7 Benefits Of Being Intimate

A blog repost, turned into men's perspective,

of the original article done by Meagan Morris for Cosmopolitan, published at Yahoo.ph. 

Click here for the original article.

...

Okay, we know sex is all about maxing out pleasure. But it turns out it's good for your health, too. Jennifer Landa, MD, chief medical officer of BodyLogicMD and author of The Sex Drive Solution for Women gives us the low-down on the health benefits of sex.

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1. It Boosts Your Brain

Sex increases your body's dopamine levels-the hormone that improves your memory and motivation. So basically climaxing is the gift that keeps on giving.

2. It Burns Calories

Don't feel like hitting the gym? Grab your gal and head to the bedroom. A 30-minute romp in the sheets can burn upwards of 150 calories. That's like running a mile on the treadmill!

3. It Destresses You

We're all stressed to the max-and all that worry releases the stress hormone cortisol. The problem with cortisol? Having too much of it in your blood stream can lead to everything from high blood sugar to weight gain. When you get your freak on, it helps you relax, lowering the stress levels in your body.

4. It Keeps You Healthy

Regular sex with your partner can actually prevent colds, thanks to the hormone prolactin. This hormone has an important role in strengthening the immune system by increasing the production of T and B lymphocytes (aka immune cells). We'll take that over chicken soup any day.

5. It Helps You Sleep

When you have sex, the cuddle hormone oxytocin is released. That increases your bond with your partner, but it also helps you sleep. How cool is that?

6. It Makes You Bendy

Think of sex like a good strength training session: You use a ton of muscle groups during a good ahhhhs. And it's a lot more fun than doing squats at the gym for an hour.

7. It's Good for Your Heart

The hormone testosterone is good for the heart. Sex helps increase the release of the hormone, which in turn improves your energy levels and strengthens vital body parts, like your muscles, bones, and heart.

It’s a RICH MAN’S WORLD

People might get a wrong impression if I say I am certain that the very title of this post is indeed a fact. It‘s a rich man’s world. Money makes our daily lives turn. It’s a fact. It’s real.

But don’t put me on the materialistic, ego centered dudes category. I am just trying to raise a point, that in this world, the heftier your cash is, the higher the chances for a happier life. It’s a tough world and most of the time, the thicker your wallet is, the better off you are.

Think about this. Successful (err rich) people tend to be around the best places, get to eat prime commodities, have access to top notch heath care services and pretty much are able to follow their heart’s desires. Should you have been politically affiliated too, you would know that money equates to power, and power to access to information. Whoever keeps information has the aces, take poker for example. So given the attributes of these two, anyone who posseses both pretty much has a good hold of his world, especially the society he is in. Nature has it that only the fittest survive. It’s a natural law. And in the modern times, money is an extension of one’s ability to support oneself. Coupled with man’s political tendencies; money, power and prime information creates an equation that equates fitness. It does not promise survival, but it augments the chances.

Let’s be more specific. 

Ateneo taught me, for one, that the world is unfair. That we have to follow our political nature (man’s natural tendency to get (and work for) what (or whom) we want. Others do it badly, though. Thus is the birth of schemes and evil plots. But in reality, it can actually be done. It can be done fairly or at least with the least possible complications. One has to ‘fight’ his way to life. Of all the sperms that our dads gave out that very moment we were made, we outwit all the rest, thus giving life to us. That’s one. As kids, we got to be educated in institutions and those who performed well made it to good colleges. We fought with others to get a better chance, didn’t we? That’s another. Following the logic; anyone with a good bank lock has a greater chance.

So enough with the colonial mentality that those who aspire for money aspire more than what they deserve. Sometimes, they, I mean, US, who aspire for financial independence simply aspires for a simpler, happier life.

As for my final note. Take me for one; I have got a medical condition that requires me to spend thousands a month for medications. With my medication (and money), I get to afford a longer life. Thus, does that put me on an evil, scheming guy category? Or is my innate thrust for financial independence an innate struggle to survive?

It’s a rich man’s world. Thus, watch me as I move my way to the top.    

Men who want to be THE MAN they OUGHT TO BE, are aware that money makes life easier. It’s a tool. And money should be used by man. Just don’t reverse the equation though.

THE OSCARS 2013

HOLLYWOOD held yet again one of the world's most watched awards night.

The 85th Academy Awards Night was held last Sunday, February 24, 2013 (February, 25// Manila Time) at the Dolby Theather, Hollywood, California.

Listed here are the winners.

_{ACTOR IN A SUPPORTING ROLE: Christoph Waltz - Django Unchained}

_{BEST ANIMATED SHORT FILM: Paperman - John Kahrs}

_{BEST ANIMATED FEATURE FILM: Brave}

_{BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY: Life of Pi - Claudio Miranda}

_{BEST VISUAL EFFECTS: Life of Pi - Bill Westenhofer, Guillaume Rocheron, Erik-Jan De Boer, and Donald R. Elliott}

_{BEST COSTUME DESIGN: Anna Karenina - Jacqueline Durran}

_{BEST MAKEUP AND HAIRSTYLE: Les Misérables - Lisa Westcott and Julie Dartnell}

_{BEST LIVE ACTION SHORT: Curfew - Shawn Christensen}

_{BEST DOCUMENTARY SHORT SUBJECT: Inocente - Sean Fine and Andrea Nix Fine}

_{BEST DOCUMENTARY FEATURE: Searching for Sugar Man}

_{BEST FOREIGN LANGUAGE FILM: Amour}

_{BEST SOUND MIXING: Les Misérables - Andy Nelson, Mark Paterson, and Simon Hayes}

_{BEST SOUND EDITING: Zero Dark Thirty - Paul N.J. Ottosson; Skyfall - Per Hallberg and Karen Baker Landers}

_{BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS: Anne Hathaway - Les Miserables}

_{BEST FILM EDITING: Argo - William Goldenberg}

_{BEST PRODUCTION DESIGN: Lincoln - Rick Carter (Production Design); Jim Erickson (Set Decoration)}

_{BEST ORIGINAL SCORE: Life of Pi - Mychael Danna}

_{BEST ORIGINAL SONG: Skyfall - Skyfall, Music and Lyric by Adele Adkins and Paul Epworth}

_{BEST ADAPTED SCREENPLAY (WRITING): Chris Terrio - Argo}

_{BEST ORIGINAL SCREENPLAY (WRITING): Django Unchained - Quentin Tarantino}

_{BEST DIRECTOR: Ang Lee - Life of Pi}

_{BEST ACTRESS: Jennifer Lawrence - Silver Linings Playbook}

_{BEST ACTOR: Daniel Day Lewis - Lincoln}

_{BEST PICTURE: Argo}

For a complete list of the nominees, click OSCARS/nominees.

PERKS OF BEING A WALLFLOWER

(not a movie review)

“So, I guess we are who we are for a lot of reasons. And maybe we'll never know most of them. But even if we don't have the power to choose where we come from, we can still choose where we go from there. We can still do things. And we can try to feel okay about them.” 

― Stephen Chbosky, The Perks of Being a Wallflower

I am fond of making movie reviews, being a huge silver screen fan myself, but this post is not, by any means a movie review. As a matter of fact, I even debated with myself whether I would post it here, or on my ‘more personal’ online journal. Anyhow, last night I got the chance to score a copy of the movie (missed it on the theaters!) and watched it at home.

The movie was great! It was way great I almost cried should my pamangkins (niece and nephew) were not with me. Have you ever watched a movie and felt like watching your own life? I did last night!

I am a wall flower myself. I have seen things and understood – without the world even knowing. I have wished people dead and hoped really hard that they really are. I have been hurt- to the point of being numb. And there were times in my life that I did feel infinite. I have that ‘tunnel’ experience, too. (Deep breathe) Turns out I would be keeping this movie dear to my heart!

It is hard to explain how we have become the persons that we are. And admittedly, I also feel like having gone below my level, below my worth. I am physically disabled now, and my health challenges are getting ‘bigger’ thus the tear eyes when the quote above was uttered.

We all have our PASTS, our sad, painful past that have afflicted our current realities. Insecurities, that being self doubt and fear of not being able to realize ones dreams – is something that weighs many down. Including me.

But the movie gave me hope. Well, reminded me of my hopes.

Charlie is right, Charlie is damn right.

***

 “I was very grateful to have heard it again. Because I guess we all forget sometimes. And I think everyone is special in their own way. I really do.”

― Stephen Chbosky, The Perks of Being a Wallflower

STYLE GUIDE | a bachelor's pad essentials

So you have just moved into your new condo, or perhaps on a relatively smaller, room-for-rent around the metro. No matter the size, like we always say, it’s the performance that matters (chuckles). Yes, you have outperformed yourself! - That you are now ON YOUR OWN.

So how then do we turn our lofts into a bachelor’s pad? Then my man, bookmark my blog as I would soon make a post on that topic. For now, let’s focus on the part of the pad from where WE are the KINGs; our bedroom. Here’s a list of a few man essentials that every bachelor’s den should have. Your bedroom is your ultimate personal space, so make the most out of it without making it look like an old kid’s playroom. Just like I always say, keep it simple but significant.

BED. It’s your choice; talk about day beds, love beds, water beds, convertibles and so on and so forth. Take the most comfortable bed set up that you can get (and afford, as of the moment). Invest on good quality mattresses and bed linens. Also, get an extra ‘satin’ set always ready – for ‘emergency’ cases (wink). It sets the mood better.

Lamps. Yes, it’s an essential! One, for reading and secondly, for a warmer mood; try using lamps instead of the conventional on-the-ceiling lighting fixtures. You’d know the difference.

Closets and Hampers. These two goes together, but don’t keep them literally together. As closets are for clean clothes and hampers are for the soiled ones. Keep them both near your shower room though. Also, choose wooden ones over plastic. Good quality wood helps absorb moisture and retain a cool dry environ, keeping the clothes better tucked!

Table. This primarily should hold your ‘toys’. Stash your gadgets in one corner. You don’t want to sit on your iPad accidentally, or try borrowing your neighbor’s phone to ring yours. Trust me, I know :)

book nook. Now this is debatable, cos others like the bed as there reading venue. The choice is yours. Thing is, get a good organizer to pile your books at. Try Ikea for shelving ideas. Or, you can also get a bigger table so your toys and books could share space.

Vanity Wall. A full size mirror (meaning where you’d fit from head to toe) and an organizer for your essentials. This might not be something that others are comfortable having, but get into the private spaces of career oriented, powerful men and you’d see that this, is a MUST.

PERSONAL WALL. Men are not necessarily souvenirs keepers – that’s a statistical fact. But it’s also a fact that we take inspiration from something, or someone, as the cliché ‘behind every man’s success is a woman (or a partner at that, some men prefer men, get over it) Have a framed picture (big enough for you to see 1^st thing in the morning) of her/him. Or anything that represent that person, thing or aspiration that perks up your day. Hang it and wake up greeting it.

YoungMan's Rules for LIFE

 

This infographic I made a week ago has been posted in my wordpress account. 

I feel like sharing it again, 

on looking old

a blog post about gracefully aging

I had a good laugh early today.

I and my sister share a bathroom, and every single day for seven months now, we sort of annoy each other by spending quite lots of time in the bathroom. If I wake up early, she’d get a piece of my revenge by spending more-than-needed time doing my morning rituals.

But today she woke up earlier than I (since I watched GGV last night which featured Gab Valenciano, whom I have a post about, here). I spent my first half hour sipping coffee and thinking how long she’d brush her teeth before finally taking a bath. I was like a kid waiting for his turn for a coveted toy (and that my friend is annoying, hahha)

After her (was obviously my turn) I went inside the bathroom. And not long enough, she came knocking. My sister, who is about 40ish now, is looking for her dentures.  She spent a good couple of minutes ranting that I open the door but I am way sure it is not on the sink, or anywhere inside. So she went up stairs, to no avail. She even called our husky dog to check if Doppy might have had a unique breakfast, but again to no avail. Until she finally, remembered, I think, that she left it at the sink – at the kitchen. How, or why – I don’t have any freakin’ idea.

While she was about to go I kiddingly asked, Why? can’t you go to work without your teeth?

I’d look old, duh. –was her reply.

Funny how we get to associate looking old with loosing teeth (as if my sister haven’t yet, hahha) and with wrinkled skin. I have realized how we look at old age as something so unlovely, so unfortunate – as far as vanity is concerned.

But my man, isn’t old age a chance to celebrate the memories that comes along with wrinkled skin and lost teeth? There is just so much about old age, plus the fact that not everyone is given the chance to experience it, I just think looking old is not something to be fearful of.

I may have to wear dentures soon, but I would be proud to look old if only it means having a whole lot of memories to tell (like this one).

The ReUnion

(a movie review, a very late movie review)

Boo me now for having only watched this movie this weekend, but man, I live a busy life. Anyhow, it was epic! 

The ReUnion is, so far the best barkada movie I have seen ever since I graduated from high school. Totally relatable and true to the real image of the Filipino high school life (and the life after); this is but an amazing movie I would definitely watch over and over again.

It follows a simple plot, but the characters were all so unique that I have fallen for them individually. On top of them is Ali, played by Jesse Mendiola. I have never really appreciated any of her roles on TV but her Ali character was so endearing; being that ‘best friend’ who keeps all her love for that one guy who is way too blinded by his past heartache to see. Another character I like is that of Jay, well, knowing Matt Evans, his gay character is quite a revelation. I can still remember him saying ‘Kaloka’. It gives me the laughs each time I remember. All the main four characters, on the other hand, did justice. I particularly like Enchong and Xian’s roles. They were well played. Kean was a nice adage, too. The only lousy part was that of Kristine’s, I mean she is pretty and all, but com’on!

Anyhow, so much for that; the thing that really made me so drawn is that fact that the movie has got a really nice direction of photography. I am but an enthusiast, thus my opinion is but trivial, but I really have to say that the way it was shot reminds me of Suckseed – only better. The color palette and the color schemes were superb!

Kudos as well to the direction made by Frasco Mortiz. I have been following his works lately and this is but the best so far. Not bad for the 460+ million gross. Not bad for a Star Cinema movie, too.

Lastly, I love the way the movie has used the likes of Lloyd’s ‘stars’ and Ali’s ‘latak’ concepts. Using too much intellect on movies sometimes ruins it. But the way it was discussed in the movie was subtle and really relatable. I might even actually write a blog about Lloyd’s STARS, about how we see our past and Ali’s LATAK, about how we see our current situation.

and oh! the EHeads songs are superb!

I am so keeping a copy of this. It’s really worth watching – again, and again.    

       

the persons we love, err want

I hate it when I don’t get what I want.

The problem with us pampered kids; we became too used to having the things we have wanted that we have become brats. Growing up in a middle class family I got the chance to lay my hands on virtually what all the other cool kids have. I have the nicest shirts, the newest toys and we go to the theme park every weekend. I get to eat at the mall with my favorite meal at my favorite food chain while I sit at my favorite spot wearing my favorite shirt. So yes, I was (maybe still am) SPOILED. In a way, perhaps, because I did not really reach the tantrum stage and bargaining phase that most spoiled kids had. But the thing is, I was (and still am, I admit) used to having the WANTS I have.

Fast forward to now, and the Brat Brent have grown up.  When one finishes college and started working, the next big step is finally allowing the self to find a possible companion as one goes through the ladder of life. In a few words, the grown up brat is now ready to fall in love, to settle and to have someone to snuggle with.

But the thing is, this process is quite a hard thing for those who have become too used of having what they want. Because this time, the ‘want’ is a breathing individual capable of deciding whether he might ‘want’ you, too. – not to add, who might actually be as brat you are.

Let me simplify my blubber above; brats find it hard establishing a relationship with someone. Simply because of REJECTION. Rejection is a word that brats do not know. And commonly, the very first taste of this is from an individual who they have ‘wanted’, but did not ‘want’ them back. I know, I just know.

I do not blame my family for having loved me the way they have, but days like now make me wish I was taught that I would not have everything I have wanted, or every person I have wanted, err loved.

It’s a hard thing, but I am learning. I’d raise my glass for having learned something.

To all the brats! May we be loved by the persons we love, err want.

LOVE, and love like...

I have helped a friend in making a video still for a poem reading event by coming up with lines for the story board, or as we call it, power lines. I have done a number of story board presentations before and I have been in love with both the still frames and the lines of such presentations that I usually blog about them. So, first for this blog is this, which I call -

An Ode to the Broken.

There are more than 7 billion people in the world…

living different lives…

spending good times with unique circle of friends…

fussing about different things…

and running around different worlds.

There are more than 7 billion people in the world…

with different circumstances …

with different pasts and different dreams.

How is it not true then, that destiny exists?

That out of all random circumstances…

still, two hearts meet…

and beat as one?

Many may have tried and lost,

And many have found the one.

Many may have cried and lost,

But it doesn’t mean that even for once…

He has not loved…

She has not loved…

And have not been loved in return.

LOVE is as vast, as complex and inexplicable as life itself…

There is no other way to fully understand, but to live.

So go ahead…

Fall in love,

Do stupid things together,

Laugh

Cry

Brave the word together…

And find your soul’s greatest desire…

Love and love like you have never loved (and hurt) before.

Many of us may have tried and failed, but i'd like to leave you with a wisdom I have picked from Plato.

When asked 'Why do people continue to fall (in love) while they know they might get hurt in return?'

He answered with a question;

Why do we continue living, knowing that one day we would die?