Eh-hum # 263

Will keep this simple and short since many blogs and websites have already discussed in detail the stunning win of Senator and now President-elect Barack Obama. I (and amazingly, so is the rest of the world) am so pleased with the results that I just had to dedicate one post to this historic event. The results have changed not only US politics, but also the world's perception on the US. Most countries believed that the US' foreign policy will improve once Obama becomes the 44th President of the USA.

I tuned in when soon-to-be-President Obama gave his victory speech. As usual, he was intelligent and eloquent; his words compelling and not too, uh, florid (in my opinion anyway). He was obviously humbled by his victory, giving credit to the people who have supported his campaign (family, friends and his constituents). He has nothing but praise and kind words to his rival, Senator John McCain (who graciously accepted his defeat) and with good grace reached out to the Republicans.

What I also found overwhelming were/are the voters, especially the African-Americans (images of Rev Jesse Jackson and Oprah Winfrey weeping unapologetically were really moving). Indeed, Obama's win signified that yes, anyone qualified and regardless of race can become the next commander-in-chief (makes sense since the US is a melting pot of diverse backgrounds). Nice to know that leadership has nothing to do with race.

Now comes the hard part: Obama to prove himself worthy of the highest position in the land.

Abangan!

***

UPDATE! Found the picture below while surfing (note: I cited the website where I found it, not sure if its the original source). Really cool, must share it.

Eh-hum # 262

Whew! Finally submited my paper last week, just in time for the break courtesy of the annual undas.

My mother hosted a dinner for the family on the 31st. It was fun watching my younger cousins huddle together and talk about college life (O-M-G! I am THAT old already) and other stuffs that young people in their early 20s and/or late teens talk about. Meanwhile, me and my sister decided to sing (rather, melodiously shout) a couple of 80's/90's karaoke hits. She also attempted to play with our three-year old nephew (rather, first cousin once removed), but what they had was a failure to communicate (he insisted on playing "Thomas the Train" with his own rules, meaning disregarding the stop/go signs my sister diplomatically explained to him. Awww, kids and their tendency to challenge authority). And then, my immediate family and I went to the cemetary yesterday and offered prayers for our departed loved ones.

And now, our attention turns to Christmas.

***

After submitting the paper online, I suddenly found myself with a lot of free time. My brother, using his power of persuasion, asked me to help him with a book report. Now, I am reading Arundhati Roy's The God of Small Things. Its not an easy read, but so far very interesting (I am half-way done).

I should spend all of this time wisely, which will be quite a challenge. But what motivates me are the advantages of a MA degree and the realization of my future plans. So I should get on with it and take things more seriously than usual. So, a partial list:

1. My SSS account;
2. Enrolment this Friday;
3. Acquire list of readings in preparation for my Comprehensive exams next summer;
4. Organize my readings for my thesis;
5. Review my nihonggo; and
6. Work for additional income.

Eh-hum!

***

ALRIGHT! Tomorrow, the United States will decide who will be leading their country after W. The rest of the world can only watch and pray. Abangan!

Eh-hum # 261

This pretty much sums it up:



Really LOL funny. *sigh* But I prefer SNL when it had Tina Fey and Will Ferrell on it at a regular basis.

Eh-hum # 260

Bwahahaha. Yesterday, I laughed most part of the morning and all evening.

Accompanied benjotheman to the department store to purchase a few shorts and some socks for his overnight stay in a beach resort in Batangas (he left around 1:30 am today and will be back tomorrow afternoon). The said trip to the mall was hardly an adventure, but his impressive impersonation of his marketing professor (Are you insane?! Are you desparate?!) made the simple errand very enjoyable. The mall wasn't teeming with people yet so I doubt if my unabashed mirth disturbed anybody. Couldn't care less, really.

Later that evening, I was in a different mall enjoying a hearty pseudo-Japanese meal (gyoza and fried rice) with a small group of friends: one of my highschool/college barkada, my former boss and two former officemates. Talking about our misadventures at work left us gasping for air and teary-eyed. Of course, there was some serious moments, when our respective plans for the future dominated the conversation. It was, to say the least, a riot of an evening. It was a pity that we had to adjourn at around 22:00 to catch the train home. Nonetheless, I look forward to more of these soon.

***

So, what did I do in between (still staying at the mall). Well, I spent lunch and the early afternoon trying to figure out a concept for my final paper, which I promised to submit on or before Wednesday next week. I hope to submit a good one because my professor was kind enough not to give me a failing mark.

For the first time in the history of my grad school life, I have an INC grade (my idea). I am not proud of this and my rather dismal performance during the first semester really caught me off-guard. This is primarily (nudge, nudge, wink, wink) why I decided to resign: for the longest time, my studies played second fiddle to my work.

As I've mentioned before, I need this degree to move forward, professionally and personally. I was skeptical at first, but since I am thisclose to taking my comprehensive exam and writing my thesis, I became more comfortable with the decision to prioritize my MA. But of course, working part-time is not out of the picture since earning a little money on the side wouldn't hurt. Hehehe.

Eh-hum # 259

Look what I found in YouTube (talk about a major trip down memory lane):



Its just one of the opening sequences of this crazy Canadian comedy sketch show for kids. I remembered watching this on Nickelodeon and LMAO.

Seriously.

Eh-hum # 258

And now, a word from the man:

"I'm conscious, as ever, that a lot of water has flown under the bridge since my last message. Since then I've been working hard at an edit of my Diaries 1980 -1988 in time for publication next year, whilst watching Archie grow up and trying to come to terms with my identity theft by a hockey mum in Alaska. And no, Sarah Palin is not my sister, daughter or alias. And I'm Sahara Palin not Sarah." (Read the rest of it here)

Damn straight! No way can he be related to Ms. Sarah "I-can-see-Russia-from-my-house" Palin, especially she was born as Sarah Heath. Yes, we should be looking at the husband. But he's not running for VP, is he? Hehehe, sorry, just like to point that out.

***

In other news, I have decided to prioritize my studies over work. Its going to be challenging for me to do this full time since I REALLY like earning some serious dough (I have a lot of stuffs I wanted to buy). Then again, I have to move forward professionally and I can't be a staff forever. I am optimistic that my MA degree would help me secure a better job and open other doors/opportunities both here and abroad (eh-hum). Time is of the essence and I have to accomplish this by 2010.

Gambatte Kudasai!

***

Neil Gaiman's The Graveyard Book is ALREADY OUT! And as far as I know, only one bookstore in Metro Manila has copies. Excuse me, I need to make a phone call.

Eh-hum # 257

Two articles on the much contested and yet approved Reproductive Health Bill, but different sets of opinions/POVs.

In the Philippine Star: "Albay Rep. Edcel Lagman, principal author of the Reproductive Health (RH) Bill, said yesterday support for the measure has been growing among members of the House of Representatives and the public at large."

Meanwhile, according to the Philippine Daily Inquirer: "A survey of a Catholic Church-owned radio station shows majority of congressmen are opposed to the proposed reproductive health bill, which would promote artificial contraceptives."

Hmmm, interesting to note that both sides believed they are winning the argument of whether or not the Filipinos should be wary of using contraceptives to tackle, among other things, population control.  Am sure you are familiar with this issue, so I won't be discussing specifics here.  Just for the record, I support the passage of this bill. And yes, I am Catholic.  So, what gives?

Well, I am generally pro-choice (but for the record, I am against abortion) and quite a practical person, so I don't find anything wrong with family planning via artificial means.  Its really a matter of choice.  With the economic conditions of the country, it would be understandable for couples to seriously think about the well-being of their children and future of their families.  If they feel that they need to use contraceptives, then so be it.  For me, it would be a greater sin if the parents miserably fail to properly feed their children or send them to school because their income is not enough to cover every child.   If and when the bill is passed, it's not the end of the world; it will ultimately be the parents' choice whether to use artificial and natural means to deal with reproductive issues.

Yun lamang.

Eh-hum # 256

Found this picture quite interesting: A priest blesses an armored vehicle during Russian army exercises at the Donguz military training range in Orenburg, Russia.

I was tempted to place a caption of my own, but decided not to thinking others may not find it funny. Eh-hum.

Eh-hum # 255

WARNING: This is another post about books.

Please excuse my perceptible enthusiasm; it is only recently (particularly when I was in Japan) that I have reawakened my love for books, a keenness I developed when I was younger. I am trying to allot more time (not to mention money) for reading. I think its a good way to get your mind off the mundane things that plagues one's day to day activities. When boredom creeps in and you really don't have the energy to organize for a friendly get together, just grab a book for entertainment and even learning. Its not so bad, really.

***

So, yesterday I took a break from work-related stuffs and stumbled upon an online article from TIME. It caught my attention because it was about the ten (10) most challenged books of all time.

And I am proud to say, I have read three of these so-called banned books (thanks to my sister for providing me these; it pays to know someone very familiar with the best literary works):



1) Nineteen Eighty-Four – George Orwell
2) The Catcher in the Rye - J.D. Salinger
3) Lolita - Vladimir Nabokov

Nineteen Eighty-Four is actually a favorite of mine since its message remains significant up to now (BIG BROTHER IS WATCHING YOU). Vulgar language, sexual references among other things made The Catcher in the Rye notorious, but I thought emphasis on the lead character rather than the plot was engaging. Finally, it was curiosity that led me to Lolita. It would be natural to despise Humbert for eerily obsessing over what he calls "nymphets". But the book does not support pedophilia, since Humbert's actions led to his demise.

The other seven controversial works are as follows:

4) Candide - Voltaire
5) The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn - Mark Twain
6) Brave New World - Aldous Huxley
7) I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings - Maya Angelou
8) The Anarchist Cookbook - William Powell
9) The Satanic Verses - Salman Rushdie
10) Harry Potter Series - J.K. Rowling

Numbers 5 and 10 seem to have wandered in the wrong list. However, Twain's book was banned for its coarse language (using slang as demeaning and damaging), not to mention the touchy subject of slavery. Ernest Heminghway thought it was brilliant, but Little Women's Louisa May Alcott criticized Twain for writing it. Meanwhile, the books on the boy wizard were described by a group of parents in Maine as "promoting violence, witchcraft and devil-worship." Huh, imagine that. Anyway, I hope to read the very, the super, and without a doubt infamous The Satanic Verses. It would be quite a challenge to get a hold of a copy, given the reaction of the Muslim community to the book and to its author.

***

Update: I lied. I just finished reading Michael Palin's New Europe and I must say I enjoyed visiting selected countries in Eastern Europe from the comfort of my home. However, I am sure it would be thrilling to actually be there.

Love the photographs by Basil Pao and Palin's writing style, which demonstrates his intelligence and humor. The book, and the documentary it was based on, is not only about the historical places, but also about the people that keeps the history alive. Palin describes the sights and sounds of each city he visits with depth that you can almost see and hear it. I also appreciate the questions raised to the interviewees regarding their views on the state of their countries before and after the Communist years and their expectations of the future with an extended European Union. Well, you have to buy the book to find out. (Note: after reading it, I wanted to check my notes on Europeanization from my International Policy class back at Kobe University. Yes, there is such an area of study; I am proud to say I got an A in that class).

A good read indeed. Now, I am seriously considering of purchasing his other travel books (or better yet, the audio edition of the books). Eh-hum, lapit na pasko mga mahal kong kaibigan.

Eh-hum # 254

Something to inspire us all (especially now with the problems the world is facing; let's not forget how blessed we are to be alive):



Feel free to sing along. ;) Indeed, this will never get old.

Eh-hum # 253

I went to school today hoping for some good news regarding my survey/Stat assignment. Unfortunately, things did not went according to plan so I have to make some adjustments in my schedule to meet my requirements for this semester. This is important because:

1. I have to maintain a certain grade (praying for at least a B-); and
2. This is my only subject for the semester, thus it would be extremely embarrassing if I fail (a big IF! Eh-hum).

Dear Lord...

***


This calls for some retail therapy. And I am very pleased I found this in my preferred bookstore:

Hard cover and less than a thousand pesos, very good indeed (of course am biased since its written by my favorite Python). The book is a, uh, book version of Mr Palin's latest adventure in what he describes as the "New" Europe (a discovery of the Europe he haven't explored, thanks to the Cold War). I have read the introduction and seen the initial photos (courtesy of Basil Pao). I must say, I am looking forward to finishing the rest of it (in due time, because I am still busy with my second Umberto Eco novel). Examining the book reminded me of my other dream job (next to Pixar animator): professional traveller/ adventure host, like Ian Wright (or Michael Palin in this case).

Wouldn't it be cool to travel the world for a living (and have the network pay for everything)? So many places to visit, cultures to experience, people to meet and food to taste. But of course, we will not be restricted to tourist destinations and fancy restaurants ala Lifestyle Network (which are not bad, by the way); I am talking about the travel shows in Discovery Channel and National Geographic Channel. Quite difficult since there will be situations wherein you will be forced to step out of your comfort zone (e.g. whacked-out bodily functions, near death experiences, exotic illnesses, custom officials); but I guess these challenges make the exploring and the travelling much more interesting, fulfilling, and life-changing.

But if I am bent on becoming an effective explorer and adventure host, I should learn/develop the following:

1. Learn to swim, or else will be forced to totally ignore places near coastlines and large bodies of water;
2. Develop one's immune system or resistance. Effective when you make your way through rainforests, mosquito infested areas and survive winter;
3. Travel light, or develop a strategy to cram everything you need in just one big back pack;
4. Work on my weak constitutions. To date, the only thing I ever eaten that's considered icky by many is an underaged chick in balut. I remembered trying not to smile after eating it for fear that the chick's feathers were still lodged between my teeth;
5. Nerves of steel, related to number 4. Useful when you ran out of tissue paper, or don't have a proper lavatory to begin with;
6. Map reading;
7. How to assemble a tent;
8. Hunting or food gathering skills (when push comes to shove);
9. Writing skills and a vast knowledge of adjectives, etc. (for good, impressive and share-worthy notes);
10. High tolerance for alchohol. Comes in handy in case a tribal chief force gallons of their nasty local liquor down your throat; and
11. Patience

Eh-hum.

Eh-hum # 252

I was passing by Gateway the other day and a promo lady (for lack of a better term) gave me a Survivor Philippines button pin. It got me thinking...eh-hum.

Philippine television airwaves are flooded not only with telenovelas (local, Korean and Mexican/Puerto Rican), but with imported reality tv shows and concepts. When reality shows first invaded normal TV programming, they were, in fairness, good. I distinctly remembered watching and enjoying Mark Burnett's adventure race show entitled Eco Challenge. The first seasons of the original Survivor were enjoyable, my favorite being Survivor: Africa.

Nowadays, reality tv shows (especially those centering on dating, that encourages catfights, etc.) shown in cable are poor quality and looks fake (meaning the producers deliberately create scenarios for the "contestants" to create controversies; the editing also misleads audience; more of a contest than a show about real life), which makes the reality tv tag a misnomer. I mean, I doubt if networks are really interested in investigating the complex facets of human nature.

In the Philippines, reality tv served another purpose: to find new talent. And judging from the tarp I saw while riding at the MRT, our version of Survivor aims to find that lucky guy and lucky girl to be the next Sam Milby, Kim Chu, Gerard Anderson, etc, etc. If the contestants are cute and pretty enough (not necessarily talented enough), they might get an offer from GMA, the network producing the show.

Aaahhh, yes. If you want to join Philippine show business, join a reality show. That's the message I've been getting. Well, it worked for the Pinoy Big Brother contestants as mentioned above. Whatever happened to doing things old school? Like joining school plays/theater groups for experience, attending workshops, auditioning first for supporting roles then working your way up. In order words, really working hard for it. Oh well.

Eh-hum # 251

1. My simple take on the race to the White House:

“Tina Fey with a moose gun”

That’s one way of describing Alaskan Governor and Vice Presidential hopeful for the Republicans, Sarah Palin. Although, I am not sure if both ladies found the depiction amusing, I sure did (by the way, found it in Mr. John Nery’s opinion column for the Philippine Daily Inquirer, September 9, 2008).

Many have expressed concern for Barack Obama’s inexperience for the US presidency. Well, their fears are not unsubstantiated; the most powerful leader in the world would also have to muster a great deal of political will, discretion and acumen in order to handle challenges and tribulations within and outside the US. Experience would direct the US commander-in-chief towards the best and feasible decision for US interests. Experience is necessary, but a lot of it does not necessarily make one an effective leader. The future US president should also be tolerant and earnest.

Between the two, Obama would be more of the last point. Moreover, I think he is more capable bringing people together, regardless of race (“there is no Black America, or White America; there is only the United States of America). No offense to John McCain, he is what we call in Philippine politics as “trapo”, or traditional politician. McCain has the experience, but I doubt he can convince people that he is significantly different from Bush. And unfortunately his running mate, pretty and likeable as she is, is not free from criticisms. Palin’s acceptance speech at the recently held Republican National Convention brought the house down, but it became a target due to some inconsistencies. Then there’s the issue of Palin’s 17-year-old pregnant, unwed daughter, which is said to be opposed to the Republicans’ policy on family values (being underage, unmarried and pregnant, I mean).

The government is not made up one person. While the head honcho (President) would have to have the determination to pursue policies that would be beneficial (even though unpopular at the beginning), he or she would be supported by experts on areas of public service. Obama may not have a thick record of governments he has run, but he has the vision and strategy. To achieve this, he and his “chosen ones” would have to work smart and work hard. And guess what, the Americans would also have to lend him a hand (remember what the late JFK said: “Ask not what the country can do for you, but what you can do for your country”).

I may be called naïve for choosing Obama over McCain, but in these trying times, it wouldn’t hurt to be sanguine; how else are you going to move forward? The challenge now for Obama is to put in detail his promise to the American people and to attest once and for all that he is more than just stirring rhetoric.

Yes, if I am able to do so, will vote Democrat.

2. On Pinoy movies

EH-HUM!!!! Let me congratulate KC Concepcion and Richard Gutierrez for the success of their movie, For the First Time. Its performance at the box office proved the following (and perhaps more, feel free to add):

a. Majority of the Filipinos are hopeless romantics;

b. Movies with titles based on love songs/ballads will do well (we have shortage on quality movie titles);

c. Majority of our films are vehicle for young stars. Or, its all about the actors/love teams, the story plays second fiddle. Or, nevermind if the story's crap as long as you have the kilig factor going on;

d. Casting (in general) needs improvement;

e. Romance, in movies, only involves beautiful people; and

f. We should really, truly, and indubitably support Pinoy indie films.

Wonder if GMA Films will provide a different approach. Oh wait, the second KC-Richard flick will be shown on Valentines' Day next year. Eh-hum.

Eh-hum # 250

I am so in love with Michael Palin that it is almost laughable. But I guess most Monty Python fans would choose Palin as their favorite, or at least the next favorite after John Cleese (who is familiar to non-Python people). And why not? Anybody who has ever watched the Python’s sketches would agree with me that Palin is not only funny (duh), but extremely charming with a smile that could light up a whole city (see picture above). Plus, he giggles easily, which makes him more adorable, albeit he is now in his 60s:


Yes! I am a new Monty Python fan, and I am proud to admit it (better late than never). The name I’ve heard before, but what they were exactly was totally beyond me. And thank God for YouTube, which shall serve as my primary source for classic Python sketches and movies, until I am able to fruitfully track down their DVDs on this side of the world. Or at least, until I am able to convince my cousins based abroad to send me the precious cargo without any charge…that’s what relatives in the US are for…BWAHAHAH.

For non-believers, Monty Python refers to a British comedy group composed primarily of six men: Cleese, Palin, Graham Chapman, Terry Jones, Eric Idle and Terry Gilliam. The group perform sketches on television and on stage that range from the very sardonic to the very silly; some lampoon facets of society (religion, government) and others without any bearing at all (just for the heck of it). It can be offensive, but hey, this is comedy, deal with it. Comedy is something I really enjoy and I prefer it over romance and definitely horror (the monster, ghostly kind).

Many comedians of today consider the Pythons as inspiration; one of these is Eddie Izzard. They can be regarded as the forerunner of today’s Saturday Night Live (SNL) or Mad TV, with the humor more dry and stylish. Moreover, I noticed that they don’t do impressions very often, or have celebrities host their show like their American counterparts. Aside from their TV show (Monty Python's Flying Circus), they also have three (or four) critically acclaimed movies under their belts. Many critics regard their materials to be very sharp and the Pythons are said to be proud of the research they do when writing their scripts.

Unfortunately, the group went their separate ways in the late 1970s/early 1980s. More bad news was the untimely death of Chapman in 1989 . Even though one member is missing and the group now successfully working as individuals, Monty Python lives on for the benefit of the new generation. Their skits, catchphrases and songs will be enjoyed for the years to come and we credit the tech-savvy fans for that.

I cannot tell you how I enjoy watching their sketches and I do have a few of my favorites. For your viewing pleasure, we have Palin (ehem) and Cleese perform live the legendary “Dead Parrot” sketch. Watch Palin lose focus after Cleese delivers the memorable "pining for the fjords" line.

Eh-hum # 249

Updates and stories before August 2008 ends:

1. “And there it is”.

I just finished watching (in YouTube, ehem) the Academy Award-winning 1984 film (including Best Actor, Best Director and Best Film/Picture) Amadeus, directed by Milos Forman and based on Peter Shaffer’s stage play of the same name. The movie (and the play) was bases very loosely on the lives of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and Antonio Salieri, two composers in Vienna during the reign of Austrian Emperor Joseph II. Mozart was portrayed as a coarse, spoiled, childish yet immensely brilliant composer and Salieri as a God-fearing, naïve man whose musical talent pales in comparison to Mozart. Mozart’s genius and his unconscious tendency to repeatedly belittle Salieri’s work caused the latter to question his faith, since he came to believe that God, through Mozart, is cruelly laughing at his mediocrity.

While Salieri plots to get rid of his enemy and rival, Mozart’s owns tribulations affects his life as a supposed celebrated composer in Vienna (his animosity with the Italians in the Emperor’s court, the initial reception to his original music, the constant partying, the death of his father Leopold, etc). He only finds solace in the arms of his wife Constanze and his son, Wolfgang. Salieri uses Mozart’s financial problems to his advantage and found the means to pressure a sickly and stressed-out Mozart to write the Requiem Mass in D Minor. Once the requiem is completed, he plans to kill Mozart and take credit for the requiem mass. In the end, Mozart died and never got to finish probably his greatest work. Salieri never got his hands on the requiem, because Constanze was able to lock the manuscript away. Salieri through his old age was haunted by Mozart’s brilliance that survived the test of time. His guilt caused him to spend his last days in a lunatic asylum.

Again, the film was loosely based on the lives of Mozart and Salieri. Though the fictional liberties were annoying at times, I liked how they depicted Mozart as a rock star and Salieri’s transition from a pious to a vengeful man. The actors were inspiring as well: Tom Hulce (Mozart) and F. Murray Abraham (Salieri) were both nominated for an Academy Award for the same category, but Abraham won in the end. A must see for movie buffs indeed. Oh yeah, you have to watch the movie to know which character said the line above.

NOTE: Dear Lord, hopefully my friends will read this post and consider giving me a DVD of Amadeus (Director's Cut). Thank you. Amen.

2. Went to Cebu and Bohol. 70% work, 30% vacation. It was good, save for a storm that followed me back to Manila. And I am not talking about the kind that begins as a low pressure area off shore. But who cares?

3. Aaarrggghhh. I did not catch ONE SINGLE GAME of the Redeem Team in the recently concluded Beijing Olympics. Sayang! I was hoping to catch the guys in action. And am sure that game with Spain was exciting as hell!

4. I am on my second Umberto Eco novel, entitled Baudolino. The first one I read was the critically acclaimed The Name of the Rose (which has a movie version starring Sean Connery and Christian Slater), an intellectual mystery that combines biblical fiction, medieval studies, literary theory and semiotics in fiction. Lately I found myself interested in the middle-ages, particularly the fall of the Roman Empire. Though this is fiction, it has basis in historical events, and I don’t mind learning this way. I plan to buy Eco’s works; I think it’s worth it.

5. Had a serious Jolibee craving the other day and had breakfast and dinner at two separate restaurants. Happy 15th (?) Birthday to Jolibee Katipunan. Also, quite glad that the Amazing Aloha is back.

6. And a picture of the beautiful Gael Garcia Bernal.

Wala lang.