My Stand Alone Complex: Event Horizon

Love Affairs

2010-02-16T16:22:00.008+08:00

1. with Kate Bush.

Everytime I close my eyes, I see your face, your --- yaaaaaaaah! WTF?!

actually matagal na 'to. Listening to "The Sensual World" non-stop for days roused my slumbering poet hehe

2. The New Yorker. Eto ang bago. Just discovered this brilliant magazine at the foreign serials section of UP Main Lib. Got interested because of a Philippine Daily Inquirer article on alcoholism which cited an article from The New Yorker.

Two Bottles. One Girl.

Malcolm Gladwell on the sociology of drinking from The New Yorker website.

Reads like Reader's Digest with high IQ -- minus the fixation on health articles and debt reduction; and emotionally draining short stories about stray cats and puppies [sniff, sniff].

Stop Looking at me like that!

Browsed through their previous issues and the first thing I found was an article on Tori Amos and Bjork! The title of the article "Army of Two" is a reference to one of Bjork's songs. Wow! Holy Shit! I think I'm in love [again?]...

Where else can you find articles on two of the greatest contemporary female musical artists of my generation? or a piece on Greek archaeology discussing the Antikythera Mechanism? or an essay on Historiography and epistemology?

3. The library/archive/books

Hello there, I missed you so much. We'll have lots of fun together from now on...

I'm Beginning to Seriously Consider Watching "The Last Airbender"

2010-02-05T20:41:00.001+08:00

Shyamalan better redeem himself with this film...

WTF? LOL FB Moments

2010-02-04T15:53:00.006+08:00

found these in www.lolfbmoments.com. The various new media for communication and social networking has spawned a whole new phenomenon -- the proliferation of amusing scenarios unfolding online. Many of them featured in the site are cautionary tales to protect ones privacy, exercise decorum in an essentially public space, while some are just manifestations of the humor and idiocy that makes the human race so entertaining.

My top three favorites (click pics for larger view):

and finally, the piece de resistance...

Ex Post Facto: The Archaeology Field Trip

2010-02-02T20:16:00.005+08:00

Just this weekend I had an incredible, once-in-a-lifetime chance to get down and dirty with archaeologists at an actual dig in Quezon province. The experience was great, and the people were both brilliant and easy-going. This is an attempt to recapture those days and the moments that made the experience worthwhile...

The evening of January 29 until the early morning of January 30, 2010

The trip was officially scheduled to start on the 30th, with the participants meeting at the JAC Bus Terminal at 5:30 AM. This arrangement posed a dilemma for me since I was unsure if I could avail myself of transportation in the early hours of the morning at UP Campus. It was a good thing that one of my classmates in World Archaeology, Fr. Ted, extended an invitation to us to spend the night at their parish church convent.

I immediately pounced on that chance to spend a night at the convent. I have had the opportunity to spend a night in a seminary -- it was during my teaching days when the faculty of UNO-R went on a trip to Cebu; we spent one night at the seminary in San Carlos. But this was my first time in the priestly quarters in a parish church.

I was joined in our overnight adventure by Sir Butch who was, quite coincidentally, a pastor. The other one who joined our crew was RJ (he was Mr. Call Center English in my previous post)

To say that the night was eventful would be an understatement. I got to know my fellow classmates a bit better. We finally got to see how Fr. Ted arranges his piles of reading materials -- in an attempt to segregate his academics from his religious duties. Fr. Ted had attended the convention of religious which had more than 5000 priests in attendance. We got to meet the parish priests and the other members of the community over dinner. I got a chance to watch the television again. The political ads were driving me insane. We also watched the latest adventures of Santino and I marveled at the magic of editing -- one moment the police were being informed of a riot at the seminary, then we cut to the next scene of them arriving to pacify the unruly crowd. Now that was fast!

Initially it was only me and the two religious guys who were in the convent. RJ was running a bit late because he had a few things to do but it was alright since he lived nearby and had a car. So after a few hours of watching the idiot box we made our way to the night spots for a bit of fun.

It was good, clean, fun mind you people. The bar was nice; I finally got to drink Red Horse again after so many years; and the band was good. They even played one of the songs I requested which was "I Don't Wanna Wait" by Paula Cole. I figured that since the band featured drums, keyboard and bass that Paula Cole was a good choice for them. They pulled it off, though I could hear the pretty vocalist struggling a bit with the vocals but nevertheless I appreciated their effort.

It got even more interesting when we met Fr. Ted's friends. One of them immediately took to the stage and sang a song. Her performance was quite good, though the song that she sang escapes my memory as of this moment. What happened next may be blamed on peer pressure and Red Horse.

I got up onstage and sang "Boys Don't Cry" by The Cure.

hahahahaha

In fairness, I asked my table after my performance if I did well and they said that it was good. In fact, a random stranger complimented my performance while I was on my way to the CR. May handshake pa yan ha.

But the night was getting late and we had to make our way back. After saying our goodbyes, we went back to the convent. RJ had already caught up with us at the bar and I rode with him on the way back. During the ride I discovered that he was a fan of Irish music. And so we both engaged in a discussion of the merits of Celtic music and culture.

When we arrived at the convent, we made our way to our respective rooms. I was billeted with Sir Butch but RJ, who was supposed to be alone in the next room, decided to join us after a while. The reason: He and I got into a veeeeeery lengthy discussion regarding comic books. RJ was a Deadpool and X-men afficionado and he brought along a Wolverine comic book with him. The discussion found its way into our room and the talk turned to 80s and early 90s cartoons, online gaming and movies. It was like finding a lost member of one's tribe (the tribe of "Nerd") and you could actually converse in your own secret language. Si Sir Butch kung minsan nawawala sa mga pinag-uusapan namin ni RJ.

So instead of sleeping, the three of us spent the next few hours watching Zatoichi on RJ's laptop.

It was the most fun I've ever had in one night in Manila.

Pandora is basically a Local Area Network

2010-01-24T22:19:00.004+08:00

Finally got a chance to watch the acclaimed film "Avatar" and here are some of my thoughts:

1. Saw it on IMAX 3D and there's only one fitting reaction and I'm going with one of the reactions mentioned in the James Cameron interview in Attack of the Show which goes like this:

"Duuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuude..."

*ahem*

I can tell you that you've never seen anything like it before.

2. Pandora is a planet where the biosphere is essentially one big internet: creatures come with their own USB ports, the native population have their own USB/LAN cables attached to their bodies, trees are servers, and their nature deity issues orders through wifi...duuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuude...

3. the visuals are awesome; the story -- well -- is familiar. People have made (unkind) comparisons to Dances with Wolves, Pocahontas, and even Fern Gully!

4. There was this one scene where Jake Sully (or Jake Sooli) is making this big speech to rally the Na'vi. In one sentence I caught the phrase "...this is..." and I went "Sparta?" while chuckling to myself.

5. How the hell do Na'vis f*ck? One animator decides to speculate...

6. I want my own flying dragon -- thing -- whatever that was!

7. I didn't want to return the 3D glasses when it was all over. For the money I paid I decided to wear it until the exit, refusing to take it off with my own hands -- I actually leaned over to the usher so he could pluck the glasses off my face.

Au Revoir, Conan!

2010-01-23T21:10:00.002+08:00

I used to stay up at night watching Conan O'Brien and his crazy show Late Night and I have always found its humor most entertaining compared to Jay Leno or David Letterman. Perhaps its the late night time slot that this show once occupied that allowed Conan and his bevy of writers to think up the most insane, surreal, and oftentimes mildly offensive skits to assault the senses of the late night viewer. If you were awake while Late Night with Conan O'Brien was on you're either drunk, wasted or extremely bored out of your skull and a good 'ol dose of crass, juvenile, and plain idiotic humor would do you good.

My fond memories of the show...

1. In the year 2000 - always done with a surprise guest, this skit continued even beyond 2000 -- a fact that they jokingly referred to in one of their segments. I always liked the seemingly homemade production featured in this skit. Looks like this was dreamed up by the writers in their basement while stoned on something...

2. Conan O'Brien hates my Homeland -- insulting the nations of the world to figure out where the show is aired worldwide. This particular clip paved the way for Conan's foray into international politics

3. Conan O'Brien and Tarja Halonen -- only Conan can boast of this achievement: who among the talk show hosts can lay claim to having influenced an actual electoral contest? and having a country's chief executive as a look-alike?

4. Walker Texas Ranger - the man, the show, the clips, that lever.

5. Pierre Bernard's Recliner of Rage -- for geeks only. hehehe

6. Conan and Max small talk moment -- the stare down really cracks me up. It just comes out of nowhere...Max and the band often participates in really absurd skits.

7. The Masturbating Bear -- to clarify, the late night version really featured wanking but since the clip is from the tonight show well...at least we see the bear for one last time...

8. Manatees Gone Wild -- I only found the "Horny Manatee" clip. But you can imagine the "gone wild" part hehe

9. Triumph the Insult Comic Dog -- one of the most famous acts on Late Night with Conan O'Brien.

10. Joel Goddard -- and even the announcer joins in the fun!

I'll miss Conan O'Brien and his show. But if he decides to resurface again, he's got one viewer happy to join in the craziness all over again...

Heil Landa!

2010-01-18T20:28:00.006+08:00

Congratulations to Christophe Waltz, a.k.a. Colonel Hans Landa, for winning the Best Supporting Actor Award at the Golden Globes.

His performance in Inglourious Basterds is alternately disturbing and comedic -- with just a touch of charisma and sadism. All of his scenes are noteworthy but this one's the funniest of them all...

An Oscar is just a breath away...

WTF? Death Metal Rooster

2010-01-18T17:47:00.000+08:00

And a New Nerd Found...

2010-01-15T22:36:00.004+08:00

If a “gaydar” is said to exist…is there a possibly that there is also a “nerd-dar” – a social “device” to “detect” nerds?

Classmate ko siya sa Archaeo class. Una akala ko sit-in kasi second meeting na siya pumasok. Grabe pa mag-english. “Call center English” ‘ata – todo pronounce ang “t” sound at may twang pa. Siyempre di ‘rin ako patatalo sa kanya so English din ako. Pero walang twang…di yan tinuro sa amin hehe.

He arrived a bit late for our class, and since he was absent last meeting he was asking around regarding the previous discussions. That’s when we struck up a conversation. Out of nowhere he mentioned about xenoarchaeology and the possibility of life on other planets.

Silent alarms sounded in my head. I decided to test the waters…

I mentioned the possibility of extraterrestrial life was speculated upon by scientists. In fact there’s this formula…

“Oh, you mean the Roddenberry formula…” Call center English quipped.

…that was made by Gene Roddenberry, the creator of Star Trek, I managed to finish.

CONFIRMED!

One more…to determine if he’s the “old school” nerd or more contemporary…

We were discussing hominids, hominins, the culture of the early humans when I turned to him and nonchalantly said…

“Another possibility is that the Cylons are our ancestors…”

Call center English looked at me and chuckled.

“The Cylons,” he replied,”were the reason why humans came to earth in the first place.”

There was no need for words to figure out where that came from. Battle Star Galactica. The Reimagined Series.

Huli ka. haha

WTF? Day Job Orchestra

2010-01-07T09:51:00.002+08:00

profanity + illegal drug reference + overdubbed gibberish + Star Trek: TNG + APPLE JUICE! = AMAZING!

See You in Manila

2010-01-04T09:54:00.003+08:00

Warp ten na 'to...todo na 'to. hehe

Will be back in Manila this afternoon. Looking forward to the last few months. Hope everything plays according to plan this 2010...

[Ge]N[er]ational Anthem

2009-12-27T13:32:00.003+08:00

My brother, nephew and myself were singing along to this Fra Lippo Lippi song while we were in the car last Christmas evening. One thing I can say about my family is that music is one tie that binds us together. I dare you to show me another 8-year old who sings Fra Lippo Lippi.

Incidentally, this was the first song played by the band during our high school batch reunion last night. This goes to show how good music transcends generations...

In Bacolod

2009-12-19T22:05:00.002+08:00

Just got here this afternoon after an almost 2 hour delay with my flight. Salamat, Zest Air...

This few days are going to be hectic with all the meetings to attend to...so it might be awhile before I can once again attend to this blog. Currently piggy-backing on someone's wifi connection. Salamat, unrestricted wifi...

See You in Bacolod

2009-12-18T12:00:00.004+08:00

This will be my final "vacation period". The next homecoming's going to be permanent but that'll still be in April...

Just want to give out my advance holiday greetings to everybody who will be visiting or straying onto my blog. Will do my best to post updates during the vacation season. Suffice to say that I'll be busy for the next few weeks. hehe

Tomorrow I'll be making my way to the airport for my flight.

Be safe everybody and see you all in Bacolod.

The Playlist in My Head

2009-12-14T19:51:00.004+08:00

Effect of the movies Inglourious Basterds and Paprika:

1. "Meditation Field" by Susumu Hirasawa

2. The "Parade Song" by Susumu Hirasawa

3. "Cat People (Putting out Fire)" by David Bowie. This is that scene in Inglourious Basterds.

Amazing [G]race

2009-12-14T19:08:00.004+08:00

Today's adventure seemed to be a lost episode of The Amazing Race. I had contacted Grace a few days ago telling her if she would be amenable for a meeting. She was in Manila this weekend and I was happy that she obliged me. The problem was -- oh well, I'll let our [reconstructed, slightly altered for dramatic effect] text exchanges tell the tale. Here's last night's exchange:

Grace: let's meet December 14 (Monday) at 2 PM at UP Diliman. I have to buy some UP Shirts.

Ditch: don't you have a 5:15 flight that same afternoon? and aren't you in Laguna?

Grace: Just got here this Sunday afternoon. Will be in Tagaytay early morning to watch the sunrise and then have brunch. After that, will go straight to UP.

Ditch: [to myself: Tagaytay? sunrise? WTF?!] Are you sure you can make it within the time frame you plotted...early morning Monday traffic is really terrible...

Our text exchanges this morning (around 11 am) and early in the afternoon got freakier...

Grace: Mike, gud am! which is nearer to the airport? MOA or UP?

Ditch: Darling, you have such an abyssmal sense of proximity here in Manila. Why don't we meet in MOA na lang?

Grace: OK, can you buy me some shirts na lang?

Ditch: $%@#! I'm already in the jeepney. It'll take me 40+ minutes to get to MOA. Are you on your way...?

[an hour later]

Ditch: Arrived at MOA na. I'll be waiting for you at Mcdonald's beside the Hypermarket. It's the building with the turquoise colored tower thing...

Grace: I'm on the bus but it might take a while for it to leave.

Ditch: You really sure you'll make it in time?

Grace: Yup! Bus ride will take about an hour then I'll take a taxi ride which will take about 15 mins. See yah!

Ditch: OK. see you then.

At this time I was reciting the Bene Gesserit Litany Against Fear, replacing the word "fear" with be stressed/get angry/strangle Grace. An hour or so passes. I will not be stressed, stress is the mind-killer...

Grace: Mike, I'm in the taxi na...

Ditch: I'm standing outside the Hypermarket. Don't bother getting out of the taxi. I'll join you and we'll have our chat at the terminal na lang ha?

Grace: I'm here na.

Ditch: Where the $%&* are you?!

The meeting that ensued was much more pleasant, I assure you.

NOTE: again, the cited text exchanges have been fictionalized for dramatic effect. Grace might contest some of the words used in the recreation but in my view those words best summed up my thoughts. If ever Grace decides to blog about her experience, I bet it would have a slightly different take and most assuredly would contain no expletives...

Die Hitler! Die!

2009-12-13T21:29:00.005+08:00

Watching Inglorious Basterds brought back memories of watching war movies with my brother. He would always tell me to take count of the number of soldiers at the start of the film as they would eventually be whittled down during the course of the story. Needless to say, my subtraction skills were sharpened from watching war movies:

Okay, we have 10 members in the squad...

Now, two got blown to bits by a claymore mine -- 10 minus 2,that's eight...

One bleeds to death from being shot in the thigh, must be the femoral...one less eight makes seven...

Standoff in a base or somewhere...five gets blown by mortar fire. Two remain standing...

The beauty about Inglorious Basterds is that it doesn't make pretensions to draw parallels with current issues, be an allegory of the struggle over good and evil, serve as an indictment or endorsement of any war, or even wax sentimental over the "good old days" (Band of Brothers often did this during the course of that series). It's a swashbuckling adventure. And it delivers.

In the sequence which shows Shosanna (aka Emmanuelle) in the projection room prior to the premiere of "Nation's Pride" (you'll get this if you watched the film), I thought the song playing was familiar - more particularly, the voice, which I was sure I have heard before. I bet Yunamayi that it was David Bowie (unfortunately she didn't call me on my bet). And sure enough, at the end credits -- David Bowie! Cat People!

One question: what happened to the remainder of the Basterds? I counted the the two German speaking Basterds in the pub and the two who went kamikaze in the cinema as casualties; Raines and Utivich survived, so where were the other four? Unless I missed a scene...wait -- I forgot to count them again during the baseball bat scene with Bear Jew and the Nazi officer...crap.

Time Team

2009-12-12T22:16:00.002+08:00

I was introduced to this series during our previous lecture in World Archaeology with Prof. Valientes. Never realized that digging through dirt could be so dramatic and sexy...

Hell Hath No Fury...

2009-12-10T20:34:00.001+08:00

...like a woman scorned. Most especially if said woman is descended from Vikings...

Almost Famous

2009-12-02T21:36:00.002+08:00

Mama called up unexpectedly asking how I was doing. Turns out she saw a news report on a certain rally in UP Diliman that seemingly got out of hand.

"I passed by that rally this afternoon!" was my response to her.

I was making my way to the UP Press Bookstore at Balay Kalinaw in order to look at some books and I happened to come across the said rally. Mass demonstrations is nothing extraordinary here in UP but what surprised me was the very visible police presence.

So picture this: me walking nonchalantly through the crowd of protesters, silently praying that nothing untoward happens lest I become a casualty in the melee. And it would be easy to mistake me as one of the tibaks -- I was wearing the UP History Department shirt with cargo pants and sandals. I was like walking bait for the police itching to trounce any wayward tibak.

I was going: "Diyos ko...wag lang sanang magkagulo...paraanin niyo lang ako bago kayo magpatayan...Please lang..."

But my prayers were answered and I made my way through the masses without any incident. Thank goodness the crowd decided to up the ante much, much later.

Coming Soon

2009-11-30T16:44:00.002+08:00

1. Percy Jackson and The Lightning Thief

2. Inglorious Bastards

3. The Hurt Locker - I think this one already screened, so I might've missed this...but I hope I'm wrong..

Profane Redemption

2009-11-29T21:38:00.004+08:00

Matthias Grunewald's "Crucifixion"

Just watched Wanted:Border with Yunamayi and let me just say that it was an amazing experience. The film reallys fits the mold of what a true "indie cinema" experience is. The film does not pander to the audience, purposely forcing the viewers to a higher level of awareness. In short - hindi iniinsulto ng pelikulang ito ang intelihensya ng manonood.

But the film also carries an inherent challenge -- as the audience you need to keep your eyes and ears open and soak in the visual and visceral experience. Viewing Wanted:Border is quite a challenge. The film employs a non-linear narrative and the images would seem to be a bit convoluted at the beginning but it all falls into place toward the end. Take note, you need to keep the small details in mind. This film might need a few more views even for those already initiated in the various conceits of indie cinema.

The film left us both satisfied and perplexed. The taltal thread is the one that got us pondering the film even as we were exiting the cinema. During dinner we'd often catch ourselves lost in thought -- ganun ka-grabe ang epekto ng pelikula sa amin. To speak of more details would be a sacrilege, since one needs to take in the entire movie and come up with their individual take on the movie. Mine is right there in the blog post title as well as in the picture of Christ crucified in all his g(l)ory.

Apart from the complexities, it was a joy to hear people speaking in Ilonggo. Rosanna Roces gives an understated, though very powerful performance. The film has offered us a strange and unsettling view of the human condition, and if in the darkness of human compulsions one can find a strange though disturbing beauty -- and a rather surreal hope for redemption -- then it wouldn't hurt to look, would it?

"Aerial" by Kate Bush

2009-11-29T11:41:00.002+08:00

this is not an official music video for the song but this captures the song's essence beautifully.

Again...amazing.

Aerial

2009-11-28T20:57:00.006+08:00

Found my way into Astroplus at SM North and fished out Kate Bush's "Aerial" CD from the bargain stacks. How come I know majority of the artists consigned to "bargain sale limbo"? Kokonti na ba talaga ang mga katulad kong eclectic ang taste sa music? Ano ba yan...

Listening to Kate Bush made me wish I had known her earlier. Her work defies categorization and simple description as the songs feature varied genres and musical styles. Her music is so complex -- within a single song I counted at least three changes in tempo and a song often would cross over into another musical style mid-track. This album deserves to be heard again and again...

My favorite tracks are in the second disc entitled "Sky of Honey": the songs "Somewhere in Between", "Nocturn", and "Aerial" need to be listened to as a series as it features common musical themes and motifs. Birdsong features predominantly within the second disc as well as human voices and animal growls. Kate even utilizes a unique tone and cadence when singing which is reminiscent of the chanting of Muslims in prayer.

This is one weird, amazing album.

Something to Look Forward To in the New Year

2009-11-27T23:04:00.000+08:00

Pissed

2009-11-26T18:41:00.014+08:00

Movietime with cousin Pebi did not go as planned.

I am so f*cking pissed with what happened.

Last night I checked out the scheduled screening of Wanted:Border at clickthecity.com. There I saw that the schedule listed a 1:40 PM, 3:30 PM, and 5:20 PM screening of the film. Knowing that Pebi would be fresh out of her shift (her shift BTW ends at 6 am) at her call center/trading consultancy work, and that she normally spends Thursday morning asleep at home, we agreed on an early afternoon screening since she should be back in Cavite before 4 or 5 PM.

And so we met at the SC around 10 AM. Natawa ako sa kanya kasi yung get-up nya was "yuppieng gala" -- top part was "yuppie" while the lower half was "gala" (shorts and sandals). A quick stop at Maroons turned her into a "UPing gala" (a UP shirt now replaced her blouse). After spending a moment to check out the DVDs at the usual place, we made our way to Robinson's Galleria for lunch.

Of course libre ni Pebi. (Thank you!) Mealtime chitchat was the most meaningful I had in a looong time. Discussion went from movies: Sophia Copolla's Marie Antoinette and the sad fate of M. Night Shyamalan (Pebi expressed admiration for Lady in the Water; I, on the other hand, expressed skepticism on The Last Airbender; we both agreed The Happening sucked); to books: George Orwell's works (Animal Farm, 1984) to Paulo Coelho's I Sat by the River Piedra and Wept (pareho ang reaction namin sa book -- isang malutong na WTF?!)The food at The Old Spaghetti House was also good - the spareribs were soft and tender but needed more sauce and marinade IMO.

Things took a turn for the worse after lunch.

We hurried to the ticket booth around 1:15 PM to get in line for Wanted:Border only to find that Robinson's Movieworld had changed the schedule. There were to be two screenings of THE TWILIGHT SAGA: NEW MOON at Cinema 8 prior to the screening of Wanted: Border. The earliest we could watch was 5:20 PM and, knowing Pebi's situation, it was impossible for us to watch the movie as a "critical tandem" (naks) if that's the case.

F*ck.

After profuse apologies to Pebi, we decided to watch Paranormal Activity instead. Nilibre ko si Pebi as a token of gratitude for lunch and also for the fact that the sudden change of plans made us watch a movie that we both weren't planning on viewing. Nahiya talaga ako kay Pebi. And I was so irate at what happened that I just had to kick Edward's big-ass face displayed in the Movieworld lobby.

Honestly, that felt good. ha.

Halos walang tao sa cinema when we went in. Aside from Pebi and myself, I counted around 6 more people in the cinema. So much for the hype surrounding this film -- another addition to the "found/recovered footage genre" like The Blairwitch Project, Cloverfield, Rec, Quarantine (based on Rec), and The Hayden Kho Scandal (kidding)

Again, so much for hype. I considered the film as an indictment of the materialistic and self-centered American culture whose only response to the forces of the supernatural was to point a videocamera at it. The scenario presented in the film would unfold quite differently here in our country, where our culture is steeped in lore regarding the supernatural. This would explain why both Pebi and I viewed the film with a degree of incredulity and amusement -- but not horror.

Kung si Pebi pa: "Naku, na-engkanto lang yan. Tawas lang ang katapat nyan..."

but to be fair to the film, a few scenes did make me jump. The most interesting was the one where the woman, while sound asleep, was dragged by her foot from her bed by an invisible presence, and hearing her terrified screams as she was being dragged away from view... now, that was creepy.

And another question kept nagging me: Why don't they just shut the damn door?

And so our tandem shared disappointment instead of an enjoyable film experience. This afternoon just made me realize how much I hated the Twilight series, and now I could hate it with a vengeance. Nang dahil sa New Moon na 'yan nadiskaril ang plano namin ni Pebi, punyeta!

Note: checked the clickthecity website again, and lo and behold! the f*cking schedule has indeed been changed!Isaksak nyo yang p*t********g New Moon na 'yan sa baga nyo!

Movie Time

2009-11-25T20:10:00.003+08:00

Just scheduled a movie watching session with cousin Pebi tomorrow. We will be watching the Cinemaone Filmfest 2009 Best Picture "Wanted: Border" at Robinson's Galleria. I'm making up for not watching "Yanggaw" last month...

WTF? JGL in SNL

2009-11-23T23:36:00.004+08:00

Joseph Gordon Levitt, aka Cobra Commander, hosting the latest episode of SNL

UPDATE: The posted clips are no longer available but I trust your resourcefulness to find them elsewhere...

Opening monologue: weirdly manic, parang na-overdose sa energy drink si Joseph hehe

The Mellow Show, hosted by Jack Johnson: kuhang-kuha si Jason Mraz, natawa ako sa reference to avocados; and Dave Matthews as Ozzy Osbourne? Wohoooooo!

What Up With That?: Al Gore is pretty funny here though he's not really trying to be funny. All in all, this skit is the best of the show...

Fix You

2009-11-19T19:45:00.004+08:00

I just bought an original Coldplay CD for the astounding sum of P100. Sale kasi sa Astroplus kaya ayun hehe.

This,in my opinion, is the best song in the album...

So far, this band is the best musical phenomenon to emerge from this generation. Their "X & Y" album is good. The CD is indeed worth buying as all the tracks are superb. In fairness, may special appearance pa si Brian Eno sa isa nilang track.

Da who si Brian Eno?

Huwaaaat! Hindi mo siya kilala? Kawawa ka naman...

Cat vs. Cop -- Hilarious!

2009-11-18T20:05:00.001+08:00

Ano Ba Yan?!

2009-11-16T14:22:00.003+08:00

The Filipiniana Section of the UP Main Lbrary is still closed! Hindi pa bayad ang utang na six million sa Meralco!

F*ck!

Pa'no na 'to? Diskaril ang reading natin for thesis obviously. Though there are other alternatives but most of them involve long commutes (National Library) and daily library access fees (Ateneo, hello!)Andito na nga ang pinakamalapit wala pa. Tang 'ina naman o...

And I am sure hindi ako nag-iisa na naaapektuhan nito. There are countless students who are suffering as I am. To be fair naman sa staff, they were offering to browse through the shelves but they could only release one book at a time. And considering that the atmosphere of the Filipiniana section is like that of medieval times (parang dungeon), entertaining my requests for multiple books seem like an exercise in futility.

Ngayon ko lang naramdaman ang matagal nang reklamo ng mga tibak: na pinapabayaan ng gobyerno ang edukasyon sa Pilipinas. Putik!

Die, Earth! Die!

2009-11-11T21:56:00.004+08:00

The folks at cracked.com are at it again. and this time, in anticipation of Ronald Emmerich's planet-killing feature film, called on the unholy powers of photoshoppers around the 'net and compiled this list of Rejected Ideas for Disaster Movies.

I found the alpaca movie most hilarious of them all.

Image 2009

2009-11-11T20:35:00.002+08:00

a former student of mine told me of this video showcasing Image 2009, UNO-R HS yearbook...nice concept...so far the layout is solid...and most of all, ginpasexy nila figure ni alon sa pic hehehe

Coming soon...

Facebook Na Me...

2009-11-08T23:45:00.001+08:00

hahaha and to think I told a friend that I had no desire to subscribe to the facebook mania...

The things boredom does to me...

Manny on Kimmel. WIN!

2009-11-08T20:59:00.003+08:00

Finally viewed Manny's guesting stint at Jimmy Kimmel and I must say the Pacman did us Pinoys proud by being on that show. If we were just to consider Manny as the boxer and not the endorser/politico/actor/whatever he comes off as sincere and humble. BTW, he's got a decent singing voice, so all those vocal coaching that went with the album must've been worth it.

Sige na nga, I'll join the bandwagon and wish the Pacman a big win in his upcoming fight. Manny FTW!

We're Not Gonna Take It Anymore...

2009-11-08T18:14:00.003+08:00

Public school teachers call for Congress to give them the option to refuse service during the elections. read about it
here.

If the electorate can do it, why can't our teachers? Twisted Sister would be so proud...

Welcome to Arrakis...

2009-11-07T21:16:00.003+08:00

"I must not fear. Fear is the mind-killer. Fear is the little death that brings total obliteration. I will face my fear. I will permit it to pass over me and through me. And when it has gone past I will turn the inner eye to see its path. Where the fear has gone there will be nothing. Only I will remain."

For so long I have searched for this book, and now I have found it.

And now if you'll excuse me...Arrakis beckons...

To-Watch List...

2009-11-06T17:39:00.002+08:00

Tomorrow...THIS IS IT!

WTF? Mascot Dance

2009-11-05T22:28:00.001+08:00

ang kulit! hahahahaha

You're Welcome, Quezon City...*

2009-11-05T17:29:00.002+08:00

Balik peyups na!

Goodbye Bacolod muna...

Goodbye to the sweet comforts of home...

Goodbye to Globe Broadband -- na grabe magfluctuate ang download rate at hindi ka pwede mag-view ng multiple websites dahil magla-lag nang todo...

Goodbye to Netopia -- my regular internet connection back home na P40+ per hour and singil pero OK na rin...

Goodbye Jo, Lyka, Miming, and the other Miming...

Goodbye sa lahat ng mga pamangkin. On leave muna ang inyong yayo. hehe

Goodbye Diding, magpakabait ka ha...

Goodbye to my parents, hello to their monthly allowance. Pramis, last na talaga ito, ako na ang didiskarte next year...

Goodbye for now, but see you soon...tutal December is just around the corner...

Ngayon...

Enrolment na! May thesis writing na! Last cognate na!

Pero bukas na lang ang bayad...closed kasi mga bangko sa Negros. November 5 eh. hehe

This second semester will definitely be the last, but it doesn't mean it'll be less fun...

Kitakits!

*apologies to Mr. Joey de Leon

Final Updates

2009-11-03T15:31:00.002+08:00

Saturday

Brian spends most of the day riveted, deep in concentration on his various quests. such concentration only interrupted by screams of "Tito Miiiike!" whenever he found himself stuck at a level or quest. Assistant gamer and nanny rolled in one. Hay...

Caught a throat irritation because of gorging on too much ice cream.

Sunday

All Saints' Day. Throat irritation grew worse. Had to make a short trip to the mall to procure medicine. Pretty sure this is an allergy so I gulped down a few antihistamines. Didn't feel the wrath of Santi here in Bacolod.

Monday

All Souls' Day. Early morning trip to Manapla with Mama and Papa to pay respects to our beloved dead. Throat irritation morphed into a sinus irritation. Allergy it is. After paying our respects to the dead, we had to pay our respects to the living - necessitating a side trip to our relatives in the barrio. Sat quietly for two hours and respectfully responded to queries and engaged in small talk. Sidetrip to Robinson's and wolfed down a sandwich at Taters. Mmmmmmm...

Tuesday

Sinus irritation on the mend. Mama's off buying pasalubong while I'm here updating my blog.

See you all in Manila...

Vacation Updates

2009-10-31T13:58:00.005+08:00

Wednesday

Papa finally arrives around 9 PM with a retinue of former acquaintances and friends filling up a van. Little wonder since Pa's former job as a driver often had him parked at the airport. Iba talaga 'pag sikat, no? hehe

Thursday

Visited the high school once again, but this time to reconnect with an old friend and college batchmate who happened to have been hired just this year. The whole night was spent in kumustahan and chitchat. Our triumvirate, however, was incomplete as Apol was unable to make it due to prior commitments. Glad to see you again Bones, and we'll always have next time, 'Pol...

Friday

UNO-R. Again. Attended the Living Rosary and sent a wireless message to The Man Upstairs in behalf of an old friend and her ailing parent. I believe the Big G listens to prayers, most especially if these prayers are intended for another person and does not embody personal, selfish interests...It's Sir Harry's Birthday! treated to lunch and more chit-chat at the ACC...had to come home early in the afternoon as visitors were expected...

My cousin Nong Rudyard, his wife and kids paid a visit...so did Nang Jenelyn and Brian and Irene...and as usual, all the kids were huddled in front of my laptop playing Insaniquarium...thank God for PC games...

Brian spent the night at home and embarked on his new quest in an RPG game of mine...I get to try out his laptop and the Globe Tattoo Prepaid Internet...

So guess what I'm using to connect to the Internet and make this blog update?

See you all soon and stay tuned for other updates. Adios!

Happy Halloween

2009-10-30T13:44:00.001+08:00

from FND Films

Neon Genesis Evangelion Opening Theme -- it's not just a mecha series, it's a psychotic nightmare.

Emotional Rollercoaster

2009-10-28T18:29:00.003+08:00

Vacation updates:

Monday

1. Met with Pax Florius and engaged in a few rounds of Wii games. Managed to snatch a Neverwinter Nights installer from Pax and also borrowed a Che Guevarre documentary hehe. Much appreciated. Brought my CPU to IECC for some diagnostics and repair.

2. Dropped by the High School and reconnected with old friends and acquaintances; briefly basked in the adulation of adoring former students. Naks...

Tuesday

3. Paid a visit to the doctors in order to indulge the hypochondria of mis padres. Initial appraisal by Dr. Guancia and Dr. Eusebio: NOTHING IS WRONG WITH ME! Appear!

4. Got the news that Papa would be finally be coming home for good since his working visa expired and his company no longer renewed his work contract. Papa deserves his rest. I, on the other hand, had been given a sign that THIS IS IT. (apologies to MJ)

Wednesday

5. 9 AM-11 AM: Subjected self to a battery of tests (see #3). Will know results tomorrow.

6. 11AM: Brought my CPU home from IECC. tried installing Neverwinter Nights onto my newly resuscitated PC. A single mistake erased one whole hard drive full of games, music files, and other documents. Too depressed to comment further.

7. 1PM: Bout of depression resulted to a self-imposed exile at SM Bacolod. Met some former students along the way. Roaming around for a few hours did me good, though.

8. 4 PM: Bought some materials for an impromptu project: making a "Welcome Home" banner for my father.

9. 6PM: Father boards plane in NAIA domestic, banner done and installed. So proud of my work. hehe

10. 6 PM: tried installing NWN again. This time was careful to recall the proper procedure. Installation successful.

11. 6:10 PM: tried playing NWN on PC. Game unable to start because of incompatible software.

stay tuned for more updates...

I Can't Figure This One Out...

2009-10-23T09:24:00.002+08:00

The Radiator Lady from David Lynch's "Eraserhead" a.k.a. "Admiral Ackbar's Baby" hehehe

Be at the airport in a few hours. Take care everybody and see you in Bacolod...

See You in Bacolod

2009-10-22T19:16:00.001+08:00

Taking a break for a while. Hope I can update while back home. Next semester the final leg of this madness commences.

David Lynch Directs...

2009-10-21T19:50:00.005+08:00

David Lynch is notorious for nosebleed inducing movies. His cinematic technique is oftentimes obscure, dark and utterly confusing, disturbing and confounding. But what if he were to direct cartoons?

This particular video captures David Lynch perfectly...

eto...one of his early short films. Tingnan natin kung ma-gets nyo. hehe

DONE!

2009-10-21T19:43:00.002+08:00

Just passed my Kas 204 paper to Ma'am Camagay. Right on the deadline and it feels so fine...

Allow me a moment to say --

YEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!

WHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!

I'm looking forward to a worry-free sembreak.

On another note...

committed a grave offense of epic proportions. Now the Furies are descending upon me like Orestes stained with the blood of Clytemnestra. Huhuhu

Shakira the Coed

2009-10-20T14:36:00.003+08:00

Unbelievable that she managed to avoid attention. Amazing that a popstar considered sitting in a classroom enjoyable. Read the article here

On unrelated matters: thanks to Regina for treating me to lunch today. Maybe I should establish a "will-critique-your-paper-for-meals" scheme here in peyups...hehehe

Speaking of papers...deadline na bukas! I'm so excited! yaaaaaaaaaah!

New World In My View

2009-10-18T19:09:00.001+08:00

something I picked up from watching the second season of True Blood

dark, hypnotic, and brooding...

Now, if you'll excuse me...I have a paper to finish.

OMFG! Sa Wakas!

2009-10-14T19:24:00.002+08:00

From the creators of the Ninjai series...

Warning: explicit content! hell, yeah!

Karma Kula...parang combination ng guru at ninja...hehe

Karma Kula website here

Ninjai website here. Apart from the ninja kid, the little bird is my favorite. hehe

One Down...

2009-10-13T21:13:00.000+08:00

I just submitted my Anthro 292 exam via email to Dr. Tan. Salamat at pinagbigyan niya yung revision ko sa isang topic. Thanks Sir!

Tomorrow I'll be submitting my long-delayed Kas 208 paper to Ma'am Camagay. Here's hoping makapasa sa panlasa ni ma'am...

On to other stuff...what happens when one of my favorite actors join forces with one of my favorite shows?

Olivia Munn subjects Jim to a "nerd lore" exam...click here

Michael Cera Delivers The Rape

2009-10-12T00:09:00.001+08:00

it's the middle of the night and I'm choking on suppressed laughter. LOL

Speaking of the Devil...

2009-10-10T19:35:00.002+08:00

All this references to Marilyn Manson since last week was brought about by my purchase of his Best of...album in Greenbelt 5 *gasp* hehe it was on sale at Astrovision kaya hindi ko napigilan ang aking sarili.

Here's a Hellsing AMV featuring "Long Road Out of Hell"

A Long Hard Road...This First Sem*

2009-10-10T19:19:00.003+08:00

Relatively speaking, I had it easy compared to the iskos and iskas in peyups.

I'm currently haunting the shelves of the main library looking to complete my term paper for Kas 204. Para wala na akong INC this sem, ano ba...

Good news: I finally finished my Kas 208 (that's the Fil-American War course, I think I confused my Ma'am Camagay courses in a previous post) paper and it is now awaiting printing. I'll be submitting it to Ma'am this Wednesday.

Good news, na medyo bad news: Finished my Anthro Theory take home exam - only to realize later that I had an incorrect definition of the 'ukay-ukay' trade. Malayo pa naman ang deadline so I'm petitioning Prof Tan if he would allow my concept of 'alternative trading systems which is akin to the ukay-ukay' (basta). I am awaiting his approval.

It's the start of exams next week so sa lahat ng iskolar ng bayan out there, good luck sa puyatan at kung anu-ano pa dyan. hehe

Kung si Eli pa -- SEMBREAAAAAAAAAAK!

*pasintabi kay Marilyn Manson

We're No-oooooot!

2009-10-07T12:16:00.001+08:00

spoke too soon...internet access lasted for just 12 hours in the boarding house. It might take some time for it to return to its normal state. Patience...

We're Ba-aaaaaaaack!

2009-10-05T18:33:00.001+08:00

may internet na ulit sa boarding house. Balik na naman ang distraction...Ayus!

Surviving

2009-09-30T14:51:00.001+08:00

I was one of the lucky few who were unaffected by the intense flooding brought about by "Ondoy". But elsewhere, there is chaos and the unfortunate loss of lives. Let's do what we can to help those in need...

One good thing about being disconnected to the internet in the boarding house is that I was able to devote time for my papers in Anthro. Take home exam was completed yesterday after three nights working feverishly on the theoretical analysis of selected aspects of Philippine culture using various anthropological viewpoints. If there was a time that I came closest to having a "nosebleed", this is it. Whew

Stay safe everybody and make adequate precaution as another storm is making its way to our shores.

LARP*?

2009-09-26T12:07:00.002+08:00

How many nerds does it take to recreate an online game in real life?

A LOT, apparently...

*Live Action Role Playing...it's like cosplay but with people taking it waaaay more seriously

Nobody

2009-09-25T22:46:00.002+08:00

Talagang huli na ako sa mga uso ngayon...

On Reading

2009-09-24T19:03:00.003+08:00

Such a mundane event but so rich in realization...

I was browsing through the stacks of the budget book shop in Trinoma when I noticed a security guard among the book prowlers. I first thought that Kuya Guard was just going about his rounds, nonchalantly observing the people in an effort to discourage a patron from going klepto. His presence was such an interesting sight for me that I also observed him from a distance. Then I noticed that my first impression was false - Kuya Guard was actively scanning the titles and he was picking out books from the shelves and scanning them. And then it hit me...

Too often, bibliophiles such as myself are guilty of this ivory-tower thinking: that reading is an enclave only for those of a certain social status (in short sosyal kaming mga readers, lalo na ang mga nagbabasa ng classics at nobel prize winners. hmp!) and even educational attainment (hoy! matatalino kami no! dats why we read...define 'praxis' nga?) I guess that was the framework operating in my mind when the presence of a security guard among the book shelves - searching for a good book and counting his money to see if it would fit in his admittedly tight budget - was quite a surprise for me.

Then I realized that reading, the pursuit of knowledge, is the most democratic of endeavors. You do not need to be a graduate student to pursue your interest in literature, you do not need to be well-versed in literary theory to enjoy a good read...all it takes is a willingness to reach out, open your mind, and let yourself into a whole new brand of experience that a good book can provide.

It is therefore not out of intellectual snobbery that avid book readers such as myself compose posts and updates on whatever tome we have our hands on. I just want to share with you all the joy I get whenever I read and enjoy whatever new knowledge or experience I get from the books. You may not know who H.P. Lovecraft or H.G. Wells are, or even distinguish between Anais Nin and Ayn Rand, or whose Bronte sister is whom, but if you are interested to view a world through the eyes of another, through interesting lenses and vistas, pick up a book, whatever genre it is (sige na nga, Twilight is okay...), and embark on your own journey.

We may be traveling through different streams, but once we find ourselves lost in the ocean of knowledge, we're bound to bump into each other. Take that first step, turn that first page, and see you around...

Ahem...

2009-09-23T19:43:00.002+08:00

Let's butch things up with LIGHTSABERS! YEAAAAAH!

Nope. Still Gay.

Memes Galore

2009-09-23T19:22:00.002+08:00

the online article here

This Weezer video gives a nice summary of the internet memes that have afflicted our pop culture. click here

Updates

2009-09-22T20:36:00.004+08:00

Kas 208 paper almost finished. Ilang paragraphs na lang and the rest will be editing, tweaking, and formatting. Sigurado this week tapos na ito.

Anthro 292 take home exam finally unleashed! hahaha I'll be having fun with this one.

Kas 204 paper still hovering in limbo. May konting research. Next week masisimulan na talaga ito, or else patay tayo...

Finished Crane's Red Badge of Courage and Well's The Time Machine. Pahinga muna from the Necronomicon. whew...

I finally watched the 2nd season of True Blood yipeeeeeee!

F*CK!

2009-09-21T14:31:00.002+08:00

Dammit! Why did it have to Alec Baldwin?

Anyway, Big Bang Theory is coming back for its third season and if Jim Parsons is lucky, he shall have another shot at greatness.

Dr. Sheldon Cooper, FTW pa rin!

Dr. Sheldon Cooper FTW!

2009-09-20T20:34:00.007+08:00

Paganahin na ang psychic powers and let's make history...in the upcoming 2009 Emmys, who shall rise and lay claim to glory in the name of all the nerds of the world? Oh - Dr. Cooper, you want to say something?

Jim Parsons for the win at the 2009 Primetime Emmys! Go! Go! Go!

It's time for the nerds to take over! wahahahaha!

The Playlist in My Head

2009-09-20T16:13:00.007+08:00

1. I Gotta Feeling by the Black Eyed Peas

Medyo naunahan ako ni Doc Bien sa pagpost ng song. Happened on this song when I saw the vid with the crowd dancing to it on the Oprah show. Listening to this song reminded me of a 90's band and their song...

2. Innocent by Our Lady Peace

I think this band had a song on the soundtrack album for the movie The Craft. Then David Cook's rendition reminded me of them. I think I already posted a music video of this song so here's a live version.

Peas rhymes with Peace...hehe

Give the Devil His Due

2009-09-19T18:57:00.005+08:00

This is the last Cine Europa film I will be watching. I also wanted to watch "Just Another Love Story" but there was a very long queue and the tickets were all out when I was almost at the booth. Muntik na akong maabutan ng tickets pero wala na talaga...nyemas!

The film that I was able to watch was from the Czech Republic and featured the Devil as the protagonist, fairy godmother, and dispenser of justice. The story was made out to be a fairy tale, with all the usual conventions: evil stepmother, various challenges to be hurdled by the protagonist, a love story, etc. but what I found interesting was the role of the Devil as social arbiter and equalizer.

Here the Devil (aka Lucifer XIV) sends his minions to claim sinners. The movie, however, presents this in a positive way as the Devil seems to have a liking for greedy people. Putting this in the context of the film, which was released in the 1980s, this seems like an attempt at social commentary. There are implicit criticisms of the “higher” class (greedy, snobbish), the military (inept, venal), government (ditto), and even war (motivated by greed) in this film, and a sympathetic take on the plight of the working class. The Devil and his minions are portrayed as agents of social justice who punish those in power who use their influence to disenfranchise and abuse their fellowmen. Parang familiar ito ah…

Despite the clunky special effects (pasensyahan niyo na 1980s pa kasi) the film was an enjoyable experience. And, as all fairytales go, the guy got his girl, the poor became rich, and the Devil got his due.

This Better Be Good...

2009-09-18T17:14:00.006+08:00

Heroes Season 4...Redemption...

So the formula for Redemption, from what I can see, is recycling some themes from the first season: Peter Petrelli working to save human lives in the allied medical services(he was a caregiver in season one) and Claire back in school and rehashing the "caught-between-two-worlds-but-I-wanna-be-normal" storyline and getting a new confidante (Season 1: gay; Season 2: lesbian?!)in college. But I'm guessing there will be some surprises for us along the way...The new villain, Samuel, looks a bit like Little Nicky's evil brother. Schnapps, anyone?

Heroes, for me, lost its way during the 3rd Season - buckling under the weight of some overwrought storylines, and finding some difficulty on which stories to focus on. Plus, there's the disappearing then suddenly reappearing characters.

Season One is the best of the series. Here's hoping Heroes can redeem itself this season...

The Sun Still Shines

2009-09-16T19:51:00.002+08:00

After two weeks of incessant rains and overcast clouds, I could finally taste sunlight once again.

And so life here at peyups seem to be returning to its normal routine. I am now back haunting the shelves of the main library tracking down books for my 208 paper. The 204 paper is still in the works, but I'm confident that I will be able to finish it this month.

It took me two weeks to shake off the lingering lethargy from my recent vacation...heh.

WTF? Weird Sex Questions...

2009-09-14T20:55:00.002+08:00

WARNING: suggestive and explicit content featured...

Just stumbled on this site featuring the weirdest questions on sex which were posted on Yahoo Answers, believe it or not...

click here to read. I think I understand the meaning behind question #2 but I won't share it with you perverts. Ha!

At May Sequel Na!

2009-09-13T19:17:00.005+08:00

Just watched [Rec] with Pebi at Edsa Shangri-la Plaza, and it was one hell of a blast.

Just replace "Mierda!" with "Putang-ina, ano yon?!" and you'll have an idea of the reaction of the audience at Cine Europa.

The storyline reminded me of the Left for Dead game. The final "boss" in the movie looked like the Witch in L4D. And the people becoming "infected" and not "zombified" is just what the L4D Infected were. The upcoming sequel to this horror film just might confirm the relationship between the movie and the game...

Manu is back! and so is Jennifer! And was that a Boomer spewing blood? Wait a minute, where the f*ck is Angela? Donde esta, Angela? Donde?!

Die Welle

2009-09-12T17:40:00.004+08:00

Just got back from Cine Europa at Edsa Shangri-la Plaza. I watched the German film "Die Welle" or "The Wave"

A charismatic high school teacher introduces a novel project to make his students understand the concept of an autocracy. One week later, one kid gets shot, another blows his brains out, and the teacher goes to jail...

One observation: the "Wave" salute featured in this film is oddly similar to the "Oishi" hand motion as seen in the commercials, had it been done closer to the chin. wala lang...

Bukas, Spanish horror film with Pebi. The nightowl meets the slacker...hehe

Trimming The Fat

2009-09-11T20:24:00.002+08:00

editing...
copy reading...
rewriting...
copy/pasting...
deleting...
reconsidering...
un-deleting...
oh, wait...
deleting...
staring...
pondering...
head scratching...
sighing...
web browsing...

paper's doing fine.

Pushing Daisies

2009-09-09T15:25:00.002+08:00

Still finishing the 208 paper. This week i'll be done. I hope. Here's my new distraction this week...

the chair...it moved! it MOVED! hahaha

Terminatrix Blues

2009-09-08T14:30:00.002+08:00

Ang Kasiyahan ko ay nasa ulan...halina't ibuhos ang lungkot at karimlan...ako'y masaya't nakaantabay sa kadiliman at ulan...

Ayus.

You Are What You Read

2009-09-06T23:04:00.002+08:00

I'm still not finished with Lovecraft's Necronomicon but I find myself saddled with a number of additional books. Sale kasi sa Powerbooks so I just couldn't help myself...

A few days ago I bought Stephen Crane's The Red Badge of Courage and H. G. Well's The Time Machine. At 50% discount these were amazing finds. A weird scene unfolded when I was about to cash in my loot at the cash register: while I was gleefully handing in part of my allowance money for classic books devalued at half-price since apparently no one wants to buy them, the teenaged girl behind me was happily clutching a special edition Twilight book -- the one in the metal case that looks like a miniature version of lunchboxes we had in grade school. Oh, the irony...

Just today I bought America (the Book) by the writers of the Daily Show with Jon Stewart. I'm technically reading three books simultaneously.

"Dyinggel" Factor

2009-09-06T22:46:00.003+08:00

I believe I have found a new personal standard for rating films -- the "dyinggel" factor. Movies that make me want to hold the urge to urinate until the almost inevitable moment rank high, while those movies in which I just take a leak at the slightest stirrings of my easily excitable bladder would be lower rated.

So far the films I have seen in the past few weeks have been highly rated by my bladder. In "District 9", I was able to abstain from peeing until the end credits. "Bruno" elicited the same reaction despite having drunk a large-sized iced tea drink. Another factor may have been the fact that the movie had been shortened by (very) apparent edits which eliminated entire scenes. F*king censorship sucks!

And though I very much wanted to bestow the same "non-peeing during the entirety of the film" honor on "Kimi Dora", the iced tea I consumed earlier while watching Bruno finally sounded its clarion call in my nether regions. Good thing it was almost toward the end. Eugene Domingo does a masterful comedic performance, and the movie itself stands as one of the better comedy films of this year -- featuring Miriam Quiambao in a masochistic role, a cockroach killing maid with an indestructible face, Dingdong Dantes acting geeky, a vomit-eating askal, weird-looking special effects, a farmer with incredibly fine skin texture, a hilarious and creative use of rifle laser sights, and the most good-looking catering service ever.

Prince...Yebah!

2009-09-05T22:18:00.005+08:00

I've been looping Prince's "Gold" on my media player for days now. Prince holds the distinction of having penned and sung songs that alternately make you want to hit him in the face or induce such an experience that would make you go down on your knees to worship him.

The guitar solo in "Gold" is a killer. My personal definition of a good guitar solo is if it evokes the image of the entire song - nay, the universe even - in the throes of an intense, mind-blowing orgasm. At almost 8 minutes, the song delivers the goods and the guitar solo is one serious mindfuck. Really. Sayang lang at walang video ng Gold sa youtube...

Here's the once unnamed one giving us a taste of his mean axe-handling. Prince appears at the second half of the song but effectively steals the scene from the old fellows and the guy who looks like the vocalist of Suede. My, that red hat...

I Want My True Blood!

2009-09-05T22:05:00.003+08:00

And i want it now! bought a 2nd season DVD but it wouldn't freaking play on the laptop. Now I'm just sating my thirst (pun intended) for True Blood by viewing the online clips...but I can't find complete episodes online...damn that copyright, I want my True Blood now!

Hypochondria by proxy

2009-09-03T20:36:00.002+08:00

Other people continually worrying about your state of health...doctors should come up with a term for a condition wherein the worrying becomes an obssession...ano ba yan?!

Breaking News!

2009-09-01T21:15:00.005+08:00

Saw the news at the Shopping Center while waiting for some photocopied materials. I just couldn't help myself, so here goes...

MAR ROXAS COMES OUT! -- Mar Roxas is out of the presidential race, giving way to Senator Noynoy Aquino.

MAR ROXAS BUMIGAY! -- Mar Roxas gives way to Noynoy Aquino in the upcoming presidential race...

MAR ROXAS UMAMIN NA! -- na siya ay hindi tatakbo bilang presidente. Siya ngayon ang magiging running-mate ni Noynoy Aquino

The Professional Heckler does a much better job, so here's his blog.

All Hail Cthulhu!

2009-09-01T20:50:00.004+08:00

Bought a collection of the classic horror stories written by H.P. Lovecraft last Sunday at Bestsellers in SM North. I have been eyeing the "Necronomicon" a few months ago but only recently have I gained the opportunity (read: MONEY) to purchase it. I was originally going for Frank Herbert's "Dune" pero walang akong nakita so instead of classic scifi, classic horror tayo!

The saleslady at Bestsellers remarked that the horror genre is hit with kids nowadays. Lalung-lalo na yung vampires, raw...

Vampires? Twilight?

*snort of derision*

You haven't seen (or read) true horror if you haven't read Lovecraft!

Tonight, the dead shall rise from their graves and torment the living

Unspeakable horrors shall emerge from the dark shadows of forgotten catacombs

Empty cities shall ring with the cries of lost civilizations

The Old Ones slumber beneath the cold deep...

Cthulhu shall rise again!

*cue maniacal laughter*

This is gonna be fun...

Long Delayed Updates

2009-09-01T20:30:00.003+08:00

Hello to everyone who still have the patience to keep up with this blog. My apologies for the long intervals between posts -- it seems I am growing jaded to this adventure here in Manila and only a few instances of wonder (or weirdness) finds its way to this blog.

I'm still getting my bearings with my life here in Manila after having been away for a few days. The past week has been a blur, full of activity and excitement. One moment I'm in the sandy shores of Boracay, the next I'm weaving my way through traffic in Makati, spending one night in a cheap-ass hotel with the Browns. The past few days were hectic and fun...and I'm still recovering. hehehe

Done

2009-08-17T17:53:00.002+08:00

Kas 205 paper is finished. I will pass it tomorrow and await judgment. Whew...one down.

I Survived Twilight

2009-08-16T21:34:00.006+08:00

Stilted plot, an oftentimes insipid script, and the dialogue...THE DIALOGUE!
It was a miracle I got through it - no, wait - i absolutely had to skip some parts. The vampires sparkling in the sunlight scene was corny. ew. Liked the baseball scene, though. Peter Facinelli's as white as bondpaper, Jasper has this constipated look stamped on his face (it seems he's fighting back some hunger pangs since he's a new 'vegetarian' but all I can see is bowel obstruction), and the love story is zombified - just working on the barest of logic, and of course...Bella's body odor.

from cracked.com...click the image to enlarge

Big Bang Baby! One More Time!

2009-08-11T19:33:00.005+08:00

I'm finishing my 205 paper. Dapat this week tapos na ito PARA WALA NA AKONG UTANG KAY SIR JOSE, PUNYETA!

*ahem*

So for the meantime I'm leaving a few choice vids of my fave "Big Bang Theory" character, Sheldon Cooper, Ph.D....the brilliant but obssessive-compulsive and socially inept theoretical physicist. Enjoy...

And finally...the piece de resistance...

Nakakasingit pa rin ng series kahit busy, hehehe

Big Bang Baby!

2009-08-07T11:12:00.001+08:00

Big Bang Theory first season. Nerdtastic fun.

WTF?

2009-08-06T10:40:00.002+08:00

Believe me, it's real. Check out the article here.

Now this is something I would like the College of Engineering of UP do, make a scale model of a Gundam...asteeeeeg...

Neeeeeeeerds!

2009-08-04T20:04:00.005+08:00

Just got back from my Anthro Theories class and I realized that my seatmates are nerds!

This all started when Liza, one of my classmates brought in a book on philosophy and Battlestar Galactica last week. My eyes automatically fixed on the thick BSG book and I kept stealing glances throughout the lecture. We struck up a conversation and she told me that someone told her about watching The Wizard of Oz while playing Pink Floyd's Dark Side of the Moon. I told her that I'd give her a copy of the Pink Floyd album. I also borrowed her Anthro theory book - studies muna before BSG hehe

This week, we got around to discussing BSG episodes and Arnel joined in on our conversation. It turns out Arnel is also a Scifi series fan - having watched Star Trek TNG, Star Trek Voyager, and (unbelievably) Enterprise. And (more unbelievable for me) he liked Enterprise! WTF!? hahaha

I also found out that Arnel also watched the other Scifi series I watched: Babylon 5, Farscape, and *gasp* Earth: Final Conflict!

Earth fucking Final Conflict! And I thought I was the only one in this archipelago...

We are going to have a one week break from Anthro but I can't wait for next meeting...Liza told me she'd be on a BSG marathon and Arnel said he'd buy the DVDs in Quiapo. This is going to be one interesting discussion next meeting...

Rock Me Amadeus!

2009-08-01T21:42:00.004+08:00

Just watched Adventureland starring Jesse Eisenberg and *gasp* Kristen Stewart of Twilight notoriety.

I liked the film. I liked Stewart and Eisenberg's acting in this movie. And I LOVED the soundtrack.

I was playing "Name that Tune" throughout the movie and I think I managed to get 4 out of 12 right. The movie featured songs from Lou Reed, JOurney, David Bowie, The Jesus and Mary Chain (interesting choice of "Taste of Cindy") and *gasp* The Outfield! I haven't heard The Outfield since I was in elementary mainly due to my cousins' tapes that were blasting from our old stereo - este - cassette player pala, to be more specific. The post title is the song by Falco which kept playing over and over during the movie, much to the lead character's chagrin. Amadeus! Amadeus! Amadeus! Amadeus! Amadeus! Amadeus! Amadeus! Amadeus! Rock me Amadeus!

Just the right dose of humor, drama and nostalgia. Let's party like it's the 80s!

Something I Could Definitely Sink My Teeth Into

2009-07-30T17:14:00.003+08:00

Comments on the first season of TrueBlood.

1. Definitely not for the Twilight demographic. The copious nudity and sex would be enough to make Stephnie Meyer spontaneously combust.

2. Speaking of innumerable acts of carnality, HBO should release a DVD consisting of all of Jason Stackhouse's scenes - one way of making inroads into the porn industry. The episode on priapism was HILARIOUS!

3. I LOVE Sookie's best friend Tara and her sexually-ambiguous cousin Lafayette. Never knew a horror series could feature such off-beat characters. Watch Tara's confrontation with her mother in this scene...

4. Wonder who'd win in a shapeshifter-vampire fight? I'd love to have the series feature a shapeshifter that could turn into a tiger, a bear, or even an elephant. More bad-ass than this poor sap...

5. Wonder what True Blood (the drink) tastes like...Vampirism 101 by Bill Compton. Funny...

6. Humor and dread coexisting in each episode...human characters who are interesting (and sometimes even more) than the vampires...this one's good...

F*ck Twilight. Definitely

2009-07-29T19:00:00.002+08:00

Nagma-marathon ng Season 1 ng True Blood.

Thou shalt not disturb. hehehe

Update

2009-07-27T10:00:00.002+08:00

Last night I survived a night of nvoluntary confinement in my room. The faulty doorknob has breathed its last, and what better way to signal its demise than to lock me up indefinitely in my room? fortunately the bar examinees next-door were able to extricate me from my involuntary detention in my "selda".(as they are now joking, but still - I owe them one)

The reflection paper is done. and now I have to turn my attention to my long-neglected Kas 205 paper. Just a few more paragraphs to go. C'mon!

WTF?

2009-07-24T21:08:00.002+08:00

This vid almost made me choke on the biscuits I was wolfing down while surfing the 'net.

In my opinion, this next vid is more sad than funny...

Pasintabi sa Mastercard

2009-07-24T16:41:00.004+08:00

Price of jeepney fare (2 rides sa UP Campus-Katipunan): P 14.00

Total cost of photocopy for 2 "hard to find" journal articles: P 10.00

Outside researcher's fee (one day only) at the Rizal Library, ADMU: P 100.00 (Pakshet! kinarir ko na rin ang pagbabasa sa loob ng lib ng Ateneo, sayang naman ang bayad atsaka dapat samantalahin ang centralized airconditioning! wahahaha!)

Knowing that I'm a few steps away from completing my Anthro reflection paper: PRICELESS

Looking for Lieban

2009-07-23T19:47:00.003+08:00

Medyo frantic ako ngayon. I'm looking for articles by this guy named Richard Lieban for my anthropology class next week. I'm assigned to react to our discussion on Functionalism and Structural-Functionalist theory and I'm feeling out-of-sorts because of my damn allergy. Cough syrup and antihistamines are a combination that renders me a bit stuporous but I was able to read through Malinowski and Radcliffe-Brown yesterday.

This morning I was scouring through the periodicals section of the library looking for Lieban's articles on the engkanto, and kulam (sorcery). Parang ako ang kinukulam since I wasn't able to locate the articles. Yung isa in American Anthropologist was ripped from the journal, leaving only one page. The deed apparently was done waaay back in 1985 kasi may notation sa naiwang pahina - 'missing since 1985'. The other one from the Southwestern Journal of Anthropology nawawala yung mga journals pero sa OPAC lumilitaw. Nyak!

The only recourse suggested was online resources. So I went to the Electronic Resources at the main lib only to find out that the articles could be found in an online resource which is accessible in another library - the Econ lib. So martsa naman tayo sa Econ library. Ang siste, may babayaran ka pang P100 for a card to gain access to computer lab and the printing. So bayad na ako at pagkakuha ng green card pasok ng Computer Lab ng Econ. Problema, their subscription apparently gives them access to a limited number of journals, AA and SWJA were not among those serials available.

OK, now anybody out there na gusto ng green card for Econ Computer Lab?

Now, the final option is Ateneo Library. I checked their online OPAC and they have both journals on their stacks as well as in their online resources. Sige, para makapunta na ulit sa Ateneo. May bayad nga lang for outsider access - 100 pesos.

Dance! Magic Dance! Magic Dance!

2009-07-19T01:39:00.002+08:00

David Bowie. Labyrinth. Bow.

You remind me of the babe
What babe? The babe with the power
What power? Power of voodoo
Who do? You do
Do what? Remind me of the babe

I saw my baby, crying hard as babe could cry
What could I do?
My baby's love had gone
And left my baby blue
Nobody knew:

CHORUS

What kind of magic spell to use?
Slime and snails
Or puppy dogs' tails
Thunder or lightning
Then baby said
Dance magic, dance (dance magic, dance)
Dance magic, dance (dance magic, dance)
Put that baby spell on me
Jump magic, jump (jump magic, jump)
Jump magic, jump (jump magic, jump)
Put that magic jump on me
Slap that baby, make him free

I saw my baby, trying hard as babe could try
What could I do?
My baby's fun had gone
And left my baby blue
Nobody knew

CHORUS

Dance magic, dance (dance magic, dance) (x4)
Jump magic, jump (jump magic, jump) (x2)

Put that baby spell on me (ooh)

You remind me of the babe
What babe? The babe with the power
What power? Power of voodoo
Who do? You do
Do what? Remind me of the babe

Dance magic, dance, ooh ooh ooh
Dance magic, dance magic, ooh ooh ooh
Dance magic

What kind of magic spell to use?
Slime and snails
Or puppy dogs' tails
Thunder or lightning
Something frightening

Dance magic, dance
Dance magic, dance
Put that baby spell on me
Jump magic, jump
Jump magic, jump
Put that magic jump on me
Slap that baby make him free
Dance magic, dance (dance magic, dance)
Dance magic, dance (dance magic, dance)
Dance magic, dance (dance magic, dance)
Dance magic, dance (dance magic, dance)
Jump magic, jump (jump magic, jump)
Jump magic, jump
Put that magic jump on me
Slap that baby

Dance magic, dance (dance magic, dance)
Dance magic, dance (dance magic, dance)
Dance magic, dance
Slap that slap that baby make him free
Dance magic, dance (dance magic, dance)

The Search for Happiness...

2009-07-15T00:18:00.003+08:00

sounds like movie title hehe but a query got me thinking about man's eternal quest for self-fulfillment. Maslow puts self actualization at the highest tier of man's needs and I do think that all the things that we do in life - or most of them, anyway - contribute to our self actualization.

I took up education because I wanted to become a teacher. That was my dream.

My teaching at my alma mater was one of the best experiences ever and a fitting way to start my teaching vocation.

I firmly believe that my exodus to peyups was one of the best decisions I have made. No regrets on that department.

So far, I am well on my way to self-actualization. a few obstacles and stumbles may be expected but that is what makes the journey exciting; Happiness may be our goal, but getting there is half the fun. hehe

Here's to all of you who are journeying to your own respective happiness.

And here's to you who asked: let me repeat that you deserve happiness and should work for it. And I won't forget to remind you to tell me when you're finally happy.

That's a promise.

Fast Track (Again?)

2009-07-06T19:49:00.004+08:00

I'm currently busy with my Kas 204 book reviews. I'm doing the last one (four out of four! yipee!) so that I could get bak to my 205 paper this week. I hope to present my paper to Sir Jose at the end of July. Malapit naaaaaaaa...

Here's a clip from "Chuck" one of my new favorite series (the other being "Reaper" but that has already been cancelled, sayang) Trust me, this series has a LOT of knee-slapping, laugh-out-loud funny moments. like this, for instance...

Background: The title character, Chuck, is in a room filled with people infected by a highly deadly strain of influenza. Casey (the guy who's lying on the floor) is one of the infected and is telling Chuck to "figure something out" since Chuck has been injected with the anti-virus. Now, how do we pass on the antiviral without a syringe?