Eh-hum # 287

Randomness:

1. Darna 2.0 in GMA 7 - an excuse for Marian Rivera to be in a bikini/two piece on a daily basis (really, forget the acting or the storyline).

2. Rosalinda also on GMA 7 - basically, the lead actress is Marian Rivera Version 2.0 (YAWN); her legit showbiz pedigree gone to waste.

3. Koreanoveles on both ABS-CBN, GMA - our local talents (writing) have lost their knack; Filipino television has been reduced to dubbing imported series and worse, making Filipino versions of said dramas.

Wala lang.

Eh-hum # 286

HAPPY, HAPPY 5th BIRTHDAY TO THE HENYO BLOG (on 29 June 09)!!!

What's a birthday celebration without KARAOKE/VIDEOKE?! So for your (our) enjoyment, please sing along with a moving rendition of that ultimate karaoke number, Total Eclipse of the Heart.

But wait, THERE'S MORE! This is not just any version of Bonnie Tyler's 80s hit, it's the LITERAL version that went viral just recently. Literal means the song is about the events in the music video. So, turn around bright eyes and get a load of this:

***

On a sadder note, the undisputed King of Pop died today at age 50. While his career was marred by erratic behavior, plastic surgeries and allegations of child abuse, Jackson will remain one of the most influential and talented entertainers of the 20th Century. Without a doubt, he was at his finest when performing his best songs and busting his best moves. And we shall remember him that way.

Michael Jackson

(1958-2009)

Eh-hum # 285

On the way to work today, I heared the radio ads by three Senators: Manny Villar, Mar Roxas and Loren Legarda. Among the three, Villar's had the most airtime (it was the longest). *Sigh* In the Philippines, it is never too early to start campaigning for the next national elections in 2010.

***

Methinks the most controversial issue to date is House Resolution 1109, or resolution passed at the Lower House calling for the convening of a constituent assembly (CON-ASS) to propose amendments to the Constitution without the Senate. According to the national dailies, the Supreme Court junked a petition submitted yesterday by "taxpayers" against the said resolution. The high-court called the petition premature and stating that proponents of the resolutions have yet to "perfom a positive act" (read: do anything substantial vis-a-vis CON-ASS) that would merit an intervention from the SC. True; it has been a waiting game of sorts since HR 1109 was approved.

For me, I have not seen anything concrete; perhaps that is why the rallies last week were not so popular (especially to annoyed Makati employees who had a hard time communiting), its more on noise rather than substance. Most of the time, we are left to speculate of what will the House solons (PGMA allies) will do next. According to the Speaker, they will convene after PGMA delivers her SONA next month. Personally, I am not as informed as the others on this whole CON-ASS issue; perhaps this is a good time for me (and most of the Filipinos) to study the moves of key politicians and read the dailies. As the SC ruling said, "It is not an open invitation for the ignorant and ignoble to file petitions that prove nothing but their cerebral deficit".

Hence, if we want our voices to be heard and our vigilance not wasted, our actions should be based on credible information and a good understanding of the issue at hand.

***

I was feeling under the weather last Sunday and yesterday. Because I went to school last Saturday, the first thing that came to mind was H1N1. I have the sniffles and am coughing a bit, but thank goodness I didn't have a fever. I am now on the road to recovery, thanks to countless glasses of pineapple juice and certain medications.

H1N1 can be fatal, but let us not forget that other equally (perhaps even more) dangerous disease, Dengue.

***

Good riddance to the circus that is the Hayden-Katrina Senate hearing (Great, another in-aid-of-legislation hearing gone to waste; did it help at all?). Please, let us forget about these two and tackle the issue of pronography/cybercrimes/cybersex rationally without the unnecessary drama. Moreover, please let a more credible politician handle this issue, rather than a notorious womanizer and sexist. Eh-hum.

Eh-hum # 284

Yesterday, my sister and I decided to spend time at the mall, by eating out, shopping and watching a movie. For the last item, we watched Terminator Salvation.

As you may have read, critics are divided with the movie. Moreover, many fans of the franchise did not like it because it lacked the triumvirate: James Cameron, Linda Hamilton (and her uber-cool one hand shotgun pump in T2) and the original Terminator, California's Governator. Well, Schwarzenegger, made a "cameo", but it wasn't really him, just his likeness. In addition, that was Hamilton in the tapes.

Well, for the record, I enjoyed it (for what it is). Though beautiful as he is, this is not Christian Bale's best performance. Thus, I give credit to Australian actor Sam Worthington (below) for giving the movie "heart".

After watching the film, I understood why Cameron handpicked him to be in T4 (he's the lead in Cameron's Avatar). Well, I don't know about you ladies, but I certainly don't mind seeing more of Sam in the future...hopefully mine. Eh-hum.

Eh-hum # 282

Geeez, I hope I won't get persecuted for this.  But this post was inspired by an article from an alpha blog and TIME.com.

Many women have expressed that they "love a man in uniform".  I wonder if "uniform" also includes a priest's habit.  The answer would be, more or less, a YES, especially if the said priest looks a lot like Ewan McGregor:

(Picture is a cropped version of an Angels and Demons wallpaper.)

If the answer to that question is also a YES, then we would have a difficult time concentrating in mass (or, we have now more reasons why we should attend mass).  Not bad, eh?  Well, these priests in their dapper habits (preferably McGregor) would not only inspire the faithful to wholeheartedly celebrate mass, it is possible for them to provide inspiration to a fashion collection.  

Silly, you say? Well, it already happened, courtesy of the "Heartthrob of the Vatican", Monsignor George Gaenswein, who reportedly inspired Donatella Versace's Spring 2007 collection.  And what does Ms. Versace say about her, uh, muse? Well, she confessed (eh-hum) that she found Father Gaenswein's "austerity very elegant".  FYI, Father Gaenswein is Pope Benedict XVI's personal secretary.  And as such, he gets to decide the Pope's activity for the day, accompany him in his travels, organize the Pope's schedule, etc.

Thanks to his tall, athletic frame and dirty-blond hair (and his clerical black uniform), the monsignor has attracted the attention of the Italian public, which includes the paparazzi.  Not bad, eh? Of course, he prefers the life behind the scenes. Well, with a nickname like "Bel Giorgo", that would be quite tricky.

*pictures from Time.com

Eh-hum # 281

Just two things:

1. CONGRATULATIONS to the Pambansang Kamao (National Fist) Manny Pacquaio for knocking out British Boxer (or brawler) Ricky Hatton on the 2nd Round. Read TIME article on PACMAN here.  So who's the "joke coach" now, Floyd Sr?

And on a more personal note;

2. R.I.P. to our Perdie, many thanks for your much appreciated doggy antics.

Eh-hum # 278

Sorry, am on vacation mode right now, so nothing much to share.

Except for this, which is really funny.

When worlds collide: comic Ricky Gervais and one of the greatest actors on stage and film, Sir Ian McKellen, in a brilliant scene from the series Extras. Sir Ian shares his acting secrets, using his role as Gandalf in LOTR as an example. Enjoy!

Eh-hum # 277

When worlds collide, part 2 series of 2009.

Yes, I thought it would be cool to feature videos (or pictures) of two or more personalities who you don't normally see together but when they do come together, the outcome would be extremely funny, entertaining and interesting.

Here, its UK comic hero Ricky Gervais and cute Sesame Street residence Elmo. Enjoy!

Eh-hum # 272

Another side to Alan Rickman, when not terrorizing certain students at Hogwarts. Plus, its a really lovely song from the UK band, Texas. Enjoy!

Eh-hum # 271

Cougars on the prowl and the last of the Spurmo(s)

Once you give a certain phenomenon a name, it becomes acceptable or at least less of a taboo to most people. One of which is the concept of a “cougar”. Of course, am not talking of the large exotic feline also referred to as a Mountain Lion, but close: women in their mid-30s (and beyond) who date younger men (10 years their junior usually).

Cougars, I mean, these ladies are literally on the prowl for, ehem, fresh meat. Well, I am not saying its wrong; women can date whoever they wish, as long they are of majority age (statutory rape should work both ways). But I find it all too confusing. I mean, why would an independent, successful and smart lady would date some eye candy whose mentality has not gone beyond college, bank account is virtually non-existent and foresight still under construction? Wouldn’t they be a liability rather than an asset? Could this be all about sex and not feeling one’s age? Isn’t it creepy that you and your teenage daughter have the same taste in guys?

Because how they are portrayed in the media, especially in the US’ entertainment industry, cougars are here to stay. I am sure they are couples out there who have the same set-up, but since they are not involved in the circus that is Hollywood, they are able to work out their differences without all that drama. Several weeks ago, my sister and I were figuring out who among the Philippine showbiz personalities fit the typical cougar category. “Kris Aquino?” I suggested. She made a face, “She has to have sex appeal”. Oh. Right. Sorry, Kris.

***

All this talk about feisty females brings me to another topic: Spurmo (what in God’s name are we doing to the English language?). Hmm. Without looking at the spelling, one could think we are talking about a man’s, uh, “boys” having the capacity to swim up the stream to meet their, uh, “date” and thus procreate. Wink, wink, nudge, nudge.

Yes and No, it is actually an acronym: “Straight, proud, unmarried male over 30” (well, it should’ve been called SPURMO 30, like a questionable household appliance). Characteristics of the archetypal Spurmo are as follows:

1. Checking out a woman means checking out if she has a wedding ring;
2. Your ex-girlfriends have “real” children to take care of (not men pretending to be boys);
3. You avoid the hot ladies in their early twenties because they tend to call you “tito”, “kuya”, or worse, “sir”;
4. Most of your earnings go to handsome sports car, car accessories, high-tech gadgets and other similar merchandise;
5. In your opinion, Cindy Crawford is still the best looking supermodel that ever lived;
6. In pop culture, Hannah Montana is still a child. Thus, you relate to her one-hit-wonder of a father; and
7. Recession has nothing to do with the economy, but with your hair.

The Spurmo is a single, successful fellow who does whatever he wants because he can pretty much support himself. Of course, there are some disadvantages, like being labeled as a “stud muffin”, being constantly set-up by your friends’ wives’ single girl friends, and dwindling number of serious drinking buddies since most of them are now family men. But do not fret; with dedication and hard work, you might end up being the local version of Hollywood’s alpha male and super spurmo, George Clooney. I said might.

(The topic on “spurmo” is taken from a local men’s magazine, MANUAL. This is what happens when your friendly neighborhood Starbucks ran out of more sensible reading material. But it was entertaining nonetheless).

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 # 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 # 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 # 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 # 248

Beaker is definitely one of my favorite Muppet characters. Here's why:



Enjoy!

Eh-hum # 247

It is still July, but I say it is never too early to prepare/share one's Christmas list (an annual thing for me, and possibly most bloggers out there).

But am not going to list all my needs (or wants) for 2008 in just one post, we'll do it one wish at a time for emphasis. This is in no particular order, everything has meaning and importance for moi.

Today, I pray to our Father in Heaven and to His loyal servants for this, rather, him:

Minus the wedding ring, of course.

Photo is from August 2008 issue of British GQ where hot thespian Christian Bale graces the cover. Just a thought: If you're a guy, do you want to be seen buying a GQ with a guy on the cover? So, is it really a men's magazine or more for women (eh-hum)? Wala lang. Heheh.

Eh-hum # 246

As I was saying...

This book is the scariest and most suspenseful that I have ever read.

And yet I couldn't put it down. Highly recommended.

Yun lang.

Eh-hum # 243

While waiting for the train this morning, I noticed a movie poster for Made of Honor right across from where I was standing.

Patrick Dempsey is handsome, no doubt about that, and his popularity will make it the movie, uh, popular among the ladies. However, the movie is like a male version of my Best Friend's Wedding, except the lead guy wins and gets the girl in the end. But I thought the groom was interesting as well, being Scottish and all. Hehehe.

I did not consult Wikipedia for the plot (which is obvious), but for the actor who plays the groom, Kevin McKidd. In the said poster, you can see only 1/3 of the groom's face, but I thought he looked awfully familiar, until I confirmed that it was indeed Lucius Vorenus in a tux.

If I were the girl in the story, I would be quite in a bind. So, the choice is yours ladies. Would you rather be "examined" by the charming, dreamy doctor or act out any scene from Rome with a tough and principled centurion (complete with costume)?

*This post is brougt to you by (my wish to purchase) the DVD set of the HBO series Rome. Thank you.