Oliver Speaks Up

I posted the previous thoughts in my Friendster blog and Oliver made a comment about it. It wasn't written directly in the said topic from in another one called Love-Hate-Indifference. Eversince our correspondence through text since my birthday, I have been quite wary about his situation. The things he has been saying are quite alarming! Biboy had told me that he must've been feeling depress. I know that but then I never think that it might lead to something "serious", as Biboy had suggested. So right away, I scheduled a get-together for the barkada. In that way, we could speak to Oliver about his situation since he has been asking for us to sit down and talk about "serious" matters. Of course, it wouldn't be some sort of an ambush. That's the last thing I want him to feel. I just want him to realize that we are here for him. Sabi nga niya sa e-mail niya in our e-group, nami-miss na niya ang barkada. Kahit na di namin mapag-usapan 'yung kinakatakot naming gawin niya, ang importante ay maparamdam namin na mahal namin siya.

The gt is set on June 11 at Balsa, Malabon. Natatakot ako para kay Oliver. I don't want to lose a friend...

He Was Cool

One of the things that I admire about Korean movies are their poster! They are stylized and well-thought of. The kind of posters that would attract the audience to see the film. In Pinoy's terms, "Poster pa lang, ulam na!" That is what I wish the Filipino producers would do. I hope that they would give much attention to the publicity items of their particular movie. Tigilan na 'yung mga pictorials kung saan naka-pose 'yung mga artista, nakangiti, at 'yun na! Poster na! Although I must admit that some are already changing the styles of the Filipino movie posters. Sana magtuloy-tuloy na. And please, Carlo Caparas! Ang pinagtagni-tagning scenes sa pelikula upang ilagay sa poster ay di matatawag na art at kailanma'y di nakakatawag pansin! However, what could you expect from a man who thinks that his movies are gems to Philippine Cinema?!

Anyway, back to Korean movie posters. When I saw the DVD of this movie, I didn't have any idea what it was because everything was written in Korean, even the title! But I thought to myself, the poster looks good so the film itself might be good. At least I know who stars in it, Song Seung-heon (Johnny of Endless Love 1 series). As it turned out, the title of this film is He Was Cool or for better wording, it is also known as The Guy Is Cool.

As the title suggests, is this movie as "cool" as its poster? Yes, it is. But only during the first half of it. It started out great. Eun-sung (Heung-heon) is the leader of a rebellious group who happens to roam the streets at night and somehow was able to protect innocent girls from bully guys as they victimize them. Although not particularly happy with it, he would also warn the "innocent" ones to stay away from trouble. One person who naively replied to his warning through the school's bulletin board was Ye-won (Jung Da-bin). From then on, Eun-sung hunted her but accident happened. While she was running away from him, Ye-won fell over him and accidentally kissed him! Believing in no physical contact before marriage, Eun-sung asked Ye-won to be responsible for what she did and marry him soon! Because she fears for her life, Ye-won agreed to go out with him and become his girlfriend. The "coolness" ended there. 'Cause after that, subplots kept on emerging. There was about AIDS, about death, about friendships lost, unrequited love, love triangle, and destiny. There were too many things going on for a movie that was supposed to be a light-hearted romantic comedy. I want to like it but the subplots are just too much for me to handle. Not to mention the ending that just seemed to be out of place.

However, despite of it all, I could still suggest that you see it because I might be wrong for not liking it. I am not sure whether it was me or it was just an overkill for me! I might have expected a lot after seeing My Boyfriend Is Type B. Or maybe because the subtitles are not that good. Whatever it is, I can't decide well. What the film did for me though is like Seung-heon! He is really good (and looks good!) in this one...

Of Dreams, Laundry, and Disappointments

I haven't been writing much here. It's not that I didn't have time because I have been posting some stuffs in two of my other blogs: the one from Friendster and the one with movie reviews. It's just that when I try to write about the things I feel personally, I couldn't continue with it. I guess, there are so many things that are going through my mind that putting them into writing isn't possible. Anyway, I'll try as much as I could to just let it out since it's been bothering me for quite some time now.

To start with, what are the things that I have been doing lately? Well, I've been watching a lot of movies. As you'd see in my movie reviews blog, I have reviewing lots of films. You could say that it was my way of venting out my frustrations. Music and movies are the ones that relieve me of the emotions bottled up inside. I hope, though, that this writing (the movie reviews) would lead me to one of careers that I have been aspiring to have. A few weeks ago, I've sent two of my reviews to a magazine and asked them whether I'd be good enough to make reviews for their mag. Luckily, I've receive a response from the editor a few days ago saying that they might consider getting my services for some films that they want to preview. He asked for my number and said he'd be keeping in touch in case that time comes. Of course, no promises were guaranteed. It was such a relief receiving that mail. It was quite an ego boost although I feel that I am not as good as those who were writing for the magazine. I feel that my vocabularies are inadequate. Anyway, I am not really putting all my faith in it. Not hearing from GMA-7 was enough disappointment already for me. I don't think that I could handle another one in case this writing won't push through. Yes, it was GMA-7 that didn't call back after I learned that I passed their exams.

One thing that gives a kick out of me is doing laundry. Yes, as in washing my clothes. It was funny that one of the lines in "Il Mare" was "When you feel sad, do the laundry." I never thought of it that way but I guess, it was somehow true. Just taking the dirt out of your clothes and knowing that you clean them well give you a sense of achievement. I'm really a "laundry person". I guess, being an Aquarian makes me comfortable in doing things that require water. As oppose to ironing the clothes. I can't stand that! The heat just makes me irritable. So as to say that this super hot temperature that we're having these days just pumps out my blood like a whistling kettle! I swear, I could've popped a vein or two just because I became too hot-headed often times!

As I said earlier, writing is one of the "careers" that I am aspiring to have. The other one being a businessman. Since high school, I have dreamed of putting up my own video shop. But back then, we do not have the means to put up one. "We" means my family and I. When we finally did, we just couldn't pursue it. Till I just push it aside at the back of mind. Now that it came back (and is haunting me with sleepless nights and so many ideas about it) and mom is willingly supporting me all the way, I couldn't find a better and affordable place to put it. There are good spaces for rent, yes, but they are either not a good location or too expensive for me to rent: the best place costs PhP15k a month! I'm trying not to lose hope but I can't help it. So many questions have been going through my mind: Should we really put up a video shop? If we do, should it be our own or would it better to just franchise a Video City? Should we opt to put up something else than that? Should we really profit from it given the current economic situation? Do these obstacles are God's way of saying not to go through with it? As Side A once sung in a TV ad, "So many questions but the answers are so few". However, I know that in time, things would work out. I just hope that it'd be coming soon because frankly, I'm losing patience...

Il Mare

It's official! Jun Ji-hyun is now one of my favorite actresses since she did three of the most outstanding films I've seen namely "My Sassy Girl", "Windstruck", and "Il Mare". Though the latter came out first in 2000, I've watch it the latest because it was just recently that I was able to take hold of its DVD. I've been hearing about the said movie long before I became a Korean Cinema addict. But not knowing anything about it, I didn't purchase any copy. It was only when I learned that Sandra Bullock and Keanu Reeves is recreating it for Hollywood that I became interested in it. I want to see it before Hollywood make a trash out of it, I thought. So when I finally got hold of my copy, I didn't jump quickly on watching it because it had "Frequency" plot written all over it! I'm a big fan of "Frequency" and I feel that those who tries to adapt such plot are just mere poor copycats. Anyway, having exhausted all the Korean DVDs I have, it was but time to see this one. And never realizing it, I have saved the best for last!

Eun-joo (Ji-hyun) and Sung-hyun (Lee Jung-jae) met by corresponding through letters. They have both lived in the same house called "Il Mare" but only in different times. As they write to each other, they eventually learned more about one another and somehow fell in love. Love became the reason why they wanted to meet each other. Only that they were living and writing to each other in different time lines: the end of 1999 (Eun-joo) and 1997 (Sung-hyun). How was the conflict resolve? Well, I'd just leave it here so as not to spoil anything for you.

So, was "Il Mare" a mere poor copycat of "Frequency"? I stand corrected. It was not! It had adapted the plot in an entirely unique way and made it all its own. What stands out the most was how heartfelt the emotions were. This movie would take you along with its ride that in the end, you'd be where the characters are. Honestly speaking, this movie made my tears flow, my heart ached, and my emotions soared up all at the same time!

I'd definitely see Keanu and Sandra doing this movie. I just hope that they wouldn't take so much out of it just to make it Hollywood-ish.

P.S. The TV trailers for this movie are magnificent! Ibang klase! Gawang Asyano!

My Boyfriend Is Type B

No, Type B doesn't pertain to one's personality but rather with one's blood type. A Japanese concept, matching blood types are popular among Asians as matching birth signs in the West. Although, as a Filipino, it was the first time I've heard of such thing. According to this belief, different blood types could determine one's personality. In that case, it could also determine with which type one could have lasting relationship with. Yes, it may sound quite silly and absurb but there are people who religiously prescribe to such beliefs. It wouldn't be no different to people who believe in fate or destiny. (To check out what personality each type has, visit this page.)

Hami (Han Ji-hye), whose aunt match people according to their blood types, met Young-bin (Lee Dong-gun of Lovers in Paris) by accident. She wrongly sent him a message and when she learned about it, she felt that they were destined to be together. Being a guy who goes in and out of a relationship, Young-bin decided to be Hami's boyfriend. Only that he is of Type B blood. No matter how much her aunt disuades her to be with him, Hami still continued to see Young-bin. In time, they were able to get to know each other better that made them decide to continue the relationship despite being of different blood types.

The premise may be about blood types but the movie did not advocate the idea all thoughout the film. The focal point is still the relationship that developed between the characters. As a romatic comedy that came out from Korean Cinema , the movie succeeded. (Gawd, the last "great" romantic comedy we had was Got to Believe!) It was light and the mushiness and the kilig factor were kept at a minimum. Besides, with lines like "Are you into order? Hands first, kiss, then tits?", you'd know that this movie isn't your typical Korean romantic movie. Conservatism was thrown out of the window especially with the reply "You can forget the order. We could do it randomly or repeatedly!"

Ji-hye and Dong-gun, whose first team-up was the series Sweet 18 were quite a pair. There was good chemistry between them and they did a fantastic job.

Guys, watch out for the "Superman!" scene and try re-enacting it to earn major pogi points!

RP's Lost Film Treasures

Tonight in I-Witness, Howie Severino went to Thailand to look for the old Philippine movies that were said to be in their care. He saw there the so-called "lost" reel/copy of the first ever "Darna" film made in 1951. However, there was only Valentina in the 40-minute film and no Darna in sight. So it was questionable whether it was truly a Darna or Valentina movie. The audio had been clipped because during the early times in Thailand, actors used live vocals to incorporate with the film that they are showing. Dubbing wasn't as click back then.

Afterwards, the archivist showed another classic film which was already dubbed in Chinese. All credits were still intact expect the title of the film. It was another epic-fantasy film which they weren't sure whether it was Filipino or Malaysian. I swear, I almost cried when I saw the footages of the said film! There were mixed emotions. I was overwhelmed with the fact that Thailand had kept such film and I was also saddened by the situation of movies here in our country. Wala man lang tayong nasagip sa mga sinaunang pelikula natin! Dati, pagkatapos maipalabas ang pelikula, tinatapon na lang ang reel sa basurahan at kung minsan ay ginagawang torotot o banderitas. Kung ang Thailand na halos pareho lang natin ng estado pinansiyal ay nakagawa ng film archive, bakit tayo hindi? Kung tutuusin, tayo ang pinakaunang gumawa ng pelikula sa mga bansa sa Asya! Now, either we have to search the world for copies of our old movies and asked them for it or actually buy them from countries who have them. Hindi ba nakakalungkot 'yun?

Kung ako halos napaiyak, si Nick de Ocampo ay napamura pa! He, along with other film experts, made sure that the said epic-fantasy was made in the Philippines by Filipinos. From LVN Productions, it was directed by Gerry de Leon and starred Efren Reyes and Edna Luna. It was entitled "Banga ni Zimadura".

Now, the mysterious "Darna" film. Another film expert who actually saw that movie in 1951 in Clover Theater said that it was really THE "Darna" movie by Rosa del Rosario, directed by Fernando Poe Sr. It couldn't be a Valentina movie because there was no such thing as Valentina The Movie. Asan si Darna? That remains a mystery. Either the film was cut into two movies or something happened with the sliced Darna part.

According to Thailand's film archivist, he is willing to give back our films only if we would promise to take care of them and put up our own archive. Meron pa nga silang "Dyesebel" movie in their possession!

Hay, sana naman ay magkaroon nga tayo ng archive. I want to experience the time when our movies would compete globally at pagkakahuluhan ng mga taga-ibang bansa, the way Korean movies hit RP.

Quote Unquote 1

"That's the thing about needs: sometimes when you get them met, you don't need them anymore," Carrie, Sex and City Season 4 Episode 13.

Although not exactly needs, what happened between me and Biboy was that he wanted to watch All About Eve and I wanted to see Six Feet Under Season 4. Quite irritated with it, I changed the channel on GMA-7 where the former show was playing. Feeling badly about it, Biboy put it back on HBO where the latter was showing. I, once again, returned to GMA-7 thinking I could see SFU anyway on its Saturday re-run. But then, Biboy just turned off the tv. When your desires have been met, you don't want them anymore. How ironic is that?

How many times did it happened to you?

The PhP1 Deal!

Last April 30, Biboy and I went to the Q Shop to ask for the National Treasure DVD replacement which wasn't DVD copy yet. It was quite expected already but nevertheless we were suprised that the stall owner didn't replace it. He said that all of his copies were the same and that he informed us about it last Thursday. He didn't! He even asked, "Pinanood mo na ba 'to?" I answered no because I really didn't and he said nothing. Obviously, ayaw niya palitan. Biboy just took the disc and then we left. We didn't try to argue anymore. Bahala siya! But this I swear, we would never buy from him again! He was so rude and such an ass! Guess who we saw there last Thurs? Brod Pete!

Afterwards, we went to Megamall. Biboy told me about the Madonna hardbound book that he saw in National Bookstore which was on sale. When I saw it, I bought it immediately! It costs PhP155 and since the mall was on Sale that day, 20% would still be lessen from the price! What a bargain! However, the biggest bargain was the book that Biboy bought. It cost ONE PESO! Imagine that? It wasn't exactly a collector's item but nevetheless, he still bought it for the price! Even the cashiers couldn't believe that they were punching in a peso in the cash register. Sabi ko nga, mas mukhang mahal pa 'yung plastic na paglalagyan ng libro at 'yung resibo! The book was practically a giveaway with the peso being a donation.

I also went on buying original VCDS with musical themes in Astro Plus like Oliver!, Fiddler on the Roof, South Pacific, West Side Story, and the super charming Barefoot in the Park. On May 2, I shopped for Barbra Streisand original DVDs namely Up The Sandbox, The Owl and the Pussycat, Nuts and A Star is Born VCD. Extended sale pa rin nun sa Megamall.

At the movies, we saw Can This Be Love? Pinilit ko si Biboy kahit ayaw niya. Man, did it suck big time! What the heck happened to that film when the trailer was oh-so promising?! Read my review here.

Goodbyes

"Jheck, wala na si tatay, " were the words I received from Elma last April 10. Although it was expected since her father has been gravely ill these past few months, you couldn't help but be shock when that moment of passing came. When I read that message, I know that anytime soon tears would be falling down my face. I feel for Elma. She has been through a lot in her life and this death would leave a huge scar in her throbbing heart. Pwede na nga sigurong gawing tele-serye ang buhay niya sa dami ng pinagdaanan niya!

"Wala na ang tatay ni Elma," was the message I've sent to Than-than. I swear, I almost burst into tears writing those words. But I didn't. Something was keeping me from doing so. All I know that time is that we needed to get to Elma to give our support to her, whether the body is already at their house or not.

April 17, 2 PM was the funeral march. We walked for about 45 mins-1 hr till we reach the cemetery. Seeing Elma cry and her family broke my heart. That was the time when Iwasn't able to control myself and cried, as well. Than-than kept himself from doing so so he left with a heavy heart.

The experience truly made an impact to me not only because Elma is my best friend but also because it was the first death of an immediate family member in the barkada. We've dealt with relationships and broken hearts, first jobs and unemployment, weddings and children, and now we're dealing with death. Ngayon, ang mga usapan ay nauuwi na sa mga bagay-bagay na dinadaing ng mga magulang namin, o maski sakit na dinaranas ng kapwa namin kaibigan, like Memong's diabetes.

At night, I watched "Sex and the City Season 4" episode entitled "My Motherboard, My Self" again where Miranda's mother passed away. It always makes me cry. Kung noon, nadadala lamang ako sa episode na 'yun, now I could relate to it even better. Ilang beses ko mang ulit-ulitin ang panonood nun, iiyak at iiyak pa rin ako ng paulit-ulit.

I wish, though, that once I'd be put in the same situation where I'll lose a family member, I'd be given a warning or time to "prepare". God forbids, sudden loss would really tear me up inside. And of course, I hope that I'd get all the support I'd need because I wouldn't be able to go through it alone...

Richie Rich

I'm no Richie Rich and I never have been nor projected that I am! So I'm quite overwhelmed when people say, "Mayaman naman kayo", or "Dami-dami n'yo namang pera, e." I don't know why friends, relatives, colleagues, or even acquaintances have thought that way about me. Heck, even people I have just met assume that I have lots of money! Why oh why? What have I exactly done to make them think that way. Never did I say that we're rich because we're not. Never did I show them how we live extravagantly because we don't. Never did I dress or look out of the ordinary, as well. So where the heck did they get the idea? Is it because mom works abroad? Well, what's so special about it? Mom still works hard like the rest of us and she is not sitting on a pile of money in Oman! Whatever we have attained in life, pinaghirapan namin 'yun! It may sound such a cliche but we really have invested "blood, sweat, and tears" for the things we have acquired before and today. We weren't born with a golden spoon. We don't have a bag with endless amount of money so nauubusan din kami! May mga araw din tulad ngayon kung saan di namin alam kung saan hahagilap ng pera para sa mga gastusin araw-araw. Nangungutang din kami sa mga kakilala para lang mabayaran ang mga bayarin.

I hope that people would erase that thought in their minds. Di kami mayaman pero di rin naman kami naghihikahos sa buhay. I'm just glad and grateful that whenever we reach a needing times, may mapagkukuhanan kami o mahihingan ng tulong...

Vexed

Last Wednesday, while walking around in Megamall, nagkainisan kami ni Biboy. He has been telling me about what Gapuz, their board exam reviewer, had been saying to them. According to him, he described how good life as a nurse in the U.S. is. Huge salaries, easy car loans, etc. which they (the students) couldn't get if they would work here in the Philippines. Then, I told Biboy that service and dedication is more important than salary. I also added that their teacher had been brain washing them with those ideas that life is better in the U.S. Biboy said that they were not being brain washed but just being practical for thinking that way, too. Wala raw silang mapapala dito sa 'Pinas. I got so annoyed about that statement that I said, "You could choose to have a better life in other countries na hindi mo minamaliit ang Pilipinas!" We were in the escalator then at napalakas talaga ang boses ko.

"Kailan ka pa naging nationalistic," Biboy asked again.

"Matagal na kong ganito! Naiinis lang ako sa mga taong nakatikim lang ng magandang buhay sa States, kung anu-ano na ang sinasabi tungkol sa Pilipinas," I answered.

Then, we stopped talking. I was really pissed off. Life may be tough here but it is not bad. It is not being nationalistic. I'm just being thankful with the life I have. However, mas lalong inis ako sa Gapuz na 'yun. Instead of telling his students the choices they have in life, he has been telling them that there's no other choice for a better life than leave the country. Life isn't all about money. I'd like to think that there are still nurses who pursue the carreer because they want to serve the people. Mali ba 'ko run? How could he call himself a good teacher kung ganun ang mga sinsabi niya? He better stay out of the country for good kung wala naman siyang ibang gagawin kundi siraan ang bansang sinilangan niya!

"Boogeyman" Revealed

An unexpected twist happened this week. The face of the mysterious boogeyman who had been terrorizing us had suddenly been showing a part of him/herself. Though, not so clear but not that vague, at least we have been given a hint as to who our enemies are.

Being a person who snoops around other people's text messages, Biboy's mom took the celfone of her oldest daughter. 'Yung gf kasi ng ate ni Biboy ay kung anu-ano ang pinapadalang text sa nanay nila. Of course, their parents are not so keen about his older sister's lifestyle and even more, they do not like her gf. Her gf happens to be their next-door neighbor. Di lang naman tsismis sa buong subdivision ang iniingatan, pati na rin 'yung paglaki ng iringan ng dalawang pamilya. Oh no, this is not a Romeo & Juliet kind of story! Believe me! Anyway, because they don't like the gf, this gf has been texting their mom to defend herself. Di ko na matandaan pa 'yung text. So, Mrs. S took hold of the ate's celfone to check what this girl has been saying about her. Then, she passed it on to Biboy. Holy cow! In there, he has read that this girl has been holding some grudges to him, as well! Apparently, it has something to do with the arguments that Biboy and her sister had these past few weeks.

Biboy asked her sister about it and completely denied the accusation. Nagbanta pa siya na kapag nainis siyang sobra, siya na mismo ang magsusumbong sa tatay nila! The next day, Biboy received a message from the girl saying not to incriminate her with the boogeyman issue.

With that, I don't know what to make out of Biboy's sister. To think that I felt bad when their father asked her to leave their house fearing that her gf's family was the one behind the messages. Gusto ko pa naman siyang i-text nun at sabihan ng pasensya at nadadamay siya sa gulong nangyayari. Bukod pa run, ipinagtanggol pa siya ni Biboy! Now, she'd say na kapag di siya nakapagpigil, siya na mismo ang magsasabi?! How dare her! Biboy had stood for her so many times and this is how he would repay him?

I really do not get her. A few months ago, when Biboy decided to leave their house for good, isa siya mga nagbuyo sa kanya. Then, when he finally left, she was the first one to tell their parents about it! That was the main reason why she and Biboy had a huge rift between them. Biboy had expected that she would support him thinking she knows what has been truly happening at home pero siya pa ang unang nagkaluno sa kanya. Biboy had apologize to her for all the bad things he had said to her lately after their father asked her to leave. Admittedly though, he said that he still harboring some ill feelings towards what happened. Ngayon, ganito? Has she been blinded by the feelings she has for her gf who seems to be doing anything she could to get her away from her family? Imbes na pagkasunduin ang pamilya, lalo pa itong nambubuyo! At di ba niya pwedeng pagsabihan ang gf niya sa ginawa nito? We're all in deep waters here and it would be bad kung pare-pareho kaming magsisiraan. Mag-isip-isip naman sana siya! Sila!