| West Side Story - Manila | ||||
| 08:07am 07/10/2008 | ||||
 Nothing against Karylle, but it would costs me a fortune before I can get to watch Joanna in London. I bet she gave a stellar performance as Maria but I was praying hard to see Miss Ampil on the Saturday's show. I can see why she's made her mark in the West End. She sings and brings emotion to every song. This actress knows how to attack her character and make it her own. Her consistency throughout the show can be seen as she act and move around the stage. Christian, on the other hand, shows his mettle as his takes the role of a modern Romeo. He brings his charm and makes you swoon as he sings classic songs like "Maria" and "Somewhere." I have always felt that he sings for you when he performs. He makes you feel like the song was just for you. However, Tony's character has two levels. He was the former gang leader of the Jetts. He left the group and try to lead a peaceful life. I could not see Christian as an ex-gang member. He has a polished and refined man appeal that affected how he portrayed his role. It takes bruteness to be able to climb gates and fist fight with your enemy. Anita played by Rowena Vilar stole the show. When she is on the scene, she really made her presence felt. Her voice and dancing skill really stands out. It seems that the company had a difficult time catching up with her. I know the chorus tried their best to kick higher or be as snappy as they can be but it was just not enough. In this version of Romeo and Juliet (now Tony and Maria), Juliet survived while Romeo died in the hands of Paris (Chino). I have seen it in a different light, though. Maria (Ampil) and Anita (Vilar) killed Tony (Bautista) by taking their roles to heart. |
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rushed| Family and Familiarity | ||||
| 08:19am 25/09/2008 | ||||
Last weekend, we had our family reunion because Tito Lito and his family came home from Canada for a 3-4 week break. My father, being the second eldest son, was the “punong abala” of the gathering. He brought out the inner iron chef in him which the product of watching cooking shows in local television. Despite the late notice, I have to be there even if I have dinner date with my girlfriends in the office. With barely little sleep, I need to have energy to engage with the guests. I haven’t seen my cousins, uncles and aunts for a while. Since both parental grandparents passed away, we didn’t have an organized family reunion for a long time. “Naku! Tumaba ka!” quip my cousins and godmother. But they said that the weight suits me. It made me feel better despite having a hard time wearing my pants before I went there. I can hardly button the pair of jeans I just bought last year. So I’m over with the issue on my body image, next came the question that I have heard in family reunions over and over again. I know that I am not alone in this boat since many people like me have experiences this. “May girlfriend ka na?” Yes, it is a simple question that can be answered with a yes or a no. I just answered with a smile. I don’t know if I have been a good actor all these time or they just cannot reconcile the fact of who I really am. If only she were no family, I would answer her with a rhetorical question “Why don’t you have a boyfriend yet, are you a vegetarian?” Hehe. But then again, she is my cousin so I can’t ask her that in front of my godparents who happen to be her parents. I’m thinking why I act this way; it is difficult to accept judgement from other people than your own kin. Disappointing the people who cared for you can really break you as a person. On the other hand, you are cheating them as well when you don’t tell them who you really are. |
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quixotic| Balay Indang - The Red Ginger Farm | ||||
| 09:04am 13/09/2008 | ||||
 We stayed in a room named after the biblical character, Ruth. One of the three rooms of the Narra House. I assume the wood used to build the house is narra. White and brown are the main colors of the house. To add a splash of hue, colored glasses were used in decorative windows. The Narra House may not be taken from any Filipino-inspired architecture like the Bahay Kubo or Bahay na Bato. Esther has 2 beds downstairs with a sofa and a day bed. It has a loft where an extra bed is found. Capiz windows separate the beds from the toilet and bath. Naomi is the room near the house's main entrance. It has a large window that let's light in. The windows have screens to protect you from mosquitoes. An antique bureau or dressing table adds accent to the room. It also has a princess bed complete with mesh curtains. Upstairs is our room which is basically an attic. There are 2 beds in it and a toilet/bathroom. Its ceiling is uneven because of the roof. Windows provide natural ventilation to the room or else it would be very warm. There's a queen size bed, slightly lower than your average bed, which Arlo and I occupied. Its headboard has a wardrobe (aparador) finish. There's a bedside table with bamboo lamp and a pink place mat made from coconut husk fibers. Water color paintings add color to the room. I love its bathroom and toilet. It allows air and light in. Cement and slabs of wood alternate the floor. Wooden cabinet supports the white lavatory. Water color paintings of teddy bears add accent to the wall. Glazed tiles can make toilets slippery so they used pebbles to cover the shower area. In the middle are four teal-colored and textured tiles. I suggest that they replace their incandescent light to save energy and the environment. Light fixtures were covered by capiz globes which further add to its quaint charm. Like any other homes, rules have to be followed. Food can only be consumed in the communal dining area situated in the Main House called Balay. No smoking rule within the facility. Come to think of it, these are the only "No" rules they have. The rest of the reminders spell relaxation and fun.  |
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loved| Meet the Robinsons | ||||
| 08:20am 05/09/2008 | ||||
Meet the Robinsons is about a boy named Lewis. He was abandoned by his mom at an orphanage. Mildred, head of the orphanage, sets up adoption interview for him but fails everytime. He lives with his roomate Doob who dreams to be a major league baseball star.  As a young boy, he is very much interested in creating machines and gadgets. In the science fair, he met Wilbur, who claims to be a time cop, asks for his help to capture a man in bowler hat. He ignored him since he is about to present his invention which lead to a raucous in the science fair. Lewis' invention was stolen by the Bowler Hat guy. Wilbur took Lewis to the future where he met the Robinsons. There he felt that he belongs to a family. Kids would surely enjoy the chase scenes. Strange but adorable characters will surely amuse you. Though the animation is computer generated, the characters was given life by the actors that voiced them. The director was able to weave the story in a manner that kids would understand. He employs lighting effect to show flashbacks and gives the right atmosphere for each scenes. Kids and adults will surely enjoy this heartwarming tale of time travel and adventure. You could easily relate on how a person longs to have people who cares for them. It teaches us on how we should respect our pasts, look into the future and value our present. Have time to watch Meet the Robinsons with the family or friends and be a kid again. |
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chipper| Next Best Success Story | ||||
| 08:07am 30/08/2008 | ||||
Just look around, you can see many of our lovely pinays are attracting foreign men. Aminin! Maganda ang mga resulta ng dugong pinoy at ibang lahi. Kaya naman ang dami nating magaganda at guapong mga artista. Most of them are mestizo because of our colonial mentality. Since di naman natin mapigilan ang colonial mentality...why not encourage more interracial babies and we start with refining the men and women that can be... The Next Best Success Story! Ano ba ang success story?  A success story ay ang taong nakahanap ng mapapangasawa na hahango sa kanya sa dusa. So in this show, we'll search for those exotic women and give them a touch of class. They will be given a battery of challenges that would teach them about Fashion, Entrepreneurship and Social Graces without being too polished. Why Fashion? Dahil sa kanilang pagyaman...tuturuan natin sila ng mga brand na kanilang tatangkilikin pag naabot nila ang rurok ng tagumpay. Let's say...we'll teach them about YSL, LV, Gucci, Prada, Carolina Herrera, Balenciaga, Monique Lhuillier, etc etc.  Entrepreneurship....they need to know how to handle their finances. In the future, they might own the bank...di ba? Social Graces...soon enough, titingalain na sila sa alta sociedad. They might be in the next cover of Tatler. So tuturuan sila manghamak ng mga tao, kung paano patayin sa inggit ang kanilang mga friends. Kaya watch out for The Next Best Success Story Hosted by Pokwang  |
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creative| Numbalikdiwa | ||||
| 08:26am 28/08/2008 | ||||
I was surprised to catch it last Saturday in Cinema 1. It stars Ping Medina, Meryll Soriano, Maricel Soriano and Albert Martinez.  The cinematography gives you an idea that it is an independent film. It has this raw feeling but it actually sets the mood for the horror that it wants to deliver to the audience. Karissa (Meryll Soriano) is an orphan who was adopted by Anton's grandmother. Ping Medina who plays Anton developed feelings for Karissa though they practically lived as brother and sister. Karissa sells barbeque for a living and she has a crush on Carlos (Martinez) but he is married to Portia (Soriano). One night, Anton reveals a dark family secret to Karissa. This lead to a series of death. Their lives intertwined through death. Numbalikdiwa brings us a morbid love story that goes beyond the norm. It brings us to a supernatural aspect of our culture that deal with pagan worship and sacrifices. Bobby Bonifacio handled the material well. He was effective in setting the mood for horror without using too much effect. I hope that the public will be given the chance to see this suspense thriller. |
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scared| The Attack of the Brats | ||||
| 12:50am 22/08/2008 | ||||
I have my own share of throwing fits when I was younger. Sometimes, my mom has to do some errands that we were left at home. I can still remember how I would not let go of her legs so she won’t leave us. Even as a kid, I can get melodramatic and just bawl my eyes out. Socrates said, “Children today are tyrants. They contradict their parents, gobble their food, and tyrannize their teachers.” A little Chinese girl was heard in the supermarket one afternoon. I just noticed her rolling on the floor as her yaya tries to pacify her. Of course, I do not know what she wants at that time. If I were her dad, I would let her roll and scream until she realizes that she won’t get her way by making a scene. In TV commercials, you could also see kids misbehaving like the boy looking for his favourite shirt. He pulled out all his clothes from the drawer and scattered on the floor. Another ad shows a girl screaming because she could not find her favourite donut. When she closed the fridge, her mom just gobbled her Boston Cream with a sorry look on her face. The girl could only scream but her donut is gone. Are we sending the right message to our children? Just when you think that these brats are only in pre-school to grade school, you will be surprised that they even walk around the offices. They even wear heels and make up. Well, little girls love to dress up like their moms and wear their make up. At least you can still understand kids when they outburst, but if an adult makes a scene. It can get really annoying. You don’t make ash trays out of people if you have good manners. |
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working| Packed Lunch | ||||
| 08:16am 21/08/2008 | ||||
 To be sure of food sanitation, my mama or papa prepares food for us. It was only when I was in High School that they let me eat in the canteen. There was a little variety in my baon during those days. Usual fares were hotdogs, hams, bacon, pork/chicken adobo, menudo, fried chicken/pork chop. Unfortunately, there were not much interesting cooking shows back then that could offer salmagundi. In animes, kawaii girls usually pour their heart and soul to prepare aesthetically sumptuous meals for their boys. Immaculate white rice are mixed with pair of black olives and a green olive to form a face. Tomatoes are carved to look like a rose. Kids would find vegetables more appetizing if they are mixed with other colorful ones.  In the office, we decided to just bring baon so we can stretch our peso power. You can really budget your money when you just bring food. You get to eat healthier food than those greasy fast food like burgers and fries. Because of the escalating prices, preparing your own packed lunch seem to be a better idea. Maybe one day, I will try to make those cute bento boxes. |
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okay| Dear Badidea Burr... | ||||
| 06:15am 19/08/2008 | ||||
I've read your last advice and I find it quite disturbing. But, I like it so I don't see a reason why not to consult you with an issue. I have looked up to people who are able to bring changes in the community. This inspired me to set up a project on my birthday. I wanted to plant trees and also involve my family and friends. I sought the help of the local city hall office that handles environmental issues. They told me that all we need to provide is the manpower. Though there were some challenges with the schedule, we plan to push through with it. Ka Lope, my contact person from the city hall, guaranteed that he will provide us a location that would accomodate us. When I follow up the activity, he told me that it was postponed until further notice. I have already asked friends and family to support me but I have to cancel it. In a way, Ka Lope placed me in a very embarrassing situation. What would my friends say? What can I do? Help me. xoxo, Lotus flower |
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confused| One Moment in Time | ||||
| 10:46pm 14/08/2008 | ||||
Maaga pa lang naman so na delay ang pag prepare ko sa pagpasok sa office. Sabi k okay papa, nood muna ako ng Swimming competition. Parang by height yata ang arrangement, nagsimula sa countries from Africa and Pan-Arabic Region. I can say na talagang kailangan ng height sa event na ito. Mas mahaba ang biyas mo, mas malayo ang mararating mo. Ang nag rank number 1 ay nag register ng 29 sec. Sumunod ang mga Asian and Europeans na mas matatangkad, mas mabilis nila natapos yung 50 M with an average of 22 sec. Makikita mo ang disparity ng mga developed nations sa mga third world countries sa mga apparel nila. Like the US, parang customized pa ang speedo body suit na may red stripes sa may hamstrings. Samantala ang isang taga Africa, naka-trunks lang. Si Daniel Coackley from the Philippines na nasa Heat 9 ay nagtapos sa 22.69 sec na .40 sec behind the winner David Dunford from Kenya. Sumunod na event ay ang Women’s 800M Freestyle. Pagkatapos na pagkatapos ng Men’s swimming ay tumayo na ako sa kinauupuan ko at naligo na. Pakialam ko naman sa mga babaeng swimmers no. Di naman beauty pageant yan. Hahaha That’s my take on sports! |
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energetic| What Age Do you act? | ||||||
| 09:05am 07/08/2008 | ||||||
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bored
| Anything goes....opinion ko lang to. | ||||
| 08:14am 30/07/2008 | ||||
I still have to read about some of the issues that will be discussed here. Here are just some of the opinions that I have come up from what I have gathered so far. ........................................ Malacañang is the seat of Power in the country. I don't know if I would envy the person who holds power in this country. You carry the problems of all Filipinos on your shoulder. The opposition awaits your every wrong move to blow it up beyond proportions. But despite that, ambitious politicians dream of living inside the prime residence in the country. Last Monday, PGMA delivered her 8th State of the Nation Address. Surveys have been released, PGMA has been the most unpopular President since 1986. Not a very good result because a very small percent seems to be contented with how she handles state affairs. Prices are skyrocketting yet salaries remains the same. Rallies in the street are as common as public utility vehicle. Political groups identified as communists are always the leader of these movements. Whoever is seated in Malacañang will hear their complains about how they run the country. No policies are good enough for these people. They even recruit young students to fight for their ideologies. They take advantage of these kids and they endanger their lives. These kids should be in school to study and away from the streets. What future would they have if they leave their schools? Why are most public college students like to bite the hands that feed them? I can remember that there is a section in our constitution that states the separation of the Church and the State. I don't see it happening here. Ah, I remember that in this country, ideal things are written only on paper. A congressman filed a bill for Reproductive Health. This gives women the right to choose the family planning method that suits them. On the other hand, the Church supports natural family planning method as the only moral choice. I believe that every woman has the right to information. Women nowadays are educated, let them choose. The supporters of the Reproductive Health Bill says they don't espouse abortion. They just promote contraceptives that could help them plan their family. We have to provide a solution to our population issue. Many poor families cannot afford to feed their children. How many kids end up in College? Can we absorb the yearly graduate to the workforce? I'm thinking what solution can the Catholic church offer to these problems. I am also a product of catholic educational institutions. I know how much they charge in school. Top Catholic schools (should I name them) have exorbitant fees to be able to study there to the point of being prohibitive (if you cannot pay for it then stay dumb). Churches needs to be renovated and painted every year but how many families live in deplorable conditions. Do we let these poor people continue to live miserably? They need to be educated. Education can level the playing field of opportunities. Unless the church offers the people something aside from their theology (offer something concrete,please), I think better let the government handle the population issues. Yun lang po, bow |
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frustrated| Empty Nest | ||||
| 07:58am 25/07/2008 | ||||
There are times that I get stirred from my slumber by a child playing at home. It's a good thing that it's not the spirit of the junjun (the common name of all ghost children). Jobert, one of the kids from the neighborhood, stays with mama when his parents are away. He plays with whatever toys we have left as kids. Most of the time, he just practices what he have learned in his taekwondo lessons. I really don't mind having kids at home just as long as they don't disturb my sleep. Lately, Jobert doesn't visit home since he goes to school. Sometimes, I brought home a copy of the Bee Movie. When I was about to return it, I looked for the DVD but I cannot find it. My brother told me, "I think Jobert would enjoy watching this," so he let him borrow the copy. My mom just forgot to inform me immediately. I let him have it for a while. Lately, there's a new kid on the block. He's called Vito who lives in the apartment complex right across our home. We would always hear his tantrums every now and then. He would run around from his yaya because he refuses to take a bath. Vito is a stout boy, fair skinned and clean wavy hair. He looks way too adorable for his very playful attitude. One day, I was looking for Master Cricket action figure that I got from McDonald's Happy Meal. My mom told me that Vito found it and she just gave it to him. I'm just bothered with what's happening. My parents are enjoying having kids in the house. I'm not jealous but does this mean that they want to have grandchildren soon? Waaahhhhh!!!! |
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giggly| 26 | ||||
| 07:27am 23/07/2008 | ||||
1. I was born in Mandaluyong City at Polymedic General Hospital. 2. My dad is from Taguig and my mom was born in Pampanga. 3. I have 3 brothers and a sister. 4. The eldest son and eldest grandson on my dad’s side of the family. 5. I know 4 people who celebrate their birthday on July 20. 6. Catholic school-bred from grade school to college.  7. Vacation, as a child, means going home to my grandparents in Pampanga. 8. My cousin taught me how to ride a bike during one of those summers. 9. Because I prefer to enjoy my summer vacations, I refused to study playing the piano. 10. I can understand Kapampangan but I cannot converse with it. 11. A psychic told me to be careful with water because I might drown. I remember that I almost drown when I was 7.  12. I have to wear a Milwaukee Brace to correct my posture because I have scoliosis. 13. I was born in the year of the water dog. 14. I finished College with a major in Asian Studies after contemplating taking up Journalism. 15. In Grade school, I was part of the boy’s choir. I didn’t pursue my singing since my voice changed. I would love to keep my coloratura, hehe 16. I have my poem published in www.poetry.com 17. Theater is one of my passions. I was part of the theatre guild during grade school and high school. 18. My idealism pushed me to run for third year representative during the high school student council. 19. I didn’t attend the high school prom but went to the Graduation Ball. 20. ROTC almost stopped me from graduating in college. 21. India and Japan are the countries on top of my travel list. 22. I have been working in the same company for 5 years already. 23. To have work experience before graduating, I applied at the Ateneo Center for Continuing Education on my last semester in College. 24. I didn’t have a hair cut before I graduated in 2003. 25. French and Japanese are the languages that I like to master. 26. I have a green ipod. |
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nostalgic| New Word: Pulchritude | ||||
| 09:49am 18/07/2008 | ||||
Mabalik tayo sa jingle ng PAL. Lalong nahuhubog ang ganda n gating bayan sa pagsulong ng panahon. Nagkakaroon ng bagong mga movements sa culture at arts. May mga pag-aaral na ginagawa tulad ng pagtuklas ng mga ritwal at tradisyon ng mga katutubong Filipino.  Isa na si Chin chin Gutierrez sa naglalayong buhayin ang mga awiting pang-hele ng mga katutubong ina. Dinayo nya pa ang malalayong kabundukan at pulo ng bansa para makipamuhay sa kanila at pag-aralan ang mga lullabies. Nag release siya ng isang album para ibahagi ang kanyang natutuhan. Hindi lang si Ate Reg, Nina, Kyla at kung sinu-sino pa ang may karapatang mag-cover. Puro cover ang ginawa niya pero she tried to keep as original. Bravo! Kung magtutuluy-tuloy ang mga endeavors na ito ni Chin chin, di ako magugulat kung maaabot nya ang level ng isang National Artist tulad ni Ramon Obusan. Sino ba si Ramon Obusan, sya ay isang national artist for dance. May itinaguyod siyang pangkat ng mga mananayaw na naglalayon na ipakita ang ating kultura. Nagkaroon ako ng pagkakataon na matunghayan ang isang pagtatanghal sa CCP dalawang lingo na ang nakakaraan. Ang palabas ay Tuklas Tanghal na dinirect ni Floy Quintos. Magandang pagkakataon ito upang manariwa sa ating alaala ang ating unti-unting nawawalang individuality. Sa panahon ng Globalization, madali tayong madadala sa agos ng pagbabago at kung wala tayong kapit sa ating pagkakakilanlan ay di na natin makikilala ang ating sarili. Wait lang? Linggo ng Wika na ba? Puro ako Tagalog, hehehe. So ayun na nga, may pagka-educational ang palabas pero di ito boring dahil nasa kamay ito ng isang magaling na director. Ma-amaze ka sa paggamit ng ilaw at tunog as tools to tell a story. Nagkakaroon ng drama ang bawat segment.  At ang costumes nila ay talaga daw naming authentic. Dapat manood ang mga organizers ng Bb. Pilipinas para makakuha ng inspiration for the Miss Universe National costumes. Na-discover ko na na ang costume ni Charlene ay suot ng mga animist tribe ng Mindanao. May mga feather feather headdress at colourful tela ang mga suot nila compared sa mga Muslim tribes. In fairness sa mga kalalakihan, nagpapakita rin sila ng grace kahit sa war. Grace under pressure talaga! Ginagamit din nila na musical instruments ang mga weapons of war nila. Panalo sa multi-tasking ang mga ninuno natin. Very creative. At para naman tapusin ang show ng bonggang bongga. Mag Fashion show tayo sa finale. Maldita lang si Reyna Maniwang-tiwang sa entrance nya, pinatabi nya ang mga kastila. Kasunod ang alalay nyang may hawak na three-tiered umbrella. Pinakita ang pagbabago ng mga barong tagalog. Yung una, knee length ito hanggang sa tamang hanggang baywang lang.  Ang Maria Clara gown ay nag-evolve din naman. Ang hugis ng katawan ng babae ay binigyan ng pagkakataon para mag shine at mag take center stage. |
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| Guinea Pigs and Laboratory Mice | ||||
| 03:30am 01/07/2008 | ||||
Pagkagahaman, Panlilinlang, Pananampalataya Last Sunday, we were able to watch the featured one-act plays that are eclectic, entertaining and educational. These are the three words that come to mind while watching the performances. Debbie Tan’s “Mga Babaeng Toobright” brings us to the world of Charlotte York. Yes, it’s the world of curators, visual artists and museum directors. Employing metaphor and a huge toilet, Harmony, Reflection and Discord have to deal with each other. Like the contraptions used by a multimedia artists, the director utilized colors, movements and language to tell the story. I have to agree that this play is too bright for me. I look for a story that will not only draw my interests but also my emotions. Tuxqs Rutaquio co-stars with Sharmaine Buencamino in “Ang Kalungkutan ng mga Reyna” written by Floy Quintos. Think how a hairdresser (Rutaquio) can affect matters of State, the President calls on the expertise of a coiffeur to improve her image and government. The zealous Yolanda played by the phenomenal Sharmaine Buencamino wants to be the country’s first monarch. Quintos brings wit and heart to this political satire reminiscent of the play he previously directed in the first quarter of this year. One may not be able to appreciate the great writing without the help of the fabulous casts. I have but good words for it. Cultural and religious differences are the conflicts presented in Koh Jun Eiow’s “Ang Dalawa Niyang Libing.” Its premise is based on a very stirring series of event that caused conflict between Muslim and Chinese communities of our Southeast Asian neighbour. Leo Rialp directs the troop of actors that re-enacts the fate of the family torn between their tradition and Islamic law. The audience has been exposed to Malaysian through its playwright. As an Asian Studies major, this gives us a glimpse of the conflict brought about by religion and politics. It also has a touch of an ancient tragedy written by Sophocles, Antigone. Both artists and audience are put into tests as we are exposed to unstaged and untested works. This endeavour levels the playing field among budding and seasoned writers. The playgoers are subjected to new materials to appreciate. Like guinea pigs taking pills. We are up to the shock of our lives as we bask into the unknown realms of the universe we call theatre. |
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pensive| Taste of Incredible India | ||||
| 06:50am 24/06/2008 | ||||
Since the show starts at 8pm, they wanted to grab something to eat first. I told them that there is a good Indian restaurant just across RCBC tower where the show will be held. Peter agreed since he only had cereals that morning and have not eaten after that. The restaurant is very spacious and even offers meal al fresco. They have high ceilings and enclosed in glass walls giving natural light to get in. There were curtains made from colorful fabrics. There were portraits of Indian women on the walls along the stairs. One thing that caught me eye was the powerful symbol of OHM at the center of the wall along the stairs. Chairs are of rich brown color with gold details. Seats are available for couples and groups. The place was well lit and it does not feel crowded. I have a preference for clean restaurants because that assures the customer that the food served won't upset your stomach. We took the menu and ordered. I had chicken tandoori, a couple of chapati and a mango flavored lassi for drinks. Arlo had mutton masala and rose flavored lassi. I was not able to ask the name what the others had during dinner. I noticed the staple curry dish and a salad with cucumber and yogurt. Chicken tandoori has rich red color. It is flavored with herbs but it is rather dry. It comes with a sauce that is rich green and a bit spicy. You can dip the chapati in it. I was not able to order vegetable samosa that is like our empanada. It has the flavors of curry. Mango lassi tastes refreshing especially when you have a spicy dish. I also tried the rose-flavored lassi that comes in a fragrant smell. The mutton masala dish is actually rice topped with mutton. The meat is cooked very tender and full of flavor. The sauce blends well with the long grain rice typical to Indian and Middle Eastern cuisine. Spicy dishes are perfect for a cold stormy night. It does not have to be expensive to enjoy really good food. You just have to be experimental. One tip I can give is to research first so you have an idea what kind of food the restaurant serves. Or you can always use your charm when asking the servers. |
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content| Galileo Enoteca | ||||
| 06:57am 17/06/2008 | ||||
They serve set meals that are reasonably priced and filling as well. I enjoyed their antipasto which includes cheese and cured meats. You are given a choice of wine that comes with the meal. Tired of your usual pasta, Galileo offers different pasta dishes that you don't find in fast foods. Filipinos should be broadening their taste for good food, but some restaurants are so intimidating and ridiculously costly. Galileo Enoteca is a place to start your gastronomical expedition. |
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hungry| “There is no secret ingredient” | ||||
| 04:32am 12/06/2008 | ||||
 The Giant Panda is also another image of China. These gentle giants are declared as endangered species because females ovulate once a year only. Their black and white fur protects them from severe cold weather.  These two “iconic” Chinese figure are featured in Dreamworks’ latest full length animated picture “Kung Fu Panda.” Jack Black lends the voice for Po is the lead character who dreams to learn the ancient martial arts. He is such a big follower of the furious five composed of the Master Tigress (Jolie), Master Crane (Cross), Master Mantis (Rogen), Master Viper (Liu), and Master Monkey (Chan). Ancient Master Oogway, tortoise, accidentally chose Po to be the Dragon Warrior who will defend the Valley of Peace against Tai Lung, a snow leopard, who is a former student of Shi Fu (Hoffman). I love the opening sequence which shows us the Po’s desire to be a kung fu master. The animators used a different technique for this. It used bold colours like black and red for this sequence. Jack Black brought a lot of character to Po. Po is torn between his dream and filial piety, one of the doctrines of Confucianism. Mr. Ping, Po’s goose father, thought that his panda son already had the noodle dream. He became ecstatic to share with him the secret ingredient that has been passed over by their ancestors. Confucianism is integral part of Chinese culture. Respect is one of the virtues taught by Confucius in his analects and this spans the whole community starting from the family. The different relationships featured in this story are between father and son and masters and students. The furious five remained faithful to their master despite not being chosen as the dragon warrior. Shi Fu also followed Oogway’s decision of choosing Po to defend the Valley of Peace. The story is simple but rich and meaningful. Using the medium of animation, it gives the film a youthful vibe so it won’t be didactic and boring. Let us not forget the brilliant action sequences that never cease to amaze me. Please don’t fail to watch Kung fu Panda By Angelina Jolie – choz! |
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cheerful| Filipino Values: Obedience | ||||
| 11:16pm 27/05/2008 | ||||
I know that we don’t have to take all things seriously and we have to loosen up a bit. However, I am bothered by these simple observations and how Filipinos in general follow simple directions. Most of the street signs and rules are in English but they are pretty simple to comprehend. We even have them illustrated so everyone can understand. Metro Manila Development Authority even came up with rules in vernacular so they can reach out to more pedestrians and drivers but we still have to go through traffic jams every morning. I don’t believe that the problem lies because the people could not comprehend the rules. People don’t like to follow the rules that are set up to create order. Growing up, one of the values that my parents taught me is obedience. You have to finish your food including the vegetables. We have to eat breakfast because it is the most important meal of the day. We have to take a nap during siesta time. My mom and dad make sure that we follow these simple rules as kids. They stress the importance of obedience towards our elders. My mom told me that this value reflects how a person was brought up by their parents. I try to observe this lesson daily because I don’t want others to think that my parents didn’t raise me well. You grow up within a community and observe that there are others are struggling to follow simple rules just frustrates me. We encounter a lot of people who finds joy in breaking rules like Bawal Tumawid Nakamamatay (Don’t Cross it is risky). People still try to fight their way across a speeding high way. How difficult is it to understand “No loading and unloading zone” that drivers still stop and drop off passengers. There was a study that says Filipinos were second class citizens in our own country for a long time that breaking rules feels liberating. We feel that, in a little way, we have cheated the ones in authority by being disobedient. When everyone has the same mind set then I won’t be surprised if there would be anarchy. I believe that we to teach our children the right values so we can train leaders for the future. We need to strengthen our principles so we can be achievers and keep up with the times unless we want to be left out. |
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