The Jolly Jelly Journal

Hamthology: The Quest... Out Now!

2007-05-25T11:07:00.000+08:00

I would just like to announce that our little comic book project, Hamthology: The Quest, is out now. It's a graphic novel that we, at the Piggy Farm , cooked up, that basically is a compilation of comics that revolves around the theme "The Quest". We really poured our heart's out in making this happen. Unfortunately, it isn't available locally (Philippines). It is intended to be released in anime conventions in the US. If you want to get a copy, go to Lulu.com.

It's a 122 paged book for the cost of $9.99. If you're in the US or Canada, you can visit the following Comic Cons:

FANIME (San Jose Convention Center, California) : May 25-28, 2007

Anime Expo (Long Beach Convention Center) : June 29, 2007 - July 02, 2007

Anime Evolution (Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada) : August 17-19, 2007

Please, support our book if you can. My contribution to the book is entitled: Rite of Passage. A story about a newbie wrestler's quest to follow his late father's footsteps.

Thanks for taking your time to read this.

Maybe

2006-11-29T10:11:00.000+08:00

There I was

Waiting for a chance
Hoping that you'll understand the things
I wanna say

As my love want stronger than before
I wanna see you more and more
But you closed your door
Why don't you try to open up your heart
I won't take so much of your time

Maybe it's wrong to say please love me too
'Coz I know you'll never do
Somebody else is waiting there inside for you
Maybe it's wrong to love you more each day
'Coz I know he's here to stay
But I know to whom you should belong

I believed what you said to me
We should set each other free
That's how you want it to be
But my love went stronger than before
I wanna see you more and more
But you closed your door

Why don't you try to open up your heart
I won't take so much of your time

Maybe it's wrong to say please love me too
'Coz I'll know you'll never do
Somebody else is waiting there inside for you
Maybe it's wrong to love you more each day
'Coz I know he's here to stay
But my love is strong
I don't know if this is wrong
But I know to whom you should belong

Maybe it's wrong to say please love me too
'Coz I'll know you'll never do
Somebody else is waiting there inside for you
Maybe it's wrong to love you more each day
'Coz I know he's here to stay
But my love is strong
I don't know if this is wrong
But I know to whom you should belong

Webcomic 01-18 Uploaded and Manny Wins!

2006-11-19T18:44:00.000+08:00

Chapter 01, Page 18:
http://www.drunkduck.com/Life_Again/?p=113098

Updates, updates! Yehey. Still on schedule I guess. Besides the fact that I didn't get to work this morning because of the fight between Erik Morales and Manny Paquiao going on. As you all know, Manny Paquiao has become sort of a local hero here in the Philippines. So the Philippines was at a stand still just to watch his fight on TV. And horaay! He won! He's the greatest. Though, I really wasn't expecting Erik Morales to be defeated that easily. He's a great fighter, but TKO on the 3rd round? Sheesh... It must be because of his new training (not to mention his weight loss). I also watched Casino Royale just this thursday and I must say that it's got to be one of the greatest (if not, best) Bond film to date. And Daniel Craig was not a bit of disappointment as James Bond as everyone thinks he is. IMO, he's a better Bond than that of Pierce Brosnan's. You've got to watch it to appreciate it.

Page Note: back to the cemetery. Now we get to see Kiko's true colors. hehehe...

Webcomic 01-13 Uploaded!

2006-10-14T01:54:00.000+08:00

Chapter 01, Page 13:
http://www.drunkduck.com/Life_Again/?p=99653

Okay. I'm definitely not gonna let this day pass. Today is Friday the 13th... and the 13th page of my webcomic. Pretty creepy coincidence. Funny thing is, here in the Philippines, it's already saturday (midnight)... again. Hahaha... time zones are the weirdest things ever.

Page Note: in panel 01, we can see the exterior shot of the cemetery. the big structure that we can see here is actually its gate. the creepy cemetery comes with a creepy gate. well, you got to give credit to the spaniards (who actually designed those things in the past) for making one of those. ^_^ now, in reality, I'm not really sure why there are tombstones outside the cemetery gates. probably there's not enough space inside, I guess.

Webcomic 01-12 Uploaded!

2006-10-09T10:43:00.000+08:00

Chapter 01, Page 12:
http://www.drunkduck.com/Life_Again/index.php?p=97854

Updates! Updates! Updates! My goodness... I'm really enjoying this. Hopefully, I can keep this pace for a long time. I'm not making it offically a monday and friday updates. It's still an every friday update... depending on how inspired I am, I guess.

Page Note: I haven't totally introduced Mel's friends in the comic thinking whether they'll play a big part of the story or not. Anwyay, for those who want to know, who's who...

Atong is the kid with the Lion-O hairdoo.
Pol is the bald headed kid.
And Kiko is that sour graping, bowl headed kid.

Webcomic 01-11 Uploaded!

2006-10-07T12:53:00.000+08:00

New page uploaded!

Chapter 01, Page 11:
http://www.drunkduck.com/Life_Again/index.php?p=96905

Sigh.. I'm on a roll. This is my second page within the week. It really is fun... the problem that I'm only encountering is the balancing of time. I barely made it to my target date on this one because of work and other stuffs. Not to mention that I have yet to finish my entry for the Hamthology (whose deadline is by the end of this month).

Anyway, back to the page... in this page, we will get to see first Mel's friends (refer to page 02): Atong, Pol and Kiko. To be honest, I almost forgot about them. It would be wierd not to include them since, they were actually playing Hide and Seek and all.

Webcomic 01-10 Uploaded!

2006-10-03T01:23:00.000+08:00

Chapter One, Page Ten:
http://www.drunkduck.com/Life_Again/?p=95363

Okay... looks like the storm really got me going there. This is really out of my scheduling date, but what the hell. I was really in the mood to make an update, so here it is.

page note: the wierd looking church on panel 3 is actually an old chapel ruin that's found in the middle of the cemetery. If you've seen the real one (the one that I based this cemetery from), it really is creepy. Anyway, enjoy the page.

This page is dedicated to the victims of Typhoon Milenyo.

Webcomic 01-09 Uploaded!

2006-09-30T11:05:00.000+08:00

Chapter One, Page Nine:
http://www.drunkduck.com/Life_Again/index.php?p=94087

It's a friday again... well, in the US atleast. It's actually way past midnight here in the Philippines already. I'm really cramming on making this page.

As you may know, a strong typhoon called Milenyo (or Milennium in english) hit Metro Manila yesterday badly. It paralayzed the whole Northern Philippines totally. Black outs and telephone lines were cut. Not to mention heavily damaged structures and fallen trees. It's a good thing that just earlier, power went back to normal... well, I guess only here where I'm living that is. So here I am adding a new page.

About the page... I didn't know where I went wrong, but the resolution seemed to have made a mistake somewhere when I was doing Photoshop. I don't know if you'll notice, but the image is kinda hazy. But still, I hope it carries through and hope you guys enjoy the page.

Super Typhoon Milenyo

2006-09-30T09:23:00.000+08:00

Okay, I guess most of the bloggers in the Philippines must be writing the same story as what I'm about to write now.

Last thursday, a super typhoon called "Milenyo", struck the Philippines hard. It crippled businesses for atleast two days counting yesterday because of the damage it made. Most structures that withstood previous storms were damaged badly. Billboards along the streets tumbled down. Trees were uprooted from the ground. Cars were either flipped over or were crushed by falling trees or billboards. Power was out and so was the telephone lines. And cell-sites were inoperable making mobile phones useless. It was the worst typhoon that the Philippines had encountered.

I was at the office when the typhoon came. I didn't know that office was called off that day. When I got there, the storm built up and I never had the chance to go back home. Me and a couple of my friends at the office who also got stranded there just watched the typhoon as it raged by. We saw roofs flying all over the place. We were like "this looks like something straight out of a disaster movie". When the eye of the storm reached the place where we were, we decided to go to a mall nearby, hoping that it'll be open and have lunch. We saw along the way the havoc it created. It was very awful yet exciting at the same time. I've never seen nor experienced anything like that before.

When I got home, I was expecting the power to be out. And it was. Good thing yesterday morning, power went back up. As I went around the place, I realized that not everyone has power already. I guess we were just lucky. Up till now, most of Metro Manila (and probably the surrounding provinces) still doesn't have power yet. From what I've heard from the news, most of the power will be back by Sunday. That really sucks.

Anyway, kids must be happy when the typhoon hit, thinking that they don't have classes. But for us working people, it's not really a good thing. Especially for the economy. It's a good thing that rebuilding is quicker now than it was before. And hopefully by the start of next week, all will be back to normal.

Bounce!

Webcomic 01-08 Uploaded!

2006-09-23T00:10:00.000+08:00

Chapter One, Page Eight:
http://www.drunkduck.com/Life_Again/index.php?p=91107

Like I said before on my previous post, I'm making this webcomic called Life Again that's updated every friday. And once again, it's a friday. And it's update day! Weee!

It took me some time to use the computones on this page. I was planning on a big lightning storm BG for the 2nd panel, but as it turned out, the lightning storm was too much for me.

Anyway, I'm really having fun in making this webcomic. Though with a tight schedule at work and at the gym, plus the upcoming deadline for the Hamthology, I'm having a hard time on trying to fit making the page with all of that in the way. Still, I did promise to deliver every friday and thank God, I can still do it. This one page a week business seems like it's not doing any justice for the story. But if my schedule does loosen up, I'll try to update maybe twice a week atleast. ^^;

Back On My Feet

2006-09-14T13:51:00.000+08:00

It's been quite sometime that I've been bumming around the house. And just this monday, I've already started at my new work. All I can say is, I'm glad to be working again. It's not that I wasn't working while I was at home. I was still doing some "rakets" here and there to keep me alive. But still, nothing beats a regular day job.

I applied to my current job some months ago. And because of a health problem that I have that the HR found, I was put on hold. And just recently did I start on this new job.

From then on, I realized a couple of things:

1. I realized that a day job is a necessity and I must persevere at my work to stay at work. I hate those shmoes going off to work and do nothing (much like me before. That also means I hate my old self) while there are alot of people out there who are eager to work but can't find a job.

2. Healthy living is the way to go. I've started working out, doing boxing, eating less; and right now, I've just lost 10 lbs and feel better than ever.

Bounce!

Crocodille Hunter, killed

2006-09-05T00:18:00.000+08:00

It's been all over the news yesterday. Steve Irwin... steve who? You know, that Crocodille Hunter guy who chases Crocs with his wife, was killed yesterday. Apparently he was doing an underwater documentary of the Great Barrier Reef when a stingray struck him in the chest. Yeah, we all know what a stingray is and what it can do. Pretty dangerous stuff.

To be perfectly honest, I like Dr. Brady Barr more than Steve Irwin. But still, he's such a good guy. It's sad to lose someone who has done alot to the conservation of wildlife all over the world. May he rest in peace.

Bounce!

Basilisk: The Kouga Ninja Scrolls

2006-09-04T22:46:00.000+08:00

Okay. Before you read on, a word of caution, for this topic may contain some spoilers. If you do not wish to know what's going to happen in the anime Basilisk, I suggest don't try reading on.

Now that we've got that out of the way...

In the tradition of Battle Royale comes this wonderful and beautifully made anime called Basilisk: The Kouga Ninja Scrolls. I've recently got hold of a copy of Basilisk and I must say that I am truly awe-struck on how it's wonderfully made. The story goes that for 400 years, a rivalry between two ninja clans, Iga of Hidden Tsuba and Kouga of Manji Valley, has been brewing. Only by the mediation of the first Hattori Hanzo on the night the Iga village was attacked by Oda did peace reign. Years have passed, the retiring Shogun, Ieyasu Tokugawa, has sent the two clans' heads, Ogen of Iga and Danju of Kouga, to show their clan's ninja prowess. It is in his belief that the ninja will be the deciding factor on who will be the next Tokugawa shogun. With the help of the fourth Hattori Hanzo, they decided that both clans will be pitted against each other to the death, thus breaking the peace pact made by the first Hattori Hanzo. Each clan chooses 10 of its best ninjas. And from there, they fight to the end. The last clan standing will be the winner.

The story is full of treachery and deciet. Amidst the violence, there is romance between the two heirs to both clans, Oboro of Iga and Gennusuke of Kouga. Tragically, while they were betrothed to each other, they must face the fact that they are from different ninja clans and must do their duty to finish of each other if they must. In the end, due to their eternal love for each other, both committed seppuku. Tragic.

If you were wondering why the anime was called Basilisk, it is because both Gennusuke and Oboro has this special "ninja technique" (if you will) that uses their eyes. Gennusuke's gaze will put fear on those people who have malicious intent and would rather kill themselves in the process. Oboro's, on the other hand, is not really a technique but more of a gift (at the same time a curse). Her gaze would diminish every ninja who looks upon her eyes helpless. Losing their ninja powers in the process. Pretty wierd yet awesome, if you ask me.

The only thing I hated about this anime is that each ninja has their own character. And once they build up one ninja's character, they instantainously kill him/her off. Well, that is the premise of the story after all. We can't do anything about that. Anyway, I suggest you guys watch this anime. It has 24 episodes in all. Every episode is a must see.

Bounce!

Spending Time

2006-09-02T01:28:00.000+08:00

Lately, since I have nothing much to do, I've been imersed in doing a webcomic entitled Life Again. For some of my friends out there, you might be familiar with this since I did the first seven pages back in 2001. Back then I was really planning on putting it online and only recently did I just have the urge to continue it. The story's about a zombie that came back to life only to realize that he has no recollection whatsoever of his past (just flashes of random images). Now, his on a quest to find out what his mysterious past was and how he became what he is now.

There's been alot of zombie comics out there (which most of them I haven't read yet) and I hope mine would be different. Also, if you've seen my gallery at deviantART and look at my current webcomic, you'll notice a similarity to some of the pages. That's because it's really one and the same. Only this time, I decided to continue the comic and placed it to a real webcomic hosting site. The first seven pages are from the previous one. The following will be seen at the latest link. Also, I changed the title from Dead Men Walking to Life Again to avoid any legal issues.

To keep me motivated in doing my webcomic, I've been reading a couple of mangas (DoMu, Blade of the Immortal) and watching a couple of animes.

Ghost In The Shell: Stand Alone Complex

It's been awhile since it's been shown at Animax. And only just now did I get into watching this anime when I bought the DVD. Back then I find this anime boring thinking that it would be like its feature film counterpart. But I was proven wrong. I like how the story is going and how the focus of the show is not only on Major Kusanagi but to all the members of Section 9. Everyone has their share of the lime light... even the Tachikomas.

Neon Genesis Evangelion

Like GITS:SAC, I found this anime such a bore back then. It's really hard to understand if you'll be watching this anime with just the subtitles. There are alot of scenes in this anime that is text heavy and to top it all, it's written in Japanese. Good thing that the DVD that I bought has the english dubbed option. Watching it in english is more soothing. And only then did I realize how complex this anime really is. It's just wierd that the creator of NGE based the story from some parts of the bible and some judeo-christian symbols. No wonder Angels have been attacking Tokyo 3. Also, the main character, Shinji Ikari, is so irritating. He's such a loser and a wimp. That's why by the end of the series (ep.25 and 26 and The End of Evangelion), I was like flaming mad and frustrated, all because of Shinji Ikari. Sigh... Well, we can't do anything about that.

Hajime No Ippo

Well, this anime wasn't really in my list. But eversince I started boxing, it got me intrested in watching Hajime No Ippo. It's funny how skillful most anime characters are even at a beginner's level. When I started working out, I had a hard time doing jabs, straights, coordination and foot work. But, Ippo, the main character, make it look like it was so easy to do. But then again, this is anime we're talking about. Reality check. Hahaha...

Still, you got to hand it to the Japanese on making such wierd story lines that eventually we'll get to like. Hopefully my motivation in making my webcomic will last. I have this tendency on not finishing what I've started and it really is frustrating in my part.

Bounce!

SNAKES on a mutha-f***ing PLANE!

2006-08-26T23:30:00.000+08:00

"Enough is enough. I've had it with these mother-f***ing snakes on this mother-f***ing plane!"

Jeesh... you kiss your mother with that mouth? Hahaha... Well, that's probably as bad-ass that Samuel L. Jackson is going to get on his latest movie Snakes on a Plane. Anyway, this movie did get a lot of hype even before it was released (I remember watching the MTV Movie Awards and Sam Jackson was there to announce best movie when he suddenly plugged this film). And I say that this excited me more in watching this mother-f***ing movie. All those hype builded up some great expectations about the movie and after watching it, though I know some might not agree with me on this, I can say that I'm completely satified. As we all know, Snakes on a Plane is a B-movie. But this has got to be one of the best B-movies that I've ever seen. I didn't like it because of Samuel L. Jackson. Don't get me wrong. I know he kicks ass... east side, west side, "dark" side, biatch!... he also talks the talk and walks the walk... f***ing COOLNESS all the way. But honestly, it's the premise of the movie that excited me more.

The movie brings mid-flight terrorism to a whole new level. There's this one line from Samuel L. Jackson while he was talking to his FBI buddy in LA where he said, "you know how all those security scenarios we ran? I'm smack in the middle of one we didn't think of." In all fairness, he's probably right. Who would have thought of that? So, should the government be concerned on this kind of mid-flight scares? I don't think so. The movie sort of explained it for itself on not to be scared of this ever occuring. Scientifically, I don't know if all those explainations about snake behavior were true. I mean, I'm no snake expert. But hey, it is still fun to watch. Story wise, there's not much to tell. Well, not much in a sense of giving the whole story away. What's important is that you got the main premise of the story and it's already in the title... Snakes On A Plane. The movie is funny and scary at the same time. And I dare you guys to watch it!

By the way. The movie is so graphic and there're alot of cursing. So I suggest you don't bring the kiddies when you watch it. The movie is rated R in the first place. When I watched this movie in the theater, I saw alot of people who brought their children along. What do they think they're watching? Barney and Friends???

Bounce!

Feeling Down? Get a Cheerleader!

2006-08-25T03:44:00.000+08:00

There's this game I've been playing on my Nintendo DS that I really like. It's called Ossu! Tatakae! Ouendan! It's more like a Dance Dance Revolution game for the Nintendo DS. Only this time you have to use your stylus instead of your feet. Anyway, the game is about a group of Cheerleaders (that's right, cheerleaders. MALE cheerleaders.) cheering people up to boost their confidence. That really sounds funny. Who would want to have a group of cheerleaders doing their thing just cheer you up? Well, take a look at this...

Apparently, in Japan, there really happens to be a real-life Ossu! Tatakae! Ouendan! And they do it just for kicks. Sheesh. If I were there, I don't know whether to take them seriously or not. I mean, come on... a friend is enough to cheer you on when you're down. Why need a group of loud strangers, in front of a dozen more strangers looking on, just for the cheering up. You'll have to be a total loser to be in that kind of situation. (>_>)

Bounce!

Titanic 2???

2006-08-25T02:25:00.000+08:00

And I thought I've seen it all. Now this one is totally wierd. Who ever made this trailer must really have that much patience in piecing it together. From what I've seen, there were clips from Con Air, Catch Me If You Can, Hulk. The Beach, Romeo and Juliet.. just to name a few. Although, I have to praise him for his compositing and editing skills. It's pretty good. ^_^

Bounce!

It's A Holiday

2006-08-21T19:49:00.000+08:00

Today is a non-working holiday here in the Philippines. And for the first time, the government declared it so because today, August 21, is the death anniversary of one of the Philippines heroes, Ninoy Aquino. Now, I don't usually talk about politics in my blog. To be perfectly honest, for me, Philippine politics has gone to the dogs. It's nothing but a one big theatrical act. And a bad one at that. Anyway, in my opinion, the declaration of a non working holiday today reads politics all over it. As we Filipinos all know, President Arroyo and Former President Cory Aquino are not in good terms because of the "Hello Garci" controversy and how President Arroyo cheated on the last Presidential election. Mrs. Aquino asked Mrs. Arroyo to step down. But Mrs. Arroyo turned down the request. Thus prompting Mrs. Aquino to go to the opposition. If we all know our politics (and history), Mrs. Aquino is the widow of Ninoy Aquino.

Ahh... now. Are you getting the picture? By declaring today a non-working holiday to celebrate Ninoy Aquino's death anniversary, Mrs. Arroyo thinks that she can win back Mrs. Aquino's good side. But then again, it's just my opinion. Who knows what Mrs. Arroyo was thinking.

My Super Ex-Girlfriend

2006-08-17T23:13:00.000+08:00

Last night, me and my best bud, with his brother, watched My Super Ex-Girlfriend. This is one of those movies that would make you go... "damn! Why didn't I think of that?" The story is so funny and being a comic geek, the idea of a super hero hooking up with a normal guy is really interesting. It's nothing like Superman and Lois Lane where they really knew each other for a long time. The story is more about a lonely guy trying to hit on a girl, hoping that he could get laid after a serious breakup from an ex. Apparently, he hit on the wrong kind of girl. It's really funny, I tell you. You just have to watch it.

Believe me, I think this is better than Superman Returns.

Bounce!

A Note From The Introvoys

2006-08-16T10:44:00.000+08:00

A funny thing. I decided earlier to read all my posts in my blog from the beginning. I guess I really have nothing to do today. So anyway, I was re-reading my previous posts, and this post came to my attention. I was commenting how the band HALE sounded like a bit like the INTROVOYS. Then I saw this comment made by Paco Arespacochaga. I thought, "what the hell? Is this really Paco Arespacochaga?" Apparently he is. (For those who doesn't know who Paco Arespacochaga is, he's the drummer for the band Introvoys.) He gave a link to their site. Looks like the Introvoys are back together again. And in that site, Paco was mentioning that he was checking some sites that mention them, so I guess, that's why he got to read my post.

Anyway, back in my high school days, I liked the Introvoys. I even bought their albums. I remember they were pitted against another band called Afterimage. I really don't know why. But for me, I like the Introvoys better than Afterimage. I really like their sound and lyrics. And according to their site, they're planning to release a "greatest hits" compilation CD. Though, sadly, the recording companies doesn't think it's worth investing at the moment. So the guys plan to release it through the net. There's still no definite date when it'll be released, but I do like to get my hands on one of those if ever it does get released. Well, you know, I like being nostalgic. ^_^

Introvoys fans can visit their site at www.introvoys.net

Bounce!

Move over Bad Boys...

2006-08-07T20:19:00.001+08:00

Here's what I can say to the Miami Vice movie... Blam! Blam! Die! Die! Die! Holy $#!+! @#&^*! and so on and so forth. Bad Boys move over... the original bad asses of Miami are back! Sonny Crockett and Ricardo Tubbs are back and this time they're really kicking ass. If you think the TV series kicks ass, then I suggest you watch the movie. Thanks to Michael Mann's realistic directing, the movie gets grittier (if there is such a term), more violent and uh... more realistic (?) than its TV counterpart. Though the story is just one of those basic cops-out-to-bust-drug-dealers kind of thing, the movie is dead serious and wonderfully directed. Colin Farell and Jaime Foxx are awesome. I think I didn't see them smile in the movie. This movie is also best seen on the big screen with THX. Aww, heck. I don't really know what else to say. It's just that I'm glad that they didn't goof off this movie (unlike other TV shows that were translated to the big screen. Should I even dare say what?). Just go watch it and see it for yourself!

BANG!

Shopping for a Bike

2006-07-31T21:21:00.000+08:00

Last Saturday I was out with my 2 best buds, A and Wyn, and went to Cartimar. Cartimar is like one big market place where you can buy all sorts of stuff (literally). So there we were, braving the heavy downpour that's been going on for the past few days. Luckily, when we got there, the rain stopped. So there we were. My friend, A, was looking for an aquarium. My other friend, Wyn, was looking for some exotic birds (and probably some fishes to. He was really quite interested on the sharks). While I, on the other hand, was there just to "check" on this bike that I've been looking for for some time now. And they said that the price there was a steal (compared to the one the we saw in the mall). So there I was, "checking"... I let my two buddies do all the talking. I'm not really good with making deals and apparently they were. So from Php12,500 (the mall price was Php16,500), my buddies got the store owner to lower the price to Php10,500. Well, that really was pretty low compared to what I was expecting. And it's really not a good idea to let it slide for I may not get the same amount when I come back for it. So on that day, also due to my impulsiveness in buying things, I bought the bike.

So here it is. The Schwinn Stingray...

Well, ofcourse, after that, if you know me better, I suddenly had this feeling of guilt. I was questioning myself, "was it worth it?"... "did I really have to buy it now?"... but as they say, there's no use crying over spilt milk. Then again, I do love the bike. Now only if I can use it. There's been non-stop raining lately and it's really a pain that can't use it at the moment. Drat.

Bounce!

What's Been Keeping Me Busy?

2006-07-26T21:34:00.000+08:00

For the past couple of weeks, all I ever did was watch wrestling videos. I keep shelling out some money to buy one and watch it. Let's just say that I'm totally engrossed over the whole wrestling business. Nope, I don't want to be a wrestler... not by a longshot. Lately, I'm just trying to do a story/comic about wrestling that I'm planning to add to this sort of comic anthology project by the Ponju online community. What the deal is is that we submit a short storyline (about 10-15 pages) and it will be published along with other short stories created by other webcomic artists (in comic form of course) in to one big graphic novel. Now, if all goes well, this graphic novel will be presented and sold in comic cons and anime cons in the US. I don't really care much about the earning (though it'll be great if I did get something out of it), but what I was really hoping for is the exposure and recognition.

Anyway, back to what I was saying, I was originally planning to have my comic penned by my big brother, but he gave me a break in having to write it myself. Well, he also wants to make one of his own, so that really leaves me no other choice. So, that leads me to watching wrestling videos. I've been doing a lot of research about wrestling: the terms, the moves, the holds, the people behind every character and the business. I was aiming for a story that centers around wrestlers. Not the wrestler that you see on the ring, but the wrestler behind the curtians. And I must tell you, it is tough to make one. I've already finished my draft script and I'm currently making thumbnails to see whether I'm in the 10-15 page limit. Hopefully, if this comic does great, I'm planning to continue it by creating a webcomic of my own.

What's really interesting about what I'm doing right now is that I get to know most of the famous wrestler's life stories. And some are just sad to hear, especially when they reached that part of their career where they feel that they're on top of the world and they look down on other wrestlers who are just on the rise. Most of them get arrogant. Some died in the process. Wrestling is a tough business. And it deserves its respect.

Bounce!

Superman DID Return... or so it seems

2006-06-28T16:24:00.000+08:00

Okay, I've seen the movie and like I said, I watched it with an open mind. So here's my take on this film. Be careful though, as you might read some spoilers. So if you haven't watch it and don't want my review to spoil it for you, don't read on.

After 5 years missing in action, Superman returns to earth. Apparently, the earth doesn't need him anymore, and so does, the love of his life, Lois Lane. Lois Lane, upset that Superman didn't even say goodbye, moved on, had a kid (Jason) and has a fiancee (Richard) who happens to be a nephew of their editor Perry White. Lex Luthor, on the other hand, was granted bail because of lack of evidence against him. The only thing that would've put him behind bars permanently was Superman's testimony. Now that he's free, and Superman nowhere in sight, he returned to Superman's Fortress of Solitude and took every piece of information that he needed from Jor-El's recorded databanks and took also all the crystals with him. If all the information that he gathered was true, a piece of crystal would be just like a seed. If you plant it and water it, it will grow. In this case, the crystal would grow to be like the Fortress of Solitude (ref. Superman I), and a dozen of those crystals would make an entire new continent. And now that Superman's back from his worthless journey through space, he finds that Krypton is now settling on earth and it's up to him to stop Luthor's evil plans. Also, Superman has to win back Lois' heart.

As you all know, I'm a huge fan of the first Superman movie. And probably by now, you can also see (and read) that Bryan Singer is also a big fan of the film. And it gives me the chills watching Superman Returns because of its big homage to Richard Donner's Superman film. First of all, the opening sequence. Bryan Singer made do of the old Superman movie opening sequence with all the cast and credits flying towards the screen with a big outer space backdrop. Though, the CG artists probably overdid it because, it was sort of dizzying as it moves so quickly passing each bits and planets (which I don't really recognize except earth and the moon) like it's in a hurry. Then there's this old toy train set which Luthor was toying around with, that actually resembled the whole California earthquake scenario in the first Superman film. The old Kent farm looks exactly the same as the one from the first one. Though, I don't really know if it's actually the same one, but it does resemble it. There's also a photograph of Glenn Ford (who played Jonathan Kent in the first Superman film) in the Kent house. Also, there are many lines there, one might not be keen on noticing, which sounded like they took from the first two films. They also used John Williams original composition (and tweaked some of it a bit). Though, you might get an ear-full of it since they practically use the Superman theme on each heroic act that he did. And the most wonderful homage was the ending of the film, where Superman flies over the earth with the sun rising in the distance then cuts to a close up of Superman flying towards the upper part of the screen with the earth below it. Sigh... nostalgia. ^_^

Though, I'm not really sure whether it IS an actual sequel to the first two Superman films. They used Marlon Brando's voice to say lines which was taken from the first one like "it's forbidden to interfere with human history" and so forth. And while Lex and his cronies are inside the fortress of Solitude, Lex's bimbo asked him, "Lex, it's like you've been here before." (ref. Superman 2). Though Lex didn't actually replied to that comment leaving the viewers to wonder if he did. And like in the first two films, Lois Lane still has a spelling problem, a smoking problem and got the Pulitzer Prize which she really wanted. They also mentioned about Lois' first article on Superman: "The Time I Spent the Night With Superman"... which I think has a double meaning for this film.

The movie is actually one big eyecandy. If we were dazzled in Superman's flight scenes in the first two films, then this one will hit the jackpot. By using CG, they actually help make Superman's flight scenes more believable and dynamic. Heat vision, Super Breath, you name it. It's wonderful to look at. Come to think of it, there are more scenes in the movie that are just there for eyecandy. Storywise, I hate to admit it, but it's kind of intriguing. The whole twist about Lois Lane having Superman's kid is interesting and making a whole new Krypton is more than ingenious. But still, somehow I feel there's still something missing. Acting wise, I don't buy Lex Luthor's antics. I find Gene Hackman's Luthor more scary. And like I said before, Brandon Routh's Superman is lame. I don't feel an ounce of heroic-ness in him when I see him doning that red and blue outfit. As Clark Kent, though, he really got the whole Chris Reeve feel. Well, but then again ofcourse, as I said, it's just me.

The movie, over all, is nice. It's not that good, but it's nice. As we say here in the Philippines, "Ok lang." I guess the movie stirred the fanboy in me. Still, looks like I have to eat my words. ^_^

Bounce!

Here's My Heart... Take It... please?

2006-06-16T01:53:00.000+08:00

I feel like singing today...

narito, ang puso ko
inaalay lamang sa'yo
aking pangarap kahit saglit
ang ikaw at ako'y magkapiling
minsan pang makita ka
damdamin ay sumasaya
lungkot napapawi
buhay ko'y ngingiti
sa sandaling pag-ibig mo'y makapiling

puso ko'y narito
naghihintay sa pag-ibig mo
ikaw lamang ang inaasam
tanggapin mo ang puso kong narito
hanggang matapos ang kailanman

bawat kilos mo't galaw
minamasdan, tinatanaw
laging nangangarap, kahit saglit
ang ikaw at ako'y magkapiling

puso ko'y narito
naghihintay sa pag-ibig mo
ikaw lamang ang inaasam
tanggapin mo ang puso kong narito
hanggang matapos ang kailanman

kahit di malaman o maintindihan
kahit na masugatan ang puso
naghihintay sayo
maghihintay ako

puso ko'y narito
naghihintay sa pag-ibig mo
ikaw lamang ang inaasam
tanggapin mo ang puso kong narito
hanggang matapos ang kailanman...

The song's title is Narito, which means "Here" in english. Sung by one of the Philippines' best performers, Gary V. Sigh... I totally feel like singing this song today, for some apparent reason.

Bounce!

Superman Returns???

2006-06-14T16:41:00.000+08:00

Last week, while I was walking around the movie theater waiting for the next screen time of Cars, I happened to see this big poster of Superman Returns. The poster was awesome... until I saw one minor detail. Superman's boots!

You know, to be perfectly honest, I hate the way Mr. Singer messed with Superman's costume. A small emobossed "S" in exchange for the old big and flat "S" on his chest, the belt with a "S" ensignia, dark red colors that looks more like maroon (more reminiscent of Superman 3 where Superman went bad), close necked shirt and the low waist inside-out undergarment. We know he has his reasons, but still if you've seen Mr. Singer's weblogs on the internet, you'll find his reasons... uh... unreasonable. The old costume worked with Christopher Reeves, why will it not work for Brandon Routh? I thought that was the worst of it, till I saw that poster where we can see the sole of Superman's boots filled with "S"s. Okay, so we'll not get to see alot of that on the big screen but still, why'd they have to put that one in? Was it really necessary to add those S's? Sigh...

Also, I don't like Brandon Routh. I haven't seen his acting but that's not what I don't like about him. I don't like the way he looks. He looks so young. The movie should be called "Superboy" rather than "Superman". Tom Welling (Smallville's Clark Kent) is more mature looking than he is. I'm not saying that they should have chosen Tom over Brandon. Tom doesn't fit the Superman role either. It's just I think they should have chosen some one more mature looking. Still an unknown, but more mature looking. Kevin Spacey on the other hand looks awesome as Lex Luthor. Now THAT is a great pick.

Anyway, I'm still going to watch this movie. A Superman movie is STILL A Superman movie, if you know what I mean. I wouldn't pass this chance to watch a Superman movie in the big screen again. The last Superman movie I saw on the big screen was Superman IV. I'll try to be as open-minded as possible in watching this movie. Lois Lane has a kid? Who gave Mr. Singer that idea??? Sheesh.

Bounce!

La Di Da

2006-06-12T02:21:00.000+08:00

It's been a boring past few weeks. Nothing exciting has happened in my life. A little sideline here and there. Sigh... My brother asked me why I don't write something interesting about myself this past few days. All I write are some reviews about Korean dramas. Well, for one thing, I love watching k-dramas and also, it keeps me inspired. My life isn't complete without watching one (or two). Recently, I've been browsing YouTube.com and found this korean gameshow called X-Man. So recently, watching it keeps me up all night. Funny thing is... I don't quite understand what they are all saying since there are no subs available. But I do enjoy watching my favorite korean actors and actresses compete against one another and be the so called X-man. It's fun to see them making fools out of themselves.

Also, I'm planning to take up Korean lessons. I would really like to learn korean so all those k-drama/k-movies watching won't end up in vain. (Some k-dramas that I bought have very poor english subtitles, so it's really a pain understanding what the actors are saying). Well, but then again, if you know me better, this would probably just end up as a plan and won't go anywhere. Feh. I really want to, that is, if I have the budget.

I didn't realize before that my car's headlight on the right side is not working. I think it's an electrical thing since both bulbs on my headlights were bought and installed at the same time. Problem is, I can't take it to a service center tomorrow since it's Independence Day here in the Philippines (reads public holiday). Speaking of Independence Day, Happy Birthday to my cousin Patrick (formerly known as KP). Yo! Kuya KP. I hope you don't mind if we keep calling you KP. It kinda stuck. Anyways, Happy Birthday.

For those of you who haven't seen Disney's/Pixar's CARS, go watch it. It's such a nice film about talking... uh, cars. It's a film for the whole family. Pixar has done it again. Being a 3D animator myself, I just can't help being in awe while watching the film. There goes the 3D industry. Every film that Pixar puts out, it adds a notch to the level of quality for a 3D feature film. Small 3d studios (or big ones even) can't help themselves being compared to that monster company. It's really hard to catch up with Pixar.

Anyways, I feel like I've been babbling here for a couple of hours. And it's already midnight. Got to watch x-man... or rather, go to sleep I mean. heheh..

Bounce!

Review: ReBirth (KBS)

2006-06-06T18:46:00.000+08:00

Rebirth, Resurrection, Revenge... call it what you want. There were are a lot of different titles for this K-drama. But the literal translation would be Life Again... thus Rebirth making the closest title. After reading a review about it in the internet, I had this sudden urge to watch and see what all the fuss was about. And to my surprise, afte watching an episode, I got hooked. The story revolves around police officer Seo Haeun (Eom Tae Woong). Unknown to him, he has a dark past that was revealed to him eventually when he tackled a case that was linked to a crime commited 20 years ago. He found out that his real name is Yoo Kang Hyeuk and was actually a son of a former police officer who was handling the 20 year old case and that he has an identical twin brother, Yoo Shin Hyeuk. After finding out all these pieces of information, he tried to contact his twin brother and tell him that he was alive and their dad didn't die of a tragic car accident, but was murdered. After 20 years, Haeun and his twin brother met and formed an alliance to solve their father's death. But as all stories go, this happiness was short lived. The people behind the crime wanted Haeun dead. And by some weird twist of fate, Haeun's brother was killed instead of him; mistaking Shin Hyeuk for Haeun. Haeun did the unexpected and took on the role of his twin brother and let the criminals know that Haeun really did die. He later found out that his brother is a vice president of a big construction company and later used this power to hunt down the people who murdered his father and brother and make them pay for their crimes. The story is very complex but was well written. Though, while watching it, it gave me a sense that I've seen this kind of story before. Researching Rebirth in the internet, I found out that it was actually inspired by Alexander Dumas' The Count of Monte Cristo. Cool.

Sadly, this k-drama didn't get higher ratings when it was aired in Korea. Because of the Kim Sam Soon phenomena, people watched My Lovely Kim Sam Soon rather than Rebirth. But when Kim Sam Soon ended, the ratings for Rebirth doubled. And according to my research, the drama's lead star, Eom Tae Woong, had a strong following and was later called the "Eom force". For those people who watches k-drama, you might recognize Eom Tae Woong as the ruthless movie producer in Sassy Girl Chun Hyang. To be perfectly honest, I had doubts about Eom Tae Woong because I really hated his guts in Sassy Girl Chun Hyang. But upon watching Rebirth, I totally respected his acting. It's tough to act two persons at a time. Rather, make that three. I'm referring to the dark figure that was the equivalent of the two personas merged together.

The soundtrack is also awesome. None of those candy pop music. The theme and music was really heavy and dark. Upon hearing the music, one can not help but get suck in to the drama as well. All in all, I suggest for those k-addicts out there (as well as those who aren't) to look for this k-drama and watch it. It's so engrossing.

Bounce!

Review: Wedding (KBS)

2006-05-16T08:51:00.000+08:00

I visited this site called Twitch recently and according to the site, Wedding is among the worst TV dramas of 2005. Well, I couldn't agree more. As much as I like Jjang NaRa, her role as a spoiled rich girl who got married to a simpleton diplomat is very hard to digest. Jjang NaRa's character, Lee SeNa, is very annoying. At first, you'll get to adore her with her cute antics but after she got married to Ryu Si-Won's character, Han Seung-Woo, things went from good to worse. The series is so frustratingly annoying. Due to SeNa's immaturity and jealousy towards Seung Woo's childhood friend, Shin Yun Soo, she always argue with Seung Woo about how he doesn't love her or how he loves Yun Soo more than her, which is hardly the case since eversince Seung Woo married SeNa, all Seung Woo ever thinks and love is SeNa. I guess the only problem is that Seung Woo doesn't show his love towards SeNa openly. It's his nature. But that doesn't mean he doesn't love her, right? It's a matter of understanding. In the series, they always mention this one question: "What is the most important thing in marriage?" Seung Woo said Love. SeNa said Trust. Yun Soo said Money. Nowadays, I guess the correct answer is Money. Practicality. The funny thing about it, SeNa, who said the most important thing is trust, doesn't even trust her husband.

To make matters worse, Yun Soo's fiance, Seo Jin Hee, happens to be SeNa's former lover. I don't know the big deal about this, but in my opinion, the past is the past. What matters most is the present. If you love the person, you wouldn't care about his/her past. But that's just the problem here in this series. SeNa is so irritating that she couldn't accept Seung Woo's past. And to top all that, SeNa made the revalation between she and Jin Hee's past experience an excuse for them to really divorce. I felt sorry for Seung Woo, really. Here he is trying to keep SeNa happy, trying to save their marriage by accepting everything that SeNa throws at him, and SeNa hits a low blow by insisting Seung Woo made a mistake by loving Yun Soo and they should have a divorce. Only in the last episode did SeNa realize her mistake when her father told her that she's a bad person for doing that to Seung Woo. And the ending, for me, never solved anything. I was wondering the whole time... "that was it? after all that time, all it takes for SeNa to snap out of her delusions is a fatherly advice? sheesh!" If I were in Seung Woo's shoes, I'd divorce her. Who would want to have a partner like that?

Bounce.

Review: Princess Hours (Goong)

2006-04-23T16:39:00.000+08:00

As you all know by now, I really love watching Korean soap operas (or popularly known as K-dramas). And rarely do I really like one that I go gaga over it. Full House, Sassy Girl Chun-Hyang and My Lovely Kim Sam Soon to name a few. Lately, a friend of mine recommended a new K-drama called Princess Hours. It's korean title is Goong, meaning Palace. Goong, like some of the later K-dramas, was based on a manghwa (Korean comic books) of the same title. The story revolves around an ordinary girl, Shin Chae-Gyeung, who found out that her grandfather and the emperor of Korea made a pact and that she would have to marry the crown Prince, Lee Shin-Goon. Her grandfather apparently saved the emperor's life during the Japanese occupation. The Prince, Lee Shin, has a girl friend who he had proposed to. But due to his girlfriend's high ambitions of becoming a ballet dancer and not wanting to be tied down in the Palace, turned down his proposal. His girlfriend lately realized her mistake when Prince Shin and Chae-Gyeung were married (talk about stupid) so she did everything she can to take away the Prince from Chae-Gyeung. Anyway, here's where it gets complicated. Prince Shin was not exactly the crown prince before. After a sudden death of the Emperor, the successor became the second heir or the Emperor's brother. According to Palace laws, only the Queen Mother, the Emperor and the Emperor's immediate family are to live inside the palace grounds. The other members of the Royal Family are to live outside the palace grounds. The late Emperor had a wife and son (the supposed real heir to the throne) Lee Yul, who were put into exile in Britain. After learning that the current Emperor has an ailment and Prince Shin is showing some signs of rebellion, Prince Lee Yul and his mother returned to Korea hoping that he can get back what was rightfully his, namely the throne, and depending on how you'll look at it, his supposed wife, Shin Chae-Gyeung. Well, the story of Goong is so deep. It's not your typical love triangle k-drama. Goong also has a beautiful soundtrack which I really love. The instrumentals and the songs is perfect for the series.

You might think that there's an exsisting monarchy in Korea. The Korean monarchy disappeared apparently during the japanese occupation. Goong is mainly a "what if" kind of story. What if there is a constitutional monarchy in Korea where the royal family is just a status symbol instead of a ruling power. They made reference to the British monarchy as a symbol for the people. Also they made reference to the British royal scandal between Prince Charles, Lady Diana and Camilla Parker Bowles. And the most funny part about the series, they made Prince William visit Korea. Well, it's not really Prince William, but their Prince William in the series did and is a good friend of Prince Yul.

This K-drama targets the teenage population by casting young singer/actress Yoon Eun-hye for the lead role as Shin Chae-Gyeung and model/actor Joo Ji-Hoon as Prince Lee Shin. With it's typical teenage love story, Goong attracts the younger viewers. But as the story progresses, the story becomes deeper and darker so if you'll notice, the latter episodes turned from PG-12 to PG-15. Anyway, I hope you get a copy of Goong (Princess Hours) and I also hope that you'll enjoy watching as much as I do.

Bounce!

18 VS 29

2006-04-17T13:19:00.000+08:00

My interest in Korean soap operas got the better of me. Last Holy week (a week long holiday in the Philippines), I watched a Korean soap titled 18 VS 29. 16 episodes in all. Never got to finish it in a day. I started wathcing it thursday and finished it just yesterday. Thus keeping me occupied the whole vacation. Besides the poor subtitles, the series has a good story. Also, like every other Korean soaps that I've watched, they have the most annoying and beautiful antagonists, marriage is not a big deal to these antagonists and parents (or guardians) are always a hinder to the protagonist's marriage. The difference of this soap among the others is that the guy really love his wife. He never did have a relationship nor fell in love with another woman.

The story is about a married couple on the brink of a divorce. One fateful day, 29 year old Hye-chan, the wife, was on her way to the trial court to submit the divorce papers when a truck crashed into her car. Her husband, Sang-Young, also 29, is an actor who is rumoured to have a relationship with his co-actor in a TV series. Sang-young was on an interview when he heard about Hye-chan's accident. Hye-chan apparently survived the car crash but unfortunately, she lost her memory. She didn't entirely lose her memory. But all she can remember was from up to a certain day when she was 18 years old. When she was 18, that was when she first met her husband. Funny thing is, she hated his guts in high school. So when she woke up, she thought that she was still 18 and upon knowing that she married the guy who she hated, couldn't accept it. Her sister and husband tried to make sense out of her. They thought that she was only faking it in defense to the rumors surrounding his husband. The wife only thought he was having an affair when she spotted him carrying his drunk co-star to her apartment. Which apparently, nothing did happen. Being a loving husband that he is, he really convinced his wife that she's already 29, she's married to him and that they love each other very much. He tries to make her forget all about the bad things that happened to their relationship and about the divorce. But, as usual, certain factors tried to hinder their love in the form of a jealous, obsessive co-star, a love struck high-school student and a grumpy old grandfather.

It's tough enough to take care of someone who has amnesia, but this time, having to take care of someone who has selective amnesia or retrograde amnesia (as they call it) is far worse. Especially if you know that she hated your guts back to that event in time that she only remembers. The soap's funny. It kind of reminds me of the movie 50 First Dates and 13 Going On 30.

Bounce!

Tristan and Isolde

2006-04-17T12:38:00.000+08:00

Last Saturday, I watched the movie Tristan and Isolde. They say that the story of Tristan and Isolde is like the Shakespearean play Romeo and Juliet. For me it's more like the story of King Arthur. The story goes like this (spoiler alert). After the Romans moved out of Britain, the tribes of Britain were in shambles. Ireland, being untouched by the Romans, decided to conquer Britain. The remaining tribes of Britain tried to unify themselves in order to save Britain from Ireland.

Tristan was a son of a baron whose parents were killed when a group of Irish soldiers raided their town. He was then adopted by Mark (who will later be crowned King of Britain) and grew up to be a cunning and powerful warrior. He was made second hand man to Mark. He championed Mark in every battle. One day, upon defending their people from the Irish invaders, Tristan was but by a sword filled with poison. Thinking that he was dead, he was put on a "death" boat and floated into the sea. Unfortuntely, his boat landed on Ireland. Fortunately, he was still alive. He was found by Isolde, who happened to be an Irish princess, and saved his life. The two fell in love while Isolde (who changed her name fearing that Tristan would fear her) was still caring for the wounds of Tristan. Then reports of a Briton in the Irish shores came to the Kings ears and held a hunting party for the said Brit (Tristan). Isolde, upon hearing this, alerted Tristan and sent him back home to Britain.

A few years later, the King of Ireland decided to make his daughter Isolde as a prize in a tournament to be fought by the champions of the tribes of Britain in order to create disorder among the ranks. Tristan, being the champion of Mark, won the tournament. Tristan didn't know who Isolde was because Isolde gave him a different name. Unfortunately, Isolde can't be his for he only represented his master Mark. His master is set to marry Isolde. There began the dilema. They love each other. Tristan, being loyal to his master and now king, was torn apart. He couldn't stand seeing Isolde with another man. He tried his best to part with them as much as possible. Isolde, who is also torn apart, decided to make the first move. She told Tristan that she couldn't bear not seeing him, thus forcing them to do the bad deed of seeing each other late at nights and make love. In the end, they were caught and was sentenced to death. Mark, who both loved Tristan (as a son) and Isolde (as wife), found himself confused and decided to let them go instead. But because of an Irish invasion, Tristan was killed and Isolde being heart broken, disappeared and was never found again.

It's a touching movie. I do love period films especially during the Dark Ages in Britain. But because of the missing appropriate accents of the actors, it sort of spoiled the movie for me. I remember watching Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves. Kevin Costner playing the role of Robin Hood, never even tried using a Britishc accent. So it was kind of awkward in a sense, knowing that the characters are supposed to be English but has a (more like) Texan accent. The ending is also weird. But then again, it is a tragic story after all.

Bounce!

Holy Week-end Indeed

2006-04-17T10:08:00.000+08:00

It's a monday. And today is a start of another week. After almost a week long vacation last week (because of Holy Week), it's back to work again. Yesterday was Easter Sunday, so Happy Easter to all of you out there. Last week, I didn't get a chance to go online due to my ongoing problems with my broadband connection. Thankfully, we have an internet connection here at the office. I didn't miss much I guess. Probably because I was too busy last week watching a Korean soap called 18 or 29. I'll talk about that later. Also during the Holy Week, it is tradition that all stores and malls are closed on Holy Thursday and Good Friday. Local TV and radio stations are off air (thank God for cable).

Anyway, last Maundy Thursday, me and my friends went on church hopping or "Visita Iglesia" as we call it. It's a common practice in the Philippines to go on a Visita Iglesia during Holy Thursday. It is said that one must visit atleast 7 churches within a day, do the Stations of the Cross and your wish will be granted (I don't know about this part, but it sounded more like a superstitious belief). It's the first time that I did a Visita Iglesia without my parents. It's more fun. We went to Malate Church, Manila Cathedral, San Agustin Church, Binondo Cathedral, Shrine of Jesus, the Way, the Truth and the Light (whew), Our Lady of Lourdes Church (in Tagaytay) and the circular church in Greenbelt respectively in that order. We were planning on going to the Holy Spirit Adoration Sisters convent (popularly known as the Pink Sisters), unfortunately, there were a lot of visitors going in and out of their convent so it's quite difficult to enter. After a meaningful Visita Iglesia, my friends and I decided to hang around The Fort till midnight and chat.

On Good Friday, I started my Korean soap marathon. I had a hard time watching because of the bad subtitles. You have to piece evertything together in order to understand what the characters were saying. Still, the story was good and I liked it. My marathon ended yesterday. There were 16 episodes all in all. I didn't have time to finish the soap within a day because my friends (who I went with doing a Visita Iglesia) asked to meet me later that evening. Apparently, they couldn't get enough of our chatting on thursday and decided to continue chatting more. Well, it was fun. We bonded a little.

It was a good thing that on Black Saturday, mall operations went back to normal. So me and my parents went to the mall. They played BINGO as usual, while I watch a movie, as usual. I watched, Tristan and Isolde. According to the movie poster, "Before there was Romeo and Juliet, there was Tristan and Isolde". Okay, the film is supposed to be a tragic romance flick set in Britain right after the Romans moved out. Upon watching the film, I can't help but think that it is more like an Arthurian lore rather than a Shakespearean play because of a secret love between Queen and Champion (reads Guenivere and Lancelot). It's weird though that they decided to cast James Franco as Tristan. He's not a brit in anyway, and his dialect is confusing at times. Sophia Myles, on the other hand, who plays Isolde, seemed to lost the Irish accent (she is, after all, playing an Irish Princess). Directed by Kevin Reynolds, who directed Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves, it's no wonder that accents were not emphisized in the film.

On Easter Sunday, we had our regular family get together. Nothing much happened on Easter Sunday. We already heard mass Saturday night. It was probably the longest mass I've ever attended. 7 readings, 7 responsorial psalms and a dance number. No wonder it took 2 and a half hours. Still, we did get baptized again.

Hopefully by this week, the broadband connection at home will be fixed so I can do this blog stuff at home instead of at work.

Bounce!

Ranting Mood

2006-04-13T00:33:00.000+08:00

Since I'm in a ranting mood today, I would like to say that I'm starting to hate my broadband connection. It's as slow as hell... I mean as slow as a dial-up connection. Paying 750 bucks a month is not really worth it. A dial-up can download files better.

Just Another Typical Day

2006-04-12T23:47:00.000+08:00

Just watched Win A Date With Tad Hamilton the other night. It got me into thinking that how easy it is to get a girl in the movies. No matter how hard the protagonist tried to win over the girl, he usually ends up being with her by the time the credits roll (no matter what they look like; fat, short, skinny, ugly). Just thinking how easy for them to say how they feel to the opposite sex just makes me crazy. Sometimes, no matter how silly this may sound (try childish), I wish I could live in the movies. Not at a movie house, ofcourse. What I mean is the actual film.

In the film Win A Date With Tad Hamilton, Topher Grace's character, Petey, is your average joe who fells in love with a local blonde bombshell in the image of Rosalie (Kate Bosworth) who happens to be his childhood friend and loves Tad Hamilton who happens to be an actor. Anyway, as the title goes, Rosalie won a date with Tad Hamilton. Apparently, Tad Hamilton fell in love with Rosalie leaving Petey in ruins. Petey never admitted his love for Rosalie the whole time they were together until Tad decided to take Rosalie back to California with him.

Reality folks, the girl wouldn't have made a second opinion about going with an actor (for pete's sake, he's an actor for crying out loud) even though the local boy decided to tell his true feelings impromptu. But what really happened in the film, Rosalie left Tad to be with Petey. End of story. Now, what I would give to be in Petey's place right now. I guess scriptwriters don't do much of a homework now, do they? All that matter's to them is that the movie must end happy. But what does that leave us average joes? False Hopes!

They say personality is the key. Well, here's what I have to say... BULL SHIT. Personality is all I have and look at me now. Sour griping as always. Personality will only give you an answer of.. "I only see you as a friend." No matter how people try to say that they don't look at the outside, they still do. Like they say... First impression lasts. If you're not good looking enough and meet someone for the first time... huh. Good luck in trying to win her over. Which brings me to another point. Most people are shallow... that is a fact.

"Hostel" activity

2006-03-28T13:36:00.000+08:00

I think made this post a couple of months ago. Only now did I finish writing this post.

You know, I can't let this pass. I said to myself, after watching the movie Hostel, I have to write this one down in my blog. Anyway, there be spoilers here after so if you ever read this blog, careful.

Okay, first of all, this movie made quite a buzz because Quentin "Pulp Fiction" Terentino produced it. He never actually made the film (like Pulp Fiction and Kill Bill) but he just produced it. Anyway, the movie's story is quite simple. It's just the gorey parts that gets to you. A couple of American teenagers went on a Spring break to Europe hoping to have sex with european chicks. Along with their Icelandic companion, they gain knowledge of an unmapped town within the border of Russia where they'll get all the sex they want. Little do they know, that this strange and dreamy town is home to a large secret organization of malpracticed surgeons and surgeon wannabe's called the Hunter Elite, whose pet peeves are to operate and do surgical proceedures however they please. The price per patient (more like kidnap victims) depends on their nationality. Asian patients cost $10,000. European patients cost $15,000 - 20,000. American patients cost $25,000. Patients were taken from a place that poses as a Hostel just in the outskirts of the town. The 2 American teenagers and their Icelandic friend stayed there and one by one, they were sent to the the slaughter house. One of them escaped the horrifying place.

The movie is just gritty and greusome. So for those with a weak stomach, don't eat before watching this film. Or better yet, don't watch it at all. It's just pure nonsense.

Bounce!

The True Meaning Of Love

2006-03-13T14:35:00.000+08:00

* for the guys:

- If it's because of her eyes or her lips or her great body, it's not love... it's LUST.

- If it's because of her intelligence or insight about life, it's not love... it's ADMIRATION.

- If it's because she cries everytime you try to leave, it's not love... it's PITY.

- If it's because she makes you forget to study and sleep, it's not love... it's INFATUATION.

- Love is when you do not know why you seem to be attracted to a person. Love has its reason. And that reason is UNKNOWN.

Something Inspiring

2006-03-13T14:29:00.000+08:00

I have in my hands two boxes which God gave me. He said, "Put your sorrows in the black box and all your joys in the gold box. I obeyed and in the boxes both my sorrows and joys I stored. The gold became heavier but the black as light as ever. When I opened the black box, it had a hole at the bottom. I asked God where my sorrows went. God said, it was all with Him. I asked God why the box had a hole. He said, "My child. The gold is for you to count your blessings, the black is for you to let go."

Joke Joke Joke

2006-03-13T14:22:00.000+08:00

Teacher: Juan, if there were 5 birds sitting on the fence, and you shot 1 with your gun, how many would be left?

Juan: None. Because the rest would fly away.

Teacher: Well, the answer is 4, but I like the way you're thinking.

Juan: I have a question for you, ma'am. There are 3 women in the ice cream shop. One was licking her cone, the second was bitting her cone and the third was sucking her cone. Which one is married?

Teacher: I guess the one sucking the cone.

Juan: No. The one with the wedding ring on her finger. But I like the way you're thinking, ma'am.

Huli Ka!: Link to us

2006-03-09T17:06:00.000+08:00

Huli Ka!: Link to us

The WWE and the State of Emergency

2006-02-26T01:49:00.000+08:00

February 24. Me and my friends were set to go into the biggest event of the year. WWE RAW in Manila Tour! We've been waiting for years for this kind of event to happen again (the last one was I think in the late 80's or early 90's) and February 24 is THE day. A little commentary about the schedule of the fight. When we got a wiff on the said event, the official WWE website announced that it would be a one night event only (and that is on February 24). So we bought tickets on the day the started selling one. We actualy though it was the front row tickets that we bought, but rather it was the Patron side. Talk about mis-information, huh? A couple of weeks later, it was then announced that there will be another day added on their tour. So that's February 24 and 25! And on the 25th, there will be a cage match between John Cena and Edge! Drat. We can't refund our tickets now. Anyway, we went on buying some cardboards and pens and made some placards like the one's that you see on TV with slogans like "You Can't See Me" and Carlito is Uncool.

So there it is. February 24th. THE day! I got up and was really excited to go. This is like going to be one of the most memorable day of my life. Well, as it turned out, it was. When I got down stairs, my mom and dad were watching news on TV and it's said that there was a foiled Coup attempt and a large group of protesters were heading for the People Power Monument to "comemorate" the 20th year of the EDSA Revolution. As we all know, the EDSA Revolution is famous around the world; with the ousting of the Marcos administration with a peaceful and bloodless revolt. Also, for those who don't know, the People Power Monument is near the place where the WWE will be held (in Araneta center). Oh, man. I was like in a "don't do this to me!" phase. So there I was. I went on to go to my work. Now the coup attempt? Well, if you've been living in the Philippines since forever, well, you can say that we Filipinos are kind used to that sort of thing. This just wasn't the first time. Anyway, me and my colleagues who were going, took a half-day leave from work just to watch the WWE event. Later that noon, the president announced a State of Emergency. Now, what is a State of Emergency? Heck. Who knows? From what I've been hearing/reading on the news, it's more like Martial Law. Sheesh... and we thought that the coup attempt was foiled. What the heck was the State of Emergency for??? Afraid of a group of protesters? Man. How paranoid can you get? Well, come to think of it, President Arroyo became president by going to the streets and unjudiciarily removed President Estrada from office. So, a little rally and Malacanang goes on Red Alert.

Aaaanyway, so there we were. Heading for the "Big Dome". We were like praying that the show must go on. By hook or by crook! When we got there, there were still alot of people strolling and shopping on stores in Cubao. People were like oblivious to what's been happening just a couple of kms. away. Actualy, most of us didn't care. What's important is that we got there safe and the show is still on! Yeeeeehawwww!

To be continued...

An Essay from a Korean

2006-02-23T08:12:00.000+08:00

I've been reading alot of e-mails about certain foreigners feeling so sad for the Philippines and try to give us ideas on how to run the country. It's a funny thing when you get lectured about love of country from a foreigner. That's the last thing we ever wanted. Here's something that I got from the e-mail just this morning that I would like to share with you:

Presently, there are many Koreans studying in the Philippines to take advantage of its cheap tuition fees. The following is an essay written by a Korean student.

My Short Essay about the Philippines
by Jaeyoun Kim

Filipinos always complain about the corruption in the Philippines. Do you really think the corruption is the problem of the Philippines? I do not think so. I strongly believe that the problem is the lack of love for the Philippines.

Let me first talk about my country, Korea. It might help you understand my point. After the Korean War, South Korea was one of the poorest countries in the world. Koreans had to start from scratch because the entire country was destroyed completely after the Korean War, and we had no natural resources. Koreans used to talk about the Philippines, for Filipinos were very rich in Asia. We envy Filipinos. Koreans really wanted to be well off like Filipinos. Many Koreans died of famine. My father's brother also died because of famine. Korean government was awfully corrupt and is still very corrupt beyond your imagination, but Korea was able to develop dramatically because Koreans really did their best for the common good with their heart burning with patriotism. Koreans did not work just for themselves but also for their neighborhood and country. Education inspired young men with the spirit of patriotism.

40 years ago, President Park took over the government to reform Korea. He tried to borrow money from other countries, but it was not possible to get a loan and attract a foreign investment because the economic situation of South Korea was so bad. Korea had only three factories. So, President Park sent many mineworkers and nurses to Germany so that they could send money to Korea to build a factory. They had to go through a horrible experience.

In 1964, President Park visited Germany to borrow money. Hundred of Koreans in Germany came to the airport to welcome him and cried there as they saw President Park. They asked to him, "President, when can we be well off?" That was the only question everyone asked to him. President Park cried with them and promised them that Korea would be well off if everyone works hard for Korea, and the President of Germany got the strong impression on them and lent money to Korea. So, President Park was able to build many factories in Korea. He always asked Koreans to love their country from their heart. Many Korean scientists and engineers in the USA came back to Korea to help develop the country because they wanted their country to be well off. Though they received very small salary, they did their best for Korea. They always hoped that their children would live in a well off country.

My parents always brought me to the places where poor and physically handicapped people live. They wanted me to understand their life and help them. I also worked for a Catholic church when I was in the army. The only thing I learned from the Catholic Church was that we have to love our neighbor. And I have loved my neighbor. Have you cried for the Philippines? I have cried for my country several times. I also cried for the Philippines because of so many poor people. I have been to the New Bilibid prison. What made me sad in the prison were the prisoners who do not have any love for their country. They go to mass and work for the Church. They pray everyday. However, they do not love the Philippines. I talked to two prisoners at the maximum security compound, and both of them said that they would leave the Philippines right after they are released from the prison. They said that they would start a new life in other countries and never come back to the Philippines.

Many Koreans have a great love for Korea so that we were able to share our wealth with our neighbor. The owners of factories and companies distributed their profits to their employees fairly so that employees could buy what they needed and save money for the future and their children.

When I was in Korea, I had a very strong faith and wanted to be a priest. However, when I came to the Philippines, I completely lost my faith.

I was very confused when I saw many unbelievable situations in the Philippines. Street kids always make me sad, and I see them everyday. The Philippines is the only Catholic country in Asia, but there are too many poor people here. People go to church every Sunday to pray, but nothing has been changed.

My parents came to the Philippines last week and saw this situation. They told me that Korea was much poorer than the present Philippines when they were young. They are so sorry that there so many beggars and street kids. When we went to Pagsanjan, I forced my parents to take a boat because it would be fun. However, they were not happy after taking the boat. They said that they would not take the boat again because they sympathized with the boatmen, for the boatmen were very poor and had a small frame. Most of people just took a boat and enjoyed it. But my parents did not enjoy it because of love for them.

My mother who has been working for a Catholic church since I was very young told me that if we just go to mass without changing ourselves, we are not Catholic indeed. Faith should come with action. She added that I have to love Filipinos and do good things for them because all of us are the same and have received a great love from God. I want Filipinos to love their neighbor and country as much as they love God so that the Philippines will be well off. I am sure that love is the keyword which Filipinos should remember. We cannot change the sinful structure at once. It should start from the person. Love must start in everybody in a small scale and have to grow. A lot of things happen if we open up to love. Let's put away our prejudices and look at our worries with new eyes. I discover that every person is worthy to be loved. Trust in love, because it makes changes possible. Love changes you and me. It changes people, contexts and relationships.

It changes the world. Please love your neighbor and country. Jesus Christ said that whatever we do to others, we do to Him. In the Philippines, there is God for people who are abused and abandoned. There is God who is crying for love. If you have a child, teach them how to love the Philippines. Teach them why they have to love their neighbor and country. You already know that God also will be very happy if you love others.

That's all I really want to ask you Filipinos.

"To accomplish great things, we must not only act, but also dream; not only plan, but also believe." -Anatole France

I also read something like this a couple of years ago from a Korean too. The only difference to this e-mail is that this Korean didn't blame the corruption in the government for the current situation of the Philippines. He's probably true, you know. We Filipinos just lack patriotism. We cradle the west as if they are our saving grace. Well, if you look into our past, being colonized by 3 different countries, we actually don't have a cultural identity that we can cling on. The Philippines grew up holding on to the hands of these foreign invaders (most especially the US) and forgot to let go. Also, the sad truth to all these, is that WE, as a nation, are not totaly unified. Who says we're not unified? You mean to tell me that being united when a natural disaster occurs is not unified? Well, that's just it, isn't it. We need to have a natural disaster in order for us to be one. What happens when there aren't any? Nothing! We keep on bickering amongst ourselves, pulling one another down. The term crab mentality comes into mind. Anyway, the point to all this is that we must learn to love. We should first learn how to love ourselves; for who we are and for what we are. Not in a selfish kind. Then, love our fellowmen/neighbor. Let's end all this bickering and try to solve problems instead of making new ones. After that can we only acheive the love of country.

Gosh. Look at me lecturing about something so deep a topic. Anyway, Koreans should know, right? Meaning, looking at their history and all, they probably were the poorest in asia back then. But look at them now. Who would have thought that these people were looking up at us in the past. Now, it seems that the tables have been turned. So sad. This is just something for us to think about. With the current situation of our country, we need new ideas. Well, come to think of it, this isn't exactly new.

Bounce!

Interview with God

2006-02-21T22:58:00.000+08:00

This is another SMS from a friend of mine. Lately, I've been receiving alot of good text messages from friends that I can't share with others through the same way due to the length of the message itself. So here I'm gonna share with you the nice message that my friend sent me:

Interview With God:

Host: What surprises you most about humankind?

God: That they get bored with childhood, they rush to grow up and then long to be children again. That they lose their health to make money and then lose their money to restore their health. That by thinking anxiously about the future, they forget the present, such that they live in neither the present nor the future. That they live as if they will never die and die as thought they had never lived.

Bounce!

Nothing To Do (2)...

2006-02-20T08:38:00.000+08:00

Has there been a time in your life that all you ever do has been a cliche? Last weekend, it happened. I was tired of my routine of waking up, playing my Nintendo DS, watch TV (whether it be DVD or HBO), eat and sleep again. I really got bored. So after a month of not going to a mall, I went to Festival Mall. I didn't buy anything, but roaming around in the mall is a better alternative than lying around in the house. I also got to watch a movie. It's called Close To You starring John Lloyd Cruz, Bea Alonzo (damn, she's so cute) and newcomer Sam Milbey. I totally liked this film! Well, I am a sucker for romantic-comedy films and this one really hit the spot. It's pretty awkward though, a lot of eyes were looking at me. Looking around, I noticed that I was the only one who doesn't have a partner and particularly, I'm the only single MALE inside the theater. I really don't want to give them ideas, but I really wanted to watch the movie, so I let them stare. Sheesh... to hell with them. I'm enjoying the movie, dammit.

Anyway, after watching the movie. I thought whether I should go home right away or not. But seeing as it was already late at night, I decided to head back home. When I got back, my movie craving is far from over. I still watched on DVD a Korean movie called ...ING. I'm not really sure why it's called ...ING, but I liked it. It stars Kim Rae Won (My Little Bride) and Im Soo Jeong (Tale of Two Sisters). Now this movie is more of a feel-good movie rather than a romantic-comedy. I did bring a tear to my eye for it ended tragically. Sigh... I don't want to be too emotional that night but I really couldn't help it.

Then yesterday, I got up and watched the boxing match between Brian Viloria and Jose Aguirre. I was expecting a fast bout, and so did Viloria I guess, but rather, it ended at the 12th with a decision in favor of Viloria. Huh. It wasn't as exciting as a Pacquiao match but still, the kid's got alot of heart to defeat a champ. After that boring game, I watched another Korean movie called Wedding Campaign. At first I thought it was supposed to be a comedy, but it turned out, it's more of a drama with some light comedy. The movie is about a group of single korean men, who can't find love in their own country and decided to go to Uzbekistan and find a bride there instead. This reminds me of the incident last year where a group of Korean men were caught trying to get Filipina brides here in the Philippines through agencies that were run by their fellow Koreans. It's sad to think that their only chance of marrying is by going abroad. Anyway, back to the movie. The main character set off to Uzbekistan with his friend in hoping to find a girl to marry. Through a Korean connection in Uzbekistan, he was paired off with korean-Uzbekts (uh... koreans who were born and grew up in Uzbekistan) and a Korean translator who knows how to speak the language of Uzbekistan. Unknown to him, his translator happened to be from North Korea. I guess it's a big issue if you a south korean falls in love with a north korean. In the end, he fell in love with his translator. I think it's one of those radical korean films. But still, it is a nice movie.

Bounce!

SMS

2006-02-17T11:17:00.000+08:00

Yesterday, I received a SMS or text message if you will, from a friend of mine. And I would like to share it with you just for the heck of it:

I've realized that life is indeed full of contradictions. Sometimes it's crazy to be sane, you need to fall to fly, people suffer because you care... You have to unlearn to know the lesson, you have to give up because you are strong, you have to be wrong to make things right... Nonetheless, life's complexities are also life's source of beauty. We should cry to laugh again, fall apart to be whole again and get hurt to love again.

Bounce!

Post Valentines Report

2006-02-15T08:03:00.000+08:00

Really now. What makes Valentine's day special? Besides that I don't have a date? Last night upon going home, I was caught in a major traffic jam in our place. I mean, when I usually drvie thru there, the traffic seems fine. But yesterday was the worst one yet. I really don't get it. Also, flowers are as costly as hell. I really think DTI should look over this. This is already a scam.

Celebrating (or even having) valentine's day is only a way of depressing alot of single men and women. They should abolish this occassion. I mean, think about it. Couple's could show their love everyday of the year. What makes February 14 any different, right? Sheesh... look at me. I'm sourgraping because I didn't have a date. >_> My friend found a new single's term for Valentine's day. Instead of calling it Valentine's day, she called it Single's Awareness Day. Sound's good to me. Hehehe. ^_^

Forgive me for ever being so cranky. I'm like the Scrooge of Valentine's Day. Anyway, today is February 15th and today is my dad's birthday. So Happy Birthday, Dad! ^_^

Bounce!

Happy Valentine's Day

2006-02-14T10:31:00.000+08:00

Today's the day. The day of hearts. St. Valentine's day. The day where lovers around the world gets mushy and cuddly with one another. Sigh. How I miss celebrating this day. But then again, not celebrating it gets me a chance to save money. No dates. No flower buying. Hehehe.. looks like I'll be celebrating Valentines at home. Here're some interesting facts about Valentine's Day:

There are varying opinions as to the origin of Valentine's Day. Some experts state that it originated from St. Valentine, a Roman who was martyred for refusing to give up Christianity. He died on February 14, 269 A.D., the same day that had been devoted to love lotteries. Legend also says that St. Valentine left a farewell note for the jailer's daughter, who had become his friend, and signed it "From Your Valentine". Other aspects of the story say that Saint Valentine served as a priest at the temple during the reign of Emperor Claudius. Claudius then had Valentine jailed for defying him. In 496 A.D. Pope Gelasius set aside February 14 to honour St. Valentine.

Gradually, February 14 became the date for exchanging love messages and St. Valentine became the patron saint of lovers. The date was marked by sending poems and simple gifts such as flowers. There was often a social gathering or a ball.

In the United States, Miss Esther Howland is given credit for sending the first valentine cards. Commercial valentines were introduced in the 1800's and now the date is very commercialised. The town of Loveland, Colorado, does a large post office business around February 14. The spirit of good continues as valentines are sent out with sentimental verses and children exchange valentine cards at school.

http://www.pictureframes.co.uk/pages/saint_valentine.htm

Today would also be the first anniversary of the infamous Valentine's day bombing. Local authorities are on red alert today due to some threats made by terrorists to celebrate this occassion with a blast. Sigh... people nowadays aren't really that frightened anymore. It'll take more than a bomb scare to terrorize Filipinos. Anyway, Happy Valentine's Day to all of you.

Bounce!

10th Philippine International HotAir Balloon Fiesta

2006-02-12T22:04:00.000+08:00

I've just recently been to the most awesome event that I've ever seen to date. I've been looking for out of town adventures for sometime now and this really hit the spot. I'm talking about the 10th Philippine International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta that was held at Clark Field Pampanga. They've been holding this event for some time now and just recently was I aware that there was such an event here in the Philippines. Thanks to my friend, I got to go.

Although it was a four day event, we just went there last saturday. We were hoping to leave early but 5:30 AM is much too early for us to handle. So we set off from Manila to Pampanga at around 9:00 AM. This was also my first long drive on my Mazda 3 and it was fun and a bit tiring. We got to Pampanga at around 11:00 to 11:30 AM. It was hot that day but windy at the same time. When we got there, we were hoping to see Hot Air Balloons (it is, after all, a Hot Air Balloon Fiesta) but sadly there weren't any. We asked around about those big things and they said that the Hot Air Balloons flew as early as 5:30 AM. Bummer. Even if we did leave at 5:30 AM, we still wouldn't have seen the damn things and it would have been a really long day. Fortunately, the organizers said that the balloons will inflate again in the afternoon, so we still got to see them.

Anyway, while we were there and waiting for the return of the balloons, we got to see some high flying action courtesy of the local and international aviation pilots who did their thing on the air. There was this balloon bursting competition where pilots will fly by and try to burst balloons in the air. Professional Sky Divers. Then there was this mini-rocket launching demonstration by some so-called rocket scientists. And there was also a RC-helicopter and plane exhibition. But none of that thrilled us more than learning that we could get a chance to ride on an actual Hot Air Balloon for free sponsored by TOTAL (it's a gas station). Well, it's not actualy free. You must have an accumulated amount of receipts from TOTAL to get a free ticket or buy a P400 gift certificate from them to get a ticket. We don't have receipts from TOTAL so we decided to get the P400 gift certificate instead. The TOTAL people told us that they would let us ride in the afternoon once they get the right wind and inflate their balloon, but that is up to only 5:30 PM. So we waited and we waited but sadly, they didn't get to launch their balloon. But we got to see hordes of Hot Air Balloons that afternoon.

My friend really wanted to ride one. She was so frustrated that we deicided to sleep over at Pampanga and come early in the morning to get to ride on the TOTAL Hot Air Balloon instead of taking a refund. So we looked for some accomodations but the places near Clark was fully booked. It was a total drag. We went on asking for a room from one hotel to another. We only got a room just outside the vicinity of Clark. At last.

We woke up at around 4:00 to 5:00 in the morning. And left at around 5:30 AM. When we got back to Clark, we were surprised that there were alot of people there already at that wee hour in the morning. Anyway, we checked at the TOTAL booth if our tickets were still valid and we're glad that it still is. So we waited again and hoping that we get to ride the damned thing (it was also the last day of the event so, it was to ride or bust!). While waiting, we get to see the launch of the other Hot-Air balloons. It was awesome! It was worth sleeping overnight at Pampanga and waking up early in the morning. It was a sight to see!

After a few more waiting, we saw the TOTAL Hot-Air balloon inflating. We were saying "hopefuly, this is it. The next chance of riding that thing will be next year." So we hurriedly went to the place where the balloon was inflating and got on line. To our surprise, there were actualy some people who have been waiting to ride that thing since Thursday. Oh well, we were lucky (somehow or the other) after all. Anyway, in the end, we got to ride the hot-air balloon. Though it didn't go far and didn't go that high (it flew just several meters from the ground), it was worth it. It was kinda annoying though that the pilot kept on reminding me about my weight. Hehehe... ^_^

After that experience, I'm planning to go back next year (even after I was all red due to the scorching sun). Also, I'm planning on taking more out-of-town excursions from now on. I never realized it was that so much fun. ^_^

Bounce!

Wedding Bells Left and Right

2006-02-03T08:00:00.000+08:00

Since the start of this year (including last December), people I know are getting married. Last December, my office mate buddy, Jay, got married. Sadly, I didn't get to attend his wedding because I was in LTO (Land Transportation Office) that day to take care of my lost license. I was expecting to just catch up to the wedding, but, unfortunately, taking care of the license took some time than I have expected.

Then just this January, two other officemate friends also got married. The first one was our Production Manager, Tess. It was really nice to be there. The emcee at the reception was so upbeat that the whole reception turned out to be one big game show. Looks like he's a frustrated game show host or something. I don't know. Who cares, right? The second one was my seat mate in the office, Jopo. Her wedding was the unexpected one yet. I've never been to a wedding with Purple as their color theme. Even the men wore purple barongs. The kids, though, were great. They have butterfly wings on their backs while walking along the aisle. Also, their entourage consists of politicians (special metion goes to ex-Senator Tessie Oreta) because the groom's father happens to be a City Councilor of Malabon. At the reception, I got the chance to sing for the bride and groom. I wasn't totally prepared for that. Though my friend did asked me to sing long before the wedding, I backed out a few days before it. Then on the day of the wedding, she still insisted that I sing (along with my other friends). Oh, what the heck. So I did it. I sang Because of You by Keith Martin.

Tomorrow, my college friend, Jing, is going to tie the knot with her long time boyfriend, Doods. In March, my cousin, Poch, will also tie the knot. And in April, my best bud in the office, Botai, is also going to tie the knot as well. And I'm going to be the best man. It'll be an honor to be the best man for the guy. He's really such a good friend.

It's a weird thing, weddings. I never realized how old we have grown up. My buddies are getting married and ready to start a family of their own. While me, on the other hand, is still single. Believe me, there's not a day that goes by that I haven't thought of settling down. It's just that I haven't found the right one for me (or vice versa). I'm not getting any younger, you know. And the idea that most of my friends are getting/got married is really driving me nuts. But then again, if you think of it, alot of men in my situation would exactly think the opposite. But ofcourse, in the end, it's just me.

Bounce!

Nothing To Do

2006-02-02T13:33:00.000+08:00

Well, well, well. I didn't realize that it was sometime since I last posted something here on my blog. It's already February and my last one was on November of last year. Right now, I don't have anything to do. Production on our next project isn't officially starting yet. By the way, for those who doesn't know yet, HOODWINKED is already out in the States and made big on its first weekend box-office. Yay! Despite the harsh criticism that it took, Hoodwinked went neck and neck with Disney's Glory Road for the number 1 box-office on Martin Luther King Jr. Weekend. It actually took us by surprise when we went number 1 on some days. In the end, we ended up second. It's not bad... for an independent animation film, that is.

A lot of my friends outside the office keeps asking me whether we had some incentives upon reaching number 2 at the box-office. Well, we were hoping that we would get something out of it, but sadly, there isn't. Though, we WERE promised that we're going to get a raise by the start of the next project. Hopefully they keep their promise. ^_^ Anyway, that's it for now. I'll try to be active in posting something again here at my blog.

Bounce!

To Hell and Back

2005-11-22T13:21:00.000+08:00

Hello! To all the avid readers of my blog, sorry if I haven't posted anything for the past few uh... weeks. I've been kind of busy lately. Anyway, here I am again, posting away. There have been a lot of things that transpired during the course of my absence.

First off, I would like to announce that the official site of HOODWINKEDis up and running. You guys can check out the trailer there. I don't know if it's already official, but the tentative premiere of the film here in the Philippines would be on December 17. And let me make an open statement about the movie. I know there have been alot of talk about the movie in some of the CG forums (sadly, most of the comments are bad). For the record, to our detractors, we openly admit that our movie is not at par with those of PIXAR and DREAMWORKS for there are certain factors why it came to be. If we had been told earlier that the project would extend to some length in time, we could have done better. But seriously speaking, the story is great. I'll bet you'll laugh your asses off. So please, give Hoodwinked a chance before you decide to not watch it because you think the trailer sucks. Anyways, we're happy that we got the movie out and we hope that you guys would love it.

Second, I watched Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire last week. Before you go on, there might be spoilers here and there in this topic, so a word of caution. I must say that this film is darker than The Prizoner of Azkaban. Though, I have trouble appreciating the film. Why, do you ask? Well, first, the pacing of the film is so fast. I don't know if it's just me, but, I think the the director really wanted to go directly to the Triwizard Tournament and decided to make some quick cuts in the beginning. Second, if you're a purist of the book (or maybe you've only read the book), you will notice how many things got cut out like the Dursleys, S.P.E.W, Ludo Bagman, Dobby and Winky the house elves. I don't know why they have to remove Dobby in this one. Dobby sort of played an important role in the Goblet of Fire. The same with Ludo Bagman. The trouble with removing such characters is placing their roles to other characters. For example, Dobby gave Harry the gillyweed in the book. In the movie, they made Neville give Harry the gillyweed being a star student in Herbology and knowing such stuff. Though, come to think of it, I think it must be necessary, for the book is a seven-hundred plus pager and it would be difficult for the film makers to adapt it to the big screen. I had a hard time appreciating the film mainly because I expected too much out of it storywise. I was so in to the book that I got forgot to separate the HP world of the book to the HP world of the film. But all in all, the film is awesome... Effects-wise.

Third, since last week was a payday weekend, without hesitation, I bought DVDs of Revenge of the Sith, War of the Worlds, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Ghostbusters 1 & 2 and the 1976 version of King Kong. I already finished watching King Kong, the 2 Ghostbusters movie, and War of the Worlds respectively. While watching King Kong and the 2 Ghostbusters movie, I can't help but feel nostalgic. Most especially the Ghostbusters. I grew up liking the film and the cartoon spin-off. And for some time I've been looking for a DVD of it. Good thing last friday there was this sale at ASTROVISION and there I found the boxed set of Ghostbuster 1 & 2. King Kong on the other hand... hmmm... I'm not really sure why, but back then, watching the film scared the shit out of me. Imagine a big gorilla running around the city. But now, after watching it again, it makes me feel silly. I suddenly realized that the film is just about a big horny ape that has the hots for Jessica Lang. By the way, Jessica Lang was hot back then. She's also one of the reasons why I watched the film in the first place back then. Hehehe. Now, War of the Worlds isn't as scary when watched on DVD. It's scarier when you watch it on film.

Well, that's just about it. Starting tomorrow we'll go on a 2 shift work day so we could finish a project that was given to us in such short notice. I ended up in the evening shift. Though, it's just temporary. It'll only take 3 weeks. Right after that, the premiere. I can't wait to see our movie on the big screen.

Bounce!

You've been HOODWINKED!

2005-10-27T16:08:00.000+08:00

It's official. The 3D animated feature film that we were making for quite some time now, already got a screening date. Hoodwinked: The True Story of Little Red Riding Hood, will be shown in theaters on Christmas Day (or Christmas weekend, I think). But that schedule is for US screening. I don't know whether the same goes for some parts of the world, but according to one of our bosses, they were planning on showing it earlier here in the Philippines so as to not coincide with the Metro Manila Film Festival which happens during Christmas week (crossing fingers). Also, according to our boss, the theatrical trailer will be shown with The Legend of Zorro (which started screening last Friday in the US). A friend of a friend of mine told me, though, that when he watched The Legend of Zorro here in Manila, he didn't see the trailer. I guess it's just shown in the States or something. Could anyone confirm on that?

Here are the teaser posters for our film. It's no NEMO nor Incredibles. Just don't expect too much out of it, okay?

Something Out of the Ordinary

2005-10-25T00:54:00.000+08:00

Did you ever had that feeling that just a tad more, and you're about to snap? Earlier I felt like it. It just wasn't my day, really. I don't know how it started. When I left for the office, I was feeling really dandy and all. Then some point in the afternoon, I guess, that's where it all started. A colleague and I were talking about my love life. To be perfectly honest, I don't mind sharing their insights on things but that particular topic just sort of ticked me off. I really don't know why. But it really enraged me.

Then before going home, I happened to be playing table tennis (doubles) with my friends. I'm just an amateur compared to them, mind you, and I'm not that stupid. But the problem is, do they really have to push it? I mean why not slap it in my face, why don't you? Huh? I'm really trying hard to get the ball to the other side. I've been following what they were saying, and it seems that every move I make, doesn't look like I'm listening to them. Blaming me for not making the shot and losing the team. Well, that's just perfect, isn't it? How frustrating can that be? I had no choice but to raise my voice at them. Sheesh. Give me a fucking break, will ya? I'm not like you! My GOD! And to think that most of their fancy shots don't go in more than my lame ones. Sorry, just a little frustrated that's all.

You know, somehow, I feel like I'm becoming the person who I really hate. But can you blame me? Blame them. I tried to be Mister Nice Guy, but they really are pushing it. Someday, they might regret what they're doing. Someday, I might push back without you expecting. Well, not really. After reading this blog, who knows.

Man, sorry about that. I just really need to release my anger and frustrations. I hope no one gets offended. Have a nice day! ;)

Bounce!

Of Colds and Traffic Schemes

2005-10-19T16:21:00.000+08:00

Darn it. Looks like I caught myself the sniffles. I've been sneezing like hell all day. I don't feel that jolly today. Adding the fact that I woke up really early this morning to avoid being caught by authorities because of the color coding scheme. I really feel sleepy, with only this blog to keep me up.

Mental note: There have been alot of traffic schemes that was implemented all over the metro to help ease traffic and the color coding scheme has the wierdest name. The scheme goes that vehicles that has their plate number end in this kind of number can't travel around the metro within a specific time and day. For example. Plate numbers that end up in 1 and 2 must not travel during Mondays from 7am to 7pm (the time depends on the place). Now the wierd part about it is alot of people keeps on calling this traffic scheme the color coding scheme. I really don't know why when the scheme isn't even associated with colors. Oh, I don't know. It's just giving me a really big headache right now. I guess I'm just babbling.

Bounce!

Fillers 2...

2005-10-18T17:26:00.000+08:00

I've just recently watched the first three episodes of season 5 of Smallville (spoiler alert). And it got me wondering. How can Jor-El take Kal-El's power when Kal-El only has powers because of the earth's Yellow Sun? Jor-El didn't even give Kal-El his powers. It was like born with him. It was supposed to be that his molecular density is different whenever he is in a planet with a Yellow Sun and thus his powers. Unless ofcourse Jor-El is a high and mighty wizard in Krypton, which I doubt. I know for a fact that Kryptonians are a highly-advanced society. They are more adept in technology than magic. And for all I know, Superman is vulnerable to magic. Oh well, unless someone could prove to me otherwise or correct me, I'd still be in thinking. And no, the suspension of disbelief theory won't do.

Bounce!

No Mo' Money

2005-10-18T16:47:00.000+08:00

I think I'm going in to hyperdrive again. Eversince the last payday, I've bought atleast a couple of audio CDs, DVDs, a couple of comic books and lots of food. I don't even know if I could hold on up to the next payday. What's killing me is the toll fee on the hi-way. I didn't even realize that I spend atleast P700+ a week just for that. Plus the P1,200+ for full tank of gas. A full tank could run my car for a week.

I don't really want to compute the total of all that expense. Just seeing the value that I have to add up is enough for me, thank you very much. Sigh. And I was even planning on modifying my car. :( It's time that I tighten up that wallet. It's almost christmas and I got to have enough dough to buy presents.

Ka-ching Ka-ching!

DVD-DVD kayo diyan

2005-10-17T13:10:00.000+08:00

There'll be alot of DVD's coming out in the next few months. Star Wars Episode III will be out by November 1 and BATMAN Begins DVD is already out now. I can't wait to get my hands on one. Though, my friends say that I should wait for the Deluxe Edition to come out, and that'll be tomorrow. Sigh. What is it with these special edition crap. Why do they have to make 2 copies of everything? Is it about the money? Well, ofcourse, it's all about the money. Sheesh. What kind of a stupid question is that?

Bounce!

Smurf Village BOMBED!

2005-10-13T08:08:00.000+08:00

It's something that I didn't expect seeing. It's true, the Smurf Village has been bombed. This time, it's approved by the family of the late Smurf creator, Peyo, and it's for the benefit of the UNICEF anti-war campaign. It's purpose is for the rehabilitation of ex-child soldiers of Burundi.

The ad begins with the usual opening and opening song that we all know. Passing through the smurf village, seeing smurfs dancing, singing and frolicing about. Then from out of nowhere, bombs drop from the sky to the unsuspecting smurf village. It was chaos! Smurfs running for their lives, finding shelter. Mushroom houses blown into bits. In the end, we see a ravaged smurf village, a fallen Smurfette and a crying, tattered Baby Smurf. Then a message appears: "Don't let war affect the lives of children".

It was a harsh ad. It's so harsh that it had an adult rating and was only allowed to be aired by 9pm on Belgian TV. A spokesperson from UNICEF Belgium said that the ad was reallly made to shock people because conventional ads bearing images of injured children doesn't have that much impact anymore on viewers. It's true, though. Nowadays, unconventional means can really get through alot of people.

If you want to see the ad, you can download it here. It's very interesting.

Bounce!

Behind the Mask

2005-10-12T16:56:00.000+08:00

Sometimes it pays to be oblivious to things that are happening around you. I'm not really sure how to begin this but bare with me. There are alot of things in my mind right now.

You see, I have a clear vision of something. I appreciate it for what it is. I'm going with the flow. Then all of a sudden, you'll hear something that'll really put you off track. Something honestly nasty. It's the truth, but at the same time nasty (meaning it's not really nice to hear). Then what you believe in gets all tangled up. All that you've known to be true will now become a lie. You'll get a different perspective now of the subject. I'm not saying that I hate them for telling me. Actually, I'm grateful that they did. But it really did skew my perception. I'll never see it that way again.

It's really hard not to say and give details, but I must control myself so as not to offend anyone in particular. All I have to say is that the truth sometimes hurt. And looks like we'll have to live with it whether we like it or not.

Bounce!

PS: Just to make myself clear, this is not what some of you may think it is. Okay? ;)

Munch Munch Crunch

2005-10-12T08:06:00.000+08:00

As I was eating and chewing my breakfast, which consists of corned beef, egg and rice, I suddenly chewed on something... crunchy. Don't you just hate it when you're eating something you know that is soft and chewy when suddenly you'll be chewing on something crunchy? At this point, alot of things were coming into my mind. From a piece of egg shell to a common house fly. Mind you, I've had alot of experiences eating unwanted things in my food. Take for example, the ordinary pandesal (bread). I've had my share of crunchy bits, from pebbles to house flys to hornets. Yuck. I've also been victimized by the ordinary looking Palabok. I know there are some crunchy things in the ingredients of the Palabok, so I'm not really that much conscious of what I'm chewing... that is after it get stucks in between your teeth and pick it out to see the head of a cockroach. EWWWWW.... ok. I guess that's enough icky and yucky things.

Bleeeeach!

Unisex Toilets

2005-10-11T16:59:00.000+08:00

I don't know if any of you guys have been inside a unisex toilet, but recently, our company implemented a "temporary" unisex toilet because the ladies room is under repairs. Now I know what it feels to be in Ally McBeal. It's strange to see employees of the opposite sex inside the men's room especially when you're pissing, then a cubicle door opens to see a lady coming out of it. It really feels awkward. Though, luckily, the ladies are more awkward than us guys. They usually go in pairs or sometimes in groups in entering the toilet. Actually, most Filipinas, by nature, are very conservative, no matter how much they say they're liberated. Filipino men, on the other hand, are gentlemen, no matter how rude and naughty they may be, when it comes to situations like these.

In the end, it all comes down to respecting each others privates...err... I mean privacy. ;)

Bounce!

Choo Choo

2005-10-10T09:00:00.000+08:00

I think I've heard it all. All kinds of trains, that is. The new office where we were situated right now sits beside a railroad track. Everytime a train passes by, the whole building shakes. At first, I thought there was an earthquake or something whenever the train pass by. But as time passes, you'll get the hang of it. Shaking off the shakes and rattles. I've also heard different kinds of train horns. Though, I don't know if the different horns comes with different trains. I've heard one that sounds like a donkey. There's also the long, non-stop horn. It must be an express train or something. The only thing that I haven't done yet is time the trains. Maybe next time.

Bounce!

Time Is Of The Essence

2005-10-10T08:50:00.000+08:00

A boss of mine asked me why I always arrive early in the office. I usually arrive in the office past seven in the morning. Sometimes I arrive minutes before seven. Well, the deal here is, I live in a place where timing means everything. If I leave the house at around seven, I'll arrive at the office kinda late. The problem of which includes parking at the back of the building, which, btw, is very crampy. But if I leave just before seven, I get here in the office earlier than expected. So now you see the dilema I'm having? I think I'll have to stick to the earliest time possible.

Bounce!

All HALE the INTROVOYS

2005-10-05T14:37:00.000+08:00

A few months ago, I've been hearing alot of this new local band in every radio station and eveyone's been talking about them. What I'm talking about is the band called HALE. Right now, they're probably the hottest group in town. Young girls go gaga over them, or more likely over their lead vocalist CHAMP. All the songs they've released eventually reached number 1.

So it made me think and tried them out and bought their CD. I don't know how to put this but, as my friend said, it's like their songs are very melancholic. At first, I felt sleepy everytime I listen to it. But if you listen to it almost everyday, you'll get the hang of it. The problem with their songs, if anyone noticed, is that they all have the same melody. They all sound a like, although sometimes with a different tempo or pitch. Which reminds me of a famous band back in the late 80's and early 90's called The Introvoys. The name sounds cheesy but they have a huge following back then (I guess that includes me). They didn't remind me of the Introvoys because of their fame, though, but it's because their music also have the same melody. That's what the Introvoys are known for. They have like atleast a dozen of famous songs, but they all sound alike. And the same goes for HALE. Also, alot of girls find the lead vocals of both bands that attractive. Whatever.

Anyway, till now, HALE has been lording over the charts in every pop radio station in the country. After all that I have said, they're still a good band. And right now, I'm beginning to appreciate their songs.

Bounce!

A Poem

2005-10-04T08:05:00.000+08:00

A cat sat on a mat...

- this is me trying to be poetic. ^_^

Fillers..

2005-10-03T19:02:00.000+08:00

You know, sometimes I don't know what I did to deserve such treatment. But then again, maybe it's just me.

As The Song Goes...

2005-10-03T18:15:00.000+08:00

I remembered last week, my two officemates, who were seating beside me in the office, and I were discussing about who would you choose: "The one who loves you" or "the one you love"? Sounds like a song, doesn't it? Are you gonna stay with the one who loves you? Or are you going back to the one you love? Someone's gonna cry if they know they lost you. Someone's gonna thank the sky above... Sigh. Enough singing.

Well, anyway. My other officemate, who happened to be a girl, chose the one who she loves. While me and my other officemate chose the one who loves us. Each person has a reason why they chose their answers. And are entitiled to their own opinion. So don't misunderstand me on this one. I chose my answer because of experience. After a few (or shall I say, alot of..) rejections from the opposite sex makes me want to give up trying to find the one I love. I would gladly entertain the thought I'd go for the one who loves me (which I doubt there is). Only then, and maybe then, can I find the right one.

Ofcourse, one has a certain option of picking. A friend of mine told me maybe I'm too picky. But ofcourse, not everybody who loves you jives with you. I try not to go for the looks. As long as they jive with me, then what the hell, right? But then again, who knows? I haven't had the pleasure of having someone who loves me (excluding of course friends and family). Oh, wait! I did have. Back when I was around 16, I think, there's this girl who's willing to making a fool of herself just to make me happy. But the girl was just a kid. I don't go for kids. Atleast 3 years younger would do. 5 or 10? Nah (why do I have a feeling that I'm going to eat those words sooner or later).

To that point, hindi na lang ako magsasalita ng tapos about this topic. ^^;;

Bounce!

Helluva Weekend Sale

2005-10-03T10:48:00.000+08:00

Last weekend was so horrible. It's hard to get through the Metro with all the malls going on a Weekend SALE. Traffic was at it's worst especially if you happen to pass by a mall. I went to three malls and all of them was a pain in the ass. First, you'll lose your temper with the heavy traffic. Second, if you get lucky to pass the traffic, you'll have a hard time finding a parking space (these are the times that I envy commuters). Third, you're lucky if you get out of the mall alive. The mall is jampacked with shoppers here and there. And finally, how stupid of me not to bring enough cash to buy things. Darn it. All I got to buy is a TPB of Batman: HUSH by Jeph Loeb and Jim Lee (and that's not even on sale!).

Bounce!

Remember The Time

2005-09-30T09:45:00.000+08:00

I usually arrive at the office just right after 7 in the morning. Office doesn't, shall we say, start by 9. So during that period, to kill time, I usually plug in my MP3 player into a PC speaker. As I was waiting to get to 9, I heard an old Smokey Mountain song entitled "Kahit Habang Buhay" which brought me memories of my high school days.

Though, you may consider it not really that pleasant. I remember back in my third year in St. Andrew's, I joined the COCC at the same time the Glee Club. In the Glee Club, we were doing some singing and stuff, and some of my co-members got a fancy on me and my friend's fooling around singing of the said Smokey Mountain song . Kahit Habang Buhay, as some of you know, is a duet by a boy and a girl. And, as some of you may also know, that St. Andrew's is an exclusive for boys school.

Anyway, I have a co-member in the Glee Club who happens to be a Cadet Officer in the CAT. Since me and my friend is a COCC, whenever we were at duty, that Officer would order us to sing that song complete with second voice and all with all the students to see. So as you can see, it was a pretty awkward moment eventhough it was just for fun.

Bounce!

TIME Asia Heroes 2005

2005-09-30T09:44:00.000+08:00

Check out this site:
http://www.time.com/time/asia/2005/heroes/

There are 3 filipinos who are nominated for TIMEasia's Heroes for 2005:

- Cory Aquino

- Gloria Macapagal Arroyo

- Manny Pacquiao

You can vote for who ever you want and as many times as you want. Voting ends on October 3, 2005

As of my last vote, Korean superstar, Rain (popularly known as Justin in Full House) is already 58% and Manny Pacquiao is a distant second with with 38.6%.

In my opinion, I would rather go for either Cory or Manny. But, to be perfectly honest, I'd go for Manny.

Go Manny!

Feeling Guilty

2005-09-30T09:43:00.000+08:00

I don't want to give any details, but last night I felt guilty about something. So whatever it is, I'm sorry.

Peace

Pinoy Big Brother

2005-09-27T10:34:00.000+08:00

"Picture this: You will live in a house where TV, radio, newspapers, phonelines and mobile phones are non-existent. Will you survive this lifestyle?"

Such is the line from the new hit reality game show Pinoy Big Brother. Pinoy Big Brother, as the title suggests, is a local spin-off of the popular Big Brother franchise. There has been alot of local reality shows that have been aired recently and this one is totally different. 12 people lives under one roof for 100 days and see who'll survive to win P1Million, a House and lot and a brand new car. Two (2) have already been eliminated, one (1) voluntarily exits the house and a new one is added replacing the one who exited.

People had mixed feelings about the show because it's a totally different new concept for local television. Some say that Pinoy Big Brother is scripted. Some say that it'll never work. To be perfectly honest, I didn't quite like the idea of the show. But after watching a few episodes, it gets to be interesting. It's funny because it's like you're eavesdropping in the private lives of these contestants. The problem with this concept is the contestants, once they get comfortable with each other, will show their true self. Some turned out to be good natured, yet some, well, let's just say, is too good to be true. Hehehe...

One time, the MTRCB, Movie Television Review & Classification Board, has ordered the suspension of the show for exhibiting scenes that were, according to them, unfit for a PG classification. Pinoy Big Brother complied and got a 1 day suspension. For me, I think, they should've seen this one coming. If they really don't have control over the contestants, it's bound to happen that things would get rowdy inside the house one way or the other. Even if there is a Big Brother lording over the contestants, what they do in their free time in the house is way beyond his hands. You see, the show that's aired during primetime weekdays is already edited. Though, they do show it live every midnight and if you subscribe, you'll get to watch the whole show unedited and live over the cable. Cool? Well, sort of. There goes their privacy. Hehehe.

Anyway, I don't usually get to watch the show. When I get home from work, I'm usually too tired to watch tv anymore. Instead, I keep track of the show thru their website. I know it's not as exciting as watching it in TV, but just by reading the latest on what's going on in the house is enough.

Bounce!

All's Well That Ends... Well?

2005-09-23T01:09:00.000+08:00

A thorn has been removed from a rose. Wouldn't that feel comforting? Though somehow, removing it just isn't enough. In the beginning, it would give you a big sigh of relief. As time goes on, you would feel something lacking. Thinking that removing it is really not the solution. But then, you come to a conclusion that you really have to weed out the problem starting from its roots.

I'm not getting through to you, ain't I? Darn it. I wish I was as poetic as my friend.

Bounce!

Advent Children

2005-09-17T15:47:00.000+08:00

Before I start commenting Final Fantasy VII: Advent Children, I would like all of you to know that I haven't played the Final Fantasy VII game on PSOne. So I'm not really familiar with the characters and story of this new FF VII except from what I hear from my friends, who are actually fans of the game (and perhaps the whole Final Fantasy series). I, on the other hand, am not that much of a fan of RPG's in computers, particularly Final Fantasy. I buy the games just for it's eye-popping graphics.

First off, I don't know what to make of the story. I don't know whether my comprehension of the story is so shallow or the whole story is so deep that the only people who'll understand it are the fans and the writer. I didn't understand all that Mother thing that Kadaj and his group keeps mumbling about and the Geonstigma virus that, from what I understand, has all the children afflicted with it. It could be that the whole thing is self explicable if you have played the game in the first place. But for us who haven't, it's really frustrating. Plus, if the beginning of the movie is some sort of explaination on what has transpired, well, it didn't really help. The narration is so deep. I guess, the same goes to alot of serious Japanese anime and films. But, in fairness to this film, I liked the story more than that of Final Fantasy Spirits Within. But then again, for those who do understand the story of FF VII, then, good for you.

Though, what I do like about the film (and most of the FF series) is the graphics. As a 3D artist, I very much appreciate the eyecandy. Square-ENIX did another job well done. They have already raised the bar with their last Final Fantasy game and now they're doing it again with this film. It's so hard to catch up with these guys.

I can see that I didn't make much of a comment. Well, anyway, this movie is a must see for those who are die hard fans of the Final Fantasy series and people who like anime. Check it out.

Bounce!

Blog: what am I to do without you?

2005-09-16T18:19:00.000+08:00

After reading a blog of my friend, I suddenly thought whether a BLOG works to your benefit or not. So what does one put in a blog? I, for one, write down my thoughts, feelings and daily activities in there. My kuya warned me in writing bad things about the company I'm working on, for I might get "dooced" in the process. According to him, Dooce is getting fired by your company upon reading malicious and ugly things that you wrote down in the internet (ie. blog). And I think the same goes to what you write about people you care about.

Well, I've been very careful in writing such things and if I did, I never put it bluntly. To be perfectly honest, I never thought that someone else would be reading my blog except for my kuya, and probably his wife, too. But later I found out that some of my friends did read it from time to time. Which is kind of embarrassing because, like I said before, I write down my thoughts in it and I've written something there that kind of caught them unaware.

Now, let me get to my point. Is a blog advantageous or not? In my case, it's a little bit of both. First, disadvantageous, because lately, I've been ranting about something that my friends wrote in their own blogs and never thought that they, too, would be reading mine. It's kind of awkward, I tell you. Now, an advantage, because because of that, we got to know each other's problems and get to fix it on time. As my friend would write in her blog, "saved our 5-year friendship". Thank goodness. ^^;;

Anyway, after the incident, I don't know whether to write everything I'm thinking in my blog or not. Which in turn, is kind of hard to do because, my blog has become an outlet for me. Whenever I can't talk to anyone, I write in my blog, then everything's ok. Sigh. What a dilema.

Bounce!

Posting Woes

2005-09-16T08:38:00.000+08:00

Don't you just hate it when you've already typed something, and it happened to be a very long one, your computer then crashes down or the power goes out or whatever kind of unlikely disaster happens, and you haven't saved it or atleast (in Bloggers case) haven't published it? That's what happened to me last night. I was in the zone, typing this and that. Then, my PC at home, for no apparent reason, shuts down! It was so frustrating. Earlier, I've been trying to recall all the words that I've typed last night, but to no avail. Recover Post wasn't a bit of a help either. *sigh* I'll try to jog my memory so later I can post whatever I remembered from the post that I was making last night. Very very frustrating indeed.

Bounce!

There's Always A Catch

2005-09-13T08:17:00.000+08:00

It has come to my attention that the restaurant known as Kamayan has somehow tricked us. Kamayan has this eat-all-you-can buffet for a very low price. Having an eat-all-you-can buffet means that you don't need to get a menu. You just walk on to the table with the food on it and take one. But, drinks are not included in the promo. You have to order them separately.

In cases like this, you don't have to look at a menu to ask for a bottomless iced tea or juice. You just call the waiter and ask them for one. Upon serving of the drinks, we were amazed that the iced tea comes with a plush doll (see exhibit A at the left). We thought that it was a cool promo. For every iced tea or juice that you order you get a free plush. But as every good thing goes, there's always a catch. You see, upon ordering the drink, we didn't get to look at the menu. And to our surprise, the bottomless iced tea costs P150... each! Well, the plush doesn't come free after all.

One thing I learned, from now on, always ask for a menu and look carefully at the promos. Anyway, if there's any consolation to all this, the plush would look good in my car. ;)

Bounce!

Weekend Happenings

2005-09-11T23:03:00.000+08:00

Well, it has been a fun filled weekend for me.

Friday, September 09, 2005

Well, nothing really happened on this day. I thought that me and my friends could go out and watch a movie or something. Sadly, they had some where else to go. Instead, I went to Glorietta myself and bought myself pants (which I didn't realize that I already have a pants with the same design) and 3 audio CDs for my car: Barbie Almalbis Singles, Mojofly and Mishka Adams.

Barbie's CD is more like a compilation of previous works (from her Hungry Young Poets days to Barbie's Cradle) plus some new ones including the latest Close-Up single Just A Smile. I really liked music and I must say this is a must for all Barbie fans. Next is Mojofly. Now Mojofly is a band formed by a former member of Hungry Young Poets. One of my friends has a copy of their album in the office and I liked it so I bought it. Anyway, they're all over the TV nowadays and are currently promoting their latest video (that happens to be a creation by some of my friends). Then Mishka Adams. To be perfectly honest, I don't know who she is. But Her music is great. I don't know how to categorize it but it sounds more like lounge music or jazz. It's great for easy listening. She's a Fil-Brit by the way. Well, that's according to her album.

Saturday, September 10, 2005

Yesterday, I went out with my gym buddies and played Badminton. It was really tiring but I must say, for an obesse person, I sure can move. The only problem that I encounter after playing Badminton is that my knee and ankle begins to ache (and sometimes leads to an arthritis attack). That's why I bring along a lot of my pain relievers with me in such cases. After playing, we went out to eat in Kamayan. And it's an all you can eat buffet! That's the only funny thing that we've been doing after playing badminton, we eat alot. So all that burned fat comes back again. Oh well. Maybe I'll try to pass next time. Anyway, one of my gym buddies ask me if I'd like to take boxing. Actually, I've been planning on taking boxing for sometime, but according to some of my friends, it's very tiring than going to a gym. My gym buddy told me that this one's different. The trainors aren't that strict and won't give you a hard time. So I guess, maybe this week, I'll try it out.

Sunday, September 11, 2005

Fight Night! Or shall I say morning. Double Trouble is aired on TV. Once again, the Philippines went silent because Manny Pacquiao went head to head with Hector Velasquez. This time Manny Pacquiao went back to his original division and won. Congratulations Manny! The main event was Erik Morales (Manny Pacquiao's previous opponent which he lost to) vs. Zahir Raheem. Eventhough Erik Morales lost to Raheem, Manny Pacquiao said that they're long awaited rematch is still on. Well, here's to hoping and good luck on your next (re-)match.

Also, my cousin, I don't know what went through her mind, decided to join the auditions for Star Struck, which was held earlier in SM Southmall. I must say that she did pretty good and I wish her luck in her quest to stardom.

Well, that's pretty much of what happened to me over the weekend. Till then.

Bounce!

That's How the Cookie Crumbles

2005-09-08T07:43:00.000+08:00

Once upon a time, there were three friends, Dave, Stan and Sunny who decided to make their own Cookie Factory. Before, they work for a Candy Factory back in California. They then thought that at their age, they should be going in the business also. But seeing the Cookie business is more flourishing than the Candy business, they took the risk in going to the Cookie business instead. They made research after research until they realize that making cookies would be great if they go to Philadelphia. Labor's cheap and a lot of talented pastry makers could be found there.

They made a cookie factory there in Philie, gathered atleast 10 talented pastry makers and named their factory SweetTooth Pastries Inc. The three told their people, to make a good impression on the big supermarkets, they should deliver a thousand cookie boxes in just a span of a week. The pastry makers, even though they are good, couldn't believe what they were hearing. At their number, plus the lack of materials they have at the factory, it would take a miracle to finish it and deliver on time. But still, these pastry makers put their trust on the three and carried on with their work. The three, checking the status of their work, decided that they should hire a supervisor to (what else) supervise the factory. Dave and Sunny went back to California to look for a good supervisor. They went to every cookie factory, and under the table, they talked to the other pastry makers. Until they got one. Bastion. The name sounds french but he definitely is not. Bastion is not from the factory, but from a Cooking school. He was supposed to be a dean in cooking. He knows all the ropes in making pastries. His students were top pastry makers in the US alone. Well, that's what he led them to believe.

So off they went, expeditiously, back to Philie and quickly placed Bastion as the supervisor of the factory. The other pastry makers didn't know what to make of it. It's only a few days more and they're almost done, but still the three insisted that they hired Bastion to quicken production. The pastry makers, without any choice whatsoever, went on with the three's decision. Little do the three realize, Bastion made life hell for the pastry makers and also for the production. He seemed knowledgable in the field but that knowledge was just for show. Instead of making it on time, the production got messed up in the process and what's supposed to take only weeks, took months.

The big supermarkets were growing impatient. The three really can't see what's wrong. They thought they had it all laid down so perfectly that they would finish on time. The pastry makers told the three that it was Bastion's fault. The three couldn't believe what they heard. Their best man, incompetent? But he's a dean, they thought. He has so many students who are already big time cooks and pastry makers. So they thought, it was just a grudge. Instead of removing him, they remove three pastry makers. Being low manpowered as they are, the remaining pastry makers were dumb founded at the decision.

The long delayed production grew even longer. What was already extended to a month, took another 2 months more under the supervision of Bastion. By that time, a new Cookie factory opened. This is no ordinary cookie factory. This one is a sister company of the biggest candy factory in the whole Philadelphia area. This means that what ever the loss of the cookie factoy, could easily be resolved by the bigger one. This means stability. The three pastry makers that were fired became the heads of this new factory. They also required more better pastry makers so they turned to their friends at SweetTooth Patries Inc.

Word of the hiring got to Stan and was alarmed at the situation. He kept asking the people what was wrong. The people only answered one thing, over and over. Bastion. Stan can't still see how Bastion could be the root of all this. So he neglected this. The pastry makers really doesn't know why Stan and the other two won't listen to them. Does Bastion got a big hold on the three? How does he smooth talk his way out of the situation? Then from out of nowhere, one by one, the pastry makers of SweetTooth Pastries Inc. resigned and went to the other factory. Stan, being the most alert of the three, quickly gathered his people and asked again what was wrong. The people kept on explaining to him that it was all Bastion's fault. Over and over, they explained. Seeing as to they're going to lose all their men, decided to let go of Bastion.

Now, I don't think it was a real solution to this. Good that they got rid of Bastion. But their actions only meant that they won't listen to the demands of their workers and by a mass resignation do they only open their ears. There's no real lesson in my story. It's just something I thought off and would like to share to you readers.

Bounce!

The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe

2005-09-07T07:12:00.000+08:00

I know to those who are usually fond of reading books may find this silly, but I too have grown fond of reading books recently. I guess I'm such a late bloomer. Yesterday, I finished reading CS Lewis' The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe. Very fascinating story. I remember back when I was a kid when I was first introduced to The Lion.. it's not by book but in the form of animation. Actually, the animation became sort of my visual aid while reading the book. (I dunno if this is considered a spoiler but be cautious reading anyway) I also remember crying when Aslan offered Himself to the White Witch in exchange for Edmund and then had his mane shaved and was killed afterwards on the Stone Table. The scene was very emotional. I also remember being creeped out when the White Witch turned a group of merrymakers (including children squirrels) into stone. After reading the book, I then realized that the animation is true to the book.

Sometime ago, at the time when The Lord of the Rings movie was shown, I just learned that CS Lewis based some of his characters from the Bible, particularly The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe. Aslan being Jesus who died on the cross to save mankind from its sins. Mankind represents Edmund, decieved and tempted by the Witch. And the Witch being evil itself. That's why when Aslan was resurrected, I had that funny feeling that I've heard that story before. Also, CS Lewis wrote some Christian books along the way. Funny thing, though, my aunt (who is a born again fanatic) regard the works of CS Lewis and JRR Tolkien as works of the devil. Her reason being that there are characters in their books who are magicians, witches, monsters and all that. How could she think that when the authors themselves are Christians and are trying to teach Christian values with their writing? Oh well, I guess to each their own.

The Movie

Lately, we've been seeing alot of the trailer for The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe. The movie stars Tilda Swinton (Constantine) as the White Witch and Liam Neeson (Batman Beyond, Star Wars, to name a few) as the voice of Aslan. To be perfectly honest, I don't know what to make of the movie. The book is very short and most of the scenes were just explained briefly by Mr. Lewis, especially the battle in the field. Mr. Lewis gave more particular detail on Aslan's resurrection and His turning the statues back to normal. The battle on the other hand was a just a brief narration compared to the latter. In the mini featurettes, it seems like they're giving more emphasis on the battle. Well, right now, who am I to judge? The movie hasn't been shown yet. I'm not as excited to watch this film than that of the Lord of the Rings or Harry Potter. Though, what I've been wanting to do for a very long time (but haven't found the time) is watch the stage plays of The Lion. For the past few years, Repertoire Philippines and Trumpets have been holding stage plays of the Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe. And of all those years it was shown, I haven't been to any one of them. I think it's because of the budget constrains back in college. But if ever another play opens, I'll definitely watch it.

Bounce!

Fun Fun Fun

2005-09-04T23:33:00.000+08:00

Where to start. Well, last friday, I was supposed to go to a rock concert with my friends (who by the way made the cool MTV for Mojofly. Two thumbs up guys!) but in the last minute, another friend of mine called in and said that he want to celebrate his birthday in advance before going back to Dubai. The friends who I'm "supposed" to be going in the concert happens to be in the same circle of friends as the one who's going to celebrate. Bad luck is, he only announced that he was going to celebrate it on that day, while the concert was planned for some time now. So that means, my other friends can't back out of the concert since they were like "guests of honor" for they made that wicked video. As for me, I don't have a ticket to go to the concert. The plan was when we get there, that's when we'll buy the tickets. Weighing things over, I decided to go to my other friend who was going to celebrate his birthday. I tried to explain to him why the others can't come. If he wasn't stupid enough to call way ahead then they could possibly had come. Anyway, no regrets on my part. Atleast I haven't shelled out P600+ that night and got to eat free pizza instead. We got to celebrate his party with our other friends who are still in the same circle of friends but were working in a different company (uh... sounds confusing, doesn't it?). After the party we got to hang out in one of my friends' apartment and ate the remaining pizza and drink some... soda and watched some Justice League cartoons. The others drank "Lambanog". Anyway, we had fun (especially those guys who were at the concert).

Then yesterday (Saturday), my other group of friends (my college buddies) and I went to Tagaytay to celebrate one of my friend's birthday (also). The bad thing was, it rained so hard that day. But that didn't stop us from enjoying our trip. She treated us to Josephine's and stayed there for some time enjoying the view of Taal Volcano. Sadly, there wasn't much of a view for it was raining and a thick cloud was covering it. We waited for the rain (and the clouds) to subside to get a better view of the volcano. It was awesome. Then we planned on going to a seminary up there but it was alreay closed. So we just went to Starbucks and talked. There I saw Allona. She's a singer btw, for those who are not in the know. Actually, I think I'm the only one who realized that it was Allona. Nobody seemed to know who she is. Oh well, she's cute for an older person. She's like 21. I think she's already in her 40s or late 30s. Anyway, I had a blast that day. We promised that we do that more often like every other saturday or the saturday after pay day. Now that will be fun. Also next time, I'll bring a camera with me. Darn it. Hehehe..

Today, well, nothing really exciting happened today. I slept all morning and in the afternoon I watched a Korean movie called Innocent Steps which starred one of my favorite Korean actresses, Moon Geun-Young. Sigh. She's great in the movie. Oh, the movie's great too. Then I watched Initial D the movie. It's based from a popular manga/anime from Japan with the same title. It's like the japanese version of Fast and the Furious only this one's more dangerous for they have to tackle corners on the mountain. They were like racing like hell downhill using a technique called "drifting". It's cool. I recommend you watch it. It's awesome. Then I went out in the evening and watched a movie called Sky High. Sky High is about a kid, who has parents who are the greatest superheroes in the world, and is high time to study to his parents' Alma Mater, which is Sky High. Sky High, apparently is a school where sons and daughters of superheroes go to study. Think of Hogwarts in Harry Potter. It's funny, especially for a comic geek like me. You've got to watch it.

Bounce!

Ber Months

2005-09-01T22:55:00.000+08:00

Today is September 1st. Wow. It's already September. How time flies so quickly. Here in the Philippines, whenever the year reaches the "ber" months (ie. sept, oct, nov and dec), it's almost considered as Christmas already. I really don't know who started it and what gave them the impression that September is the start of the Christmas season. Don't get me wrong here, I have no qualms about that. It's just one of the funny things our culture got used to. By this time, you'll be hearing Christmas carols being played on air by radio stations (and somtimes malls).

Also, around this time, friends and relatives would ask me whether I'll have a girlfriend by Christmas time. It kind of depresses me at the same irritates me whenever they ask that. I'm not really in a hurry to have a girlfriend (yeah, right). It's only a matter of time (-ing) before I find the right partner. You can't really hurry these things, you know?

Bounce!

All Things Harry Potter

2005-08-31T23:05:00.000+08:00

Lately, I've been visiting quite a number of sites devoted to Harry Potter. I didn't realized that I was that hooked on the Harry Potter world, when I keep looking for articles about the upcoming HP film: The Goblet of Fire and reading through a website called The Harry Potter Lexicon for an inside depth on everything Harry Potter.

There's also this site called Mugglenet.com which told what to expect in the upcoming movie. A reporter of theirs happened to have watched the first screening of HP and the Goblet of Fire by sheer luck. They've just watched Fantastic Four when, outside the cinema, someone were handing out theater tickets to a nameless movie. She kinda have an idea what it is for most of the audience were kids and teens. Anyway, she disclosed what was there in the film that's also in the book and what and who were removed entirely for the sake of the movie. Though they got to see the first pass (meaning, some CG were still works in progress), she pretty much liked it better than Prisoner of Azkaban (ofcourse, her comment could be biased since she emphasizes that she loves the actor who played Cedric Diggory). Well, I like Prisoner of Azkaban very much and if this upcoming film is better, then bring it on. I'm very excited right now.

Mischeif Managed!

Harry Potter and Me

2005-08-31T00:30:00.000+08:00

This is bad... I finished reading a thick book within a span of 3 days (4 counting Saturday night). I sometimes surprise myself. I don't usually read books like I said in my previous entry, but somehow, this book (or shall I say series) got me into reading. Right now, I've just finished Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince and may I say that it's a very interesting book. It's action packed in the end, though kinda boring when Dumbledore and Harry were "scanning" through the memories of people in search for answers on how to defeat Lord Voldermort. I particularly like the part where Harry was thinking alot of things at the same time, like where Malfoy went, his detention with Snape (that's Professor Snape to you, thank you very much), their upcoming Quidditch tournament and getting jealous over Ginny and Dean. If I was in his shoes, I'd probably go mad. Though in my opinion, Harry could be such a snoop and quite annoying. He should learn to mind his own business. Meanwhile, the battle in Hogwarts really got my blood running. I felt Harry's anger of the whole Snape thing and I got excited just reading how Harry hears this and that and saw this guy on the floor and flash of light almost hit him and all that stuff. It was heart stopping! I salute Ms. Rowlings for intertwining all of that in this book.

To be perfectly honest, I haven't read the first four books. I just saw the films. Though, it did give me a good visualization of the Harry Potter world which helped me a lot. Now that I have nothing left to read, I guess I'll find the first four books that my brother bought some time ago and read it all over again. It's as if there are some parts that I've missed that transpired in the first four and was mentioned in the Order of the Phoenix and the Half Blood Prince. I've never got hooked on a book before. And I hope this will be a beginning of something good. Though, let's just hope that it lasts.

Mischeif Managed!

Capabilites

2005-08-29T21:06:00.000+08:00

I know what my capabilities are, thank you very much. The problem is, alot of people don't see it. Some have their basis on previous works, which I must admit was pretty lame back then. What they don't see is NOW!

Well, I can't prove myself by just babbling here, can I? Well, I can't also prove myself if they still think that I'm that same old fart that they used to know. Someday they'll see that... Hold on. Did I just sound like a big sulking spoiled brat who got his lollipop stolen? Sorry, bout that. Sometimes I let my emotions get the best (or at the moment, the worst) of me. I know I have no say to what they decide. It's just it's been a big frustration of mine and I think it was also my fault for not doing better back then.

Sarcasm

2005-08-29T20:34:00.000+08:00

By definition is a cutting, often ironic remark intended to wound.

That's one thing I hate about myself. Whenever I get angry or disappointed, I tend to be sarcastic. To be honest, I try to control my sarcasm whenever possible because, I really hate the people's reaction to my sarcasm. It gives me a heavy feeling of guilt. Like I said before, I have a very sensitive conscience. It acts instinctively whenever I know what I did was wrong. Then I would have a hard time figuring out how to say sorry back.

Believe it or not, I can be sarcastic even without talking. A lot of people say that I have such expressive eyes that they can tell what I'm feeling on that particular time just by looking at it. Don't you just hate that? I can't even hide my emotions. Well, anyway, sorry to those who I've been sarcastic to.

On a lighter note, however, sarcasm is also a form of wit that is marked by the use of sarcastic language and is intended to make its victim the butt of contempt or ridicule. I also do that to make fun of other people. It's just like my idea of being funny. Though, I also hurt alot of people by doing that. They just pretend that they laugh at it while deep inside, they're already imagining they're killing me with their bare hands. Wait a minute, that's not even light.

Bounce!

Best Friend

2005-08-28T11:06:00.000+08:00

Hmmm... I noticed that I've been posting alot today. I just can't help but speak my mind. Somehow, it's very enlighting to release what you've got to say here in this blog. I could make it my new best friend... now, that doesn't sound right.

Changed Man

2005-08-28T10:53:00.000+08:00

How could you regain one's confidence?

In the past, I hate to admit, that I'm a very tactless person. No secret's safe with me. I don't do it on purpose, though. It's just that it comes right out of my mouth naturally, later realizing that I shouldn't have said that. That's why alot of my friends despise me for that. They can't tell me anything that's supposed to be kept secret. But, for some time now, I've really got the hang of keeping quiet. Making sure that every one else knows about it before I go talking. The problem now is how could I regain their confidence. In keeping their secrets with me, ofcourse. Well, it's not that it's my business or anything, it's just that I want them to be comfortable in confiding with me again. It's very hard.

To be honest, I realize, that it wasn't just me who's been tactless. Friends who lecture me about being tactless are tactless themselves. Huh! Really now. Annoying thing is, when ever the word's out, they blame me for telling. Uh... it wasn't me. It's him or her or that bloke. Well, that's what you get when you're a known tactless fellow. But does that mean I'll have to live my life marked as that? What do i have to do?

Secrets

2005-08-28T00:25:00.000+08:00

Secrets. I have one. We all have one. Though one thing is certain. Sooner or later, these secrets will be revealed.

One thing I hate about secrets is, it could hurt you. Especially if someone you trust, like a friend, is the one who's been keeping a secret from you. To be honest, I keep secrets from my friends too. But it's more likely that I'm the one to reveal it to them. What I don't like is that I have to learn the secret from somebody else.

Shh... Just Between You and ME.

Something On My Mind

2005-08-28T00:11:00.000+08:00

There's this one thing that's been bothering me lately. I don't really know what it is. I'm really bored. I don't want to go home early because, I've really got nothing to do. I have a car and I can't go anywhere far. Well, what's to enjoy in going far if you can't enjoy it with some one or your friends. Then there's this particular question that's been bugging me...

What's my purpose in life?

I have friends but still, I feel alone. I have a loving family but still, I feel alone. I have a job but still, I feel worthless. I have faith in God, but somehow I feel not worthy.

You know, the problem with me is, that I know what I am and am not capable of. I know what I'm doing whether it be good or bad. I know the solution to my own problem. But still, somehow, my life is miserable and I can't do anything about it. Well, I think the right word for it is WON'T. What kind of a person am I to be like that? I have a conscience. And maybe that's the only thing that's sacred to me and preventing me to do my worst.

Damn. I've been mumbling, have I? Oh well.

A 90's Person

2005-08-28T00:01:00.000+08:00

There's this radio station that I always listen to that's called Magic 89.9 WTM. During fridays, they play songs from the 80's to the 90's all day. And on saturdays, they play songs from 1990 to 1999. To be honest I was born in 76 and got to hear all those new wave stuff back in the 80's. But the real deal here is that I was more into the 90's music. That's where I must say that really brought back memories. Good ones and bad. It's during the 90's that my generation bloomed. I remember hip hop and R'n'b is the best thing that happened to radio. Mixes and raps and all that stuff. TECHNO is the bomb! Ah... I can't help but feel nostalgic.

Bounce!

What's Been Happening Lately

2005-08-27T23:21:00.000+08:00

Hello. It's been awhile since I wrote something here in my blog. Well, to most of you who read (or have not) my blog, we've just settled in our new home. To be honest, at first, I didn't like the place because it's not really entirely brand new. It was pre-owned. Though the funny thing is, it has the ambience of the house that we stayed in Brunei back when I was a kid. So it did kinda give me a sense of nostalgia. On top of that, I also got a new car (with the help of my father, ofcourse). It made my life a lot easier going to the office and back. Before, that is when we only have one car, I used to drive my dad to the office before going to mine, which makes me late all the time. Worse than that, if my dad or mum has a plan on a certain day, I'll have to commute to work. Hey, I'm not saying that I don't like commuting, to be honest, it's more cheaper and uh.. healthier. It's just so frustrating that when there are few commuters that are on the bus, the bus driver tends to wait for other passengers until his bus gets full before going.

Our office also moved to another place somewhere in Makati. This time, a whole floor was dedicated just for our studio. It's no longer a house. Before, we used to work in a house, converted into a studio. Then, into a building called Net One Center that didn't quite live to our expectations. It's supposed to be a technical building but the power supply can't support our studio. Now, the studio that we are working on is supposed to hold us up pretty nicely.

Also, last August 18, I celebrated my 29th birthday. Man... Am I that old? Well, with my current ailment, "arthritis", I felt old way back when I was 21. Good thing my arthritis hasn't attacked that bad lately. Anyway, I was glad that I got to celebrate my birthday with my friends. I get to meet my college buds and my former co-employees again. It was great. Had the time of my life.

Anyway, words out that the feature film that we were making has already got a release date for December 25, 2005. So check your calenders. Well, that is if you're in the US. I don't really know when it's going to be released here in the Philippines. But as any Filipino knows that during the Christmas season, the MMFF (Metro Manila Film Festival) is always celebrated. It's a film festival that showcases only Filipino films. Meaning... no foreign films allowed during that period. So I guess, we'll get to see it the following year.

Lately, I've also been into reading books. Harry Potter books, that is. I dunno what it is about Harry Potter that I can't seem to get enough of. At first I kinda loathe Harry Potter with all that thing about being a copy cat of the DC-Vertigo comic "Books of Magic" by Alan Moore. Also, the first two films are a bit of a bore. Then came Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban. I really don't know why, but I loved this film. I even bought the DVD. That's when this all started. After watching the DVD for the nth time, I went and bought The Order of the Phoenix and the Half Blood Prince. I've just finished reading the latter and I surpised myself. I haven't finished a book for a span of 2 weeks. I usually finish reading one for atleast more than a year or so. Sometimes, I don't get to finish it at all. But this series, I tell you, I get excited reading. Maybe it's a start of something. Also, I already finished Roald Dahl's Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. I was kinda inspired reading the book after watching Tim Burton's adaptation of it. Hmm.. hello, it looks like a pattern. Looks like I'm into books that have been made into film. That's got to be it. But I don't think that there's something wrong about it. Atleast it got me into reading again. To be honest, I don't really like reading books. Comic books are fine, but books are just not my style. I leave that to my "kuya". Anyway, I'm off to my reading.

BOUNCE!

Something Weird

2005-05-22T23:05:00.000+08:00

While we were looking for a house to buy, we happen to chance this big house that's for sale. My mom, dad and my aunt decided to get out of the car and talk to the owner who was just sitting on her backyard. The owner was very hospitable at first. She let them in her house and took them the guided tour. The house looked good by the way. It was big and the design is not bad. Anyway, with a little talk, they found out the woman was living alone in her house. Her husband (who happens to be a foreigner) is working in Dubai. My mom told her that if she's okay living all alone in the house. Is it safe? She just said that she's just fine for her neighbors always keeps an eye on her surroundings. While talking, my mom, aunt and my uncle (who's waiting in the car and decided to enter the house later) needed to go to take a leak, so they asked the lady if they could use the bathroom. She obliged. After that we learned that the house was more than our budget so we left.

Then suddenly, before we got out of the village, the guards stopped us. They told us that the lady from the house wanted to talk to us. We thought that she finally agreed with the deal that they made. But then, my father noticed more guards are coming in and from the distance, we saw the lady. To our surprise, it wasn't about the deal. She accused us of stealing her P25,000 worth cellphone. Since, she was the only one at the house, and we were the only strangers that left her home that day, she insists that we took the mobile. Well, she was accusing my uncle since he was the last one to enter and she didn't get to know him. We were outraged. She was shouting very loud and other people were looking. She was making a scandal out of a measly cellphone. My uncle took it calmly and told her "let's talk this over". "We don't have your cell. If you want you can search us. Or better yet, give us your cellphone number and we'll give it a ring so we can know if it's really inside the car or with one of us." But the lady was so angry, that talk wasn't much of a help. So, okay, my uncle told the guards that they escort us back to her home and wait for the Barangay Captain and then talk it over. And we did. While going there, she was still hollering. Saying to everyone that she comes up to that we stole her blasted mobile. Being the only person in the house and we were the last strangers to leave it. How humiliating. Upon arriving her home, she was escorted inside by a guard, while we stayed outside the house with the other guards.

Well, lo and behold, she came out with the mobile in her hand. It so happened that someone called her cell and she found out that it was still in her home. To avoid embarassment, she insisted that she left her phone in the foyer and found it in the bathroom (where my uncle took a leak). Sheesh... wierdo. A part of me wants to get angry, but I really can't blame her. Being alone in that house could give one paranoia to any stranger who enters her home. But then again, she was the one who welcomed them inside her house with open arms. My God... with the humiliation that we faced... she's lucky we didn't press charges.

My aunt said that we learned a valuable lesson. Upon checking the inside of a "for sale" house, we must know if the owner is all alone or not. If they're all alone, then check it some other time. She was, ofcourse, making fun of the moment to calm all of us down.

Bounce!

Some Rants...

2005-05-21T15:56:00.000+08:00

One has one from time to time.

While I was watching with my friend (Star Wars Episode III Revenge of the Sith) last thursday, there was this family who seated right behind us. They have a kid with them who was so annoyingly noisy. I was dying to watch this film and try to understand it but this kid behind us keeps on kicking our seats and talks and talks like there was no tomorrow. Sheesh... how about some remorse here, huh? You're in a cinema, damn it! A cinema is like a library. No talking. As much as possible keep the noise level down. There was this one man who also couldn't stand the kid's noise that he shouted. Well, who wouldn't. Thank you, o gracious sir.

Okay, so the parents tried to keep their devil child from making noise, but then, as expected, there was this loud ring from a cell phone (it was in full volume, I tell you. It echoed throughout the cinema). My God... after all the ads that they were showing before the movie started about turning off your mobiles or atleast silencing them, there were still some (pardon the word) fucking stupid people who keeps them on. What? Are they really that stupid? Don't they understand simple directions? Or were they doing it on purpose? To hell with them. God.. that makes one turn to the dark side.

In some part of the movie, I heard the mother said to her evil kid that "try to be quiet, there are some people who are actually taking this film seriously." She was being sarcastic. Hello! Are you stupid? What was your intention in watching the movie anyway? To make your kid watch Star Wars? Well, for your information, Episode III is actually PG-13. What was in your mind that made you take your below 13 kid to watch it, anyway? Sheeesh... One thing I also hate is that some people watch a film because a famous actor or actress that they like is starring in it and not because they find the story amusing or the visuals great. Some watch just so they want to fit in. To us geeks, watching Star Wars is like attending Sunday Mass. One should listen to the Homily and try to understand it. It's also funny that during mass, a lot of people don't turn their mobiles off or try to restrain their kids from making awful noises. Sheesh...

Grrr....

It Comes Full Circle

2005-05-19T23:04:00.000+08:00

Now it's complete. The Star Wars saga has come full circle. The 3 prequels finally meets up with the original trilogy. George Lucas has outdone himself. And so does John Williams. His score on the film is totally different than the other 5 films. It has a dark and eerie tone to it. Hats off to you. One could hardly express the feeling watching the movie. As a movie buff and Star Wars lover at the same time, watching the film gave me the chills. I was clapping and cheering and making oohs and aahs for every exciting scene. My friend, who's not a total geek, unlike me, feels embarrassed for my reactions. Well, I can't help it. I was really excited.

Spoiler Alert from here on. So be warned.

Star Wars Episode III Revenge of the Sith is probably the darkest of all the Star Wars movie. From beginning till end, there are battles and duels. Violent, I may add. One thing I noticed, there were alot of chopping hands in this film. Probably because they all use lightsabers. Anakin's duel with Count Dooku is pretty grotesque. He first cuts off Count Dooku's hand then chopped off his head. Pretty brutal. Obi Wan Kenobi's duel with General Greivous isn't that much exciting, especially after watching the Clone Wars Series in Cartoon Network, I was expecting more action. Though Greivous did somethings that he did in the cartoon series, he doesn't look as menacing as the cartoon version. To think that Jedi Masters older than Kenobi had a hard time fighting the general and then to Kenobi, he's just easy pickings. Kenobi cuts off two of the General's hands (it doesn't matter for he had 4) and fired a blaster into his heart. Kenobi could be one brutal mother. Mace Windu's death is not that much brutal. I think it was kinda lame how he died. No thanks to Anakin, chopping off his hand before Senator Palpatine/Darth Sidious electrocuted him right out the window. The attack to the Jedi Temple was also gruesome, too. Anakin hacked his way in with the help of the clones, killing every living Jedi in the temple... even the younglings. There was this scene where Senator Bail Organa arrives at the Jedi temple to know what was happening. The clone troppers asked him to take hike when this young Jedi (around 10-13 I guess) tried to escape by fighting his way out of the temple only to get shot off by dozens of clones. Then came Order 66 which made all Jedi enemies of the Republic. Darth Sidious ordered all Clone Troopers under the control of a Jedi to turn on them and kill them. That has got to be the saddest part of all. One clone, by the name of Commander Cody, was even a close friend of Obi Wan (since the Clone Wars). I was expecting some sort of remorse from Cody, but realizing that he was just a clone, he couldn't have any feelings of friendship. That traitor. But the scene that you have to watch out for was the battle of Yoda and Emperor Palpatine (after changing the Republic into a Galactic Empire, he automatically rose to power and becomes Emperor. We all know that already.), thrashing the Senate with their use of force, and Obi Wan and Anakin's battle in Mustafar. To be honest, I shed a tear for Obi Wan. He never intended to do any harm to Anakin (being his bestfriend, brother and pupil and all) but due to Anakin's persistence and blindness to the Dark Side, he had no choice but to fight him. Eventually leading to Anakin's left hand and two legs being chopped off and got himself burned in the lava. It's funny that he was given the name Darth Vader even before he wore the notorious mask. That has got to be the most creepy part of the movie when Anakin succumbs to the Dark Side. The scene the gave me the shivers the most was the birth of the twins and passing them to their respective adoptive parents. Leia to Bail Organa and Luke to Obi Wan who handed him to Owen and Beru Lars. Right then and there, I suddenly had this urge to watch Episode IV all over again.

Ever wondered why Qui-Gonn wasn't appearing to Obi Wan as a spectre when in the first trilogy Obi Wan got to be a ghost and communes with Luke? Well, according to Yoda in the film, it's another part of the Jedi training the one must master. Apparently, Qui-Gonn learned it but he gets to talk with them through a voice in the head and a dream. To be ghost, one must meditate and study it well. Sheesh... then how come Anakin's ghost appeared at the end of Return of the Jedi? Unless ofcourse, his master, Emperor Palpatine (who's supposed to be all knowledgable about the force, whether it be the light or the dark side) taught him and passed on to him his knowledge on how to become immortal (I guess in spirit).

Anyway, looks like I've said enough. Sigh. I'm gonna watch it again this weekend. I'm really excited up to now. I'd probably watch the whole Star Wars saga all over again. Hehehe...

May the Force be with You!

The Time Has Come!

2005-05-19T12:12:00.000+08:00

The long wait is now over! Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith has cometh! I can't wait to watch the movie!

Bounce!

One Day To Go!

2005-05-18T22:06:00.000+08:00

Tomorrow's the big day! Darn it. I envy those people who gets to watch Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith today. Though, regular screening of the movie is tomorrow, most of the cinemas here are already showing it to the public. Arrrrgh... The excitement's killing me. I have Star Wars fever for the past two weeks!

Bounce!

Pahiyas Festival

2005-05-17T12:52:00.000+08:00

Last Saturday, I joined a friend of mine from the office (along with her college friends) in going to their hometown of Lucban, Quezon. Every 15th of May, the people of Lucban celebrates the Feast Day of San Isidro Labrador. San Isidro Labrador is the patron saint of farmers. Since Lucban is a farming community, it is that time of the year that they honor San Isidro for the bountiful harvest that they gathered.

The people of Lucban does this by decorating their houses with the harvest that they reaped or products that they usually sell like handicraft fans and hats. There would be a designated path around town where the procession would move through and the houses along the path are required to decorate their houses. The procession would start and end at the church.

Church of Lucban

The owner generouslly let us enter his house to take this picture

Believe it or not this is not a garden but a man made garden that the owner made just for the Feast Day only to be removed after.

a house owned by a farmer with his harvest decorated on the facade of his house

this one is a handicrafts manufacturer

and this one is both handicrafts manufacturer and farmer

and this one is just too darn rich. (just kidding). this has got to be the most intricate design i've seen.

me, my office buddies, the host, and her friends

Pahiyas at night

It was really a great experience to be there, being a city folk and all. My dad had a province but we rarely go there and got me and my kuya deprived of living and experiencing the provincial life. To me, being there in Lucban, was sort of a dream come true. Most of all, being there gives you the sense of rest and relaxation that you needed. No sights of heavy traffic and tall buildings. All you'll see is this one big mountain called Mt. Banahaw (which is not to be confused with Banaue, which a often do), multitudes of palm trees, rice fields and streams. It's also cold there because Lucban is situated in the foot of Mt. Banahaw. The water is ice cold. Sigh. I want to go back even if it's not Pahiyas.

Bounce!

Star Wars Episode III

2005-05-17T11:50:00.000+08:00

Revenge of the Sith

Alright. By tomorrow night, Star Wars III would be shown nationwide. Too bad that the tickets already ran out. The tickets that I bought was for the May 19 screening. Sigh... I should've reserved those May 18 tickets 2 weeks before. Anyway, a lot of geeks would be expecting alot from this film, since it is the final installment of Star Wars and the one that will show Anakin's descent to the dark side. And also, I've heard alot of good reviews about the film from known Star Wars fans. It's pretty exciting. I can't wait till thursday.

Actually, I'm trying to do a StarWars telethon. Last night, I've just finished watching Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace (which IMHO, is a total rip-off of it's predecessor Episode IV: A New Hope) and then later, I'll be watching Star Wars Episode II: Attack of the Clones. Well, this week (and the week before), the Star Wars hype has been growing. Cartoon Network already made their Clone Wars Marathon last Sunday, showing Volume One and Two of Star Wars Clone Wars. The news have been featuring alot of Star Wars stuff too. Now that got me excited more! (sends shivers down my spine)

May The Force Be With You!

Kingdom of Heaven

2005-05-09T12:12:00.000+08:00

I've just watched Kingdom of Heaven last weekend. It's a great film. Hats off to Mr. Ridley Scott for a job well done. It's reminiscent of Gladiator in terms of it's epic-ness.

The story of Kingdom of Heaven is more or less about the time of the crusades before King Richard the Lionheart went to Jerusalem. It's a story is about a local french blacksmith who lost his faith when his wife died and tried to find it back by going to Jerusalem. Upon going to Jerusalem he finds himself in the middle of a war between the christians and the muslims and does the unthinkable to protect Jerusalem and the people within the walls.

Now for those who haven't seen the film, read no further for I'm about to say my take on the film. Spoiler alert. Anyway, Orlando Bloom's character Balian is a heroic figure with good moral character but in my opinion, it was all his fault that all of the bad things transpired. First off, if he didn't killed off the priest in his village and joined Godfrey (Liam Neeson) before hand, then Godfrey wouldn't have gotten shot by an arrow and died. Second, if he just married the King of Jerusalem's sister and have Gee executed, then the war between the Christians and the Muslims wouldn't have started in the first place. He knew that Gee was a mad man. Like Sybilla said, "one day you'll realize that by doing less evil, you might do it for the greater good". Conscience aside, it's kinda true. Third, he was the one who surrendered Jerusalem to Saladin. Nuff said. ^_^

Like I said before, it's only my opinion but all in all, this film is great. I highly recommend this one, especially if you're the kind of person who likes the medieval ages and the crusades.

Bounce!