Holiday Friday!

Today is a holiday. Thanks to Ninoy. It took his life to change the course of this country. I'll always wonder though how much better we could have been if he lived.

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A funny thing happened on the way to the restroom. Time: yesterday. Location: office.

Me: Ey, what's up with your long weekend? =)
Colleague: Oh, work.
Me: Dang!
Colleague: And you?
Me: Work. ;)
Colleague: Crap, we're such a bunch of losers! :0

Trip Preview: Coron

I have been to a number of cities/places which I could have appreciated more if I knew about them a little bit more. And so, starting with my upcoming trip to Coron, Palawan, I will learn about the places I'll be going to - history, geography, people, culture, tourist spots, etc.

Coron is one of the famous tourist spots of Palawan, a province in the country. It is known for its lakes, islands, dive sites and simple lifestyle. It is part of what is called the "Calamian Group of Islands", the other large islands being Busuanga and Culion.


A trip to Coron entails either a SuperFerry trip (boat) or small planes. And since we're going to take the latter, that's where my talk will be based.

The take-off from Manila will log about an hour(?) of flying and then touch down to Busuanga. What to expect then? (Will still find out.) =)

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Photo credit: I-Pinas

The Climb

I so love this song. I'm not a Miley fan so it must be the song itself. Her quality voice is a great factor, yes, but it's the lyrics that really gets to me. Overall song impact? I can listen to it over and over again, all day. Ah, it's the themesong of my life these days.

The Climb

I can almost see it
That dream I'm dreaming
But there's a voice inside my head saying
"You'll never reach it"

Every step I'm taking
Every move I make feels
Lost with no direction
My faith is shaking

But I gotta keep trying
Gotta keep my head held high

There's always gonna be another mountain
I'm always gonna wanna make it move
Always gonna be an uphill battle
Sometimes I'm gonna have to lose

Ain't about how fast I get there
Ain't about what's waiting on the other side
It's the climb

The struggles I'm facing
The chances I'm taking
Sometimes might knock me down
But no, I'm not breaking

I may not know it
But these are the moments that
I'm gonna remember most, yeah
Just gotta keep going

And I, I got to be strong
Just keep pushing on
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And this gets me thinking: what is life without music? Without something to sway your hips to, something to usher you to sleep, something to remind you of a memory, something to convey a message with, something to celebrate with, and in this case, something to comfort or inspire in trying times? Unimaginable.

News, News

There has been a series of mixed news in the past days.

For one, learned that I might be able to travel to Shanghai next month, though the chance is too little to hope much for at the moment. Still, there's a chance. The excitement is not as much as the time I got news that I would be going to Sanya (China, 2006). Still, it would be a trip to look forward to, especially now that I know a friend in HK. It's going to be an Ocean Park sidetrip. Ah, crossing fingers.

For two, my Tita (Aunt) was rushed to the hospital yesterday. Stroke. Though Tita and I do not spend that much time together (she is my father's cousin), I could always feel her affection. And my own affection for her goes back to my grade school days, when she was still selling "dinuguan", one of my favorite dishes. When it came to me, she would always fill in a lot more than usual. Am praying for you, Tita.

For three, a friend living outside the country is coming back to live here. Ironic. It's always greener on the other side. Am looking forward to having her back though.

For four, I forgot to pay the electric bill for April! Had to rush to a payment outlet to prevent the threatened disconnection. Nice.

For five, I might be going home next week to arrange some stuff. Looking forward.

Groceries and More

I LOVE -

6. Finding that Gardenia bread with the longer shelf life, which is hidden in a less conspicuous area of the grocery stands, because all the lots with the shorter lives are the ones being displayed on the top shelves. ;) [Did you even know that? Hah. :p ]

(Evidence: I got myself the one which expires on 8/16/09 rather than the one due 8/13/09. Oh, it's such a triumphant feeling. Yey!)

Pencils & Books

There is a price to pay when you don't do your tasks promptly. Early in the week, I knew I'd be needing these pencils (specifically Mongol 2) for an exam today but I kept on postponing buying them. Alas, when I finally did look for them yesterday, the bookstore no longer had those sold in threes. What remained were those sold in packs. But I only needed three!!!

What to do?

The exam was early the next day and it was already early evening, there was really nothing else to do but buy the entire set. Unless I dared go to another mall and buy the threes. But I no longer had the luxury of time nor the will.

And so, for procrastinating, I had to pay for 12 pencils when I needed only 3. Nice.

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Was at Glorietta 5's National Bookstore today, after the exam, and was so impressed with the "spaciousness". There were also so many new titles I wanted to buy! I reigned over the desire, however, because I still have "Blink" to start reading. Ah, but will definitely bite those sea of vampire novels when I'm done with a current project.

But - project or no project, Blink or no Blink, I couldn't resist to pick up this book which I am dying to read:

Something in the Heart

I was one of these people who stood waiting at the corner of Roxas Blvd and Quirino Avenue yesterday to catch a glimpse of the casket of a beloved former President as it travelled from La Salle Greenhills to Manila Cathedral. It alternately rained and shined but not even a sudden surge of rainfall - at least a couple of times - could keep us from giving up. Three hours. We waited three hours.

And then the bikers signaled the start of the funeral cortege...

And all of us readied ourselves for her 'passing'...

But nothing could describe how it felt - how I felt - when her casket came close. I wasn't there when she led the fight against the dictatorship, wasn't yet old enough to truly understand what she was going through during her presidency. Yes, she has gained my respect for her quiet ways and integrity, but I still do not know what came over me the moment I got this close to her, or her remains, that is. There was just this feeling - solemn, patriotic, hopeful, and even spiritual.

But I guess, it's just fitting to be unable to put a name to that feeling. Even in death, she works quietly, sincerely...and straight to the heart.

Cory Aquino: A Life to Look Up To

I was just 5 years old when she rose to power in February 1986. Basically, she was President during my grade school days. Thus, except for the part where you have to memorize her name so that when the teacher asks who the country's president was you have an answer, I was too young to really appreciate what Cory did for the country or critique where she failed expectations. Even then though, I remember knowing she was popular. I even distinctly remember one talk I had with a relative at the top of the stairs of my lola's (grandma) house back then. I remember saying that if I met Cory, I would hug her. I do not know where that was coming from, or what the talk was really about, but I remember saying it.

I grew up, living my own life and dealing with my own concerns. Her term ended and she settled to a private life. As I was not really old enough then to assess for myself how she fared in the presidency, the coup attempts and public disappointment from failed expectations are my impressions of her era. Of her, I do think I have ever had a strong opinion, but I accepted without question the respect that the country has always accorded her. After all, she doesn't hog the limelight the way other politicians do. She prefers to contribute in her no-frills ways, like attending a national event then quietly leaving afterwards, without bothering the public with news interviews about how great she was for being there. And, among the country's top leaders, who could I honestly say I believe did not cheat? Or stole? Cory. And her alone.

As the nation mourns her passing early today, I am presented with readings on her life and see for the first time the person behind the public figure. She is not just a former President, or Ninoy's widow, or Kris's mom or the living meaning of the color yellow. She was an ordinary person, with her own hopes and dreams. But unlike most of us who only have ourselves or our immediate families to take responsibility for, she had the nation's as well. She had the choice to turn her back, live her rich life and not bother with the extraordinary tasks. But she chose to give. To hear the call. To sacrifice.

She deserves all the love and high regard. And peace.

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Photo credit: Inquirer
Cory: Obituary

Staying Away

Will be staying away from cyberspace these days. Until some work is done. Might be lurking around (can't help it). But online time will have to be limited. Ah, discipline. Doesn't come as easy these days.

Cinemalaya 2009: Winners

Based on this list of winners, 9 out of 10 full-length competing films won in the festival awards a few hours ago.

Multiple winners were Astig (4 awards), Dinig Sana Kita (3 awards), Colorum (2 awards) and Sanglaan (2 awards). Astig and Sanglaan were on my To-Watch list but unfortunately, I could not find the time to go see them. Astig won 50-50 on performances (best director, best supporting actor) and production (best editing, best sound recording). Sanglaan bagged the best female performances (lead and support).

I've seen both Dinig and Colorum. Dinig has my biggest affection and apparently I was not alone in this as it was the Audience's Choice, in addition to winning Best Musical Score (is this why people are on LSS with the film's song?) and the Children's Television Award (understandably). I did not enjoy Colorum much but I have to agree with Lou Veloso winning best actor. He was the character he played.

Last Supper No. 3 got only one award, but the best at that: Best Picture. I'm glad I and a couple colleagues were able to catch the last show of this last night. The film sent a cutting message (it hurt) about the country's frustrating justice system in a very funny way. It's amazing how the entire film revolved around a single otherwise mundane thing: a Last Supper decor. I liked the camera angles and pun on the songs played in the film.

My other watched film, Mangatyanan, got the Best Production Design award. I do not know exactly what that means but I'm happy for the film because it was good. Its premise was not something I was initially interested in but I liked the film nevertheless. That's a feat for the makers.

I hope the films will be shown again in the city (UP is too far for me). I want to watch the others I haven't seen, and Dinig again. Watching Dinig's teaser (haven't seen it before I watched) has got me wanting to re-experience the film.

IELTS

To pass, or not to pass? That is not the question.

What will I score? There lies the wonder.

Cinemalaya 2009: Gossip Girl

Cinemalaya was such great fun. I am glad I have 'discovered' it. Four out of 10 competing full-length films watched. Not bad for a beginner.

And - the film festival is also the place to go when you are the 'starstruck' kind. A number of showbiz personalities seen. Inner gossip girl awakens.

Spotted: Dinig Sana Kita cast. Sunday mid-afternoon screening. Complete with paparrazi moments with the leads. Fanatic ever.

Spotted #2: Alfred Vargas. With an arm on a date while being interviewed at the lobby of the main theater. Colorum gala screening. Thursday.

Spotted #3: Mylene Dizon & Paolo Paraiso. Colorum gala screeening. Mylene was pretty. ;) (I should have watched her own Cinemalaya entry, the critically acclaimed '100'. But I wasn't into indie films then).

Spotted #4: Victor Basa. Harbour Square. Saturday.

Spotted #5: Patricia Evangelista (writer / she won in a speech contest in UK years back). Harbour Square. Saturday. (A colleague's hubby who reads her articles was kinda starstruck. Hehe.)

Spotted #6: The director of Colorum (I think), with a foreigner who wore a "Cannes" t-shirt. (Hmmm, is Colorum going to France?). Harbour Square. Saturday. =)

Spotted #7: Rajo Laurel (top local designer). Last Supper No. 3 screening. 9pm Saturday.

Proximity

I have always known how lucky I am to get a place so close to work and almost everything else: convenience stores, schools, malls, the country's sports center, etc. But it's only been lately that I've appreciated the value of also being a walk away from the country's cultural center (CCP). Now, as I lounge near CCP waiting for my next Cinemalaya film, I doubly feel lucky as I discover the serenity and great view of Harbour Square. What a place to spend a Saturday at! Lovely, lovely, lovely.

(Photos for uploading tonight...) ;)

View from my Starbucks corner - early afternoon

More view

Other side

Nearing sunset (this guy reminds me of someone =)

Sun setting

Cinemalaya 2009: Mangatyanan

After watching Dinig Sana Kita, this became my list of festival films to watch :

1. Colorum (about a young cop and an old ex-convict)
2. Last Supper No. 3 (about a missing Last Supper)
3. Sanglaan (Pawnshop)
4. Astig (about life in poverty, i think)
5. Short Films A (a collection of short films)

Mangatyanan

I was able to watch Colorum last night (this will be another story) and planned to watch Last Supper No. 3 early tonight. My colleagues and I had it all planned. Unfortunately, the tickets for the film were sold-out and our next best option appeared to be "Mangatyanan", a term meaning "The Blood Trail" which is an old tribal ritual. The story connects this ritual with the life of a woman with a dark past. Thankfully, the movie was surprisingly good and we had fun. =)

Of the three films I've watched so far though, Dinig is still best.

The Curious Case of My Missing Umbrella

I had last seen it Friday. And I remember the security it provided me. A typhoon was 'storming' Manila then but I didn't mind. I had my trusty Umbrella with me, I would be fine.

Come Saturday, I found myself looking for it when I was about to leave home. I couldn't find it. And I also couldn't remember where I placed it the day before. Hmmm. If it's not home, I must have left it at the office.

At the office, no trace of it. Ever hopeful, I thought I just might not have looked hard enough back home. It must just be somewhere there. So, I'd look for it again when I come home.

Sunday: I remembered that I was supposed to look for it...and I did. But still, no Umbrella.

By Monday, I had to give up. Still wondering where it was or what happened, I had to give my missing Umbrella's fate to the gods. ;)

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UPDATE (8/8/09): Found the umbrella. Somebody who works at a downstairs store gave it back to me last Sunday. I left it at the store. Hehe. :)

Dr. Carlisle

A friend in Dublin got the chance to get this close to a certified vamp. And not just your ordinary vamp. The handsomest kind! Even Stephenie Meyer would agree. ;)

He is so goddamn hot!!!

I would not mind being bitten myself.

Dr. Carlisle (Peter Facinelli)

I might go crazy if I get this close. Good thing my friend (and her sis) were able to keep their sanity. ;)

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Photo credit: K. Valencia (permission pending reply granted!)

Cinemalaya 2009: Dinig Sana Kita

Cinemalaya is the Philippine Independent Film Festival. It's scheduled to run from the 17th to 26th this month. The venue (Cultural Center of the Philippines) is only a 20-minute walk from home but I've never checked it out before.

But today...today was my first ever Cinemalaya film. And it blew me away.

Dinig Sana Kita (If I Knew What You Said) is a "story about a deaf boy who loves to dance and a troubled rocker girl who abuses her hearing." It made me laugh and cry. Performances were effective, script was solid, and overall impact? The crowd burst in a loud applause at the end of the film.;)

Dinig Sana Kita

A few of the participating films
Welcoming party

A lot good ones to choose from!

The shoot continues

A Saturday in the Life of Me

Wake up at 8. Had a full breakfast, and I missed it. Tried to eat small during the weekdays. ;) Saturdays, Sundays and Fridays are free-diet days!

Go to work at 10. Loved the walk towards the office. Being the only one at work, I had the whole place to myself. ;)

Go to Greenbelt to catch Harry Potter, by 4 pm. But first, hurry to get tickets. The line is long, and the seats are almost completely taken. Ooops, no room for me and Ynnah on the earliest timeslot. Luckily, we got the last two adjacent seats for the next show.

Hmm, now is the time to make up for missing lunch. Next stop: fuzion.

Spaghetti Bolognese and a great-flavored iced tea later, I still felt starved. Whoah. So much for weekday diets. But hey, this is saturday...I'm free! =). Order mango crepe. And voila, it's a huge serving.

So, here I am, plowing through my crepe, while writing about my working-but-free Saturday. Ah, the next big thing for today: Harry. ;)

(I write great, eh? =). Well, that's what happens if a blogger has really nothing to say.)

Beautiful Day

I look out the window and see a beautiful day.

It's starting to drizzle but the sun's early morning light reigns and provides a bright background to the Makati skyline. Too bad I won't be able to enjoy the promise of a beautiful Sunday.

Back to (home) work now. :(

Sad

I feel so, so bad. Heard the news. Heard it too late. Nothing can really be done now.

She used to be like a mother to me. Taught me things. Gave me affection and love. And then we moved, and through the years we lost touch. Until last year.

I dropped by to visit her. She was so weak, unable to speak or move on her own. I wish I had done more.

I learned today that she had passed away. And the funeral was yesterday. Yesterday.

It hurts to not be there to condole and just be.

I pray the best for her family.

Touche

The Wedding

A good measure of a quality and effective TV series, I think, is its ability to lure viewers who are not fans of the stars. "The Wedding" has done that to me.

The first time I caught the teaser, I got instantly interested. One good thing about ABS-CBN (the network) is it mixes and matches its talents, and the triangle of Derek Ramsay, Anne Curtis and Zanjoe Marudo - whom I don't remember ever appearing together in a project before - seemed fresh enough to appeal to my curiosity. And so, I looked forward to the launch and saw for myself what the show had to offer.

I love the series.

The premise is still interesting, despite not being entirely novel: rich-girl (Anne) and poor-guy (Zanjoe) develop a relationship for some reason (the girl pissing off her parents) and of course, the status gap becomes a major problem. And then, there's the other rich-guy (Derek) who will complete the love triangle. What I find interesting is how the angle of the girl making a fool of the poor-guy turns out. This early, I can already feel for him.

The way the plot is crafted is something new: light, Korean-style (exaggerated, weird and unreal but funny), and thankfully devoid of too many sub-plots. Performances are well-done, and that's saying much since I'm not really a fan of any of the stars. And most of all, I think I heard somewhere that it's intended to be short, so, it might be worth following. ;)

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Official Site: The Wedding

Chasing the Light

Here is another of my cousin's photos. He's just so talented!

The instant I saw the pic, I wished I were in it, experiencing that lovely natural moment. The pic brightened my gloomy day.

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Credit: Paul Banday

Female Drivers

A colleague sent this to me and got me laughing hard:

Especially love the part where a woman took so long to park a car. =)

Coron, Coron!

I am so looking forward to our trip to this paradise:

Oh, September, I can't wait! =)

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Photo credit: Tina Galido