Harum-Scarum

SYSK #1: Buriki

2010-12-07T02:34:00.000-08:00

Buriki is a sharp, metal tool used to collect samples from bags of rice to determine rice quality or purity based on size, shape, uniformity, and general appearance. var addthis_pub="corporatedecrepitude";

Ignorati

2010-11-01T02:22:00.000-07:00

There are only two things my friends and relatives always ask me during gatherings: when is the next holiday and who is the President’s currently dating. I can never be so sure how to answer them; not because of what I know, but how to say that I really don’t care. Nonetheless, I’m quite fascinated of this inherent quest to know. People do think that it’s their right to prod and comment into

MANILA

2010-07-31T23:49:00.000-07:00

var addthis_pub="corporatedecrepitude";

Isn't that adorable? You have to fire ten percent of your staff

2010-07-20T01:58:00.000-07:00

var addthis_pub="corporatedecrepitude";

Chummy

2010-06-23T19:50:00.000-07:00

“No man is an island” and truthfully, no one could ever thrive without the presence of others. But I don’t think the same applies for people whom you wouldn’t ever touch with a ten-foot pole. Most people I know don’t suit my credence for chummy affairs. I got sparse relationships, which is why I don’t have trouble assessing why I got only a handful of people in my life, for better or worse. One

Drag

2010-06-09T07:47:00.000-07:00

Fire exits needn’t be a drag, if you get my drift. To restate comedian Tracy Morgan: This is post-racial Philippines; we have a new President now – and a damn stubborn smoker at that. Which brings us to a more personal bleat: There are not enough smoking areas and cigarette butt receptacles around, especially in government offices. Seriously, we always have to settle at cramped fire exits (which,

Pages of history

2010-05-15T11:29:00.000-07:00

Creating memories is a great way to invigorate friendships. And that surely is what I and my oldest friends hoped for. Taking advantage of the long weekend, we have decided to take a quick roadtrip and dip in Laiya, the nearest white beach down South. Fun is not even understatement; okay yeah, it’s a word, but surely it brought more than fond memories I could only gather. I suggest taking the

Who is your President and Other Ruminations

2010-04-30T09:56:00.000-07:00

“Who is your President?” is a question I find most difficult to answer these days. Not that I do not have the competence to decide or discuss personal politics but sometimes, I find myself tongue-tied with the nature of this debate. Truth is, I’m professionally and legally binded not to publicly comment, opine, or hint at supporting presidential candidates, and the Philippine presidency in

Many are cold but few are frozen

2010-04-16T20:24:00.000-07:00

I chanced upon this little dessert store tucked inside SM Manila cinemas. It serves ice cream swirled with nuts, chocolate, and fruits; whatever topping the buyer might wish, everything is swirled in, thus the store’s name: Swirls. It may be comparable to other dessert shops DQ, Ben & Jerry’s and California Berry but the kicker is its churning of fantastic dessert goodies into rich, firm vanilla

Unreal

2010-04-03T18:17:00.000-07:00

“Not many people are scrupulous about smuggling when, without perjury, they can find any safe and easy opportunity of doing so. To pretend to have any scruple about buying smuggled goods…would in most countries be regarded as one of those pedantic pieces of hypocrisy…”–Adam Smith, The Wealth of the Nations I have decided long ago that piracy, no matter how presented, is still piracy. Music,

All things bright and Bones

2010-04-02T06:21:00.000-07:00

Bones returns from a long hiatus and what better way to celebrate their arrival by a piece ripped from a kid's poem 'All Things Bright and Beautiful?' Because everything is just that with Bones: bright and beautiful. All things bright and Bones All seemed great but small Booth and Bones are wise and wonderful Hart Hanson made them all. Each case that opens Each suspect that is tried Bones

Meme

2010-03-31T03:38:00.000-07:00

Using only song titles from one artist/band, answer these questions. Pick a band/artist: Tom Waits 1. Are you male or female? (Had Me) A Girl 2. If you could change your name, what would you change it to? Lucinda 3. Describe yourself: I’m Your Late Night Evening Prostitute 4. Your favorite color is: Blue Skies 5. Describe your current location: Crossroads 6. Describe your current situation

The 300-peso Challenge

2010-03-30T03:41:00.000-07:00

Sometimes I challenge myself to do things that even my own person wouldn’t intend to do or given a chance, will still refuse to take up on regardless of the consequences. I know that I cannot possibly read The Brothers Karamazov in one sitting but insist that I shall in one week at most, and I did it. I gave up smoking for a year, and I did it. So what if it’s only for a year; the important thing

Zigzag

2010-03-27T09:21:00.000-07:00

According to doodle analyses, if they are accurate, repeated patterns of zigzags may signal “a need for comfort or a need to regress to childhood in order to escape from the harsh everyday reality.” I am a bit disturbed by this because in the event that this may actually hold true, I cannot anymore deny my penchant for childlike wonder. I think I grew up faster than expected. I remembered my

Girl, interrupted

2010-03-24T05:04:00.000-07:00

Barbie* , a no-nonsense middle manager, is married with four kids. She’s a respected career woman who highly regards professionalism, ethics, and fairness in her work. Albeit conservative, she works on keeping up with the sign of times as she juggles time permanently working in a premier institution and providing for and taking care of her family. Barbie also provides ample time to her husband to

Proculus

2010-03-21T05:05:00.000-07:00

While were on the subject of old films, how about revisiting a clip from the retelling of a grandeur and syphilis-laden Rome with 1979's Caligula. No, not that famous orgy. In this scene, Proculus triumphantly overcomes a challenge that involved a human head chopper. What a crazy, giddy yet engaging (pun unintended) theatrics. Look out for the young Helen Mirren!

Tweetums

2010-03-19T13:01:00.000-07:00

So I was dragged to watch Miss You Like Crazy yesterday. I can tell you that it wasted 90 minutes of my precious time. It's torturous. To at least make me feel better, I rewatched Memories of Our Love. This is just pure gold. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED. var addthis_pub="corporatedecrepitude";

Free for all

2010-03-17T05:26:00.000-07:00

A free for all post is a hodgepodge of little notes, ramblings, feelings, and short neuroses I have had the past week. I didn’t have the time to blog, more so come up with a coherent post to talk about. It normally takes me ample time to focus and be done with a blog post but I’m telling you, I couldn’t at this moment. If I do have one though, it’s probably allowed only for sleep. But I promise

Mortality

2010-03-14T19:58:00.001-07:00

Recently, I always think about Mortality. What’s interesting is how I imagine her so vividly; the transience invites reality. In the darkest night I saw her go lightly; she wants to stay indefinitely. I said, are you here now completely? ‘Why yes,’ she said silently. Walking languidly, I could hear her stride painfully. What does it take to make your journey less glaringly? var addthis_pub

Vote to decide

2010-03-06T17:37:00.000-08:00

I mentioned in my previous, very whimsical and seat-of-the-pants post how people come to a decision. There may be other scientifically-proven, published scholastic papers explaining the various processes of deciding to which I shall pass on to you, should you have interest. But in the meantime, we will defer. Besides, isn’t decision-making rests upon the shoulders of the person making it and

The Paradox of Choice

2010-03-05T04:29:00.000-08:00

There’s a good chance that choosing for something makes you wonder if the one you didn’t is actually better. That is such a dilemma one is enforced to in a day-to-day basis. Why confronted with the anxiety of whether or not having the right decision when the very reason of choosing is to lean towards the correct one? Isn’t it the purpose of preference is to get hold of the better if not the best

Was it magic or murder they plan?

2010-02-27T07:19:00.000-08:00

Yes, an outrage for not having Kim Stanley win the Oscar for Seance on a Wet Afternoon. I still think they do kick-ass trailers in the 60's. var addthis_pub="corporatedecrepitude";

On blogging and development

2010-02-26T21:44:00.000-08:00

In my undergraduate thesis, I argued about the potential roles of blogging in promoting development. The intensity of today's technology is now realized to aid in the vital steps of the development process: formulation of systems, information dissemination, and feedback. But somehow these potentials are not yet tapped for implementation and adoption in a large scale. With the premise of mobility

Happy Anna Howard Shaw's Day

2010-02-14T21:15:00.000-08:00

Whoever's dateless, alone and whiny on February 14 is not only a pathetic buffon but a thoughtless fool. It kinda harshes the buzz around when lonely people try to shut down the awesomeness of the occasion. C'mon, lighten up. Surely, the day is popularly celebrated through Valentine's when the world's more loving, coupling, and cohabitating; when there's boost in confectionery, flower, and escort

RawR into the Night

2010-02-04T16:26:00.000-08:00

Yesterday I went back to the University for two things: pay for the authentication of my transcript of records and support the UPLB Writers Club and other organizations in standing up against campus repression and militarization. When I was an undergraduate and with the UPLB Writers Club, we often participate in poetry readings and workshops addressing social injustices in and outside the campus.

The one that destroyed Olivia Newton-John's post-Grease movie career

2010-02-02T20:48:00.000-08:00

var addthis_pub="corporatedecrepitude";

Bandwagon

2010-01-29T21:54:00.000-08:00

There are things in life we cannot just shrug off. Or no matter hard we try, we cannot look away from a new thing, a guilty pleasure, and controversy that is turning heads, increasingly enamored by the majority, and buzzed about. I often find myself outside the zeitgeist and perplexed by the hysteria. But what can you do when everyone else prefers to jump into the bandwagon? Someone at the AV

Incredibly orgasmic live act

2010-01-27T02:22:00.000-08:00

In some ways that's true. But how many live act can pull a flawless, inspired remakes of classic songs 'Jolene' and 'Why' (and make it a frakkastic version of themselves) than Justin Vernon a.k.a Bon Iver. In Brooklyn Vegan/Bowery benefit concert for Haiti Relief, Iver and the St. Vincent gave the best perfomances of the songs I grew to love and critical for anyone should they took it upon

The rest is his story

2010-01-25T20:28:00.000-08:00

The Aquinos, whom have become very influential in opposing the long standing Marcos dictatorship, is one of the most popular political families in the country. Naturally, it finds the young Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino carrying on the legacy of his family, following the deaths of his parents Ninoy and recently, Cory in August 2009. It seemed like this move is the most ideal but reality is,

Preference

2010-01-18T04:53:00.000-08:00

The Golden Globes is preference. I say this in the rawest sense because the awarding ceremony is indeed an exercise of preference. Having said that, it can only represent the preference of certain individuals or groups, particularly the Hollywood Foreign Press Association. Further, this grant of favor is mostly guided by personal taste of people in Hollywood. Hollywood. So naturally, it can

010110

2010-01-01T17:42:00.000-08:00

Blerg. First blog post of the year and I'm wanting Omeprazole to soothe my hangover. But oh well. I exceptionally hate blogging quotes as I find it lazy and lacking of spirited motivation. But I think, on how I view life nowadays, Paul Tilich gathered it best: “Language has created the word loneliness to express the pain of being alone and the word solitude to express the glory of being alone.”

Ten in 2010

2009-12-31T02:07:00.000-08:00

Like most new year celebrations in the past, I supppose, we jot down new year's resolutions and hopefully make them plausible. Or gobble up on food aplenty. I will vouch for the latter because we often did. In five hours or so, we say goodbye to 2009 and welcome 2010 with wide-eyed spirit and promise to ourselves to be better and changed individuals. I resolve to make this possible by giving 10

BEHOLD THE GENIUS THAT IS THE END CREDITS OF BUCKAROO BANZAI

2009-12-28T22:59:00.000-08:00

The Adventures of Buckaroo Banzai Across the 8th Dimension has arguably the best end credits your eyes would ever lay upon. Observe. var addthis_pub="corporatedecrepitude";

I blame holiday hiatus

2009-12-27T20:15:00.000-08:00

I caught two of those year-end specials and you can see how much they tried to sum up 2009 in full hour and half at most. GMA-7's Biyaheng 2010 faired rather well than its competitor ABS-CBN's Shout Out: Wagi o Sawi. The Kapuso network makes use of a bus that juxtaposes with a travel in time, where stories were relived by their personalities. Since it's a look back, ABS-CBN meanwhile opted for a

Purest of humanity

2009-12-26T02:35:00.000-08:00

The best gift is an expression of purest love. We may not expect it but surely we wanted it somehow from someone. Despite my non-believer, I enjoy this holiday season because it shows the purest of humanity with or without religiosity. Christians, Muslims, Jews, Rastafarians, and everything else may not agree with its concept, but the season will most likely bring a spirit of camaraderie and

The holiday spirit

2009-12-23T20:59:00.000-08:00

We were never been religious people, other than when one considers food a piety. Christmas is slightly above normal festivity for the blind here nonetheless. Mother will try at least to spruce a fake tree and wrap gifts. Father will play holiday tunes to eternity. My sister, well, I don't know what she would do. And I, for that matter, would feign interest to them all, of course. Christmas time

So the public may know

2009-12-22T16:14:00.000-08:00

There's truth in the saying that 'when there's smoke; there's fire' because by then incriminating evidence of wrongdoing are likely burned down to ashes. Or extirpated. In this case, many local politicians charged with political and moral mischief laboriously gag or worse, silence whistleblowers altogether, in the most unthinkable way possible. Meanwhile in Japan, political leaders charged with

YouFace: Who are you facing?

2009-12-18T20:18:00.000-08:00

What a fucking GREAT IDEA! Where do I sign up? *as seen on 30 Rock var addthis_pub="corporatedecrepitude";

CTRL + ALT + DEL

2009-12-16T21:54:00.000-08:00

In the realm of personal computing, the command CTRL + ALT + DEL in Windows enables or disables secure logon when threats are imminent. It is likewise natural to prompt this when restoring a computer that freezes or neglects what it is supposed to do. Windows users consider this a very useful tool because it inhibits one's reflexes to throw away another bootless (pun intended) machine. Mobile

Films that mattered in 2009 (2 of 2 parts)

2009-12-13T23:38:00.000-08:00

It's that time of the year once again to list some of the most interesting, thought-provoking, awesome films that mattered in 2009. 1. In the Loop (Armando Iannucci) – The irony is, 'unforeseeable' is just as intended. In the Loop is a satirical comedy about spin doctors, lobbyists, and political leaders trying to make sense out of British and American diplomacy in the early stages of the Iraq

Films that mattered in 2009 (1 of 2 parts)

2009-11-30T20:22:00.000-08:00

But there are more documentaries or real life-based narrations I chanced upon this year and I would be remissed not to share them. After all, they are among the most interesting, thought-provoking, awesome films that mattered in 2009. 6. The Cove (Louie Psihoyos) 7. Food Inc. (Robert Kenner) 8. Cine>Sine (Nick Deocampo) 9. Rights v.2 (Southern Tagalog Exposure) 10. The September Issue (

Week justice

2009-11-27T21:25:00.000-08:00

A week has passed after reports of mass murders in Ampatuan, Maguindanao in Mindanao circulate mainstream media. Apparently, close to 60 innocent people, bystanders, supporters of political Mangudadatu clan, and journalists perished. Initial reports point to election dispute between prominent local leaders Ampatuan and Mangudadatu, by which the latter's wife and entourage were among the ambushed.

On heroism

2009-11-24T00:55:00.000-08:00

Efren Peñaflorida, founder of the Dynamic Teen Company, bagged this year's CNN Hero of the Year. CNN Heroes is the Cable News Network's effort in recognizing the heroic acts of unknown individuals around the world. Peñaflorida's Kariton Klasrum won him international acclaim, along with $100,000 cash prize. Similarly, boxing champion and celebrity Manny Pacquiao won another momentous match against

Clintonation

2009-11-19T19:24:00.000-08:00

US Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton visited the country last week amid restoration efforts from devastating storms Ondoy, Pepeng, and Santi and capture of missionary Fr. Sinnot in Pagadian City. Both of which (but the latter not essentially tackled in the media) were reportedly among the issues talked about between her and Mrs. Arroyo, including but not limited to foreign and local

M.I.A

2009-11-18T17:06:00.000-08:00

My love-hate relationship (mostly leaning to the hate) with Facebook intensified this year with the proliferation of online games, quizzes, and shenanigans on the social networking site. I am first to admit that I have indulged on some of these in the past but the growing fascination on such was way too much off-putting. There was a time when it was enjoyable to share and comment on status

(500) Days of Zooey Deschanel

2009-10-14T00:17:00.000-07:00

Roughly two years ago – or to put it exactly 500 days – when Zooey Deschanel, with her pixie-like frame and signature bangs burst into greater American consciousness. After a string of moderately successful indie films, Zooey is portrayed as the first lady of independent pop cinema. Although she has started film acting with a key role in Cameron Crowe's Almost Famous, Zooey did not prosper in

Of moving on, living on

2009-10-12T18:05:00.000-07:00

To be quite honest, I am not thrilled nor developed a liking in any recent Judd Apatow productions. Keyword here is RECENT because once I adored The Larry Sanders Show, Freaks and Greeks, and 40-Year-Old Virgin. No disrespect; I believe whatever they come up with from that machine is highly decent and funny at some point, but I am not part of that demographic anymore. I miss a lot, don't I?But

To my dearest sister,

2009-09-23T19:02:00.000-07:00

I have always loved you, respected you, idolized you. And I plan to continue it in the future. But recently it is harder to walk the path when I cannot stop feeling let down by you and worse, hating you. I love you unconditionally, albeit sometimes inadequately. I respect you tremendously, but find myself doubting it regretfully. I idolize you in many ways, however I am beginning to unmold the

Whole lotto luck

2009-08-24T23:38:00.000-07:00

I always make it a point to join my mother grocery shopping during the weekends. It is the only time we can be alone, talk about many things that came by the week and her prod even more about life decisions that may have made or break me apart. It's something I don't need to do but often find myself drawn into. I like the routine, I guess. I find pleasure in gliding through the doors of the

Sisi, nasa huli na nga ba?

2009-07-14T01:45:00.001-07:00

I was strongly concerned by how the Philippine government treats wild animals in government-sanctioned facilities, such as Manila Zoo, Botanical Garden, among others. To begin with, they are not in any way suited for captivity, much more willed to lead a normal life outside the wild and without their families present.Sisi, nasa huli na nga ba?Following the death of Sisi, an orangutan living in

WIN-LOSS CARD: Worn-out designer paper bags

2009-06-18T02:28:00.000-07:00

Today, we begin something new. WIN-LOSS CARD shall dissect some of the most random things that end up somehow in our twisted radar. Like pros and cons, we attempt to discover the meaning, or lack thereof, of things that aren't parallel with the universe. Because there is and always will be two faces in a coin, sides in any alibi, and almost everything in a conjoined twin's birthday party.Notice

I won't stop believing that this is the last person to ever cover Journey

2009-06-18T02:08:00.000-07:00

This just fucking killed me. As I said here before, many lives will be torn and futures stalled if left behind in the white hole called YouTube. Anyhow, this rendition of Journey's Don't Stop Believin' is hilarious. Recently, we are stormed by many Journey covers that left us either stomped or stoked, asking for more. Among them is Petra Haden and the Sell Out's a capella version of the song. I

Singin' in the Rain

2009-05-11T20:25:00.000-07:00

Whoosh! While I schlepped (like I always do) when coming to work, the cold weather and the rain make it more painful. I usually hate when I have to deal with traffic, mud, and gloomy feeling brought by it, but rainy weather can still provide joy and delight toward the opposite. Remember Gene Kelly? Gene's fantastic footwork in Singin' in the Rain is a pleasure to watch. I can really feel his

Le Tourbillon

2009-04-28T02:20:00.000-07:00

Hey, have you seen Jules et Jim? Not only does this classic film impacted me in a significant manner, but on how Le Tourbillon - a song in the film pointed me in that direction. Truly as we go through life, a vorticity of laughter, sadness, failure, triumph, fear, love catches upon us; the fluidity of such makes life more endearing and enduring. var addthis_pub="

How To Live Eco-friendly and Still Look Fab

2009-04-22T18:31:00.000-07:00

The GirlieGirl Army is one helpful site in bringing you wonderful stories and tips in going for a greener lifestyle. I frequent this site for valuable resource and to aid me in the objective of helping the environment. I believe that even in our own little ways, we can do so much.Here you will learn some very good and practical know-how of reducing your carbon footprint, live eco-friendly, and

How To Reduce Your Carbon Footprint

2009-04-22T02:47:00.000-07:00

Heya. Today is Earth Day but I hope we all be responsible to go out there and be informed for us to know what we need to do. And we should do it NOW! var addthis_pub="corporatedecrepitude";

Is Trent Reznor really Nine Inch?

2009-04-22T02:19:00.000-07:00

corporatedecrepitude: hoy emometalryanrm: HAHA gaga hindi acorporatedecrepitude: may pa-suffering is optional ka pa jan asusmetalryanrm: quote yun from murakami's bookcorporatedecrepitude: ahahah okey..kla ko lng emetalryanrm: pero it's true naman diametalryanrm: dibacorporatedecrepitude: yup, it's true. in murakami universemetalryanrm: ano ba, admit it hahahhacorporatedecrepitude: i think it's a

The Recession Diet

2009-03-27T19:20:00.000-07:00

Tonight I stopped by my favorite grocer around the corners of Kamias and Kamuning. There I pondered heavily and hoped that my allowable budget would buy more than enough to see the end of this month. Alas, even though things here are relatively cheap, I wound up with only the necessities. No fun for the kid in me.Sometimes I think that the impact of the global financial crisis is one convoluted

Knowing is half the battle

2009-03-13T21:06:00.000-07:00

Knowing is half the battle and the rest beats you down to a pulpOf the ruins, I am Queento the nemesis there is noneI hold the center, end, and startbut not necessarily in that orderTogether in the dance ofpurported distinctionsCrushing wavesof tormenting revelationsOf selfI am hammered in sheetsKnowing is half the battleand I refuse knowledge var addthis_pub="

'I've got soul but I'm not a soldier'

2009-03-11T22:15:00.000-07:00

I'm mostly drained. Really. I've been trying to survive the past week's massive ball of boredom onto my face, my being. This is becoming a routine, a malevolent attempt to down my spirit. Yet I am unprovoked. It seems I developed a higher tolerance over these and I am afraid. I am slowly becoming sucked into a hole of improbabilities. The rest is yet to come. I hope I packed band-aid. var addthis_pub="corporatedecrepitude";

Iron & Wine's The Shepherd's Dog

2009-02-19T22:37:00.000-08:00

The Shepherd's Dog (2007) is so artistically varied that it takes a lot of listens to grasp its meaning. Iron & Wine brings in a pleasant recording of sorrowful journey where each song has its own story to tell. This record, ironically, screams out the burning passion of individual artistry that's carefully wrapped in pristine string arrangements. A- var addthis_pub="

'Pinoy is the new Black'

2009-02-19T00:02:00.000-08:00

Still following Mammoth at the Berlinale Film Festival. Today's a resounding boo boos (which actually hurt me, by the way) from critics who had the chance of seeing Lukas Moodysson's latest foray. I have yet to see the film and will not, at any cost, fall into these abrupt criticisms on the film. THEY.JUST.DON'T.GET.LUKAS. Anyhow, Kevin Lee of Sprout proclaimed Marife Necesito's performance as "

Tokyo Police Club's A Lesson in Crime (Live at the Lollapalooza)

2009-02-18T23:19:00.000-08:00

Indie rock temptress Tokyo Police Club seemed to shy away from long playing releases. This live recording at the Lollapalooza baptizes the Canadian band to best hold both studio and live performances of songs from their 2006's A Lesson in Crime. Their sweetened, twitchy keyboard/guitar melee evolve into a more accessible sound with straightforward caveat of political awakenings and advocacies.

Life is

2009-02-18T22:54:00.000-08:00

Life is a marathon. And I need a bathroom break. var addthis_pub="corporatedecrepitude";

Switches' Heart Turned To Dead

2009-02-18T01:24:00.001-08:00

Switches debuts with Heart Turned To Dead (2007), a rich, well-written music, and brawn guitar work of indie pop definitions that separates them from one-hit wonder boy toys All-American Rejects and Click Five. This UK group finely channels Queen-tinged bridges, infectious riffs, and rough tones that narrowly convicts them as one of this year's best bands. A- var

Rilo Kiley's Under The Backlight

2009-02-18T01:21:00.002-08:00

Fronted by former child actors Lewis (Troop Beverly Hills, The Wizard) and Sennett (Salute Your Shorts, Boy Meets World), Rilo Kiley are veteran indie rock musicians who developed much cred spanning a career of almost a decade. Under the Backlight (2007) is the band's stab at the mainstream scene, juicing up easy listening tracks with strengths of intellectual content. Smoke Detector is one

"I felt like a hypocrite"

2009-02-16T22:19:00.000-08:00

Lukas Moodysson gives an interview with a German paper about his film, Mammoth. A snippet: "I was always interested in power structures, hierarchies of power and how to move. It is economically very strong and psychologically very weak," says Moodysson. Read full article hereSOURCE: Zeit Online (17 February 2009)I printscreened and chose this as accompanying photo because it's so cool having both

Being held hostage on a weekend

2009-02-07T06:20:00.000-08:00

If you’re like me, who’s being held hostage on a weekend to please the family’s wishes of your presence, then you’re more likely to end up forced to watch Maalaala Mo Kaya. As I sit in almost catatonic state, I try to comprehend the many attempts of Bea Alonzo to pass caliber acting. Here she plays Nina, a typical probinsiyana with a dream to further her status in life, almost making a career in

A Global Lukas Moodysson

2009-02-04T17:35:00.000-08:00

I should get paid for doing this but my love alone for Lukas Moodysson and his craft makes it all worthwhile. Today, I share with you an interview with Lukas promoting his film Mammoth. But then again relearn Swedish for this particular video.Mammoth is Moodysson's take on globalization, family dynamics, and relationships which stars Gael Garcia Bernal, Michelle Williams, and our very own Marife

Gael: Lukas has a good empathetic approach to characters' emotional journey

2009-01-27T22:03:00.000-08:00

Gael Garcia Bernal (Y Tu Mamma Tambien, The Motorcycle Diaries) and his director in Mammoth, Lukas Moodysson, talk to MOVIEZINE on what this small film's global impact on people. Mammoth is Moodysson's take on globalization, family dynamics, and relationships which stars Bernal, Michelle Williams, and our very own Marife Necesito. The film also shoot scenes in parts of Luzon: Sabang in Bataan and

Loud & About: Dexter

2009-01-26T17:22:00.001-08:00

My serial killer instinct is about 25%, says this survey, but I strongly disagree. It’s actually 26.8%, depending on time of day. Certainly not beyond Dexter Morgan’s, the sympathetic vigilante executioner who gets out murdering killers who slipped away from the fences of justice. Dexter, played by Michael C. Hall, moonlights as a forensic blood expert for the Miami police during the day and as

TWILIGHT CAN SUCK IT!

2009-01-24T05:46:00.000-08:00

Here's a better vampire movie, which unfortunately was beaten down by Twilight hysteria in 2008, even though the film's been invited and won awards in several film festivals, including Toronto Film Festival. Let The Right One In is a story of two youngsters Eli and Oskar, who deal with their burgeoning feelings and confused emotions toward each other. It also tells the story of friendship,

Lukas Moodysson talks to CRFN of Rodeo Magazine

2009-01-23T17:30:00.000-08:00

After scouring the web for the latest on Mammoth, I chanced upon this wonderful (albeit poorly translated) article on the film's director Lukas Moodysson. Lukas is an acclaimed film director and poet from Sweden who has had critically hailed movies (Fucking Åmål, Together, A Hole in My Heart, Container, etc.) under his belt. He sits down with CRFN of Rodeo Magazine to talk about Mammoth, his

Loud & About: The Devil's Rejects

2009-01-22T21:15:00.000-08:00

Rob Zombie's crossover to the movies was hinted by his debut House of 1000 Corpses, but the Devil's Rejects (2005), Zombie's sequel to the psycho-mutilation feast affirmed the artist's stance as torchbearer of modern horror filmmaking. Zombie effectively brought back the gaudy vomitorium of a movie, shocking but strong, unintentionally funny (or was Zombie's being poetic?) to a point the film

Music from and Inspired by Dan in Real Life

2009-01-21T21:23:00.001-08:00

Norwegian sensation Sondre Lerche (okay poseurs, say it after me: sond-ruh lair-kay) lends his coy to the movie's soundtrack, starring Steve Carell in 2007. This amazing record includes seven instrumental cue tracks, remakes from Elvis Costello and Pete Townsend, and originals from Lerche picked out from his commercially-disappointing Phantom Punch. Lerche's quirky but genuine music gave

MIA's Kala

2009-01-20T21:01:00.000-08:00

Mathangi "Maya" Arulpragasam aka M.I.A. is a British vocalist, songwriter, composer, record producer and visual artist of Sri Lankan Tamil origin. But she's best known to have important things to say extensively with Kala, her sophomore effort released in 2007, predominately of social and cultural commentaries. This record has bits and pieces of everything, but nonetheless effectively played out

Loud & About: Serbis (Service)

2009-01-20T19:36:00.001-08:00

I was going to write what's all the hullabaloo about Wanted but since Schmitt was missing in action and like a gazillion of Multiply friends already raved about it, I decided to ditch the Angelina Jolie-starrer action flick for a more subtle type, Serbis. Now Serbis' premise is about life manacled within a cineplex and all the drama that goes with it. So I guess it's more interesting than whether

Rosey and Meg talk about the future, Bebe, cocks, and the fountain of youth

2009-01-19T20:54:00.000-08:00

On a doldrum Tuesday, my good friend Rosey and I talked online. Our conversation went something like this.metalryanrm: meeegmetalryanrm: what are you doingcorporatedecrepitude: nothing..i'm blogging and kicking myselfmetalryanrm: kicking yourself?corporatedecrepitude: it's a figure of speech..metalryanrm: oh. bobo ako sa mga ganyancorporatedecrepitude: well, it's cold here and i forgot to bring

Mammoth production stills

2009-01-18T18:24:00.000-08:00

Mammoth is in competition in the 2009 Berlinale Film Festival on February 5-15. It has been reported that a Filipino actress, Marife Necesito is set to play as one of the key roles in the film. As Gloria, Necesito co-stars with seasoned actors Michelle Williams and Gael Garcia Bernal as their daughter's nanny, struggling to provide for her own family back in the Philippines. Here are some

Mammoth press conference

2009-01-17T20:26:00.000-08:00

In my quest to have this film achieve more press, I bring you a snippet of interviews of Lukas Moodysson, Michelle Williams, and Gael Garcia Bernal during Mammoth's press conference. Here they tell something about the story, their character, and what it's like working with Lukas, the director. As I said before, this film involves a Filipino actress, Marife Necesito in the role of Gloria. Look

Of Montreal's Hissing Fauna, Are You The Destroyer

2009-01-17T05:14:00.001-08:00

2007's best concept album, (sorry My Chemical Romance's Black Parade isn't gonna cut it) Hissing Fauna, Are You The Destroyer is Of Montreal's walk into a children's world of bizarre characters and sugary content with grotesque sound. Generally, it provided for mechanized rhythms and synthesized beats. Of Montreal's experiment on riffs goes beyond the usual ooh but paints tormenting pictures of

Wilco's Sky Blue Sky

2009-01-17T05:11:00.001-08:00

Hyphenated rock god Jeff Tweedy of Wilco explores an ever-widening spectre of sounds with Sky Blue Sky (2007), the band's latest with additional new members Nels Cline and Pat Sansone. It is a unique venture on Tweedy, with deep vocals and intertwined piano arrangements that envelope a generally fragile, lonesome material that's distinctively Wilco. B+ var addthis_pub

Tegan & Sara's The Con

2009-01-17T05:06:00.000-08:00

Canadian bred sisters Tegan & Sara released The Con (2007) marring upbeat melodies and heartbreaking songs. Drumbeats are conveniently measured; 1-2-1-2-3-4 defined almost all tracks. Despite the flaw, Tegan & Sara remain true to their attitude and blonde, err, black ambitions. Prepare for angsty Are You Ten Years Ago, Knife Going In, and Relief Next To Me. B- var

Facebook is the DEVIL

2009-01-14T16:25:00.000-08:00

Well, maybe an incarnation. I did sign up for Facebook many months ago but that is just intended for friends abroad. I revamped it just recently to accommodate other people I know. But man, this thing is so confusing. To a luddite like me, it is such a pain to maintain and get my finger around it. Good thing there are friends who are willing to lend a hand. Now I couldn’t do any work because of

The Shins' Wincing The Night Away

2009-01-11T21:39:00.000-08:00

Sometimes the inner-Beatle kicks in every musician and hopes to have Rubber Soul out of pure junk. After three critically-acclaimed records and massive following underground, The Shins felt to revert the somewhat boring baroque pop they claimed to fame with new release Wincing The Night Away (2007). Understandably, the new sound didn't pull away from that much but inserted a whirlwind of

Weekend Report: I’m Crabby

2009-01-11T20:32:00.000-08:00

I write this today chronicling last weekend’s activities, which I intend never to do it again if I value extra few years of aging. I feel like a zombie coming in today because I haven’t been to sleep. Yes, I’m awake since Saturday.10 January, Saturday7.00 am: I woke up feeling sore after a late night. I hated going to work on Saturdays because it just makes you want to jump off a bridge. You’re

Inviting enzymes to everyday life

2009-01-09T17:42:00.000-08:00

Research perennially shows that diseases are triggered by accumulated free radicals in the body that contribute to its degeneration and decline in proper function. Through time, stress, environmental pollution, chemicals, and even environmental issues play a role in the body’s inability to process enzymes needed to lead a normal life. Minimized or lack of enzymes in the body at all would provide

Jens Lekman's Night Falls Over Kortedala

2009-01-09T17:31:00.000-08:00

Jens Lekman seemed to be forever in love with his 2007's Night Falls Over Kortedala, a classy, folk-inspired retelling of his first kiss, an infatuation with the girl who cuts his hair, avocados (C'mon, if he can make avocados sound endearing, then the guy must be genius) and places he's been. He's adopted a unique blend of instrumentation that blanketed a heartfelt content, which in my opinion,

Aqueduct's Or Give Me Death

2009-01-08T22:15:00.001-08:00

One-man band David Terry returns with much anticipated Or Give Me Death (2007) after he struck gold with Aqueduct's I Sold Gold back in 2005. This 12-song gem is generic of ambient indie pop with seamless lyricism and harmony. Terry masterfully penned and applied music that's tailored to endearing stories of love and life; clever phrases of sorrow and failure. But Aqueduct's more polished release

'Mammoth’ role for Pinay in Hollywood

2009-01-07T18:04:00.000-08:00

Thespian Marife Necesito has been tapped as one of the leads in Mammoth, a Lukas Moodysson drama set for international release this year. According to reports, Necesito has beaten out local actresses (Alessandra de Rossi, Chinchin Gutierrez, Joyce Jimenez, and Pinky Amador) who auditioned for the part of Gloria – a nanny whose integral character sets one of the emotional roller coaster rides in

Thoughts of Death Can Bring Happiness

2009-01-06T21:38:00.000-08:00

There are many things in my mind right now. I always thought that they are there to confuse me. And so they did, and then some. I'd rather become nothing to a thinking man just to evade them. I really do.Often I fantasize about jumping off a cliff - it's more dramatic than leaping from a tall building. To say I only think about it is an understatement. This isn't about depression; neither the

Expectations: What's in store in 2009?

2008-12-24T21:32:00.000-08:00

Two-thousand and eight is on its brink of death. As we move in for the New Year, we almost expect 2009 would be mold for a better tomorrow. Are we asking too much? International Herald Tribune asked many able individuals what they expect, hope, and fear once the year of the Ox kick in. I’d say they are the ones who did too. But seriously, I half-expected everyone to be on the defense with