Lyka. XX. PH. UPM. exhaling words and inhaling music since '95. mellow machine. part-time cat. oreo endorser.
writing, hugging, fangirling, not caring, reading, did i mention writing, selective listening (and understanding), reading, and writing.
mood swinging, rambling, not waiting, overthinking, oversharing, overthinking.
earphones, bands, british guys, adventure time, music, films, origami, paper, flattery, words, books, words again, and words… again.
Monday, October 27, 2014 12:43 AM
you woke me up when september ended
Not that I've had a spectacular month but I'd write about what was happening to me lately, anyway, just so I'd have something to post lol.
Tong Yang, 10/03/14
The resto was closed for relocation for almost two months or more and since we needed to detox after weeks of exams and overflowing work load, we've decided to splurge willingly on food! This was also where we had out year-ender during the freshmen year and my supposed 'despidida' party since I was shifting to Diliman then, but you know the rest of the story so there we are again a year and a half after for my very late welcome party. Hahahaha my friends are just so annoyingly supportive sometimes. =))
WE WERE VERY FULL. We stayed there for like 2 hours or so but sadly their selections were far less than the first time we've been there. Since I don't eat seafoods except for fish and I'm getting pretty sick of pork and chicken, I had a fish fest and saved a spot in my tummy for lots of desserts. We even drank coffee just so we'd feel lighter and have another round again. Worth it.
It was not in our plans to attend PharmJAM's mini concert but I'm glad we did. CP people are stressed all year round but we sure know how to have fun every once in a while, and this kind of event is what exactly everyone needs.
Biyaheng Panulat, 10/08/14
YOU DON'T KNOW HOW I EXCITED I WAS FOR THIS. I can't barely concentrate on 195 because of too much anticipation hahaha. The theater was packed when I got in and I didn't have any seat (and company, mind you) and I'm supposed to be doing something for the day after but I couldn't miss it for the world. Seeing all those almighty Filipino authors... I was beyond awed.
I am not a huge fan of Sir Eros Atalia (I've read one of his books and I didn't really like it) but damn, he was a total performer. His talk wasn't purely technical writing tips nor 'inspiring', it was just a really entertaining story that every student can relate to, and in his case, which then deviated to the beginning of his writing career. I was laughing the entire time. My favorite bit was this (non-verbatim):
Teacher: Atalia, anong petsa namatay si Dr. Jose Rizal?
Sir Eros: Ma'am, hindi po mahalaga kung kailan namatay si Rizal, ang mahalaga ay nabubuhay parin siya sa ating mga puso't isipan dahil sa kanyang kadakilaan at kabayanihan.
And my most-awaited part: Bob Ong's special participation! I'm a huge huge fan of Bob Ong, being able to read all nine books of his. It's been 11 years since his name surfaced in the industry, originally known as the admin/moderator of bobongpinoy.com. When the site was taken down (I can't remember for what reason), it was when he started writing books, ABNKKBSNPLKo?! being the first. Bob Ong's true identity is still not revealed until now, and it is believed that Bob Ong is a collective name for a group of well-known authors. Another theory is Ong is a pen name of one professor from UPD CAL, but then neither of these theories have been debunked nor proven.
Dong Abay read Bob Ong's message after a really funny video. Ong's works are mosly satires of the Philippine society, and so the video was a compilation of famous Pinoy memes and some other stuff. What hit me the most is this (non-verbatim, again): Ano nga bang isusulat ko? Kung naghahanap kayo ng inspirasyon para makapagsulat, umuwi na kayo dahil wala kayong makukuha sa akin. Matagal nang lumipas ang panahon niyo para makapagsulat. Marahil ang tanong niyo, bakit pa ako magsusulat kung ganun? Magsusulat ka hindi dahil may nais kang ipahiwatig, dahil may naiisip ka. Magsulat ka na parang lahat ay makakabasa, na parang lahat maniniwala. As OA as this might sound but I was really close to crying. People like these make me want to drop all my Pharm subjects and pursue writing again. Lol jk people like them make me realize why I'm still and will be writing although I have chosen a career path very far from that. Pen warrior, forever and always.
Manix Abrera, creator of the famous KikoMachine Komix, then showed some of his works while narrating how he came up with that certain story. He said that almost all of his stories in the comics happened in real life, either to him or his friends, and he exaggerates them so it'd be more appealing and funnier. Cool guy, he is.
And Ricky Lee! Ohmygod. He is a living legend of Filipino literature: a Palanca winner, screenplay writer, author of best-selling books... Seeing him in the flesh is just too much for my writer feels. He talked about a metaphorical glass shard and non-closures being his center of writing, and then presented a video of Jon Santos' parody of Oprah who read Alamat ng Bakla off his book, Si Amapola sa 65 na Kabanata, being the featured book of her book club. It's been over a year since I've read the book and I couldn't exactly remember what it's all about (well to be fair the only books I clearly remember are Harry Potter and Percy Jackson books lol) and I was reminded of Lee's genius.
Dong Abay talked about writing music that does not exactly appeal to everyone: reality. I felt ashamed of myself for not knowing his songs except for Esem and Banal na Aso, Santong Kabayo because he's so amazing. Unlike those mainstream bands in the industry, Abay doesn't make much money out of his music stint but this doesn't stop him all the same from singing his heart and mind out for OPM's sake. True artist right there.
And tenen, the best part:
Karylle at Robinson's Novaliches, 10/12/14
After 123456 years 3 long months of separation, I am reunited with my girlfriend. Huhuhuhu oh how I've missed my bae!
Jam, Anna, and I gave her three different kinds of sunflower since it's her favorite: real, origami (made by yours truly of course), and the biscuits. Hahahaha but since she's as corny as we are she actually found it funny. AND AND AND when I handed her the paper sunflowers I made she said it was cute and inspected it for a while I had to fight the urge to hug her so tight and act like a creep lol. But she's just so nice and fab and fab and fab. I love her so much. As to why I'm a cat on that pic, I WAS SLEEPING when it was taken like wtf she's too adorbs and I look like shit huhuhu. Oh well.
The Walking Dead Season 5 Premiere!!!!!!!!!!!! 10/13/14
FACKEN FINALLY. After the legit 12345 years! Hahaha man I've waited for this for so long! Last year I can always watch TWD in parallel play with the US on Monday mornings since my classes start at 1, but this sem my classes start at 7. Sucker. -____- BUT BUT BUT amazingly the university library's net can do livestream so I was able to watch the epic premiere aka the bloodiest episode in TWD history. THAT is how you start off a season!
The gang is finally reunited thanks to Carol's awesomeness. And Glenn's near-death experiences caused me to let out a squeak of panic and I was in the library! Gahd that scene gave me goosebumps all over. Brutally good. Never again. Never trust. We first, always.
And of course the week after, I abused utilized my library fee again by using the computer lab to watch the new episode which surprisingly has Macs. Like 24 Macs. I had to check again that I am in UP. STATE U? BUDGET CUT? WHAT HAPPENED? Oh well, I just chose to enjoy my TWD and Bob's foot. Lol.
AND TOMORROW IS TWD DAY AGAIN! HEHEHEHEH.
Pizza party c/o PROPharm, 10/17/14
It wasn't my intention to take PROHunt very seriously but the opportunity presented itself in the most unexpected time, just like love. WHAT hahaha jk I was just passing by the lockers and I saw a card sticking out of its side so I took it and then the addiction began. Hahaha thank you PROPharm! And thanks to the 2nd years who gave us a golden ticket to complete the puzzle and get our pizza! :))
P.S. I even saw Jamel, Chester, and Jeff E. on the cards as our school's representative for PROChem. I'm starting to believe that everything has been leading me to Pharm all this time, that Salikasan contest being the greatest sign. :))
10 years from now, 10/22/14
I wouldn't talk about that lab exam anymore because the moment I was handed the exam paper I knew I was going to fail. Sigh. ANYWAY. We were at Starbucks Roxas reviewing for the exam (*sighs again*) and since the coverage was pretty short and we (think) we were done, we spent the rest of the time talking about ghost stories and the most random thing I've ever uttered the whole month: who and where would we be exactly 10 years from that day and time. I pulled out my notebook and wrote on one page my ideal future, and I swear I couldn't write anything serious. I'm really scared right now I feel like my life still doesn't have any direction nor purpose. I passed the notebook around and Herm, Ren, and Salve wrote theirs, too. How I wish we'd be accomplished as what we've imagined us to be on October 22, 2024.
I've also had some realizations during my LRT and bus trips alone (which, you know, I really prefer). One is I will never invite friends to go out with me again. It has been my golden rule for a while but of course I do miss my folks back in high school and since we share the same interests, might as well lure them out of their caves to catch up and enjoy gigs together. BUT THEN REJECTIONS. I will never get used to rejections! And the fact that he really did commit to me first before that excuse he has given... Oh well, whatever. I didn't get to see Yael perform, it's no big deal *in the tune of Katy Perry's This is How We Do which btw sucks* *insert I don't care emoji here* *insert curses here*. Meh. Friends traumatize me.
Another (silly) realization is, I hate very clingy people, most especially a clingy 'partner' or boyfriend. Maybe I'm not used to being intimate with someone after being single for a long while now but damn, I think I'd suffocate if he'd always be around me. I want us to be the very casual couple you'll ever know, not being rashly concluded as a couple just because we're all over each other all the time. Ew. No. I want us to be able to talk about the most random things, and argue over them, and not exchange irrelevant I love you's around the clock. I want us not to exchange text messages except when really needed, or when you're telling me you got home safe. I want us to be just the natural us, doing our worst habits and saying the first words that came to mind without filtering them. I want us not to be very sweet: no compulsory monthsary surprises, no flowers, no chocolates, nothing. Just you being the best companion and two-way conversationalist when we're together, and best not-companion when we're apart, it's more than enough.
*checks time* OK BYE I SHOULD BE SLEEPING BY NOW 7 AM CLASS LATURRR TIL NEXT TIME *dances like Steve on Blue's Clues*
The huge screen turns to black and a cheery and almost Christmas-ey tune starts to play. I glance at my phone and I knew I was right: it's exactly seven minutes before the show starts. The usual pre-recorded announcements play one after another and the crowd hushes through. The packed theater dims, and we know we're on our way to another dimension.
I can't recall when was the first time I've watched a Filipino indie film, or what movie for that matter (Ang Pagdadalaga ni Maximo Oliveros, probably). I was never a fan of Filipino movies, because frankly, I find them lame and formulaic (now THAT is formulaic). Story lines are being recycled over and over again (and poor story lines), no plot devices involved, and advertisements plague the course of the film from start to finish. I rarely watch Pinoy films in theaters because I don't find most of them valuable enough to profit from me. Harsh, I know, colonial-sounding, maybe, but I think I've watched enough intelligent international films to actually say that (and to be honest, I rarely watch in theaters whether Hollywood-produced or not lol) and as a storyteller myself, I guess I know what elements to look out for in a good story. Still, it's a subject of preference, and I just don't prefer the usual Pinoy style.
In my opinion, the mainstream Filipino film industry never expands its horizons; it is too afraid to tell and present stories which may not be accepted and understood by everyone because of its depth and subtlety, and ultimately, reality. It is too afraid to innovate, it stayed within its conformed zone for the long run and it became too comfortable there that it didn't want to leave anymore. It is afraid to express because it is also afraid to lose money. So here we are today, stuck with stories of long-lost siblings then lovers and rags-to-riches.
Back in 2012, Kuya invited me to watch the closing film of the Cinemalaya special screening in UPD, well not with him tho of course. Erik, being a film enthusiast like me, was very happy to come along and since Clarisse lives near the place, she went with us too. The film was Ang Mga Kidnaper ni Ronnie Lazaro, and I recall it being really witty and creative with the plot and all but frankly I wasn't too impressed. We saw former CJ Corona there with his family, and even Liz Uy and Bianca Gonzales, and I was like wow, so this is Cinemalaya, but the whole art and culture of the event didn't stick.
But last year, everything has changed. My Humdades I professor, Ms. Joson (aka my favorite prof so far), sparked my passion for Filipino films. Since the subject is all about Filipino literature and cinema, we often have film viewings in class and she'd give us a list of classic Filipino films. She would always urge us to make our own film EVERY discussion. She asked us to watch Ekstra (since it was released commercially for being a hit, well of course it has Vilma on it) and write a critique, and I found the movie amusing and really sarcastic (Jeffrey Juturian, the director, is also the director of Be Careful With My Heart and Ekstra mocked the unnatural and disgustingly irrelevant insertion of advertisements during the course of a film, and BCWMH happens to do this. I mean I know he's not in control of the show's sponsors and all but doing two things that greatly contradict each other... I just find it really stupid). Still, I liked the film enough after our critical analysis in class since Ms. Joson made me realize how much of the film's essence and devices I have missed. Her interpretations may or may not be in sync with the director's storytelling intentions but I appreciate it all the same.
Cinemalaya was long over then and UP Cinema of UPD picked four films to screen in UPFI. Since it was my birthday week (oh how I love my birthday month, Cinemalaya screenings + MIBF) I've decided to celebrate my 18th with indie films because, well, I don't have anything else in mind to do (and that was my chill semester then). Clarisse and I watched Transit on the first night and man, the film truly deserved that Best Film for the New Breed Category Award. It tells the story of OFW's in Israel struggling to hide their children from the government because of the implementation of a new law that would deport children of foreign workers. This is one of the many elements that I love about indie films: they show us reality, they tell stories as form of raising awareness and imparting personal ideals while not failing to entertain the audience.
Ever since I have tried watching a film in a movie house alone before, I have always looked forward to doing it again. And so on the second day of screening, I've decided to go alone and enjoy some alone time. Actually I wouldn't consider myself alone then for I had a last minute date, I didn't know he was actually coming along with me. Ladies and gentlemen, my boyfriend.
I know right. I was freaking out while watching, knowing our current proximity. He was just like 3 rows ahead of me watching his self on the big screen and I had to stop myself from jumping onto him right then and there and fangirl and shame myself loljk. But frankly, Paulo Avelino had always been my celebrity crush ever since his Starstruck days (ok my jeje side is showing) until this very second I am typing this blog post. The second day of screening was actually called 'Paulo Avelino Day' since it was a back-to-back feature of two films starring him, and maybe that was also a factor for me wanting to be alone so I could feast on him solo.
The first film was Debosyon, and is about Paulo falling in love with a woman who lives alone in the middle of the forest, bound by a curse not to leave the place forever. Being a devotee of the Virgin of Penafrancia, he would seek refuge on his faith to rescue the woman from the curse so he could live a normal life with her. Frankly, I did not understand the film at all, or what it's trying to say, but I did not dislike it all the same. Not only because Paulo is in there but the film was blended really well -- the pace, the mood, the angles. For a while I was actually a Bicolana roaming around the forest with them, I was transported into their world of silence and simplicity. That's one element of a film that tops my list: to be able to travel the world through movies.
The second film was Sana Dati which bagged a lot of awards that year including Best Film for the Director's Showcase category. It tells the story of a woman who was having second thoughts about her wedding happening that afternoon because of an old flame that was intensified by the arrival of a stranger who claims to be the videographer of her wedding. It's that one film which I don't really like to narrate to someone, afraid I might ruin its magic since I can't tell stories orally really well. From the surface, it seems like a simple and traditional love story every mainstream film could offer, but there's something in this film that leaves this little hole in you even after a year had passed since the last time you've seen it. I couldn't help but shed a tear especially on the last part of the film, I felt like I was Andrea struggling to choose on which time frame should I dwell and live in. Well, to emphasize my point, the film won Best Sound, Best Original Music Score, Best Production Design, Best Cinematography, Best Editing, Best Direction, and Best Supporting Actor for TJ Trinidad. Need I say more? That film is perfection in its every sense and technicality.
On that same week, the two weeks-long run of Sineng Pambansa also began. It was a Saturday and I didn't invite any of my friends to watch with me since I don't handle rejections really well (#hugot) so I watched two films alone, again. The attendant seemed surprised when I bought only one ticket for each film, and I was like, why not? Everyone should really try watching alone at least once in their life, you'd appreciate the film even more since there would be no distractions around you, so long as you don't sit beside couples or families with kids.
The first film I watched was Ano Ang Kulay Ng Mga Nakalimutang Pangarap? which tells the story of a yaya (nanny) who was really devoted to the family she was serving and although given the chance of true love and having her own family, she chose not to leave them and has spent her entire life living with them. The mother, who was also her friend, has just died, thus subjecting the ancestral house for inheritance of her children. But since the three children were all successful in their respective careers and have settled overseas, the faithful yaya is now left alone, no family of her own to go back to, holding on to the hopeful love and care of the youngest child who could stop the selling of the estate and stay with her. I was crying my heart out towards the end, the reality depicted on the film scares me so much because it happens in real life. Good thing I never had a yaya because I might end up begging her to leave us now and start her own life without us.
The second film was Badil, Bicolano(?) term for dynamite. I'm not sure if you could classify this as a political-drama but it involves politics, and dirty politics for that matter. Jhong Hilario's (I'm really bad with movie character names!!) family is closely-tied with the incumbent mayor and is receiving favors in exchange of their support. Jhong's father roams around their neighborhood and buys their votes, securing their ineligibility to vote for their candidate's opponent on the next day's elections by staining them with indelible ink. It was so disturbing and maddening at the same time, and although I don't live in the province and vote buying is not so evident in the Metro (or at least in our place), I know for a fact the film was accurate in its portrayal.
QCinema, Quezon City's annual film festival (yep we do have a film fest of our own hehe proud batang QC here) was held in October last year and since it was finals month and I was dying, I didn't have time to watch even one film. Sucker.
Since then, indie films became my passion. I actually added some things on my bucket list because of this addiction. I want to be a bit player, or if I'm more fortunate, be an actress in at least one indie film. Or if given the time, pass my own script for a film festival. It won't matter to me even if I don't get in, so long as I've handed in my own original work, I'm good.
Fast forward to summer, I was so busy fangirling over Karylle and I found out she has starred in a 2007 Cinemalaya entry Ligaw Liham and damn, the surge of feels is so surreal. Loved her even more! Being a writer herself, she has also tried submitting her own script for the film fest but it was rejected, but I really admire her for trying. I adore the right people, really. Anyway, since I was so desperate to see a throwback Karylle (and an indie film again) I searched the whole internet for a copy of the film and luckily I found one! Set in late 80's to early 90's in a small town in a province, it's about a guy (Nor) who is head over heels for this married woman named Karen (Karylle). Her husband works overseas and their only way of communicating is thru exchange of letters, but for some reason the local post office has stopped its operations for a while and so her letters were never sent to his husband. Nor, desperate for her attention, started snooping on her letters and eventually wrote her back using his husband's identity to ease her longing. Frankly the film bored me to death, if not only for K I would have stopped watching the film before I even reached halfway. I'm so sorry girlfrieeeeend. But I'd really love to see you in an indie film again, please!
Aaaaaaaand it's August! Cinemalaya 2014, branded as Cinemalaya X as celebration for the film fest's 10th anniversary, was slated from August 1-10. It was a really good time especially for me and all Isko's and Iska's that are enthusiasts of the event since the semester is just about to start and we're still not busy, and of course I thank (or not really) SAIS for being a failure thus postponing the start of classes from August 6 to August 11. Hah, the odds are in my favor.
1st day: August 7, Thursday
Because of my issues with rejections (lol) and the fact that most of my high school friends are already busy at school since their classes still started in June this school year, I've decided to attend the festival alone. Again. And since it was my first time to commute to CCP and attend the festival on its official run, I was so excited and nervous at the same time that I have checked lots of commuting guides to ensure I wouldn't be lost on my way to CCP hahahaha.
One bonus for watching in CCP is you also get to see art and some other stuff exhibited at the museum. Though I'm not much of an art person, being surrounded by these paintings gives me this calming feeling (or is it just the airconditioning of the place lol) even if I don't know how to appreciate them. I remember seeing this series of digital art and I was like what the hell is this? I'm hopeless. Anyway, while waiting for the next films to start, I would roam around the place and snap a few shots until I get tired. So before I start with my not-so-movie-reviews (I'll be copying the official synopsis of each film and put a short comment and rate it because damn they're too many or I'm just too lazy), here's a pic spam!
Separados: "...is a mostly bittersweet, partly comic, partly tragic saga of six men who have separated from their wives. Based on true stories, their parallel and overlapping tales are framed by a church wedding to a second wife by one of them, who grabs another chance at matrimonial bliss." Erik Santos' story (and acting, surprisingly) affected me the most since domestic violence against men is rarely discussed in Filipino films. Alfred Vargas' story is a unique one and the most heartbreaking for me, he doesn't deserve that fate at all. The entire film was meh or maybe just not my type since it didn't give me something new, so I'd give it a 2/5.
Children's Show: "...tells the story of children ages 13-15 being exploited by a powerful syndicate managing a betting game involving underground fighting. Due to the need (and desire) to earn extra money, the brothers engage into the clandestine fistfight matches held by several middlemen and syndicates wanting to exploit the children’s vulnerability." I didn't know what I was in for when I bought a ticket for this show since I did not really choose the films I would watch based on their story but on the seat availability. But I'm glad I've seen this film, that reality element was there and those two child actors were amazing, especially Miggs Cuaderno who bagged the Best Supporting Actor Award for the New Breed Category. There were just some parts where the camera angles were a bit awkward, and I still don't understand that chicken symbolism until now. The ending was a little slack for me based on how it was presented, but the idea was flawless. 3.5/5.
The Janitor: "This is the story of Crisanto Espina, an ex-cop dishonorably discharged because of a fatal mistake. Currently teaching at a security guard training school, Crisanto is tasked to liquidate the people who masterminded the bank robbery (P 10M) and the massacre of ten people. As he diligently executes his orders while dealing with his own personal demons, he begins to realize that the whole circus of the investigation will eventually consume him and make him question his own brand of justice." Dennis Trillo, the janitor, was there at the screening! I did not queue for a picture with him since I'm not really a fan, but he's so handsome. Anyway, the film bagged a number of awards including Best Screenplay and Best Direction, and of course the well-deserved Best Supporting Actor for Nicco Manalo! Damn he was so effective. The Janitor is a fresh scenery for Filipino fans of action-suspense films but I was honestly expecting a different kind of ending. Oh well, maybe I was so influenced by those Hollywood psychological-thriller films that I was actually predicting it would end up just the same, but I'm glad it didn't since it shows some originality. Loved it. 4/5. (The Janitor premieres on October 10 nationwide!)
2nd day: August 8, Friday
Mariquina: "Unlike the former Philippine First Lady, Imelda is indifferent towards shoes. To her, they are fraught with the bittersweet nostalgia of childhood, one that was marred by a difficult relationship with her shoe-maker father, Romeo. Growing up, all of hers were handmade by him. Now a mature woman, she takes a pivotal call from the morgue, spurring her search for the perfect pair of shoes for her dead father. The deeper she searches for the perfect shoes, the more she finds herself." Mylene Dizon was amazing! I was rooting for her as the Best Actress, too (but my other bet won so heheheh still). But the best part of the film was Imelda Marcos' very awkward cameo HAHAHAHA there must be a Best Cameo Award for the next years, that was so epic. Anyway, since Mariquina is a film about a father (and you know how oversensitive I am with that topic), you can predict how it ended up for me. (Disclaimer: I did not bawl ok) Jerrold Tarog's music genius (the man behind Sana Dati) made everything even better and more heartfelt. Towards the end of the film, the theater was filled with sniffing sounds (which included me) and the applause was very genuine. 5/5.
Bwaya: "Divina is preparing for her daughter Rowena’s 13th birthday when she hears shocking news: her daughter has been attacked by a crocodile, her body still missing. As Divina searches for the body of her daughter in the marshlands of Agusan del Sur, she learns a lesson more tragic than her fate: not all predators are underwater. The film is based on actual events." NO. Just... no. The frustration is real. Before the film began, the director went up the stage and told us a few things about the film. He told us not to leave immediately and wait until the end of the credits for a certain clip which explains a certain sequence in the film (which btw has drawn some whuuuut reactions from the audience not because of its awesomeness but because of its irrelevance like WHUUUUUUT). Basing on the film's synopsis (which I have already read then since I got a copy of the event's programme), I was expecting that Rowena's predator was actually not a crocodile (or is that called an alligator? what's the difference btw? WELL WHATEVER) and instead a human BUT NO. It's just about a crocodile. A literal crocodile. AND THE CROCODILE GRAPHICS (CROCODILE YES A CROCODILE *does crocodile sound weird to you now*). I am not hating on the movie but honestly, why did it win as the Best Film? There are 10 films in the category! Still pissed until now, can't even wrap my brain around this win UGH. My Dagitab must've won! 2.5/5.
Dagitab (Sparks): This film deserves a separate post since I've watched it twice because of my addiction to it. Hahaha I'll work on it soon (would contain spoilers so...)
It was already past 8 when the film ended and for some reason there were no jeepneys around so after I've waited for 10 minutes I've decided to walk to Taft because I don't wanna wait in vain for your love and the loner in me yelped in joy. I was alone for almost 12 hours, and it felt so good.
3rd day: August 10, Sunday
Hari ng Tondo: "A grandfather on the brink of bankruptcy brings his grandchildren back to the community that made and shaped him, only to find out the place is no longer the same." Nope, this is not about Asiong Salonga. That sige lang nang sige tune was very catchy that I caught myself singing along to the trailer shown before a film starts, and the entire song was 4x more amazing (shit this cliche amazing expression). The comedy was so natural and I was laughing so hard the entire time I even cried lol that ngongo scene was the best. AND RAFA SIGUION-REYNA IS A CUTIE! 4.5/5. (Hari ng Tondo is having its commercial run and premiered last October 1, catch it in theaters near you!)
#Y: "...chronicles the adventures of the members of a generation made universal by the realms of social media, the internet, sex, drugs and alcohol, and the occasional YOLO." Overrated, in my opinion. All screenings of the film were sold out making it a blockbuster hit (and so my hopes were really high) but meh... Maybe it's just not my genre, or maybe I hate the fact of being generalized as one among this generation of wild and uncontrollable teens. I can't say for sure if the film was exaggerated since I don't belong in the same class portrayed but still the thought of it actually happening is so disappointing. Oh well, Elmo Magalona and Coleen Garcia were really great. I understood Miles' (Elmo) teen angst and seemingly pointless dramas, I agree on the reality of his character so much. And I love how the film started with the ending and backtracked on the why and how did it happen. 3.5/5.
Hustisya: "A foul-mouthed woman fights for her soul in the belly of the city. Working for a human trafficking agency controlled by a powerful syndicate, she sees no evil, hears no evil. In a society like ours, you have only two choices – to be a victim, or a victimizer – she makes her choice." Another overrated film again, well of course Nora Aunor is in it. The plot was not a stand-out (not garnering any award) but the ensemble was great, especially Rocco Nacino's acting. Loved one particular scene where Biring (Nora) walks along the street while hallucinating, great use of camera movements and editing. Since I haven't watched Asintado and I couldn't compare Aiko Melendez' acting (her closest competitor, basing on what I heard) with Nora's, I couldn't say for sure Nora's better but she deserves that Best Actress Award if I'd solely base on what I've seen. AND SOMEONE PLEASE ENLIGHTEN ME WHAT'S WITH THAT HYSTERICAL LAUGH IN THE END!! Oh well, 3.5/5.
Until now I still have this Cinemalaya hangover. How I wish I could just go back to those three days, hopping from one show to another, watching quality films all day and supporting my own film industry. I found it really hard to adjust when classes began (August 11) and I had to remind myself to get off at Pedro Gil and not Vito Cruz. CCP became my home during that short span of time, and I would love to be back again not only for Cinemalaya but also for stage plays, if there would be any that interest me.
Anyway, I've also watched Babagwa, a 2013 Cinemalaya entry about an "internet scammer who falls in love with a wealthy spinster while trying to swindle her using a fake Facebook profile." Almost every one of us has encountered a scammer whether over the internet or thru spam texts, and although most of us just ignore them, some actually fall for these traps. You might think they're just stupid enough to be swindled but it's not always the case, and this film shows that side of swindling. Joey Paras really deserved that Best Supporting Actor Award, Alex Medina is a cutie (AND BAM WTF GO ON AND SCAM ME BABY HAHAHA JK), and although I've seen the plot twist coming, it was actually fun and heartbreaking at the same time to imagine what Greg's (Alex Medina) reaction would be when he sees Daisy. Hahahaha shit. 4/5.
One film that leveled with Sana Dati on my list is Ang Nawawala, a 2012 Cinemalaya entry: "Gibson Bonifacio stopped speaking when he was a child. Now twenty years old, he returns home to Manila from his studies abroad, his first visit in three years. He finds his family trying to keep it together, his mother still hurting from a tragic loss in the past. Against the backdrop of the vibrant local music scene, his childhood best friend tries to reconnect with him, while he unexpectedly finds a chance at a first, real romantic relationship. Amidst the holidays, Gibson reconsiders and redefines his relationships with his family, his friends, and with himself." I was 7 minutes into the film and I was sure I have found a new favorite. The OST was perfect, the score, the lighting, the use of vintage cameras and turntables and vinyl records and Hello Kitty headphones EVERYTHING IS PERFECT OK. I badly wanna hug Gibson the entire film and just take care of him forever, not caring if he won't speak up because his smile would be more than enough to let me stay. We'd go to Route 196 every night and hum along our favorite songs and close our eyes to absorb the music while holding hands haha shit I love you Gibson :( Ang Nawawala broke my heart into the littlest pieces it could possibly turn to and my eyes hurt after watching because I cried and cried and cried and I have to review after because I have an exam the next day hahaha (#damingtime). And Enid is so cool! I love her so much. Like what Caye said, Enid is one great 'peg', except for relationship decisions. Tsk tsk. BUT STILL. I could watch this film over and over again and still feel sad. 6/5 lol.
So, should I quit school and just practice to be a professional movie critic paid by movie sites and producers? Hahahaha in my wildest dreams. But seriously, my passion for indie films actually led me to open up to everything Filipino again and give it a shot: music, mainstream films, books, etc. There are a lot of great works even in this generation, only if you know where to look. Give your very own entertainment industry a chance!
INDEPENDENT FILM FESTIVALS 2014:
Sineng Pambansa Horror Plus: October 29-November 4 at SM Cinema branches nationwide
QCinema Circle Competition (From Flashback to Fast Forward): November 5-11 at Trinoma
Cinema One Originals 10th Edition: November 9-18 at Ayala Malls nationwide
I am exactly 9 days away from the beginning of my junior year in college. You're probably thinking I'm too damn close to graduating but heck no, I still have 3 (plus n, or not) years to go since Pharmacy takes 5 years of one's life to master and the extra one year, well, that's a whole different story I'd rather not talk about because ~regrets~. Anyway, UP shifted its academic calendar from the usual June to March (or April!) to August to May, and so we had a pretty long vacation. I did have a to-do list that I used as a motivator to get past the hell weeks last semester and get it over with but well, things never really played out the way I wanted them to but nevertheless, I've had one fulfilling summer.
How I chose to spend my first day of summer must be predictable: I slept through the day(s) like I haven't had enough for a long time which is actually true. The last two weeks of school felt like a literal torture: papers everywhere, exams everyday -- name it, I probably did it. I consider myself greatly blessed if I manage to get at least 3 hours of sleep a day, man I was dying to save my grades. (Why am I justifying my right to sleep? Not like it's a mortal sin or something.)
After I've lived my pillow life, I started watching Sherlock and finished the whole series in less than a day. Addictive is an understatement, I mean that show is mind-blowing. I've actually suffered from post-series depression (PSD) for a couple of days and I couldn't start with a new one, I think I've re-watched some episodes for at least thrice (and each is 1.5hr long) before I've moved on. Thus paving way to my first ever barkada hang out this summer. It's been 5 months since we have last seen each other due to non-matching class schedules so we arranged an overnight in Antipolo to celebrate Maciel's 18th. We were classmates since freshmen year in high school and we stuck together after being sections and then schools apart. We couldn't reach Jameson thru his usual contact number (the man is just so distant now) so it was only the four of us (Marianne and Erik being the other two) who made it, but still it was amazing. The best part of that overnight was when we walked around the subdivision at 1 in the morning and scared each other to death, until eventually we settled at a playground and sat on the swing set and talked about the past, present, and the future. We are way too different now from who we were the first time we crossed paths and talked, and I think it's a good thing to grow up knowing you have friends around you who do, too. Plus, we found out a lot about each other's habits at home since it was the first time we actually had an overnight together. I just wish we could do it more often at several different places. I want to see more of the world with those bunch of people.
Marianne, Erik, and I decided to go straight to Fairview Terraces from Antipolo to check out this new mall. Since I'm in the company of two architecture students, I was so out of place when they started discussing about the mall's architecture and design, and all I could do was to point out the plants I see and identify their families if I'm even familiar with the plant. I mean, come on, you go technical, I'd bite back.
Sherlock madness wore off once I'm back from Antipolo so I started my Suits marathon. This series is one classy shit, fraud yet hot lawyer and law-skirting schemes and sassy characters -- awesome. I'm not sure how long it took me to catch up on the series but I'm guessing it was less than a week. And cue PSD yet again.
I think I'm messing up with the timeline but oh well who cares about chronology. There was this time when I became so addicted to origami that I ripped off this whole Chalk mag I got from the Lawson concert last year. I spent my days cutting papers and folding and cutting and folding. I filled a jar of origami stars and folded pinwheels and paper cranes, and they clutter my study table until today. Man I really have to clean my room (again) soon.
And speaking of Lawson, last April 9 marked the anniversary of the lads' first gig here in Manila and the fanbase had this twitter party to reminisce that night. Being the crazy fangirl that I am, I kept on tweeting my own pictures from that night and this happened.
I KNOW RIGHT. I'd like to believe it was actually Adam who was handling the account at that time and he followed me. But seriously, I think my Lawson fangirling life came in to a full circle because of that. I saw them perform live, had the opportunity to actually meet them, HUGGED ADAM, retweeted, replied, and then followed. This band loves me half as much as I love them. I'm so proud of my boys. I went out with Cath and we enjoyed a two-hour videoke at Red Box Trinoma. I've been feeling so concert-ey and she's the perfect company during these times. We did a lot of stupid stuff at the bookstore too (e.g. reshuffling some magazine covers and putting those of the celebrities we hate at the very back of the shelf). As to why the picture is like that, man, I wish I could explain. =))
And then I met up with Shane! I was looking forward to that since December, and our plans to meet were postponed a lot of times due to me having Saturday exams and shit at school, but frickin finally. =)) It was nice to just sit and talk about anything and everything, I mean hanging out with friends could still be fun without the noises and playing or what have you. I was looking for an earnest conversation since Antipolo and I'm glad we had it. I learned a lot from her, and hopefully she from me. :)
The remaining days of April became a drag. Kuya gave me a typing job just so I could at least get some hard-earned money and not live off with the weekly allowance my mom gives me so I'd have something to spend when I go out with my friends. The job was pretty easy given the pay, yet my brothers kept convincing me to make my summer productive by finding a job, but I was too lazy and I wanted to make the most out of this long break. It's not every year you get to enjoy a 4 month break! And considering that I'll be having my first internship next summer (and I've had a hell semester, yes the mention is necessary), I have decided to become a bummer.
Last day of April (I guess, gosh I figured I'm not really good with dates) and tada, my brother wore a sablay and was finally an official graduate of the university! He was a summer graduate last year so he has just marched late. You don't know how envious I am seeing him with that sablay and having his photo taken with Oble. 3 more years and I am next. Padayon all the same. ;)
A few days after that we celebrated his 22nd birthday. God, the man is getting old. That was when my fascination for blue foods began. There were these really cute blue cupcakes at the buffet! Blue isn't my favorite color but seeing green foods is just so normal so there's no thrill in that. I was craving for a blue ice cream for days then but oh well, the craving is still not satisfied until today. Sucker.
May passed by uneventfully. I was just busy fangirling over John Mayer and Coldplay who has just released a new album then. It's been two months and I'm still not over the LAS (last album syndrome lol I make up a lot of acronyms). The tracks I love the most off the record are Ink, True Love, A Sky Full of Stars, and O. It's just too damn difficult to choose one, the album's good: raw and honest. To be honest I do feel like Gwyneth Paltrow while listening to Ghost Stories! =)) And regarding John Mayer, well, I had this very vivid dream that he was having this really different kind of gig here in Manila and he suddenly sat beside me and asked me a lot about myself and we were casually laughing although my feels are screaming inside of me, and then before he went back up the stage he gave me a hug and a peck on the cheek. I never wanted to wake up lol.
I've also caught up on Game of Thrones! Man that show is sick. Probably supersedes my love for Sherlock and Suits combined and that is saying something. It's just too brave a piece, kills off the characters you love and ruins your feels altogether but it leaves you wanting more. I'm reading the ASOIAF series this Christmas break, I have called dibs on Caye's books this early. =))
I met up with Clarisse and Gian to finally have our long overdue Maginhawa foodtrip. Maginhawa street is this widely-known food district near UP Diliman and offers a diverse food selection-- from milk tea places, coffee shops, dessert places, buffet, to different kinds of restaurants. We tried out this milkshake place called A Taste of Heaven and yes their drinks do taste wonderful. I had this Speculoos cookie butter drink since I was badly missing Mcdo's cookie butter McFlurry, and after that we walked down the lengthy street and went to The Burger Project where you basically do a burger project by choosing its ingredients from the buns down to the patties and add-ons. To hell with the technicalities, I'm not a food blogger!
BTW I named my burger Cruzado to pay tribute to our favorite MAPEH teacher who became our most talked about topic that laughter-filled afternoon. They named theirs Diosa and Julie. How I've missed talking about high school! A lot has changed now: from the crowd you'll see when you go back and visit the school grounds up to its physicality, but the glorious feeling I get every time I reminisce my HS days would never waver. I still consider those four years as my best so far, and although I have only shared a year of those four with these two, it didn't make them any less of my friends I have long known and trusted. Nothing beats the company of people who know what annoys you the most yet they still do it just for the fun of it. I just love them so much. ;)
Four days after I met up with my all-nighter buddies, Anna and Jam. Hanging out with these two never fails to make my jaw hurt from too much laughing. We were so loud that I was beginning to worry they would ask us to leave the place. =)) And there was this joke Anna made whilst we were ordering our drinks regarding a certain roasted whatever L drink having rice on the side and it's just too funny the staff even laughed with us. I wish we could do this every month since being with these crazy girls is one fresh experience that I don't get too often. I mean it's not everyday you form a bond with people you meet over common interests (e.g. Karylle).
June was my best month this whole summer break! It feels so good to have your expectations met and your plans materialized. It was started off by this Adventure Time event held at Trinoma. I'm a huge huge fan of AT though a lot question me for being so addicted to the show since it was supposed to be for kids. Well, I beg to disagree. AT is just way deeper and darker than what it appears to be, and it actually has a plot. I wouldn't go on justifying why I love the show so much, maybe just how much I really love the show would be enough. I wore my BMO shirt to the event and I was so jumpy and excited whilst on our way to the mall, and while we were having lunch, I couldn't shut up as to how much I'm looking forward to seeing the show and buying stuff from the merch store that my younger brother actually told me to just be quiet even for a while.
But no, you clearly don't understand my overwhelming feels. There was this time when the actors on stage (it was a live show kind of thing) asked the audience to clap and sing along and of course I followed and my brother lightly pushed me and said stop, and I was like shut up bitch I'm enjoying but of course I didn't say that since we were with our mom lol. And that was the fun part though, our mom was very supportive!
June also means the premiere of one of the most-awaited films of the year, The Fault in Our Stars. I've read the book way back 2012 months after it came out so I couldn't remember every detail of the book but still enough to compare and contrast it with the movie. I watched it with Marianne and frankly, I was a bit disappointed on how they chose to present the story. It lacked the depth I came to love in the book, since I expected more of Hazel and Gus long conversations which would accurately portray how they had an infinity within the numbered days. I don't know, maybe it's just me. I don't find movies full of talks and connection boring as long as they do make sense, and the Before trilogy will always be the best example for that.
However, the spectacular acting of Ansel and Shailene still made the movie a tear jerker, and the heartwrenching soundtrack (when Kodaline's All I Want started to play, I couldn't help but to sing along and tear up a bit) and score really captured the mood. The camera direction was also awesome. So yeah, maybe it will do.
The long overdue Einstein reunion finally happened, but then the supposed class reunion became a barkada reunion, so just imagine my disappointment when only a few came. Ever since we graduated and parted ways, I've always been the initiator of outings or reunions and most of the time (if not always), these people (and a handful of others) were the only present ones. I was so pissed then, I've started planning for this reunion since April and everyone was so game for it, and then we had to move it to May, until everything went down the drain and no one bothered to talk about seeing each other again before school opens. When I met up with Clarisse and Gian, they convinced me to plan again even just a small gathering with the usual attendees.
Nonetheless, it was really fun. It's always fun with Einstein, no matter the number. I just wish we didn't watch Miracle in Cell No.7 since I completely lost myself there. You see, I am oversensitive when it comes to fatherly topics and the film hit the spot, and add the fact that we were 3 days away from Fathers' Day and mine happens to be miles away, working, while everyone has theirs every night under the same roof.
Since I was trying to stop myself from sobbing and bawling, and there was vodka on the table, I've had too much to drink. After the film, we played cards and got started with the videoke. I was already dizzy but I managed to sing a couple of songs before everything blacked out. Well I do remember finishing up the bottle and buying another one for us lol. I asked Cla the morning after what exactly happened when I thought I have just fallen asleep, but it turns out I was half conscious yet pretty hyper and was singing along with them rather loudly although I wasn't holding a microphone and that I even asked them what are the dance steps to Jai Ho. What the actual fuck. =)) Happy Independence Day indeed!
I remember vomiting and saying sorry to Marvin's mom for being such a wreck. I am just so blessed that she's kind and understanding. When I got back to my senses, they were talking about how it's really late and we should be going home, so I glanced at my watch and told them it's still 8:30, but it turns out my watch has stopped and it's already past 10. =)) Explains their panic. I just live near Marvin's so I initially decided to walk up to the tricycle terminal instead of riding a jeep, but since it's late and I was still a bit drunk, I rode a very short trip in an FX with them just so I wouldn't end up falling asleep and missing my stop. I have such thoughtful friends hahaha.
But seriously, you lot will always be the bunch of people who will never judge me for drinking too much and singing out of tune, so thank you very much. Thank you Erik for being the best 'younger kuya' I'll always have and for understanding the situation. Everything will be better and soon enough, both our dads will be home with us for good, and in return we will provide for them. Thank you Clarisse for being the bestest best friend anyone can ever have. I was, am, and always will be unbearable but you are as patient as ever. So blessed to have these people in my life. :)
The most anticipated gala this summer break was Nikki's arrival from England. Finally! =)) It was a really great week, and traveling from home to MOA during peak hours for how many days was worth it. We initially planned to have a street food trip along Pedro Gil and I'm not sure if vendors were already banned there or it's just that it was still early for them to do business, but they weren't there. So we rode a van to Gil Puyat to ride a jeep to MOA. I recall Nikki asking if there'd be only one passenger inside an FX. =)) Man that was funny. Since it was also her first time to ride a jeep (I think it was), she kept on reaching other passengers' fare to give them to the driver just so she could try it out. I could go on but there's just so much that has happened I'd tire myself.
Day two was videoke night at Centerstage MOA and the company also got even bigger and better. I remember writing on my journal two years ago that I want to meet new people, and I couldn't be more glad to have this lot in my life. I hope they'd stay for a very long time, if not forever.
Day three was Enchanted Kingdom day with Cath and Nikki! I met up with Cath at Gil Puyat and we rode a bus to Balibago. It's been a long while since I last went to EK, or any amusement park for that matter. When we were in Malaysia, we were supposed to spend the whole day at an amusement park at Resorts World but I was with my kuya and older cousin and they didn't want to go. Well of course.
I'm not exactly afraid of heights but rides of extreme thrill and risk really put me off. Plus the possibility of mechanical malfunction! But if I've avoided those types of rides, maybe I'd spend the whole afternoon in a swan lake ride while the two are enjoying, so I didn't really have a choice.
Bump car was okay, except for the fact that my first ride was a total fail since the car I was using was stuck at the corner so it wouldn't move. The whole ride passed by with me there gaining zero velocity while everyone around me (well not everyone since a few were also stuck like me lol) kept on crashing to each other. I think that's what existential crisis feels like; seeing everyone pulling it off while you're left there, stuck, and all you could do is stare. But to hell with existential crisis, we're in EK.
Our next ride was EKstreme. It's this really tall tower that I don't know what it's height exactly is which I'm glad about. The ride would take you slowly to the top, like really really slow, and then drop you like a fucking potato on the ground very instantly. I think I left my soul at the top of that ride, I couldn't even open my eyes the entire time to see how high we're getting, afraid I might puke lol.
Next was Roller Skater. That's a boring ride for kids so it doesn't really matter, but nonetheless it was fun. Next was Anchors Away. It wasn't my first time riding this, in fact I have enjoyed this particular ride the last time I was in EK and we were sitting on the edge and it was amazing. I don't know why but the whole time that ship was swinging (more like throwing itself off), my knees are badly shaking in fear I think I might pee myself.
Fifth ride was Jungle Log Jam. I wasn't worried I'd get myself wet (well duh of course I would be wet) but damn, the whole safety thing rattles me. I think that was the ride that malfunctioned several years ago and someone died (or was it Star City's Wild River?) and there were no belts to hold you in place, only bar handles on the sides of the 'log'. I was worried my hand would slip while we were going down this steep slope and I'd end up tumbling and falling from the log and I'd die of electrocution. Not knowing how the ride actually works and guarantees your safety is pretty unsettling. To dry ourselves a bit, we decided to take another swing at Anchors Away. The second ride was better; less knee shaking and my fists were no longer balled. At least.
Rialto was showing Ice Age and man it was fun. How I wish 4D theaters would be the trend in the near future, but only for some movies which it's applicable to (of course it wouldn't be a good idea to watch Fifty Shades of Grey in a 4D theater right). Next was Flying Fiesta, the ride I love the most. It's just a very happy ride on a swing, and seeing all those trees below you like your feet could touch their tops, it's just so priceless. I remember riding that for at least 6 times the last time I was there. The queue moves really fast.
Next was the Disk-O-Magic that I didn't have any idea how the ride works so I didn't know what to expect. We sat on this really uncomfortable chair and position, like we were sitting on a toilet bowl or something but we were facing outward, and a bar behind us lifted, securing us in place. At least. Then the ride started and it was damn crazy; we were like literal CDs on a player continuously spinning, and then something happened and the player jammed and the CDs got mixed up and jumbled. Or like the clothes inside a high-speed washing machine. So crazy but I think that was my favorite ride.
And the moment of truth: Space Shuttle. The two dared me to try it out and I have accepted their challenge, but when I saw the loops in the flesh (IKR how do you use that expression when referring to things lol) I wanted to back out. I am a risk taker but I guess we could now cross out amusement park rides off the risk list. In the end though, of course I wound up being there. The ride seemed short (not that I'm complaining hell no I won't survive another round of that) and how would I explain its mechanism... this car or whatever it's called would move backwards and upwards (like upwards upwards upwards) rather very slowly and drops off in a blink and then turns 360 degrees and slants and turns again and moves and drops and stops. That felt like the longest 2 or 3 or whatever minutes of my life. Since there was no queue (it was a weekday and a school day), we were allowed to experience the ride AGAIN. SUBSEQUENTLY. Like what the fuck I haven't recovered from the emotional and mental trauma and instability the ride has caused me and there I was again, waiting for the damned ride to begin. Good thing I made it out alive (and I haven't puked after lol).
We returned to Manila and the supposed quick bite for dinner lasted for 3 hours, as if Cath and I haven't ran out of topics the whole day we were together. But of course you can never run out of topic to talk about with people, there's just so much to learn from them in just an hour of in-depth conversation. I rode the LRT alone and being the paranoid kid that I am, I couldn't stop thinking about that Space Shuttle ride and how it felt like, and so I found myself waiting for the instant dropping of the slow train. And that was a real torture, mind you. There are a lot of stations in between Gil Puyat and Roosevelt (I'm too preoccupied to check exactly how many) and the whole time I was anticipating the fall that will never happen (sounds like a romantic hugot). =))
Next week is fangirling week (well okay every week is fangirling week but whatever), I went out to see my forever girl crush/love (and sometimes self-proclaimed gf lol when I fangirl, I FANGIRL) Karylle at SM Marikina. That was the fourth time I've seen her in the flesh and the thrill I feel still hasn't changed, it's like I was meeting her for the first time. My younger brother often asks me why I adore her so much, and I would never get tired of answering his questions. She is my life peg and role model. :)
Met up with Marianne again to borrow some books (The Hard-boiled Wonderland and the End of the World, Kafka on the Shore aka my favorite book, and Where We Belong) since I've finished everything I have here (Will Grayson, Will Grayson, Sputnik Sweetheart, Norwegian Wood, The Time Keeper, Gapo, The Wind-Up Bird Chronicle, A Realm of Possibility) and enjoyed a lengthy and riveting conversation that made the crisis worse and better at the same time. How that's possible I'm not exactly sure, but the questions she threw me that afternoon made a lasting impact that could make or break my life, and I'm thankful that I've had the opportunity to engage in such meaningful talk with a trusted friend. And so a night after that I've decided to talk to my best friend Clarisse and tell her everything she has to know because I figured it would help even a little bit to relieve the uneasiness I've been feeling, like I'm brushing off some burdens from my shoulders, and it did help. Somehow. It feels great to have someone who never judges you despite your issues.
A week after that, I contracted chicken pox lol. My younger brother has just recovered from the pox a week before, and my vigorous efforts to stay away from him so I wouldn't catch the disease miserably failed. I spent the first four days sleeping for almost the whole day since a terrible headache hinders me from concentrating on my reading. There was this time when I got up from bed so I could drink my meds and my vision suddenly turned all crazy and shit and when my mom checked my temperature I was at 39.2. The thing I'm worried about the most tho is my scars, I hope it would be gone real soon because I do have a lot on my face they look like pimples. :(
Typhoon Glenda struck the country rather very strongly. Classes were cancelled in advance which rarely happen but at least this time the government was prepared for the storm. Huge trees were uprooted and electrical lines were cut off all over Luzon (or at least most of it). A day without electricity seemed unbearable yet some had it worse. Tulong Kabataan was organized and though I've wanted to help so bad, I just couldn't since my pox was still contagious. Hopefully the relief ops would still be ongoing when classes start, I would really love to help. I actually want to donate blood since I'm way past the 4 month rule but my blood pressure might be too low for staying up until morning every day. =))
And oh, have I mentioned that I've started watching Supernatural sometime last month yet I'm still on the 4th season because I was looking for a solid plot and continuity? Although the series interests me so much because I happen to love horror movies, Dean Winchester ain't enough to get me hooked so bad (and well, I loathe Sam). One thing I also forgot to mention was that I haven't had any access to my laptop for almost two weeks since my charger gave up on me. Given the situation, that might be the worst thing that could happen to a bummer that lives off on a 24/7 internet! And to top it all off, my newly-bought earphones also stopped working and it was supposed to be of great quality. Good thing it has a one year premium warranty so I had it replaced, but it took the store two weeks to replace the item. Just imagine how my days passed by without my own earphones with me. Ugh.
Anyway I did some stuff for our org's I Am A Pharmacist movement. It aims to empower the profession by sharing the knowledge we (or they) have to enlighten everyone about rational drug use and some other stuff that only pharmacists know (or are experts of). I am currently the administrator of the blog and I'm just so proud how far the campaign has reached after only a month since it was launched. You may want to check out the blog here.
Enlistment madness began and the nearness of the beginning of the new school year realization finally crept in. Man, I'm still not ready! I mean after writing this blog and all, there's just so much I haven't done yet that I'm not exactly sure how those four months passed me by very unproductively. Well anyway there were some changes on UP's systems that students use in line with this eUP thing. STFAP was replaced by the new tuition scheme STS, and in our case (UPM), CRS was replaced by SAIS. STS was initially thought to be better than STFAP since the bracketing system was modified to properly assess the matriculation to be paid by the students based on their household income and characteristics. For example, based on the former tuition scheme STFAP, to qualify for a 33% tuition discount (1000php/unit), a student's household annual income should not exceed 1M (and no, not net income, mind you), but STS aims to classify beyond that standard and asks for household information (e.g. gadgets and appliances count) and some other stuff. Turns out it's nothing better than STFAP and a lot of students were actually assigned to a higher bracket which they clearly don't deserve. Though I have retained my bracket, the whole system is still unjust since education in a state university must be accessible and affordable to every Iskolar ng Bayan. I mean, how dare a mere questionnaire assess your capacity to pay for your right? Scrap STS! Rollback the tuition!
Another change was this new domain called SAIS. The site looks great and all but CRS is simpler and more user-friendly compared to this. Anyway, enlistment had always been stressful and panicking but SAIS actually made us laugh because of the ridiculous shopping cart. =)) I thought I was on eBay or something, doing online shopping instead of enlisting my subjects for the next term. I managed to arrange a very good schedule and hopefully this would be final. Maybe posting it here would help make it final. =))
And last night I went out again to see Karylle. I know right, she is an obsession! I am actually having an Encantadia marathon for the past few days. I just miss her being Sang'gre Alena, and after all that show was part of my childhood! Best Filipino fantaserye ever. So yeah, I was at Shangri-La to watch her perform and damn, despite feeling really sick (38.1 and 4 shots of injection!!!) she gave the crowd a spectacular show! And she sang a Beatles medley, and I happen to like If I Fell and I Wanna Hold Your Hand so just imagine my kilig while she's singing. She was walking around while singing I'll Never Get Over You and I reached out for her hand and she held it and I almost died, but the best part was when she sang Sayo Na Lang Ako and she sat on empty chairs among the crowd and sat beside us. It wasn't for long but still the fact that she's so close, every pore visible, and casually singing to you, I think I could die anytime soon. I'd like to believe there was this time when our eyes locked for a couple of seconds there and she was looking straight at my camera in a couple of shots I took.
Too bad there was no meet and greet after the show since she was really sick so I didn't get the chance to hug her. BUT!!!! The highlight of the night is this!!!!!!!! (do you feel my excitement)
There was her husband Yael Yuzon of Sponge Cola! He isn't exactly my crush, not until last night anyway, but I do love his band and him being a very loving and supportive other half to K. But last night was awesome okay, I saw him there and I was being frantic looking for my camera, and when I got it out and asked Jam to take a picture of us, he took the camera from me and took those selfies himself instead. He's just so adorable and I hugged him really tight and he is so mabango UGHHHH and I can feel his toned chest I KNOW RIGHT I sound like a frickin maniac but ugh who cares. I haven't moved on from that encounter yet huhu. It's so weird to have a crush on a couple as a couple and as individuals! =)) Relationship goal: Mr. and Mrs. Yuzon hahahaha.
Probably the last days of summer would be spent on Cinemalaya X and I'm soooooo excited! I've always been a movie buff but I've only developed my passion for indie films last year when I went to see some Cinemalaya and Sineng Pambansa films. I'm aiming to support these kinds of film festivals if I do have the time.
Man this was a very long post for a very long summer break! My adventures might have not included beaches and out-of-town or country trips but being with friends and family (and series and books and writing and fangirling) is more than enough for me. Oh well, until then, nights of series marathons and intense fangirling and waking up late in the afternoon, and ultimately, bed. Until then.
Lyka. XX. PH. UPM. exhaling words and inhaling music since '95. mellow machine. part-time cat. oreo endorser.
