Blog Renovation

To the readers, I apologize for not being able to read properly the previous entries on my blog. It is only recently that I discovered how to change the text background on blogspot. :\ and upon changing it, the font color of the previous entries blended or went dull. I shall fix it soon. Apologies to all. :)

Death and Its Perks

On a tombstone:
"Remember man, as you walk by, 
As you are now, so once was I. 
As I am now, so shall you be. 
Remember this and follow me. "

-Anonymous

Unable to find the perfect chemistry with my pillows and sheets last night, I typed on google "sad quotes" and clicked on the first Search Result. hehe, lame hobby, lame google search, but very interesting result. Since when did death become a sad event?

Death is one of the most contorted word, together with love, happiness and joy --I guess no word can escape the contextual abuse in our present generation. Death may mean physical decay, departure from life, or simply, end. I can even die without dying. "I haven't done my homeworks yet; Im dead. I have a huge zit; my social death will kick me off from the cheer squad. Dieeeee zit!" How can death be sad when everyone has experienced their own death without lying in a coffin or being buried six feet under?

But death, being left by a loved one, or just simply being alone because life has to end is undeniably what scares most of us. Death is inevitable. No one has yet discovered a black hole that could be a possible tunnel for escaping death. If death is expected to happen to all of us, why waste a tear for the departed one? If Death slits his scythe on your neck during an unexpected timing, wouldn't it be less of a burden for you that you don't have to wait for Death's welcome party to his lair anymore? Why does the death of another person make us feel more dead than the dead?

I guess it's not death per se that "kills" us. Death and love have their most ironic and maybe undesirable relationship, because it is when the two combine that makes it the saddest thought. The death of a loved one is the period on the fourth line of a five-line essay, and you do not know what to write next. It's not the moment of death that scares us; it is the thought of the coming days without having any clue what will happen now that your loved one has left for good. It is as well the period on your fifth line when you wanted a sixth one to wrap up your thoughts. It is the feeling of regret and dissatisfaction when you haven't checked all that's on your bucket list.

Death is of the corpse, a ceased rotten body, but only the living think of;  It is the living that mourn about death.

But death is the most liberating thing that could ever happen to you. It's not just a period; it's an exclamation point to the essay you yourself have written.  It is only upon it that you free yourself from all the shackles during your earthly life. Death needs not be just about weeping. It's not all about the tears and the lonely days you have to face. Death, if confronted without fear or regret, can be the most rewarding gift for some. It is the finish line that everyone has  to cross, and it's how fast you ran that counts.


Whether or not death is the saddest event on earth, it does not have be feared, for death has its own perks. We, the living, should not look towards Death's direction, not because we are cowards, but because when we soak ourselves in thoughts of dying and succumbing to death no matter what we do, it might be the greatest hindrance for us to live fully. No matter how much we are aware that we are all going to die, it should not stop us from living.

Twelve Degrees of Christmas (part 1)

It was our first time to celebrate Christmas Eve without laying a single dish on our own dining table. For a change, we decided to head up north and have a cold Christmas at Baguio! Two things were considered: our yaya who was in charge for cooking was on leave, and the other, my dad owes me an out-of-town trip. There was no excuse for the trip not to push through. Although it was almost cancelled because viruses were spreading inside the house, my dad couldn't say no to my puss-in-boots watery eyes. @_@

We had a reservation at a hotel near Burnham Park, but as my dad and brother checked the rooms, my dad said nobody could have him lay a finger on those beds. They were dusty and the toilet was rusty. He described the hotel at the grossest way he could. SUPLADO. :)) Good thing my dad cancelled the reservation because we ended up staying in at one of the exclusive hotels in Baguio, The Manor at Camp John Hay. We stayed at the other building, The Suites. It has newer and bigger rooms, but the other amenities such as the spa and the gym were located at The Manor building.

The Hotel's vicinity was perfect for tourists who want a clean and quiet stay at Baguio. If you don't know The Manor Hotel, you probably haven't been to Baguio, or haven't fulfilled your Baguio experience. :>

Since this was my third and most memorable visit to Baguio mainly because I was two and ten during my first two visits, we opted to still visit the usual places visited in Baguio and those that were memorable to us.

Our first stop: Burnham Park. We had our breakfast at The Solibao in front of the park since our reserved rooms were located near the park. It was there that I first fell in love with Baguio flowers. They were everywhere! The happiness you get from seeing them in gardens and parks is incomparable to when you just see them in flower shops. That it is nature that brings forth these natural beauties is what doesn't register to the senses when they're inside malls and shops, arranged and commercialized.

Next stop: in front of our Hotel. hahahaha!! Why go far for shopping when you have stores just meters away from your hotel?!

There were lots of outlet stores (Nike, Adidas, Mango, Sanuks, etc), souvenir shops and restaurants in front of the hotel. The outlet stores had pretty much cheaper prices than regular ones, but the souvenir shops had more expensive items. Bonnets which you can buy 3 for 100 at Mines View were sold at 50 per piece in front of the hotel.

We went around the hotel area and saw some bazaars, but it wasn't what caught our attention. At the back of the hotel was a huge garden where the whole hotel can be seen from. We grabbed the opportunity to change the displayed family picture in our living room. haha!

The weather was really relaxing --sunny and windy.

Then for the second time I suppose I remember, we visited C.I.C.M. seminary where my dad studied back when he was in high school. It was nostalgic for me because I was able to recognize the place even if the last time I happened to be there was almost nine years ago.

(Inasmuch as I would want to add the phrase "back when I was still chubby and fat and short" because I lost a lot of weight throughout those nine years, I could add it no more because I've gained every pound I lost, and because I'm still short. -_-)

My dad posing with my cousin. Gay moments because he's happy. If I don't watch my diet, I think the future is very clear for me. :))

As Noche Buena approached, the temperature decreased. And it was really cozy to be around a huge bonfire for hotel guests. But since almost everyone had just arrived at the hotel, we had the bonfire just for ourselves, 'cause we're cool layk dat. :>

We were literally warmed up for the Noche Buena. And besides the mouth-watering food served at the buffet, what's more endearing is the fact that it was only that moment, after a long time, that we were together as a family celebrating with other families. :)

The hotel food was satisfying, and the hot chocolate was purrfect. Everyone was having their own fun during the night. I think everyone enjoyed Noche Buena as much as we did. :)

That's it for now! I hope everyone had their own moments during Papa Jesus' birthday celebration. ;)

Christmas Wishlist!

'Tis the season to be jolly! And presents make it extra merry! Fa-la-la-la-la~

Christmas Season is in the air and gift-shopping folks are charging up malls and stores wherever we go. And I don't think nobody has made their Christmas wishlist yet! Let's admit it, 'tis the season that gives us that extra think skin and balls to ask for presents from our friends and family. So I've come up with my own set of wishlist, hoping in vain that some saintly reader of my blog would spend from their pockets to buy for me one of the things on my list. Hi friends. :>:>:>

1. Original DVD Copy of My Favorite Movies

For those who don't know, I am a movie person, whether it be mainstream or indie films. I have not yet started on my DVD collection, and receiving a copy of even just one of my favorite movies would be GREATLY appreciated. I also find it difficult to search for copies of the movies I watch. So if somebody gives me Shawshank Redepemption, The Science of Sleep, Jeux d'Enfants, or Pan's Labyrinth, from the bottom of my heart I would kiss and hug you out of sheer gratefulness. Now I know it sounds choosy, but I prefer Original Copies. My keen eyes notice the slightest difference on the quality of the movie, and I make it a point that every movie I watch should be a great experience no matter how sloppy the movie gets.

2. Dog Accessories

My dog is my ultimate baby, and has now become the "Bunso" of the family. My mom never forgets my baby's treats when she's in the grocery, and my dad even goes to Greenbelt to find toys and accessories for him. So I don't mind if people give me gifts for my dog. What's him is mine anyway. :) for those who haven't seen my dog yet...

Additional Photos HERE

3. A Cute Coin Bank

I wonder if this Fanny Bank talks. The "rashes" on one of the buns intrigue me. :D When I was a bit younger, I used to collect coin banks, practically for aesthetic purposes. But since I am to use it for future money collection, having a new coin bank would motivate me in persistent money collection. hahaha

4. Fantasea Line Nikon D60 Underwater Housing

Being new to photography, I want to invest on my photography experience. So why not take it underwater? :>

5. Final Fantasy XIII (PS3)

The last FF I played is FF VIII (PS). I was not even able to finish all the four discs because I thought I was too young to play a complicated love story/RPG. Maybe now's the time to gauge how much maturity I've incurred --that is, maturity in gaming-- since the last time I played this game.

 6. A Fine Planner 

I have never used a planner ever in my life mainly because I find it an extra baggage to write everything on it. It also intimidates me when it dawns on me that everyday of my life is scheduled. I prefer remembering things I have to do by memorizing them than writing it. I'm a lousy and lazy handwrite-r. But due to innumerable tasks and readings to be accomplished, I now try considering the use of it.

7. External Hard Drive

Due to lack of original copies of movies, I resort to torrents. :D and I never thought that it would actually take that much memory on my present external hard drive. Having a new one (with such memory space) would be really really helpful for a movie junkie like me.

8. X-men Headphones (Or any fanciful Headphones for that matter)

And because I envied my blockmate who recently bought a Star Wars Headphones, I kind of wanted one for me, too. :D But since I am an X-men fan, I want mine to be X-men-inspired of course.

9. Children's Bible

I want to be able to read the Holy Bible in a way that it'd be a hands-down read. No matter how intellectual I get from school readings, the Bible is still a hard read for me,  but I don't want it to be the blockage that would stop me from reading it. And since I knew that most of my blockmates started from Children's Bible before reading the "real" bible if I may label it that way, maybe that's what would work for me too. :)

Nobody's too old for a Christmas Wishlist. And if somebody tells me "Ang Pasko ay para sa mga bata," hell I am a kid! Sooooooooo..... any takers of my wishlist? Remember, Santa's watching youuu :>

Nikon Camera Lens Mug

BEHOLD...

It's my newest Camera Lens, the Nikon AF-S 24-70mm f/2.8 G ED! naaaaaaaat. How I wish. :))

That is actually a (real) Nikon lens' replica which you can use for DRINKING! Yes, it's a Camera Lens mug that looks just like the real thing. It's all over Facebook, where I personally knew of it. Good thing an Atenean graduate sells this stuff and does meet-ups inside the campus. Good product, perfect meeting place-- I couldn't say no to getting one for myself!

The mug is a(n almost) carbon copy of this lens:

We all know how much cash you gonna have to spend to buy the real SLR lens, and for amateurs like me who just amuses himself with taking photos, I don't really think buying a camera component as sophisticated as this would be practical and economic. So just to have some disillusionment that I "own" one of these lenses, I decided to buy a much cheaper, deceiving Camera Lens... MUG!

(photo not taken by me)

When I saw this photo on one of my contacts' profile, the kid in me suddenly spewed out. These really look like the real ones, except that you can put water in them, wash them, and throw them in the air without hesitation!!

Prices range from 1200-1700 Pesos per mug, and I've seen some sellers advertising the mugs at a much expensive price. Although it cost me more, I opted to buy the Nikon mug zoomable lens due to personal biases. There are un-zoomable ones, but just to have a bit of animation on my mug, I wanted the one which you can actually do what you do with a real lens-- zoom it!

Mug box

This is the un-zoomed state of the mug

and this is the zoomed one

 Bottom part

Top/Lid of mug

These are some details, on the mug, that resemble really closely the ones on the true lens. 

Another plus side of the mug is the inner steel layer. For a moment, I imagined it having a plastic inner layer. It's scratch-proof and can hold hot beverages.

The mug also comes with a very handy black Nikon mug pouch with a detachable strap.

It's an early Christmas gift for myself, and it just couldn't wait. I'm glad I bought one because it matches my camera perfectly! And although it's pricey, at least I get to experience an exciting disenchantment of having an expensive camera lens. :))

It's a perfect device to trick others that it's a real lens, and turn it into a perfect surprise once you sip your coffee or any drink from it. Just make sure you don't get fooled by your own scheme. You might wash or pour your morning coffee in your real SLR lens, instead of the SLR lens.... mug. :D

Lady Gaga-Paramore mash up: Just Crush Crush Crush

This morning, my blockmate, Myles Cheang (a.k.a. Noel Cheang Heng Quan), lent me his iPod Touch and let me hear this song which I thought I was familiar with. Just hearing the first few beats of the song I could identify it already. But when the singing started, I was amazed that it is a mash up. And to my delight, it is a mash up of two of my favorite artists, Paramore and Lady Gaga. It's such a nice mix of Alternative Rock and Pop music-- a tune you would want to head bang, dance and sing along with all at the same time.


I was figuring out how I'd be able to post the song if ever I ask my blockmate to send me the audio file, but fortunately, I found an already posted copy of the song on Youtube.com. There are a handful versions of the mash up-- maybe amateur attempts of different people-- but this one I found the most perfect mix of both songs. This has been on Youtube since May, but it's my first time a while ago to listen to the song. Props to the maker of this mash up because I like it. :> Hope everyone enjoys this version as well.

Movie Mania: The Shawshank Redemption

In the mood for the probably last movie review for this year, I decided to write one, hours before my sembreak officially ends. I have watched tons and tons of movies for the past three weeks. Having to write decent movie reviews with overlapping plots and twists in memory is, I guess, inexecutable. I simply don't give a dumm. :D

One of the movies I could not forget is The Shawshank Redemption. From the novella written by Stephen King. Rita Hayworth and the Shawshank Redemption, it's one of the few that I have downloaded earlier during the sembreak, but have delayed over and over again because I don't find old movies as fancy as the new ones. With modern brain and eyes that a lot of us have, we don't really get as amused with the idea of watching a 1994 Prison cell-set film as with watching CGI-filled and twisted films that, nowadays, even amateur film directors can produce.

Somewhat, I don't regret the suspensions of my viewing of this film not because it is not worth the watch, but because if I had watched it at an earlier day, my standards for movies would be far above the current set i have (which, I admit, is still fuzzy. I don't set criteria for movies. As long as it satisfies me, then I could probably state that it's a good one), and if that had happened, I wouldn't enjoy the other films I enjoyed before finally deciding to view this. Before watching this movie, I read numerous movie reviews, and was not able to read any unfavorable ones. Still, my appetite for the film wasn't stimulated. But having no other movies to watch, then I decided to turn to this download (oops).

I wasn't even a bit disinterested even for just a minute of the whole movie.

Special Effects: uncheck
CGI: uncheck
Convincing script: check
Character engagement: double check
Plot: triple check

The Shawshank Redemption does not use any bedazzlement to involve the viewers in its story. It has the simplest storyline. Important revelations are thrown out to the audience at a perfect timing. Not just because of that USUAL TWIST of events, but because of your involvement with the character AND the use of the script. Saying that the script is good is a definite understatement. "Everyone in here is innocent." Five words that will bring you to a bit of confusion of belief within the story.

Maybe the disinteresting part of the movie is the fact that it is set inside a prison. We've seen usual conflicts in these confinements: fistfights, prisoner-guard dispute, the escape schemes, and sexual harassment, perhaps? Yes, most of these are in the movie plus many other odd encounters in the prison cell, but why and how they are presented, that's what makes it different. But don't get me wrong. Those cliches aren't the only conflicts you will encounter. In fact, those are just the minor details. The major ones, you have to discover them yourself.

The prison cell idea also gives an impression of manic acting, the one that you expect how bullies act. You imagine rambles here and there, countless blood spills and bruises in numerous scenes. But believe it or not, those stereotypes are the antitheses of the protagonists' features and the movie's asset. Robbins' and Freeman's acting is superb, having the subtleness of a character inside the controversial Shawshank Prison. How they let me invest on their characters' emotions is so effective that I just felt what they felt. It seemed so effortless. Their acting. And come the time of the revelation of the murder, I just didn't care if he was the true murderer or not. How they are inside the prison cell was all that mattered. Being "institutionalized" is what they are best at.

It isn't just a simple movie with a simple story. It's an inspiration. How good it is at being simplistic is also how good it is at inspiring. The movie talks about HOPE, its detriments and its welfare. It's a feel good movie without depending on toilet humor, or humor per se. It's a movie that you just want to keep going and going. Well, of course you want it to end, but how the movie really ends just leaves you yearning for more. Like you want to further discover the lives of the characters. It lasts for more than two hours, and I fell asleep in most movies that last only for an hour and a half. This one, not even one blink I would like to happen, but of course, that's stupid. It's not the excitement or the adventure that keeps you hooked. It's the purity of the acting, the goodness and kindness in a room filled with convicts, their extraordinary deeds, and the adventure within oneself that glue your eyes on the screen.

The Shawshank Redemption is a film that transcends from the screen to the goodness of reality. It's an inspiration to many and should not be left unseen not just because many love it, but most importantly because it is crafted to be loved.