Eh-hum # 85

And the nominations are in. The Oscars is THE awards night for Hollywood (particularly big screen productions). When I was younger, I used to watch the show which was usually broadcasted in RPN Channel 9.

Anyway, here's my forecast..or at least my wish list:

Best Picture - Brokeback Mountain or Walk the Line
Best Director - Ang Lee
Best Actor - Joaquin Pheonix (Sorry Heath)
Best Actress - Reese Witherspoon (legally blonde, and legally talented)
Best Supporting Actor - Paul Giamatti
Best Supporting Actress - Rachel Weisz (lovely actress)

AND Please Don't Forget: Best Animated Film: Howl's Moving Castle (Let's hear it for Hayao Miyazaki and Studio Ghibli!!!)

Eh-hum # 84

Thanks to sharon for this one!

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Your personality type is SCOEI

You are moderately social, calm, moderately organized, moderately egocentric, and moderately intellectual, and may prefer a city which matches those traits.

The largest representation of your personality type can be found in the these U.S. cities: Salt Lake City, Albuquerque/Santa Fe, Providence, Phoenix, Reno, Norfolk, Indianapolis, Seattle/Tacoma, Las Vegas, Oklahoma City, Miami/Ft. Lauderdale and these international countries/regions Denmark, Israel, Argentina, Greece, India, Iceland, Romania, Sweden, China, Turkey, South Africa, Middle East, Japan, Indonesia, Italy

What Places In The World Match Your Personality?
City Reviews at CityCulture.org

Eh-hum # 83

Pinoys united, whether pro or anti PGMA, military or insurgent, rich or poor. Amazing.

Like the millions (and millions) of Pinoy here and abroad, me and my family were glued to the t.v. screen noon onwards to watch the much awaited bout of people's champ Manny Pacquiao and Mexican Erik Morales. I am not a boxing expert, but I was indeed "entertained" by yesterday's fight (though the 10-minute commercials was a pain). The most memorable was Round 6, at least for me.

Boxing is one hell of a way to make a living; you have to get punched several times in the face in order to earn your keep (which gives a new meaning to the term "hard-earned money"). The return may be in millions (and millions) of pesos, but the risk is too much. Hence, whatever attention we're giving to the PACMAN is no match to the trouble he had to go through with his training and once he enters the ring. It is wonderful to see the nation united cheering the PACMAN on to finish an impressive 10th-round victory. If only we can be united on a daily basis....

***

I love my Nokia 5210, but after almost three years, I think its time for me to move on and return it to its rightful owner (It was mom who bought the little orange phone). Armed with my BPI Mastercard, I decided to buy a new cellphone. I was contemplating in buying the sleek Motorola RAZR V3 or the cute Sony Ericsson K300i. BUT, I was concerned that I couldn't get a signal from inside our house (this was my experience from my two Ericsson phones). Thus, I finally decided to buy a Nokia instead. I bought a cool and new Nokia 7360 (I chose the Coffee Brown). Its actually a new model, being four days old (until this post). I thought the design and color is really unique and the screen is just right (at least for me). I also love the backlight of the keypad. At almost P1,400 a month, I'd say this is a good find. ;)

Eh-hum # 82

what's next?

I just would like to say that I have not seen a more intense and lovely couple than Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie.

So whatever people think, I wouldn't mind seeing (pictures of) the couple together with Jolie's (and soon to be Pitt's) adoptive kids walking around in exotic resorts, amusement parks or visiting other countries for movie premiers.

Aside from the unconfirmed romance and Pitt's appeal to be adoptive-father-to-be, things got even more interesting with the news of Jolie being pregnant. Its all good, as it seems the couple are ready to become parents and share their charitable ways and values to the Jolie-Pitt brood.

Well, I hope everything will go well for the two, after their respective failed marriages. Speaking of marriage....

Eh-hum # 81

Something I heard today, I would say a quotable quote:

"Ang buhay parang MRT, may mga biyahe. Kapag tatlong beses ka na nadaanan at hindi ka pa sumakay, maiiwanan ka. Pero katulad din ng buhay, humihinto din ang MRT."

Somehow, it makes sense. So, don't let life, or the train, pass you by...literally.

Eh-hum # 80

For my 80th post, I commemorate the year that was. As we were counting down to the New Year, I find it quite amazing that a whole year have gone by. As we have heard in the songs of yesteryear, it seems only yesterday that we welcomed 2005 with simple yet dazzling display of fireworks. Time is something we cannot control (I wish I could, though), but it is something so precious that we are compelled (more often than not) to spend or use it wisely. Hope your last year was a blast and that every second was well spent (for loved ones, work or studies).

My 2005 was a bit challenging but proved to be beneficial in the end. To make the details more organized (and perhaps less boring), I found this survey from a friend’s blog (thanks, Sharon!).

1. What did you do in 2005 that you'd never done before?--Splurge, whether school or personal, using my own money.

2. Did you keep your new years' resolutions, and will you make more for next year?
-- Hehehehe, I was not able to keep my 2005 resolution.
-- For this year, I hope to be more responsible and more organized on everything that I will be involved in.

3. Did anyone close to you give birth? -- Yes and no, my cousin gave birth to a baby boy while my cousin’s wife gave birth to a baby girl.

4. Did anyone close to you die? -- Thank God, none.

5. What countries did you visit? -- Hehehehe, don’t have that much money to travel…at least not yet.

6. What would you like to have in 2006 that you lacked in 2005? -- The will to stop taking second trips to the rice cooker.

7. What date from 2005 will remain etched upon your memory, and why? -- Uh, nothing in particular.

8. What was your biggest achievement of the year? -- Surviving the first semester of this schoolyear (with flying colors).

9. What was your biggest failure?-- Spending way too much using my credit card.

10. Did you suffer illness or injury? -- Wala naman.

11. What was the best thing you bought?
-- My rubber shoes and athletic wear…hahahaha
-- My Miyazaki/Ghibli movie collection.

12. Whose behavior merited celebration? -- My brother, more wit less irritation.

13. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed? -- Uh-oh…some relatives…hehehe.

14. Where did most of your money go?-- Food, clothes, siblings, credit card expenses.

15. What did you get really, really, really excited about?-- Getting my Miyazaki collection.

16. What song will always remind you of 2005?-- Hmmm, nothing in particular.

17. Compared to this time last year, are you:
i. happier or sadder? Happier
ii. thinner or fatter? Fatter
iii. richer or poorer? Uhh, cannot tell.

18. What do you wish you'd done more of?
-- Exercise
-- Doing things on TIME
-- Studying my Nihonggo.

19. What do you wish you'd done less of?-- Eating
-- Procrastinating

20. How will you be spending Christmas?-- Karaoke singing, playing games with my younger cousins, gift-giving and eating till midnight.

22. Did you fall in love in 2005?-- HAHAHAHHAHA…no.

23. How many one-night stands?-- HAHAHAHAHAH…none rin.

24. What was your favorite TV program?-- Madami: House, MD, CSI (all three) and some Anime stuff.

25. Do you hate anyone now that you didn't hate this time last year? -- Ala naman.

26. What was the best book you read? -- None yet, I was suppose to start reading East of Eden by John Stienbeck.

27. What was your greatest musical discovery? -- I actually enjoy(ed) Karaoke singing.

28. What did you want and got?-- My present job. Hhehehe

30. What was your favorite film of this year?-- For 2005, its Maximo Oliveros. Go PINOY!!!

31. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?-- Nagpakain ako ng pansit, sarap. I was 25.
32. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying? -- Losing a few pounds would be nice.

33. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2005?-- Hehehehe, pants and polo shirts for life.
34. What kept you sane? -- Family, especially my siblings

35. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most? -- Ken Watanabe, Jim Caviezel and Pope John Paul II.

36. What political issue stirred you the most?-- How about pissed you most? The Hello Garci case.

37. Who did you miss?-- My cousins living abroad.

38. Who was the best new person you met/knew better?-- My officemate, Ville (uy, special mention).

39. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2005: -- Time is Gold…or is it money?

40. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year: "The North is to South what the clock is to time, There's east and there's west and there's everywhere life, I know I was born and I know that I'll die, The in between is mine, I am mine"~ I am mine, Pearl Jam

Eh-hum # 79

(December 23, Friday) Nag-text si Lin...bakit kaya?

I thought it was an emergency...thank God it wasn't (and It was the first time I laughed while using the office phone...which, by the way, is not something you should do on a daily basis); she was just asking my "permission" to watch King Kong...alone. While at the mall, I've also asked her to do some last minute christmas shopping...for the 'rents. In doing so, I ran the risk of telling her where my secret stash of cash is (since she put me on speaker phone, my brother heard it as well; I can now picture him drawing a map leading to the "hidden treasure").

Sure, I said, afterall, me being busy at work and the upcoming Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF), this the last chance she could watch the mega ape movie remake by Peter Jackson. Perhaps I could catch the movie at HBO in say...two years time. Eh-hum. Speaking of movies, I was again suppose to write something down on Hayao Miyazaki, however, since I already mentioned the MMFF, might as well say something about that and my thoughts on Pinoy flicks and stars in general.

The last pinoy movie I watched was Ang Pagdadalaga ni Maximo Oliveros, which I watched with my brother. I found the movie bittersweet, compelling and funny...and most importantly, original. Moreover, this movie showed what correct casting can do for a film and potential (and existing) movie stars. An example would be Ping Medina, who I would say is the anti-Pinoy mainstream star. Just in case you have been sleeping under a rock, Pinoy TV shows and movies have been dominated by mestizos and mestizas; you can rarely see a tanned actor or actress taking the lead. In this case, Nora Aunor is an exception, whose physical attributes is the opposite of the luminous screen idols during the Sampaguita days.

Well, its one thing to be a mestizo, how about acting wise? Unfortunately, I have observed that its okay that you will ultimately burst a vein while trying to convey a simple emotion, just as long as you are pretty (the term is actually applicable to both girls and boys). Packaging is important, talent can be a bonus. Today's teenage stars are dominantly tisoys and tisays, having at least a kolehiyala accent (much better if they came from abroad, with a Western pedigree to boot) and must belong to a loveteam. Going back to Mr. Medina, perhaps he can proved that one needs not have chestnut brown hair, rosy white complexion and a loveteam partner to make it big in the Pinoy entertainment scene. Of course, that is not to say that he does not have a certain appeal. Like his father (remarkable and yet underrated veteran actor Pen Medina), he has that "something"...whatever it is, I cannot explain it in words. Basta.

Aside from hiring them for their looks, the trend of becoming an artista via reality shows is I think a poor way of choosing future stars. I prefer the old fashion way: study the craft and hone your skills in either the stage or the rising Pinoy indie industry. I think reality shows does not bring out their real capabilities (or lack thereof) in acting/singing since text voting by (future) fans is such a huge percentage. Plus, the tasks given are more like dares. Another concern are the movies themselves. Some of the plots are ripoffs from Western/American films (my example would be that movie with Maricel Soriano and Cesar Montano with a plot similar to True Lies). Did I need mention my disdain for the fantaserye Encantadia which copied sacred elements from JRR Tolkien's Lord of the Rings and the Silmarillon? It is increasingly evident that the storylines and dialogues are inferior to the special effects (like Exodus starring Sen. Revilla). It is unfortunate that some plots are already overused that one can actually predict how a movie or a tv show will end. MMFF is more of a popularity race that an exhibition of quality films. Hello, floats with their stars waving, throwing out goodies to the public. A few years back, I remember this film about AIDS who entered the MMFF who had no float and was not given much attention. Gimme a break, they should rename the MMFF as a Family Movie Festival...since movies on realistic themes such as AIDS have no place.

Why does this bother me? It somehow reflects that type of society that we have here; one which values what is pleasing to the eyes and caters to our mostly quixotic sides. Moreover, the industry has given emphasis on movies that would rake in a lot of money by hiring pretty but untalented actors and loveteams. And please, don't get me started on those sexy stars. What could save this? How about smart moviegoers/consumers and the Pinoy indie scene. When we watched Ang Pagdadalaga, less than half of the cinema was filled. For it to get noticed, the movie needed to receive awards abroad. With movies like these being ignored, one should not be surprised why I would rather watch King Kong.

Eh-hum # 78

Again, I would have to delay my piece on Japanese animation director Hayao Miyazaki and his works. However, this (short) post still rides on the theme of Asian films; more specifically, Asian actresses.

One of the movie being talked about is Memoirs of a Geisha, based on an internationally acclaimed novel by Arthur Golden with the same title. Many are interested to find out if the movie can match the intense storytelling of the novel. While I have not read the novel, I am very much curious about the life of one of Japan's enigmatic figures (aside from the samurai). Aside from that, I guess people are interested to see if the three Chinese actresses cast as in the lead roles can measure up. I think Gong Li can (I suddenly got interested in Farewell My Concubine), but how about Zhang Ziyi?

I think Zhang Ziyi is one lucky girl. With two movies of epic proportions under her belt (Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon and the House of Flying Daggers) topped with obvious oriental beauty and grace (she's a dancer), I am not surprised why she was cast in the title role. However, I am not a fan of Zhang Ziyi (who actually looks like Pinoy model Nicole Hernandez), even though I think she's okay.

If there's one Chinese (Taiwanese, Hong Kong, uh, ese) that I like, its Zhao Wei. People may recognize her from the action flick So Close and the amazingly funny Shaolin Soccer. I first saw her opposite Andy Lau in this martial artsy-period movie. I would say she is uniquely beautiful, thanks to her expressive almond-shaped eyes and full lips. Moreover, she has worked with a number of popular Chinese leading men and has managed to measure up to their intensity or quirkiness (good examples are, again, Andy Lau and funnyman Stephen Chow). Like most Chinese/Taiwanese actresses, she has an album. I think the lady has a lot more to offer acting-wise being a well-loved personality, aside from being exquisite and "giga-dorable". Hopefully, we'll be seeing more of her in the big screen outside Asia.

Zhao Wei

Another thing, Japan's entertainment industry should consider promoting its actresses in the near future. I am sure, they have some talents worthy of international attention.

Eh-hum # 77

I was suppose to write something about Hayao Miyazaki and his second Oscar nomination, but the events that occured yesterday and the day before that were too important to be ignored. Plus, the controversy is begging for an opinion. I am all for investigations on the alleged poll fraud in the 2004 elections; being someone who is rendering her services to this institution, it would be for my peace of mind whether or not my efforts are putting into good use by the Government. Moreover, I would like to contribute to the improvment of our country, in terms of national defense and security.

Here goes...

While I have no hard evidence to prove it, it is somehow inherently understood that politicans cheat every elections. I hate to admit it, perhaps Erap was one of those who most likely did not cheat. However, he won base on his popularity as a movie actor, not because he has the political will to become the coutry's top leader. I refuse to believe that this drinking, womanizing, gambling and "pa-godfather effect" individual is the right person for the job. In this case, since PGMA is not the popular one in the last elections, it is possible that she rigged the results. On the one hand, you could say that the campaign machinery of the Lakas-NUCD is no match to the obviously divided Opposition. There are a lot of explanations why PGMA won, whether analytical in nature or just simply that she cheated. The leaders may change in every elections, but one thing is constant: nobody loses in elections; they were cheated.

The "Hello Garci" controversy raised questions on PGMA's legality as the Philippine's leader and caused the creation of several organizations to 1) call for her resignation, 2) go to streets for her ouster, 3) file impeachment complaints and 4) just want the truth to be told (whatever that means, really). As expected, this is a wonderful opportunity for the Opposition to gloat, and perhaps for some of the PGMA's allies to switch places not really based on principle, but on saving their assess if and when her administration crumbles. Its unfortunate to say that the people in Congress prefer more to attend hearings and show-off rather than see to it that their constituents are getting their services. This is basically what I saw in the hearings.

If I compare the hearings in the House and Senate, I think the latter was more progressive. In the House, the congressmen, particularly in the Opposition, did not get much from Garci, who can be described as a veteran bureaucrat or just simply a really good liar. I for one am a little confuse with the purpose of the hearing; it wasn't about wiretapping, it was about the election fraud (maybe ANC should change their headlines as the House hearings progress, or not) by PGMA. I got this impression through the questioning of Rep. Alan Cayetano, who was not really interested with the wiretapping issue (how and why the alleged conversation was recorded) as he decided to show rigged ERs and his other evidence and demanded Garci to explain (again, he did not get any). Focus people! Though I know they are connected, but just one step at a time, please...you are all too excited to kick La Gloria (term used by Maximo Soliven) out of office.

The Senate seems to have more progress. Sen. Biazon has somehow kept this more organized; he explained that the hearing was to know how and why the Commander-in-Chief was wiretapped and who did it. Unfortunately, the wily Garci was absent, but COMELEC Chair Abalos was there to answer their queries. The Senators behaved themselves, with the exception of Jinggoy Estrada who simply repeated the questions raised by Franklin Drilon. I somehow felt sorry to the Shariah judge that took a beating in the hearing. He was obviously not prepared to answer the questions of the Senators (and Jinggoy’s “panunuya”; very unprofessional); but he should have just said the truth. On the other hand, the Senators did not faze Abalos, who kept his cool the whole time.

There were the things I was thinking while listening to the hearings:

1. Grandstanding politicians. Not really asking relevant questions; but just wanting to say something, anything in the hearings;
2. Who cares where Garci has been. What’s important that he is here now and answering our questions;
3. The idea the President is the ONLY one who cheated in the elections. HELLO? It does not mean just because you belong to the Opposition, you have clean hands;
4. The relevance of these hearings. We’ve had hearings on Jueteng, Ping’s Drug “Addiction” and Triad Activities, Pidal Case, Kuratong Baleleng…and NOTHING HAPPENED. Am beginning to think that these hearings are just an excuse to have free catered lunch and instant photo ops;
5. The “para sa taong bayan” line from the politicians is losing its appeal and sincerity;
6. How are the solon’s pork barrels; and
7. What the hell is the First Couple thinking?

As PGMA's ratings drop (again, why am not included in this survey?), anything that she does now will be disregarded. Coming clean will be difficult (and I doubt that she will) and by some divine intervention that she did rigged the elections, she should succumb herself to the law. And I am now praying for a more suitable leader to replace her as the Opposition will have a grand time "suggesting" who should.

Hope that made any sense. Next time, Miyazaki. Whew.

Eh-hum # 76

Again, kapag may (blog)writing block, mag-quiz nalang...hehe

You Are 50% Boyish and 50% Girlish

You are pretty evenly split down the middle - a total eunuch. Okay, kidding about the eunuch part. But you do get along with both sexes. You reject traditional gender roles. However, you don't actively fight them. You're just you. You don't try to be what people expect you to be.

How Boyish or Girlish Are You?

You Should Get a PhD in Liberal Arts (like political science, literature, or philosophy)

You're a great thinker and a true philosopher. You'd make a talented professor or writer.

What Advanced Degree Should You Get?

Eh-hum # 75

I just realized that there is a lot of things to be done for this week. One is finishing a book review by 1 December; submitting a presentation with a paper also on 1 December and possibly a proposal for a research initiative by Tuesday. And the funny thing is...I haven't started on either one of them.

Why is cramming such a part of our daily lives? Why do we (in this case, I) proscrastinate and only decide to accomplish a task at the very last moment. Why do I still cram eventhough I have repeatedly told myself not to. Tsk, tsk, tsk.

If someone has found a cure for cramming...let me know.

Eh-hum # 74

Very interesting...



Your SNAKE DAEMON shows that you are dangerous,
clever, and disconcert others with your
effortless power. You function best when left
to yourself, as other people's minds work too
slowly for your liking.


What Animal Would Your Daemon Settle As?
brought to you by Quizilla

Eh-hum # 73

Let's have a break...hehehe (kindly highlight the phrase above the cake. thanks)

You Are 29 Years Old

Under 12: You are a kid at heart. You still have an optimistic life view - and you look at the world with awe. 13-19: You are a teenager at heart. You question authority and are still trying to find your place in this world. 20-29: You are a twentysomething at heart. You feel excited about what's to come... love, work, and new experiences. 30-39: You are a thirtysomething at heart. You've had a taste of success and true love, but you want more! 40+: You are a mature adult. You've been through most of the ups and downs of life already. Now you get to sit back and relax.

What Age Do You Act?

Eh-hum # 72

All it took was a promo.

I thought, "its now or never" and finally made my decision to the relief of my mother (who has reminded me since I was in highschool that their side of the family have had some serious health issues).

Yes, I finally enrolled in a gym; and a classy one at that. One year membership equals one year of GASTOS. However, its for a good cause...which is my health (bwahahaha).

HOWEVER, aside from preventing heart problems and diabetes, I am also looking forward to the other benefits of losing weight: smaller (and cheaper) clothes, higher level of endurance, faster metabolic rate, better to cope with stress and of course, the possibility of feeling and looking good. It wouldn't hurt to think about one's physical appearance every now and then, just as long its on your terms (that's what I think anyway).

Good luck to me and to others who also wish to lose weight the HARD way.

Movie Time

It has been a while since I wrote something about movies or the need to watch a certain flick. In my case, I am interested to see Harry Potter, I am more excited in watching the critically acclaimed Ang Pagdadalaga ni Maximo Oliveros, which also opens on November 16. The movie is generally about an adolescent gay who comes of age after he falls in love with a handsome, principled policeman.

In case you haven't heard, the movie earned accolades at the Cinemalaya Film Festival, the Golden Zenith Award at the 29th Montreal World Cinema and the Best Picture honor at the Film + Media Arts Festival in Canada. For a PINOY INDIE film, that says a lot. Forget Regal Films, the country's entertainment industry should support independent films that has the potential to compete internationally. In a sense (and sadly this is ALWAYS the case), this will help the movie gain popularity at home. Indie films usually lack the "way too much" publicity stunts evident in normal Filipino flicks, such as those involving loveteams (yech). The acting and the story are usually given more emphasis than the supposed star quality and fan base of the actors/actresses.

The movie is also interesting because gay themed movies (I believe) do not have a strong following in Philippine society. Maybe because people have stereotyped gay films as largely about passionate sex (I guess the public are not so eager to see gay couples "getting it on" on the big screen). Perhaps this movie will tell people that gay themed movies can come in different shapes and sizes.

On a lighter side, I am supporting this film becuase I found out that one of the supporting actors is a friend of my sister. HEHEHEHE.

Kaya mga kapatid, tangkilikin natin ang gawang Pinoy!

Eh-hum # 71

Much to talk about...really, really.

First of all, I had another career change.

Apparently, my "stint" in Makati did not work out. When an offer to return to the Government came, I decided to grab it; the waiting and praying paid off pretty well. Yes, I am now a researcher for the Government. To say where is matter of national security (eh-hum).

My three months in the said Makati office was interesting and I enjoyed the company of my officemates in the department where I was assigned. It was both interesting and a learning experience. However, the type of work I was doing was becoming somewhat monotonous. Also, commuting from home to the office and also to school was not soo much tiring but expensive.

Since this new opportunity has been given to me (though I did worked for it), I intend to work hard and learn more. Perhaps this could be a start of something big.

Second, is the issue of losing weight.

Me, the I-don't-care-about-my-weight type person, is considering of losing the dreaded extra, extra, extra pounds I have accumulated through the years by enrolling in a gym, "treadmilling" on weekends and making use of our athletics day at work. Also included is harnessing my willpower to just say NO...to cakes and other sugary delights.

I don't let my weight get the best of me, however, my mother's side of the family has a negative health history, meaning cases of heart problems, diabetes and high blood. Recently, I noticed that I am feeling a slight pain in my left knee (or is it the right?). Quite alarming for someone is only 25 (YES, ONLY 25, take note). Also, the added fat causes me to have some hormonal imbalance...which I would rather not discuss in detail.

Since I am a non-believer of liposuction and other going under the knife techniques of losing weight, I am considering of doing everything THE HARD WAY. If I can only figure out when to start. And so, the battle for the bulge begins...

Third, is my masters.

This will be just short. I am glad to announce that I have completed 15 units or 1 year of my graduate education. Though I know there's a lot of work to be done, I am looking forward what this coming semester will feature. I am also working on how to balance both school, my new work and as I mentioned earlier, exercising.

***

I am looking forward to the long weekend this coming All Soul's/Saint's Day. We'll be marching to the cemetery to keep company our departed loved ones. Much has been going on within the family and I hope nothing unexpected or uncomfortable will happen. Oh well...