say, it is more meaningful than a fucking Arnel statue in the Philippines!

Arnel should be fucking ashamed of this. My God, what's next, a statue for the Fruity Stripe Zebra? Perhaps the Giraffe, Hippo, and lion from Madagascar need statues.

This argument is ridiculous. Fuck me to tears, some of you "Journey lovers" are embarrassing. I am sick to my stomach on this one.

[Rick]

I'm glad they have pride for their boy. Fuck dude, Philadelphia erected a statue for Rocky Balboa. Yeah it was great and all, but it was nothing more than a movie.

THAT movie, while only just a movie, put "Philadelphia" on people's minds, as a hard working, blue collar city, and I hasten to say, it is more meaningful than a fucking Arnel statue in the Philippines!

Arnel should be fucking ashamed of this. My God, what's next, a statue for the Fruity Stripe Zebra? Perhaps the Giraffe, Hippo, and lion from Madagascar need statues.

This argument is ridiculous. Fuck me to tears, some of you "Journey lovers" are embarrassing. I am sick to my stomach on this one.

Well, the statue is supposed to be situated at the top of a long flight of stairs with his gloved hands held above his head.

[finalfight]

I'm glad they have pride for their boy. Fuck dude, Philadelphia erected a statue for Rocky Balboa. Yeah it was great and all, but it was nothing more than a movie.

THAT movie, while only just a movie, put "Philadelphia" on people's minds, as a hard working, blue collar city, and I hasten to say, it is more meaningful than a fucking Arnel statue in the Philippines!

Arnel should be fucking ashamed of this. My God, what's next, a statue for the Fruity Stripe Zebra? Perhaps the Giraffe, Hippo, and lion from Madagascar need statues.

This argument is ridiculous. Fuck me to tears, some of you "Journey lovers" are embarrassing. I am sick to my stomach on this one.

Agreed. Rocky was/is an icon. Pineda is far from that.

Thou shalt not worship false idols...and all that!

[Rick]

I'm glad they have pride for their boy. Fuck dude, Philadelphia erected a statue for Rocky Balboa. Yeah it was great and all, but it was nothing more than a movie.

THAT movie, while only just a movie, put "Philadelphia" on people's minds, as a hard working, blue collar city, and I hasten to say, it is more meaningful than a fucking Arnel statue in the Philippines!

Arnel should be fucking ashamed of this. My God, what's next, a statue for the Fruity Stripe Zebra? Perhaps the Giraffe, Hippo, and lion from Madagascar need statues.

This argument is ridiculous. Fuck me to tears, some of you "Journey lovers" are embarrassing. I am sick to my stomach on this one.

Agreed. Rocky was/is an icon. Pineda is far from that.

In this country, maybe, but not there. They can and should do whatever they want. Including putting boxing gloves on Arnel and making a statue.

[Rockindeano]

I have to agree with Dan. Who cares if it's too soon or whatever? The guy does a lot with his foundation, he's a helluva singer, and his country loves him. You can see that with all the media coverage they've given him, etc.

Not sure why people want to turn it into something bad. Sounds like Arnel is one heck of an inspiration to those in his country and that's pretty cool to me and something that should be appreciated.

Let me clarify something here Bry.

I like the shit out of AP. I was one of the only proponents to say he should have been the new singer and that was tough being a friend of JSS. I never partook that dog eating bullshit and condemned those that dide. Now, saying that, giving to charity ids good, and singing the hardest catalog in music is good too. However, there are rock stars out there, plenty bigger than Mr. Pineda who don't have fucking statues.

Let me ask you this. Why didn't Pineda say, hey, you know what?...why not say fuck this statue and feed a bunch of starving kids, no matter where they live? Why not shoe some people who need fucking shoes? A statue is plain and simply, greed and more greed. You Journey lovers should hurry up and go erect one of Neal and Friga. Those two motherfuckers need statues, and they better be fucking nice!

Like I said, sickening. Pineda is being tarnished just by being in this poison called Journey.

Hey, when is JT the Fuck You Manager getting his statue?

[Jana]

I have to agree with Dan. Who cares if it's too soon or whatever? The guy does a lot with his foundation, he's a helluva singer, and his country loves him. You can see that with all the media coverage they've given him, etc.

Not sure why people want to turn it into something bad. Sounds like Arnel is one heck of an inspiration to those in his country and that's pretty cool to me and something that should be appreciated.

Let me clarify something here Bry.

I like the shit out of AP. I was one of the only proponents to say he should have been the new singer and that was tough being a friend of JSS. I never partook that dog eating bullshit and condemned those that dide. Now, saying that, giving to charity ids good, and singing the hardest catalog in music is good too. However, there are rock stars out there, plenty bigger than Mr. Pineda who don't have fucking statues.

Let me ask you this. Why didn't Pineda say, hey, you know what?...why not say fuck this statue and feed a bunch of starving kids, no matter where they live? Why not shoe some people who need fucking shoes? A statue is plain and simply, greed and more greed. You Journey lovers should hurry up and go erect one of Neal and Friga. Those two motherfuckers need statues, and they better be fucking nice!

Like I said, sickening. Pineda is being tarnished just by being in this poison called Journey.

Hey, when is JT the Fuck You Manager getting his statue?

In my opinion, he didn't say no, because he spent his whole career over there not being noticed (for the most part) or appreciated. And as cheesy as it seemed to me at first, there is a cultural difference. It's a third world country. That the city wanted to do it, I'm sure he probably didn't feel he deserved it, but felt honored. He's a humble guy and has lived a humble life. It's a big deal for him. It's just a city that is doing it, not the country or anything. They're proud of him, that Journey and America accepted him. Proud that he came back and lives there and will do geat things for the poor of Olongapo. Pretty simple.

[Don]

I have to agree with Dan. Who cares if it's too soon or whatever? The guy does a lot with his foundation, he's a helluva singer, and his country loves him. You can see that with all the media coverage they've given him, etc.

Not sure why people want to turn it into something bad. Sounds like Arnel is one heck of an inspiration to those in his country and that's pretty cool to me and something that should be appreciated.

Let me clarify something here Bry.

I like the shit out of AP. I was one of the only proponents to say he should have been the new singer and that was tough being a friend of JSS. I never partook that dog eating bullshit and condemned those that dide. Now, saying that, giving to charity ids good, and singing the hardest catalog in music is good too. However, there are rock stars out there, plenty bigger than Mr. Pineda who don't have fucking statues.

Let me ask you this. Why didn't Pineda say, hey, you know what?...why not say fuck this statue and feed a bunch of starving kids, no matter where they live? Why not shoe some people who need fucking shoes? A statue is plain and simply, greed and more greed. You Journey lovers should hurry up and go erect one of Neal and Friga. Those two motherfuckers need statues, and they better be fucking nice!

Like I said, sickening. Pineda is being tarnished just by being in this poison called Journey.

Hey, when is JT the Fuck You Manager getting his statue?

In my opinion, he didn't say no, because he spent his whole career over there not being noticed (for the most part) or appreciated. And as cheesy as it seemed to me at first, there is a cultural difference. It's a third world country. That the city wanted to do it, I'm sure he probably didn't feel he deserved it, but felt honored. He's a humble guy and has lived a humble life. It's a big deal for him. It's just a city that is doing it, not the country or anything. They're proud of him, that Journey and America accepted him. Proud that he came back and lives there and will do geat things for the poor of Olongapo. Pretty simple.

Unfortunately if he had refused the statue. they would have seen him as shunning his filipino fans and turned on him. Money for that statue wouldn't have gone to feed hungry kids. It would have went right back into the pocket it came out. Their president, who owns, with her husband about 70 million dollars worth of real estate in San Francisco is an example of their mentality over there when it comes to money. Arnel is really the exception to the role with his efforts to run a charity. The poverty rate has risen from 30% to 33% over the last 2 years yet Madame President has the balls to say they are no longer a third world country. Notice where most of his funds are coming from for his charity? Here in the U.S. Bong Gordon is a just another corrupt offical who gets kickbacks from the Subic free port authority. The money for this statue wasn't coming out his pocket, so there was no way it was going to go to homeless kids.

For three weeks, I worked in a refugee center in Porac, Pampanga after Pinatubo blew up. Everyone around me were locals and americans. All those movie stars and actors who used to rush on base when we had a concert or some other big event? No shows. None of them could afford to take one single day to come and help these people. They were all busy vacationing in the states while their homes got repaired from Volcano damage. Me and many other Americans, Europeans and others have busted our ass for the people in that country. Unfortunately people like Arnel are in the tiny minority even though there are thousands of them living in Green Hills and other enclaves who could be actually helping their fellow citizens. There is a reason that third world countries remain third world, just like our inner cities remain cesspools. Apathy breeds apathy, it's a vicious cycle thats almost impossible to break. I love filipinos more than any ethnicity outside of my own, but the facts remain they are a hard working beautiful people who live in a beautiful but fucked up country, where even a cover singer can be considered a world wide success. Obviously the bar measuring success is set at the level the country itself is at.

This isn't a rant against poor people but against the governments which keep the status quo two tier system of rich and poor with no middle class. The fuckers should be lined up and shot. End of rant.

[aliaslen]

Per Noel Gomez from AP site, Arnel's initial reaction was a bit shocked saying 'Huh, I'm still alive! did you ask the mayor to do this?' but Noel said that he has nothing to do with the mayor's project. IMO, Arnel did not say no maybe because there is also another filipino singer that is still alive (Freddie Aguilar) who had his statue already built somewhere in Olongapo city. Jana is right, it's not the whole country honoring him a statue, it is just a city mayor's project honoring his hardworks and achievements.