Photo Review: What do you get when you cross Manny Pacquiao and 50 cent?

Photograph by Jason Tablante (http://takemondays.blogspot.com)

(I'm stunned and speechless)

RATING: 10 out 10

"If you think you've seen it all, think again." -Anonymous

A discreet shout-out... (Not a review)

This is to my beloved cousin who likes her socks red and her meat white (both in terms of food and the other carnal desire)...

Just wanted to know how you are...

I miss you.

I hope you're still there...

Film Review: Peter Jackson does it again!

King Kong (2005)

Starring:

Naomi Watts as Ann Darrow (2003 Best Actress Nominee in 21 Grams)
Jack Black as Carl Denham
Adrian Brody as Jack Driscoll (2002 Best Actor in The Pianist)

Directed by:

Peter Jackson (2003 Best Director in Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King)

Disclaimer: I don't remember seeing the original picture from 1933 or 1976, even if my parents insist that I did on betamax*. So when I saw this insane film, I had nothing to compare it to.

*this was the prehistoric, neanderthal, primitive version of home video

This film almost drove me off the edge of my seat in the theater. The film was so intense, I felt detached from the real world making me do things I wouldn't normally do. For example, I didn't feel my bladder almost exploding because everything from the waist up was fixed on the screen. I also didn't feel the person in front of me discreetly, yet clearly, complain that my foot was uncomfortably pushing his seat to a point wherein he just reached back and brushed my shoe away. (Apologies to that man.)

Peter Jackson created a film that would rival the madness that swept the land when Jurassic Park came out. A film that wasn't acting nor story driven, but driven by execution or in simpler words: perfect direction.

Facing facts, everyone knew what would happen in the end and how their faces would be like. The challenge was how to build the audience into that climax and make them feel the whole 3-hour ride was well worth it. Peter Jackson created an intense car ride/ boat ride/ safari/ Empire State Building tour that made his audience scream, cringe, laugh, cry and, which I believe is the most difficult, stare in complete silence giving away all their attention for a few moments in a story they believed they were actually part of.

Another highlight of King Kong is how Jackson made the relationship of Ann Darrow and the gorilla unique and, above all, realistic. Research show that during the past movies, a romantic love-type relationship was established between the 2 characters, (blech!) which if done today would create skepticism due to its simply being unrealistic.

But Jackson gave it a much better approach: he made it real. As shown in the film Fierce Creatures starring Jamie Lee Curtis and Kevin Kline, certain connections or bonds can actually exist between the animal kingdom and their human counterparts. Bonds that not necessarily involve romantic, or in some actual disgusting cases, sexual implications. But more of a coexisting type; one between pet and owner or companion to companion.

And Jackson channeled this idea quite well in the film eliminating any bad skepticism from his audience, all 5 billion of them!

Other than those observations, I leave the rest to be seen and experienced by you. King Kong is roller coaster ride truly worth being seen.

Congratulations to a fantastic job on remaking a legendary story.

Warning: You will never look at insects the same way again. Ever.

RATING: 8 out of 10

"It is our wits that make us men." - Randall Wallace, Braveheart

Event Review: Sweeter the Second Time Around...

Wine and Cheese II: The Return of Mr. R.

Date: December 10, 2005

Guess who wasn't there...

The first Wine and Cheese was a success and a memorable one at that. It happened last June of this year when blogging was not yet a habit and Rich was still my roommate. There were flowers, there was wine and, of course, there were the competing suits.

Now may I present the gentlemen of Wine and Cheese II:

War, Lac, Lauch, Tom and moi. (Sorry to RJ and Cry who didn't have solo pictures.)

And our loveley dates:

Tet, Jamilla, Janice (that's RJ over there) and Aine

(Sorry to Chrissie, Warren's date)

But of course, who said we can't improvise?

(Again, apologies to the camera-shy Cry)

The night was fun-filled and exciting. Even though this event wasn't as well planned as last time due to the lack of time and the fact that the location was only confirmed the NIGHT before, the over-all assessment was pretty good by its attendees.

A memorable compliment was from Jamilla who said, "Aren't you guys sweet?" as she walked in the rose-infested condominium, which is an expected reaction from the ladies as they percieve that guys of today are completely incapable of cheesy* stuff. Well, like I always say, if you can't give them enough cheese, put some wine with it to add some unexected flavor.

*do refer to my comments on cheesy stuff in my blog profile

18 bottles of wine were purchased for that night. Only 2 and a half survived. (With 11 people that should be considered good) So imagine the laughter, wholesome anecdotes, and various reactions (ranging from violent to just plain nothing) to the announcement of the Pinoy Big Brother winner that night! (Yes, we had to find out...)

Of course, how can we leave out the food? A whole shopping cart of cheese, sausages, hot dogs, ham, vegetables, fruits and chips joined us that night. To the rest, the most memorable part for the food would be the taste and how scrumptious it was. To Aine and I, (or maybe just me) it would be using a peeler to skin vegetables (my first time), the chopping board, the lesson of cutting sausages diagonally and not straight, how Quezo de Bola is the weirdest cheese on the planet (fantastic taste though) and various other tidbits about food I have never encountered in the 24 years of my life. The last time I was in the kitchen was to fix my maid's television set because they weren't getting a clear signal, so imagine my experience. But the food, (as approved by Tom's thumbs up) without any bias whatsoever, was great!

Yeah!

Kudos to Jason Tablante (http://www.jaytablante.com) for gracing us with his presence and taking the nice photographs in spite of his busy schedule. Better late than never!

Jason is the puckered-up guy with Tom and I

So this was Wine and Cheese II: The Return of Mr. R. Our close friend Ramon returned from his 2-month trip to Chicago 3 days before the event and this was to celebrate his being back. You might ask,"Why isn't he here?" The answer to that, as the saying goes, is for us to know and for the rest of the world to find out. Haha!

So in the end, after the intoxication of something other than the traditional San Miguel beers, the devouring of cheese and sausages rivaling that of a third world country and a crammed up preparation which was thought to fail, the ultimate question is: was it all worth it?

I think it was.

RATING: (none)

-"Tom! Wine and Cheese na 'to!"

-"Aba! Wine not?" -Tom and John on planning Wine and Cheese II

Basketball Game Review: Tsk...tsk...

Ateneo vs. La Salle Dream Game 2005

Date: December 8, 2005

Today marked a day of shame and utter disappointment for one of the most prestigious and respected schools in the country. And sadly, it was only because of the irresponsible and childish actions of one player to ruin this milestone event.

I am an Atenean, a proud one at that, and a basketball fan and what makes me remember the event is not the sweet victory of my school nor the close and fantastic game played by both teams. I remember the immaturity shown in a respectable, well-prepared exhibition game which people all over the country have stopped what they were doing just to watch.

I am sure that the committees and people responsible for Dream Game 2005 have gone through a great deal of work and have exerted much effort to make this immortal game happen. The relationship of two warring schools has been greatly reduced over the years and both have grown to respect each other. This respect is shown in the many ways, one of which is various interschool projects such as this monumental one.

The game starts perfectly and is played with sportsmanship and healthy competition. By healthy competition, I mean the typical competition found in all intense basketball games: your occasional discreet trash talking and a few light pushes and elbows when grabbing rebounds and the likes. This, through the evolution of basketball over 50 years, has undeniably become the norm. You get hit (no matter how hard), you get them back in the game through tougher offense or defense. That is how basketball is played.

But when you get hit during the game and you retaliate by deliberately attacking a player by striking him in the face knowing he just recovered from a nose injury during what will be the most memorable game of the year (at the very least), that is pure and simple stupidity. Not only did you bring shame to yourself which reflects from your harsh and uncalled for actions, you brought shame to your school. On top of that, our antagonist walks out of the court continuously taunting the player he hurt and his whole team causing more heat from both sides showing the true intentions of his actions.

Ok, I know what you’re thinking. This has happened before and it will happen again. Players will always hold grudges and have bad blood against rival teams. Players have deliberately hit players from other teams throughout the years both from Ateneo and La Salle. Fine. I acknowledge these facts of life. But THIS game is different. It's like walking out of a church to answer a cellphone call during a mass being said by the Pope. To some spectators, this is the game of the year, to be remembered for all time. This game not only shows a great exhibition of the sport, it also shows the celebration of the growing relationship of two prestigious schools. And thanks to Joseph Yeo of La Salle, this game will truly be remembered for all time in a bad light at that which is but an understatement.

What people will remember is not the exciting game played and the victory of one of the two sporting schools. It will be how one player chose to destroy what several people from two different and prestigious organizations carefully built and organized. And with that, sadly, brought his school down with him. This night was supposed to be about sportsmanship and unity. Instead, it became a display of unnecessary shame and immaturity. I feel bad for La Salle knowing that they had no liking whatsoever to be put in such a bad light.

What a way to go, Mr. Yeo. Good luck with getting a career in the league to be in after what you’ve done considering you won’t be playing any games in the years to come.

Lastly, I would like to say I’m not saying this because I’m an Atenean and I’m bashing on a rival school. No. I have gone out of my blue prep to high school cage a long time ago and have met great Lasallite friends whom I keep contact with to this very day. If this happened the other way around, I would feel ashamed not because of my sentiments to the opposition, but because one of my schoolmates destroyed the meaning of such a glorious event.

Truly a sad display of character on such a great day.

RATING: (none)

"Every man dies, not every man really lives." - William Wallace, Braveheart

DVD Review: Oh my God...

The Exorcism of Emily Rose (2005)

Starring:
Laura Linney as Erin Bruner (2000 Best Actress Nominee in You Can Count on Me)
Tom Wilkinson as Father Richard Moore (2001 Best Actor Nominee in In the Bedroom)
Jennifer Carpenter as Emily Rose

Directed by:
Scott Derrickson

To start off, I have to say that this movie has one of the best trailers I have ever seen. I commend all the effort behind this trailer because it definitely did its job: It enticed the market to watch the movie. The formula of putting a realistic element into yet another horror-thriller is totally ingenious and makes you wonder what really happened, most especially in a case of an actual possession/ exorcism story.

The movie begins shrouding its story with mystery, fear and intensity all at the same time through the "deadness" of the setting and troubled faces of its actors. It then flash backs to the shocking story behind Emily Rose's tragic death through tight courtroom scenes, dark portrayals of Emily's experiences with the demons, and a very fascinating effect on the real people who went through her hardships.

But throughout these revelations, the director consistently maintains the darkness of this tragic story. In other words, there are no dull moments, just dark ones.

The progression of the story was palpatating scene after scene and climaxes to one point (no spoilers here) which decided the fact that I wasn't gonna be sleeping well that night.

The movie also ends teaching a valuable lesson which acts as an eye-opener to a good number of people, I'm sure. But I wouldn't put this movie in the same crowd with its predecessor icons.

Unlike other immortal thrillers like Exorcist or The Sixth Sense, the fear is easy to put aside by repeating to one's self while lying in bed alone in the dark, "It's only a movie... It's only a movie..." With this movie, that method will come with a reply, "No it's not... No it's not..." due to the fact that it simply happened giving the fearful a new challenge.

You think, that's hard? Wait until your bedroom clock hits 3 am...

RATING: 7 out of 10

"3 am is the mockery of a significant event in Christian history: 3 pm, the death of Christ. It is when this time when the demons will attack." -Father Richard Moore, The Exorcism of Emily Rose

Restaurant Review: Sarap!

Pixie's Grill

Cuisine Type: Grill / Filipino food
Address: Mother Ignacia St., Quezon City (near ABS-CBN)

This place is heavenly I have to say. Unlike most restaurants which are most likely affordable for a catch (like a significant reduction in quality), this restaurant maintains an impressive taste regardless.

I had lunch with Aine and Mark today and for 470 pesos (around $10), considering we were with Mark, we had an excellent meal. We had two orders of their inihaw na liempo (grilled pork ribs) which was sinful from the meat to the fat to the crispy skin marinated in a sweet concoction, which I dare not question, enhanced further with the blending sensation of a mixture of vinegar, soy sauce and siling labuyo. (the local spicy pepper)

Our next viand was their specialty boneless inihaw na bangus (grilled milk fish) which comes in not 1, not 2 but 5 different sizes, from small to jumbo! Being the fish-hater that I am, I completely loved this dish and not just because it was boneless. I would recommend this with calamansi (our local lemon) mixed with soy sauce and siling labuyo.

The other dish was dinuguan (a saucy dish made of pig meat stewed in its own blood) -- don't be too surprised this is quite a popular dish in this country which, by the way, my cousin Richard in States absolutely adores -- which was as plain as the bowl it was served with. And, of course, 4 cups of rice. (And you don't need to guess who had 2)

The ambiance was average but convenient because it had an airconditioned area for the non-smokers. Parking wasn't too bad either considering it was 12 noon.

I would definitely come back here, preferrably during the evening when, as they say, the drinking can commence.

Hail to Pixie's!

RATING: 9 out of 10

"Put pressure on it to stop the bleeding!" -probably all the action movies and some others in history

DVD Review: Candidate for what...?

The Manchurian Candidate (2004)

Starring:
Denzel Washington as Ben Marco (1989 Best Supporting Actor in Glory / 2001 Best Actor in Training Day)
Meryl Streep as Eleanor Shaw (1980 Best Supporting Actress in Kramer vs. Kramer / 1983 Best Actress in Sophie's Choice)
Liev Schreiber as Raymond Shaw

Directed by:
Jonathan Demme (1991 Best Director in Silence of the Lambs)

This remake of the 1962 Sinatra-starred film was... ok.

Elements of Jonathan Demme's direction was apparently present as shown in the suspense and thriller similar to the time he scared the world with his award winning piece back in 1991. But I feel a lack of strength from the story and execution.

The Manchurian Candidate is a conspiracy-driven story about a powerful and rich privately owned company slowly taking control of the American Government by putting a sleeper in the White House through advanced mind-controlling technology. The protagonist is played by the bold Washington, the antagonist by the conniving Streep and the victim by the naive Schreiber, all of which create a genuinely amazing fusion of roles as they batter upon each other throughout the movie. As you're probably thinking, we have a winner story here! Uh... not so much, actually.

This suspense-thriller will knock you out of your seat, or in my case, my queen-sized bed. Ok, I'm being too nice. It will make you occasionally scratch your back as you get tired of scratching your head from wondering what the hell's going on.

Like most excellent movies which require active thinking opposed to just passive viewing, The Manchurian Candidate requires a lot of analysis and figuring out as you move on. But, in my experience, instead of an "Oh, so that's what happened!", you get more like a: "Meh."

This type of film did not actually tickle the critical mind, but instead gave it an itch from all the scratching when it wasn't itchy in the first place.

Many elements and instances in the movie which you patiently wait for an explanation provide a dull one after the figuring out making your jaw drop with your eyelids.

The secrets behind the conspiracy, although disturbing, was shallow and would have been shown better through post-traumatic instances as shown only in the first scenes with one of the victims of the mind-control experiments. The rest, as said earlier, was meh.

In the end, the movie and its suspense build-up was just ok with its not-so-powerful ending.

So to sum up: Acting (Godly), Story (Weak), Execution (Weak), Over-all (Meh.)

RATING: 4 out of 10

"I am the Lord, your God. You shall not say My name in vain." - GOD, The Ten Commandments

Some kind of change....

I have decided to make my blog a movie/tv show/play/restaurant/anything-I-feel-like-reviewing review website.

Although it is not in my nature to seem boastful as I would consider myself capable of criticizing other people's pieces of work, I opted for this change for 2 reasons:

a. I love to criticize.
b. I CANNOT maintain a journal or diary in any form whatsoever. (I tried, I just can't.)

Until my next entry...

-"Vengeance."
-"Forgiveness."
-"A plump, juicy, pink nipple." -Athos, Aramis, and Porthos on what is the most important thing in the world, The Man in the Iron Mask

Lyrics to live for...

The best date I ever had:

"Hands down this is the best day I can ever remember, always remember the sound of the stereo, the dim of the soft lights, the scent of your hair that you twirl with your fingers. And the time on the clock, when we realize it's so late; and the walk that we shared together. And the streets were wet, the gate was locked so I jumped in, and I let you in. We stood at your door with your hands on my waist then you kissed me like you meant it. And I know, that you meant it. You meant it."

Then I whisper to the dead air - Thank you for making me feel a fraction of this, and putting that smile on my face for 3 days - in the hope that she'd hear me.

Goodbye.

(Till the next sunrise...)

"You've got the dreamer's disease!" The New Radicals, You Get What You Give

Knocking on my door...

Last night, I was drinking in Sabrina's billiards and bar place at Gutson's Tomas Morato. Present were Sab (my female version of Ramon), Gibby, Racky, Jakkar, Leona, RJ, and, of course, Bon and Richard. We feasted on their specialty Sisig and drinks like San Mig Light, Bailey's Irish Cream, Vodka Kurants, Long Islands and Weng-wengs (or as my cousin would refer to it, night-enders for obvious reasons.)

Amidst our fun, inappropriate dancing, screaming from the top of our lungs and story-telling, I got good news. Leona, who is one of Sab's closest friends, mentioned that she worked at J. Walter Thompson, one of the most promising advertising firms in the country and a place I've been dreaming to work at. I've come to a crossroads in my life wherein I asked myself whether it should be film school or advertising and here comes Leona mentioning that there's an opening at creatives. Dammit.

So now I contemplate and think.

I have until the end of July to decide, more specifically until my cousins (Richard, Patrick and Carl) leave. So it's either I go back with them and do work at Spielberg's backyard or finally put that 5-year old Coke commercial in my head into paper.

What should it be...?

"We're doing fine, we're doing nothing at all..." Dashboard Confessional, Hands Down

Sweet Revenge

Hats off to Chancellor Palpatine/ Darth Sidius for a grand and successful masterpiece of a plan. From pretending to "lose" to Mace Windu giving way to Anakin's arrival, to the subtle yet effective hints of temptation he has been giving to the young Jedi since Episode II till the last half hour of Episode III.

He truly had sweet revenge and for a minute or two there, I wanted to be more of a Sith Lord than a Jedi breaking my 20-year dream of becoming a the latter. I can only imagine his disappointment when his 6-episode masterplan, in its perfection and precision, was foiled through a sudden burst of conscience from his trusted apprentice as he threw him down a practically bottomless pit of iron and succumbing to his own death thus fulfilling the prophecy of bringing balance to the Force by destroying what's left of the Sith. It's funny how you can foresee everything from day one (the death of Darths Maul and Tyrannus, your election as Grand Chancellor of the Galactic Senate, even the tragic dreams of a complete stranger giving you opportunities to fuck things up for him more) and miss the tiny bit of a possibility that your apprentice will suddenly sweep you off your feet as you fry his son with "Force Lightning" and throw you to your death. Sigh...

But overall, it is a good movie and by far the best episode of the 6 with the heaviest impact. I walked out of the theater with my friends and cousin sulking in depression thinking is it because it sucked or something else. And then I figured out that the challenge of our old boy George is to actually make his audience saddened over something they already knew, which, I believe, is not an easy task. Hands down to direction and execution Mr. Lucas. That, as they say, is how you go out with a bang.

In conclusion, my sister Ms. Factiod told me that the cinematic twist of the century is from Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back when Darth Vader says the immortal words to Luke: "I am your Father." I believe that what is to be the cinematic scene for at least this year is the unforgettable and unfathomable part in this movie: The Massacre of the Jedi.

Bravo.

"Lord Vader, rise." -Darth Sidius, Episode III: Revenge of the Sith

a humble announcement...

once again i'm intoxicated with alchohol... and am in love.

but she'll never know. and i will never do anything to complicate the imperfect life she lives now, even if i know i would give all to make it perfect.

in the guise of my smile and look of my eyes, i stare silently at her face imagining how much i can make her happy, even more as i did on her special day.

i stare. i think. i slave. i wait... for nothing.

and she has no idea...

let's keep it that way.

and i just tell myself: don't worry...

it'll go away.

"You do something to me that I can't explain..." Incubus, I miss you

The Passion (of John and Rich)

Good Friday

At around 3pm, in the comfort of an air conditioned room, numerous fluffy pillows and the feel of soft linen bed sheets on your tighs because you're wearing boxers instead pants, my mom came in and asked us to go down since the procession was about to start. I speak for my cousin when I say that my room was heaven because we are still adapting to the barbecue weather here in the Philippines having been used to the extremely cold weather in the States for the past 3 and a half months for me and the rest of his life for him.

So, I introduced my cousin to the family/country tradition. Every Good Friday, the 5 families of Kamuning (our district) participate with 700 people in a 3 hour procession. (Okay, I really don't know how many families there are but it seemed cool to make it Godfather-like.) Each family is assigned a karosa (meaning cart with a Holy Catholic figure on top of it ) which will be pushed during the whole time. The procession is, of course, led by St. Peter and the last karosa is Jesus Christ in a beautiful glass coffin. Our family has Sta. Martha, an important biblical figure who served as a follower and friend to Jesus Christ, for the perplexed.

The procession started at around 3:45 pm and ended at around 6:30 pm. Richard and I marched through the streets of Kamuning with family, friends and a lot of other strangers under the scorching sun. When the devout Catholics wouldn't look, we would sneak out and get an ice cream cone or a bottle of water, but during the majority of the procession, we were marching and panting our way back towards the procession's point of origin: Sacred Heart Church. (The nearly half-century old church found beside our ancestral home.)

We were, of course, tired but I would say it was a memorable experience, most especially for my cousin.

Of course, to mourn Christ's death, we had a few drinks in the house after.

Krispy Kreme Update: 48 out of 56

-"It's hard to let go isn't it?"
-"Yes."
-"Well, that's life. What can I tell you?" -Joe Black and Bill Parish, Meet Joe Black

Back in the Game

Holy Thursday

We arrived on Holy Thursday here in the Philippines. (That is, my cousin Richard and I)

Note to self: Never ever forget to take off your long johns when flying back to the Philippines. Otherwise you have what I would call a "sweaty flight."

Our Lola requested that we come home at such a time in order for Richard to experience the very unique and grand tradition of Goof Friday here in the Philippines. (FYI: the celebration of the passion of Christ is celebrated in the Philippines yearly in a very special way. Special because it actually attracts the Discovery Channel and National Geogrphic people to document it so I need not say more.)

So we await my area's celebration tomorrow wherein we get ourselves involved in a 3 hour, 700-person, walking-under-the-sun, procession. Whoopee.

Krispy Kreme Update: 52 out of 56 left

"And you give yourself away..." U2, With or Without You

All my bags are packed... (all two of them)

It has been quite a sad week for me.

Over the months of February and March, I fell in love with so many people who shared with me experiences I would never forget during this lifetime's "Escape 2005." (As I would fondly refer to this particular vacation.) In the span of only a few days, I acquired 2 sets of loving parents, a kuya (FYI: my first official one,) 2 ates, a sister of practically the same age, 3 lil bros and a little baby sister whom I feel terrible to part with. To them, I silently whisper my own farewells:

Tita Des: Thank you for the enlightening prayer for my quick recovery and with that reminding me of God's presence in my life.

Tito Butch: Thank you for the pack of gum and the healing touch of the 2 more boxes of Krispy Kreme.

I have never felt so much at home in a place for only so short a time. Maraming salamat po.

Tito Choy: Thank you for the patience to tour me around making that kick-ass spaghetti TWICE during my short stay.

Tita Gina: Thank you for willingly taking the place of my mother while she's apart from me and doing a job well done at that. I would be more than proud to be called your son in this lifetime and the next.

Although the catching up I sought and thought we needed to do to replenish the lost years only happened in such a short time, I feel it would only be enough, for now, and will be completed in the years to come.

Kuya Eric: Thank you for not letting me pay for anything in spite of my insisting and for the brotherly advice about career and life itself when we were in the bar. (Even if we were under the influence, who cares?) Oh, and on a personal note, I won't blow it the next time. (Yes, there will be a next time.)

Ate Melissa: Thank you for showing me what life would be like in New York, which is truly a special place. For a day or two there, I felt what it would be like to be in your shoes and how challenging yet adventurous an independent life would be. Thank you for the amazing birthday gift (all the souveniers are still in tact by the way) and for your loving concern expressed quite well through your actions and by the height of the stack of clothes you gave me.

You two were great and I wish you all the best in your coming life together as husband and wife.

Ate Marie: Thank you for inspiring me to blog. (Apparently, I need more lessons hehe.) And this I mean from the bottom of my heart, whether it be during the trip to Boston or the trip to Virginia, thank you for listening. That meant a lot to me especially during these hard times. I wish you the best in your pagbabago ng kareer (a safety precaution for those who don't need to know yet... apologies for the paranoia) and I pray for your success.

Martha: Thank you for showing me the great place you have learned to call home over the past few years of your life. I want you to know that I'm proud of you and I envy the life you have, having started a career and being independent at this point in time. I wish you all the luck I can muster and I want you to know that I'm here always, just a phone call away.

Patrick: Thank you for your patience when I was sick. I knew you ached to show me so many things in Connecticut whether it be your friends, hangout places, and, of course, places to eat. Keep up the good work and my piece of advice for you is, particulary for you-know-who, learn to be patient for it will do you nothing but good. Cheers, mah boy!

Carl: Thank you for being my roommate, making me use your computer, listening to a hopeless musician, and showing me what it would be like to be a kid again. You are now in a stage of many challenges but remember that it is ONLY a stage. Become the fighter who has yet to know the meaning of the word defeat. I'll see you soon, breeze.

Cas: Thank you for the food and the upcoming recipe. (Yes, he has inspired me to venture into cooking. Thanks for that too, by the way.) I'm proud of how far you've reached while maintaining that consistency of perseverance, determination, and hardwork and I can't wait to see you fly in your coming years.

Astrid: Thank you for letting me use your laptop and understanding me why I still see you as a baby, even if I know you're not anymore. I'm aware that I have to let that go, but it's hard because that's how I'll always remember you. Let me put it this way and it's not just for you but for all of the family: In neverland, which is where I am when I'm with all of you, we all grow old, but never up. And the bond that I have grown to love with you is something I'll always keep. Thanks in advance for understanding that. (Hehe.) I love you babe.

Truly a sad time for me but a memorable one at that. Sigh...

"What we do in life echoes in eternity." -General Maximus, The Gladiator

After 10 years of waiting...

“Dad,” My 16 year old self courageously stepped forward to ask. “I think our family should get a new video camera since our old one broke down 4 years ago. I think it would be greatly useful and we would all enjoy it.”

“Wag muna, anak.” He coldly replied. (Ok, maybe it seemed cold to me.) “Hantayin natin magmura.”

This roughly translates to: “Let’s not get one first, son. Let’s wait for the prices to go down.”

This conversation repeated itself for the next 8 years to come, sometimes twice a year. But, unfortunately, to no avail.

After 8 years of being a passionate fan of filmmaking and 3 purchased digital still shot cameras for a family of four, (In fairness, I knew for a fact that he wasn’t doing that to piss me off. He loves to collect stuff. Stuff that he likes, that is.) I finally purchased my first digital video camera using my hard earned money. (Ok, I used my Christmas money. A job in the Philippines will take you much longer than a year to save that much.)

I purchased it in Boston (See Boston Tea Party at geminipinai.blogspot.com for more details) where tax was at a low 5% opposed to 8% in New York. It’s a SONY DCR-HC42 and I’m loving it so far.

Cheers.

"In order to find for myself reasons for living, I attempted to destroy my reasons for loving you. In order to find for myself reasons for loving you, I have lived badly." -Paul Eluard

New York, New York

Had an interesting time at the big apple so far...

Enjoyed last night watching the great production fuck up that is the Oscars with Kuya Eric and Ate Melissa. (Kuya Eric... reminds me of a funny line from Pasadena: "Everybody calls me kuya here," he said with a frown and a crumpled brow. "I like that.")

Show highlights (FYI incomplete):

1. "And to present the next award are Adam Sandler and Catherine Zeta-Jones..." Only the former shows up and had to wait on stage for a good 10 seconds looking behind the curtains for any life-saving miracle considering the live telecast.

2. The director decides to be creative to make up for the previous boo-boo and decides to zoom on the podium showing the lovely Kate Blanchet as she introduces the next musical performer. It blurs right before switching to camera two.

3. Jeremy Irons delivers his part with his outstanding voice only to be accompanied by what can only be assumed as a falling microphone stand WITH its LIVE microphone still intact. He joked aside saying: "They missed."

AND TO TOP IT ALL OFF:

4. Director decides to switch to an audience shot as a speech is being given without his associates telling him that some bald black man with a mustache is struggling to keep his head from falling backwards BECAUSE HE WAS SLEEPING.

Hope you guys weren't fired. Ok, I hope you were. You deserved it.

AHEM.

Toured the big apple today. Took the subway with Ate to her work at Levi's. Met her officemates: ... God I'm terrible with names. I remember Nina though. Only because I found her attractive. Okay she was nice too.

It was my first expidition in Manhattan walking under a blanket of snow. (Great view and experience despite the blistering cold.)

"That's nothing." Nina said. "Wait till later this afternoon when it really snows."

(Now why did I remember that...)

Walked with Ate all the way to some theater and she bought me an orchestra ticket to the Lion King. (Thanks Ate.) I'll be watching it on Wednesday. (Can't wait.)

At around 4pm, Ate suggested I just go home and meet up with Kuya Eric so I wouldn't be bored. (I wasn't actually bored at Levi's having met all her office friends... and Nina.) So after abusing the company phone by calling Ramon and speaking with him for nearly a hour, I decided to go.

"Ok," Ate said turning back to her computer. "I'll see you later, I have to finish some stuff."

(Silence)

(Slow heartbeat)

(Tumbleweed)

(Fast heartbeat)

(Silence)

She turns to me again. "You know how to get home right?"

"Can you write the directions down?" He valiantly exclaimed wielding his sword, points it over yonder and looks to the sky as a heavenly light shines upon him.

"Sure."

After putting on my coats (all 3 of them) and gloves, securing my belongings: wallet (check) newly purchased camcorder (check) chapstick (check) anti-theft devices such as revolver, peppermint spray and electric shocker-device (no check) and holding the piece of paper containing the directions, I set off to a journey like no other: the way home.

Altough fear and paranoia enveloped me during my first few steps on the streets being surrounded by countless strangers who I swear were staring for some reason (maybe it's the nice Levi's bonnet,) I knew this had to happen soon and this would be for the best. Of course, there was this quick image of a nice, large, white 2001 Toyota Hi-Ace suddenly stopping along the road right beside me and opening its sliding doors with Mang Frank welcoming me in for a nice, peaceful and warm ride. (For the perplexed: Mang Frank is the family driver in the Philippines.) Okay, I'm spoiled but at least I was willing to get over it...

The plot thickened as I rode the subway train (a.k.a. Sardine Can at 4pm) which seemed to never stop. As I glanced for the 46th time on the snow-covered paper in my shivering right hand, I read that I had to get off at High St. and head for the appartment. Finally, after the slowing down, occasional stops in the middle of tunnels and what I'd like to refer to as "Kajots" which somewhat means the annoying thrusting of a 50 ton train in a country of "TECHNOLOGY," the High St. sign showed up. I calmly walked up the stairs feeling good about myself and went straight to the appartment where Kuya Eric was.

It felt good to get home on your own in a strange, foreign land.

At around 6:15pm, Kuya and I took another train to a simple bar where a poetry group called "Kundiman" would do some reading while people were getting hammered. It was an interesting experience considering a Filipino named group was composed of other Asians such Indians, Chinese, and more. After what I remember to be 4 and 1/3 drinks of hard alchohol (1/3 because of the unusual refills from the bartender,) we ventured again through the cold to go to a Chinese restaurant where we met Ate and had our fill.

After the heavy dinner, Kuya and Ate decided to take a cab home which ended a very long and fun day.

However, before we slept, we watched "I, Robot" starring Miami-man himself big Will. All I can say is they must have hired the same Oscar crew for the production of this movie. Enough said.

"It is time!" -Rafiki, The Lion King

It only has BEGUN...

AT

(I shit you not...)

Today is probably my first progressive day since I've been here in California. (FYI: I arrived December 7.) I was greatly overwhelmed as I visited the New York Film Academy with my cousin Richard (whose house I've been living in for the past month) and the legendary Nick Lizazo, renowned Film/TV Director in the Philippines. "Direk," as I fondly call him, who I believe had earned the title through his experience and fantastic work, had met with me in the Philippines at Quezon City Sports Club a few months back and discussed with me the possibilities of being in a film school of this caliber. I distinctly remember browsing through a brochure and book about the school and how I was amazed and excited about what it had to offer. Little did I know that I would have the privilege of actually seeing what the school would be like with my own two eyes a month later and experiencing the tour that would suddenly reduce my confusion level on what to do in my life from a 10 to a 5. (Not bad, I would think.)

For the lack of the word and due to a really bad OVERWHELM hangover, I’d like to simply describe the school as… PERFECT. It offered film study in levels I never thought would exist! I mean having my limited experience in film education back in Ateneo, (Hats-off of course to my first teacher who was truly an inspiration “Direk” Marilou Diaz-Abaya, who turned out to be the Padawan of “Direk” Nick) this program was so comprehensive to the point of complete perfection!!! (Again, apologies for the apparent hangover…)

Our tour guide, the lovely Jessica who is also a film major I believe, showed us around the school along with Richard, Direk, and a curious German fellow also in search for film education. I saw their schedule postings, kick-ass editing rooms, prop rooms, studios, sets and the rest of the package. It was really exciting seeing all that and what was coming if I tried this out. The place was so warm too as we were welcomed with smiling faces of facilitators, teachers, and hopefully future fellow-students (nudge to the financiers.) When I was walking around the school I was experiencing a certain high I couldn’t describe. (Not what you think...)

Then comes the climactic drop of course, assuming every story has a plot decline. Of course, something as great as this does not come cheap and film education in its perfection comes with a not-so-perfect price (well maybe perfect for the school beneficiaries.) I have never seen a dollar price tag that big, I can tell you that since my stay here in the U.S. So imagine converting it to the feeble peso and enjoy the company of a very slim Snowhite and her six dwarves smoking cigars with a big "FUCK YOU" on their faces.

So as my friend Bon would say, all the bull shit and crap in the world to the saying: “the best things in life are free,” simply because it’s not. So it seems my next project would be to put up the “Put John Unson to Film School” fund raising but I guess the timing’s kind of bad since everyone’s donating to Southeast Asia, no thanks to natural disasters. (My prayers and sympathy of course to the countless victims…)

I guess my next step is to figure out a way to get through this…But I am looking forward to sitting in on the classes tomorrow with “Direk,” provided I don’t overdo my life as Paladin in W.O.W. tonight and play till both suns rise in both the lives I’m living right now (more details to come for the perplexed!)

“Don’t it make you sad to know that life is more than who we are?” – The Goo Goo Dolls, Name