Eh-hum # 94

PICTURES MUNA...(hehehe, medyo malaki)



Its tough being a baby in China, no wonder they're graceful on water...from Xinhua.Net



Speaking of water, meet Satoshi Tsumabuki, the lead (Suzuki) in the movie Waterboys...not bad, eh?



I thought this photograph was nice. This somehow defines present China: difference and connection between an aged rural folk and a young corporate individual. For the full article, click HERE

Eh-hum # 93

I was suppose to slack off last weekend, but I decided not to and went to ADMU and MC to do research. I did got some materials and it was all right. Our paper to be submitted/presented the first week of May, hence, cramming will not be a good idea. But this did not prevented me from watching my Anime and yes, V for Vendetta.

Remember, remember...the fifth of November; The gunpowder treason and plot. I know of no reason why gunpowder treason should ever be forgot. Aaaahhh yes...the Guy Fawkes rhyme. According to the movie's website, Guy Fawkes, or Guido Fawkes, was a key participant in the so-called "The Gunpowder Plot", an attempt to blow up the British Parliament and overthrow the government of King James I. The plot, suppose to be carried out on on November 5, 1605, failed. Caught, Fawkes and other conspirators were hung, drawn and quartered. At present, bonfires were lit across London and the UK every November 5th to commemorate the failed attempt to topple the government.

Set in totalitarian Britain, a "terrorist" who goes by the name of "V" dares to defy the leadership of the Chancellor. Dressed as a futuristic Fawkes, he challenges the authority of the government and vows to blow up the Parliament on November 5th; this would end the government's tyranny and grant freedom to the people. While on "patrol", he rescues Evey, a mild-mannered girl who works at the government controlled television station, from a bunch of corrupt police. From there, they developed a deep relationship that will eventually shape the rest of the film. The movie was based on the 1980's comics with the same name and was brought to the big screen by the creators of the Matrix Trilogy (the Wachowski brothers were fans).

I enjoyed the film due to the acting and the dialogues (unfortunately, our copy of the DVD was...eh-hem...hence, we were robbed of enjoying the movie's settings). Hugo Weaving, wearing a mask throughout the film, was excellent; the mask proved not to be an impediment for him to clearly articulate V's charisma, wit and contempt. Plus, the mask was...uh, creepy in a way, but as the movie progressed, his manner of conveying V's principles made it seem alright or acceptable. Meanwhile, Natalie Portman, effectively showed us her transition from a naive young lady to a woman without fear. Though there is still room for improvement on her accent, her beauty did not overpower Weaving's ominous character; it was quite a match, really.

The movie had its share of violence (the fight scenes were COOL), but it lacked any sex scenes (though that scene with a Bishop was eerie...you'll find out), which was alright. At times, sex scenes are necessary; however, too much of it distracts people from appreciating the real purpose of the film. In the Philippines, it serves as a gimmick to draw crowds in the moviehouses. The plot was contemporary, and some elements are similar to George Orwell's 1984 (John Hurt was menacing as the movie's "Big Brother"); but of course, the ending was another thing.

People may interpret the movie differently, but for me, I was moved by V sentiment's and understood Evey's fear. One of the most memorable lines in the movie was: "People should be not afraid of their government; governments should be afraid of their people". How interesting. I am generally peaceful person (as fierce as an mushroom), but the movie question's our preference to use either violent or peaceful means to gain one's desires, in this case, freedom (in the Philippines, its a corrupt-free government). Its a case to case basis, I think because using violence will not make things better than it was (Its a lot faster than negotiations...pero). But one thing's for certain: oppression must not make us fearful and weak, it should make us stronger and undaunted. Overcoming your fear will set you free. Watch the movie, it will set you free. ;)


Hugo Weaving as "V" and Natalie Portman as "Evey" Source: http://vforvendetta.warnerbros.com

Eh-hum # 92

Uh-huh. One down, one more to go. I've learned much from this semester (nak's naman), but most importantly, it ended a week earlier...at least for me. ;)

Nonetheless, I wouldn't say this is my best sem; I could've done better, really. Since I like to cram things, especially school work, it will be a challenge.

I just realized something though, I am 9 units away from the (much-dreaded) COMPRE Exams and the (exciting) Thesis Writing. Huwaw...thiz iz really iz it.

Oh yeah, congrats to my batchmates from MC-IS who took their MA-IS and are graduating this coming Saturday. Perhaps the first group of people that already has their MA's. Asshhteeg.

***

To Sen. Jamby "Judy Ann Sr." Madrigal: You think you know, but you have no idea. Its not always a good idea to share information about a person re: a subject matter, especially if that person was one of the, uh, proponents of the said subject, or event. Juan Ponce Enrile belonged to the inner circles of Malacañang during the height of the Marcos dictatorship, so be careful on what you say. In Filipino, magulang na si Enrile... and in fairness to him, he is a far more experienced lawmaker/politician than Ms. Madrigal (that is not to say he is more honest).

It was a mistake Judy Ann...I mean, Jamby, to take on Enrile and the issue of Martial Law...hindi ka mananalo dyan. I (extremely) doubt you know more about the subject than he does (or than Sen. Joker Arroyo), or at least give better arguments, so better keep your mouth shut. Or better yet, fire your staff now and get a new one (heck, you have the pork barrel to do that, anyway); the type that could get information on something without the help of a paper trail (like Enrile's "ambush").

Honestly, your crying fit last Monday was somewhere between amusing and pathetic. So get your act together and do what good Senators are suppose to do. Kung pwede lang sana.

Eh-hum # 91

One down...two to go.

Last Tuesday, 28 February 2006, was my orals for Japanese Economy. It was actually nerve wracking...to the point I got sick that evening and missed work yesterday.

The orals was okay, not as bad as I expected it. Now I have two more papers to think about...one due on March 14 and the other by May. Then there's this other thing I am working on.

I was bored to death yesterday, but my aching back kept me from going to work or doing anything else. Until I realized I was meaning to borrow this book from my sister.

Its a popular book, and it was a movie back in 1955 (starring THE poster boy for teen angst/rebellion, James Dean). I am talking about John Steinbeck's East of Eden...an Oprah favorite, if I may add.

I only managed to read like 6 chapters, I stopped because I cant anymore tolerate the pain of my throbbing head. But let me tell you, I was hooked: the characters and their background has the potential in making this an interesting read. Now I have to finish the next 600+ pages or else...

Last Tuesday also, I was able to watch snippets of the Japanese film Waterboys. Eventhough I wasn't able to watch the whole film, I would describe it as wickedly funny. The movie is about a group of teenaged boys who take on synchronized swimming to pay a debt to this guy who works in SeaWorld-like establishment. You heard it right, as the tagline says Otoko no Synchro?!. Its funny because syncronized swimming boys are unheard of, especially in patriachal Japan. The humor is not so slapstick (unlike here in the Philippines), which is great. I'll post a more detailed description when I see it from start to finish. Yeba!