Yoga again.

People today have become more uncompromising. With the stressors increasingly demanding more from us and the pressures just keep adding, sometimes you just need to escape. Yoga provides that escape. When you leave the world of problem, you enter a world where you are king and there are no real problems. It is up to you to just leave it all behind.

When you do yoga, you begin self-introspection and rediscover your own self. Limitation is only as far as the mind can go. It’s a time when you can just stop, pause and relax. No worries.

At this time of new age principles and teaching, when loving yourself more is the right thing to do and looking back to what you've done is just necessary, yoga fits the scene just well. 

BE UNCOMPROMISING.

The uncompromising only want the best for themselves. That's why they eat right, live right and do exercise. They perform activities which help them achieve wellness and health that would otherwise be difficult with the presence of alcohol, stress, excessive eating and poor lifestyle habits. Loving yourself is not a crime. You need that. You need to appreciate the hard work you've done and the pain you've gone through. Give your body due love and gratitude.

LOVE YOURSELF

So how much do you love yourself? Why not reward your body? Your one and only body that keeps your engine running, keeps you winning and performing. Yoga is the best way to show your body the love it deserves. As you stretch, relax and getaway, you know that you are doing your body a favor with this whole detox process.

PASSION TO KEEP WINNING

Like how Iza Calzado aptly put it, "Ano ang buhay kung wala kang passion? Walang kwenta." Yoga is passion. When during practice and you can't seem to figure if you can do it, passion will tell you yes. Passion keeps you going, burning and desiring for more. Give your body and mind more reasons to work together. Get that passion to succeed and do more. Get that passion to reward your body constantly. Get that passion to just be. Do not deprive yourself. Be intense.

SHOW THE BEST YOU

And when all else fails, just go show the best you. Go there with confidence and full battle regalia, then you're sure that you'll finish the class happy.

What goes on in your mind is totally your business. But certainly yoga provides that escape you need. 

Relax. Take a deep breath. Do not compromise.

BLOG-BLOG-BLOG.

BLOG-ALAG

It’s like an EB- only substantial and really convivial.

I went to my first bloggers’ event today and boy, was it fun! Fun would not give justice to what I felt today, instead let me say, boy was it exciting! To begin with, I never really knew that there was such a thing. Sure, people organize events that include bloggers occasionally, but it never really occurred to me that it was so organized that there are a group of  bloggers who are ready to make a living out of this. From the freebies, to the tokens and the exposure, this really is career.

For my first taste of bloggers event, I went to a yoga immersion.  Ria introduced me to this blog entry, which I gladly responded to right away. I felt a little iffy shortly after knowing that I don’t really know anyone but hey I’m all grown up now so I shouldn’t be worried, yes?

Since the blog it was open to the first ten bloggers responders and I was the fourteenth already. I wasn’t really expecting at all. But I did want to try the Vinyasa practice so I wished secretly. When I got a response the following day informing me more about the event, I was very happy! I knew I was already a step closer to getting invited. Ria told me that that already was the invite. I didn’t want to assume so I waited further. I got another email the following day informing me about the event more. At this point I took the cue and I knew I was finally in.

You are probably either snickering behind me or just plain confused why I am even blabbing about this, but this whole experience just felt really good. I just got so excited going through this. What’s also amazing is that this whole thing is so organized already that they know events and coming events, and people go to the same events! They were all talking about the Coke event at the Mall of Asia the other night since almost the same group went.

KEY INFLUENCERS

In the world of advertising, lifestyle brands are little by little adopting this phenomenon called blogging. More and more brands now are asking their media agencies to link them up with popular bloggers. But the question today really is, what’s the big deal with blogging?

Teacher Pio of Vinyasa Yoga mentioned that he considers SANJAYA (no, not that American Idol contestant) to be the first blogger. Back in mystical India (is it?), where the mind is considered as one (if not the most) of the strongest part of our body. Our mind provides us the rhyme and reason of life. It can be our best friend if we used to advantage, but it can also be our enemy if we leave it uncontrolled. Sanjaya controlled his brain. His mind was so strong that he was able to transmit information beyond paper and computer screens. And just like the modern bloggers, he would give commentary on almost every human interest.

FREEDOM OF SPEECH

Blogging provides us all the basic right of speech. Now, more than ever, we can truly express ourselves. More than just this civil liberty, I consider the process of making sound commentaries, judgment and guesses very educational. I think that gives us an outlet to exercise our brains and decision-making process. If put to good use, blogging can be really beneficial and insightful.

BLOGGING CAN BE CATHARTIC

In Psychology, catharsis plays a major role in maintaining a balance and well-being. We can call it an outlet where you just pour your heart out and just be. No inhibitions, no one stopping you and nothing to stop you. If you keep your thoughts and emotions bottled up, there’s a big possibility that the pressure you hold can causeyou to break down.

Catharsis is not always in the form of just bathos or crying. It can be simply writing in your own diary, talking to a friend or just blogging. Sometimes we find ourselves just too fed up that we just want to tell someone about it or just scream. Blogging can be a very good exercise.

At one point, I am quite sure that you have already published a personal feeling on net whether for public consumption or not. I encourage you to do that, it’s a wonderful feeling. But word of caution, you have to be very vigilant and responsible when you do so. Remember that blogs are published documents. People will be able to read it even without your permission. So just be extra careful what you write down. Be sure you don’t go blaming or naming someone without basis, unnecessarily or just maliciously. The pen (or in this case the keyboards) is mighty weapon; those who wield it must be extra cautious.

BLOGGING CAN BE VERY INSIGHTFUL

Since blog entries are not forced nor written under a certain prejudice or assumption, most entries are very raw and honest. It’s a good tool to read and find out about the latest trends and habits of people today.

From blogging, we found out that people are adventurous. They look for blogs which has reviews of whatever things out there. We find blogs about deserts, cars, exercise, etc. We get readings now that lifestyle has never been this big a part of everyday marketing that the opportunities are really limitless. We also hear people give commendations and complaints about certain matters.

BLOGGING AS A MORE CREDIBLE MEDIUM THAN PRINT ADS AND ADVERTORIALS - CREDIBILITY

Not until recently that we saw the power of blogging and its potential to destroy or build brands and opinions. Since blogging is coming from the consumers’ POV, ideally unpaid and pure, it just comes out as more credible piece of information. Print advertisements do the job of informing people about certain benefits of a brand. Press releases ensure follow through and key influencer perspective. Celebrity endorsements work too, but they are too celluloid, too passé. We see the same celebrities totting different brands day in day out. Is that really still credible? But if we hear it from someone unknown and informed like you and me, things change. When you hear a mother talking about how great her ginger sauce she served for dinner, as opposed to a certain celebrity attending a launch party , what would you rather believe? The thing is blogging provides a better day to day perspective and puts the proposed benefit in proper context. You an even ask them more information, secure feedback and further scrutinize at your own delight. Would TPV really care to answer my questions about her endorsements?

Brian Gorell opened a boxful of social atrocity when he revealed DJ Montano’s indiscretions. The Gucci Gang used to be every social climber’s dream pedestal. To hang out or just be associated with them is like seeing nirvana for them. But the whole scam only polarized the whole scenario.  Either you hate them now, or just salivate to become more like them. But the more important part here to mention is the ripple it caused that blog caused. Ethical issues and legal issues have been raised, some of them got fired, some of them got ridiculed and then some more.  Like blogs about deserts and best dining places, people continue to look for the next blog entry situation.

BLOGS AS SOCIAL STATUS

The pop culture power is also undeniable. Maybe we are all channeling Carrie Bradshaw with our own Macbooks. But the sound of tinkering keyboards feels so much on the go.  To say that I own a blogsite, which I type on my black MacBook and I’ve written on possibly all topics point to one direction: I AM SOOOO IN. Parang if you’re not a blogger, you’re so out and unintelligent. Well.

And now, the more readers you have, the more interactive and cute-looking your blogsites, the better.  

BLOG PROVIDES ACCESSIBLE ARCHIVING SYSTEM

Since site sponsors like multiply, tabulas, wordpress, blogspot provide almost unlimited storage space, you can literally dump everything there. So your notes from two years back would still be there. And yes, your documented blow by blow notes on how you broke up or you outed your self would still be there 10 years from today. Boon or bane, you decide.

One thing is certain: the power of blog is undeniable. It’s starting to shape pop culture and is definitely here to stay. The question is: how are you going to use this to your advantage? 

Breaking the Yoga Myths

Have you looked at yourself at the mirror and found yourself asking existentialist questions? Sometimes the biggest battle happens in our own mind. It happens within the limits of our own mind. Becoming bigger than your current state is the toughest challenge. Somehow the need unleash yourself is just so strong. But you don’t know just how far our mind can go. As you unleash yourself, you need to hold back as well.

I’ve experienced that.  I’ve experienced that no matter what I do, there’s just no rhyme and reason. And when I go overdrive, my mind can’t focus on the other things. Doing other things prove futile and useless. Your past, present, future, aspirations, frustrations and pressures suddenly flash right before your eyes ad you don’t know what to do. You become a slave of your own mind. It’s gone out of control. And yet while that’s a good escape you know there’s work to be done, deadlines to meet, family to attend to and responsibilities to be aware of. But your mind has gone 20 miles ahead. You are beyond control. Yes, stress.

At this point, you know you need to control yourself. But the mind has gone too far already. What do you do?

I learned that stopping the mind is a challenging task. Focusing back to the here and present is the only way to go. I stop, close my eyes and take a deep breath. I inhale positive energy and focus. I visualize putting the useless thoughts to trash bin and then move on. I think of a serene environment and where I conquer my own mind. I put my mind in slow mode and things start to slow down a little.

I didn’t learn this the fast way. I learned this the yoga way. Yoga to many may sound very daunting. Though it has been practiced for decades now, it’s gained pop culture status only quite recently. It was only when Madonna started advocating Kabbalah and Pilates that it became mainstream. Yoga has been practiced by ever-serene and peace-loving monks for the longest time. They have lived spiritually, physically and emotional stable lives and they are all yoga practictioners. Can it really be possible that yoga can do that?

I am not a yoga expert, and don’t expect everything I say here are general truths. But I would say that as a convert, this is my testimony. This is my personal truth and discovery on a lifestyle called yoga. Please read on.

While yoga has been a buzz word for years now, people are still wary about doing yoga. Kasama na ng yoga yung different misconceptions that go with it. I’ve listed five popular misconceptions on yoga.

1.     1. Yoga are for monks only. It’s intimidating.

2.     2. Yoga are for the flexible. I can’t even lift my own bag!

3.     3. Yoga are for sissies. It will make me less of man if I do that.

4.     4. Yoga will help make lose weight.

5.     5. Yoga is redundant. I do weight training and aerobic exercises anyway. It will not help me achieve my weight goals.

Again, this is my personal view about yoga and my little knowledge on such topic. These are my personal reflections.

1. No. Yoga are not just for monks. Monks practice them for a reason. They want to control their minds and focus on the more important things in life. That is finding God in their hearts. While they are active practitioners, they are not the owners of this.

If we trace the origin of yoga, yoga were a series of stunts that this demi god offered to god Vishnu. It was his way of expressing how magnificent the god was. More important, the stunts and the poses are itself a manifestation of how passionate and intense his power was.

Today, I find yoga to find my inner peace, then finding God in my own heart. When I do the poses, I always secretly pray that I can do the pose right. I concentrate and i feel very happy when I am able to complete it. While concentrating on the pose, I talk to God and find inner peace. When I do my poses I make sure nothing else is in my mind but just achieving the stunt. I box my mind to think just one thought. Pursue excellence and carry the task on hand.

That’s good discipline. And even when I work I apply the same discipline. When I need to accomplish the task and need to devote my full energy, I only think of work as if it were the pose. Then I am able to fulfill the task.

 

Remember, when you do yoga, you need to come in with a clean mind. Leave the world behind and just concentrate on the here and now. Don’t pressure yourself just keep it within reach. Concentrate and take a deep breath and enjoy life.

2.     2. Nakaka pressure nga mag yoga. Seeing all those magnificent poses and stunts can be really daunting. And in fact it’s easy to dismiss at this point that you cannot do it. And why not, you’ve never done any stunts and poses like that elsewhere?

 

But remember, if other people can do it, why can’t you? The ONLY reminder you need to remember is that what you see is not necessarily the only option available to you. The beauty of yoga is that it has levels that you can do and yet achieve the same results.

 

Do not force yourself to do poses when you are not ready. But you will see that as you progress you hunger for more and the poses become easier and more fulfilling.

 

Remember to always ask the teacher to provide a brief on the pose and what specific muscle/part of the body ang dapat tamaan and you will be fine. Remember too that there’s a reason for every step. Remember to breath. Just be comfortable. Wear comfortable clothes. And be confident. People are there to learn and not to compete. Don’t be ever disheartened if you are lagging behind your classmates. It took them months of practice to get there. Keep practicing too. Just be yourself and ask. Flexibility is not the issue, it’s trust (on yourself).

 

3.     3. Just because you do yoga it means you’re too girly. Yoga in fact is not for the faint hearted. It takes a certain sense of adventurism and daringness to perform the poses. How can you say that a man/woman who stand by their hands or palms is a sissy? Yoga is all about pushing it a little bit more. It’s outdoing yourself on every challenge.

 

Since the statistics show that most of the participants of yoga are women it doesn’t mean this is a territory meant for women. Remember, yogis were largely of male monk contingent. It’s just that women these days have become more daring and open to the idea that they try that more.

 

Are you afraid of stretching too much your family jewels might get affected? Don’t worry, it won’t (if you do it right). Or are you afraid that women will outdo you?

 

Women there are having fun. Women see this as an opportunity to really have a production number. They put on waterproof and organic make up this thick it will stop sweating. They wear all these Aura and Lulu outfits to complement their make up and gears to match that of a Hollywood star. But more important, they pack in a lot of confidence and tapang to perform the task. It’s no easy feat I see from these women who dare.

 

Are men afraid to do the same? Can men really become as daring as women?

 

4.     4. While there are yoga schools who promise instant weight loss, we need to go beyond this. Losing weight is just (pardon the irony) icing on the cake. All the yoga practice and poses, the lifestyle it preaches to you (vegetarianism) and the posture all help make you live a better life. With restraint, control and daringness, you eventually live a healthier lifestyle and therefore leaner.

 

You look taller all of a sudden because your posture has bee fixed. You walk taller and with a straight back now. When you eat with restraint, you lose the unnecessary calories. When you practice yoga, you dare for more. You just to keep improving yourself and doing more and more. You look for it. You just can’t satiate yourself anymore. You just have to do it. This whole process makes you live a healthier life, therefore leaner.

 

In certain classes like the Bikram, you are forced to sweat it all out inside a heated room. You lose the water pounds and the bloat therefore you lose weight. But that’s subject for another entry.

 

5.     5. It’s not true that yoga is redundant for those who lift weights. I lift weights and see beyond this truth. I need to practice yoga because it’s a good way to warm up or slow down. It relaxes my muscles. It also renews my cells (deep breathing gives us anti-oxidants that cleans our cells from free radicals) therefore more efficient recovery. But more important, yoga gives me discipline. To just give more and more, don’t stop and just keep lifting. That helps me prime up my work out.

Core training is important. Yoga packs in a whole lot of benefit in as far as developing proper abdominals. You should know that the basic of fitness is having a strong core/abs. Without it, your big back, biceps and triceps and chest are all gone to waste. A strong core means a strong and fit body.

In Taoism, the core is called such because that’s where the source of life or chi originates. Without the core or chi, we are dead. There were specific martial art stunts that could pull the chi out of you from your abs. That’s why it’s important to have a strong abs as it not only provides a tough endoskeleton, but also provides life. And in yoga, the core is indeed the core of its teaching.

There are different levels of yoga. I suggest that you go visit one of the classes soon. Maybe try Vinyasa where they teach the more basic stuff. Or hit the gym where they also offer classes there. Do it with a friend or something. But just enjoy.

I close this by saying: re-discover a new you when you do yoga. Learn to control yourself and see how far you can go. Gumanda na ang katawan mo, gumanda pa ang buhay mo. Now, beat that.    

 

Lie to Me

copied this from the site MGG> though we deny it, sometimes the best way to go is to lie and be lied to. there are just days when honesty will just not do. especially if you are at the brink of an important moment. sigh. just go ahead and lie. please.

Lie To Me - lyrics
Shane Mack
(from the movie “Shelter”)

Lie, while you’re even early
Deny, that you’re in any hurry
Cry, and tell me not to worry
‘Cause what I don’t know, is never gonna hurt me

Breathe, now baby don’t feel guilty
Deceive me, then just walk away
Leave me, the truth will only kill me
It’s gotta be, it’s gotta be this way

One more bad excuse
Before you turn me lose
Give me something to remember you by
Couldn’t you offer me
A little dishonesty
Promise me you’ll try
You’ll lie to me

Go, your plane is not gonna stay
Slow, so I can take it in
And so you say you’ll see me later
When you know you won’t see me again

Please before you let go of me
Take me one more time
Appease me, tell me that you love me
That you haven’t gone and change your mind

One more bad excuse
Before you turn me lose
Give me something to remember you by
Couldn’t you offer me
A little dishonesty
Promise me you’ll try
You’ll lie to me

Lie, while you’re even early
Deny, that you’re in any hurry
Cry, and tell me not to worry
‘Cause what I don’t know, is never gonna hurt me

One more bad excuse
Before you turn me lose
Give me something to remember you by
Couldn’t you offer me
A little dishonesty
Promise me you’ll try
You’ll lie to me

PI vs PDA: my assessment

">This is the sanitized version of an earlier entry I made. I wanted to be honest and straight to the point risking to be called biased and unconstructive but I had to think again. Since I have friends working in GMA and ABS-CBN, I recalled the earlier entry and sanitized it for the purposes of keeping my job and friendship.  So here we go.

"> Pinoy Idol vs Pinoy Dream Academy

mso-fareast-font-family:"Tw Cen MT";
mso-bidi-font-family: "Tw Cen MT";
">1.">    ">Name Game – Size Does Matter

"> 

">In a business where size matters (and who said it didn’t?), getting the right name franchise is as important as getting a high rating. Pinoy Idol (and its predecessor Philippine Idol) is a popular franchise from Fremantle. British Idol and American Idol are its popular counterparts from the other side of the globe. Dream Academy, on the other hand, is a franchise of Endemol.

"> 

">The ABS guys had to drum up the show since PDA had little awareness. Latching on the popularity of its “Big Brother” PDA had a slow start as it went head on with Philippine Idol on ABC5. Fortunately for PDA, some of PBBs popularity was rubbed of to them. Following the same format, same gimmick, same host and same treatment, PDA became an instant hit. Vicarious mellow drama and controversial love angles proved to be important recipes of success. It had the charm that Pinoys dearly loved.

"> 

">ABC 5 on the other hand was taking matters seriously. It showed that it’s got talent more than fluff. ABC5 though working doubly hard still had much to prove in the ratings department and production values. While it was a little entertaining, it lacked charm and charisma.

"> 

">With Pinoy Idol moving to GMA now (and claiming to be the very first- denying its origin and starting clean slate), the games have changed. GMA prepared long and hard to beat the competition that was PDA.

"> 

">Both shows have just started so this is still quite inconclusive but I am quite sure that this sets the trend more or less. For its first month of airing Pinoy Idol and PDA went head on.

"> 

">Pinoy Idol gets some point for being the first to air. But one cannot help but feel that some of its execution and segments feel very done (very GMA, and a little PBB at that). Maybe I may not have been watching enough TV or GMA but I feel that there’s not enough buzz on the show. Perhaps aside from their usual tactic of getting PDI and tabloids to write about them and cross guesting, there’s a dearth of publicity elsewhere. PDA on the other hand followed the same pony trick it used for PBB. And having a veritable winner and runners up before, PDA has a certain edge already. And we’re seeing the same drama already as Yeng and RJ had before.

"> 

">PI made a drastic attempt to cover the show as many times as possible like how PDA does. Which leads me to my next point…

"> 

mso-fareast-font-family:"Tw Cen MT";
mso-bidi-font-family: "Tw Cen MT";
">2.">    ">Casting is Everything

"> 

">In movies and commercials, casting the right talents is a must. That’s why we have casting calls and casting directors. In the movie Incredible Hulk, Edward Norton and Liv Tyler were perfectly cast. His villains were also incredibly cast. Robert Downey was also perfectly cast as Iron Man. Kim Cattrall and Sarah Jessica Parker, Jennifer Aniston and Courtney Cox were all perfectly cast. Point is, casting the right hosts, judges and talents need to be impeccable.

"> 

">The thematic appeal that seems to work so well in as far as name-show association is also driving the popularity of PDA. PI is just another American Idol done in the vernacular. I wish that they could really assimilate it more into the Pinoy Culture. Now that could be their winning edge.

"> 

">Raymond Guttierez as host

"> 

">He reads off the idiot boards quite well. The problem is the idiot board holder is not able to keep up to the pace of his reading. This or he really is very prone to having dead air. Let’s admit it, he is the boy version of Ruffa. Close your eyes and you will think you actually are listening to Ruffa.

"> 

">His co-host Karyll and Rhian Ramos

"> 

">Boring. Dead-air galore. I am just referring to Karyll. I have yet to see Rhian. Kayll hosts like she is talking, reding the spiels and introspecting all at the same time. She likes making these short pauses and sing-song tones that do not really help in enlivening a program that’s aired during dead hours.

"> 

">Nikki Gil and Toni Gonzaga are seasoned performers

"> 

">Both of have them have had serious hosting jobs. I actually expect them to really deliver. Nikki Gil hosts ASAP and is a VJ. Toni is busy with hosting gigs every night with PBB (before) and ASAP, too. Both are good. Nikki though could still improve – I am not sure if its drama but her opening spiels are always boring. I am wondering why she starts off always with almost unenthusiastic openers and sad looking eyes. Maybe its drama but it could get quite annoying.

"> 

">Billy Crawford needs to catch up

"> 

">Yeah, he is no host. He is a singer slash dancer. But then he accepted this hosting sting (that got the ire of Kuya Germs) and he needs to prove that he is much better than fast talking Ryan Agoncillo. Unfortunately, he still fumbles. He actually called one of the scholars BILLY. Hello, Billy?!!!

"> 

">Judging the Judges

"> 

">It’s Jolina, Ogie and Wyngard versus Ryan, Joey Reyes and Kitchie Molina. Following the mold of AI, they got a (has been) performer, a manager and a record producer. That’s fine but these people are no Simon Cowell, Paula Abdul and Randy Jackson.

"> 

">I feel that PI lacks credibility in the judging department. Their judges are not as popular and credible as their American counterparts. You tell me. I remember sayng no to Jolina like several times before when she was being peddled to ou show. Credible judging was everything.

"> 

">On the other hand, Ryan Cayabyab by name alone stands out. He may not be a chart topper but he has produced classics that we’re all proud of. Kitchie Molina is a seasoned vocal coach. I am always surprised with her tricks and tips to improve the voice. That’s really vocal coaching. And Joey Reyes provides the “star value” tips and projection. They also get musical ingénues to judge stage performances. Louie Ocampo, Hajji Alejandro and Girlie Rodis judged the other night.

"> 

">PDA has a clear edge on this department. By mere credibility and expected reliability they know they need to follow the formula.

"> 

mso-fareast-font-family:"Tw Cen MT";
mso-bidi-font-family: "Tw Cen MT";
">3.">    ">Stars are cast; not born

"> 

">Going back to casting, getting the right contestants is the most important factor. The mix now have been changing. Before, we would only see the talented getting in the show. That or see the most good looking English speaking or taglish-touting casts. That again or we see the true blue Pinoy. Now, there seems to be an unwritten rule on getting talented but not so good looking, good looking but with mediocre talent, fil-am, OFW and provincial beauties (to be strict about this, we see talents hailing from regions where networks are the weakest and the strongest).

"> 

">The formula is both strategic and appealing to the masses. Strategic because this almost guarantees higher ratings on a network standpoint, that we know. We also know that this selection process also removes the biases and creates an atmosphere of “equality and fairplay” and finally, strategic because the votes will be divided. The moneyed regardless if their bets are half-wits or not will always vote for their bets. 

"> 

">Appealing because we will always love winners and underdogs. Enough said.

"> 

mso-fareast-font-family:"Tw Cen MT";
mso-bidi-font-family: "Tw Cen MT";
">4.">    ">Production Values

"> 

">At this point, both have advantages. PI has Danny Tan on the helm directing their musical numbers. PDA has teacher Manolet and their ASAP team doing vocals and production number.

"> 

">On stage design, PI follows the franchise design. Sleek and simple- with the focus on the contestant as evidenced by the center stage. The judges are placed on the side (different from AI where the judges are seated in front of the stage). The construction may not be as clean as its American but its fine. It may be a function of the camera dolly shots, it’s not as wide as I hoped it to be. The set design lacks panache. And the Coke designs have been altered with Lipton –uhm, WTH?

"> 

">On PDA, they make use of the big “concert hall” as its venue. The whole concept of stepping out of the academy to the concert hall makes it look grand. The whole opening of the backdrop is actually very concert-like. Nice touch. And most shots are taken wide so you have the feeling that there is bigness (literally and figuratively) in the show. The judges have been elevated on the other side and it feels the same as PI.

"> 

">On lighting and gloss, PDA is still the runaway winner. GMA still lacks the color and brightness that we Pinoys have always loved.

"> 

">And on the script and spiels, well, the script of PDA is better-written. Maybe the delivery does it because if you think about it, both sound very contrived.

"> 

">In the end, I enjoy watching PDA more as I feel the mentorship and tutelage angles of the show are really helpful and beneficial. Stars are not born. They are trained. They have to realize their talent, break away from it and learn the basics.

"> 

">My only question is, do we really need to see so much drama in a talent show?

"> 

"> 

"> 

The Hurt by Christina Aguilera

Seems like it was yesterday when I saw your face
You told me how proud you were but I walked away
If only I knew what I know today

I would hold you in my arms
I would take the pain away
Thank you for all you've done
Forgive all your mistakes
There's nothing I wouldn't do
To hear your voice again
Sometimes I want to call you but I know you won't be there

I'm sorry for blaming you for everything I just couldn't do
And I've hurt myself by hurting you
Some days I feel broke inside but I won't admit
Sometimes I just want to hide 'cause it's you I miss
You know it's so hard to say goodbye when it comes to this

Would you tell me I was wrong?
Would you help me understand?
Are you looking down upon me?
Are you proud of who I am?
There's nothing I wouldn't do
To have just one more chance
To look into your eyes and see you looking back

I'm sorry for blaming you for everything I just couldn't do
And I've hurt myself
If I had just one more day, I would tell you how much that
I've missed you since you've been away

Oh, it's dangerous
It's so out of line to try to turn back time

I'm sorry for blaming you for everything I just couldn't do
And I've hurt myself

By hurting you

(No, I'm not regretting anything. I just like this song for it's intense emo and vocal values)

HAPPY BIRTHDAY JOKIE!!!

While Jok and I never really worked together unlike my other friends from client side, we hit it off instantly. I remember when we officially met face to face. Of course, I would already hear her name even prior to our meeting, but to see her would be really different.

We met in Boracay when I decided to join Allie and friends for a summer trip. Since the other guys have flew in to Boracay ahead of us, I went on my trip alone. I was told that I should meet up with Ivy and Jokie prior to going to the hotel room. Meeting place was the drop off point of the Boracay pier. As I anxiously wait there and several indecent offers later, I finally saw them.

I was surprised to finally see the commfin exec who approve/disapprove my cost estimates. Together with Ivy, I was actually with finance guys. Janice too, was there.

I was initially unsure if we would hit it off, but alas, we did. I never saw crap from Jokie. She’s such a beautiful person inside out. She is so genuine and friendly. She tells it like it is. And for that she’s really charming. At the end of trip, Jokie and I ended becoming fiancés because of our fantastic pre-nup photos. Hahahaha.

And those photos have to be remembered! They were really lovely. She was also the one responsible (together with Pao and Allie) to make me go diving. I had no intentions whatsoever to go diving, but she gave me the courage.

On your birthday Jokie, I only wish you the best and more mojo to live life greatly! I hope you meet your true fiancé soon. And I certainly hope we can go to Batanes together and see the sprucing Marlboro country together!!!!!

 

To life and to June Jonah Sanchez! Happy happy! Looking forward to more kwentos, g's and drinking sessions with you.

Ka-Tense.

On my way home one Thursday night, I decided to just take an alternate route since my usual route was horribly jammed. While it was not my usual route, I am very aware of the route. So I asked the driver to make a turn and just go straight down until we hit the end of the road then we make a left. The cab driver was very cooperative. He followed instructions like I told him.

So he kept driving until we finally saw the end of the road. Then there was an usual hold up in the area. A vacant jeepney was jamming the driveway. Many of the residents were outside making uzi and obviously giving unsolicited comments. It was at this point that I realized that there was a commotion. What the commotion was I couldn’t tell. But the scene was rather tense.

As I kept peering through the window, I heard a very loud knock on our door. Two armed men were outside and shouting something to the driver. I was a little shocked to see their ready to shoot gun. Although the guys were in civilian, they introduced themselves as police. Maybe police character – you know the likes of Efren Reyes Jr.

They were asking Mr. Driver to open the door and let them in for there was a police emergency. The driver reluctantly unlocked the door. I immediately got out of the cab because I didn’t want to be part of that. It looked like it could get dirty. I don’t want to be even party to that. Now I know how those Hollywood flicks go like.

Anyway, I went down and was in a rush to get away from the cab.. The supposed police characters said unsparingly, “Sa UDMC tayo” to the cabbie. To me he said, “Pasensya na boss, lipat ka nalang.”

I swear.  That cabbie deserved a trophy for being/remaining quiet and patient to me. But to even allow himself to get in the middle of that whatever operation, that’s rather heroic.

As I went down the cab, I only had one thought in my mind. Get another cab and scuttle. I was desperate to get out of that area. Luckily, God sent me a cab that very minute too.

The following day, I learned that it was ambush. And there were bystanders who got hurt. I thank God that I got out of that scene safe and sound.

Ka-tense.

IT'S CALLED SELF PRESERVATION

After much has been said and done, I think I’ve finally come to my senses. It’s time to ground myself again and realize that not everything can be viewed from rose-colored lenses.

And well, while nothing has really prompted this decision, I just want to play it safe and not take the risk anymore. I guess I am no risk taker really. I’ve risked some lately and yet I have taken some of the back, and well the others, it hasn’t prospered yet. I know though that it still too soon to quit.

So as a resolution, I decided that I will just keep this thing in status quo. I will not make any more effort until thing have become clearer. I will probably just wait it out for some more time. No more dropped hints and sweet nothings; I will just keep it simple and coy.

I say this with very mixed feelings. On the one hand I have strong reasons to be happy for a development today. But it is with this development that has a caveat misery. Why are good news always stringed along with bad news? Is bad news really part of it, or are we cynics and paranoid asses that we inflict our own misery? This part is unclear to me, as always. I only want simplicity, but we really can’t have it.

Anyway, as I go through this I only think of one thing: self-preservation. It is important to still love yourself, even when you love yourself fully.  I am only equipping  myself with optimism and passion, but then I am going through this with vigilance.

I may never know what the future will bring me, but I know that if keep steadfast and vigilant, whether good or bad, I will win. I know that it will take more than this to really embattle me. I will just keep my chinky eyes open but react sparingly too.

Oh well. I think I have reasons to be happy din naman. Lots of reasons to continue believing. I’ve been on this road several times before and I managed to pull through. I will be okay. :P

When It Rains in Sahara

Well, it hasn't. I'm still waiting for it to rain in Sahara.

About Last Night

ABOUT LAST NIGHT

When I write on my blog, I normally start off with a headline in mind before I proceed to write the body. We were taught in school to write this way anyway. But I don’t. This is because I already know what to write before I start writing it. But for this session, there are a few good headlines that are running in my head. I can’t seem to decide which is best to use. So I will try to write all these down and turn them into subheads. Then I will decide later on which is the best title to use.

Feelings; not logic

If you’ve seen Sex and the City, you would know already that this line is taken from that movie’s climax scene (the one where meet Carrie finally meets Big again in that beautiful and overly charming penthouse unit). Before Carrie uttered these lines, she talked to Miranda about the same. Miranda was also having the same problem as Carrie. The two have been so much angered by the men of their lives, both issues bordering on whether to forgive or not to forgive. But more importantly, it is about what guidelines to undertake as they decide on the moving forward part of their lives.

Miranda was on the verge of deciding (of epic proportions) whether Steve and she should get back together or not. Miranda said she has a lot of thinking to do. But sometimes, we don’t need to think. We just need to know what we feel to guide us. Carrie points out that Miranda, as a lawyer, is capable of thinking from both sides of the court (the pros side, and the cons side). And whether or not which side she takes, she will make it work. Now, that’s the thing. We are all thinkers. If we think long and hard enough we will eventually not be able to decide on something.

At this point, Carrie said that it is not thinking that she needs to do; in fact it is feeling that she needs to work on.  She needs to know how she feels about Steve and at the end of the day, that’s all that matters.

Carrie used her valuable tip when she saw Big in the apartment. When she thought she was there to collect her Manolos, she collected the man of her life instead. As she is obviously still in love with Big, she decides to use her heart.

I am thinking that if she used logic instead she would not end up with her. And how? After he stood her up at their own wedding, how can she not? But in the end, she looked past all these things and reconciled without anymore thinking. She ran swiftly and gave him a big warm hug.

This love story may not happen in cookie-cutter proportions to us, but it’s almost frequent that we face dilemmas like such. The proverbial heart vs. head question is something we are left to deal with. It may not have direct link to love, sometimes it comes in the form of quitting a bad habit, a career decision or what not. Point is, the answer is sometimes on a case-to-case basis.

I dare not say that for matters of the heart, the heart is more correct. I do not agree because there are logical things to be considered and factored in. And as this hypocritical society is ever observant and critical of what you do, one needs to be aware and on their toes every time.  It is upsetting sometimes how this society can have a comment on almost about anything; even on matters personal.

Today is different.

But today is different. Today I go against the tide and follow what my heart dictates. I’ve always asked God to give me inspiration- something that will make me happy and look forward to days to come. And I strongly feel that He has given me what I asked for already. God is mysterious; I am not wise. I am thinking that this situation that I am in now is God’s answer to me now, but things may change in the future. But today is different. I will believe what I want to believe today.

It’s not like this is a very monumental inspiration, but it’s been years already since I’ve felt this. And I like this feeling. I am hoping that you will not accuse me of being corny for feeling this way. Otherwise, I will not hesitate and tell you that you have not loved at all.

It’s such a wonderful feeling to wake up every morning knowing that there’s a reason to go through the hustle and bustle today because there’s someone you dedicate it to. I am not ashamed to proclaim again that I do feel some quirks and shakes when I feel this way. And that’s always been a good reminder and a good/nasty feeling to have on certain days. Having that makes me feel alive and human. And experiencing just perks me up even more so – to just up the ante because the stakes are higher. I become more fast-thinking, less-assertive and more appreciative of the things and people around me. It has always been a good indicator if this thing has a future or not, at least on my end.

I have been in love before and broken. But today, I look past those heartbreaks and look beyond the pain and the worries. I instead focus on the today and just how beautiful it is to live in the now. I will not pressure myself to think ahead and be careful because for once I want to live carefree.

As some of my close friends have told me, with this new inspiration, I am setting myself up to failure and heartbreak. Why so? Because we’re different. But is difference and being different really a proposition for heartbreak?

Yes, we may be different in more ways than one, but I still believe in complementing each other and finding yourselves into each other’s live- together and apart.  It is simple to say that when two things are different, it is meant to separate.  But it is only us, and norm, which dictated all these things. I am more about learning something different and finding out the best from each other.

At this point, I will be bolder and take this risk.

I say risk because I know that our difference and finding that common thing together will be rocky. It will definitely take more than the usual before we can really find it out. And I cannot simply just take the notion that I am right with this. I know, no matter how I deny it that there will be problems. But what relationships don’t have? Even the most mundane and the common of relationships will eventually have problems.

But then I face this with more hope definitely. There will be ghosts and stuff like that but I guess I just have to keep an open mind.

In the next three months, I will know if this feeling is just fleeting or not. In the next three months, I will be busy with work. Inspiration will keep me going, though my inspiration will not be physically present. Time will tell if this if this is all worth to go through or not. Time will reveal if my inconsistent me will forget and move on, or things will just intensify.

For now, I am happy.

But for now I am happy about last night. Last night has been an absolute dream. I am happy today. Tomorrow, I am not too sure. All I know is that I am living on the today.

This is like dream come true!

file:///Users/Francis/Desktop/DSC00276.JPG

When Is Loving Not Right

Is there really "right" and "wrong" in love? When is something bad? And when is something right?

I realized that despite our attempt to love fully and without bias, there are just times when we fail this task and end up disappointing and hurting ourselves much more. We still subscribe to what's normal and accepted at the end of the day.

In reality, we have more or less an idea if a relationship will survive or not. And if your diagnostic says doom, would you still push for it? When your worlds are apart, are you willing to sacrifice image for real love? And when there's jealous rage and apathy at the start, can feelings of hope and inspiration really take shape?

I don't know. It's so easy to say YES it's easy to sacrifice that for love. But when you're in this scenario, you will be baffled. The whole thing about this love and sacrifices is that there's no single answer to all these problems. Ultimately it's you who's going to decide what happens to your lives.

Am I going to fight for this? or not?

Another Sleepless Night

I tossed.
I turned.
I prayed.
I drank warm water.
I showered.
I watched TV.
I tried "night"dreaming.
I tried everything that could make me fall asleep.

Obviously, I had a sleepless night.

I know though why I was sleepless. I tried my best to clear my mind from the thoughts that suddenly hounded me at the last minute. But it took more than 6 six hours to battle it off. The toughest part, I was hoping I'd overcome it sooner; but to no avail.

Love is such a crazy matter. I will not say that my problem was about love because it is not there yet. But what kep me up certainly has something to do with it. I was getting so concerned with the fact that someone hasn't been texting me back.

From that thoughts compounded. More issues were unearthed. More worries have been revealed. More uncertainties and insecurities have surfaced. I was ready to choke last night.

Sigh. I really need a distraction. I need to get back on my feet and continue where I left off. This thing that I am going through is a very special feeling, but is for sure going to give me heavier and darker eyebags.

Arnold in Running Man

There were reviews before that said "Running Man" was Arnold S.' best movie ever: story and (well...) acting-wise, at least. I got a chance to watch it last night and I agree with the review.

Running Man is a reality game show where they pit hereos and anti-heroes against each other. The anti-heroes are selected based on the crimes certain people make against mankind. Meaning, this is somewhat the punishment that they have to pay (instead of life sentence).

The whole plot is set against a tyrannical and overly-controlling government manipulating the mind of people. The government uses TV as a mainstream machinery to brainwash its people to agree and/or side with the government. All anti-government and their accomplices are branded as traitors to the government. The government is the puppet master, and everyone else is their puppet.

The social context of this movie is very timely I should say. The whole point on reality game shows, tv (mass media), mainstream choices and brainwashing have never been so real these days.

The are two points on game shows and reality series - it is reflective of the situation of the country. It is also used to escape from your real reality to the reality you want.

Poor Getting Poorer
With the poor getting poorer, we have never been more swayed and lured to getting rich fastest. Shows left and right give away promises of instant stardom, cash fortune and material prizes to alleviate poverty. It is hardly dole out anymore that's the issue. It is really the growing financial divide and hopelessness on financial security and stability. The concept of hardwork is getting overshadowed with working smart (in this case playing smart).

Window of My Dreams
Somehow seeing other people win, get evicted, get rich and lose all the money has some appeal to us. The vicariousness of escaping from your own real problems to seeing other people win or lose is also an indication of times today. Don't we all favor Manny Pacquiao to win for us. For national pride and fulfillment of your own desires to win.

The Running Man presents the case of die hard and hard core fans routing for their own favorites. The thrill of seeing their favorites win over "bad people" is just so intense. But more so, seeing their favorite die/lose is just so disconcerting.

But what struck me the most is the fact that media can really affect the decision-making process of its people. It is easy for media to manipulate and twist information to their favor. More so, it only takes a little expertise for media to fulfill a well-thought plan for world domination. Really media is scary. You believe what you see.

In the end, Running Man seems very appropriate because it presents the facts of the past in a clear and yet still relevant manner. The theme is universal.

It is a nice movie to be fair.