Eh-hum # 97

This is a bit late, but what the hell...

I had some ME time last Saturday. I went to the gym for the first time in 3 months. YES! I have paying the fees without getting anything in return...howell. Anyway, I stayed there for, uh, around 3 hours. I was running on the treadmill while watching HBO's Rome. Then I decided to do some work-out, which I felt the following morning. I'm a lazy person, however, its not that I hate going to the gym...its the actual commuting that is pretty, uh, tiring. If I lived next door to the gym, I wouldn't mind spending at least an hour exercising. No kidding.

Let me just say that I stayed for ONE hour on the treadmill because I was so engrossed with the series. Why, why, why didn't I decided to watch Rome before?! Maybe because I couldn't stay up that late since I usually wake up at 4:50 am, 5 times a week.

4:50 AM?! Am I insane? Hardly. Waking up that early has its perks. First, since I commute going to work (well, at least halfway), I don't mind walking under the sun because its not as hot. Second, traffic is still manageable, hence, I can take my time walking. Third, waking up early helps me plan the day ahead (I rarely wake up after 0730 on weekends). And fourth, when I get to work really early, I can do some serious Internet time. Bwahahahaha!

I am a morning person, hence I rarely stay up late at night. I usually get a headache when I sleep for less than 5 hours the night before. Also, when I am deprived of sleep, dark circles began to appear under my eyes (sad eyes).

This post is partially about sleeping, if you notice. Sleeping is a must. According to the essential National Geographic, through my sister, a person can DIE for not sleeping four days straight. Due to lack of rest, your brain begans to shut down, until it crashes. I am sure, not even the smartest brain can survive that. So, don't feel wierd if you value sleeping more than the others. Its not a sign that you're lazy (pero pwede rin), you're just promoting your body's best interest (palusot pa talaga).

Eh-hum # 96

In reference to Eh-hum # 95...


Katsuhiro Otomo's recent project...which I forgot to watch last 15 April...haayyy...


GITS 2: Innocence...cute ng doggie...hehe

Eh-hum # 95

Hehehe...long time, eh?

First of all, I'd like to thank those who greeted me a o tanjoubi omedeto gozaimasu last 12 April 2006. I'm already past my quarter life. But then, it hit me...I'm four years shy of being 30, which many say is the new 20. A friend of mine said that her "ideal age" would be 21 (already mature but still near her teens). To that, mine would be 23. I dunno why, really, but it sounds nice (labo).

I am an animation fan (huwag naman "cartoons", sounds childish...hehehehe). Yes, its true. Whether TV series or movies. But now, I am trying to watch many animation flicks as possible. And yes, I am referring to anime. I started watching anime since I was a kid; my favorites were Daimos and Candy Candy. When I got into highschool, it was Ranma 1/2. Imagine that.

But the turning point was when I first saw Nausicaa of the Valley of the Winds, the first full length anime by the highly respected Hayao Miyazaki. The movie was groundbreaking that it led to the establishment of the famous Studio Ghibli, the home studio of Miyazaki and his long time friend and colleague Isao Takahata (Grave of the Fireflies, Only Yesterday). I have managed to watch Miyazaki's other works, like the Academy Award Winning Spirited Away and Academy Award Nominated Howl's Moving Castle. But my favorite, aside from Nausicaa, is Mononoke Hime, which became one of the highest grossing movies in Japan (its popularity in the US led to the signing of the Disney-Tokuma deal). Now, we'll be looking forward to Ghibli's new film, Tales from Earthsea, directed by Goro Miyazaki. There are also other shorts.

Miyazaki and Ghibli's masterpieces will be always my favorite, but I would like to watch other works as well. One is Katsuhiro Otomo, best known for his 1988 creation, Akira. Compared to Miyazaki, Otomo's works are known to be more darker in nature. Another movie I want to watch is Ghost in the Shell: Innocence (already a sequal), shown during the 57th Cannes Film Festival Awards. It is directed by Mamoru Oishii and based on the manga by Masume Shirow. There is also a series based on the same name. Other anime movies I've seen were the ever popular Samurai X, The Vision Escaflowne and the very cool Cowboy Bebop. There are other titles out there, and obviously, I've merely scratched the surface.

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!

Eh-hum # 90

As if things couldn't get any worse, certain personalities/individuals try to make things more interesting by suggesting that the Military withdraw their support to their Commander in Chief.

(Former) Scout Ranger head honcho Brig General Danny Lim reportedly went to the office of AFP Chief of Staff Generoso Senga and tried to convince him that he and the rest of the military should join protes rallies and withdraw their support from the President. Because of this, Gen Senga placed BGen Lim under custody. Because of this, plus the rallies celebrating People Power I and demanding that the President should step down, President Arroyo issued Presidential Proclamation 1017, which placed the country under the "state of emergency" plus loyalty check among the armed forces. As expected, members of the opposition and other solons asserted that the 1017 is unconstitutional and are now finding means to discredit both the proclamation and the President.

Aside from this, the Marines (of the PN) protested yesterday after the relief of their Commander. Colonel Ariel Querubin, the leader of the protest, said he was acting to protest the relief of Marine commandant Major General Renato Miranda. Fortunately, the standoff ended without any more problems. The new Marine commandant, Brigadier General Nelson Allaga, announced the end of the standoff, saying “we will follow the chain of command; we will follow the Constitution and the duly constituted authority."

Last Friday, my mother asked me via phone what is the situation in Camp Aguinaldo, where I was working. Overall, it was peaceful, the tanks seen on TV was at the GHQ, which is like blocks away from my office. My parents were worried, but really, the media has this knack for transforming small issues into big headlines.

Eh-hum # 89

How did I celebrate Valentines Day?

By taking a leave from work and spending the whole day at school to study for my mid-terms. Nonetheless, it was our (kasambahay) Merly's birthday so it was all good. She treated us last Sunday: we had Tropical Hut goodies for dinner (black gulaman...YUM). As I said, it was all good.

***

I just realized that one year ago...I posted a post (duh) on Valentines Day...how the day was the "bane of singles everywhere...a reminder that they are (still) unattached". This includes me, of course. But as I have said before, this is not really that big a deal. Being my nerdy self, I even wrote information on the history of the holiday, including a link to a source (I forgot what site). BWAHAHAHAHA! Its actually funny, but at the same time weird.

Weird...I have come to realize (pagkatapos ko mag-munimuni) that my being single is cause by my preference not to be kikay...or taking the time to pretti-fy myself (hwehehe) to get noticed. Nowadays, I see how too kikay and frivilous some young girls to the point it becomes silly. What's more silly is that they do this not for themselves but for the "viewing pleasure" of the opposite sex. Growing up, I only look into the basics of neatness, not attempting to put make-up (confession: I actually do not know how) on or whatever.

On the other hand, I am somehow waiting the estrogen to kick-in seeing that I am too...uh, "nonchalant" about being a girl. I guess, it wouldn't kill me to be a lady every now and then...but then again...

Eh-hum # 88

Quiz muna before writing something serious/inspiring/funny...heheheh

Your Animal Personality

Your Power Animal: Eagle Animal You Were in a Past Life: Whale You are active, a challenger, and optimistic. Hard-working, you are always working towards a set goal.

The Animal Personality Test

Your Eyes Should Be Gray

Your eyes reflect: Intensity and drive What's hidden behind your eyes: A sensitive soul

What Color Should Your Eyes Be?

Eh-hum # 87

The stampede in ULTRA was a tragic event...but I though it was blown out of proportion when the government sponsored/created a fact finding inquiry on this. Also, I somehow anticipated that anti-GMA elements would be using the incident to their advantage, like saying the incident was caused by poverty and the governemnt's inability to deliver the masa's basic needs. Hmmm...maybe that's why they created the fact-finding body? Jeezzz.

Nonetheless, I was also shocked to hear DILG Undersecretary Marius Corpus' comment that the network treated the crowd as animals. Corpus apparently stated that "[the huge crowd that turned out for the show] was enticed and made to suffer all sorts of inconveniences and, in that sense, were exploited, manipulated, treated like animals" and "[offering only a few tickets to people who had lined up for days] was like throwing a small slice of meat to a hungry pack of wolves and that triggered the stampede" (quoted from the Philippine Star, date 08 February 2006). Okkkaaaaayyyy. This remark makes it clear that the DILG is so sure that the network is the only one liable for the incdent.

True enough, the network is responsible for the incident, whether they were unable to control the crowd or underestimated the number of people that would be lining up outside. However, my question to the DILG is this: while your fact-finding committee alleged that since Monday last week people were already lining up or perhaps affecting traffic, why did not the local government police of authorities (in Pasig) did not became active in securing the place prior to Saturday's event? Where's the initiative on their part to tell (or remind them) the network of the number of people already lining up? ABS-CBN is liable, but i think the DILG, especially the Pasig's leaders, also has some level of responsibility in controlling the growing crowd in ULTRA.

Moreover, while it is also inappropriate to say this, the reality is that people belonging to class D and E are not exactly the most open-minded among the Pinoy population. It's possible that they became unruly when they refuse to understand the situation that they cannot anymore get to see the show and earn some serious cash, which can be described as a limited good. Whoever made the first push, he or she or they were really bent on getting some of the limited goods offered by their show. It is sad to note that Filipinos are not the most disciplined of all peoples. To illustrate, perhaps only a percentage of the population actually use pedestrian lanes when crossing the streets, use the sidewalks, or follow the traffic rules. Being a MRT-rider, I am frustrated at how some of the commuters resort to pushing people out of their way (or pushing them into the train) in order to get a seat. Without discipline, the MRT is a haven for accidents. In other words, the selfishess and disregard for simple unwritten guidelines (like respect for others) has a lot to do with the ULTRA incident. This can happen anywhere, even at the MRT/LRT or at malls.

All I am saying is this...you can't really blame the whole thing on just one person or entity...many factors can come into play that led to the tragic incident. What I wish for people to become more responsible or at least realize that they could have done something but didn't. In this case, while there is really no point in feeling proud after announcing that "its their fault, not mine", what should be done is to help one another in order to alleviate the pain left by the incident.

***

Speaking of crowds...


What is this, a mass action in China? Nope, just students "lining up" to register for entrance examination at an art college.

Eh-hum # 86

You Are a Frappacino

At your best, you are: fun loving, sweet, and modern At your worst, you are: childish and over indulgent You drink coffee when: you're craving something sweet Your caffeine addiction level: low

What Kind of Coffee Are You?

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. ;)