gone hitchedhiking

my quest starts now...

Feeling Yellow

A true Filipino icon has gone.
but she will always remain in our hearts.

The Last Trip to Moonwalk

he was the ultimate man-child.
a real-life peter pan.
a naive soul who was constantly hounded by the media.
the same media who was responsible for his constant rise to stardom,
his descent to embarassment and being a has-been.
the same people who will be exploiting his death to a hilt.

his album thriller was the first legit bestseller i bought.
the moment i laid my hands on that shiny casette i knew it was money well spent.
and it delivered hit after hit as promised.

it was the music i grew up with.
yes i was one of the children who caught the Michael Jackson fever.
so young yet I was trying to moonwalk my way to the streets.
And watching thriller gave me sleepless nights
despite the horror feel, its cheesiness and campy choreography was the thing that kept me up. it was haunting. i sang along to it. Yes, it was that brilliant.

then the his music came one after the other. from "we are the world", i learned that rich people can make a difference by coming together to fight poverty in africa.
I remembered remember the time how magical that video was. How I bought the CD immediately after listening to it during high school. It's funny how music can accompany the passing of time. It was during college when I rediscovered his jackson 5 CD. It was sweet accompaniment to the bittersweet days of college. then i rediscoverd "one day in your life" i remember how angelica told me how she loved that song and she wanted it to be played for her funeral. i don't where angelica is now, but that song stayed with me, like my memory of her - the most beautiful and intelligent girl in UST College of Pharmacy...

years have gone and michael just faded into oblivion. it seems he got stuck in his time and the moonwalk ceased to evolve. the musical timeline of my life has been replaced by the music of others. the magic of michael has faded away.

i was surprised the hear the news early in the morning.
his passing was swift. he came with a whisper but left with a scream.
and all over the world his name was heard again.
his music played again in the hearts and radios/ ipods of the people.
jacko may be gone, but his music will always stay.

Thank you for the music Michael Jackson.
Rest in peace

Images of Mindanao

Full on the Hill

inside the evercrest golf in nasugbu, batangas is a quaint serene little chapel called don bosco chapel on the hill. i've never felt more calm entering this church and just outside you can get a great view of taal and the city. the place is breezy yet cool on a warm summer day, indeed a perfect place a wedding.

Let me tell about the Birds and the Beasts

The Singapore Zoo is a must visit when you're in Singapore.
I prefer the day visit than the night safari because not only you get to see animals up close you can take pictures without flash photography which might scare them.

It was great to giraffes, zebras, and other exotice animals

up close. Its a pity that the polar bear was shy to come out of the summer sun, but the white tiger was a sight to behold. I want to come back here and take more pics next time.

MTV prefers Hard

i saw the mtv movie awards last night.
i wonder if i'm just old or i barely know the featured celebrities there.
rob paterson winning over heath for best fight. WTF?
i'm quite amused twilight won something.
bad movie, bad story, bad cast, bad everything...
sheesh... i probably don't get it.

and why the hell do i see tanduay tv ads on such
a youth-oriented program?

i think the people behind tanduay should be responsible enough about the people who see their ads... probably they just want the teens to start early. jeez, it figures.
ahh... what people do the love for money.
so what's next subliminal cigarette ads?

lakers win

wow kobe's so great, he's the king of the world... not
probably the most boring nba finals series ever.
better luck next time orlando.
and you too le bron.

What a Drag

chances are half of the gazillions of yuppies in metro manila have seen dragged me to hell, the new movies by sam raimi of spiderman fame. this movie is a hilarious, over-the-top campy horrorfest reminiscent of sam raimi classics like evil dead and army of darkness. the only character missing is ash.

don't expect much of a plot but you'll be in for scares, not frightening ones and funny ones. don't miss this movie or you'll be dragged... to hell.

black is beautiful

tried the pasta nero at capriciossa, greenbelt.
ooh it looks like sewage, but it tastes heavenly.
well don't be so finicky, this is not fear factor,
its squid ink for godsakes.

a little bit pricey, but very filling.
kudos to this resto.

once you go black, you'll always be coming back


capriciossa
is located on the 3rd level of
greenbelt 3, makati

YEEARGH

sometimes it takes more than shouting to release pent-up stress.
last week i had to holler out expletives to the shock of my officemates.
i hate to rant but sometimes my work is just crazy mind-boggling and
draining at the same time.

if you think your job's toxic, you're very welcome to try mine.

NE on my mind

i'm back after 2 consecutive days of fever and colds after a long drive to the seemingly endless farmlands of nueva ecija for an event.

after this arduous journey, this is what i learned:

1) no matter who you are, people won't give a shit. they will continue doing what they're doing like dry palay on the street so you've don't have a place to drive on.

2) if you think you're sad, think about the people who live in Talavera, Nueva Ecija.
all they see are farms, their carabaos, endless ricestalks, the dirt road's a plenty, there's nothing to do, there's no nightlife either.

3) with the rapid branching out of Jollibee, there will be a time when you're looking for local specialties, all you can find it is Jollibee or worst, Chowking.

4) a lot of the provincial folks are camwhores. they will gamely pose for you. that's how friendly Filipinos are.

5) all it takes is one left jab to shut a noisy, boogered bloody Briton up and it took just 2 rounds and a tons of commercial breaks in between.

6) Pacquiao can stop crime.

7) The time you leave is directly proportional to the traffic that you will expect once you're in Manila. So don't leave early, traffic's going to bad anyway.

8)Never underestimate somebody from the province. Some of them make more money than you in the city do.

this week in disses and likes

I diss...
the weather
the heat and the afternoon rain is a sure combination for the flu

the price of the cinemas in MOA
what makes them so special? greenbelt has better sound
and seats and you charge the same price? this is sm for godsakes

T2
I can't believe I paid 170 bucks for this turd, well it's not entirely crappy all the way. What started as a scary opus turned out to be fantasy crap.
the convoluted storyline plus casting carmen soo as an engkanto didn't help either.
and this movie raked in 70 million,wow?

the cops and the media in the Ted Failon case
they're so irresponsible in giving out too many details of the investigation
they arrested the relatives for questioning while the victim is on the brink of death
this sums it up for plice treatment in the Phils.

The media particularly, ABS-CBN was too one-sided on this one.
the cops weren't even able to explain their action.
a little bit too defensive on ted perhaps?
I have read that the victim's relatives were uncooperative with the cops, hence the "treatment." honestly, everybody's a loser here. Sad how low some people can go in the interest of ratings. Don't forget the KSP lapdogs of the govt. who also had a hand in making this case a circus.

Korina Sanchez
the way she tagalizes English words, your effort in helping the Pinoys understand is good. but She makes me squirm everytime she mentions "sincero" or "efficiente" Why don't you just use Tagalog. Sa tingin ko naman naiintindihan ng mga tao ano ibig sa bihin ng sincere and efficient, di ba?

Nike happy place in Rufino Tower
few stocks here and there, its not the same old happy place we know

Greenwich John Lloyd and Bea tvc soundtrack
Using Odette Queseda's Friend of Mine was a soundtrack for cheesiness was unneccessary. Plus its Odette, she's like the greatest OPM composer ever.

I like...
Amici's Gelato
a tub (1 kilo, i think) is just 400 bucks or 50 per scoop
it tastes good, and all the varieties are just savory good
Mickey's has good gelato too although it's more expensive

Red Cliff
This is indeed John Woo's recent masterpiece. The scenes are spectacular and although the writers had a free hand in tweaking historical figures and facts, the epic turned out great. This is China's answer to Lord of the Rings. Military strategy is amazing. Catch it on DVD.

Arnold Clavio and Mike Enriquez
Arnold's Air Hour idea is funny, witty and should be taken seriously. Imagine politicians not talkiing for one hour? They might as well not breathe. Although I miss Arnold and Ali's jeng-jeng segment. It's great to hear Arnold make a cameo on Mike's show.

Adidas new Greenbelt megastore
i love, love, love space.

Globe broadband Tattoo tvc
very, very tastefully done. Kudos to Stephen and the agency
the tattoos looked amazing, congrats ricci chan

Laiya in Colour

these pics had a makeover via iphoto. now they look better. don't you agree?

weather-weather

the weather has gone bonkers.
after days of the scorching sun,
it now rains during the summer season.

its not that i'm complaining,
i'd savor a few drops from the April rain.
But i heard from the radio there was hail in Cagayan?
Wow, that's new!

And as expected, PAGASA blames the Intertropical Convergence Zone for this phenomenon. When all else fails, point your fingers on the the super vague.
Your fall guy. The usual suspect. Intertropical Convergence Zone. What a word.

Life's One Liners

Life’s One Liners

1) Di lahat ng iyong pinasok ay may labasan.
2) Paano ka mananalo sa lotto kung di ka naman tumataya?
3) Aminin mo man o hindi, money is the greatest stress buster.
4) Wag na wag mong hahawakan ang hindi sa iyo.
5) Di mo kawalan ang mga taong ayaw sa iyo; it’s their loss.
6) Ang taong tahimik ay mas malakas mag-ingay.
7) Ang taong di marunong mag “Thank you” ay walang aasahang “Welcome”.
8) Walang sumasalo sa taong nanlalaglag.
9) Di maliliwanagan ang taong di marunong magtanong.
10) Iba ang sadyang tanga sa taong nagtatanga-tangahan.
11) Di lahat ng bagay ay naaayos ng “I’m sorry.”
12) Mas umaangat ang bahid sa malinis na damit.
13) Di porke’t nakangiti ay masaya.
14) Don’t jump to conclusions lalo na kung wala kang buwelo.
15) Ang taong nagpapaapak…. ay marumi.
16) Nilalampaso ang mga taong basahan ang trato sa kaibigan.
17) Nakakapuwing ang maliit; nakakabulag ang malaki.
18) Ang matapobre ay mabubulag rin balang araw.
19) Ang taong walang pera mas mabilis tumanda.
20) Money can’t buy you time but it can buy you happiness.
21) Ang taong nakapagdyug… mas mahimbing ang tulog.
22) Mahirap kalabanin ang sarili.

Quiz quizzan - Pinoy TV trivia

in response to ricci chan's 80's quiz sa facebook here's mine

1) Sino dito ang di original member ng bagets?
a) William Martinez b) Gary V. c) Herbert Bautista d) Aga Muhlach e) Raymond Lauchengco
2) Ano ang title ng unang teleserye ni Juday?
3) Sino ang original co-host ng local version ng Takeshi's castle?
4) Ano ang original screen name ni Regine Velasquez?
5) Sino ang dance group na sumikat sa Penthouse Live?
6) Anong pangalan ng sidekick ni Apeng Daldal sa Cafeteria Aroma?
7) Ano ang names ng twins sa Kwarto O Kahon?
8) Sino-sino ang nagpukpukan ng microphone sa See Thru?
9) Ano ang favorite sabihin ni Ate Luds sa Eye-to-Eye?
10)Ano ang title ng unang show ni Cristy Fermin? Sino co-host niya?
11)Anong name ng maid ni Lilian Laing sa Duplex?
12)Sino ang child actor sa Joey and Son?
13)Ano ang name ng character ni Tessie Tomas sa Abangan ang Susunod na Kabanata?
14)Sino ang mga bida sa Sine Silip?
15)Sino-sino ang mag-inang nagpahirap kay Janice at Herbert sa Flordeluna?

American Idol needs Midol

dahil one year na ang blog site ko
shet di na ako magpapaka wholesome,
pagkakaila ko ba pagkajologs ko?

so simula ngayon no holds barred na
its my site anyway.

I honestly think American Idol is getting boring and
overrated. Maglokohan pa tayo e obvious namang si Danny Gokey
ang mananalo. Ano kamo? Allison has a chance? Uhm malabo...
hello di puti yun. Yes she's talented but... i don't think she'll win.
Yung bulag? Iisa lang style niya kulang siya sa depth.
Adam? An emo winner?... Shet!!!
If you notice the contestants this year are quite bloody bland.
Yep and adding Kara is cute but they just made the selection process longer.
I suggest they just fire Paula Abdul since she doesn't talk sense anyway.
Lagi siyang lutang.

Sadly, the show is slowly losing its charm. There's no point in getting excited anymore. And yeah that Anne Curtis Greenwich tvc is really irritating.

Let's Go Beach-ing at Laiya!

to escape from office stress,
we went to Laiya San Juan, Batangas last,last week.

we were booked at Balai sa Laiya, about 4 hours drive from the city.
we spent like Php 2,050 per head inclusive of 4 meals and accommodations.
great deal.

the rooms were comfortable and breezy enough with rattan beds and
there was hot shower.
the food though, was surprisingly spectacular and served buffet style.
i enjoyed my stay and absolutely recommend this place.
want to go back soon.

i already posted some of the pics at my multiply site
but here are some of the shots i like.

Taste the legend

The Legend Restaurant

got stuck in massive traffic last Saturday.
but i wouldn't miss the food in this place.
the servings are generous and food is really good,
but not last saturday, the food was too salty.
nevertheless i still enjoyed.

Their sweet and sour lapu-lapu is to die for.
Check out my pics.

50 Must-See Asian Movies part 2

The second part, counting down 25 to 1

25. Akira
The ground-breaking Japanese based on the manga about an impending nuclear holocaust. Akira set the benchmark for animation with its killer story.
Country of origin - Japan

24. Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon
Wuxia? Check! Killer moves? Check? Drama? Check? Launchpad for Zhang ziyi’s career? Double check!
Country of origin - Taiwan

23. Xiu Xiu the Sentdown Girl
Still having a hard time looking for the DVD. The story is about a young 15-year old girl who gets sent to the province and “discovers” that she is not returning home to the city.
She gets fooled by government officials, who promise to her return her to the city in exchange for sex. A sad, sad story how corruption can ruin the innocent.
Country of origin - China

22. Triad Election
Peek into the lives of the HongKong underworld, wherein 2 gang leaders strive to lead be the new leader of the Hong Kong Triad. Stars Tony Leung and Simon Yam, this is Johnny To’s best film.
Country of origin – Hong Kong

21. Inang Yaya
How do you balance the love for your child and the one you’re caring for? Heart-warming and very well-acted the kids upstage lead actress Maricel Soriano. Kudos to the new breed of Philippine directors Pablo Biglangawa and Veronica Velasco.
Country of origin – Philippines

20. Il Mare
The Lakehouse. Only way better and understandable.
Country of origin – South Korea

19. Shutter
Probably the most freaky and goose-bumping movie I’ve ever seen. Great, great twist of an ending.
Country of origin – Thailand

18. My Sassy Girl
This Is the Korean movie that established the Korean film market. Stars the amazingly beautiful Jeun Ji Hyun at her wicked best. Bitches rule.
Country of origin – South Korea

17. Spirited Away
Charming and courageous, I could compare this movie to Alice in Wonderland, but this time with spirits and witches.
Country of origin – Japan

16. Seven Samurai
Probably the most influential Asian film by Akira Kurosawa. Spawned Magnificent Seven, The Legend of Zu, Lo Waist Gang kust to name a few.
Country of Origin - Japan

15. Comrades, Almost a Love Story
Based on the title of a famous Teresa Teng song. It revolves around a story of 2 lovers meant for each other. It also works on the insight that wherever there’s a Chinese person in any part of the world, you will always hear a Teresa Teng song.
Country of origin – Hong Kong

14. The Promise
Chen Kaige returns with an Asian all-star ensemble for this fantasy tale. Pure visual candy, see it and judge how far China has gone to claim cinematic superiority in Asia.
Country of origin - China

13. Lust, Caution
This is the movie that made Ang Lee cool again to men after Brokeback Mountain.
A erotic love story and espionage thriller set in the time of war. The love scenes looks realistic and Tang Wei is indeed, a revelation. Also stars the great Tony Leung.
Country of origin - Taiwan

12 House of the Flying Daggers
Another of Zhang Yi Mou’s visual masterpiece, also using colors to tell the story.
Don’t miss the scene where Andy Lau and Takeshi “tests” Zhang Zi Yi whether she is truly blind.
Country of Origin – China

11. A Better Tomorrow trilogy
Asia’s answer to the Godfather. The movie that made Chow Yun Fat into a global superstar. Probably inspired by Lito Lapid.
Country of origin – Hong Kong

10. In the Realm of the Senses
It’s art. It’s porn. Nothing elevates perversion and kinkiness to an art form like the Japanese. Don’t miss the “egg” scene. Banned in most countries, this Is the sex film you must not miss, if you can find the DVD. Country of Origin- Japan

9. Sympathy for Lady Vengeance
Despite the title, this is a movie about forgiveness. Lee Young Ae of Jang Geum fame stars as a newly reformed ex-con yearning to murder Baek. A guy who made her confess to a crime she didn’t commit. Don’t miss the ending
Country of Origin – China

8. Not One Less
Even the strongest of men will shed a tear for this gem of a film. It tells of a barrio teacher who ventures to the city to search for a student who looks went there looking for work. Fact: they didn’t use professional actors for this movie. Also done by Zhang Yimou
Country of origin - China

7. Maynila Sa Kuko ng Liwanag
“My brother is not a pig.” Yes we know, Ate Guy. Lino Brocka’s opus.
Country of origin - Philippines

6. Himala
After all these years, Himala still lives to the hype. It has been parodied gazillion of times, but in the end the story of a barrio lass who suddenly “performs miracles” has made it the benchmark for Asian movies with a cult following. This movie is the Filipino film-making at its best.
Country of origin - Philippines

5. Crying Ladies
My favorite modern Filipino film of all. Check out the cameos of different directors on this Mark Meily masterpiece about ladies hired to cry during Chinese funerals. Immensely entertaining, it never fails to excite me every time.
Country of origin - Philippines

4. Grave of the Fireflies
This film never fails to make me cry. It is about a brother and sister who gets orphaned during the war and is forced to fend for themselves in such a dire situation. It is a film that deeply touches the heart despite being an animated film.
Country of origin – Japan

3. Rashomon/ Hero
This film was ahead of its time. And shows why Akira Kurosawa is a visionary director, probably even greater than the Hollywood directors of his time. It tells of a rape/ murder in flashbacks from different perspectives of 4 witnesses, each of them telling a different story. A must-have in your DVD collection.
Country of Origin - Japan

Hero is a modern retelling of Rashomon. Using the same device of flashbacks in telling how an assassin came close to killing the Emperor. Zhang Yimou used color as a device to differentiate truth from lies.
Country of origin – China

2. Infernal Affairs I
In my honest opinion, probably the best Hong Kong film of all time. This is the movie that The Departed is based from. A cat and mouse game between a “mole” in the triad and a “mole” in the police. The sequel and the prequel is a stretch watch the first.
Country of origin – Hong Kong

1. Old Boy
An orgasmic mindfuck of epic proportions. How much can you bare? How many twists can you turn? Oldboy is a film not to be watched but to be experienced. It is what separates a great film from a good movie. Well written and acted, it is not for the weak and the clueless. Prepare to be blown away.
Country of origin – South Korea