This is a Sade classic. I didn't know that the vid is like a mini movie of a man who is an incorrigible playboy. Again, this is one of those songs that hits close to home but what the heck? Sade's got one of those coolest jazzy voice there is!

Lovingly dedicated to that incorrigible playboy. Heaven help you, when you fall...

Let the chase begin...

     I ended up skipping work today.  Not because a lazy bone overpowered me and dragged me back to my bed, but my hormones finally took its toll on me, after a two month hibernation, on early Sunday morning[BFF's bday, of all days!! Happy Birthday, choy!!:P], which kept me bedridden 'til late morning.  The worst part is, I was unexpectedly infected by this plague my sibs have been suffering from for the past weeks.  I read and it has never been mentioned that it is airborne or something.  I never thought I would have it, since I have never had it and they always do, but here I am nursing a practically swollen left thigh since Thursday.  It got worse and worse until together with my hormones, kept me bedridden. It even hurts to walk.  Like every time I get up, I would suddenly feel blood rushing through my left thigh that I limp from pain whenever I try to walk a step or two...and then feel something wet on my behind thereafter.  I think it would be best if I don't elaborate further, but all I can say is, they go hand in hand with my hormones for two days now.  I just hope it doesn't get worse because the last thing I want to happen is to run out of blood...and that's all I can say for now!
      And man!  This is definitely as bad as a heartache!!  The only consolation in this kind of pain is that drugs and alcohol can really ease the pain until it is gone in another day or two.  Whereas the heartache, well...this is best left as it is in this entry!  No more sadder thoughts from now on!!:)
     As much as I want to spend this day in bed studying, I suddenly found myself bringing the laptop to my parents' bedroom surfing and ogling about this guy, who is figuratively giving me nosebleeds recently!!  If those funny Japanese expression on *ehem* perversion is real, I would've probably been bloodless now...even before these bloody nevermind came to me!!

     To all girls out there, I think you now know what I mean, right?xD  But seriously, this guy is literally more than just a pretty face.  And that is another entry to write about, so stay tuned!!

     Four years ago today, I found myself wandering around tall buildings and hi-tech elevators of Makati.  It was our first day of training.  Working away from home has never been in my plan--at least, not that soon.  But there I was surrounded by future officemates trying to neutralize our accent to sound a bit like an American over the phone.  What I didn't expect was these folks, whom I also hesitated to be close with [because I didn't want to stay long in the big city in the first place], ended up being one of those best colleagues I've ever had by far.  Despite my disposition..and despite what I went through there, working with them was one of those memories that I will forever treasure.  Those drinking mornings were absolutely unforgettable.  It was with them that I experienced drinking beer for dessert at 7 a.m., and get drunk before lunch time arrives.  It was with them that I experienced working without getting practically a wink of sleep because I went out some place with them, usually drinking.  It was with them that I experienced smoking 1 pack a day, especially during a drinking session.  And most of all, it was with them that I experienced looking forward to another working day because I knew there was an exciting aftershift drinking session in store for us.  Our separation was one of those painful things we had to experience, but I am grateful that that didn't stop us from still drinking together and still keeping in touch.  No matter where we are now, or what career path we are pursuing, here we are still making a point to know how each of us are faring--or in this case, if we are still drinking beer after work[hehehe!].  I do hope that one of these days, before each of us get too busy with career, or family even, we would be able to meet again and drink like we just did in Top and Table and Brown Paper Bag...
     There are times indeed that I think, maybe wish on the side, that I still insisted on declining that job offer and stayed home and work here.  But, as what a dear friend told me [who happens to be one of them], "...kung sinunod ko siguro payo ni erpat, walang SITEL...di ko maeexperience yun." 
      And I looked at him and smiled in agreement.

This review may sound biased, especially if it would be revealed how I was able to come across this film--or rather, who recommended the film to me. To be quite honest, I didn't immediately research about the film, even though the plot got me a bit interested, all because of that fear of "sounding" biased, whatever that means now.:P But, upon seeing the movie's trailer on You Tube, I immediately looked for a link where I can possibly download the movie and watch it in the comforts of my bed[thanks to iPod Touch for this.:)].

And before I get bombarded with paperworks both from work and school, I took the opportunity to stay up late to watch the movie. I would have to say, this is one of those films that its beginning piqued my interest already. That when Emma Thompson (the narrator) said her first line, I already uttered that this is a masterpiece. A literary masterpiece, at that. The opening line is just sooo good that I, for the nth time in my "literary life," belittled my capabilities of being a writer. Of course, that didn't stop me from watching the film. I also wanted to know how the story would go. Let's not also forget the fact that the line up of actors is something to look forward to on this film. I mean, Will Ferrell doing drama? That is something new!

Okay, back to the storyline first. I was basically captivated by the entire concept itself. I could barely put my iPod down during the entire film, which is actually a rare thing for me. I can only count a few films that enthralled me in that same manner. Anyway, aside from its narrative style and choices of words, the plot is also very extraordinary. I really wasn't able to predict the outcome of the story right. In fact, I even forgot to consider that the story might end with a happy ending because I am so engrossed on the thought that the writer [also played by Emma Thompson] is so into tragic endings, especially death. I am also even engrossed on the story's pace that the emotions both the writer and her character expend in the film's climax is just so moving. It made me empathize to both of them because there is this character willing to sacrifice for the sake of a literary masterpiece to come to...well, publication, and the writer's struggle whether to push through with the ending or not, especially upon knowing that her character is not a fictional character after all. Of course, let us not also forget the writer's struggle to conquer "writer's block." Some writers reckon that there is no such thing as "writer's block," because if you are a good writer, a passionate one, at that, you will just be writing everything away anyway. But based on this film, I would have to say that the "writer's block" that is being referred to here is the momentum the writer is searching for, and at the same time, the pursuit of finding the perfect ending of the story--or, in this film's case, finding the perfect death of her main character.

As far is cinematography is concerned [ I opted not to elaborate on the story because the last thing that I wanted to happen is to be strangled because of spoilers!], the concept is indeed simple. Even its visual effects are so simple, yet fitting to the film's concept. I just love it. There are also shots that even if the background is plain, the shots convey, or let's say, magnifies the emotion of the character focused on that certain part of the film. The houses/apartments featured in the film are a combination of modern design and a little bit of 70s-80s feel. I believe the combination brought colors and life to the film more or less.

And finally, let us not forget the soundtrack. I checked online who are the artists behind the songs in the film. To be honest, I really have no idea who they are, but with what I heard on this film, I believe the band...much more the soundtrack, is worth checking out. Like the film's setting, the songs also have a mixture of modern and a little bit of old school rock, particularly the guitar riffs. Raw to the highest level! yebbah!!\m/

Ultimately, I would have to say that this film practically catered to my literary, visual and most especially auditory taste. This film is pretty much the manifestation that making things simple bring beauty that is indeed unforgettable. That sometimes, keeping things simple is just what we need, after all, to bring out the best emotion there is on this complicated world. And finally, this film also made me realize that happiness comes in small, simple packages. That when you get to open them, it brings out the most colorful and spontaneous things on earth that we just basically ignore because we are so hooked on our daily routines, which we monotonously, religiously keep for the longest time.

And I would like to end in this unforgettably moving quote from the film. I won't tell whose line this is, but I hope that this, in a way, would make you interested in watching the film yourself, and at the same time, be a solution/antidote to those who are suffering from "writer's block." Here goes:


"Don't do anything that may move the plot forward. Let's see if the plot finds you."

Listen and watch the Camiguin waves as it made its magically soothing melody at approx. 7:30 a.m. on 16 May 2008. We were contemplating of making a short dip before heading home or going to another attraction in the island. Eventually, we decided to forego our desire for a morning swim because the last thing we wanted was a wet and heavy baggage home.:)

This is an embarrassing post but I'll post it anyway. Drinking bud dubbed a Bon Jovi song as our song for our getaway trip in Camiguin. It was the one that was played on the jeepney radio on our way back to the resort--and a song that can easily be forgotten since well, I have never been a Bon Jovi fan. And really, we both forgot what that song was. Drinking bud reckoned it was good not recalling it because should it be played in a spur of the moment kinda deal, the recall would make a huge impact. And because I really CAN'T recall what that freaking song was, I tried to randomly choose a Bon Jovi song on YouTube. Lo and behold! My first pick was right! And here it is!

Cheers, choy! and btw, your Bon Jovi fan cousin is more unforgettable than this song!! sobrang bow talaga ako sa kanya!!:P

You.
And your laughing eyes
sharing wonderfully unforgettable memories
with me
over bottles of cold beer
and never ending cigarette smoke.




                                                                    Camiguin.15052008

1. Darren Hayes-sound trip would definitely not be complete without my literary guru's songs, especially now that he has a latest album.  As what I mentioned in my review, his latest piece perfectly described the things I went through and am going through as far as emotions are concerned.  I believe that he is one of my emotional soulmates on this planet.  I can totally feel that most of his lyrics are personal, or based from personal experiences, but here he is boldly singing them, unafraid of what people, especially those close to him would say.  His songs were actually the ones that put me into a bipolar mode for a moment during my ride.  The first song would have to be The Tuning of Violins.  The melody of this song made me look forward to my getaway even more.  I was starting to imagine sunflowers, beaches and the night full of booze shared with my drinking buddy.  I couldn't help but smile over those wonderful things in store for me on this short vacation.  The second song, entitled Maybe, was its exact opposite.  The song was basically about musings on this certain person in your life who suddenly left you bewildered and wondering.  Then here you are gauging both sides of the coin and making you hope at the same time that maybe that person would eventually come back home.  All I can say at the moment is that upon listening to each words intently, it, as always, hit close home to me.  It unearthed my ultimate reason why I planned this trip in the first place, thus, bringing tears to my eyes.  Me and my pathetic optimism.  Drat.
2. Weezer-if I am in desperate need of a goofy grin, the masters of geek rock can give that to me effortlessly.  I would have to say that these guys are masters of word play.  I  couldn't help but laugh over the words on their Pink Triangle song and No Other One.  Content-wise, these two songs are basically "loser songs," or let's say, songs for the brokenhearted and unfortunate in the romance department[like me? maybe.  Maybe not].  But due to word play, they made it sound as if it is just one of those common misfortune a person gets in his/her lifetime.  A something-kinda-funny situation, so to speak.  No wonder these guys rock!  For teenage dirtbags[like me, sorta]...cheers!
3. Coldplay-these guys are artists, what more can I say?  I thought I included their latest single, which they gave out for free online for a week, but to no avail.  The good old ones were in my playlist, and of course, Yellow was one of them. 
   
4. Oasis-Their second album pretty much paved way for me to love rock music.  They may be considered pop, technically, but their sound made me crave for more raw melody and lyrics.  I would have to say that their second album is one of the best album of all time!  Unfortunately, since I am also new with the iTunes software, I wasn't able to upload the entire album in my player.  But thank God my favorite Wonderwall is in it.
5. Arkarna-I wonder where these guys are now?  After their smash hit debut album, I haven't heard from them since.  I would have to say this album unleashes my frustration in car racing--and driving, for that matter.  Most often than not, this album made me fantasize driving a car at say, 140 kph on a wide highway[tapos biglang sagasa ng pusa...not just some ordinary one,mind you! tengna!hahaha!].  Wish I can do that before I leave this planet...hehehehe!
6. Beatles-I only uploaded their Come Together  song.  I reckon this song is a good chill out/breather song.
7. Bob Dylan- I would also have to say the same thing on Like A Rolling Stone.  This has been my ultimate Bob Dylan favorite.  Made me want to be a hippie myself, thanks to this song!:P
8. Secondhand Serenade-the song Take Me With You wasn't supposed to be in my playlist since I only loved a few emo bands so far.  But when I accidentally played this song on winamp, I realized that this song has a nice, acoustic beat.  The blending of guitars is just unique and catchy, convincing me to include it in my playlist.  This may be going to be a bit far out for this entry, but I reckon it is still worth including.  I am actually dubbing this as my pre-Camiguin song because while I had Drinking Bud[to be dubbed as BFF, or Beer Friends Forever soon!hahaha!sorry ka na lang, choy!:P] listen to this song in my iTouch, he suddenly blurted out, "take me with you to Camiguin!"  so there!:P
9. Cheap Trick- I only uploaded I Want You to Want Me to check if it is okay to import an mp3 file from my CD compilation.  But while listening to it in the bus, I reckoned that its upbeat tune was a good pick for the trip as well.   
   
         After several terminal stops[and comfort room trips for me too], and fully exhausting the songs in my player[thank God I uploaded enough! I thought I didn't!:)], I was already minutes away from the Butuan bus terminal.  My sundo texted me that he was on his way already.  And because traffic jam is still a foreign word in that place, I arrived at my destination on time.  I went to the comfort room for the nth time once again and while  waiting for Drinking Bud to arrive, I looked for the nearest shade where I can puff my first stick for the day.  On my third stick, I finally caught a glimpse of the infamous Oakley Juliet practically fogged by the owner's cigarette smoke.  When our "shaded eyes" meet, he gave out a dazzling smile, making his adorable dimple appear on his left cheek.  I gave out the most heartwarming laugh I ever had in weeks as he was approaching me and held out his hand for a high five.
   
        As we were leaving the terminal, we were chatting and laughing endlessly.  This is going to be an unforgettable getaway, I thought then.
        And it indeed was.
   

    
         Lying on a rattan hammock, rocked by the refreshing night summer breeze, watching the moon adding stars to the clear night sky, listening to the soothing melody of Camiguin waves with my drinking buddy beside me over an icebox full of beer.

                                                                                                     Camiguin. 15052008

Nakabangon na ako.
Napagpag ko na ang alikabok sa pantalon ko.
Bumalik na ang balat sa pumaltos kong tuhod.

Hindi na kita kailangan.

[Sabay tawa at higa sa kama para makinig uli sa alon ng dagat.  Char!]


16 May 2008

Gosh! Thanks to his multiply group, I was able to see his new look! he's got longer hair and he's 18 lbs less!![inggit ako!! sana ako rin 18lbs--or more less!!hahahaha!]. He is absolutely hot than ever!! I wanna marry him!![yeah, as if possible, knowing Koreans...tsk]

Most of the content are still in Korean. I think they are still working on the translation[which I noticed will be in several languages. Yey! Rain!], but nevertheless, I believe it is still worth checking out. Just love the layout and the concept!! Sana makagawa ako ng lay-out na ganun...hehehehehe!

this band is really worth checking out. their melody is good and catchy enough...malinis, as i want to put it, plus the video has this very expressive shots incorporated with a sepia effect...astig! and let us not also forget the fact that the lyrics pretty much hits close to home,especially to those folks out there whose hearts have been crying since forever...

i can say that these lads take their art seriously...not everyone thinks that way about music anymore

on a deeper note, this post is also my promise to one of the "producers" of the album--who, i happened to know personally. thinking that he still left some trails in cyberspace, i hope that i made a good promotion to this album!

and thank you for still making me smile despite of it all...rock on, choy!!\m/

Oh yes, pde siyang mapagkamalang Jpop artist. He sings in Nihongo so well!!ooohlalala!! :D

I believe this is one of his old vids, but I just recently discovered this while I was browsing for a Rain feature. I just love the beat!! Quite different from his typical R&B flava, but groovy nevertheless. A very happy, upbeat song. And the best thing here is, Rain is showing his boyish charm here!! Can't help but feel giddy!!hehehehehe!! It's what I really adore about him since his Full House days!! aaaaawww!!!

Now, who wouldn't love this guy?:D

This is where I discovered Bi. I can still clearly remember my cousin and I were watching bands perform for MTV Asia Aid at Fiesta Carnival in Araneta Center, Cubao--and at the same time stalking Spongecola. hehehehehehe! Then, while the next band was doing sound check, they would show a live perfromance from Thailand, the main venue of the event. From then on, I was captivated by this guy who dances so well!! Save for his clothes, I was just in awe.char!!

And this was just way before Full House...hahay!!:D

Yeah, yeah, I am now addicted to Rain!!:P This vid may have some similarities with a Michael Jackson video, but I just love the way he does his thing here!! And his facial expression!! Its like he's serenading to me here!! oooohlalalala!! hehehehe!!

This is a Japanese version of his song of the same title[doh!:P]. The Korean version can be heard on his 4th album. This, however, can be found on his Japanese album! I think they sold it here in the Philippines. Saw a copy of it in Gateway before...Hope I can still find one here!! I like the Jap version better!!:D

Ohmigosh!!! the dead ringer of the love-of-my-life strikes back! grabeng endorsements itoh!! ikanga ni la empresh, ang pogi ni koya!!

mapapagamit ako nito ng clear activesport ng wala sa oras!!hehehehehehehe!!

grabeh na itwah!!:P

I requested my cousin to find me an original copy of FULL HOUSE on her 1-week vacation in Korea almost two months ago. She was practically asking around, only to find out that the only Full House available was the version of the Olsen Twins!! Talk about irony! So that she would be able to buy me at least something from that country, she tried scouring around record shops for a Bi album [Bi is Rain in Korean, btw]. And as what she told me, the moment she laid eyes on the album cover, she bought it at a quick! She added that with that bod, she didn't care whether it is Rain or not! She would definitely buy it either way! And since it happens to be the dead-ringer-of-the-love-of-my-life [ as what I fondly call him], it ended up to be her pasalubong to me.

The cover didn't indeed disappoint me!! Save for those wings and the star tattoo on his left side of his chest, Bi is just 1000% HOT [check the happy trail baby!!]! I practically swooned when she finally handed the CD to me. I was able to listen to the songs two weeks later[ because I was on vacation then in Luzon when she gave me the CD]. I am not really an R&B fan--rather, I don't listen to R&B that much, but with Bi, I get to appreciate that funky beat. He is one of them R&B tunes that I often listen to at the moment. Except for those awkward English phrases ["welcome to the rain's world...I'm rain, and I'm back...wha???:D], I can pretty much say I like the way he sings his songs. Most of his R&B/rap tracks are pretty cool!! Tracks number 3&5 are my new faves [ sorry, can't tell the title, they are mostly in Korean or mixed with a phrase or two of English. How can I write down the entire title?waaah!]. I am just amazed how they rap in Korean! Every words are perfectly enunciated[as if I understand them!hahahaha!]. I don't pretty much dig his ballads in this album, though...reminds me of the Great Jubilee song!!toink!!hahahahahahahaha!

Thanks sooo much cousin Beigy for buying this CD straight from Korea! This is a great substitute for the FULL HOUSE DVD! Sa uulitin!!mwah!!:D

The main reason why I decided to watch the premiere ep of this kdrama was Kim Rae-won. I never expected the drama to be engaging and funny. I've never had this kind of moment since Full House. I so much wanted to buy a DVD copy already because I bet the Korean version is much more interesting than the dubbed I am watching on TV...

I think Kim Rae-won and Jeong Ryeo-won also make a perfect on-screen couple[even off-screen...hope so!:P]. The vibe is just....something. Romantic...translation: Kilig.

The drama was technically about seeing someone that so much reminds him of his true love. Dead ringer, so to speak...something that pretty much hits home for me...hmmmm

Anyway, I still can't wait for the next episode tomorrow and the days to come...hehehehehehe!!

=*=*=*=*=*=

A week and 7 episodes later[ I decided to buy a DVD copy because I absolutely can't wait any longer!! These are the moments that I thank piracy big time!hehehehe!], I'm beginning to love the kdrama more and more. Sure, the storyline may be a cliche, but the fact that the pair are very good actors, especially Jeong Ryeo-won, made me forget that there are situations in the drama that are just too good to be true. The thing, however in this koreanovela is that the drama is heavier than usual, and I think it is just okay. There is just something unforgettable and striking though. The football scene and the girl's love for the game and her desire to be a writer, among other things.

What I am also hoping right now, is that the ending won't be an overkill, if you know what I mean. Will definitely give an update the moment I am done watching the series.