Thursday, June 23, 2005
Narnians Unite!
This post is specially dedicated to The White Rabbit. (",) Trivia: This poster, published by Harper Collins to celebrate the 50th Anniversary printings of the Chronicles, was given only to bookstores as a promotional item but can sometimes be found on e-Bay. Wish I could give this to someone as a pre-wedding gift... For those who've been living under a rock all this time, the write-up below says it all:"The Chronicles of Narnia:The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, is a spectacular live-action/CGI motion picture adaptation of C.S. Lewis' beloved literary classic. Lewis' timeless adventure follows the exploits of the four Pevensie siblings – Lucy, Edmund, Susan and Peter – in World War II England who enter the world of Narnia through a magical wardrobe while playing a game of ‘hide-and-seek' in the rural country home of an elderly professor. Once there, the children discover a charming, peaceful land inhabited by talking beasts, dwarfs, fauns, centaurs and giants that has become a world cursed to eternal winter by the evil White Witch, Jadis. Under the guidance of a noble and mystical ruler, the lion Aslan, the children fight to overcome the White Witch's powerful hold over Narnia in a spectacular, climactic battle that will free Narnia from Jadis' icy spell forever."Director: Andrew AdamsonWriter(s): Ann Peacock and Andrew Adamson and Christopher Markus & Stephen McFeelyCast: Tilda Swinton, Brian Cox, Georgie Henley, William Moseley, Skandar Keynes, Anna Popplewell, Rupert Everett, Dawn French, James McAvoy, Shane Rangi, Patrick Kake, Elizabeth Hawthorne, Kiran Shah, James Cosmo, Judy McIntosh, Sala Baker, Jim Broadbent, Stephen Ure, Ray Winstone Release Date: December 9 2005Official Site: Narnia.comDistributor: Walt Disney PicturesGenre: Adventure, Family, Fantasy Ultimate Guide for the greenhorn: http://members.lycos.co.uk/Jonathan_Gregory76/faq.htm
Sunday, June 19, 2005
Hit Me Baby One More Time
Been hearing so much buzz about this show http://www.nbc.com/nbc/Hit_Me_Baby/ currently airing. Reception was so phenomenal in the U.K. they had to bring it to the States. Whoever thought of the concept struck a goldmine. Wow factor must be off the charts. Hope our local cable operator picks it up soon (hint, hint)... I have no qualms about admitting that I am a true child of the 80s. I loved listening to music during that era. That was the time new wave ruled. Had many, many favorites as a result. HMBOMT will be presenting acts of yesteryears (mostly 80s) back on screen to perform their previous hits as well as do a cover of a song currently on the billboard hitlist. At the end of the show, the audience decides on the best one for the night and his/her charity gets $20,000. How cool is that! Not only do we get to see if the years have been kind to the artists we liked back in the day, we get to reminisce about happy moments their songs were associated with as an added treat. The first week had Cece Peniston ("Finally" and Faith Hill's "There You'll Be"), Flock Of Seagulls ("I Ran" and Ryan Cabrera's "On The Way Down"), Arrested Development ("Take Me To Another Place" and Los Lonely Boys' "Heaven") and Tiffany ("I Think We're Alone Now" and Kelly Clarkson's "Breakaway"). The second week served up Vanilla Ice ("Ice, Ice Baby" and Destiny's Child's "Survivor"), The Knack ("My Sharona" and The Jets' "Are You Gonna Be My Girl") and Tommy Tutone ("867-5309/Jenny" and Blink 182's "All The Small Things"). Last week witnessed the return of Wang Chung ("Everybody Wang Chung Tonight" and Nelly's "Hot In Here"), Sophie B. Hawkins ("Damn, I Wish I Was Your Lover" and Five For Fighting's "100 Years"), Howard Jones ("No One Is To Blame" and Dido's "White Flag") and Irene Cara ("What A Feeling" and Anastacia's "I'm Outta Love"). Next week should be something to watch out for. Who knows, Tears For Fears, Rick Springfield, Gazebo, Duran Duran, General Public, Cyndi Lauper or Debbie Gibson might be on.
As an aside, know anyone who'll want to be on this other new show? Paris' mom gets her own show Btw, finally got my new phone after months of deliberating. Now I'll be spending many gleeful hours exploring it. To quote Perfect Strangers' Balki Bartokomous, "Time to do the dance of joy"....
Saturday, June 18, 2005
Cruise Control
What great timing Tom Cruise has. Proposing to his paramour Katie Holmes yesterday morning on top of the Eiffel Tower was pure genius! Just in time, too, for the worldwide release of both their movies... The giddy couple Two sides of "The Rock"
I gotta hand it to him. He and his publicists really know how to milk a story for all it's worth. "TomKat", as they've been christened by celeb watchers, aren't shy about letting the public know each and every step of their courtship. This should make both "War Of The Worlds" and Batman Begins" mega blockbusters of the summer. Imagine if George Lucas had used this angle (say, courted and got engaged to Natalie Portman) while promoting Revenge of the Sith. Now, THAT would have left all box-office records in the dust...
This site, though, http://freekatie.net/ has a far different take on the romance. Creator Sheila Cameron urges readers to "join the movement to liberate Katie, a young, gifted, actress held captive by forces we may never understand. Even one summer of captivity is too long for one so bright!" Can a "Free Ashton", "Free Catherine (Zeta-Jones)" or "Free Justin" movement be far behind? My advice? Juste habiter et laisser la vie!
Friday, June 17, 2005
See-Through Angel
A guy friend alerted me to a piece of news that apparently has been doing the rounds of emails among the male population. Jessica Alba of Dark Angel fame seemingly tried to top Jennifer Lopez' infamous green Versace dress at the MTV Movie Awards last week. She came in a dark green transparent dress which when hit by camera flashbulbs of the paparazzi showed off her assets to everyone.
Just what the heck were you thinking, girl?
Thursday, June 16, 2005
Return Of The Zen Guru
Phil Jackson has announced his return to LA next season. This is good news for Lakers fans like me. I have been, and will always be, loyal to this gold and purple team. I became an avid follower back in the 80s when my dad introduced me to the NBA brand of play. The Lakers rank up there with whatever team Robert Jaworski was connected with in the local PBA. I even knew the line-up by heart back when the roster included such greats as Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Magic Johnson, James Worthy, Michael Cooper and Jamaal Wilkes to name a few.
Jackson's homecoming should augur well. Just hope he is able to rein in Kobe's narcissistic streak this time around. Any team with only one great player is like a car with only one wheel: it will remain stationary. He should be able to give the entire bench the direction which is sorely needed. I had dreamed of another championship when they had Shaq, Karl Malone and Gary Payton last year but Kobe and Shaq's feud ruined what would otherwise had been a sure deal. Maybe next season?Phil Jackson doesn't actually need this kind of pressure as his name will already be as legendary as Red Auerbach and Pat Riley. He's probably doing this for love of the game. (And girlfriend, Lakers' owner Jerry Buss' daughter) - LOL...For more NBA action, look to: http://www.nba.com/
Tuesday, June 14, 2005
Cause This Is Thriller...
Michael Jackson could very well be singing "Will You Be There" to countless of fans, critics and onlookers alike who eagerly awaited the culmination of the drama which had played out in front of them for more than a year. The jury's final deliberation took all of seven days and appeared like it was not going to be good news for the King of Pop. The outcome, when it was read, was just like OJ's Trial of the Century: the (glittery) glove didn't fit in this case either and reactions ranged from jubilation to protestation. In "Black and White" MJ diehards at the gates of Neverland
He was acquitted of: Count 1: Conspiracy, involving child abduction, false imprisonment and extortion. Count 2: A lewd act on a minor child. Count 3: A lewd act on a minor child. Count 4: A lewd act on a minor child. Count 5: A lewd act on a minor child. Count 6: Attempting to commit a lewd act on a minor child. Count 7: Administering an intoxicating agent to assist in the commission of a felony and not guilty of providing alcoholic beverages to persons under the age of 21. Count 8: Administering an intoxicating agent to assist in the commission of a felony and not guilty of providing alcoholic beverages to persons under the age of 21. Count 9: Administering an intoxicating agent to assist in the commission of a felony and not guilty of providing alcoholic beverages to persons under the age of 21. Count 10: Administering an intoxicating agent to assist in the commission of a felony and not guilty of providing alcoholic beverages to persons under the age of 21.
When the jury came out with the verdict exonerating Michael of all of the above charges, I somehow felt ambivalent. I didn't know if I was happy that my childhood idol was cleared of alleged wrong-doing on his part or sad that a child molester may have walked away triumphant. It is just so hard for me to picture the Jackson Five tyke who grew up to be one of the most prolific and admired performing artists in the world as a pedophile. He who had penned such great songs as Man In The Mirror, We Are The World, Childhood and Beat It, who counted Elizabeth Taylor, Marlon Brando, Steven Spielberg and a proverbial galaxy of stars as friends, who gave so much of his time to a variety of charities for AIDS and hunger relief, who made millions of people want to learn how to "moonwalk", was accused of being a "Smooth Criminal". To his credit, his accuser lacked the credibility which should have made it an open and shut case. Granted, the "boy" was a cancer survivor, many people still came forward to question his motives in pinning down one of the most celebrated figures of our time.
I really, really want to believe Michael is innocent because I have admired him for so long. I even persuaded my parents to buy me one of the more expensive seats when he came over for a concert, for goodness sake! Yet there is this niggling part in me that points out certain incongruities in his lifestyle which gives me room for doubt. From his constantly changing appearance to his adaptation of a Peter Pan-like way of living, it is hard to keep up with him nowadays. Talent, however immense, can only take you so far.
This last episode will have much more of an impact on his career than other tabloid headline-making stories about him that we heard over the past decade or so. If he really is innocent, this will only serve to lessen his trust in others. If he is guilty, he will still have to face God at the end. The public will surely let him know how they feel once he releases his next record.
News clips: http://www.cnn.com/SPECIALS/2005/jackson.trial/ and http://www.nytimes.com/2005/06/14/national/14jackson.html
Monday, June 13, 2005
Next Up - Indy 500 & NASCAR!
Wow! My second post for the day...
Raikkonen, Schumacker and Montoya heir apparents
There are two teenagers who are slowly but surely gaining recognition in the field of karting. They are Michele Bumgarner and Matteo Guidicelli. They were under the radar up to about a couple of years ago when they began winning in the races they entered, both local and international. (It also doesn't hurt that they are both tall and good-looking.) Despite being only half-Filipino in lineage (her father is American, his is Italian), they are united in their goal to put the country back on the map for something other than dubious achievements. What is interesting is that a woman driver is succeeding in a sport long-dominated by men. (Another Filipina making waves in the circuit is Gaby dela Merced.) The Philippine Olympic Committee and Games and Amusements Board should take stock of that and pledge their all-out support in their upcoming competitions. We just might have two legitimate shots at Formula One racing this time around and F1 supremacy may no longer be a pipe dream.
Here are their profiles: http://www.michelebumgarnerracing.com/ and http://www.matteoguidicelli.com/
Say It Ain't So
Noticed this while checking my Friendster account:
Eeeew! You have got to be kidding me. My erstwhile friends seem to have been holding out on me. I never had the slightest inkling that there were closet perverts in my midst...I would have thought this was true for one, two, or three people in my network. Now who could these be? It just boggles the mind!
Anyhoo, today's an official holiday again. Yes, folks, our dear president called this one just a few days in advance. Lucky for me as it means an extra day of vacation. Hah! Hmmm, wonder what I should do tomorrow? (I mean later today). I don't think I'm in the mood to go out of the house. Maybe I'll just give the dogs a bath and curl up with a good book. Provided, of course, that no one calls to go meet up somewhere - hehehe. Then it's back to the grind again come Tuesday.
Sunday, June 12, 2005
Proud To Be Filipino: 100 Reasons
Am reposting the contents of an email forwarded to me by a friend. Today marks Philippine Indepence Day, the day when we finally extricated ourselves from the clutches of colonial rule and fought to gain a sense of pride and national identity. There is so much more that would make up the essence of being a Filipino. These are just a hundred of them. 1. Merienda. Where else is it normal to eat five times a day?
2. Sawsawan. Assorted sauces that guarantee freedom of choice, enough room for experimentation and maximum tolerance for diverse tastes. Favorites: toyo't calamansi, suka at sili, patis.
3. Kuwan, ano. At a loss for words? Try these and marvel at how Pinoys understand exactly what you want.
4. Pinoy humor and irreverence. If you're api and you know it, crack a joke. Nothing personal, really.
5. Tingi. Thank goodness for small entrepreneurs. Where else can we buy cigarettes, soap, condiments and life's essentials in small affordable amounts?
6. Spirituality. Even before the Spaniards came, ethnic tribes had their own anitos, bathalas and assorted deities, pointing to a strong relationship with the Creator, who or whatever it may be.
7. Po, opo, mano po. Speech suffixes that define courtesy, deference, filial respect --- a balm to the spirit in these aggressive times.
8. Pasalubong. Our way of sharing the vicarious thrills and delights of a trip, and a wonderful excuse to shop without the customary guilt.
9. Beaches! With 7000 plus islands, we have miles and miles of shoreline piled high with fine white sand, lapped by warm waters, and nibbled by exotic tropical fish. From the stormy seas of Batanes to the emerald isles of Palawan. Over here, life is truly a beach.
10. Bagoong. Darkly mysterious, this smelly fish or shrimp paste typifies the underlying theme of most ethnic foods: disgustingly unhygienic, unbearably stinky and simply irresistible.
11. Bayanihan. Yes, the internationally-renowned dance company, but also this habit of pitching in still common in small communities. Just have that ice-cold San Miguel Beer and some pulutan ready for the troops.
12. The Balikbayan box. Another way of sharing life's bounty, no matter if it seems like we're fleeing Pol Pot everytime we head home from anywhere in the globe. The most wonderful part is that, more often than not, the contents are carted home to be distributed.
13. Pilipino komiks ("comics"). Not to mention "Hiwaga," "Aliwan,""Tagalog Classics," "Liwayway" and"Bulaklak" magazines. Pulpy publications that gave us Darna, Facifica Falayfay, Lagalag, Kulafu, Kenkoy, Jesebel, characters of a time both innocent and worldly.
14. Folk songs. They come unbidden and spring, full blown, like a second language, at the slightest nudge from the too-loud stereo of a passing jeepney or tricycle.
15. Fiesta. Eat, drink and be merry, for tomorrow is just another day, shrugs the poor man who, once a year, honors a patron saint with this sumptuous, no-holds-barred spread. It's a Pinoy celebration at its pious and riotous best.
16. Aswang, manananggal, kapre. The whole underworld of Filipino lower mythology recalls our uniquely bizarre childhood, that is, before political correctness kicked in. Still, their rich adventures pepper our storytelling.
17. Jeepneys. Colorful, fast, reckless, a vehicle of postwar Pinoy ingenuity, this Everyman's communal cadillac makes for a cheap, interesting ride. If the driver's a daredevil (as they usually are), hang on to your seat.
18. Dinuguan. Blood stew, a bloodcurdling idea, until you try it with puto. Best when mined with jalapeno peppers. Messy but delicious.
19. Santacruzan. More than just a beauty contest, this one has religious overtones, a tableau of St. Helena's and Constantine's search for the Cross that seamlessly blends piety, pageantry and ritual. Plus, it's the perfect excuse to show off the prettiest ladies-and the most beautiful gowns.
20. Balut. Unhatched duck's embryo, another unspeakable ethnic food to outsiders, but oh, to indulge in guilty pleasures! Sprinkle some salt and suck out that soup with gusto. 21. Pakidala. A personalized door-to-door remittance and delivery system for overseas Filipino workers who don't trust the banking system, and who expect a family update from the courier, as well.
22. Choc-nut. Crumbly peanut chocolate bars that defined childhood ecstasy before M & M's and Hersheys.
23. Kamayan style. To eat with one's hand and eschew spoon, fork and table manners - ah, heaven.
24. Chicharon. Pork, fish or chicken crackling. There is in the crunch a hint of the extravagant, the decadent and the pedestrian. Perfect with vinegar, sublime with San Miguel Beer.
25. Pinoy hospitality. Just about everyone gets a hearty "Kain tayo!" invitation to break bread with whoever has food to share, no matter how skimpy or austere it is.
26. Adobo, kare-kare, sinigang and other lutong bahay stuff.
27. Home-cooked meals that have the stamp of approval from several generations, who swear by closely-guarded cooking secrets and family recipes.
28. Lola Basyang. The voice one heard spinning tales over the radio, before movies and television curtailed imagination and defined grown-up tastes.
29. Pambahay. Home is where one can let it all hang out, where clothes do not make a man or woman but rather define their level of comfort.
30. Tricycle and trisikad. Tthe poor Pinoy's taxicab that delivers you at your doorstep for as little as P3, with a complimentary dusting of polluted air.
31. Dirty ice cream. Very Pinoy flavors that make up for the risk: munggo, langka, ube, mais, keso, macapuno. Plus there's the colorful cart that recalls jeepney art.
32. Yayas. The trusted Filipino nanny who, ironically, has become a major Philippine export as overseas contract workers. A good one is almost like a surrogate parent --- if you don't mind the accent and the predilection for afternoon soaps and movie stars.
33. Sarsi. Pinoy rootbeer, the enduring taste of childhood. Our grandfathers had them with an egg beaten in.
34. Pinoy fruits. Atis, guyabano, chesa, mabolo, lanzones, durian, langka, makopa, dalanghita, siniguelas, suha, chico, mangga, papaya, singkamas - the possibilities!
35. Filipino celebrities. Movie stars, broadcasters, beauty queens, public officials, all-around controversial figures: Aurora Pijuan, Cardinal Sin, Carlos P. Romulo, Charito Solis, Cory Aquino, Emilio Aguinaldo, the Eraserheads, Fidel V. Ramos, Francis Magalona, Gloria Diaz, Manuel L. Quezon, Margie Moran, Melanie Marquez, Ninoy Aquino, Nora Aunor, Pitoy Moreno, Ramon Magsysay, Richard Gomez, San Lorenzo Ruiz, Sharon Cuneta, Gemma Cruz, Erap, Tiya Dely, Mel and Jay, Gary V. World class Pinoys who put us on the global map: Lea Salonga, Paeng Nepomuceno, Eugene Torre, Luisito Espinosa, Lydia de Vega-Mercado, Jocelyn Enriquez, Elma Muros, Onyok Velasco, Efren "Bata" Reyes, Lilia Calderon-Clemente, Loida Nicolas-Lewis, Josie Natori.
36. Pinoy tastes. A dietitian's nightmare: too sweet, too salty, too fatty, as in burong talangka, itlog na maalat, crab fat (aligue), bokayo, kutchinta, sapin-sapin, halo-halo, pastilyas, palitaw, pulburon, longganisa, tuyo, ensaymada, ube haleya, sweetened Macapuno and garbanzos. Remember, we're the guys who put sugar (horrors) in our spaghetti sauce. Yum!
37. The sights. Banaue Rice Terraces, Boracay, Bohol's Chocolate Hills, Corregidor Island, Fort Santiago, the Hundred Islands, the Las Pinas Bamboo Organ, Rizal Park, Mt. Banahaw, Mayon Volcano, Taal Volcano. A land of contrasts and ever-changing landscapes.
38. Gayuma, agimat and anting-anting. Love potions and amulets. How the socially-disadvantaged Pinoy copes.
39. Barangay Ginebra, Jaworski, PBA, MBA, UAAP and basketball in general. How the verticaly-challenged Pinoy compensates, via a national sports obsession that reduces fans to tears and fistfights.
40. People Power at EDSA. When everyone became a hero and changed Philippine history overnight.
41. San Miguel Beer and pulutan. "Isa pa nga!" and the Philippines' most popular, world-renowned beer goes well with peanuts, corniks, tapa, chicharon, usa, barbecue, sisig, and all manner of spicy, crunchy and cholesterol-rich chasers.
42. Resiliency. We've survived 400 years of Spanish rule, the US bases, Marcos, the 1990 earthquake, lahar, lambada, Robin Padilla, Tamagochi and Erap. 43. Yoyo. Truly Filipino in origin, this hunting tool, weapon, toy and merchandising vehicle remains the best way to "walk the dog" and "rock the baby," using just a piece of string.
44. Pinoy games: Pabitin, palosebo, basagan ng palayok. A few basic rules make individual cunning and persistence a premium, and guarantee a good time for all.
45. Ninoy Aquino. For saying that "the Filipino is worth dying for," and proving it.
46. Balagtasan. The verbal joust that brings out rhyme, reason and passion on a public stage.
47. Tabo. All-powerful, ever-useful, hygienically-triumphant device to scoop water out of a bucket - and help the true Pinoy answer nature's call. Helps maintain our famously stringent toilet habits.
48. Pandesal. Despite its shrinking size, still a good buy. Goes well with any filling, best when hot.
49. Jollibee. Truly Pinoy in taste and sensibility, and a corporate icon that we can be quite proud of. Do you know that it's invaded the Middle East and the US, as well?
50. The butanding, the dolphins and other creatures in our blessed waters. They're Pinoys, too, and they're here to stay. Now if some folks would just stop turning them into daing.
51. Pakikisama. It's what makes people stay longer at parties, have another drink, join pals in sickness and health. You can get dead drunk and still make it home.
52. Sing-a-long. Filipinos love to sing, and thank God a lot of us do it well!
53. Kayumanggi. Neither pale nor dark, our skin tone is beautifully healthy, the color of a rich earth or a mahogany tree growing towards the sun.
54. Handwoven cloth and native weaves. Colorful, environment-friendly alternatives to polyester that feature skillful workmanship and a rich indigenous culture behind every thread. From the pinukpok of the north to the malong of the south, it's the fiber of who we are.
55. Movies. Still the cheapest form of entertainment, especially if you watch the same movie several times.
56. Bahala na. We cope with uncertainty by embracing it, and are thus enabled to play life by ear.
57. Papaitan. An offal stew flavored with bile, admittedly an acquired taste, but pointing to our national ability to acquire a taste for almost anything.
58. English. Whether carabao or Arr-neoww-accented, it doubles our chances in the global marketplace.
59. The Press. Irresponsible, sensational, often inaccurate, but still the liveliest in Asia. Otherwise, we'd all be glued to TV.
60. Divisoria. Smelly, crowded, a pickpocket's paradise, but you can get anything here, often at rock-bottom prices. The sensory overload is a bonus.
61. Barong Tagalog. Enables men to look formal and dignified without having to strangle themselves with a necktie. Worn well, it makes any ordinary Juan look marvelously makisig.
62. Filipinas. They make the best friends, lovers, wives. Too bad they can't say the same for Filipinos.
63. Filipinos. So maybe they're bolero and macho with an occasional streak of generic infidelity; they do know how to make a woman feel like one.
64. Catholicism. What fun would sin be without guilt? Jesus Christ is firmly planted on Philippine soil.
65. Dolphy. Our favorite, ultra-durable comedian gives the beleaguered Pinoy everyman an odd dignity, even in drag.
66. Style. Something we often prefer over substance. But every Filipino claims it as a birthright.
67. Bad taste. Clear plastic covers on the vinyl-upholstered sofa, posters of poker-playing dogs masquerading as art, overaccessorized jeepneys and altars - the list is endless, and wealth only seems to magnify it.
68. Mangoes. Crisp and tart, or lusciously ripe, they evoke memories of family outings and endless sunshine in a heart-shaped package.
69. Unbridled optimism. Why we rank so low on the suicide scale.
70. Street food. Barbecue, lugaw, banana-cue, fishballs, IUD (chicken entrails), adidas (chicken feet), warm taho. Forget hepatitis; here's cheap, tasty food with gritty ambience.
71. The siesta. Snoozing in the middle of the day is smart, not lazy.
72. Honorifics and courteous titles. Kuya, ate, diko, ditse, ineng, totoy, Ingkong, Aling, Mang, etc. No exact English translation, but these words connote respect, deference and the value placed on kinship.
73. Heroes and people who stood up for truth and freedom. Lapu-lapu started it all, and other heroes and revolutionaries followed: Diego Silang, Macario Sakay, Jose Rizal, Andres Bonifacio, Apolinario Mabini, Melchora Aquino, Gregorio del Pilar, Gabriela Silang, Miguel Malvar, Francisco Balagtas, Juan Luna, Marcelo H. del Pilar, Panday Pira, Emilio Jacinto, Raha Suliman, Antonio Luna, Gomburza, Emilio Aguinaldo, the heroes of Bataan and Corregidor, Pepe Diokno, Satur Ocampo, Dean Armando Malay, Evelio Javier, Ninoy Aquino, Lola Rosa and other comfort women who spoke up, honest cabbie Emilio Advincula, Rona Mahilum, the women lawyers who didn't let Jalosjos get away with rape.
74. Flora and fauna. The sea cow (dugong), the tarsier, calamian deer, bearcat, Philippine eagle, sampaguita, ilang-ilang, camia, pandan, the creatures that make our archipelago unique.
75. Pilipino songs, OPM and composers. "Ama Namin," Lupang Hinirang," "Gaano Ko Ikaw Kamahal," "Ngayon at Kailanman," "Anak," "Handog,""Hindi Kita Malilimutan," "Ang Pasko ay Sumapit"; Ryan Cayabyab, George Canseco, Restie Umali, Levi Celerio, Manuel Francisco, Freddie Aguilar, and Florante-living examples of our musical gift.
76. Metro Aides. They started out as Imelda Marcos' groupies, but have gallantly proven their worth. Against all odds, they continuously prove that cleanliness is next to godliness - especially when those darned candidates' posters have to be scraped off the face of Manila!
77. Sari-sari store. There's one in every corner, offering everything from bananas and floor wax to Band-Aid and bakya.
78. Philippine National Red Cross. PAWS. Caritas. Fund drives. They help us help each other.
79. Favorite TV shows through the years. "Tawag ng tanghalan,""John and Marsha," "Champoy," "Ryan, Ryan Musikahan," "Kuwarta o Kahon," "Public Forum/Lives," "Student Canteen," "Eat Bulaga." In the age of inane variety shows, they have redeemed Philippine television.
80. Quirks of language that can drive crazy any tourist listening in. "Bababa ba?" "Bababa!"
81. "Sayang!" "Naman!" "Kadiri!" "Ano ba!?" "Pala." Expressions that defy translation but wring out feelings genuinely Pinoy.
82. Cockfighting. Filipino men love it more than their wives (sometimes)
83. Dr. Jose Rizal. A category in himself. Hero, medicine man, genius, athlete, sculptor, fictionist, poet, essayist, husband, lover, samaritan, martyr. Truly someone to emulate and be proud of, anytime, anywhere.
84. Nora Aunor. Short, dark and homely-looking, she redefined our rigid concept of how leading ladies should look.
85. Noranian or Vilmanian. Defines the friendly rivalry between Ate Guy Aunor and Ate Vi Santos and for many years, the only way to be for many Filipino fans.
86. Filipino Christmas. The world's longest holiday season. A perfect excuse to mix our love for feasting, gift-giving and music and wrap it up with a touch of religion.
87. Relatives and kababayan abroad. The best refuge against loneliness, discrimination and confusion in a foreign place. Distant relatives and fellow Pinoys readily roll out the welcome mat even on the basis of a phone introduction or referral.
88. Festivals. Sinulog, Ati-atihan, Moriones, Masskara. Sounds, colors, pagan frenzy and Christian overtones.
89. Folk dances. Tinikling, pandanggo sa ilaw, karinosa, kuratsa, itik-itik, alitaptap, rigodon. All the right moves and a distinct rhythm.
90. Native wear and costumes. Baro't saya, tapis, terno, saya, salakot, bakya. Lovely form and ingenious function in the way we dress.
91. Sunday family gatherings. Or, close family ties that never get severed. You don't have to win the lotto or be a president to have 10,000 relatives. Everyone's family tree extends all over the archipelago, and it's at its best in times of crisis; notice how food, hostesses, money, and moral support materialize during a wake?
92. Calesa and karitela. The colorful and leisurely way to negotiate narrow streets when loaded down with a year's provisions.
93. Quality of life. Where else can an ordinary employee afford a stay-in helper, a yaya, unlimited movies, eat-all-you-can buffets, the latest fashion (Baclaran nga lang), even Viagra in the black market?
94. All Saints' Day. In honoring our dead, we also prove that we know how to live.
95. Handicrafts. Shellcraft, rattancraft, abaca novelties, woodcarvings, banig placemats and bags, bamboo windchimes, etc. Portable memories of home. Hindi lang pang-turista, pang-balikbayan pa!
96. Pinoy greens. Sitaw. Okra. Ampalaya. Gabi. Munggo. Dahon ng Sili. Kangkong. Luya. Talong. Sigarillas. Bataw. Patani. Lutong bahay will never be the same without them.
97. OCWs. The lengths (and miles) we'd go for a better life for our family, as proven by these modern-day heroes of the economy.
98. The Filipino artist. From Luna's magnificent "Spoliarium" and Amorsolo's sun-kissed ricefields, to Ang Kiukok's jarring abstractions and Borlongan's haunting ghosts, and everybody else in between. Hang a Filipino painting on your wall, and you're hanging one of Asia's best.
99. Tagalog soap operas. From "Gulong ng Palad" and "Flor de Luna" to today's incarnations like "Mula sa Puso"- they're the story of our lives, and we feel strongly for them, MariMar notwithstanding.
100. Midnight madness, weekends sales, bangketas and baratillos. It's retail therapy at its best, with Filipinos braving traffic, crowds, and human deluge to find a bargain.
Saturday, June 11, 2005
Courtside Attraction
Alanis Morisette singing the American National Anthemin San Antonio, Texas This image shocked me so much during the opening tip-off of the NBA Finals between the Pistons and the Spurs yesterday that I'm still reeling. Can anyone tell me when exactly did Morticia Adams' hair become vogue? First, she had hair almost to her knees she was the spitting image of Anthony Kiedis of the Red Hot Chili Peppers. Then she cut it way too short which made her look like a guy (and right when she had announced her engagement to Ryan Reynolds of Van Wilder fame, too). Now she hits us with this Pepe Le Pew/Behind The Velvet Rope's Lauren Ezersky clone.
Tsk, tsk, tsk. Whatever happened to the girl who gained fame singing angst-ridden songs like "You Oughta Know" and "Ironic"? The Ambush Makeover team must be anxious to pay her a visit.
Friday, June 10, 2005
Enter The Sandman
Happened to pass by Fully Booked (my favorite place in Rockwell) the other day and stood transfixed for what seemed like eons. My heart literally leapt when I saw this poster:
Can you believe it? Neil Gaiman, considered a god among comic book enthusiasts, is coming to town! This is straight out of Oprah's Wildest Dreams shows...I'm not exactly what you'd call a rabid fan but I have read the Sandman series and I tell you, I can understand why so many are hooked on them. The books were a departure from the spandex world of Batman and Superman, interspersing magic, fantasy and a little bit of horror. Since it's launch in 1988, it almost immediately garnered critical acclaim and acquired a fairly huge fan base in such a short amount of time. The series focused on the Endless, a group of seven entities that oversee such realms as Desire, Delirium, Death, Destiny and Dream.
Neil Gaiman is one of those rare beings with a knack for story-telling. His characters are compelling, the plots complex, and the dialogue real and believable, thus making it appealing to anyone and everyone old enough to grasp the material. Fair warning, though. At times, they may be a little bit of a challenge to read so repetitive reading is not discouraged. One of his novels, Stardust, even became a much-praised broadway act! (http://www.holycow.com/dreaming/) The queues will no doubt be long (it'll probably take up most of the day) and uncomfortable (standing on one's feet for hours is no picnic) and some will say that it's not at all worth it. But hey, it's my feet, my endurance - my one chance which I definitely WON'T be passing up.
Take a gander at some creative websites which his works have inspired: http://www.geocities.com/deadeyes77/The_Endless, http://ofearna.us/comics/gaiman.html and http://members.aol.com/swankivy/gaiman.html.
Thursday, June 09, 2005
A Whole New World
A whole new world... A new fantastic point of view. No one to tell us no Or where to go Or say we're only dreaming...Like the new lay-out? I love it. So much so that I've been singing this Alladin song over and over - hehehe. Now it feels like it's really "mine" (if you get what I mean). I've only had this up 2 days yet I've already been receiving compliments. I owe this spanking new look to Riz, my new friend, who took on the daunting task of redesigning my template. She is extremely talented - just give her an idea of what you basically want your blog to look like and she'll take care of the execution. It didn't even take her a week! In case you're interested, you can email her at rhizanium@yahoo.com or tag her here: http://tabulas.com/~melancholic. For a VERY reasonable price, she'll give your blog a whole new look, just like the song...
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