GIRL INTERRUPTED
GIRL INTERRUPTED
5.28.2004
BACK-TO-SCHOOL BLUES
Parents and packing aside, I don't know how I feel. It's corny but just like in grade school, I have mixed emotions. I want more of my relaxing vacation but my mind and body crave the work load and even the stress of school. I'm excited to graduate but I don't want to leave Ateneo just yet. Hayyy!!! I can't believe I'm getting senior syndrome as early as now. Bleah.
5.27.2004
NEWS BITS
This brings me to question the police and the government in general. What the hell are they doing in their offices, letting this pass when lives are in danger? Are they going to wait for yet another dead body before they act? Both homosexuals and heterosexuals are not safe whilst the government fails to protect us from crime and danger. I guess the only thing we can do is the other half, our part. Let's be vigilant and undertake safety measures for ourselves and for our loved ones.
So much drama in the joint houses! Have you guys seen that entire Shut Up! performance of Digs Dilangalen? Beats a telenovela. So controversial.
Well, I agree with the point of the mother and daughter that congressmen and senators should quicken the count and the proclamation. The public needs and deserves to know. This entire election thing is dragging on way too long. It is contributing to feelings of instability, which is bad for investors, the last thing we need right now. Aside from that, it also leaves room for cheating. Oh, should I say more cheating?
However, as much as I agree with the need to speed up the process, I disagree with the method the mother and daughter used in conveying their dissatisfaction. There are rules of conduct in house proceedings. And accuracy and credibility should not be sacrificed for speed. What they did was wrong, especially the words they used. Note-passing with impolite words on it? So juvenile. They claim freedom of expression. Yeah, they are free to express themselves but they're not really free to hurt other's feelings. That has consequences. Even if I don't like Dilangalen much, he is a congressman and he should be treated with respect. Gosh, even basic courtesy dictates simple respect for other human beings even if we disagree with them.
Abalos is in deep sh*t! Well, KNP, NAMFREL, and other election groups have had some things against him even from before but this time, he really did himself in. If not for my annoyance with his obvious siding with the administration, I could almost pity the guy. Note though that my annoyance is due to his impartiality and not necessarily because he's with GMA whom I dislike. His job as COMELEC Chairman asks objectivity from him and he isn't even capable enough to deliver a basic requirement of his position. What does that say of the person he is?
I don't know why the hell he spilled on the presidential tally. It's either this guy really has bad judgment that he courts trouble for himself or he is going to get something so he took the risk. Do I hear a ka-ching or maybe smell a post?
His 'revelation' is impeachable. But I wonder who will pursue impeachment. And if ever, what violation/s will they claim out of the many? Hmmm... More conflict is brewing up.
5.26.2004
SMART VS. PRETTY
A beautiful face, a lovely figure, and a sense of fashion are all tools. With any or all of those, you can pretty much get whatever it is that you want. They're advantages in a world such as ours, a world where aesthetics is important. It is a reality we need to face.
We are all a little vain inside, whether we admit it or not. We want to be beautiful, sexy, and desirable. A glance, a compliment, and even a whistle are all boosts to the ego, an ego we instinctively like to feed.
But what is behind the pretty face? What is beyond that curvy figure? What is underneath the fashionable clothes? What is inside there? Who are we inside?
Are we just what people see outside? Are we going to let ourselves be defined by how we look and only by how we look? I have nothing against beauty. Beauty is divine, God's creation. I do think we should pay attention to our appearance. But it shouldn't be everything. Paying excessive attention to beauty is not appreciating beauty. It is being blinded by beauty, an altogether different thing from what God had intended. It is a worldly predicament.
In my opinion, brains and a good heart are worth far more than shiny hair and creamy skin.
But of course, having both beauty and brains is an even better solution. But then again, we can't always have it all.
Trackback: Sassy Lawyer.
5.25.2004
THINK PINK
Back in grade school, I thought of it as a shallow all-too-girly color. After all, most of the girls I saw sporting pink were the popular maarte girls. The color seemed weak and submissive, definitely not me.
So what made me shift from dislike to avid likeness of the color? I discovered the story behind pink and realized that my initial impression was wrong.
The story of pink: Pink was originally a male color. As a hue of red, it was designated as a color for the military. Moreover, it was exclusive, very exclusive. It was only for high-positioned male military officers. It was not usually used by common foot-soldiers. Considering the modern times and fashion, I know that it's hard imagining the best fighters garbed in pink but that was the way it was before.
So how did pink become more associated with females when it had started out as a male color? Women had liked the color and started wearing it without caring that it was 'owned' by men, powerful men at that. Pink was portrayed to be more suitable for women because its subtlety conveyed femininity, fun, freshness, joy, and youth. With the determination of the fashionistas back then, it worked. Pink came to be known as a female color because women were able to adapt it and claim it as their own.
So pink is more than just a color. It is a symbol. It stands for gender equality since women were able to break down the rules that set down what is for girls and what is for boys. It stands for women's achievements in the fields of art, beauty, and fashion. It stands for the youthfulness and free spirit of its wearers. It is women empowerment at its best.
I hope that with my sharing of this story, people would be a little more open. Stop dismissing and generalizing girls in pink as pa-cute girly-girlies. On the other hand, I hope that the girls who like pink would appreciate it for the right reasons. I hope there would be more of this pink movement.
Think pink. Go beyond gender constructs. Express yourself. Have fun. Celebrate being a woman.
5.24.2004
POST-READING RESTLESSNESS
I always get this strange feeling after reading a book, especially a good one. All of the wit, the drama, the suspense, the emotions that have swelled up inside of me, the poetry and the magic rub off on me. They stay long after I've finished the last page. It's like I am still inside that fantasy world described in the pages. I am still at one with whichever character I was able to relate to in the course of my reading. I am still riding that rollercoaster the author has designed.
I guess it's just hard to switch back to reality after having such intellectual and emotional stimulation. I find myself simply overwhelmed.
PERFECT COMBINATION
The world as we know it is coming to an end!!! Hehe...
5.23.2004
RAIN
I know that it's wet.
I know that it makes the ground muddy.
I know that it makes children sad because whenever it's raining, mommy and daddy don't let them go outside and play.
I know that heavy rains destroy crops, homes, and even people's lives.
I know all that. But I find something very special about the rain.
I love the sound a raindrop makes as it kisses the soil.
I love the cozy stay-inside-the-house feeling it leaves on my skin.
I love the mystery and the emotions the rain symbolizes.
I love the dream inside my heart about the rain.
One day, I want to go out into the rain and dance. Dance like crazy. Dance without minding that I am wet. Dance even if I know I'd catch a cold. Dance even if other people are watching. Dance with a release. Dance as if I am one with the liquids from the heavens.
I think it'd be a romantic and poetic thing to do with a special someone, sort of like that scene in Great Expectations.
It's raining now. And the rain makes me think about that dream of mine. I swear, I'll do it someday. Someday... Someday...
For the moment, I'll just look outside my window. I will listen as the rain hits the ground, waiting for that someone for me. I'll do it every time it rains until he finally comes. Then, I'll dance.
5.22.2004
BAD KARMA
Now, my luck has changed. I got number 170 which may not be the last but is still pretty far down. I am not classmates with my barkada for the I.S. thesis. They're all in Section B while I am in some faraway section. I just hope I get a good adviser.
To think I am so excited about senior year. Hmmm... I guess I just have to deal.
5.21.2004
SONG FOR ORANGE
What's even worse is that Colour Blind, the song by Darius in the Penshoppe commercial, keeps playing in my head every single f*cking time I think about him. How very apt! It's like a freaking soundtrack.
I give up. Aaaahhh!!!
Colour Blind
Darius Danesh
Feeling blue
When I'm trying to forget the feeling
That I miss you
Feeling green
When the jealousy swells and it won't
Go away in dreams
Feeling yellow
I'm confused inside, a little hazy but mellow
When I feel your eyes on me
Feeling fine, sublime
When that smile of yours
Creeps into my mind
Nobody told me it feels so good
Nobody said you'd be so beautiful
Nobody warned me about your smile
You're the light
You're the light
When I close my eyes
I'm colour blind
You make me colour blind
Feeling red
When you spend all your time with your friends
And not me instead
Feeling black
When I think about all of the things that
I feel I lack
Feeling jaded
When it's not gone right
All the colours have faded
Then I feel your eyes on me
Feeling fine, sublime
When that smile of yours
Creeps into my mind
Chorus
Blinded by the light you shine
The colours fade completely
Blinded by you everytime
I feel your smile defeat me
I'm colour blind
I just can't deny this feeling
Chorus twice
You make me color blind
Darius should have added Feeling orange, full of crazy thoughts, and acting strange.
Goddammit, I hate what he does to me even without him doing anything. This is so pathetic. Oh jeez, just ignore my senseless ramblings...
HANDS DOWN
It all started when I cleaned my closet and found some paint-blotched pants. Those were the pants I used when we painted the set of Bye Bye Birdie for BlueRep. I thought that since the pants had paint on them anyway and the paint was just everywhere, why not paint it on purpose, like put a design and make it fashionable?
So I did just that. I got my left-over paint set from Production Design class and I rubbed paint on my hands. Then I pressed my hands on the pants. I put red, orange, blue, yellow, and green palm designs. It's sort of a 'hands everywhere' rugged look. It's just the drying that's taking long. But I am happy with my creation. My pants now look funky! And doing it was so much fun. I had colorful hands!!! I also used the hands of my brother for a variation of hand-size. We were putting paint on each other while doing it. That was fun bonding. The best of all, it's an excuse to get dirty, but cool dirty. Hehe...
I suggest you try doing something like this with your old or plain pants and shirts. It'll not only put some spunk into your clothes but it would also be a good use of your time and creativity.
POEMS BY JEWEL
Here are three short poems from her album Pieces of You. You can also check out her book A Night Without Armor.
Criticism
The savages are upon me
and I feel my flesh
Burn
beneath the teeth
of their indifference
Untitled
I saw a woman
whose teeth were
straight like
White picket fences
Until she looked
at her husband-
Then they looked like
Shattered windows
Pretty
There is a pretty girl
on the
Face
of the magazine
And
all I see
is my dirty
hands
turning the page
EDDIE GIL JOKES
Isang alalay: Boss Eddie Gil, bakit magkaiba ang medyas mo? Isang green, isang red.
Eddie Gil: Ewan ko nga kung saan ito nabili ni misis. May isang pares pa ako na ganito sa bahay.
Eddie Gil: Miss, paano ako makakalabas dito sa kuwarto ko?
Receptionist: Bakit po sir, ano pong problema sa mga pinto?
Eddie Gil: Dalawa lang ang pinto. Ang isa pag bukas ko banyo. Yung isa naman may nakasabit na "do not disturb."
Eddie Gil is appearing for his University final examination. He takes his seat in the examination hall, stares at the question paper for five minutes, and then in a fit of inspiration takes his shoes off and throws them out of the window. He then removes his shirt and throws it away as well. His pants, socks, and watch follow suit. The nurse, alarmed, approaches him and asks what is going on "Miss, I am only following the instructions," he says, "it says here, 'Answer the following questions in brief'."
Eddie Villanueva: Sorry I'm late! Brownout! Na-stuck ako sa elevator for 1 hour.
Eddie Gil: Wala yan! Ako, 3 hours sa escalator!
Eddie Gil calls into a take-out pizza parlor.
Pizza man: Would you like your pizza sliced into six or eight?
Eddie Gil: Six, I don't think I could eat eight.
While watching a ballerina tiptoe-ing on stage, Eddie Gil commented: "Ang tanga naman ng direktor! Bakit hindi na lang siya kumuha ng matangkad?"
Eddie Gil: One coffee please...
Waiter: Decaf, sir?
Eddie Gil: Of course! Debaso is too big and too much for me!
While in a pizzeria...
Eddie Gil : What are your specialties?
Waiter : Sir, we serve all kinds of pizza.
Eddie Gil : Talaga? Bigyan mo nga ako ng Shakey's.
Note: I already mentioned it above but just so that it's crystal clear, I did not write the jokes. I just copied them from a forwarded e-mail. I'm big on respecting intellectual property.
My take on this: Yes, we all regard Eddie Gil as a joke! After all, the guy is a natural comic with his I'll pay the country's debts and I'll give each Filipino a million pesos act, his wig, his helicopter, and his singing. The guy is even releasing a song now!!! From the presidential race to showbiz. Reverse showbiztocracy at work. At least, even if he is a nuisance presidential candidate, he makes us laugh. Than is more than I can say for other politicians who give us a headache and make us want to puke with their hypocrisy.
Eddie Gil represents the rampant showbiztocracy, the mockery, the imaging, and all the crap that smears Philippine politics. So we Pinoys take it in stride. We are so used to it that we find it easy to swallow. We've always been a people who laughs their worries and problems away. It's the only way we keep our sanity.
5.20.2004
HODGEPODGE: ANYTHING AND EVERYTHING THAT'S BEEN HAPPENING TO ME LATELY
BABY-SITTING DADDY I stayed at the Asian Institute of Management (AIM) hotel for three days, baby-sitting my dad. They have given him a room there for when he has his masteral classes (His second masteral! I got one hell of a studious man for a dad!) and for when he has tons of work. He was fixing up the budget for the next school year and presenting it and stuff so he was really busy. Since my mom was helping my sister with her UP registration stuff, my dad brought me with him instead. My role: to accompany, amuse, and feed him. With all the stress, he usually forgets to eat or he's too busy or too lazy to buy food. And he does not like room service much, he says it tastes bland. (I beg to disagree. I especially love the mango crepe.) So I'm the one who makes sure he has something to eat and he eats it, at the right time. He also requires cups and cups of coffee when he works and he loves my coffee blend so that is another of my functions. He can not work with complete silence so I am the welcome minor disturbance. I run errands. In short, I serve as his personal yaya.
I don't have any complaints at all. I actually like it. For one, I love my dad and taking care of him is my honor. Secondly, I get to stay at a hotel with all its comforts. Lastly, when he is at the office, he lets me go shopping. Unlimited shopping!!! I have the card. The ACCM hotel is right in front Greenbelt so I'm in shopping zone.
The arrangement is mutualism at its best. I make things easier and less stressful for my dad and he returns the favor by giving me access to all his money. What a perfect deal! :)
------------------------------
SHOPPING GALORE I was all over Greenbelt, Landmark, and Glorietta for three straight days. I never thought I'd say this but I actually grew tired of shopping. During the third day at least.
I went inside all the bookstores I saw. I bought two hard-bound books for only Php 150 each. That is really cheap since hard-bounds are usually priced from five hundred to a thousand or two. I got Lost World 'coz I watched and enjoyed the movie. I want to know which one is between the book and the movie is better. The other one is a Japanese novel called Shinju. The title means suicide of star-crossed lovers. They bind themselves together to ensure that they are one in the after-life. Interesting ritual! Sounds very dramatic. So that's why I bought it.
I bought clothes. I know that more clothes posed a problem since my closet is already bursting but I figured that not buying more clothes is not the solution to a bursting closet. Getting a bigger closet is.
I looked around kikay stores, gift stores, etc. I bought three horrendously big earrings and two bandanna-like headbands. I bought silly stuff like a cute notebook and gel pens. I bought this, and I bought that, and I bought whatever.
I had a great time especially on day two when I shopped with my friend Jing. Fun, fun, fun! Jing claims that it was a a revealing shopping experience. Hehe...
THE CITY AT NIGHT At 10:30 p.m. on Sunday, I found out that my monthly visitor arrived. Unexpectedly. Totally ahead of schedule. I didn't have any pads of course and I wasn't really comfortable with the idea of ordering it through room service. What was I supposed to say: Um, excuse me. Do you have napkins? Can you deliver them to room ***? I don't think so. Not happening. So I went out. Rustan's was already closed. Greenbelt was closed. Landmark was closed. Most of Glorietta was closed. They were all closed save for bars and a few restaurants. Thank goodness I found a 24-hour drugstore at Park Square. Imagine, from AIM, I walked all the way there just for pads.
But I have to say, I love Makati at night. The only thing I don't like about it is that it is yuppies galore. Argh! It's just like Katipunan, still alive at night. There's something very alluring about it. The night and the city call out to me. I find all the lights, the humid air, the danger, the serenity, and the darkness intoxicating.
THINGS TO DO WHEN IN A HOTEL Even if it's childish, I did the things I wanted to do when alone in a hotel. I jumped at the bed. I played loud music. I danced all around, singing, and laughing, and running. Hehe...
When Jing was with me, I remembered one thing I haven't done. I have always wanted to go out the window of a tall building. Just see the view from way up, on the edge of the railing. And we were on the eight floor! The opportunity was right there. So with Jing taking my picture, I went outside the window feeling like I was Amy Lee. I did my imitation of the Bring me to Life music video. I know you're all probably thinking that I'm nuts. Well, I probably am. But what can I say? I felt a pleasant rush, one of fear and excitement mixed with each other.
When I got down, Jing did it too. But she wasn't able to complete it 'coz a man, a security guard I think, from the building across ours stared out at us. And he was waving and all. He probably thought we were going to commit suicide or something. A man thought that we were going to commit suicide!?! Haha. It was crazy. Jing came down. Afterall, we didn't really want to start a commotion so we closed the drapes and hid, laughing all over each other, literally. You might want to try it sometime, it's a hell of an experience. Hehe...
SURVIVOR ALL STARS I watched the Survivor All Stars finals and I must say, what a show! Boston Rob and Amber were the final two and the Tribal Council really let them have it. Lex was so angry and emotional! Big Tom was all I'm not falling for that again with Rob. Well, they do have point. Betraying friends and playing dirty just to win really is not the way to go. So I guess the scheming two deserved to be lashed out by the others.
Back in the U.S. at the reading of the votes: surprise, surprise. Boston Rob proposed to Amber. So I guess they really won. They won the game, the money, and each other's love (IF their love is genuine considering how conniving they both are, but I think the love is real). I have to give it to them. They deserve each other, and I mean that both ways, in the positive and in the negative sense.
iATENEO It is an online publication of our school. I heard they are recruiting writers and so I gave it a shot. Donna, the editor-in-chief, said my work was ok and she is asking me if I want to write News, Features, or Opinion. Yey! I'm in. I am joining yet another publication and I am sure I'll love the experience. But I haven't decided which staff I'll join just yet. What do you guys think?
NO MORE ATE LaC Two of my dorm mates, siblings Ate LaC and Matet, are moving out from our dorm. They'll rent an apartment a few houses away because their mom wants them to have their own place. I know that they would just be near but I still feel bad about it. Ate LaC told me we could go there anytime so it's like I'd have two places to stay in. She also said that she would visit often, and we could have sleepovers, and we'd still go out, etcetera etcetera. I know that I should feel reassured with all that but I'm just not. It's selfish but I really want them to stay. Why? There would be no more Ate LaC to go to at ungodly hours of the night when I can't sleep. There would be no more Ate LaC in the bathroom talking to me as she takes a crap while I am putting together my outfit for the day in front of the mirror. There would be no more Ate LaC to wait up for so that we could eat dinner together. She's the older sister I never had. I know that we are so different from each other but we just have a perfect relationship. We understand and accept each other the way no one else around us can. I'll miss her for sure.
And I'm close with Matet too. Who will I exchange opinions about chick lit and cute guys with? My dorm life will no longer be the same. I have always thought we'd all stay together until we graduate since both Ate LaC and my former roommate Sweet are both in ECE and they have fifth year. We would all still be graduating together but Ate LaC is now no longer with us. Awww... it really makes me sad.
LEAH LOKA-LOKA One of my new dorm mates would be Lea. She had been my classmate in Public Management and my seatmate in Comparative Politics so I already know her and we click. She's crazy and she's so much fun. So I guess it wouldn't be that bad. Things around the dorm would be different and maybe different would be good. But I still can't help wanting to have Ate LaC and Matet in the dorm just the same too.
ORANGE THOUGHTS I am such a loser. I find myself always thinking about Orange and missing him. I wonder where he is now. Oh, he's probably having the time of his life while I'm miserable without him. My theories are that he either already has a job, a really good-paying challenging job at some famous company since he's so smart or he is traveling the world as a last vacation before work since he's filthy rich anyway. Whatever it is, I bet that he's happy, and successful, and all that. On one hand, I'm really happy for him. On the other, I wish that he flunked or something (though that's kind of impossible) so that I would still get to see him around school. Having a crush that belongs to a higher batch really sucks! I'll miss him for an entire year, and maybe even more. I won't see him in my graduation. I wouldn't even get the chance to tell him how I feel and give him my Blue Rose. Aaarrgghhh! This is driving me crazy!
BACK TO REALITY In two weeks, my life as a professional bum would come to an end. I am going back to Quezon City for the registration, the Mulieris formation seminar, TNT training, ORSEM, and the start of classes. My sweet days of rest and relaxation are numbered so I am really making the most out of each and every moment I have left.
5.15.2004
MOVIE REVIEW: TROY
Warning: Spoilers ahead. Do not read if you have not watched Troy yet and you want to watch it. Although, as previously mentioned, the story is the same as the book. Best reading time is after having just watched the movie.
Troy. Starring Brad Pitt, Eric Bana, and Orlando Bloom. Directed by Wolfgang Petersen. Based from Homer's Iliad.
Story: The Original Although the story is thousands of years old and it is about an ancient civilization, people would be able to relate because it revolves around universal themes. It is about love, glory, greed, jealousy, and faith. It touches very fundamental human emotions. The 411: A casanova steals someone's wife. The husband gets angry of course and together with his brother, he declares war against his wife's lover. The lover's brother comes in defense. A great warrior is thrown in to make the fight more interesting, and yes more bloody. In the end, it all comes down to a question of which will win between love and glory.
The plot has good twists and characters were fully developed. Well, The Iliad is not an epic classic for nothing. The great bard sure knows how to tell a tale of love, drama, and action.
Screenplay: The Translation Translating the great Homer's work from literary text to text for the ear is no mean feat. I paid special attention to the script and I found it commendable. The translation was not too direct, as I had earlier feared it would be. I was glad to be proven wrong. It was loaded with powerful lines like:
* Encouraging his men to fight, Achilles shouted Do you know what's there? [pointing to Troy] Immortality. Take it. It's yours.
* After beating the best fighter of the other troop, Achilles smugly said, Is there no one else? Is there no one else? All the other soldiers were speechless with fear.
* Orlando Bloom as the young, idealistic, and romantic Paris wooed Helen into eloping with him by saying something to the effect of If you go with me, we'll never be safe. Men will hunt us down. The gods will curse us. But I will love you. I will love you forever. I must say, what a sweet talker!
* Still showing the idealism and romanticism of his character, Paris tells his father King Priam: You are a great king because you love all of Troy. That is the way I love Helen.
* To his son's profession of love for the ex-Spartan queen, old Priam replied: I have fought many wars in my life. Some for land. Some for honor. Some for power. I guess fighting for love makes the most sense of them all.
Note: The quotes are not exact. They are just what I remember.
Aside from the powerful lines, there was one scene I particularly liked. The confrontation between Achilles and King Priam was deeply moving and effective. The best thing about it was that the lines, the tone, and the expressions of Achilles and Priam were subtle so that made the scene all the more powerful.
My only problem with the screenplay is that it's too simplistic. It only took the basic story of The Iliad and disregarded the other nuances, characters, and details. I guess the producers thought it was best to just go with a steady story, a basic plot. It worked well. I was just a bit disappointed that they somewhat only quoted Homer. Generally, it is a good book-to-movie effort.
Direction The director is Wolfgang Petersen, the one who did The Perfect Storm. I think he outdid himself in this one. His vision was very clear throughout the entire movie.
I watched MTV's Making the Movie where they gave a behind-the-scenes of Troy. I really appreciate Petersen's artistic genius. He explained how he conceptualized Troy, how they wanted the set to look like, how he wanted each character to come across, how he wanted to control the audience's emotions throughout the film, etc. Looking back, he was able to achieve all of that.
Characters: Brad Pitt as Achilles He was the coolest among the three of them: him, Eric Bana, and Orlando Bloom. He is the lead star after all. I am not really a fan of Brad Pitt but I must say he played Achilles' part perfectly.
Brad as Achilles 'the greatest fighter the world has ever seen.'
He did not only come off as a great warrior with those smooth moves, agility, and great sword-fighting technique. Brad Pitt was able to make Achilles seem like a rebel who bowed to no king or cause on the outside yet just a lost soul deep down. Watching all of his scenes, one could see the progression of the character. Moments before his death, he told Briseis that she helped him find peace within himself.
Characters: Eric Bana as Hector Amidst the perfectly chiseled face of Brad Pitt and the matinee idol looks of Orlando Bloom, Eric Bana shone with a more toned down but deeper and more sincere charm.
The deep and subtle Eric Bana as Hector.
Hector is reasonable, patriotic, and good-natured. He is the noble older brother who took on the consequences of his younger brother's foolish actions. He is the noble son who loved and respected his father. He is the noble prince who guarded his city and the people. He is the noble husband who ensured his wife's safety by showing her a secret passageway by which to escape. He was the noble fighter who accepted his fate. He had been noble all the way. Bana reflected the sensitivity and courage of Prince Hector.
Characters: Orlando Bloom as Paris I do not know how they got Orlando Bloom to agree to play the loser Paris. I mean, what will you do with a coward? Even if that coward happened to be handsome, sexy, and rich. He has enough audacity and naivete to steal someone's wife but he does not have enough skill and courage to defend himself, Helen, and the rest of Troy. He was pathetic in that fight scene with Menelaus. He literally crawled to Hector and his brother had to finish the job he started but couldn't handle. Sorry to Orlando Bloom fans. I am just saying what I have observed. I like him too but I think his role really sucks. His acting was ok but the role really did him in.
Well, even if he is not a good fighter, he is a great lover. Definitely dashing. Legolas takes off the long blonde hair and puts on an armor.
But in fairness, he had shown another side of Paris to take the attention away from his character flaws. In his scenes with Helen, he was convincingly dashing and romantic. If you were Helen, you would seriously contemplate leaving with the guy even if it means starting a war that would affect the lives of the innocent. So maybe Orlando Bloom took this job exactly because he liked the challenge. If ever that is the case, I have to give him credit for wanting to learn and for being a real actor steering away from a 'good boy' image.
Characters: Diane Kruger as Helen I was disappointed. I was expecting a strikingly beautiful actress, one that was worthy to go down history as "the face that launched a thousand ships." Don't get me wrong, Diane Kruger is pretty and she very much looked like royalty with the beautiful costumes and exquisite jewelry. She just wasn't really striking. I can't say much of her acting except that it was ok because she only had a few scenes. Among the women, the feisty Briseis grabs more attention.
One good thing is that Diane Kruger and Orlando Bloom had strong chemistry onscreen that you would really fall for the Paris-Helen elopement and root for them to win the war.
Can you sense the passion? Bloom and Kruger sizzle as lovers Paris and Helen.
Characters: Peter O'Toole as King Priam Wow! I was genuinely impressed. I was so taken aback by his performance. This old man radiated all the qualities of a wise and noble king and a very loving father. Even if he was just sitting on a throne most of the time, you could feel his presence. His facial expressions communicated so much emotion.
Production Design A big-budget movie like this with an ancient city as the setting is a dream for a production designer. I think the great Salvador Bernal (National Artist for Production Design, Ateneo teacher, my teacher in Production Design and Aesthetics) would have loved to do it if they had given it to him.
Anyway, whomever it is that they got did a fantastic job. They had recreated the city of Troy. MTV's Making the Movie showed how they built the walls, all those buildings, the ships, etc. The actors who came on the set were all very impressed. I also appreciate the attention given to detail. The palaces were certainly grand. The shot with the thousand ships coming to the shores of Troy was very impressive. I love the costumes, especially for the women. They are so lucky getting to wear all that gold and silk. The only thing I did not like of the production design is the Trojan horse. I thought it kinda looked mishaped.
Pacing The pacing was just right. There was a good build-up right before the big fight scene between Achilles and Hector. Emotional scenes were carefully placed in between the action. The opening scenes left a strong impression that helped in building Achilles', Paris', and Helen's characters.
Editing The editing was clean especially in war scenes. The editors made sure the viewer could see many aspects to make it realistic and action-packed.
Lighting I did not notice it much. Most of the lighting is natural light.
Other Notable Things:
* The Achilles-Hector fight scene was awesome! Brad Pitt and Eric Bana said they had trained for it for months. They buffed up. They learned to ride horses. They were given artillery lessons. Wow, that's really hard work. Their 'investment' paid off because they looked like real fighters. Thumbs up to whomever choreographed this scene.
* This movie must have really cost a lot with all the extras and the set. The set was an entire city reconstructed! Extras had to be trained, fed, and organized. Wolfgang Petersen must have been really ambitious to think he could pull such a logistical nightmare off but well, he did it.
* Trivia: Part of the Greek burial ceremony is putting two coins in the eyes of their dead. Hmmm, I wonder what the coin means.
* In the burial of Hector, there was a shot of his wife mourning. She was so beautiful and serene, wearing all black. I love the imagery. It was like a picture of Mater Dolorosa.
All in all, Troy is a movie worth watching. I recommend it. The screenplay is good. The actors and actresses were terrific. There was a lot of action. (I'm sure my weird friend Mau would love the gore although it wasn't too gory.) There was a lot of tension. There was a lot of winning moment. Troy is rich in history and literature. Watch it and treat yourself to a great epic.
5.14.2004
THE FILIPINO SPIRIT
Note: Some parts were edited to shorten the essay a bit. The original is too long. I also revised some details to fit the present situation. Nonetheless, the context remains the same. The story is from my observations and experiences of life in the Philippines.
Huwag kang mahihiya kung ang ilong mo ay pango.
In times like these, Filipinos who hear that song would probably think the singer is crazy. How can we be proud of being Filipinos? Setting aside the brown skin, the monkey-like built, and the short height, the state of the Philippines nowadays is really depressing that it is hard to keep our chins up.
Our government is backward. Our economy is at the pits. Poverty and corruption abound. One would think that with the genius of a mind Filipinos have, we would be at par with nations of the first world. We are not. We are very far from well-off countries like the U.S., Germany, Britain, France, etc. Even our neighbors Singapore, Malaysia, and Thailand are leaving us behind, way behind.
Street children and squatters are just about everywhere. Studies show that more than half of the population lies on the subsistent, poor, and average economic demarcations. Very few are in the above average and superior status. The rich get richer while the poor get poorer. Nothing is changing.
Our education system, particularly the state of public schools, is disheartening. Poor little boys and girls who want to study can not because they have to help their family in making a living. The few who are able to go to school have to bear staying in a crowded classroom. Three to five students share one book. They do not have access to computers and other facilities for learning. How could anyone learn in such conditions? Still, they persevere. They hang on to what they are given no matter how little and inadequate it is because it stands as their only chance of a good future.
The entertainment industry and our sports teams, the only consolations we have, are also sinking ships. The influx of X-rated movies, the huge problem of piracy, and the triumph of foreign creations over local ones place our industry in a gloomy position. Our athletes do not get the support they need from government. The budget they get for their training, the equipment they need, and other logistics are barely enough. Only the very famous and celebrated athletes are given attention.
Even the family, the basic unit of society, our very foundation, is threatened. Broken families, extra-marital affairs, teenage pregnancy, and domestic violence among others destroy the Filipino home.
With an inefficient government, an economy on the slump, a low quality of education, depressing entertainment and sports sectors, the family disintegrating, and the many other problems, I ask: How the hell would I be proud of being a Filipino?
I switch the TV on. The news is up. I stare at the screen with a blank expression on my face. A newscaster is babbling about a hostage scene. I am numb and I no longer care to watch the all-too-common melodrama. I switch to another channel. The peso plunges several centavos lower against dollar. Flick again. Just some political bullsh*t showing. I turn the TV off.
I decide to go out for a walk to clear my mind. Instead, the busy streets of Manila further irritate me. The pace of traffic is so slow. The air is black and thick. Garbage is lying on street corners especially where there are Bawal magtapon ng basura dito signs. A hopeless country, that is what the Philippines is.
My thoughts were interrupted. There was a commotion. A boy got run-over by a car. Supposedly, the boy crossed while the traffic light was still red. However, the lights turned green as he was in the middle of the street. The driver did not see him and we know what happened from there.
I squeezed myself in between other onlookers. Blood was everywhere. But the boy was still breathing. The shocked driver got out of the car and approached the pale body in front of his bumper. An old man shouted, Tumawag kayo ng ambulansya. Bilis! A guy around thirty dressed in a suit and looking like a Makati executive pulled out his cell phone without the slightest hesitation. A fat woman who apparently just came from the market put her goods down and fanned the boy. A twenty-something man offered, Marunong ako ng First Aid. Padaanin niyo ako. He made his way to the center, opened the boy's shirt, tore a portion of his own shirt and started bandaging the boy's head. A few other people tried to help. Most looked on but made sure they left the street clear for an ambulance to be able to pass by. A few moments later, the ambulance came and took the poor boy along with the driver and the First Aid volunteer.
The show was over and I walked on. A modern bayanihan, kapwa muna, the Filipino family, a hospitable and friendly people, love, faith, hope, ideals. The words swam inside my head. The gestures of all those strangers back there. Strangers. An accident. Help. A life was saved.
As I strolled along the sidewalk back to our house, I saw the streets of Manila in a different light. A kolehiyala gave a Hansel biscuit to a street child. Manangs were praying novenas. A tired jeepney driver kept on going, thinking of the rice and sardines he would bring home to his family later. A young boy helped an old woman cross the street. The sari-sari store vendor talked with a tambay in the spirit of good neighbor relations.
There was so much going on that I had not noticed before. Every single day, everywhere in the Philippines, inside every Filipino - the Filipino spirit is alive. It is burning in all of our hearts.
The Filipino spirit is a spirit of love, brotherhood, unity, care, faith and hope. It embodies all of our nation's dreams. It manifests in all the little acts we overlook and fail to appreciate. It is in the simple passing of fare in public transportation. It is in holding hands during Our Father at mass. It is in sharing viand with neighbors in a potluck. It is in all things we do for others.
I have found the answer to my earlier question. I am proud that I am a Filipino because despite all of the problems our country is facing, the Filipino spirit still prevails. It is a wonderful spirit that I trust would get our nation through these high waters.
Never mind that politicians are bickering again about the counting this elections. They always do that anyway. No one loses in Pinoy elections, those who lose were cheated. That is what they claim anyway. I trust that when it is all over and the new president is announced, our people will strive and push on for a better tomorrow no matter whom is elected. I trust the Filipino that he will step by step, let the Filipino spirit inside him burn, burn ever so fervently. When this flame burns in every Filipino heart, then will our dreams of peace, prosperity, and unity be finally realized.
(Hindi ako nahihiya na ang ilong ko ay pango.)
LITTLE PEOPLE-WATCHING
There were two little girls (who looked like sisters) in pretty little dresses. They blew bubbles from a PowerPuff bubble blower and danced around. I could imagine them as little fairies blowing magical bubbles in Fairyland. I wanted to join their secret sacred dance and blow bubbles all around.
There was also a young boy who liked playing with other kids. I am guessing that he is an only child. His dad fetched him and told him they can go to Timezone instead. I think the dad was worried about leaving his son with many other little boys and girls in a crowded play place. Given the choice between Timezone with all its gaming machines and only ropes, a slide, and a pole at the play place but with many playmates, the kid chose the play place. He tugged on his dad's shirt when they were going to leave. The dad finally gave in. I was touched by what the little boy did. He knew the things that truly mattered in life, people and happiness.
Finally, I observed cousins, a boy around eight and another around five. I know that they are cousins based from the conversation of their yayas. (Yeah, I eavesdropped but that is part of people-watching.) The dad of the older boy bought him a cookie, a big Mrs. Fields cookie. Even without the younger one asking, the kuya immediately broke the cookie in half and shared it with his cousin. Aaawww!
I have always loved kids. I loved them even more upon watching those girls, that boy, and those cousins. We adults think that it is us, and only us, who can teach the younger ones since we are supposedly the more knowledgeable and the more experienced ones. We need to open up our minds and our hearts. Kids can teach us a few things too if we take time and let them. In the short time that I was little people-watching, those kids taught me some very valuable lessons. I guess there are just some things about life that only those with innocence and simplicity can truly and fully understand. The little people can be the 'bigger people' sometimes. After all, this adult world is nothing but a more complicated version of child's play.
Whenever the world gets crazy and things are hard to understand, I feel the urge to just go out and play. Perhaps, like when I was a kid, it would take the pain and the sadness away.
5.12.2004
TNT SUCCESS!
5.11.2004
ELECTIONS
5.09.2004
AN ODE TO MY MOM
So, I do not really think that I am housewife material. (Note: I am not declaring that I would never be a housewife. We do not know what the future holds for us. I am just saying that right now, I can't see it happening.) However, even if I can not see myself as one, I admire housewives and I have nothing but deep respect for them.
It is not easy. It is a lot of hard work. It requires passion, dedication, nobility. Being a housewife means sacrificing yourself and your life for your family. It means waking up extra early to fix your husband and your kids breakfast. It means being left all alone when they leave for school and work and being stuck to do the chores. It means thinking about them each and every single moment of the day. It means that despite being tired after an entire day's work, you put a smile on your face when they come home and give them a hug and/or a kiss. It means loving them unconditionally. It is giving yourself, not just parts of your being, but your ENTIRE self.
My mom did just that. When I was born, she was working as an accountant in the famous accountancy firm Sycip, Gorez, and Velayo (SGV). She was young. She was sexy. She was happy. She gave herself to me. She stopped working to take care of me. I have been raised well. She and my dad had always been there to give me guidance. She grew old raising all four of us. Her lovely body and face, though still attractive, shows signs of wear and tear from four children. Even with my topak and sumpong, she understands me, forgives me, loves me. With every achievement, she stands proud of me. In Bette Middler's words, my mom was the wind beneath my wings.
I feel guilty sometimes for taking my mom forgranted. I have always been a daddy's girl and so I tend to side with my dad. My mom's work is an everyday greatness so there are times when I do not really notice it and give it the appreciation it deserves. I can be quite demanding too and act like a real brat. For all those, I am really sorry.
Sometimes, children think that it is but the duty of a mother to care, to love, to give, to sacrifice. It is not. It is something that they choose to do. It is one thing to be a mother (meaning one who has given birth to a child) and another thing to be a good mother (which entails actually caring for the child). Our moms could have just left us but they did not. So, it is something we should be grateful for. Plus, we should recognize that they are human too. They have needs. They are not perfect. For the simple fact that they are trying, we should give them credit.
I owe a lot to my mom. So I wanna say: Mom, thank you very very much from the bottom of my heart! I am so lucky that you are my mom. Thank you for being a housewife and giving yourself to me, to my brothers and sister, to dad, to this family. You are the glue that keeps this family strongly together, at all times. You inspire me. I love you very much. Even if I consider the admirable women leaders, famous princesses, and my favorite divas, you would still remain to be the greatest woman I have ever known. Happy Mother's Day! Mwah!
5.08.2004
PAPOGI
* Government, the presidency, showbusiness, people relations - everything we perceive as reality, is all but a game of image building. Yes, there is only one truth. However, there are so many different ways of presenting it. And believe me, some people can be very creative when it comes to that. Some parts of the truth are ignored. Other bits of it are blown out of proportion. Truth is molded. Some facts are introduced in their proper context. However, context is often times downplayed and even ignored. I have said this before, the line between reality and imagination is a thin one. It can be blurred by ill intentions. Be careful in distinguishing what is real from what is not.
* History smiles down on figures/personalities who can respond to the needs of the times. Manuel Quezon came at a time when Filipinos needed a president who can stand alongside Americans and assert his being a Filipino. With his tisoy looks, intelligence, confidence, AND a Filipino heart, Quezon did just that. When the brilliant Ferdinand Marcos turned dictator and the people cried out for change, Corazon Aquino stood as a symbol of that change. She was the simple, good-natured, clean figure the nation wanted as opposed to the extravagant, corrupt, and power-hungry Marcoses. Joseph Estrada was put into office as a reaction of the Pinoy masses against an upsetting social hierarchy where only the rich, the educated, and the powerful have a voice. We need leaders who can truly lead us and make a dent in history.
* It is all in our hands. A lot of people think that it is only the people up there like presidents and other important personalities who can make a difference. They have the power. They have the voice. I beg to disagree. The EDSA revolutions have already shown us that civilian movement is possible. With patriotism, Filipinos can be called upon to unite and act for the good of the nation. It is not just that. We have power and it is manifested in simple everyday things. We are the ones who work. We are the ones who vote. We are the ones who cultivate our culture. We are the sailors of this ship called The Philippines.
I would like to use these insights to impart a message about the upcoming national elections. Our country is suffering from truly difficult times. There is poverty, crime, corruption, divisiveness, etc. This election can make or break us so we really need to choose well. I would like to use the tagline we used in POLLiTALKS, a political awareness project where I was Assistant Project Head: Kilalanin, Kilatisin, Tiyakin ang inyong iboboto. Vote according to your conscience. Vote for our future. Find out what is real from what is not. Take responsibility.
5.06.2004
MAKEOVER
Finally! At 5:49 a.m., I have officially finished the makeover.
Sleepy and hungry and tired, I now ask myself: What the hell was I thinking giving my blog a facelift when I am so not a techie, I've only owned a blog about three weeks ago, and my last HTML class was way back in highschool? I actually thought it would be easy. I was wrong. But what the hell, it's done.
I was getting tired of the orange and white template. It was nice. But that was it, it was just nice and plain and clean. Not pretty. Not funky. Not me. Very typical, it's one of the Blogger sample templates. I wanted something more dramatic, something with flair, something that would have a 'Rachelle look.' That's the reason behind the black and purple combo and the giant lily. Now I'm perfectly happy with the way it looks. Well, except for the Blogger banner above but it's policy so I can't take it away.
I've just realized, today had been sooo productive. Morning, I cleaned up my room. Actually it's not very hard to clean 'coz most of my things are organized already. I don't know what got to me but I did general cleaning. I rearranged everything, scrubbed the floors, changed my bedsheet, cleaned all my stuff toys, the works! Evening, I do this blog makeover. I guess I just can't resist my O.C. super sipag kahit di kailangan side. It's so fulfilling but at the same time I think I must be really nuts. I'm a slave driver even, or maybe especially, with myself. Ha!
P.S. Thanks to Tintin for helping me out early on, around before midnight. Gawd, I was really wishing you were still online at 2 a.m. as my HaloScan was acting up. But everything's ok now. Thanks Tin!
P.S.S. Sorry for the lack of spaces between paragraphs and some messed up words. It's because of the new template. I'll fix the small details sometime soon.
Note: As of 5.9.2004, it's already fixed. Gawd, I edited evrything.
5.04.2004
PICK YOUR DOZEN!
We are quite aware of the presidential and vice-presidential candidates since they are only a handful and they are popular. But because of their number and less machinery (in comparison to the presidentiables and VP wannabes), we do not know much of senatorial candidates. Good thing: We have many options. Bad thing: It presents a challenge. Along with the wide selection comes a responsibility to choose only the best. We need to be aware of all the candidates and get to know who they really are and what they plan to do once elected.
To help you guys, here is a list of the senatoriables running in the 2004 elections. Go pick your dozen. Like choosing only the biggest and most beautiful roses to put in a vase, choose only the most capable and most honest public servants.
Note: The senatoriables are presented by party and in alphabetical order. The comments are my personal knowledge and opinion. Find out more about the candidates yourself. Also, I am not campaigning for any of them. Vote who you want to vote for. The purpose of this list is to serve as a guide.
ADMINISTRATION: K4 LAKAS-CMD
* Barbers, Robert What I associate with Barbers is his stint as DILG secretary. He cleaned local government a bit with his disciplinarian attitude. He has worked in the police so he has a good record in combating drugs and crime. He is an incumbent senator.
* Biazon, Rodolfo Also running for re-election is Biazon. He is officially under the Liberal Party after he broke away from the opposition. He now runs with K4 although he insists that he is an independent candidate. He is an expert in legislation having passed many beneficial bills in the Upper Chamber.
* Cayetano, Pia Juliana Pia is the daughter of the late Rene Companero Cayetano. Pia is a lawyer, an environmentalist, a cyclist, a feminist, and a mother. If credentials are what we are talking about, Pia is definitely qualified. She is also my kababayan. The Cayetanos run Tagig and Pateros. The only thing I do not like about Pia is her campaign strategy. I am not comfortable with her using her father so much in the campaign. She needs to do it because of the name recall but it does not sit well in the stomach. She even uses the alias Companera.
* Defensor-Santiago, Miriam In her own words, she is the fighter in the senate. Miriam is very very smart, graduated with an almost perfect QPI at UP Diliman. She has passed a lot of bills. She has been honored by a lot of institutions, even internationally. She has her own Miriam Peoples Reform Party. She is the favorite senator of journalists because she dishes out quotable quotes. An open-secret, she won the 1994 elections but did not have enough machinery to run after Ramos. Think of what it would have been like!
She is really one hell of a senator. Only, she is crazy. Just listen to her trademark Miriam laugh! And she still ran even after promising not to on the grave of her son. She once even said she would jump off an airplane and afterwards said, I lie with that laugh of hers. Miriam is a looney but a very competent looney. Voting for her would be a good idea if only to raise the level of intelligence in the discussions at the senate and make government life more interesting.
* Gordon, Richard Two words: Wow Dick! He is the man who turned Subic from a military base to an economic hub.
* Hussin, Parouk Doc Hussin is a doctor from Mindanao who promises to cure the nation of its illnesses. Hmmm… Sounds good. You have to give the guy some credit. He came from an ordinary family but became successful. He served as the good doctor of Sulu. With all that violence there, I am sure he had seen his share. Maybe that is where his prescription for peace and justice comes from.
* Jaworski, Robert Incumbent senator, PBA god. He won very easily with his popularity as the well-loved coach and former star player of Barangay Ginebra. The question is, does Jawo still have the magic? His silence in the senate especially during the impeachment trial may have changed the way the public sees him.
* Lapid, Manuel Former governor so he at least has some experience. However, not to forget, there were many allegations of corruption against him. His mansion and many properties were once questioned in an ABS-CBN news program special. Action star in politics, topping the surveys. Enough said.
* Mercado, Orlando Orly was a former senator and former Defense secretary. He works really hard. One of the few na todo kayod in the Philippine government.
* Osmena, John Osmena is an old name in Philippine politics. Their clan has held power since it was Sergio Osmena up there. John Osmena is an incumbent senator who brags about how he was the one who made cellular phone technology available in the Philippines through R.A. 7962. He presents himself as telecommunications god. However, he fails to mention other bills he pushed for like R.A. 7925 which prolonged the monopoly of PLDT. There would have been more efficient telephone services in the first place if not for that. Aside from that, his sexuality has been put in question not just once. But hey, man, woman, gay, lesbian, whatever can run!
* Revilla, Ramon Jr. Should we really idolize Kap, the MTRCB Chair? Again, action star in politics, topping the surveys. Enough said.
* Roxas, Manuel II Mr. Palengke. Roxas is a good name. His work at the Department of Trade and Industry is admirable. He is clean. He is smart. If ever he wins, which looks probable since he is number 1 at surveys, he will infuse clean new blood in senate. He is a perfect senatorial candidate, if only he and Korina would stop publicizing their romance. There might be a genuine relationship there but showing the public signs and promoting each other only not to confirm nor deny. They keep the public guessing and it smells of bad fish.
OPPOSITION: KOALISYON NG NAGKAKAISANG PILIPINO (KNP)
* Anson-Roa, Maria Elisa Boots is respected in the field of television and the performance arts. I would prefer for her to stay there. However, I am also thinking that it is good to put non-politicians in senate. They haven't been corruption brought-up.
* Dilangalen, Didagen Digs is a senatorial candidate from Mindanao. I do not know much about him because he is not as popular as the others.
* Enrile, Juan Ponce JPE, as I have said before, the lolo of RP politics. Many claim he is the best president we never had. I have to agree, he was a great man especially during the peak of his political career. Only, he did many wrong things too so I am not really sure what to think about him. Admittedly, he is a good legislator. But I have to say he is trapo - traditional politician personified. Just the same, including him on your list would not hurt since he really is an expert. And I like his campaign strategy and commercials. If for anything, Problema mo, Sagot ko is catchy and his ads have good production value.
* Escudero, Salvador III Sonny Escudero stands for land - agrarian reform. He is a man of the farmers and of economists.
* Estrada, Jinggoy Whether Jinggoy will win or not will tell us if Erap still has his masa charisma because Jinggoy is pretty much like miniature Erap. What do you guys think of his ad with that father-son passing on the power scene? Kinda creepy, huh?
* Herrera, Ernesto Boy Herrera was a former senator. Has experience but he is not very clean. I do not want to expound.
* Lim, Alfredo Mayor Fred Lim, the Dirty Harry of Manila! Finally, he gets some sense and he guns for a seat at the upper house instead of the presidency. I really think he should not have run for president in the last elections. I do not doubt his abilities one bit but it really was too early. But now seems to be a perfectly good time to be senator.
I applaud his public management strategy. I admire his discipline. I respect him because of his integrity. I only wish he was not so overly passionate at times, letting him emotions get the bestof him. Although I hate that demeaning Nakatikim ka na ba ng kinse anos? campaign too, what he did with that billboard was kinda uncivilized, not the behavior of a respectable man. Despite that, Alfredo Lim is a good man.
* Maceda, Ernesto Manong Maceda, a former senator claiming to be our eyes in the senate as he is Mr. Expose. Like the claims of Osmena, the claims of Maceda are true. He did expose many misdoings in government. But it was also a half-truth. He did put the PEA-Amari deal, what he calls the grandmother of all scams, out in the open in 1995. However, some years after, he kept quiet about it apparently for an amount that should have been the subject of an expose. Still, he is admirable because he was able to package himself well and not seem like trapo.
* Madrigal, Jamby Jamby a.k.a. Juday. I wonder if her supporters like her as Jamby or because she bears some resemblance to the Drama Princess? No matter how hard she denies it, she got Juday to endorse her because of the resemblance. What a move for someone who is supposedly kontra pulitika!
On the other hand, Jamby really worked with a lot of charitable foundations and social service institutions. Plus, she is really really rich so she probably would not need, even feel any compulsion, to steal from the public coffers. She is also a non-politician.
* Pimentel, Aquilino Jr. Nene Pimentel is a man of principle. He is an incumbent senator. He is a real ama ng bayan. He passed many bills but if only for the Local Government Code, he should be built a statue. It did after all significantly affect the way our government is run. And his performance at the impeachment trial deserves a standing ovation.
* Rasul, Amina A feisty intelligent woman from Mindanao. I caught an interview of her in ANC and she is brilliant. My dad has worked with her before. He tells me she is really intelligent but corrupt. Her mom was better.
* Tatad, Francisco Kit Tatad is from Pwersa ng Masang Pilipino. He was a former senator. I do not have anything positive to say at all about him so I would rather not say anything.
OPPOSITION: LABAN NG DEMOKRATIKONG PILIPINO (LDP)
* Padilla, Carlos Carlos Padilla is the lone candidate running in the LDP Aquino Wing alongside Panfilo Lacson. That says a lot. For a time, he was even a common candidate of Ping and FPJ. He is a fiscalizer, which is probably the only reason GMA did not include him in her K4 ticket. We need fiscalizers. Carlos Padilla would do well in the senate if given a chance.
AKSYON DEMOKRATIKO: ALYANSA NG PAG-ASA
* Chavez, Francisco Ibrado I do not know much about him except that he was an ex-boyfriend of Alice Dixon, the pretty actress. He used to be a solicitor-general.
* Coo, Olivia Sports goddess! Bong Coo made the Philippines proud when she showed the world that Pinays can play bowling. Between her and Bong Revilla in this entire I am Bong fiasco, I think I believe her. She has integrity. She has the good nature of an athlete.
* Gatmaitan, Nicanor Jr. Gat, the blind lawyer! He sends documents to the court written in Braille. Quite impressive! He did not let his handicap affect him. He strived hard and pursued his education and eventually a career despite not being able to see. I heard too that he got his degree from the States but I still have to verify that.
* Joson, Eduardo Nonato He was with the National Food Authority and he made some good deals for rice.
* Mauricio, Melanio Jr. Batas Mauricio had a law program in GMA 7 before but I can not recall the title right now.
* Sonza, Jose Jay is the other half of Partners Mel and Jay. He has been a TV personality for years and he is doing a good job at it. I am just not sure how he would do as a senator.
* Yasay, Perfecto Jr. Yasay was the former Securities and Exhange Commissions head. He had quite a controversy there and he was booted out of office.
PARTIDO ISANG BANSA ISANG DIWA
This is the party of disqualified presidential aspirant Eddie Gil. I am surprised he got many senatoriables to agree to run with him. However, in the last days of his campaign, only two senator candidates were left running with him. The others quit his party and/or quit the race altogether. I do not know who among them still pursues the battle. I do not think there is any left. Just the same, here are their names. It is only fair to include them since they are officially registered with COMELEC.
* Aparri, Ismael I do not know him.
* Belmonte, Eloida I do not know her.
* Decampong, Pendatun I do not know him.
* Del Mundo, Gerardo I do not know him.
* Estuita, Arturo I do not know him.
* Fajardo, El Cid I do not know him.
* Ilarde, Edgar According to a magazine I have read, he was a former senator but his name or his face does not ring a bell. Only a few weeks into the campaign when he saw how Eddie Gil conducted himself, he immediately broke away from the party and declared himself independent.
* Montano, Ramon I do not know him.
* Pagunuran, Iderlina I do not know her.
* Pilapil, Pilar She is the only one I know from this roster. She is an actress who plays kontrabida roles. I don't know of any qualifications that she might possess, not even popularity.
* Usop, Matuan I do not know him.
INDEPENDENT CANDIDATES
* Almirante, Alvin I do not know him.
* Alvarez, Heherson Sonny Alvarez was a former senator, quite dirty.
* Lozano, Oliver I do not know him.
* Nueva, Norma I do not know her.
Note: The list of official candidates is from www.comelec.gov.ph.
5.02.2004
MORE FOR LOVE OR MONEY 2
* It turns out that Erin didn't really split half the money with Chad. They showed the cheque she gave him and it was only 500,000 dollars and not a million. I guess I was too caught up with my 'happy happy joy joy' feelings to notice the figures when they showed a close-up of the cheque. Well, it seemed like Erin wanted to share a fair half since she was all like, "I don't want you to think it's about the money so I'm splitting with you half of the money we played for here. I don't have to but I want to..." However, she just shared with him half of what he was supposed to win and not the total grand prize which she wouldn't have won if he hadn't chosen her. Take away the taxes, Chad is only gonna get about 200-300 thousand bucks. Hmmm... Atleast Erin thought of sharing with him even if she didn't have to. But then again, if it's really not about the money, why not share fairly with the guy you chose to show him you really love him? A lot of the show's fans are reacting passionately, and some even violently, about this.
Chad Viggiano: the sweetheart who beat 14 other guys to Erin's heart. Is he a lucky guy getting both love and money? Or is he the poor victim of Erin's greed? Hmmm...
* There's gonna be a third season but it's an entire cast altogether. Let's see if it'll be as interesting as For Love or Money and For Love or Money 2. Hmmm... Maybe I should stop this reality dating game fanaticism and not even bother to watch the first episode of this new one. Let's see if I can control myself.
* There are rumors that Erin Brodie and Chad Viggiano are no longer together. So soon. But the network denies this and they have appeared on several shows together. Chad supposedly even admitted that he loved Erin.
* Turns out people feel strongly about the beautiful lead star of For Love or Money 2. Fans either really love her or really hate her. Read posts and forums. It's actually funny. Some say she's quite adorable. Others call her a "money-hungry whore." And there are lots of comments about her twitching face and all her expressions. ;)
THE SCIENCE OF SHOPPING
I guess the possibility of finding that oh-so-perfect outfit at a cheap price hits the right spot in girls, both shopaholic and non-shopaholic alike. You know, we can never have enough shoes, and bags, and tops, and accessories, anything and everything actually. Call me a 'materialistic bitch' (in JD's words. hehe... :) that guy and his foul mouth...) but like the Queen of Reinvention Madonna herself pragmatically points out, "we are living in a material world."
Megamall held a three-day sale and just like everyone who knows me can rightly predict, I went. And I bought a lot of things. Of course, whatdya expect? I was really tired but really happy as well. Shopping is one of my favorite hobbies.
I'd like to present shopping in a different light. Shopping is more than an activity. It is a frantic, tiring, blissful art. Maybe even a science. I've always believed it shouldn't be looked down upon as a chore or a boring thing to do. It requires a lot: good taste (not common, it's developed), sensibility (with regards to price), patience (in the quest for the perfect sandal or the perfect shirt), strength (for the long walk/s), and a true appreciation of fashion and of one's body (you gotta know how to work it!). Not just anyone can be a personal shopper with the skills required of it.
Shopping also has a lot of purposes. The utilitarian side, getting the things you need, is just one dimension. It also serves as a bonding activity, especially between sisters, cousins, friends, and co-fashionistas. My sister and I, once let loose in a shopping mall, gain a common goal and bond faster than Mighty Bond glue. It can also be therapeutic. Indulging on things for yourself takes the depression away and cheers you up. It is self-expression. Your personality shows in the things you buy. Taking other people into consideration, shopping is a show of affection. There's nothing like searching the entire mall for that perfect present for someone and the person likes it.
Of course, there's also an ugly side to shopping. Shopping to excess earns the otherwise perfect activity a bad name. But it's really up to the person. Practicality should be the first priority. A little splurging and treating yourself every now and then is healthy. But just like everything else in this world, it needs to be balanced.
Most of the time, shopping is good. And it is loads of fun! So go ahead, treat yourself a little.
5.01.2004
ALPHABETIZE
The advantages:
1. It's more efficient. The tally sheets bear the candidates' names in alphabetical order so if we alphabetize, the teachers wouldn't have to move from one tally sheet to another and back again. It is a big help for the poor teachers who are so tired. They wouldn't have to exert so much effort. It's more organized.
2. It's harder to cheat. One cheating strategy is to include names in a ballot that is not full. The senatorial list is the main target of this. An odd name read as not in the right alphabetical order would raise suspicion.
3. It saves time. We can get election results faster.
Besides, voters should really have finalized their list before going to the voting precinct. Otherwise, there is a tendency to just heed name recall. That process does not usually yield good senators.
So please, know the candidates. Scrutinize them. Take your pick. Finalize. And alphabetize.
P.S. You can also alphabetize your local councilors.
GIRL INTERRUPTED
GIRL INTERRUPTED
Hi! I am Rachelle and this is my online journal.
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