For my 100th post, I’ve decided to write on a couple of topics:
On Man’s Best FriendUnfortunately, our Pongo’s health is deteriorating. We are not considering of putting him to sleep; we would rather make things comfortable for him until he “retires”.
On the bright side, my parents decided to buy two 4-month old Labrador cross bred pups; male and female. Named Buster and Chile, they are the new additions to our family. Prior to that, we’ve also adopted a small mongrel puppy; we named him George (thought it was a rather weird name for a dog, but my mom suggested it). So all in all, we have 7 dogs.
On The Da Vinci CodeHaven’t seen the movie, but already read the book. The controversy surrounding the
Dan Brown’s novel made the movie a must see. In the Philippines, some religious groups and members of the Catholic Church wanted it banned; the MTRCB was “generous” and gave it a R-18 rating (but not all malls opted to screen it, like SM).
Debates on the movie’s/novel’s accounts on the life of the Jesus Christ and depiction of the group Opus Dei (among others), worked wonders for its publicity, and having it banned in the country would be a so not a good idea.
I doubt the movie will reap critical acclaim, but it deserves to be shown. I truly believe that if the foundation of your Faith is solid, it would take more than a Hollywood film to overwhelm it. People seem to have forgotten the difference between reel life and real life.
Again, I’ve read the book; Its fast paced and the discussions on the Da Vinci’s works were interesting (the deal behind that infamous smile). But, it is nothing more than an entertaining piece of work, hardly a candidate for a Pulitzer. People should lighten up, really.
On China’s Military BuildupAt work, a well-respected military historian expressed that China is a power within ASPAC region, the country’s economic performance is impressive and so its advanced weapons system.
As expected, the US is not happy. The world’s superpower proclaims that China’s military build-up
“could throw off the balance of power in Asia and threaten other countries in the region”, particularly the so-called renegade Chinese province, Taiwan.
While 2005 marks 30 years of RP-China relations, China’s rapid military buildup plus its maritime ambitions in the South China Sea are potential threats to Philippines, whether territorial integrity or environmental and human security.
Nonetheless, China’s decision to beef up its armed forces could be a response to US’ enduring presence in ASPAC and other non-state threats, like terrorism. Moreover, China insists on pursuing a national defense policy defensive in nature and recognizes that a modernized military plays a greater role in its national security.
Whatever they assert, we can be sure the US will be watching their every move.
On BrangelinaEver since they were seen together in a Kenyan resort months ago, the paparazzi has relentlessly hounded the couple and their children. Protected by the Namibian government,
the Jolie-Pitt brood is enjoying their privacy while reaching out to the locals and waiting for the arrival of the couple's first baby (due like any moment now).
Just in case you haven’t heard (or refuse to admit it since you belong to “Team Aniston”), the couple, especially Angelina, have been involved in placing Africa’s concerns (education for its children, AIDS, etc.) on the map. Rumor-loving people would love to dig in to the circumstances that led them to be together, and the Pitt-Aniston divorce. To be honest, when I first heard Pitt and Aniston were an item, I was disappointed; I thought she was too plain for him. However, it would be wrong to say it was okay that Brad hooked up with Angelina prior to his divorce. But since this is Hollywood, these things shouldn't surprise us.
On Post-Graduate StudiesI thought an MA would be enough. But a
friend’s decision to pursue a doctoral degree made me consider of taking one too. If I decided to do so, I (ideally) should be a full time student and studying in another country. I am thinking of taking a Ph D in Political Science or on the Environment. Hmmm…it’s still on the works.
And there you have it, my 100th post. Thanks for reading!
