Go Dark!

Filmus addictus, try this!

There are 50 hidden "dark" movies in this picture. Find them! It's fun. Some pictures are cleverly drawn. (Dark movies are either suspense, thriller, horror, or science fiction.)

I'm on my 27th in 30+ minutes, in three days (on and off). I'm not sure if I'd want to give up. For the life in me, I couldn't figure out the rest of the pictures. Maybe I just haven't seen them yet.

Go to M&M's site to guess the titles of the films. Let me know how you did. If you can't guess any further, go here to check all titles. In a few days, I might visit the said Flickr site, too. For the meantime, will continue figuring out the rest...

Eyeball / Gimmick

On Oct. 16, 2006, the stage was set for my Philippine Literature class. My students were to present their play as part of their finals. They had only about a month of practice because it took me a while before I found a piece that they could relate to. Aside from that, I made sure that it'd be light on memorization and easy to understand.

I chose a play entitled Sa Sabado Sa Sam's by Chris Martinez (of Sukob and ZsaZsa Zaturnnah: Ze Musikal). When I first read it, I immediately knew that it was the right piece for my students. Because its theme was quite adult in nature, I had to make a few adjustments and adapt it to the nature of my students. I also managed to infused some musical numbers in it. Then, after a while, I saw the 10-minute play written by Alfonso Dacanay called Eyeball (included in the book compilation called 10x10x10). I felt that it had to be included in our play so I made it our first act. Unlike Sam's, I only tweaked a few dialogues in it. Some of my actors had a hard time pronouncing some dialogues - English kasi. Not to belittle them but they are not exactly used to speaking the language. "Masang-masa" kasi.

In Eyeball, the characters are Patrick (Alfred Edji Lorenzo - on the pic sitting down) and Eileen (Rosalie Dave - girl in stripes on pic) who are about to meet for an eyeball. They have been chatting online and talking on the phone for quite some time and decided to take a step further. Only that when Patrick saw Eileen, he realized that she wasn't the girl for him judging from how she looked. With them are Eileen's gay best friend, Wilson (Edwin Reinier Reyes - in black shirt on pic), and Patrick's cousin, Rosemary (April Labicane). Among the four, Rosalie and Edwin stood out in their perfomances. They were very relaxed and natural.

My version of Sam's was entitled Sa Manang's in the beginning. I changed it to Gimmick to coincide with the first act. Gimmick is about a group of five friends who vented out each other's problems all throughout the week before Saturday came - their group gimmick day. The characters were all in their teens - college level. In Chris's work, their ages ranged from 24-25 - working individuals.

Second act opened with Ryan (Darwin Sto. Domingo -left) and Quely (Shirley Taculog -right). Ryan is a gay guy whose main concern was not having a boyfriend. (Originally, he is Lloyd who just broke up with his boyfriend.) The moment Darwin spoke, the audience cheered. Most of them were shocked on how good his portrayal of a gay guy. He is straight and nobody knew that he could pull of such act.

Napabilib niya rin ako several times with how he delivered his lines. Kahit may mga nakalimutang linya, go pa rin! Adlib to death! He has gotten most of the laughs by the audience.

The last part of his Tumatakbo musical dream sequence (with Gilbert Umali)
Quely and Ella's (Jenipher Casabuena) scene followed next. Quely was in between accepting or not accepting her parent's separation. She feels that the separation would be mostly hard for her younger siblings. (Originally, she is Pating who recently lived on her own and learned that her parents are separating).

I had difficulty adapting her character. Mahirap kasing lagyan ng patawa ang isang seryosong topic tulad ng paghihiwalay. Her scene was the shortest among the five characters because I couldn't stretch it any longer.

The picture shows Quely singing Mama by Smokey Mountain. Her mom was working as a domestic help in HK when she came to back and finally decided on the separation. The song was played in full volume and it almost made me cry including some of the audience. It somehow reminded me of my mom. Shirley mostly just stood in front and sang the song. Despite the lack of movements, it was very touching! One of the best parts that day!

Next scene was that of Ella and Eric's (Rinky Soriano). Ella's dilemma is that she feels conscious about her looks. She feels that she is ugly. Eric tries to comfort her by saying that she isn't. But calrifies that she isn't pretty either. (Originally, she is Peaches who has the same problem as Ella. I didn't change much of her dialogues. Iniklian ko lang.)

Jenipher was really good during rehearhals. However, nervousness got the better of her on stage. She wasn't able to give her best but her Ikaw ang Miss Universe ng Buhay Ko production number is still a blast!

Eric (with Hannah - Rochelle Tupaz) recently got basted by a girl. Ang himutok niya ay pinaasa siya nung nililigawan niya, si Daisy. He feels that Daisy should have told him from the start that he has no chance with her. However, because he loves her, a part of him still wishes that she would come to her senses and agress to become his girlfriend. (Originally, he is Mario, a marijuana user. You see why I needed to change his characterization?)

A scene from the Beer musical sequence

In the last scene before the finale, Hannah is contemplating on breaking up with her boyfriend. She thinks that he is having an affair with someone because he hasn't communicated with her the night before when he promised that he would. "Ni isang text wala," she said. (Originally, she is Harlene who just broke up with her boyfriend).

In her Paalam Na production number, Rochelle cried bucket of tears. It wasn't in the script that she should cry or even during rehearsals. But she did on stage! It lasted for 2 minutes or so. 'Yun pala, during one of the scenes, she was accidentally hit by another actor. Sa sobrang sakit, napaiyak siya. The good thing was that it perfectly fit the finale of the song.

The last scene is when they all meet for their Saturday gimmick. They meet in their favorite tambayan, Manang's, only to discover that it is close for some unknown reason. So instead of hanging out there, they quickly decide where to go. The decide to go to Ryan's place to watch a pirated copy of Sukob.

Overall, the play was a success! There were a few glitches but the important thing was that the audience enjoyed the event. It was evident in their laughters!

If plans would push through, we'll stage it again this coming semester. Only that it'd be bigger and better than the first production. Audience wouldn't be limited to those who could fit a certain room. It'd be done on a proper stage for the whole school to see! I'm crossing my fingers...

P.S. Paumanhin kina Ginoong Alfonso Dacanay at Chris Martinez sa pagbabago ng inyong script na lingid sa inyong kaalaman...

Go Multiply the pictures
Listen to some of the songs used in the play through My Playlist

Brief Movie Reviews

I know that I haven't been reviewing movies lately. I have been quite busy with school or I guess, it is just plain laziness on my part. Anyway, since it's sorta our sem-break already, I'd just do some quick reviews on the movies (on film and on video) that I have seen the past couple of months.

World Trade Center (2006)
Nicolas Cage, Maria Bello, Michael Peña, Maggie Gyllenhaal
Oliver Stone

Seeing the trailer of this film would almost get you to tears. I am a sucker for films about disasters and struggles so I was excited when it finally arrived in theaters. The problem with the whole film, though, was, like the trailer, it would also almost get you to tears. Halfway through your emotion-filled heart and the movie would end. It will leave you wanting for release.

When I saw the end credits, I realized that it was an Oliver Stone movie. Like any other Stone film, WTC is a movie epic. A film about the struggles of human being against the forces of nature and the evil that surrounds it. It is a film about good winning against the bad. Of course, like in any other epic stories, real human emotions are overlooked. The focus is more on the struggles rather than the emotions involved in it. With that, it'd be difficult to relate to.

Case in point is Maria Bello's character. Maria was very good in History of Violence. You could almost feel the pain and emphatize with her in it. But in this one, she seemed distant and controlled. For chrissakes, your good husband is missing and could be dead! Why act as if you're torn between wanting him alive and wishing him dead? Also, when it comes to disaster films, it is best if there would be background story of the characters. In that way, it'd be easy to relate to them and root for their safety. Without it, audiences would simply don't care whether they live or die.

My rating: 3 out of 5

Pulse (2006)
Kristen Bell, Ian Somerhalder
Jim Sonzero

Pulse is a Hollywood adaptation of Kiyoshi Kurosawa's Kairo. I have a copy of the said Japanese film for quite some time now yet I haven't seen it. According to Biboy, the film is creepy just by its theme and content. Imagine, bad spirits invading today's technologies and acting out as virus on the net and on cell phones. They used the said technologies to get what they want: souls of living people.

I couldn't compare this remake with the original version. However, Pulse is creepy enough to sustain one's interest in the film. The ghosts freaked me out! I guess it pays that I saw this first. Not that good but not that bad either.

My rating: 3 out of 5

The Devil Wears Prada (2006)
Meryl Streep, Anne Hathaway
David Frankel

I fell deeply in love with this film that I had to ask my students to see it and make a report out of it. Call me silly but I believe that students could learn something from the experiences of Andrea Sachs (Anne Hathaway). Some of my students are about to embark on the world of business and some are even working part-time. They have to realize that patience and faith in oneself are the keys to become successful in one's career. It is inevitable that one would meet setbacks such as having the devil as boss. However, instead of getting downhearted by it, one has to look at it as challenge in order to succeed. I have encountered the beast once and I should say that the battle wasn't pretty. The important thing is that I came out of hell alive and dignified.

Anyway, I have digressed. What I mostly loved about the film was Meryl Streep! I am a huge fan and her perfomance as the mean and coldhearted boss who talks monotously was remarkable! The sight of her would really send chills in an employee's spine.

Beyond the glamour and fashion in the film, it talks about work ethic and how one should face the challenges ahead of him.

Outstanding acting from a great ensemble and a great soundtrack to boot!

My rating: 4.5 out of 5

Snakes on a Plane (2006)
Samuel L. Jackson, Julianna Marguiles
David R. Ellis

I wanted to distance myself to this film but I couldn't help it. Something in me just dragged me inside the theater with Acy and Don.

This is a film that you'd love to hate yet would love to see! Forget about the story. Just get in and enjoy the ride! You'd never believe how much fun you'd be in afterwards.

What was good about this film was that it wasn't pretentious. No one had said that it was a great film. You get what you see. It is what is - a brainless carnival ride.

Good editing and effects. Writing is commendable, too, for the suspense and fantastic thrills with the snakes. I never realized that getting scared is this much fun!

Once in a while, take the risk with these types of films. Don't judge it by it's title. This one would definitely be part of my DVD collection once it comes out!

This one's a classic now!

My rating: 4 out of 5

I Not Stupid, Too (Singapore)
Shawn Lee, Joshua Ang
Jack Neo

I Not Stupid, Too is a sequel to the previous movie of the same title. It is about the lives of students (particularly the three main characters) and their relationships with their families and teachers these days in modern Singapore. Both films mostly tackled the same issues but the sequel focused more on the lack of communication between parents and their children because of work. This non-communication leads to misunderstandings and a not-so-good performance in school. Further, it tells that using traditional ways in teaching somehow retards the growth of student's learning. Teachers have to adapt themselves in this ever changing and evolving world.

INST was a hit amongst my students. I knew that they would enjoy and appreciate the film but there was hesitation on my part - it being in Singaporean language with English subtitles only. I was really glad when I heard them laughing and seeing them crying in the end. Some even stayed after the first screening had ended to see the second one.

It isn't difficult to relate to this film. Even Filipinos are experiencing such non-communication between parents and children whether it'd be because of work or other matters. Teacher-student relationships could also be problematic. Traditional teachers somehow distance themselves to the students with their attitudes towards teaching while the non-conventional ones could be accused of crossing the boundaries with them. Either way, INST has a lot going on in it. It is very insightful at the same time entertaining.

This one shouldn't be missed! Same goes for I Not Stupid. In my book, they're two of the greatest films in history!

My rating: 5 out of 5

Twenty On TV

Regine: Twenty
TV Premiere
Oct. 22, 2006

We saw the concert on the 13th of October, Friday. What was shown on TV was the Saturday performance. I am not sure how much was edited on the TV telecast but there were definitely lots of changes from what we have seen. For one thing, the sequence of the songs were different:



1) The 70s number came right after the opening when, on the Friday event, it was part of the semi-finale. The Wyett Gifted Kids who seemed out of place in the said number were excluded the next night. That was a good decision.



2) The choir for "On the Wings of Love" was placed on the staircase rather than beside Regine. The men in cloth was now doing their stunt beside her. Because on the staircase, they were not noticed much.
3) One of my favorite numbers, "The Music of Goodbye", which seemed unbalanced on stage before was given a new treatment with the inclusion of a saxophone player (one of the kid musicians) on the right. The Hotlegs performers on the left, Regine on the middle, and the kid on the right. Great change!



4) Duets Medley. I wished that Marc Tupaz (of Shamrock) had worn a suit this time but he still wasn't. But at least, his performance was better. Memoryado na ang lyrics! He seemed nervous still, though.



5) Bakit Ako Mahihiya? The first night performance was better because there were less "emotions" - meaning, less tears, just full on vocal perfomance. However, with the tears she shed, the second night performance was more heart-felt.
6) Till I Met You. The appearance of Robin Padilla. Ay sus! Care ko! Lagi naman siya sumusulpot sa kung anu-anong concerts including Sharon's My Mega Valentine. It's a good thing that he and Regine are promoting a movie. Kung hindi, sobra nang papansin 'yang ginagawa niya, ah.
7) The Greatest Love of All/I Believe. The Wyett Gifted Kids were perfectly placed in this number instead of just the choir. However, I was hoping that they would stood out in the number. Background pa rin ang dating nila. The choir, like in "On the Wings Love", was again placed on the staircase instead in the middle of the stage with Regine.




The "Dadalhin" and the "Theme Songs Medley" acts were not shown on TV. On the Friday event, it came before "Love Me Again" and "Till I Met You", respectively. Not included, too, are "Ikaw Lamang/Kailangan Kita Medley", "I Don't Wanna Miss a Thing", and Mark Herras/Marky Cielo dance number.

The succession of songs were changed for the better. Hindi na siya sabog at kalat-kalat. (I guess I am used to seeing Madonna and Barbra Streisand concerts where songs are lined-up according to themes per part.) Her spiels are much better that night. Less of the sexual connotations which seemed to cheapen the event and more of the stories about her past experiences. Also, less thank-you's to her wardrobe designers. She thanked most of them more rather than her fans and the people who helped her in the business.

I wonder, though, why the major changes on the second night? Shouldn't the performances be exactly the same on every night as they have rehearsed it? Practice night ba ang first performance?! If that would be the case, ang malas naman naming nanood ng Friday concert!

Ryan reminded me never to see a Regine concert on the first night. They also had the same experience with her Reigning Still concert. The second night was better. Well, now I know better in case I'd want to see another Regine concert. :-)


Above pic taken here.
You Tube Clips are by mikoelo and anakin0730
See the You Tube clips here for Friday night performances.

Tomorrow's Beautiful Artwork

Artwork by Dopy Doplan

Lea Salonga: Tomorrow

Lea Salonga
Tomorrow: A Concert for the Future
Oct. 20-21, 2006, CCP Main Theater
Gerard Salonga / Chris Millado

Tomorrow: A Concert for the Future was somewhat the best of Ms. Lea's past performances plus more. They were put together and arranged differently to fit the theme of the event - a celebration of a world "where all children develop to the fullest and realize the dreams of a nurturing family, culture and society". The result was nothing short of magnificent especially that it was her first team-up with the Philippine Madrigal Singers! She performed with great ease and perfection. It is so amazing that her voice sounds exactly the same on recording and on stage - no tweaking and no added effects. It is as breezy and enchanting as a lullaby.

Ms. Lea opened the show with "True Colors" singing with the Philippine Madrigal Singers as back-up and on stage with the Hail Mary the Queen Children’s Choir and Kilyawan Boys’ Choir. The rest of her repertoire included "Everybody Says Don't", "If I Could", "Ugoy ng Duyan", "Anak", "You'll Never Get Away From me" (with Julia Abueva), and "Chiquitta" amongst others. She also sang "Galagaw/Waray-Waray" from Songs from Home. However, this time, she had the children's choir as back-up dancers and they were so adorable in their 60s outfit. Of course, Ms. Lea tried her best to dance her way to the tune along with kids.

One of the memorable performances that night was her jazzy rendition of "Sing". It was like a scene from a movie where the characters are in a jazz bar listening to the singer. Very impressive! Not to mention her version of "Stand Up For Love" which, I believe, is better than Beyonce's version! Her voice was in control all throughout the high and low notes - extremely pleasant to the ears.

The highlight of the event was "Tomorrow". Her heart-felt song execution almost made me cry especially with the sunrise effect on the background! T'was indeed marvelous. What truly helped was the fantastic lighting of Mr. Dennis Marasigan! The lights told a story along with the songs.

Her finale was "Pagdating ng Panahon". In hindsight, it seemed off to the whole repertoire. But it was a perfect ending to the whole show. A song about hope and unselfish love. Because in a world that seemed dark and sad, hope and selflessness are what we need for a better tomorrow.

Congratulations, Ms. Lea, for a job well done! Cheers to the children who would inherit the earth from us!

Regine "Twenty"

Regine Velasquez
Twenty
Oct. 13-14, 2006, Araneta Coliseum
Raul Mitra / Ronnie Henares

I wish to to say that my first Regine concert was magnificent but I couldn't. Twenty, in my opinion, isn't at all as bad as others had said. (Frankly, though, I haven't read or heard of the bad reviews that came out after the concert.) It was good enough for first-timers like me. However, I felt that there was so much room for improvement. For a 20th anniversary concert, it has be extra special. It has to be different from the rest of her performances. (I am coming from what I've seen so far on TV - may it be concert telecast or SOP performances or TV guestings.) Sad to say, it fell short from my expectations.

I was expecting a great deal from Twenty's repertoire. I was hoping that Regine would sing songs that would range from her early Viva Records days (with songs like "Urong Sulong" and "Kung Maibabalik Ko Lang") to her Vicor Records days (with songs like "Promdi" and "You Were Meant For Me") to her Polycosmic Records days ("You Made Me Stronger"). But instead, audiences received a mix-mash of hits that were already sung from her past concerts like "I Don't Wanna Miss A Thing", "On the Wings of Love", "Sana Maulit Muli" among others. Of course, her singing such hits is not wrong. They are very much part of her 20 years in the business but rendering songs that she would often not perform in concerts would be a welcome treat for devoted and casual fans alike. I guess, the fans would also to be blame with the turnout since they applauded more of Regine's tried and tested hits rather than the not-often-perfomed ones.

I felt that what stood out that night was her performance of "Love Me Again" with Gerard Salonga manning the orchestra. It was such a nostalgic event since it was the song that introduced her to Phil. showbiz via Penthouse Live! Then, her "Bakit Ako Mahihiya?" rendition was terribly excellent! Her vocals was full and very much controlled. It was a song she dedicated to her parents. It was one of her contest pieces back when she was trying to make a name for herself. Unfortunately, those two were also the less applauded numbers during the night.

As for Raul Mitra being her musical director, something was off with his piano keys. Somehow, his notes didn't seem to jive with the rest of the orchestra. They would either stood out or sound flat. Plus, the choir and the kid musicians seemed misplaced. The arrangement of the songs where they were in was awfully not fitted for them.

Twenty's opening, though, was superb with Regine singing an original tune describing how her life in singing began. "Naaalala ko pa ang aking istorya mula nang ako'y magsimula. Unang awit na aking namemorya ay turo ni Mang Gerry. Habang nag-gigitara naman si Mommy V. Nais n'yo bang marinig?" (see and hear the clip below) Also, her nostalgia trip to her winning days via "You'll Never Walk Alone" and "And I'm Telling You" was extremely memorable!

To watch the highlights of the event, see Regine Twenty on Oct. 22 at SNBO, GMA-7! Would this mean that there would be no repeat performances?

P.S. Biboy said, "Di ako fan ni Sharon pero mas enjoy ako sa concert niya kaysa rito." Di ako nagsabi nu'n ah! :-)



Video Clips are by Kazumi from You Tube

Of Curses and Hanging Up

This was a phone conversation of a MyDSL customer and a CSR. The complaint started well until curses were said, followed by hysterics, then ended in the hanging up of the phone. Listen to it or download it here. (Links taken here.)

I have encountered a similar situation a few weeks ago with an AIG CSR. There were no curses that transpired in our conversation but there were definitely arguments and hanging up. That CSR named Jo was so rude that I had to report her. Unfortunately, when I have spoken directly to an AIG representative, they couldn't tracked her, so they said. I have tried to dismiss it on my mind since I am not claming no fault on my part. Yet it still irritates me a lot especially when I heard the phone talk above. It was like I've heard myself and that girl named Jo speaking again.

Again, I admit that I have raised my voice in one part of the conversation but still, do call centers train their representatives that way during these times? Whatever happened to "customer is always right" idea? (Yeah, that saying is quite a bull but heck, we, customers, are paying customers who happen to be the reason why they are at work.) Do these CC companies tell their agents to be patient with their consumers no matter what? (Yeah, yeah, yeah. Tao rin lang sila. Marunong masaktan. Marunong lumaban. Etc. Etc.) The thing is, what that certain Catherine above did and the ass named Jo to me was very rude and ill-mannered. I, too, is in the retail business and as much as possible, I deal with customers in the most gracious manner. In case they are difficult to relate to, I'd vent out afterwards with whomever I could vent out with. Not in front of their faces. Dealing with jackasses should be part of their training and they should retain their composure all the time, if necessary.

However, Biboy heard that retaliating to a credit card customer who are way past their deadlines are part of the CSR's traning. Could it really be true? Than-than also encountered rude Citbank CSRs even if he was calmly talking to him. The agents even threatened to sue him and told him how irresponsible he was when his payment just got delayed for a month! Is this the attitude of CSRs today? OR, they only act that way whenever they are talking to Filipino customers? It feels that way. When they speak to foreigners, they are all smiles and decent. Why is that so?

Read this experience below that I got from Doni Santos. It somehow supports my idea that Pinoys are super duper hospitable with foreigners rather than with their fellow Pinoys:

I was in PLDT a few weeks back, and I was talking to this moron of a receptionist who was annoyed at me disrupting her blissful afternoon of trimming her nails.

"Ano'ng kailangan mo, ha?"

I was a customer that she is getting her salary from, and she talks to me like I am a stray cat.

"Ano, ano na ang gusto mo? Busy kami dito." I was aware of that, as I saw the acetone and nail trimmings on her desk.

I looked at her, pretending to be confused. Faking an American accent, I said "Sorry poh, kontilang allam kong Taggallog. Can you help me find this person?"

She immediately got up, and said, "Oh, sorry, sorry, sorry, Sir. Please ask our security guard for assistance."

"Oh, great. Sallamaht."

"Thank you for coming over, Sir!"

To embarrass her to pieces, I shouted to her on my way out, "Salamat talaga, ha! Naku, malaking tulong yung tinuro mo sa akin. Buti na lang nandiyan ka. At saka sana mabait ka rin sa mga Pilipino kapag kinakausap ka nila, kasi sa kanila galing ang pinangma-manicure mo."

Take note: the incident above happened at PLDT. The phone conversation happened with a PLDT MyDSL CSR. Is that the way you treat your customers, PLDT? Bastusan na kung bastusan?! Or is it a nationwide phenomenon? Bumababa na ba talaga ang kalidad ng serbisyo nating mga Pinoy sa kapwa natin Pinoy? How sad, if this is the case.

The Itch

I received one of the most exciting messages today. It was from a good friend, Joy, who was reminding me to mark November 25 on my calendar. She and Francis are getting married! Finally(!) was the word that came out of mind. They have been a couple for about 10-12 years now. Every time we see each other, the topic of marriage would often come up. "No plans yet," would be their usual answer.

Of course, we, her friends, wouldn't want to push them into something that they are not ready for. But we don't want their relationship to go waste either. I mean, 10 years plus is a big deal and there are only two things to go from there: get married or break it off. S'ympre naman we don't want the latter to happen. Since most in the group are having their mini-me's, gusto naman naming makita ang sa kanila.

Meanwhile, rewind to a few days ago, my sister told me through SMS that she and her boyfriend are no longer together. Just like Joy and Francis, my sister and her ex had been together for almost 10 years. They were HS sweethearts, so to speak. Just a few months back, my sister was already expressing her desires to get married and have kids of their own. Only that she needs (and promised the family) to finish her medicine courses first before plunging into the married life. Now, a part of her plans has changed differently and unexpectedly. I know that she's going through an uphill battle and all I could do was pray for her well-being. It is sad because I thought that she and her ex were a perfect couple - both did good in school, both into medicine field (her ex is a medical technologist which our mom is), both soft-spoken, etc. However, what transpired recently just goes to show that they are not perfect for each other after all.

That is the kind of news that Biboy are wary of. Whenever he hears couples from long-year relationships break up, it tears his heart. Not just because he feels bad for the couples and the years they spent together but because he gets to think that if it could happen to them, it could happen to us, as well. He'd always have this idea on his mind that if there's a chance of us being together till death, there's also a chance that our relationship could end any time. I guess that you could call it a defense on his part. He gets to think of the worst event that might happen in his life to either pre-empt it or prepare it. I do that some times. But I always have an instinctive feel whenever I know that something is about to end in my life. I haven't felt that in our relationship even if we fight, argue, or threaten a cool-off. Besides, the fear of losing each other is so strong in us that we know that we'd get through the rough times no matter what.

I'm thinking, though, could there really be a what we call 7-year itch? That couples need to pass through to determine whether they would last a lifetime or not? Would years of being together be a guarantee of staying together till the end? Not, right?

I have these students of mine who have been bf-gf for just two months yet they are so sure of each other. They are just 17 and the girl is already thinking of converting to being an Iglesia just so her bf's family would accept and like her. Is it being sweet or just plain stupid? Is it romantic or just being dumb? I'd say foolish but to them it's not. It is something that they are considering just so they could make their relationship work out.

That is what relationships is all about: comprises and sacrifices. Years of togetherness are no guarantee for long-lasting shelf life but as long as you are willing to give in and take in what you could, for sure you'd stay together. It's being selfish by being unselfish. You do the things needed to be done so that you can have what you desire till the end. But once "I" comes in, definitely, the relationship is bound to fail...

You're Gay / If I Were Gay

No introductions needed for these two. Just watch and sing! Cute and funny.

You're Gay
("Bad Day" Parody)
Dick Hunter


Acy, listen to this! This might be your guy's story! Hehehe...

If I Were Gay
(Live from Comedy Central)
Stephen Lynch


Here we are
Dear old friends
You and I drunk again
Laughs have been had
Tears have been shed
Maybe the whisky has gone to my head.

But if I were gay
I would give you my heart
And if I were gay
You'd be my work of art
And if I were gay
We would swim in romance
But I'm not gay
So get your hand out of my pants.

It's not that I dont care
I do
I just dont see myself in you
Another time, another scene
I'd be right behind you
If you know what I mean.

Coz if I were gay
I would give soul
And if I were gay
I would give you my (w)hole... being
And if I were gay
We would tear down the walls
But I'm not gay
So won't you stop cupping my ba... hand.

We've never hugged
We've never kissed
I've never been intimate with your fist
You have opened brand new doors
Get over here and drop ... your ... drawers.
Stephen's cute, isn't he?

The Big Q

Acy and I had an interesting conversation yesterday when she and I met. We were supposed to see Batang Westside at UPFI but ended watching Pulse in SM North Edsa. After the movie, she talked about this sort-of love of her life. Her Billy. Her Iñaki. Her Ben. Her childhood sweetheart. Her soulmate. They have mutual feelings for each other since school days. The only thing that stopped them from being a couple was the fact that one of them (or both) is in a relationship with another whenever they want to pursue their relationship further. Anyway, to cut the long story relationship, she opened the guy's email with his knowledge. There she discovered her Ben was into Noel all along! Of course, shocked ang lola mo! She has gay friends who are into relationships so it isn't new to her anymore. However, this one is different. Very much unexpected. Never did she have any hint or doubt about his friend's sexuality before. Nawindang talaga siya when she knew about it.

She told their barkada about it. One of the questions that popped (since most of them were straight guys) was:

Sino ang babae sa kanila?

I'd often hear that question from straight people when they learned someone they know are into that kind of relationship. I was not asked of it personally. But in case I would be, there's a simple answer to that:

It depends on what type of m2m relationship it is.

If the relationship is consist of an effeminate or transexual (or transvestite) gay and a straight (or masculine) guy (gay), then it is safe to assume that the girly gay would be the "woman" in the relationship. However, if both guys are masculine-looking or non-effeminate, it'd be different. Either one may or may not assume any gender roles.

But should we really need to assume who's-who in a relationship? In this day and age, should we still adhere to gender roles when any of the couple could do acts that were mostly gender-oriented before? I read an interview of Ruby Rodriguez in the latest issue of S Magazine. She said that it is her who mostly do the electrical problems while her husband cooks. In that case, could we say that Ruby is the man and her hubby is the woman? Not, right?

So I guess that there is no need to ask what roles people assume in a relationship. It doesn't matter who wear the pants or the skirt because these days, a man or a woman could wear anything he or she wants. A man could even put on make-up without people calling him a girl.

Speaking of which, guys (whether straight or not so) these days are really into vanity. During my days in school, never have I heard my straight guy classmates asking for powder. You'd never see them put it on public either in case they'd wanted to put some on their faces. But today, it is not a big thing to them. They'd put powder on their faces after class along with the girls. They'd even know how to do it properly!

No wonder that it's difficult to tell these days who's straight and not so straight...

P.S. Mas ikinawindang ni Acy when I told her that I was seeing her guy's picture in IRC chatrooms! Hay! Girl, just remember, you and he are not really meant to be a couple. At least, mas pretty ka pa rin sa jowaer niya! *wink wink*

Horoscope

I was sitting on the throne, opened the latest issue of Star Studio, and viola! My October Horoscope said:

All the money that you're expecting might come knock-knocking on your door this month. It's like getting a bonus - and more. Pero you know, ang luho mo. Sobrang layaw ng lifetsyle mo ngayon. Life is really difficult nowadays. Unless nasa pyradiming business ka, mahirap talaga kumita ng pera. So 'wag naman masyadong ma-layaw ang lifetsyle. Remember, ang laki sa layaw, jeprox.

Hah! As if I need a horoscope to tell me how I handle my finances! Leche! Hehe.

Seriously speaking, the things I only spend for are movies and DVDs. Those are the things I couldn't live without. I'd die without them! Just recently, I went to the Podium sale to get me the SATC last two seasons at Astro Plus. I couldn't resist it. Imagine, SATC 5 went from PhP999 to PhP475 and SATC 6 from PhP3500 to PhP1500! Quite a bargain, right?!

I would really prefer to collect the US Versions since I already started on it with Seasons 2 & 3. I bought them in the now-closed Megamixx store in Megamall a few years back. Then, a few weeks ago, I bought Seasons 1 & 4 from a Pinoy DVD collector. He sold it to me for 600 bucks per season. So could you blame me for jumping on it? (I also got Felicity 1 & 2 from him which I got for 600 bucks per season, as well. I bought it for my sister mostly.) That leaves me with the last two seasons of SATC. Since they're on sale, I took the Region 3 copies of the series. Besides, I totally love that black casing of Season 6! Lovely! (However, I'd still get me the Region 1 copies of 5 and 6 because the R3 copies do not include any special features.)

To add to the gastos, Biboy and I will be seeing Regine's Twenty and Lea's Tomorrow concerts on Oct. 13 and 20, respectively. I know, I know! Sobrang gastos! But then, may magagawa ba ko? Pinagsabay nung dalawa, eh! Hehehe. The truth is, I haven't seen the two live in concert. I decided to see Regine since it's her 20th year anniversary concert. It'd be something (more) special compared to her recent performances. Regarding Lea, I just had to grab the opportunity of watching her in concert! Tagal ko nang gustong gawin 'yun but due to lack of funds before, I couldn't. Now that there's a chance, go kaagad! Thank you, Bi, for the tickets!

O, s'ya, maluho na kung maluho! The thing is, I know my limits. Pag hindi talaga kaya, hindi ko naman pinagpipilitan. I need no horoscope to remind me of my priorities. Hmph! As if naman priority kong kumain kaysa manood ng sine o manood ng concert!

P.S. Matipid na ko ng lagay na 'yan because I'm not into collecting audio CDs anymore. If I'm still into it, baka sobrang payat ko na ngayon!

c",)