Friday, December 31, 2010


10. Thou shalt practice playing thy piano at least once a week. Learning a new piece is a must. Neighbors are getting sick of same compositions being played over and over again.

9. Thou shalt eat well and not more. Thou shall banish thy temptations of palate cravings. The power of vanity compels you!

8. Thou shalt find a suitable laptop desk. Chair and shoe box is not working. Laptop is insulted.

7. Thou shalt increase writing money-making articles. Paypal is getting bored and lonely.

6. Thou shalt hire someone to cut off hair. Banish they idea that the world needs a 21st century Rapunzel.

5. Thou shalt give Wuffy, the white and fluffy dog, a bath at least once next year. Thy dog smells.

4. Thou shalt read more quality books and watch less YouTube. Neurons are fighting hard to stay alive.

3. Thou shalt clean room every weekend. Thou shalt ask reliable housekeeper to clean room every weekend.

2. Thou shalt put thy PRC license to use more frequently and put thy Registered Nurseism to work by serving  human race.

And my No.1 New Year's Resolution for 2011 is...

1. Thou shalt type more, compose more and write more. Thy future novel and blog posts shalt not write and publish  itself.

-

“We will open the book. Its pages are blank. We are going to put words on them ourselves. The book is called Opportunity and its first chapter is New Year's Day.” -- Edith Lovejoy Pierce

HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL!

Wednesday, December 29, 2010



Novels Never Finished Reading a.k.a. I-Might-Finish-It-Someday-In-The-Distant-Future Books:
  • Eat, Pray, Love - Elizabeth Gilbert (19% into book)
  • The Girl and the Dragon Tatoo - Stieg Larsson (52% into book)
  • Under the Dome - Stephen King (18% into book)
  • Flood - Stephen Baxter (12% into book)
  • Saving Juliet - Suzanne Selfors (44% into book)
Novels ALMOST Never Finished Reading a.k.a  Just-End-Please-Before-I-Give-Up Books:
  • The Last Song - Nicholas Sparks
  • Bridget Jones's Diary - Helen Fielding
  • Nights in Rodanthe - Nicholas Sparks
  • The Winner Stands Alone - Paulo Coelho
  • New Moon - Stephanie Meyer
  • The Lovely Bones - Alice Sebold 
Best Written Book: The Book Thief by Markus Zusak 
Worst Written Book: New Moon by Stephanie Meyer

Book That I Will Never Get Tired Of: Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows by JK Rowling 
Book That I Will Never Read Again: Nights in Rodanthe by Nicholas Sparks

Tear Duct Activator Award: The Time Traveler's Wife by Audrey Niffenegger 

Wittiest Prose: The Gun Seller by Hugh Laurie 
Most Boring Prose: Flood by Stephen Baxter

Most Addicting Novel/Series: The Hunger Games Trilogy by Suzanne Collins

Best Female Character: Katniss Everdeen, The Hunger Games Trilogy by Suzanne Collins
Best Male Character: Draco Malfoy, The Draco Trilogy by Cassandra Claire
Best Villain: Anne Boleyn, The Other Boleyn Girl by Philippa Gregory

Most Irritating Female Character: Bella Swan, The Twilight Saga by Stephanie Meyer
Most Irritating Male Character: Edward Cullen, The Twilight Saga by Stephanie Meyer 

Where Is The Plot? Award: The Lovely Bones by Alice Sebold

Best Ending: The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
Worst Ending: The Winner Stands Alone by Paulo Coelho

BEST BOOK OF 2010: The Hunger Games (Book 1 of 3) by Suzanne Collins


Let me just tell you that the first book is brilliant, then it somehow spirals down from there. But still, the creativity, the ingenious plot and the strongly developed characters of the first novel make up for the shortcomings of the other books. Not to mention that, unlike other YA novels, it features a smart, self-preserving and feisty female protagonist that doesn't weep and melt over someone with a Y chromosome in any shape or form. What a great model for girls around the globe.

-

So with that, I conclude a full year of diverse universes and developed characters. May next year be as equally fulfilling as this one. A toast to books, novels, fiction writing and the various worlds that only live inside our heads.

Tuesday, December 28, 2010

Okay, so I did not succeed in my 50 books read this year goal but 34 books is not that bad. Especially since I virtually did not spend a cent in getting all these wonderful novels (unless you count Internet provider fees). Reading is a lifelong passion and unless I go blind in the future, I don't think I will ever stop what I love most. Even then I'll probably just listen to audio books. Anyway, here is the grand list of all the books, all the worlds and unique lives that I've lived in this year.

In chronological order:
  1. The Time Traveler's Wife - Audrey Niffenegger
  2. The Lost Symbol - Dan Brown
  3. The Last Song - Nicholas Sparks
  4. The Other Boleyn Girl - Philippa Gregory
  5. Claiming of Sleeping Beauty - Anne Rice
  6. Bridget Jones's Diary - Helen Fielding
  7. Draco Dormiens - Cassandra Claire (Fanfiction, read for the 3rd time)
  8. Dear John - Nicholas Sparks
  9. The Reader - Bernhard Schlink
  10. Beauty's Punishment - Anne Rice
  11. Nights in Rodanthe - Nicholas Sparks
  12. Confessions of an Ugly Stepsister - Gregory Maguire
  13. Draco Sinister - Cassandra Claire (Fanfiction, read for the 2nd time)
  14. Love in the Time of Cholera - Gabriel Garcia Marguez
  15. The Winner Stands Alone - Paulo Coelho
  16. The Ultimate Harry Potter Cliche Catalogue - Clam Chowder (Fanfiction, read for the 2nd time)
  17. Draco Veritas - Cassandra Claire (Fanfiction)
  18. Hush Hush - Becca Fitzpatrick
  19. New Moon - Stephanie Meyer
  20. Eclipse - Stephanie Meyer
  21. Atonement - Ian McEwan
  22. The Hunger Games - Suzanne Collins
  23. Catching Fire - Suzanne Collins
  24. Draco Malfoy, the Amazing Bouncing Rat - Maya (Fanfiction, read for the 2nd time)
  25. The Lovely Bones - Alice Sebold
  26. The Gun Seller - Hugh Laurie
  27. Mockingjay - Suzanne Collins
  28. Before I Fall - Lauren Oliver
  29. He's Just Not That Into You - Greg Brehrendt
  30. The Carrie Diaries - Candace Bushnell
  31. The Book Thief - Markus Zusak
  32. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows - JK Rowling (Read for the 5th time)
  33. I Am Number Four - Pittacus Lore
  34. Uglies - Scott Westerfeid
Let's all see together if 2011 can top off this one. As for the meantime, my first ever annual book awards is up next. My dearest wish is that the future generation will lay off the PSPs and the Farmvilles for just a while, crack open a book and discover the possibilities.

      Monday, December 27, 2010


      Before computers, the Internet and the birth of blogging, there was me with a notebook, a pen and a crazy imagination.

      Now, there's me, a laptop, a new blog, typing enthusiastic fingers, a wilder imagination and a bigger craving for words. Since I don't want this blog to be too crowded since it is already a hybrid of nursing related information, incalculable countdowns, movie / book reviews and everyday ramblings, I have decided to give birth to a separate entity where (hopefully) the beauty and power of words will reign supreme.

      Everyone, meet my new online brainchild: Stories in G Major. The place where heroes, heroines,  highly cringe-worthy situations, hallucinations, fairy tales and emo verses collide.

      There are only 8 entries at the moment, ranging from poetry created almost a decade ago to short stories written just now.  The posts range from out-of-a-whim shorts to personal verses. I hope to add a lot more in the days to come. My goal is to surpass my inability to write a decent short story at will. All these unfinished novel-length fiction must not bear more siblings.


      So why Stories in G Major and not C# or A Minor?

      Taken from Christian Schubart's Ideen zu einer Aesthetik der Tonkunst (1806)

      G MAJOR     Everything rustic, idyllic and lyrical, every calm and satisfied passion, every tender gratitude for true friendship and faithful love,--in a word every gentle and peaceful emotion of the heart is correctly expressed by this key.

      G Major is my favorite musical key if it's not yet obvious. I love how simple it is, the way it sounds and even played. It brings about a true sense of completion, of situations bare yet powerful and of emotions raw and untarnished. These qualities are what I hope to convey with my writing.

      So feel free to read through and share your thoughts and you will probably never know if you're staring at an entirely fictional work or delving into the deepest, most secluded part of reality.

      Stories in G Major
      http://storiesingmajor.blogspot.com

      Ever wondered what happens inside the womb during pregnancy? This article delves into the magical process that brought people like you and me to the world.
      A. First Trimester - period of organ development, which is the most critical period in fetal growth and development
      FIRST MONTH

          Fetal Heart Tone (FHT) begins
          Central Nervous System (CNS) develops.
          Gastrointestinal Tract and Respiratory Tract remain as a single tube.

      SECOND MONTH

          All vital organs are formed.
          Placenta is developed.
          Umbilical cord is developed.
          Blood is now pumping.
          Arm and leg ...

      Sunday, December 26, 2010

      I've been constructing story lines, places and characters in my head for as long as I can remember. It was back in elementary when I started to put them into words. And boy, were they terrible. Grammatical errors ran rampant in my sentences and the format itself is a Francine Pascal's Sweet Valley rip-off, with numbered volumes of a so-called "True Friends Club" series with a childish adventure in every installment. I used to grow callouses on my fingernails because of the long hours I spent writing on a cheap notebook with an equally cheap pen.

      Never-finished novel length stories came afterward when I learned to type on the computer with decent speed (thanks to my mother's rigorous typing lessons complete with an antique Typewriter Typing book). Those stories included a Dawson's Creek inspired dramatic cheese fest and even a Castaway-ish murder-mystery-in-an-island chaptered novel where the survivors of a shipwreck fight for survival from the wilderness and maybe even one of their own as someone mysteriously gets killed off every week through the unlikeliest circumstances. And take note, that was way before Lost the Absolutely Confusing TV Series aired on US primetime. And yes, I can be Nostradamus that way.

      What came next is fanfiction. The Harry Potter fanfiction community is where I lived for most of my prepubescent years. After reading too many fics for my own good, I've grown envious of how they were creating their own HP worlds so I also made my own. Not all were good but I have to say they were quite imaginative. One is an angst buffet concentrating on  the past and sufferings of a specific Hogwarts teacher in each chapter. Really depressing, believe me. Another is an incredulous hybrid of romance, post-war anguish and wit where a fierce and smart-mouthed Ginny Weasley is forced to apply as a maid for the Malfoy Manor and serve a sarcastic and very very handsome Draco Malfoy in Leather Pants. And yes, it is inspired by Cassandra Claire's epic Draco Trilogy.

      Needless to say, most of them were also never finished. Insert sad face here.

      Then came blogging and suddenly, my crooked opinions infiltrated the world wide web. The characters and their contradicting lives were pushed to the side and the imagination died down a bit as real opinions and actual life took center stage. School works and peer gatherings bathed in the spotlight of my writing and the castaways, the angsty dramatic teens and my very own masochistic Harry Potter universe took their last shriveled breath.

      So what's next? Unfortunately, the death of fanfiction came with the demise of my fiction writing altogether.  Instead of writing my own world, I find myself reading tweets or just watching online videos to pass the time. Since those simpler times devoid of web junk, I have not been able to write a decent story to save my life. I am not proud of this, in fact, I am very much frustrated. I hope that this new project that I'm working on will help jump start some of my creative neurons and bring them back to the bustling cells they were before the brain drain of social networking sites and microblogging platforms.


      As of now, my own universe of reluctant island campers, red haired house maid and emo teens are in limbo.

      Friday, December 24, 2010

      Top 5 Things I Love About Noche Buena / Christmas Eve:

      5. Our Christmas Tree (which has been standing in the corner of the room for 3 months now) will finally be lit up for the first time.

      4. Going online and greeting friends Merry Christmas. And yes, I don't need you anymore Unlitxt20.

      3. Food preparations even though I don't cook nor cooperate in the kitchen. Watching is enjoyable enough.

      2. Ham. Hamhamhamham... (Insert Glee's Lean On Me intro)

      and the No.1 thing I love about Noche Buena.

      1. What else? Presents!


      HAVE A ROCKIN' GREAT CHRISTMAS EVERYONE!


      Christmas Eve was a night of song that wrapped itself about you like a shawl. But it warmed more than your body. It warmed your heart… filled it, too, with a melody that would last forever.
      - Bess Streeter Aldrich

      Monday, December 20, 2010

      What's the sign that you are fully leaving behind the intoxicating world of tertiary education and delving into the unknown world of corporate madness and adult responsibilities?

      Well, for one thing, you care about when certain days are  deemed 'special' for double pay or no work at all. 

      The Office of the President has just released this list of holidays in the country for 2011. Hope this helps as a reference for those looking for such information.


      A. Regular Holidays
      • New Year’s Day – January 1 (Saturday)
      • Araw ng Kagitingan – April 9 (Saturday)
      • Maundy Thursday – April 21
      • Good Friday – April 22
      • Labor Day – May 1 (Sunday)
      • Independence Day – June 12 (Sunday)
      • National Heroes Day – August 29 (Last Monday of August)
      • Bonifacio Day – November 30 (Wednesday)
      • Christmas Day – December 25 (Sunday)
      • Rizal Day – December 30 (Friday)

      B. Special (Non-Working) Days
      • Ninoy Aquino Day – August 21 (Sunday)
      • All Saints Day – November 1 (Tuesday)
      • Last Day of the Year – December 31 (Saturday)

      C. Special Holiday (for all schools)
      • EDSA Revolution Anniversary – February 25 (Friday)

      Source: http://www.gov.ph/2010/12/20/proclamation-no-84/

      Saturday, December 18, 2010


      10. Anger management classes for some Charice die-hard fans.

      9. A couple of those newly designed Philippine Peso paper bills to keep in my wallet. Not for spending, just for show.


      7. Darren Criss's charisma and wit.

      6. The hilarious sarcasm of Emma Stone's character on Easy A. (Great movie btw.)

      5. An invite for me and all my friends to one of those call center Christmas parties where everyone is dressed up and sparkling pretty, complete with red carpet and background tarp with the company logo for picture taking purposes.

      4. Personal blogs for friends who still send group messages of things that happened to them that day.

      3. That the RH Bill be passed. Go go go, CONDOMS!

      2. A universal sign that will let Jeepneys, FXs (FXes?) and Buses know whether you are looking for a ride or trying to cross the freaking road.


      ...and the No. 1 thing I wish for this Chrismtas:


      1. A stop to the endless karmic cycle of me leaving the house with good music in my ear from my iPod earphones just to board a Jeep belting out Jejemon rap songs in heart-pounding bass and inhumane volume.

      Friday, December 17, 2010


      You may have heard it in the news recently. I, however, had no idea that the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas is doing a facelift on the kind of paper bills that we have grown accustomed to. That said, I was pleasantly surprised to see one picture floating on my Facebook wall showing the new designs of our country's money.

      The new bank notes sport a younger-looking photoshopped versions of the personalities that were already a part of the old design, except for the 500 Peso bill where former-president Corazon Aquino joins her beloved husband as they together smile at our nation. Everybody say "awwww...".

      The new look also retained the color used in the current bank notes as to avoid confusion.


      Value aside, I think my favorite design at this time (basing from the pictures) is the 500 and 200 bills. The chocolate hills scenery is a great addition to the otherwise lackluster bank note. Also, the splash of a yellow Tarsier in the monochromatic green bill gives off a nice aesthetic finish and boasts one of the Philippines' rarest creatures.


      The 500 just screams Aquino the Royal Family as it showcases husband and wife Cory and Ninoy Aquino with their son President PNoy's signature in the lower right side of the bank note. What I like best about it is the regal gold color and the fact that Ninoy lost his infamous pensive scowl. I'd like to think that he is now happy that he is reunited with her loyal wife. Once again, all together now: "awwww..." Part II.

      With the release of these new bills, what I hope and pray for is that Filipinos will treat them with pride and respect. I shudder to think of these new happy bills in the hands of a Jeepney driver who will just roll it until it resembles a cigarette stick and slip it in a narrow crack in the vehicle's dashboard. 

      I remember when we were outside the country, we were so afraid to fold the foreign money in our hands for fear that it will lose its value because we have noticed that the people there have kept theirs crease-free and still looking almost brand new.

      I just hope that our fellow countrymen will follow the same practice. And mind you, it is not a bad habit to learn and live by.

      Monday, December 13, 2010


      Singer, songwriter, producer and musician extraordinaire Bruno Mars is exactly what I am talking about when I say I appreciate artists who can do it all rather than those who just belt out tracks written by others. Peter Gene Hernandez, half-Filipino and half-Puerto Rican, was catapulted into the international music scene by his collaboration with other artists such as B.o.B. (Nothin' On You) and Travie McCoy (Billionaire). Just a few months ago, he released his first album "Doo-Wops & Hooligans" and now has been nominated for 7 Grammys at the 53rd Grammy Awards to be held in 2011.

      And take note, he has neither authentic star-spangled American heritage nor magazine-cover-worthy pretty-boy looks. Not that he's not attractive, but you can't really say that his appearance is his strongest point.

      With the dramatically heart-pounding song Grenade and the panty-dropper debut single Just The Way You Are, it's no wonder how he has captivated the hearts of music lovers worldwide and even the ears of the Grammy committee. His lyrics are symbolic, deep and surprisingly heartfelt and honest you can't help but to  stay and listen to what he has to say.

      With genuine talent comes genuine fans. An artist doesn't have to be a part of a certain race or demographic to attract admirers nor retell a sappy life story to get attention. His/her music is supposed to speak for itself, without the help of make-up, hair gel and/or partial nudity. With the current state of the breast-filled and curse-motivated music industry, I, for one, am thankful that real musicians like Bruno Mars still exist.

      Friday, December 10, 2010


      Carrying a developing child in your womb for nine months, or having a wife, sister, mother or friend who is, can be quite stressful when coupled with confusing mood changes and erratic behaviors. With a myriad of disorders associated with motherhood and pregnancy, it is advisable to know which behaviors are common and developmentally significant to expectant mothers. This article offers a glimpse of a woman's psyche during the months that she is nourishing another human being in her body.
       
      1st Trimester: Establishing an Acceptance of Pregnancy
       
      There is feeling of surprise, ambivalence, ... 

      Thursday, December 2, 2010

       
      Imagine my surprise when I log in to Facebook and find that almost all of my friends have cartoons as their primary picture. And when I say 'almost all' I really mean approximately about 90% of my 500+ friends. Now, that's a lot of people too insecure to show their faces on a social networking site. I would understand if this is still one of those early Friendster days more than 5 years ago when nobody wanted to post their real faces online. There must be another reason.

      Well, there is and this viral status basically sums it up:

      Change your Facebook profile picture to a CARTOON FROM YOUR CHILDHOOD and invite your friends to do the same. Until Monday there should be nohumanfaces on Facebook, but an invasion of memories! This is for a CAMPAIGN AGAINST VIOLENCE ON CHILDREN

      Now, I usually do not participate in online fads like those circulating messages about women posting just a color on their status for Breast Cancer Awareness Week or whatever but this one, I can't help but join.

      First of all, I like how fun the campaign is. I enjoyed thinking of a cartoon character for my profile photo and, at the same time, it's interesting to look at who my friends also chose. It says a lot about what their personality's like more than an "At Starbucks, chillin'." status can.

      As an online viral game or a serious crusade against child abuse, I'm with this latest trend even though all these pictures of childhood cartoons make me feel old.

      I mean, would you believe that Princess Sarah, Cedie, Power Rangers, Mojacko, Ghost Fighter and Sailormoon are all almost 2 decades old? It seems like it was just yesterday that I was doing weird arm movements and reciting "...sa ngalan ng BUWAN!"


      Dogs may be man's best friend but sometimes, these normally placid and friendly creatures gets threatened to the extent that they are forced to bite. These wounds, like any other, may be a cause for infections and even rabies, if not properly treated or prevented. Here are some of the ways to help prevent being bitten by an unkown dog or even your own pet.

      • Don't go near dogs you don't know. Some dogs may be just to cute  and fluffy that you can't imagine them hurting someone, but some dogs  are wary with strangers and can bite from the slightest provocation.
      • Let a dog sniff and... 

      From: How to Avoid Being Bitten by a Dog

      Sunday, November 28, 2010

      A simple rendition of the love song classic originally sung by Michael Ruff (who I thought was Side A from the start) and is still popular in the country despite the decades of pop/rap/rock music that it has been sharing the airwaves with.

      For me, the song has such an effortless melody torn between romantic and melancholy that it is a perfect soundtrack for bittersweet lovers.

      Almost like a lullaby, this arrangement was made by my piano teacher for another student for a recital. It is so simple that it is supposed to be played with loving caresses like there's something going to happen later that night with you and the instrument. I don't know if I succeeded in such a task but since I managed to record it in one take, it seemed suited for public consumption.



      As for those asking, well, yes, there is a music sheet for this exact arrangement, however, I still need to ask the permission of the one who actually made it and add to that that I don't have a soft copy, I doubt that it is coming up anytime soon. I will look for the chords used for this specific piece and maybe upload it soon. Stay in love.. ;)

      Thursday, November 25, 2010


      Jellyfish may be pretty to look at but being stung by one may be one of the most painful scenario one can encounter. It can even be life threatening due to occasional severe allergic reactions from their poisonous tentacles. So the next time you find yourself frolicking in the beach, best to have these simple tips in the back of your mind just to be safe.

      In the event of a Jellyfish sting, do the following:
       
      Step 1: Get out of the water.
       
      Jellyfish stings cause extreme pain and discomfort. It is best to help the victim out of the water to prevent further accidents like drowning and/or getting...


       

      Tuesday, November 23, 2010


      Trust Twitter to bring in the freshest of all news even before international and local programs manage to pick them up. I just recently read that The WB is moving forward with the once phenomenal TV show 'reboot'. And that Joss Whedon, Buffy's creator, mentor, snappy dialogue God is NOT a part of it.

      So that means, a new movie with different cast, storyline and unjoss-like dialogue. Just with the same name. Certainly not the Buffy we have grown with and love.

      The idea is so ridiculous that I would have laughed so hard if the news isn't true. But it is. And that someone else will be writing the script. Probably someone who knows nothing about the world Joss Whedon has created.

      Buffy the Vampire Slayer (1997-2003), the hit TV show with a massive loyal cult-like following has garnered modest ratings, rave reviews and countless tie-in products including a spin-off show back in its day. It has spawned worldwide attention with its remarkable storyline, relate-able characters and witty dialogue, even landing in Time Magazine's 100 Best TV Shows of All Time and winning 3 Emmys. It is a game-changer for shows in the late 90's and has influenced the direction of other series like Charmed and Roswell.

      It originally made Vampires look cool to the teenage population, and now that the fad is barging back, this reboot movie is obviously a money-making ticket to jump in the middle of the undead hysteria.

      See, I have spent a tremendous amount of time, far too many than what is considered healthy, watching and obsessing over this particular TV show. I have almost all of the episode titles, bad guy of the season and various quotes memorized. I have all the songs from the musical episode "Once More With Feeling" burned in a CD. And mind you, that was the time before anyone can watch the latest episode online or download all of the seasons and songs in a computer. I had to deal with RPN9 and, later, Studio 23's 2-season late airings. Aside from Harry Potter, this is my childhood, err, teenage-hood. Undeniably geeky period in my life, yes I agree, but it's still part of my past and it's horrific to find out that they will patch all those nerdy memories with a movie flick that would most likely fail even before it shows up in the big screen.

      Back to Joss Whedon, here's his reaction to the surprising news. (Joss's email to Kristin of E!)
      Kristin, I'm glad you asked for my thoughts on the announcement of Buffy the cinema film.  This is a sad, sad reflection on our times, when people must feed off the carcasses of beloved stories from their youths—just because they can't think of an original idea of their own, like I did with my Avengers idea that I made up myself.
      Obviously I have strong, mixed emotions about something like this. My first reaction upon hearing who was writing it was, "Whit Stillman AND Wes Anderson?  This is gonna be the most sardonically adorable movie EVER."  Apparently I was misinformed. Then I thought, "I'll make a mint!  This is worth more than all my Toy Story residuals combined!" Apparently I am seldom informed of anything. And possibly a little slow. But seriously, are vampires even popular any more?
      I always hoped that Buffy would live on even after my death.  But, you know, AFTER.  I don't love the idea of my creation in other hands, but I'm also well aware that many more hands than mine went into making that show what it was. And there is no legal grounds for doing anything other than sighing audibly. I can't wish people who are passionate about my little myth ill. I can, however, take this time to announce that I'm making a Batman movie.  Because there's a franchise that truly needs updating. So look for The Dark Knight Rises Way Earlier Than That Other One And Also More Cheaply And In Toronto, rebooting into a theater near you.
      Leave me to my pain!  Sincerely, Joss Whedon. 

       
      The cast of BtVS with creator Joss Whedon
       
      Just when you thought you could not admire him more, he responds to the annihilation of his life's work with eloquence, dignity and humor. The man is just brilliant.

      Twitter is now all abuzz with horror and speculation on the aforementioned news. There are some funny tweets in there but here is my favorite:
       
      @sophia537: *cries even harder* they ALREADY made a Buffy movie without Joss Whedon and it was SH*T! Those vampire better not f*cking SPARKLE!!!
       
      (Hence the post title.) 

      If that ever happens, it will be official. There is no hope left for mankind.

      Monday, November 22, 2010


      One site caught my eye last night when I was searching the net for a proof that Darren Criss really is half-Filipino. (Yes, I admit, how pathetically groupie of me.) Anyway, it's a post on Examiner.com basically asking the question on why Darren Criss (Kurt's openly gay new friend, Blaine) was picked up to be a regular on the hit-TV series Glee, while Charice (foreign exchange student Sunshine Corazon) was not.

      It's no secret that Glee is now one of the most popular and powerful shows in TV that even aging pop stars and Hollywood actresses such as Britney Spears and Gweneth Paltrow did not turn down the chance to guest star on the show to boost their otherwise lackluster present careers. One guest starring role, even for just a single episode, can transform an unknown artist to an internationally famous idol. Whether this trend will continue in the years to come or not, one can only guess, but as of this moment, let's just say almost everyone is in agreement that Glee is indeed a fast-forward track to stardom.

      Enter Charice and Darren Criss. Both have guest starred for at least an episode and has garnered rave reviews for their respective performances and thousands of iTunes downloads for the songs that they have covered. Now, lately, it has been confirmed that Darren Criss has indeed been signed up as a regular cast of Glee for the rest of Season 2 and even Season 3. Which made a few wonder, including this site, what exactly does he have that she doesn't?

      [Link:] GLEE: WHAT DOES DARREN CRISS HAVE THAT CHARICE DOESN'T HAVE

      Read the comments below the article and be prepared for a barrage of Argumentum Ad Hominems that will bewilder even the people who know just the most basic of logic and debate strategies.(Just saying.)

      Going back to the point, here are MY personal views on the matter: (Hold the flames, Charice fans. Read, digest and meditate before you spew.)

      5. Commendable Acting Skill
      If you have read the comments on the site above, you may have read a heated debate on the direct proportionality of acting prowess to an actor's native language. Which I honestly think is crap, but even if Charice did not perform as well on Glee because she did not grow up speaking English as primary means of communication, one could not deny the fact that Darren Criss did study Theater Arts in college, starred in a variety of productions, TV guestings and thus have more experience in acting. Charice may develop her acting chops in the future, but as of today, she still needs more work.


      4. Great On-Screen Chemistry the Writers Can Expand With
      Sunshine Corazon may be an interesting character as the audience gets to see Rachel Berry come to grips with the unbelievable fact that someone can actually sing just as good or maybe even better than her. The infamous Telephone bathroom scene will remain as one of the most amusing scenes of Season 2. However, Blaine is turning out to be an important individual in Kurt's life and can be a catalyst for more character development and future storylines. Plus, let's not deny the fact that Ryan Murphy wants to keep the femme fatale spotlight on his dearest Lea Michelle.

      3. A Penis
      Yes, a penis, and there is nothing Charice can do about that unless she goes to her godmother Vicky Belo for a consultation. The majority of Glee viewers are female, most likely to swoon and melt into a puddle by Darren Criss' charm than by Charice's high notes, giving Glee more appeal to the sex demographic that it is  most likely after. And yes, let's admit it, most females see Darren Criss as sex appeal on legs.

      2. Age-Bracket-Perfect, Non-Rabid Fans
      This actually goes with item number 3, Mr. Penis. Oprah, David Foster, Ellen DeGeneres, Celine Dion or whoever the heck endorsed our pop princess may compliment all they want, but the fact of the matter is, Charice is still not as popular to the consumer age-bracket that she should be popular in. Aside from Filipinos, OFWs, middle-aged moms who see her as a great role model for their kids and also some middle aged men (I shudder at the implication) she isn't really as well-known to the Bieber-loving Tween/Teen community that she should be breaking into by now. Darren Criss, however, whose admittedly small but growing fan base, starting from Starkid's viral video play "A Very Potter Musical" to new fans he gathered from Glee, are precisely the kind of viewers a show like Glee is targeting. Business is business. Who can give them better ratings and drag in new audiences will win the match.

      1. Being Talented in Almost Every Aspect of Music and Theater
      Here's what I've been saying all along originating form the first post I did saying that I am waiting for Charice to explore and exert more effort to expand her musicality for she is still not the Perfect Music Diva everyone of her rabid fans is so keen on insisting that she is. There is still, and always, going to be room for improvement. I'm not saying that Darren Criss is the epitome of music artistry but he does write, compose, plays (the violin, piano, guitar and drums) and performs his OWN songs. I for one is less awed by singers who just mimics another's voice and style. I think people nowadays appreciate raw, jack-of-all-trades talent more than the usual can-sing-high-notes routine. Charice surely has a great voice but it would be better for her to tap into other forms of artistry and not be caged into this bubble way behind its time.

      Whether Charice will follow Darren's contract signing in the months to come or will she even need it at all, (She might actually explode into Superstardom without Glee, who knows?) I don't really care, but here are some of the things I am hoping for:

      1. That the Filipino fan base of Charice stop harassing everyone who doesn't like her as an artist. We all have our tastes. Please respect. The fact that Charice is a Filipino does not mean that it's MANDATORY that ALL Filipinos be a fan of her. That is just absolutely ridiculous.
      2. If you are going to comment on this post, please google first Argumentum Ad Hominem before typing. Avoid it. Never ever again use it especially on online debates. It just makes you look stupid. And yes, comments like "You're just jealous!", "You can't sing as good as she does!" etc. etc. is part of that fallacy.


      If you have made it until the end of this article, I thank and admire you. I've just realized that this is one freakishly long post. I apologize for any headache or eye strain reading this might have caused you. May God bless the Philippines. And Glee. Here's a toast for the fans.

      Friday, November 19, 2010


      This is it. The penultimate installment of the worldwide phenomenon and the series of a generation. It is not only a tremendously popular franchise but also stood as the childhood companion of millions all over the globe. So after more than a decade of magic and sorcery, we have finally come to the beginning of the end.

      And it couldn't have been better. I just knew it was going to be a good movie, even great. And I was not disappointed.

      "These are dark times, there is no denying."

      From the very first line, I knew this was not the usual child-oriented movie the public has always affiliated Harry Potter with. Gone were the friendly halls of Hogwarts and fluffy snow owls in the Great Hall. In fact, we didn't even see a shadow of Hogwarts, just spectacular mountainside views that could serve as an ad for British Tourism.


      Watching the trio of Harry, Hermione and Ron grow throughout these years, it's amazing to see how far they've come. Hermione (Emma Watson), from a stuck-up, by-the-books nerd has transformed into an intelligent and capable wizard who the two will most likely be lost without. I particularly applaud this heartfelt scene in the beginning where she was shown to have erased herself from her parents' memories as a precautionary measure against Voldemort's possible advances against those that she loves.

      Rupert Grint portrayal of Ron is as seamless as ever. Not only was he responsible for most of the comic reliefs of the film, of all the films actually, he was successful in showing the depth of his character; Ron's strength, courage and his love for his friends. When I was reading the book, I was so moved with the Horcruxe scene with the images of locket Harry and locket Hermione locking their lips together to the jealousy and anger of a bewildered Ron. Amazingly, the movie version did not disappoint.

      Geek Mode: Although I loved the precise and hauntingly beautiful recreation of the scene, I noticed that they left out Harry's line when he said to Ron, and I quote: 

      "She's like my sister," he went on. "I love her like a sister and I reckon she feels the same way about me. It's always been like that. I thought you knew." 

      Reading the book, it is absolutely positive that Hermione and Ron will end up with each other, but with the movies, there are more Harry and Hermione slightly romantic scenes than I am  comfortable with. Enter the movie-only wilderness dance between the two in the absence of Ron. I think David Yates is a H/Hr shipper.

      Brilliant character development aside (Bellatrix and Voldemort were portrayed perfectly by the way), there are loads for those who just want to watch the movie for the cinematic thrills. Being a self-proclaimed road movie, the film takes us to various places and into a multitude of situations, a feat never seen before in any of the previous Harry Potter films since they are mostly shot at a Hogwarts set. For those who have not read the books, it is still an excellent adventure movie with wizard-eating-snakes, Dementors and curses in every other scene.

      Geek Mode: Speaking of scenes, there are some which I would prefer to have been part of the film.
      • One is Harry's farewell to the Dursleys. It might have been a minor scene in the book, relatively unimportant but I felt that it would be proper to give the family a proper exit, as with the novel. Dudley's change of heart, I would like to see that.
      • Second, Kreacher's Tale. I was surprised that so few (those who haven't read the book) asked the back story regarding how the elf knew about the locket and how it arrived at Grimmauld's Place. I guess nobody really cared as long as they get to see some hilarious action at the Ministry of Magic.
      • Third, Harry's proper reaction to the destruction of his Phoenix wand. He was like, "What? Oh it's fine, Hermione give me your wand." I mean, losing the twin core, his only protection against Voldemort., that deserves a bit more expression than blatant apathy.

      As for the well talked about split, I think the producers made a marvelous decision on where to end Part 1. There is a definitive beginning and end to the movie that will not leave the feeling of loose ends but rather an insatiable anticipation for the next, the last, the ultimate final installment.

      Geek Mode: Almost 3/4 of the Deathly Hallows book was already included in this first movie. The only scenes missing are the Gringgots robbery and the great battle at Hogwarts. Imagining more than 2 hours of feasting my eyes in the ruins, rubble and final showdown of love vs. evil makes me want to cry.

      EPILOGUE:

      After 146 minutes...

      Even though the film is the first part of a 2-part finale, it surprisingly can stand on its own. The story progress in rapid action-filled sequences, perfectly orchestrated to keep the audience on their toes. The alternating scenes of character/backdrop-oriented montages and edge-of-your-seat chase scenes building up to an explosive and endearing resolution made up this almost perfect rendition of J.K. Rowling's best novel to date.


      10. Tiki Totems
      I love puzzle games, especially ones with loads of free levels on them. The mission is simple, tap the blocks and safely land the Tiki God without dropping or 'hurting' him. Sound simple. Well, yes, for the first few levels at least.

      9. Sky Patrol
      I can almost call this app "Luxor Free" as it is free and is a complete replica of the dynamics of the said game. You travel along a rustic map as you shoot along the levels. Although, never start a new game since it will permanently erase all your hard earned progress.

      8. Topple 2
      All the cuteness and the bright colors will drive you crazy before you even play your first level. The goal is to stack up various shaped blocks to reach a predesignated line. The game gets harder with more odd shapes and higher height requirement.

      7. Zombie Flick
      The world is being invaded by zombies and a pile of trash is your last line of defense. And trust me, it's an addictive game even with the ridiculous premise. I found myself flicking random items like crazy. The 4-way alley of zombies keep you always on the lookout. Play with headphones on and you're immediately immersed in its deathly universe.


      6.  Paper Toss
      Who knew that such a simple game could be so addicting? Paper Toss is exactly just what it name suggest. You toss a paper in a trashcan and it counts how many successful consecutive throws you can do. That's it. Although there is always a fan nearby to deflect your throws so the game is more interesting that it sounds. The different scenes such as the Basement and Airport modes are beautiful to look at by the way.

      5. Asphalt Free
      I've downloaded more than a few free trial versions of various racing games from the App Store and found that this one is definitely one of the best. The controls are precise and you zoom through the road  quite accurately. The graphics are quite good and the number of power-ups that can be acquired on the road makes it more interesting that its counterparts.

      4. Doodle Army Boot Camp
      A stick man with a gun. That's all I can say in terms of visual. But even with the mediocre effects, this game is surprisingly addictive and enjoyable. The task is to guide the stick man into a boot camp filled with other soldiers shooting guns and dropping bombs at you. The availability of various weapons to chose from is a big plus in your quest to boot camp domination.


      3. Ragdoll Blaster
      At first, I was a bit hesitant to download this app because of the gloomy and depressing backdrop in the screencaps. But in the end, I'm glad I did. Its wonderfully imaginative levels transformed a normally dull game play into a maze of brain-bending challenges that will daunt even the smartest of minds. I recommend this for everyone who likes to think and have fun at the same time.

      2. The Creeps
      One of the most unappreciated game in the App Store, in my opinion at least. A tower defense game with cute monsters and a child cowering in his bed has never been more addictive and delightful. Honestly, I spent hours playing this game and did not even notice how fast the time flew. This game is great for those who strives of strategies and plans.


      1. Tap Tap Revenge 3
      The game did not get worldwide famous because of nothing. I started appreciating Tap Tap Revenge when we finally installed a WiFi router at home. I enjoyed downloading all the free tracks with new tap format and playing them for the first time since I already got tired of the 3 default songs that came with the initial installation of the game. Playing in 2 player mode doubles the fun and is great for slumber parties. Definitely worth the flash drive space.
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