Dear Quarkinator,
Another year is about to end and as per typical blog practice for some, a year-end post is recommended.
This is it.
Bow.
Friday, December 31, 2010
Sunday, December 5, 2010
In remembrance of Bob
Name: Bob
Occupation: ganglion cyst
Approximate Age at death: one year, and two weeks
Residence: Quarkinator's left wrist joint
Date of Death: Sunday, December 5, 2010
Place of Death: Quarkinator's bedroom
Cause of Death: Blunt impact with the use of a wooden paddle
Occupation: ganglion cyst
Approximate Age at death: one year, and two weeks
Residence: Quarkinator's left wrist joint
Date of Death: Sunday, December 5, 2010
Place of Death: Quarkinator's bedroom
Cause of Death: Blunt impact with the use of a wooden paddle
Saturday, November 13, 2010
Dinner Conversation: books and the family
Dad's the only one in the house who hasn't read towers of midnight. While setting places at the table and throughout dinner, the family was discussing the Wheel of Time series (i.e., strongest main cast female light channelers, the Black Tower, Morianne, Mat, etc). Eventually, we shift to Mercedes Lackey. I have yet to read the two latter books of Mage Storms series but I got some information on how it all ended.
Anyway, here's the non-verbatim closing remarks
Pa: Robert Jordan borrowed from a lot of mythologies
Ma: He's very Tolkien
Pa: But did he bring it to a higher level?
Ma: He's like a mix of Tolkien and
Ma and Pa: Mercedes Lackey
Ma: If Jordan, or that guy (Sanderson) ends the series similar to what Lackey did...
-fade-
That part I did not hear that well :p
Also, I think it's cool when my parents finish each others sentences. haha.
That brings up the question. What would it take to be original with literature these days?
Monday, October 25, 2010
Breaking down the 25: (2) A Duality of Nature
Doing this in chronological order is harder than I thought. haha.
Split personality? Not really. I guess this came about primarily because of the voices in my head. Yep.
"There was a base.
Tesla coils surround the perimeter and attack dogs make nightly patrols.
But there was one area of weakness,
it was found out by a bare handful
The chronosphere was eventually triggered
And you, my Tanya, bombed the Construction Yard."
Wut?
See the entire list here: http://quarkinator.blogspot.com/2010/08/list-of-25.html
Split personality? Not really. I guess this came about primarily because of the voices in my head. Yep.
"There was a base.
Tesla coils surround the perimeter and attack dogs make nightly patrols.
But there was one area of weakness,
it was found out by a bare handful
The chronosphere was eventually triggered
And you, my Tanya, bombed the Construction Yard."
Wut?
See the entire list here: http://quarkinator.blogspot.com/2010/08/list-of-25.html
Saturday, October 23, 2010
Sunday, September 26, 2010
2010 Taiwan film fest thoughts
Six days, seven films.
Top picks:
Cape No 7
Yang Yang
Orzboyz!
Chocolate Rap
Day 1: skipped
Day 2:
Our Island Our Dreams (2009): primarily about growing up I guess. Parts of the story felt far too forced. The fist pounding-on-dirt and loud whining of A Jin were ridiculous. The Kinmen scenery was nice to look at, but the romantic side of the main story became rather meh due to the acting. The highlights were the scenes involving Xin Jung's older sister and the drill sergeant stationed there.
Day 3:
Chocolate Rap (2006): b-boys and coming of age.
Cape No 7 (2009): so this is apparently the second highest selling film to date in Taiwan after Titanic. Tis a romantic drama comedy genre I guess. Good for light laughs and the wax poetic letters being read. Loved the music particularly during the flashback scenes with the teacher narrating. The two main characters, Tomoko and Aga, are nice to look at too. :)
Day 4:
Yang Yang (2009): the story revolves around the (cute) Eurasian named Yang Yang and her search for a deeper human connection. It was a fun film and had a decent dose of non-verbal scenes that show a ton of meaning. The characters were well portrayed too.
Fishing Luck (2005): I don't know who wrote the synopsis in the movie schedule but it barely focused on the "Three Musketeers" and how it changed their lives as it was mostly affecting just one of them. There were barely any scenes which depicted the other two members of the trio mentioned. Anyway, there were some clear WTF moments in the film - parts where you'd want to smack the guy for being so indecisive and idiotic - but it was okay overall. It doesn't seem to be the kind of film that would be shown in a film fest though.
Day 5:
Orzboyz! (2008): youth, friendship, escapism. The end bit was nice too.
Day 6: skipped
I intentionally skipped one movie because it had basketball as part of the theme.
Top picks:
Cape No 7
Yang Yang
Orzboyz!
Chocolate Rap
Day 1: skipped
Day 2:
Our Island Our Dreams (2009): primarily about growing up I guess. Parts of the story felt far too forced. The fist pounding-on-dirt and loud whining of A Jin were ridiculous. The Kinmen scenery was nice to look at, but the romantic side of the main story became rather meh due to the acting. The highlights were the scenes involving Xin Jung's older sister and the drill sergeant stationed there.
Day 3:
Chocolate Rap (2006): b-boys and coming of age.
Cape No 7 (2009): so this is apparently the second highest selling film to date in Taiwan after Titanic. Tis a romantic drama comedy genre I guess. Good for light laughs and the wax poetic letters being read. Loved the music particularly during the flashback scenes with the teacher narrating. The two main characters, Tomoko and Aga, are nice to look at too. :)
Day 4:
Yang Yang (2009): the story revolves around the (cute) Eurasian named Yang Yang and her search for a deeper human connection. It was a fun film and had a decent dose of non-verbal scenes that show a ton of meaning. The characters were well portrayed too.
Fishing Luck (2005): I don't know who wrote the synopsis in the movie schedule but it barely focused on the "Three Musketeers" and how it changed their lives as it was mostly affecting just one of them. There were barely any scenes which depicted the other two members of the trio mentioned. Anyway, there were some clear WTF moments in the film - parts where you'd want to smack the guy for being so indecisive and idiotic - but it was okay overall. It doesn't seem to be the kind of film that would be shown in a film fest though.
Day 5:
Orzboyz! (2008): youth, friendship, escapism. The end bit was nice too.
Day 6: skipped
I intentionally skipped one movie because it had basketball as part of the theme.
Saturday, September 25, 2010
Being cruised
"Nandito ako para manood ng cine at hindi imolestya."
There are some people who have pet peeves when it comes to watching movies. I don't like people nudging my elbow-and I usually just place my elbows-on the shared armrest. Guess I can now add being restroom cruised into that list. It was day 3 of Cine Europa, I got too engrossed with what I was reading at Powerbooks that I missed a few minutes of the movie. Since I couldn't find a nearby seat when I entered, I decided to just watch from the corridor. I've done this before at previous film fests. Chalk it up to me being too lazy to find a seat. :p
A few minutes of being settled, I decided to go to the restroom to take a leak. I finished, washed and went back to my spot. The guy who had used the urinal beside me apparently had his own ideas.
I had just settled at my spot when I noticed him beside me. He looked at me for a second before going back to wherever he was seated. Looking back, he probably did not make his move then as mall security was right in front of us and watching the movie from the corridor as well. Eventually the guard leaves and he shows up again. He advises me that there are some free seats there and I replied that I was okay where I was. He introduced himself and I guess he may have interpreted my courtesy as a sign of interest. The lingering hand shake was a fucking red flag, but the whispered invite from afar to follow him sealed the deal.
I was not about to skip a movie that I lined up for, free though it may be, just to get my rocks off. I waved him away from afar and ignored him before turning back to face the screen. In hindsight, he probably did not see me gesture due to the lighting. Anyway, I feel something touching my crotch, and I didn't have to look beside me to know who was doing it. I immediately move away from him to place a gap between us the second I felt it. You would think that my reaction would be a clear indication to leave me alone, but he had the guts to ask me where I lived, and if it would be okay if he followed me home. I shook my head no and he asks me how old I am.
"Nandito ako para manood ng cine at hindi imolestya." (I'm here to watch a movie and not get molested) Yeah, I said that. My brain is trying to register it right now too. It sounds like some random line from a local tv soap. Regardless, it did the trick and he immediately left me alone. I tried to watch the movie again from the same spot but the events that transpired ruined it for me so I eventually checked the front row to see if there were free seats. There were two vacant ones now so I took my pick and refocused on the film.
What did I feel during the event that transpired? Annoyance. Most distractions during movie watching are quite annoying don't you think? It doesn't matter if the person who did it was a guy or a girl, I would have said no; however, I won't deny getting a minor ego boost at someone making a pass at me. That is part of how we are wired methinks.
There are some people who have pet peeves when it comes to watching movies. I don't like people nudging my elbow-and I usually just place my elbows-on the shared armrest. Guess I can now add being restroom cruised into that list. It was day 3 of Cine Europa, I got too engrossed with what I was reading at Powerbooks that I missed a few minutes of the movie. Since I couldn't find a nearby seat when I entered, I decided to just watch from the corridor. I've done this before at previous film fests. Chalk it up to me being too lazy to find a seat. :p
A few minutes of being settled, I decided to go to the restroom to take a leak. I finished, washed and went back to my spot. The guy who had used the urinal beside me apparently had his own ideas.
I had just settled at my spot when I noticed him beside me. He looked at me for a second before going back to wherever he was seated. Looking back, he probably did not make his move then as mall security was right in front of us and watching the movie from the corridor as well. Eventually the guard leaves and he shows up again. He advises me that there are some free seats there and I replied that I was okay where I was. He introduced himself and I guess he may have interpreted my courtesy as a sign of interest. The lingering hand shake was a fucking red flag, but the whispered invite from afar to follow him sealed the deal.
I was not about to skip a movie that I lined up for, free though it may be, just to get my rocks off. I waved him away from afar and ignored him before turning back to face the screen. In hindsight, he probably did not see me gesture due to the lighting. Anyway, I feel something touching my crotch, and I didn't have to look beside me to know who was doing it. I immediately move away from him to place a gap between us the second I felt it. You would think that my reaction would be a clear indication to leave me alone, but he had the guts to ask me where I lived, and if it would be okay if he followed me home. I shook my head no and he asks me how old I am.
"Nandito ako para manood ng cine at hindi imolestya." (I'm here to watch a movie and not get molested) Yeah, I said that. My brain is trying to register it right now too. It sounds like some random line from a local tv soap. Regardless, it did the trick and he immediately left me alone. I tried to watch the movie again from the same spot but the events that transpired ruined it for me so I eventually checked the front row to see if there were free seats. There were two vacant ones now so I took my pick and refocused on the film.
What did I feel during the event that transpired? Annoyance. Most distractions during movie watching are quite annoying don't you think? It doesn't matter if the person who did it was a guy or a girl, I would have said no; however, I won't deny getting a minor ego boost at someone making a pass at me. That is part of how we are wired methinks.
The Cine Europa 13 Experience
20 something European films, 10 days. Major limiting factor: work weeks. hahaha.
Festival Top 3 Favorites:
Vratne' Lahve "Empties" (Czech Republic)
Hannahannah (The Netherlands)
Philantropique "Philantrophy" (Romania)
Day 1:
Favorite of the day
Vratne' Lahve "Empties" (Czech Republic) - It's a story of a 65 year old man in a turning 40 year marriage. The Czech Republic seems to always deliver during the festival. The movies I've seen from them deliver a balanced dose of humor, drama and self-realizations. The guy who played the main lead was also the same guy in Kolya, one of my favorites in a previous Cine Europa show.
Other films watched:
Svetat E Golyam I Spasenje Debne Obtysyakada "The World is Big & Salvation Lurks around the Corner" (Bulgaria) - A 20 something year old trying to remember his past after an accident. I Loved the use of backgammon in the film. It makes me want to play again. :)
Frygtelig Lykkelig "Terribly Happy" (Denmark) - A police officer is assigned to a small town with dark secrets. Learned a new greeting: Moijn.
Kielletty Hedelma "Forbidden Fruit" (Finland) - Two women from a very conservative Christian sect go to the big city. I sympathize with and relate to the character named Toni.
Day 2:
Favorite of the day
El Greco (Greece) - the story of a famous painter dubbed as El Greco as he was from Crete. He left the island and moved to Venice and eventually settled in Spain. I recognized some of the paintings. The grand inquisitor role was nicely played. Also, beards.
Other films watched:
Tout Est Pardonne' "All is Forgotten" (France) - the plot revolves around a family initially from the point of view of the drug-addicted father then ending with the point of view of the daughter 11 years after. A bit dragging but still okay. The daughter and her friend, during the 11 years after part, were cute.
Der Rauber "Der Rauber" (Germany/Austria) - a thief trains for marathons and wins them but cannot let go of robbing banks. It has a couple of fun scenes.
Mio fratello e' figlio unico "My Brother is an Only Child" (Italy) - I might be off but I think the story was about the search of Accio of a belief system that fit him. He first started from a life in the seminary. He leaves to return home then becomes a Facist and eventually pursues Communism. It also revolves around sibling interactions and the journey of self-realization of Accio. It dragged like hell sometimes, which is something I've noticed from most of the Italian films I've seen in Cine Europa.
Day 3:
Favorite of the day
Philantropique "Philantrophy" (Romania) - twas about organized begging and other scams mostly from the perspective of a struggling newbie writer. The movie originally to be played was Mircea but it freeze framed a lot like a scratched up pirated dvd copy so the staff decided to replace it with something else. It has a lot of enjoyable scenes.
Other films watched:
Hannahannah (The Netherlands) - a one night stand turns into a potential long term relationship for Hannah. I loved the film especially for the small tidbits provided by Hannah's parents in their video to the entire family. It was about thier experiences being part of a 40 year marriage and their advise to their children.
Pokoj V Dusi "Soul at Peace" (Slovenia) - I honestly forgot about this film. I guess it just did not stand out for me. It was about some guy trying to make ends meet after being released from prison for poaching.
El Abuelo "The Grandfather" (Spain) - nice film about an old man trying to find a way to live the rest of his life and making a lot of spitfire statements along the way to various parties. I liked it primarily for the banter/insults thrown by the lead character.
Festival Top 3 Favorites:
Vratne' Lahve "Empties" (Czech Republic)
Hannahannah (The Netherlands)
Philantropique "Philantrophy" (Romania)
Day 1:
Favorite of the day
Vratne' Lahve "Empties" (Czech Republic) - It's a story of a 65 year old man in a turning 40 year marriage. The Czech Republic seems to always deliver during the festival. The movies I've seen from them deliver a balanced dose of humor, drama and self-realizations. The guy who played the main lead was also the same guy in Kolya, one of my favorites in a previous Cine Europa show.
Other films watched:
Svetat E Golyam I Spasenje Debne Obtysyakada "The World is Big & Salvation Lurks around the Corner" (Bulgaria) - A 20 something year old trying to remember his past after an accident. I Loved the use of backgammon in the film. It makes me want to play again. :)
Frygtelig Lykkelig "Terribly Happy" (Denmark) - A police officer is assigned to a small town with dark secrets. Learned a new greeting: Moijn.
Kielletty Hedelma "Forbidden Fruit" (Finland) - Two women from a very conservative Christian sect go to the big city. I sympathize with and relate to the character named Toni.
Day 2:
Favorite of the day
El Greco (Greece) - the story of a famous painter dubbed as El Greco as he was from Crete. He left the island and moved to Venice and eventually settled in Spain. I recognized some of the paintings. The grand inquisitor role was nicely played. Also, beards.
Other films watched:
Tout Est Pardonne' "All is Forgotten" (France) - the plot revolves around a family initially from the point of view of the drug-addicted father then ending with the point of view of the daughter 11 years after. A bit dragging but still okay. The daughter and her friend, during the 11 years after part, were cute.
Der Rauber "Der Rauber" (Germany/Austria) - a thief trains for marathons and wins them but cannot let go of robbing banks. It has a couple of fun scenes.
Mio fratello e' figlio unico "My Brother is an Only Child" (Italy) - I might be off but I think the story was about the search of Accio of a belief system that fit him. He first started from a life in the seminary. He leaves to return home then becomes a Facist and eventually pursues Communism. It also revolves around sibling interactions and the journey of self-realization of Accio. It dragged like hell sometimes, which is something I've noticed from most of the Italian films I've seen in Cine Europa.
Day 3:
Favorite of the day
Philantropique "Philantrophy" (Romania) - twas about organized begging and other scams mostly from the perspective of a struggling newbie writer. The movie originally to be played was Mircea but it freeze framed a lot like a scratched up pirated dvd copy so the staff decided to replace it with something else. It has a lot of enjoyable scenes.
Other films watched:
Hannahannah (The Netherlands) - a one night stand turns into a potential long term relationship for Hannah. I loved the film especially for the small tidbits provided by Hannah's parents in their video to the entire family. It was about thier experiences being part of a 40 year marriage and their advise to their children.
Pokoj V Dusi "Soul at Peace" (Slovenia) - I honestly forgot about this film. I guess it just did not stand out for me. It was about some guy trying to make ends meet after being released from prison for poaching.
El Abuelo "The Grandfather" (Spain) - nice film about an old man trying to find a way to live the rest of his life and making a lot of spitfire statements along the way to various parties. I liked it primarily for the banter/insults thrown by the lead character.
Monday, August 30, 2010
Breaking down the 25: (1) A strong support group
Hello and welcome to another attempt at blogging regularly again. This time I will go for topics based on what was listed in my previous post.
See the entire list here: http://quarkinator.blogspot.com/2010/08/list-of-25.html
(1) A strong support group
I. Family
I think I was lucky enough not to have parents that were too strict with me. They still set limitations and doled out punishments when needed but I think I had more freedom compared to some of the people I know.
They're very supportive and act more as a recommending body with veto powers than a totalitarian regime.
I remember this one time that I got drunk and my coworker had me call them up. Mom picked up and the first words out of my mouth were along the lines of "Mom, I'm drunk. I'm staying over at a friend's place." I could completely imagine the humor in her eyes and in a friendly, knowing tone, she said okay. The day after, I get back home to the grins of two adults and was regaled with some similar stories from their early years.
All in all, I don't think I had any major problems with my family.
II. Friends
We all have a core group methinks; that certain mix of people that you relay practically everything there is about your life. I think I found that group in college. As we grow older, I'm pretty much aware that we may drift apart considering my lack of initiating communications with them, but we're still relatively tight as of now. There are parts of my life that they know about that my family doesn't, and the same holds true in reverse in as much as my core group doesn't know everything there is about my family history.
I sometimes wonder if the core group will ever expand.
So here I am at 25 and close to a month years old. I ramble online and try not to get too stressed at work these days. I've got good foundations with the people I care most about and here's to hoping that they'll always stab me in the front as per Oscar Wilde's conjecture.
See the entire list here: http://quarkinator.blogspot.com/2010/08/list-of-25.html
(1) A strong support group
I. Family
I think I was lucky enough not to have parents that were too strict with me. They still set limitations and doled out punishments when needed but I think I had more freedom compared to some of the people I know.
They're very supportive and act more as a recommending body with veto powers than a totalitarian regime.
I remember this one time that I got drunk and my coworker had me call them up. Mom picked up and the first words out of my mouth were along the lines of "Mom, I'm drunk. I'm staying over at a friend's place." I could completely imagine the humor in her eyes and in a friendly, knowing tone, she said okay. The day after, I get back home to the grins of two adults and was regaled with some similar stories from their early years.
All in all, I don't think I had any major problems with my family.
II. Friends
We all have a core group methinks; that certain mix of people that you relay practically everything there is about your life. I think I found that group in college. As we grow older, I'm pretty much aware that we may drift apart considering my lack of initiating communications with them, but we're still relatively tight as of now. There are parts of my life that they know about that my family doesn't, and the same holds true in reverse in as much as my core group doesn't know everything there is about my family history.
I sometimes wonder if the core group will ever expand.
So here I am at 25 and close to a month years old. I ramble online and try not to get too stressed at work these days. I've got good foundations with the people I care most about and here's to hoping that they'll always stab me in the front as per Oscar Wilde's conjecture.
Friday, August 6, 2010
A List of 25
Dear self,
Please see attached list for your quarter life reference. Please be advised that while some things may already be set in stone, a few adjustments with a chisel can still be made.
Please see attached list for your quarter life reference. Please be advised that while some things may already be set in stone, a few adjustments with a chisel can still be made.
- A strong support group
- A duality of nature
- A thousand musings left unsaid
- A few key things said wrongly
- A sense of losing who you are
- A reflection of what should be
- An acceptance of a world beyond full control
- A maturity that came too soon
- Moxie
- The power of silence
- An appreciation for my key mentors
- Interpersonal growth
- A blind spot to work on
- Slices of pizza
- Cuddling
- Knowing shortcomings
- Movie marathons
- Sid Meier
- Stuck in a moment
- Thousands of books
- Contentment with what is already there
- A stretched budget
- INTJ
- Hair loss
- Life, love and the pursuit of the things I want to be
Monday, July 5, 2010
Eiga sai 2010 (Japanese Film Fest)
The 2010 Japanese Film Fest was held at Shangri-la Mall from July 2 to July 11, 2010. All movies were subtitled English. Succeeding screenings will be in Davao, Cebu and UP Film Institute starting July 23, August 3 and August 18 respectively.
I managed to watch 5 of the 10 films listed. They are listed below by order of preference.
I managed to watch 5 of the 10 films listed. They are listed below by order of preference.
- Megane (Glasses): It felt a bit offbeat but was a fun show nevertheless. It was an escape to a place of self-reflection from my perspective of what was shown. I want to try the Merci exercises. hahaha. Click for link to trailer.
- Houtai krabu (The bandage club): A teen comedy/drama film apparently based on a book according to the movie schedule provided. The concept of bandaging a location where a person felt emotional/physical injury may feel, as Tempo raised, ridiculous (not to mention, an act of vandalism) but the act of kindness for a stranger makes it a worthwhile endeavor. Each member finds healing of their own personal injuries over the course of helping others with their bandage requests.Lastly, the characters of Wara, Risuki and Gimo were cute.
- Soredemo boku wa yatte nai (I just didn't do it): A look into the judicial system of Japan particularly with regard to the treatment of gropers. The film shows that accused gropers who plead innocent go through a long process of investigations and hearings. Groping cases have a 99% conviction rate and we are given the perspective of an accused who insists that he is innocent. The film presents the events that may occur over the course of one year, from forced confessions and judges acting as prosecutors.
- Kafka Inaka isha (Frantz Kafka’s a country doctor): This is probably a film that requires repeated viewings to fully appreciate. The imagery was interesting, but half the time I was wondering how someone on drugs would interpret it.
- Miyori no mori (Miyori in the sacred forest): FernGully-ish.
Sunday, June 13, 2010
2010 French Film Festival: Final Tally
I managed to watch 10 out of a possible 12 films. I'm pretty sure that some of the regular senior citizens completed all 12. :)
The last two films I watched today were L' Heure d' ete' (Summer Hours) and L' Imortel (22 Bullets). I think it was a good way to end the festival as they were rather light, theme-wise, compared to the others I saw earlier. I'll probably remember 22 Bullets due to the fact that it was a violent action film with Jean Reno. Summer Hours, on the other hand, will probably be memorable to me because of an eye candy cast member.
Favorite Films for this festival:
Welcome and La Graine et le Mulet.
Side note:
The last two films I watched today were L' Heure d' ete' (Summer Hours) and L' Imortel (22 Bullets). I think it was a good way to end the festival as they were rather light, theme-wise, compared to the others I saw earlier. I'll probably remember 22 Bullets due to the fact that it was a violent action film with Jean Reno. Summer Hours, on the other hand, will probably be memorable to me because of an eye candy cast member.
Favorite Films for this festival:
Welcome and La Graine et le Mulet.
Side note:
- The Ip Man 2 trailer looks interesting. I think I saw a bit of the movie while going home on the bus a few weeks back. Sammo Hong versus Donnie Yen on a table equals awesomeness.
- Japanese Film fest at Shangri-la Mall starts next month. ^_^
Saturday, June 12, 2010
Day 10: Brilliante Mendoza's Lola
as seen during day 10 of the French Film Festival @Shang.
Yay:
- Mandaluyong City.
- Grandma lying and cheating to get her grandson out of jail.
- No over-dramatics.
- Subtleties with regard to Mateo's stance of being imprisoned, and the foreigners' discussion while riding the PNR.
Meh:
- Themes were not that interesting for me; it might be to others though.
- Mateo looked rather clean cut compared to the other inmates he was with.
- No subtitles.
Boo:
- None.
Other stuff:
- Mendoza was there and gave a short speech.
Yay:
- Mandaluyong City.
- Grandma lying and cheating to get her grandson out of jail.
- No over-dramatics.
- Subtleties with regard to Mateo's stance of being imprisoned, and the foreigners' discussion while riding the PNR.
Meh:
- Themes were not that interesting for me; it might be to others though.
- Mateo looked rather clean cut compared to the other inmates he was with.
- No subtitles.
Boo:
- None.
Other stuff:
- Mendoza was there and gave a short speech.
Sunday, June 6, 2010
Day 4: Of Grains and Knees
Day 4 of the French film festival@Shangri-la Mall. Only got to watch Le Genou De Claire (Claire's Knee) and La Graine et le Mulet (Secret of the Grain) which brings my total to 7 out of 12 films.
I wasn't able to watch L’Heure d’été (Summer Hours) as there were no tickets left for the show.
Both films were enjoyable, but I'm tired of watching the same 10+ trailers every showtime. In no particular order:
Le Genou De Claire: I think Aurora was kickass. The actress playing Claire was cute.
La Graine et le Mulet: Good film. It has a nice build-up and makes you root for the characters. Showed Murphy's Law in action. Includes a belly dancing scene near the end. Family drama.
I wasn't able to watch L’Heure d’été (Summer Hours) as there were no tickets left for the show.
Both films were enjoyable, but I'm tired of watching the same 10+ trailers every showtime. In no particular order:
- The Last Airbender <= yay
- The Sorcerer's Apprentice <= 50-50 on this one
- Guardians of Ga'hoole
- Despicable Me <= mebbe watching
- Chloe <= curious
- Letters to Juliet <= how many movies does she have this year?
- The Hole (in 3D)
- Twilight: Eclipse <= DIAFF
- Toy Story 3
- Karate Kid <= Jack-ET off. That's what she said.
- Knight and Day
Le Genou De Claire: I think Aurora was kickass. The actress playing Claire was cute.
La Graine et le Mulet: Good film. It has a nice build-up and makes you root for the characters. Showed Murphy's Law in action. Includes a belly dancing scene near the end. Family drama.
Saturday, June 5, 2010
And then there were seven
Day 3 of the French Film Festival@Shangri-la Mall.
Watched four films:
La Fille du RER: Twas okay. BF of lead character looked like a cast member of Grey's Anatomy.
Le Premier Venu: I kinda fell asleep for a few minutes on this one. It did make me think that this was probably what Facebook's "It's Complicated" would be like. Cute lead; reminded me a bit of Milla Jovovich with short hair.
Welcome: First fave of those I've seen so far. Presents immigration, culture, drive, and relationships as major focus points.
Dans La Vie: Another good one I'd recommend. Topic focuses on people getting along despite religious backgrounds (Jews and Arabs).
Other things that may be of interest:
1) Free Selecta ice cream (Almond Chocolate something or Coffee whats-its)
2) Audience eye candy. Yep.
Watched four films:
La Fille du RER: Twas okay. BF of lead character looked like a cast member of Grey's Anatomy.
Le Premier Venu: I kinda fell asleep for a few minutes on this one. It did make me think that this was probably what Facebook's "It's Complicated" would be like. Cute lead; reminded me a bit of Milla Jovovich with short hair.
Welcome: First fave of those I've seen so far. Presents immigration, culture, drive, and relationships as major focus points.
Dans La Vie: Another good one I'd recommend. Topic focuses on people getting along despite religious backgrounds (Jews and Arabs).
Other things that may be of interest:
1) Free Selecta ice cream (Almond Chocolate something or Coffee whats-its)
2) Audience eye candy. Yep.
Friday, June 4, 2010
Family Planning Clinic = stressful job
Day 2 of French film festival at Shangri-la Mall.
Movie watched: Les Bureaux de Dieu (God's Offices)
It was a good movie. It basically showed interviews between the clinic staff and the patients they get, as well as some of a clinic's day to day operations. The film states that the stories were based on selected anecdotes from real cases encountered in family planning/contraceptive clinics in France from the year 2000 to 2007.
It really isn't the type of movie for those who are looking for heavy drama or laughs but there are some funny moments. There were a number of people who left the theater so it may have either offended their sensibilities, or they found it boring. I'd recommend the film for those people, particularly women, who may want to have a glimpse of how these clinics work, and who may be interested in the types of questions received.
Day 3, and the first film for tomorrow will be in around 12 hours as of this posting.
By the way, the grandma who was first in line to go in the theater rawks.
Movie watched: Les Bureaux de Dieu (God's Offices)
It was a good movie. It basically showed interviews between the clinic staff and the patients they get, as well as some of a clinic's day to day operations. The film states that the stories were based on selected anecdotes from real cases encountered in family planning/contraceptive clinics in France from the year 2000 to 2007.
It really isn't the type of movie for those who are looking for heavy drama or laughs but there are some funny moments. There were a number of people who left the theater so it may have either offended their sensibilities, or they found it boring. I'd recommend the film for those people, particularly women, who may want to have a glimpse of how these clinics work, and who may be interested in the types of questions received.
Day 3, and the first film for tomorrow will be in around 12 hours as of this posting.
By the way, the grandma who was first in line to go in the theater rawks.
Sunday, May 23, 2010
A Reflection of sorts
My quarter life celebration will be coming up in a few months time. The celebration of 25 years of living. In some ways I think I may have grown up too fast even though I have not gone through the levels of hardships undergone by some of my peers.
To the outside, I think my life would be considered average. Most of the drama occurred during the youthful days of my parents and grandparents and I'm glad for it. I guess one common thing that we all do go through regardless of social background is the realization of self-acceptance.
At the end of the day, we have to rely on ourselves. Our support groups are there to reinforce us but they can only do so much. Who we are, what we believe in and how we present ourselves is ultimately our hand to deal. Internalized dialogues. Shakespearean soliloquies shouted down a chasm of all things banal yet confusingly not so. Determining your place in the world is a work in progress; as is life, as is love, as is every blink of a stranger's eye that goes your way.
To the outside, I think my life would be considered average. Most of the drama occurred during the youthful days of my parents and grandparents and I'm glad for it. I guess one common thing that we all do go through regardless of social background is the realization of self-acceptance.
At the end of the day, we have to rely on ourselves. Our support groups are there to reinforce us but they can only do so much. Who we are, what we believe in and how we present ourselves is ultimately our hand to deal. Internalized dialogues. Shakespearean soliloquies shouted down a chasm of all things banal yet confusingly not so. Determining your place in the world is a work in progress; as is life, as is love, as is every blink of a stranger's eye that goes your way.
Monday, May 3, 2010
Food encounters: Expectation
There is a burger in the fridge
A one pounder cut in fourths
PHP 60
Almost fully beef
Please don't disappoint me
A one pounder cut in fourths
PHP 60
Almost fully beef
Please don't disappoint me
Thursday, April 29, 2010
A Reflection on a day of December 2009
I liked that day. It was one of the main highlights of the year for me. It was the last day of work for the year and it was a day where I'd watch Avatar with someone that I fancied. I guess I'm thankful for movies with long running times. A little piece of happiness at home from a year of difficulties of working abroad.
Sadly, it didn't work out with that someone. I still lay claim to the memory of that day though. You were a learning experience.
Mom once stated that the chorus to I Remember the Boy (Joey Albert and covered by Lea Salonga) was inaccurate. In time, you won't remember the boy but you remember the feelings of that event. So thanks for the feeling who ever you are. :)
Sadly, it didn't work out with that someone. I still lay claim to the memory of that day though. You were a learning experience.
Mom once stated that the chorus to I Remember the Boy (Joey Albert and covered by Lea Salonga) was inaccurate. In time, you won't remember the boy but you remember the feelings of that event. So thanks for the feeling who ever you are. :)
Friday, March 26, 2010
For the Graduates
You are there in that light of lights
A step towards the rest of your life
Hunt or be hunted, bum it up if you want to
Your choices by now shall be your own
Never forget those lessons learned
The first of struggle, the first of redemption, the first of failure
You are more than just grades on paper
A step towards the rest of your life
Hunt or be hunted, bum it up if you want to
Your choices by now shall be your own
Never forget those lessons learned
The first of struggle, the first of redemption, the first of failure
You are more than just grades on paper
Monday, March 1, 2010
A crab, a seagull, a flounder
You're like a Disney princess
It is a double edged sword
But who cares, no big deal, you want moooore
Here the waves have parted
Subtlety has been damned by the naked sand
Your goals lie half drowned by the shore
Your actual ending was to be sea foam
The morals somewhat altered from the core
But what harm is there in trying
To exist is to eventually be no more
It is a double edged sword
But who cares, no big deal, you want moooore
Here the waves have parted
Subtlety has been damned by the naked sand
Your goals lie half drowned by the shore
Your actual ending was to be sea foam
The morals somewhat altered from the core
But what harm is there in trying
To exist is to eventually be no more
Sunday, February 21, 2010
4D6 minus 2
I'd stop doing side quests if you told me to
But we both know that would be unfair since you cannot leave town
Those less than threes were never uttered
Were we but tangents in our life, I wonder
A chance encounter never to be repeated by an RNG
A unique drop in a one way dungeon
But my plot still advances and so does yours
I rush into levels and button mash hordes
Forwarding cut scenes to reach to the end
Or maybe I should just stop playing this game
And tell you what I see in you
Which addiction is harder to let go?
But we both know that would be unfair since you cannot leave town
Those less than threes were never uttered
Were we but tangents in our life, I wonder
A chance encounter never to be repeated by an RNG
A unique drop in a one way dungeon
But my plot still advances and so does yours
I rush into levels and button mash hordes
Forwarding cut scenes to reach to the end
Or maybe I should just stop playing this game
And tell you what I see in you
Which addiction is harder to let go?
Sunday, February 7, 2010
"Artist"
Photoshopped beyond repair
A trail of soot surrounds each footstep
Never the mirror image you desire
A trail of soot surrounds each footstep
Never the mirror image you desire
Saturday, January 23, 2010
Tactless
You clicked
I clicked
I thought
I sent
You replied
I followed-up
You stabbed
I tried to apologize/clarify
But was blocked
I moved on
I clicked
I thought
I sent
You replied
I followed-up
You stabbed
I tried to apologize/clarify
But was blocked
I moved on
Sunday, January 17, 2010
People through song:
(Click the above title to view the actual songs that were linked)
The first:
The first:
The rebound/lie:
The flings:
The tease:
The aid to self-realization:
The potential second:
Will be shared once it happens.
Sunday, January 3, 2010
Mind music
It started with an F chord
Those notes slashed his eardrums amidst the darkness
A welcome twinge nods his mind's eye
And so he begins to play
His fingers gliding slowly upon the keys in front of him as he rides the music in his mind
Soon, all tentativeness is gone and it goes into a crescendo
And his hands struggle with finding the proper sounds echoing inside of him
Silence quickly covers the room
"Time for dinner," says a somewhat distant voice
"The world moves on without you"
Those notes slashed his eardrums amidst the darkness
A welcome twinge nods his mind's eye
And so he begins to play
His fingers gliding slowly upon the keys in front of him as he rides the music in his mind
Soon, all tentativeness is gone and it goes into a crescendo
And his hands struggle with finding the proper sounds echoing inside of him
Silence quickly covers the room
"Time for dinner," says a somewhat distant voice
"The world moves on without you"
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