wolverine

SOMETIMES, 

ETERNITY is a CURSE

~ the WOLVERINE

OUT IN THEATERS 

JULY 26

thank you, Warm Bodies

For weeks now, I have been thinking about probably using a fictional character to describe my rare health condition. I was going for a vampire. I have been quite sure that I might actually play with lots of the premises presented by the concept of Edward Cullen, immortality, a blood disease and unquenchable thirst and so on and so forth. In my heart of hearts, I did think that am a vampire at my own right.

But things changed, thanks to Warm Bodies.

I personally don’t find the movie’s plot too compelling. It even seemed too no brainer. But the way R (played by my ex, Nicholas Hoult, lols) was quite compelling. It was only his character, and I’d say, the actor’s great portrayal, that took the entire movie to a level that’s enjoyable.

R was so relatable! His emptiness was so lifelike. It took me about six months after I miss it on the silver screens (have only rented the movie days ago) to finally confirm that the compelling tumblr posts about the movie were true. Bottom line, I did see myself in lots of the issues that R portrayed of having. And since am a sucker for romance, it was amazing how real and simple were his intentions to connect, to be able to find a soul to share his ‘life’ with. I also like the thought that he became ‘human’ at the end. 
He became vulnerable to pain and found it such a bliss.

I am a Zombie, sort of. That emptiness had me captured. The opening lines of R were like echoes of my own. It was really funny hearing him fuss about things that extends to my reality. 

Who does not seek connection, huh?

In the end, it would be hard to relate my health condition to being a zombie. Being a vampire still tops the list, but with many things, like I have said, am also a Zombie. Much of my social issues are R’s issues too. And I like how he was able to solve them when he found his girl. I just hope to soon meet mine, too.

As for now, I’d roam around this airport and collect good records.  

When Fiction Paints a Wrong Picture…

(What Dan Brown Should Have Known)

In his recent novel, the Da Vinci Code and Angels and Demon author, Dan Brown called Manila,
the Philippines' capital city as the gates of hell.

Manila took the lime light, and so did Inferno, his recent work.

And although it has been written as a fiction, a form of literary entertainment; I can’t help but ask; has it not crossed the line?

Let me think aloud…

Fiction is but another form of literature that seeks to free a person’s point of view. It is a tale-tell of how a person sees the world, wrapped in the assumed and the created world of make belief. Fiction is the adult’s form of fairy-tales. It is our own version of monsters, villains, heroes and happy-ever-afters.

But like all other stories of fairies and dragons and monsters and Prince Charmings; fiction seeks inspiration from real life. It is a dream, inspired by our own realities.

So is the use and depiction of actual cities (take Vatican and Manila) in fiction somewhat a transgression of this make belief and reality?

Thing is, it is not. Reality inspires fiction. We inspire fantasy.

BUT there is a thin line between depicting a real story, a real, tangible character, and a breathing city with depicting a fictional persona or a make-believe city. This is why the likes of Narnia and The Capitol (of Hunger Games) are far more ‘real’ in our minds, because we share a common understanding of what it is.

Our biases taint our view of real and actual persons, places and ideas.

It is also murder to depict a real person or a place in ways below or beyond its worth. It is like painting yet again the beauty of Mona Lisa – in strokes and colors of your choice. It does not and will not give justice to the real thing. It will fail in comparison.

Thus to attempt to tell of a city’s glory (or gore) is to immerse oneself into the depths of its alleys, to experience its noise and music, to bask in its warmth and coldness. To tell of a city’s life is to seek its heart, to KNOW ITS PEOPLE. 

Yes Manila is not a perfect place to be. It has lots of things that even I dread of seeing (or experiencing) but Dan Brown in his Inferno is not able to fully depict Manila the way it is now. It has grown up and moved on from the sex-and-gangs era. The time of Asiong Salonga has long been gone. Yes traffic and pollution is there. But that does not give one the right to call it a gateway to hell.

To describe our beloved Manila

(and I quote from your book)…

 "When the group settled in among the throngs in the city of Manila--the most densely populated city on earth--Sienna could only gape in horror. She had never seen poverty on this scale." 

… I’d say, Sienna has not seen much of the world, huh?

Too much for an adjective, too much Dan.

Fiction is and fiction will be, but the story lacks substance now given the fact that it is based on an exaggerated view of a city he has not even been into.

Manila would never be understood unless experienced.

A little dare Mr. Brown,

Come and see for yourself, who knows, you might like the gates of hell.

hello ANNE HATHAWAY

SAY HELLO!

ANNE HATHAWAY

shows off with this oh-lala gown

at the 2013 MET GALA RED CARPET

Well, am out of words. 

What do you think folks?

HOT ENOUGH? or TOO MUCH?

HEART EVANGELISTA // ESQUIRE MAG MAY 2013

ESQUIRE 

goes POLITICS friendly...

with HEART EVANGELISTA 

on the cover, HOT :D

HEART EVANGELISTA // 

ESQUIRE MAG MAY 2013

~ nuff said, d*mn this dame!

TIMES 100 Most Influential 2013 / Noynoy Aquino

And my, I may not be so much of a PNoy fan, this article just made me so proud. I do look forward to the coming years, to reaping the fruits of this man's strong stance for our country.

reBlogged here is the original article from times.com  

TIME presents its annual list of the 100 most influential people in the world, from artists and leaders to pioneers, titans and icons

Noynoy Aquino

President of the Philippines, 53

By Howard Chua-EoanApril 18, 2013

Benigno (“Noynoy”) Aquino III inherited that legacy and, boosted by national mourning at the death of Corazon Aquino in August 2009, won the presidency in 2010. President Aquino quickly began making his own name. The sputtering economy stabilized and became hot. Aquino pushed through a reproductive-rights law that many said was impossible in the fervently Catholic nation. Most important, he became the face of the regional confrontation with Beijing over its claim to virtually all of the South China Sea. It is a brave stance, the long-term consequences still unknown.

In a country of nicknames, Filipinos proudly call their President PNoy — a pun on the word they use for themselves: Pinoy. For his courage, however, he really should have the pet name the family gave his eldest sister Maria Elena: Ballsy.

Chua-Eoan is TIME‘s news director

Read more: http://time100.time.com/2013/04/18/time-100/slide/noynoy-aquino/#ixzz2QrcOHwCV

***

Check here for the complete list of the  100 most influential people in the world.

Full List

• Titans

  • Jay Z
  • Valerie Jarrett
  • Elon Musk
  • Oh-Hyun Kwon
  • Scooter Braun
  • Kevin Systrom
  • Michael Kors
  • Palaniappan Chidambaram
  • Ren Zhengfei
  • Ted Sarandos
  • Gina Rinehart
  • Markus Persson and Jens Bergensten
  • Igor Sechin
  • Tadashi Yanai
  • Sam Yagan
  • Shonda Rhimes
  • Lebron James
  • David Einhorn
  • Magnus Carlsen
  • Sheryl Sandberg

• Leaders

  • Rand Paul
  • Noynoy Aquino
  • Barack Obama
  • Chris Christie
  • Hassan Sheik Mohamud
  • John Brennan
  • Park Geun-hye
  • Yair Lapid
  • Wayne LaPierre
  • Kamala Harris
  • Fethullah Gulen
  • Xi Jinping
  • Wilfredo De Jesús
  • Tom Coburn
  • Kim Jong Un
  • Abdullah Ocalan
  • Enrique Peña Nieto
  • Elena Kagan
  • Joe Biden
  • Susana Martinez
  • Mario Draghi
  • Joyce Banda
  • Pope Francis

• Artists

  • Jennifer Lawrence
  • Christina Aguilera
  • Steven Spielberg
  • Jonathan Ive
  • Alex Atala
  • Ed Ruscha
  • Miguel
  • Mindy Kaling
  • Jenna Lyons
  • Bryan Cranston
  • George Saunders
  • Jimmy Kimmel
  • Wang Shu
  • Hilary Mantel
  • Frank Ocean
  • Jimmy Fallon

I woke up to a sad news today. 

Yet again, some god forsaken damn cause (or call for attention) claimed innocent lives.

Boston took a huge hit just hours ago, and pictures about the BOSTON BOMBING have been circulating on social media and news agencies as this post is being written. 

I really feel for this guy, don't ever take for granted anything you have cause nothing last forever #prayforboston twitter.com/Nhannon1104/st…

— Nick Hannon (@Nhannon1104) April 15, 2013

I would not like to say more,
as words seem to be but empty echoes in times of tragedies.

‘Pray for Boston’:

 Prayers stream in after Boston Marathon bombing

read the full article here: 

http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/under-god/post/pray-for-boston-prayers-stream-in-after-boston-marathon-bombing/2013/04/15/4c8170da-a611-11e2-a8e2-5b98cb59187f_blog.html

For those who would like to help,

check these links...

@amandapalmer - Google Doc made for those offering places to stay. More signs of humanity & hope in the ash & rubble docs.google.com/a/prakashandel…
— Erin Lee (@_ErinLee) April 15, 2013

RT @amandapalmer: BOSTON/WORLD round up of links of HOW you can help #BosBombing goo.gl/2ZDG6
— lemons (@foxydeltan) April 16, 2013

#PrayForBoston

#CASTLE100

FanBoying :) 

I just made a #Castle100 poster :D

Check it out!

Have a happy week ahead guys! :)

Perks of Tipping

Tipping benefits you, more than you know.

Although this is not an uncommon practice to many Pinoys, many are still unaware of the amazing benefits that this does. Let me run them down to you.

  

Yesterday I was out for a haircut. Since I moved back down south for work, I have been coming back (my third time yesterday) to a single salon which has satisfied me. But it was only yesterday when I realized tipping was allowed. And so before I left, I made sure to drop a bill on my hairdresser’s pockets.

(Photo from: Restaurants: to tip or not to tip?)

Why did I do it?

Well it’s practically for her, for a job well done. But more than that, as a business major myself, I know it is more for me. It’s an investment, more than anything.

(photo via: http://www.timeout.com.hk)

Tipping is commonly viewed as a simple form of gratitude. Many simply take it as that. But looking more into it, the benefits the tipper derives from this simple act is far more than the amount given.

A tip given is an advantage gained. I won’t sugar quote this one. Thing is, we are placed at a privileged advantage the next time we drop by for another service. Your waiter, valet or hairdresser, like anyone one else, would grant you more attention and favors the next time you avail of their service. It’s a way of bribing them (in a good way) for a favorable service the next time.

A tip given is HAPINESS shared – and gained. Tipping is an expression of gratitude. Not only are you expressing gratitude to the service personnel that treated you well, you are also expressing gratitude towards yourself. It is an act of recognition (and an expression) that you are thankful of your current status – no matter how much you earn.  Because of this gratitude, one is able to share and gain in return a certain form of happiness. Gratitude is a key factor in attaining happiness as according to Martin Seligman and many other leading psychologists of our time. (Read on that topic here)

LASTLY, tipping opens us to a relationship that benefits both parties. It is not a matter of the amount (although it is advised to tip ‘accordingly’) but the mere act of recognizing a person’s service to you is an appreciation of his/her job well done. In return, you become a favored client with whom he or she is indebted for another good service the next time.  You become, sort of, a friend with whom only the best shall be served.

So the next time you’re out, make sure to fold a bill and tip away!

...

post script 

photography by: http://www.flickr.com/people/doneer4th/

must try: SILI ICECREAM

I may not look the part, but am definitely a foodie. 

And since this blog is new, it took me some time

figuring out what ‘first’ food to post.

Until finally yesterday, I had a shot of the

now trending SILI ICE CREAM (Chili Pepper IceCream)

from Colonial Grill – a proud Bicolano Restaurant.

I was out of words when I tried it.

It’s one HOT ice cream! A sure must try folks!

So when you come and visit the place,

don’t forget to have a taste of  

this SILI ICE CREAM.

UP Education: Where is it going?

This post is a reBlog from a colleague and friend's blog post, 

who had a first hand experience of UP education. 

As a proud Atenean, I might not be able to speak 
without looking way biased 

about the recent unfortunate event that had saddened many Filipinos. 

So I’d take comfort in shouting behind 

and being an echo to my friend’s words. 

This goes to the late Kristen Tejada 

and to all of Filipino youth  - to education and a bright future!    

Last Friday I read  the news about the young woman who committed suicide because she was being asked to pay off her loan and she couldn't take it anymore.

 As one of the those students who experienced the first time the UP system used the Socialized Tuition and Financial Assistance Program  or STFAP, as it is more popularly known, I was also one of the first of thousands of students who opposed it. Supposedly, the STFAP calculates school fees based on students' family income, in a bid to minimize state support for those capable of paying full tuition and divert funds to the financially needy. It is supposed to adjust the tuition fee's based on the capacity of the student to pay. Unfortunately, getting the correct bracket is a long, complicated and tedious process, with so many supporting documents required. And sometimes it can happen that you are put in the wrong bracket.

 It makes you ask, as I used to ask, why should I be the one to worry about these things when I am supposed to be studying in the state university? Shouldn't the government be doing the worrying for me? And, why put the burden of my education to the wealthy and better-off families?

 I can understand how frustrating, how difficult, it could have been for Kristen Tejada. Yes, she could have appealed for transfer to bracket E, but then again getting all the necessary requirements would need time, effort and money. Yes, she could have appealed for extension, but then again it is a cycle that she knew she would experience over and over again. I mean being on the same bracket and not having the capacity to pay for that fee would mean applying for a new loan again and again. Yes, she could have looked for a job as a student assistant or summer job or scholarship...but then again, why?

 The UP Manila Chancellor Manuel Agulto said, "UP has and will always be a government institution that values quality education for deserving bright students of the country especially those who are underprivileged."

 Kristen Tejada falls under deserving bright student who is also underprivileged. So, why wasn't she given that much needed  opportunity for quality education that could have changed her life and the lives of her family?

   The UP students should stand as one to make sure that the UP board officials and the government study once again the mechanisms to assist the poor students in paying for their UP education as well as for them to rethink their "no late payment" policy. Let us not deprive these deserving youth the best education they can obtain simply because they do not have the capacity to pay the tuition fee. UP is a state university and it should get the correct subsidy they need in order that they can lower the tuition costs, so much lower than private schools.

Students tie black ribbons in front of University of the Philippines campus in Manila on 18 March 2013. The students demand justice for the death of Kristel Tejada, a freshman student at UP Manila, who committed suicide for after reportedly being forced to go on leave because her family could not afford to pay tuition. (Czeasar Dancel/NPPA Images) - From Yahoo News

 Kristin Tejada is an isolated case they say. Do we need more in order for them to see that need to change their policies? In a year's time, my own son is going to graduate from high school and go to college. Do I have the capacity to send him to UP? Unfortunately, no. Fortunately, Bicol University is available for him.  Is it the same? No, but at least we have options, and that option is considered today as one of the best universities in our province. Will it ensure him work? I can only hope so. I for one believes it's not the college you come from that decides whether you get work or not but hard work coupled with determination, good work attitude, the right opportunity and a little luck.

 While we cannot expect our children to find work in the Philippines easily, now or in the near future, with so many unemployed and underemployed Filipinos, there are opportunities in other places, God willing. But, first and foremost, the UP education or better yet, the Philippine education should be a priority in order to give our children all the edge they need to be able to find work and excel here or abroad

This article originally appeared in:  http://justsimplyg.blogspot.com

Click here for the article link: http://justsimplyg.blogspot.com/2013/03/up-education-where-is-it-going.html

13 Reminders to Batch 2013

Two years ago, I bid my Alma Matter goodbye in the hope that I would join its long list of renowned graduates. I did not have any academic honor, as you know am not really that kind of guy, but I did took with me a medallion that’s quite coveted by most Ateneans. Needless to say, I was looking at a world of really great possibilities.

(photo by: http://azula223.deviantart.com/)

So I get you. The excitement for a new life, the adrenaline to finally jump start your career, those companies waiting for your ‘yes’– all those feelings are still vivid as if it’s still happening in my heart. Cherish such moment. And take pride of what you have accomplished.

I am not any established man; I am but a simple dreamer trying to make it in the world. But I have in mind some things to share. So read on if you wish, and please share with your friends, should you like.

1.       CELEBRATE. Celebrate and take pride of this moment. To some, graduations are boring, but mind you, it took what, 15 to 16 years before we finally reach this day. So take pride, this isn’t one small thing. This is a milestone – and it’s worth a toast, a lechon and ‘balde-baldeng’ beer.

(photo by: http://the-good-fella.deviantart.com/)

2.       THANK YOUR PARENTS (or whoever sent you to college). This isn’t just your victory, it’s a shared triumph. So don’t be a soloist, the celebration is a family’s thing. Thank those who gave you all the support you have needed. Those two simple words would go a long way, especially over a toast.

3.       Take Pictures. You wouldn’t want to miss posting this glorious moment on Instagram or uploading them on your tumblog. Moments like this are the ones that really need sharing and keeping. So snap a lot!  

4.       BREATHE. Lucky you if you have companies wanting you in, even before you graduate. I know that feeling. But let it go. Breathe for a while. Take a road trip, fly to Hong Kong, and book a weekend with your family or the one you love. Extend the celebration by allowing your mind to rest and fully grasp this unfolding of a new chapter. Do whatever you fancy.

5.       BREATHE (again, this time with friends). Take time in knowing your friends whereabouts after the G-day. Join the fun; after all, it’s a much needed thing to have good memories to perk you up once the pressures of work start to kick in. Plus, this is your first ‘professional networking’. Start being around people of your turf and industry, you’d need that soon.

6.       Now THINK. After the merriment, now it is time to think. Weigh and consider your options. Although, keep calm and choose well.

(photo by: http://simanion.deviantart.com/)

7.       CHOOSE WELL. Take it slow in applying - or in signing up with a particular company. I went through that dilemma as well, I have a few companies wanting me in, but the one I have been dreaming to work at called weeks after I got employed. Statistically, our first jobs wouldn’t be our last. Take your time and sign up with which you feel most comfortable timing in – for the first time.

8.       APPLY and get rejected. For the sake of experience, try your luck with companies that you fancy working for. Lucky you to have ‘invites’ to work at a company, but try the waters with an organization that have not shown interest in your resume. It builds confidence – and character after, especially when you get approvals. A rejection would suck, but it does the same – only in a different manner, but bottom line, it builds character.  

9.       DRESS UP. Dress up to it. While preparing for where to work and stuffs like that, don’t forget to give your wardrobe an overhaul. Have those ‘work’ clothes washed and prepped up. Buy some more if you can – and impress the world on your first day as a yuppie.

10.   PREPARE TO PLAY. Don’t consider me jaded or something – but work isn’t like school. If you had competition and cut-throat schemers during college, prepare to meet more of them at work. More often than not, they are those you’ll least expect, so play well with your cards. Trust, but don’t trust too much – and too fast.

11.   Now a YUPPIE, BE a YUPPIE. Live the part. A yuppie, after all deserves all the perks of working. Establish a career path and celebrate simple achievements each time. It is futile to work and be not happy about it. It’s a world of possibilities – and you’re way too young, know that MORE awaits! So bring on the beer!  

12.   SAVE and GIVE BACK. Money now comes easy (or maybe not) so save up as much as you can. Needs come and go – so be frugal enough. Give back to your parents (or whoever you want to) as well. Although they might not oblige you to. A simple grocery for mom or a new shirt for dad won’t hurt right?

(photo by: http://bubblegumcandy16.deviantart.com/)

13.   LIVE (and love), LABOR and LAUGH.

These three words sum it all! Enjoy this new chapter of your life graduate! Congrats!  

MILA KUNIS // LA 2012

Mila Kunis 

Sexiest Woman Alive

Hollywood Siren in LA 2012 

RHIAN RAMOS // Rogue March 2013

Rhian Ramos
on the cover of Rogue Magazine
// March 2013

more of my kind of gals here
(Share this post! Go!)

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.