Happy Halloween!

Too bad the Halloween holiday won’t be extended, none of those moving of dates GMA usually proclaims. A big disappointment to some, but nonetheless at least we still get to take a break from our always busy and hectic schedules. It’s my day off tomorrow, and I was initially planning of going to Montalban, where two of my dear cousins was laid to rest. But since I hate crowded places, I instead settled in resting home. My cute and hyper pamangkins are spending the weekend with us, anyway. It would be worth the time, I guess. And my dear cousins will surely understand. I’ll just visit them some other time, when the number of people dwindles to five.

Just a little side trivia here. As a kid way back, I haven’t gone trick or treating. We’re not one of those rich families living in lush villages or subdivisions hehe! But nowadays, I am seeing kids trick or treating in malls. It’s nice to see those children enjoying and having their time with their costumes and stuff. I guess I’ll never have my chance to say, “Trick or treat! Trick or treat! Give me something good to eat. Trick or treat! Trick or treat! I want something nice and sweet.” Well anyway, that’s just me. For the lack of more appropriate ways to end this post, I will just include some halloween pictures I Googled earlier. Some of them are good, some are even funny.

Enjoy the halloween!! Have a spooky wooky icky one!! Go ahead and be bold, be yourself. Anyway,

Dalisay’s mighty pen strikes anew

“How often would you exclaim words of amazement after reading a book? Not very seldom, I suppose.  But amazing words may not suffice as to how I liked the book I just finished reading, Soledad’s Sister. It is, to me, the most well written novel I have ever read. Proudly Pinoy made, I might add (brag). The author Jose Dalisay’s words can be considered as a jewel, a priced and incomparable gem. Nahawa na ata ako haha! Galing kasi eh. I will definitely blog about this hehe! Enjoy the rest of the day, everyone! “

That’s how my group sms went, the one I sent to some friends and relatives yesterday. Not very long after, I’ve received replies telling me that my message alone interests them to read the book. In fact, four of them promised to check it out. I told my cousin that my raving message won’t be even exacting enough, so she might as well read it. I actually found out about this book on the October issue of FHM. I thought the story is interesting so I decided to buy a copy last week when I chanced upon a visit to a National Bookstore in our area. It has also been a while since I’ve read something homegrown. The last time I remember were those of Nicanor David Jr.’s Kwentong Tambay, all six of Bob Ong’s books, and even way before my high school days, the B1Gang Adventure & Mystery Series.

I am not much of a critic nor an expert on literature and its vast spectrum of ideas and what not’s that entails with it, so this entry slash review slash reaction would be just as simple and as average a layman like me can conceive. Soledad’s Sister is indeed a rave worthy piece. Brilliantly made with its carefully structured approach, bore would actually be an understatement. Reading this puts me into a different state of elation, even if I always get sleepy everytime I got home after work, which is the only time I can read. Marveled with such a cunning plot, I found it difficult to put it down.

What I enjoyed most in this book is reading how the author amazingly sees and describes persons and things involved in a magnificent manner. I mean, I would have never looked at those shanty areas the way Mr. Dalisay sees it. My imagination really run wild in those three days I spent reading it. Here are some excerpts to justify what I want to further explain: (I just hope the author wouldn’t mind if I include some, if ever he stumbled upon this blog of mine)

• “The tricycle halted many meters past a house behind what looked, in the moonlight, like an iron gate painted in a diamond check pattern.”
• “The rain had turned the afternoon and everything in it a dull blue-gray, the surfaces coated with a fine silver sheen. Bayward, where the sky should have been a fiery orange at this time of day, a long gray curtain showed the barest fringe of light where it touched the water.”
• “The crate stood on the landing’s edge, about six feet above the black water, its surface as shiny yet as opaque as obsidian. Here and there a small bubble burst as an amphibian poked its eyes at the starlit world.”

If, and only if, this novel would be adapted into a movie, the director will have a hard time. It would be outrightly difficult, having the book’s outstanding and compelling perspective adapted into the big screen. It’s an exciting idea, however, but I don’t think one can actually adapt it the way the author and the readers saw and felt it through their minds. Well, movies and novels are two totally different things and I don’t think I am making any sense here. I’ll just probably think of who’s fitting to play the roles of Soli, Walter and Rory.

Speaking of the characters, the one I liked most was Soli’s. There’s a lot of mystery and heart in her, I think. Full of questions in mind, jealous and hated at times, bothered and disturbed, but she really appeals to me. Rory, on the other hand, was a typical town girl for me. A girl with great ambitions in life, but only had limited means. I liked, however, how she appreciates her ate’s concerns for her, and loved her in the end. Even promised to outdo everything she’s done. Which is a good way of looking at things that have gone worse. Walter is an interesting man, too. Although he made some mistakes in the past, still he has this undying love for his family. All the three main characters, their lives and struggles, are gently woven together and made the story more heart warming, one won’t even trade it for a dime.

After reading it yesterday, I did some research about it and the first review I happened to read seemed to have looked at it on a different way, mentioning about some Filipino evil traits (which obviously every nationality has) that was put into light, and that it has to have a universal theme or appeal (or something like that). Well, it was only his opinion, anyway. It just kind of spoiled the whole thing for me. Good thing I already finished reading the book before chancing on his review. Also, some further research made me learn that the book was launched on my birthday! Last July 31st. And because of that, I will definitely love it more.

And oh, before I forgot, Soledad’s Sister was shortlisted on The Man Asian Literary Prize 2007. Which proves that it is an essential reading. Go get a copy and be enthralled by Jose Dalisay’s mighty pen!

Goodbye and Hello

I woke up a bit late earlier and decided to listen to RX, and what Christy featured on News at 17 was a shock to me. The mother (Darnell Donnerson) and brother (Jason) of Academy Award-winning actress Jennifer Hudson were found shot to death in their Chicago home last Friday. Police source says that the suspect was in custody, but a 7 year old boy, possibly Jen Hud’s nephew, was still missing from the house where the victims were found. Click here for complete story. It wasn’t something you would want to hear first thing in the morning when you wake up, I know.  For a moment I even thought I was dreaming. Well, news like this really makes me feel sad. I mean, not just because it involves a celebrity, but like what Alpha mentioned, this happens to everyone. And things like this always reminds us how inevitable and fleeting life is. Like in Jennifer’s case, she’s in the hype of her career: an Oscar, a #1 hit single, an engagement, movies upcoming. And now a tragedy. A very big tragedy. Let’s just hope and pray that she’ll be strong enough to handle all this. It would be very very tough, but I know it’ll make her a better person. I may not know her and her family personally, but I really feel for her. For someone who lost four lovedones in a year, believe me I know. A goodbye kiss can be of  help, in a way.

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On a lighter note, fans of Ely Buendia and Master Rapper Francis Magalona rejoiced as the two had their first live performance over at Eat Bulaga after their hospitalization and series of medications. And to me, it was another momentous event in the Philippine music scene. I’m glad I was able to watch it! Seeing them both after what happened (I guess you already know what I’m pertaining to), singing live, gave me goosebumps all the way! Malupet! As what a comment on YouTube said, “Ang bangis mo, Kiko!”. A lot of people missed them, myself included, and I am just so happy they’re back! These two are legends in they’re own field, and can be considered as rare gems of Pinoy music. I just hope that they’ll continue to do good music, keep influencing and inspiring people’s lives and of course healthy and long life. Anyway, here’s the video of them singing Superproxy in Eat Bulaga, just earlier this afternoon. Watch it and see for yourself. Time to say hello again to Ely and Kiko!

‘Ploning’ aims for Oscar nod

Story courtesy of Inquirer.net

LOS ANGELES—In the wake of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences’ announcement that “Ploning” is indeed one of the official entries vying for the Best Foreign Language Film prize, we have noticed that the folk behind the Philippines’ entry are actively pushing for the film to make it as one of the nine finalists and then, hopefully, as one of the five nominees.

Director Dante Nico Garcia and producer Guia Gonzales are in LA, holding screenings of the film that stars Judy Ann Santos, doing media interviews and seeking advice from some Fil-Ams in Hollywood on how to plot a good Oscar nomination campaign. As in years past, the Foreign Language Film category competition is very tough. The list of entries includes films that have earned rave reviews and won awards in film festivals. France’s bet, for example, is “The Class,” recipient of a Palme d’Or from Cannes.

To our recollection, this is the first time that the talents behind a Philippine entry to the Oscars are making an aggressive effort to snag a spot in the short list.

Amusing misadventures

Young, bright and savvy, Guia and her generation just might help revive the moribund Philippine movie industry. Over Starbucks coffee, she shared her amusing misadventures so far to get an Oscar nod for “Ploning,” which she produced along with Judai herself, Jourdan Sebastian and Raymund George Fernandez.

When we met Guia for the second time, she brought Dante with her. Not every first-time director gets to see his work chosen as his country’s Oscar contender. That’s Dante’s achievement in his cinematic ode to his hometown—Cuyo, Palawan—stunningly captured by cinematographer Charlie Peralta. With his work here, Charlie makes a very valid argument for 35mm film instead of digital media. While we ate lunch, Dante shared stories and anecdotes about his beloved island in the Sulu Sea which were as hypnotic as his Cuyonon-accented Tagalog. Deep in “Ploning’s” story of a man’s search for a woman in his past is Dante’s yearning to capture the remote island of his youth on film.

The UP alumnus admitted crying as he told the good news on the phone to Judai, his close friend, that their labor of love prevailed over Sharon Cuneta’s “Caregiver” in a close 3-2 vote by a special committee of the Film Academy of the Philippines. “Naiiyak ako hanggang ngayon,” Dante said. “Parang na-validate ako.” Trying to avoid being misty-eyed, Dante chuckled when he revealed that some of his town mates mistook his movie’s flashbacks and slightly non-linear telling of the story as the result of a budget problem. “Akala nila naubusan kami ng budget kaya nagka-problema sa editing,” he shared with a smile. “Laktaw-laktaw kasi.”

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I am so excited about this movie making it to the Oscars! I really really hope it will. I mean, being shortlisted is more than enough, but c’mon keeping our high hopes can push it more further. I’ve been wanting to see it since it was released, but just failed to do so. And now, I am dying to see it! Let’s all hope for the best that Ploning would make it to the top 5. Anyway, I will include a poll in this post. I hope people who have watched it can vote.

Raving Reviews 5

I’ve been such a TV buff lately, doing some dvd marathon here and there, be it a movie or a series. Last month, I finally got to finish the fourth season of Grey’s Anatomy and I so loved it. Every Thursday, on the other hand, I found myself religiously watching this some kind of an indie Pinoy TV show titled Rakista. A kick-ass funky show which is making me stay glued on the boob tube from 7 to 8pm. I also got the chance to listen, on repeat mode, to the cd titled PDA Scholars Sings Cayabyab. Can’t help but rave about all these three things which are currently ruling my favorite list. Here’s my review of them, which is originally posted on my Multiply account.

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I sooo loove this season! Kahit medyo bitin, kasi 17 episodes lang. I think this was the time nung strike ng mga writers sa US. Kaya it felt na sobrang dami pa ang dapat mangyari. As I have stated on my WordPress blog, this season I think is the best ever! I would love to work in Seattle Grace Hospital, kahit janitor lang please!

Cristina Yang, Sandra Oh’s character, is still my most favorite doctor. The attitude, the way she handles life and work related problems, and she’s really funny! Like when she started to sing Like a Virgin while slicing up a cadaver, because Burke didn’t even mentioned her when he was given an award. One of my favorite scene in the season. My next favorite doctor is George O’malley. Even way before I started watching Grey’s, I really love his character na. Very funny, candid, and I love him when he’s serious. It’s like he’d usually stutter and wouldn’t know what to say. Very effective acting, I might add. I’m glad that he’s given a chance to take the Exam again!

In this season I found the most heart breaking scene. It is where this young girl who has cancer, I think she’s Dr. Webber’s niece. She refuses to have another surgery, and what she said really broke my heart. That she doesn’t want to die in the hospital, and that she’d want to spend her last days with her family, friends and loved ones just like a normal person. The way she said it indeed touched and broke my heart into pieces!

I also liked this Dr. Erica Hahn, not just because her character hates Dr. Yang, but there’s something in her that speaks well enough of being an actual doctor. Very authoritative, firm and respectful. And what happened to her and Callie was just WHOA! And I’m just so glad that Meredith and Derek got back together on the last episode! I’d be damned had they not! Pampagulo lang yung nurse Rose haha! She reminded me of Chinggay though hehe, dunno why. Meredith’s sister Lexie, on the other hand, was also a bit of a pampagulo, but I kinda like her. She just looked too sweet to be a doctor or intern.

Anyway, I love everything in this season. The people, their struggles in life, love and professional work, the acting! They all made it seem so real. I can’t wait for the next season. Oh, thanks so much to mah sistah Farah for giving me this one as a birthday present! I seriously loved it! Ay, that’s is so third season pala hehe!

October 17, 2008

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Been watching this for, I think, five weeks na. At habang tumatagal eh gumaganda sya. Hindi naman super ganda na tipong pang tv awards type haha, basta ok sya, COOL. Kakaiba sa mga usual na napapanood na walang kamatayang fantaserye at labanan ng paksyet na ratings haha!

Simple lang ang show na ito. Totoo at may puso haha! Basta iba yung approach nya. Siguro kaya nagustuhan ko sya kasi para syang Indie film hehe, gawa kasi ni Quark Henares, brainchild nya actually. At si Lourd de Veyra of Radioactive Sago Project pala ung nagna-narrate, kaya pala familiar yung voice. Ang pagna-narrate nya ang isa sa nagpapaganda sa Rakista, actually.

Aside from the cool soundtrack and guest appearances from rock band members every episode, ok din yung mga characters. Bagay kay Carlo Aquino yung role nya as Caloy, frontman ng bandang The Love Team, torpe, good boy. Gusto ko dito si Denise Laurel haha, bagay sila ni Carlo. I liked Rhea Nakpil’s role Bebe, ang bahistang emo, galit sa mundo. Tapos nakakatawa si Sven, played by Wincy Ong. Last week, he’s trying to make a melody out of “Guten morgen, guten nacht”, sobrang nakakatawa! haha!

Ayun, wala lang, naaliw na ko mag review nito haha! Basta, cool to! Astig ang RAKISTA! Watch it every Thursday 7pm at TV5, shake mo tv mo haha!

October 3, 2008

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A friend of mine gave me a copy of this album, request ko yun actually hehe! Ok naman yung mga songs, but here are my top 5 picks:

* PAANO NA KAYA, Bugoy – My super favorite among all ten tracks! Galing talaga ni Bugoy, it’s like he’s really feeling the song, kaya feel na feel ko din haha! Never fails to give me goosebumps every time I hear it. I so can relate haha!

* ANOTHER GOODBYE SONG, Van – Ganda ng vibe ng song! Van’s voice sounded just right. At syempre maganda ang message ng song, pwedeng pang inlove, or pang friends. Love it!

* NARITO LANG AKO, Bunny – A surprisingly nice song! Super swabe ng pagka kanta ni Bunny, mas lalo ko sya nagustuhan! I love the melody and the song’s message as well. Parang kahit second choice ka lang, andyan ka pa rin. Shucks, inlove mode haha!

* I’D RATHER, Liezel – Technically, this is the best track for me. Pero syempre personal faves ko yung top3 haha! I really really love Liezel, sya ang pinaka standout sa lahat ng scholars specially sa voice. And this song is a strong proof.

* MANALIG KA, Laarni – Season 2’s grand winner proved she’s deserving of the title, and one won’t even doubt pag narinig ang song na ito. Laarni marked this song with her staple belting prowess, you’ll be breathless. Amazing voice!

The rest of the tracks were so so, haha! But medyo ok yung Hero ni Miguel, parang he sounded monotonous lang kasi the entire song. Cris’s Bakit Ganyan has this catchy lyrics, pero parang hindi bagay sa kanya yung song. Sen’s version of Ariel Rivera’s Wala Kang Katulad is just ok, mas maganda pa yung version ko hahaha! Apple’s cover of Limang Dipang Tao is a bit boring for me. Iñaki’s Ganun Ba is forgettable haha!

So ayun, I liked most of the songs naman. Galing talaga gumawa si Mr. C! It’s currently on repeat mode in my player. Very youthful ang approach and would even put you in a good mood. A nicely done job for the scholars! Definitely an A+!

October 14, 2008

All in a day’s off

How often do you have a day packed with loads of stuff to do and events to attend to? Not everyday, I suppose. To some maybe, but not to me. I lead such a boring and unexciting life haha! But last Saturday was a different one. First, me and my friends dropped by the RX booth to visit Arden who’s boarding with Christy and Meryl. It has been a long while since we visited the station, the last time was late December of last year. That morning, I initially planned on joining the Rushers to their EB for Del’s birthday. But since I failed to make it on time, I instead joined Mei and Lt with their 10am plan. We had a great time taking pictures hehe! We stayed there until past 12 noon then proceeded to Megamall for lunch.

with Chico, Del & Christy

Parting shots: with Meryl and Mariah

After having our lunch, we strolled a bit. Megamall was packed because of the ongoing Sale that time. And since I hate crowded places, the stroll became somewhat a death march to me. The clock ticked by then it was Lt’s time to say goodbye, she still has to do some stuff over at Market Market. Arden, Mei and I decided to walk our way back to Robinson’s Galleria. Less people, we thought. And true enough, it wasn’t as crowded, thank goodness! After a while, Arden needed to step out, for he still has to do some house chores haha! Mei and I killed time until 5pm then we, again, walked our way this time to The Podium for her friend Angelo Ortiz’s album launch. Angelo’s a world champion pianist, and the one he launched was already his fourth album. It was my first time to meet him and to hear him play (actually first time I also have heard of him hehe!), but he’s nice and he plays the piano really well! No wonder he won the world competition (the one where Riza Navales and Jed Madela became champs, too. I just forgot the name). His compositions were amazing.

Angelo playing Pilgrimage, one of his compositions

and a picture of us, after the show

I felt the need to rush home after the show, because of the text I received earlier. My kuya Jing who’s back from abroad is dropping by at home. So I bought some food first coz kuya told me he’s with my pamangkin and some other relatives. I then decided to buy a roasted chicken and liempo for dinner, and after doing so, Mei and I parted ways around 7pm. When I arrived home, I was just so happy to see kuya, my pamangkin and my cousin Love! They were already having dinner, but they told me that what I bought was the main course they’re waiting for haha! We had fun catching up, kuwentuhan, tawanan, talking online to another brother of mine kuya Pete who’s in Abu Dhabi via YM and webcam, and of course taking pictures! What a way to cap off the day!

my very pretty and statuesque pamangkin Joreen & her papa, kuya Jing

with my brother Wating; and with my cousin Love

and our group pics: with Mom, tita Yang, Iday, cousins Danica & Pen, and brother Mai

I only got one word to wrap this day up. WHEW!

Octoberians

** Ok, I needed to change the title of this post because I included two little ones celebrating their birthday. So dapat wholesome haha!

The month of October can probably be synonymous to parties, celebration and booze. San Miguel’s Oktoberfest is a great proof. This is the time of the year where legions of beer hungry people gather in the Ortigas area and enjoy themselves as the world’s most popular (or greatest) beer drops it’s price for as low as P1 per bottle (I think, haven’t tried joining hehe), and as it floods them all down. Accompanied by live band and sexy ladies, who wouldn’t want to live life that way once in a while? And since we’re talking about parties and celebrations, it’ll be very fitting to do this (supposed) monthly post of birthday celebrants. My sincere apologies to my friends and relatives who are September celebrants, I failed to do this last month. I promise to make it up to you next year! And for the lack of a more apt title for this post, since most celebrants are girls, they’d be called the Octopussies. And the four guys are their men haha! Anyway, here are people I know of who we all should greet the entire month of October. I included two famous people I really look up to hehe!

My dear cousins Chad (Oct 13), Jet (Oct 4), En (Oct 10) & Jon (Oct 6)

My college friends Dhang (Oct 4), Mark Sam (Oct 21) & Greiz -Oct 8-

My beautiful & sexy officemates Gaye (Oct 22), Cake (Oct 16) & Ava (Oct 23)

My sister-in-law Cheng (Oct 19) & my elementary classmate Laids (Oct 14)

And now the two famous people hehe! Delamar of RX 93.1 who completes my day every single day! And Joey de Leon, who I think has the most amazing and witty mind in the entertainment industry. Both of them celebrating their birthday on the 14th!

And oh, I forgot three more people!

My ever trustworthy officemate/friend Lei (Oct 26), my uber kulet pamangkin Bren (Oct 26), & Ate Sha’s cute little Ashee Janiyah who will turn 1 on Oct 24!

H A P P Y   B I R T H D A Y  to all of you!!

Revolutionary Road

Waaaahh!! I just can’t wait to watch this film! Leo and Kate together again after Titanic, reunited after, like, 11 years?! OMG, the trailer alone is already giving me goosebumps. I’m so effing excited! It’s directed by Kate Winslet’s husband Sam Mendes. According to her, it was kind of weird working with his hubby and bestfriend Leonardo diCaprio at the same time, mentioning about some awkward moments while shooting their love scenes. There’s a lot of buzz about this movie and the main characters making it to the Oscars, and indeed, I strongly believe, this will be an Oscar worthy film. I really hope both Leo and Kate will finally be given an Oscar nod this time, they’ve been nominated and lost for several times. This movie would be a great avenue for them to win! I am so feverishly excited! Anyway, here’s the trailer.

“How do you break free without breaking apart?”

Can I just say that…

…. this month’s issue of FHM, I believe, is the best ever! Cover pa lang, wow, solb na! hehe! Jean Garcia is THE BOMB! I have to admit that she’s the main reason why I bought a copy. It has been a while since I bought one, and seeing her on the cover didn’t made me think twice. I need to include it on my very selected and growing collection. But aside from the amazing cover, the deciding factor which brought me to say that this month is the best is because of the great features. What I specially liked is the “Pinoy Classic TV Shows We Wish Were Still On Air”. That really brought back good old memories. Who wouldn’t gladly take a trip down Memory Lane after seeing pictures of Batibot, TODAS, Champoy, Lovingly Yours Helen, Student Canteen, Young Love Sweet Love, Iskul Bukol, Pinoy Thriller and a lot more, grace the pages of FHM. It’s bliss! And the captions were hilarious! But I believe they also need to include other ones like Okay Ka Fairy Ko! and The World Tonight. Other than that, the entire issue is close to perfection! Grab a copy NOW! Before you grab something else!

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…. this Korean drink called Soju will have you heating up, but only for a few moments. Just had a taste of this one for the first time just now with some friends, and I can still post an entry here hehe! This is what you see in those addicting Koreanovelas and movies everywhere. I initially got curious if we’d really make the face those Koreans usually make after having a shot that’s why I bought two small bottles when me and a friend decided to have an inuman night. And made face we actually did! Well, just with the first few shots. It will give you this burning feeling but not for long though. But we enjoyed it anyway. Tagay pa!

Logan, the Sky Angel Cowboy

I felt the need to post this one because I have to. Not just because it’s the only, and I mean the ONLY, YouTube video that made me cry, but because I want to share this amazing feeling I felt after watching/listening to it. My, as I compose this entry, I am still crying after watching it three times (sniff, sniff). Here’s the video’s description from Frank Lozano, the one who uploaded it:

(A FrankLozano.com Production) Little did I know when I was given the audio to this phone call that it would become SO HUGE. When I produced this video, I knew it was special to ME, but never would I have guessed when typing the text and editing the music that it would literally touch MILLIONS. I am proud to have put this video together for the world to see and hear. We have had a lot of requests to replay the phone call that Pastor Mike shared during our church service on Sunday, Nov. 11th, 2007.

Here you’ll find the video clip that I created just for you. After our church service I placed the video on YouTube so that you can watch it and share with family and friends.

Logan is a 13 year-old boy who lives on a ranch in a very small town in Nebraska. Logan listens to Christian Radio station 89.3FM KSBJ which broadcasts from Houston, TX. Logan called the radio station distraught because he had to take down a calf . His words have wisdom beyond his years.

Since airing the audio of the phone call and now the making of the video clip, it has taken on a life of its own. People are forwarding it all over the world. We encourage you to share the love of Christ with anyone you can.

(**Sky Angel is a family safe broadcasting service that is offered on satellite. KSBJ is a local Houston Christian music radio station. Video clip produced with love by me, www.FrankLozano.com Hear the entire message at www.ValenciaHills.com)

Anyway, here’s the clip. Listen to it and see for yourself.