The movie I am Legend is not everyone's movie. Aside from the fact that it displays world class computer graphics, exhibitions of Will Smith's impressive acting prowess, a simple storyline and fluid storytelling, the movie's subject may stir so many reactions and reflections.
I will not tell and spoil the movie here just like what I did with Hitman. All I'm going to say is that the movie talks about a certain pandemic attack, and the holistic effects on the remaining human survivors. It puts humanity back to basics. It puts a person's psychological and physical capabilities to the test. The world is shown in the eyes of the survivors. And it doesn't help that the infected acquire vampire-like qualities and the survivors as main source of food.
I am Legend is reminiscent of movies like 28 days and 28 Weeks later. These three films similarly talk about survivors of a very chilling pandemic. In 28 days and 28 weeks, the pandemic comes from a virus unknown to man, specifically from the Raging qualities of an ape or was it a chimp? Hence the virus is called the RAGE virus when people develop a penchant for killing brutally all the uninfected. It's like people are driven mad to kill, with the effects of blood gushing from their eyes and mouth. For I am Legend, the virus is called the K Virus when the infected develop vampire-like qualities and which human psychology, behavior and physiological attributes are totally wiped out.
Movies like these tweak people's minds. It tests the possibility, and unlike the movie ENCHANTED, movies like I am Legend and 28 Days Later, have a better grip on the possible and frightening reality. Audience of pandemic concentrated movies cannot help but put themselves in the character's shoes. It causes a shudder here and there and the possibility of it happening is entertained yet violently pushed aside...or is it?
When I got home from watching the movie, I was put into a research mode savvy to learn more about what PANDEMIC is all about. I browsed at my reliable information source, wikipedia, and found Pandemic to be a form of epidemic that spreads through human population across a large region.
According to World Health Organization, there are three conditions that should be met before ruling it out as pandemic.
1. The emergence of a disease is new to the population
- It just means that no proven cure is made available or accessible
2. The agent infects humans, causing serious illness
- Humans are susceptible victims and the effects of the illness is grave or fatal to oneself or others.
3. The agent spreads easily and sustainably among humans.
- The speed is faster and consistent than anyone thinks.
Pandemics are by far worse than any man-made military war. It strikes so fast and it's not selective. Unlike war, the opponent is identified. The cure is to diminish political egos and collective and sensible revolution. With Pandemics, the virus is often like a ghost. It's not known and cannot be easily identified nor killed as it continuously spreads to anyone from children, to women to men. It's unmerciful unless the cure is identified.
This world has suffered numerous forms of epidemics, but thankfully not pandemics. MOst recently we had the H5N1, which is simply known as the Avian Influenza. In 2005, World Health immediately announced to the public to prepare of a pandemic flu that could strike as much as 20% of the world's population. Looking back on ancient times, they had tuberculosis, typhoid fever and typus. Bottom line of these pandemics are that each pandemic is new the first time it strikes. A pandemic can never be an old recurring disease. A pandemic is like a thief, it strikes at the back, cripples a defenseless man and kills whoever witnesses it.
Pandemics usually are lowered to the epidemic degree since humans are lucky enough to control the situation. At this point, we should still consider ourselves very lucky.
It made me contemplate on man's wheel of fortune. We are constantly trying to challenge science. We are slaves of scientific pursuits and evolution in a hope to cure recurring diseases like cancer or AIDS. But does science have a limit? Does it always tend to work for us? Think of it this way, Without any disease, there wouldn't be any reason to pursue in developing a certain cure. It just goes to show that no matter how ingenious and brilliant we have come in the field of science, we are still at the mercy of nature.
Nature can easily destroy us, drive us to insanity and pieces before actually finding a particular cure. It saddens me to think that pandemics are actually possible. It's real and we can never foresee it. Therefore it humbles us.
These types of movies do not only tell the possible hardships of any survivor. It reminds us to be thankful and treasure life. It reminds us not to be boastful with science because Nature can just easily turn it against us and douse our egotistical nature with a deadly touch of regret. And no matter what we do and ignore the fact that this bogus idea is absurd, remember that that is the main element of what a pandemic is all about. It's Bogus. It's Unknown till it strikes and often than not, it's Fatal.
Sunday, January 13, 2008
Saturday, January 12, 2008
Movie night with Mitch
It is a bed weather today. I don't think the sun actually showed up. The rain is almost continuous just varying in intensity. I was supposed to have my intensive "workout" but i ended up sleeping till 4 pm. Good thing i woke up and arranged this pending movie date with Mitch.
After great will power to give up the cold embrace of the sheets, i drove the car and went to Mitch's place and head to our first 2008 movie date, I am Legend.
According to the sources i've read last Christmas, the movie was a blockbuster hit in the u.s. The story is again one of those that displays the tests of human capacity to survive in a certain pandemic...not only a serious pandemic, but a pandemic that causes people to acquire vampire-like qualities. There will be no spoilers here, so you can just breathe.
I have to admit that i expect it worth of every cent i paid for. Movie fees now are skyrocketing like oil prices. A movie costs 3-4 good quality pirated DVDs (Shame on you!)
After parking the car, we immediately bought the tickets which cost us 170 pesos each...that's because it's THX. Non THX cinema tickets cost 150 pesos, people. Can you just imagine how much a movie ticket will cost in 3-5 years time? No wonder movie goers are that selective and chose to rely on dvds as alternatives, which is bad and hurting the movie industry of course.
After having dinner at Bubba Gump, we directed ourselves for a warm coffee treat at our favorite Coffee Bean and Tea leaf, where I am now currently writing this through the convenience of my Nokia E61. The wonders of technology, you say...i still have to find ways to maximize and digest everything.
So many things to say, yet so little time. We are on our way to the cinema as wi fi goes out.
After great will power to give up the cold embrace of the sheets, i drove the car and went to Mitch's place and head to our first 2008 movie date, I am Legend.
According to the sources i've read last Christmas, the movie was a blockbuster hit in the u.s. The story is again one of those that displays the tests of human capacity to survive in a certain pandemic...not only a serious pandemic, but a pandemic that causes people to acquire vampire-like qualities. There will be no spoilers here, so you can just breathe.
I have to admit that i expect it worth of every cent i paid for. Movie fees now are skyrocketing like oil prices. A movie costs 3-4 good quality pirated DVDs (Shame on you!)
After parking the car, we immediately bought the tickets which cost us 170 pesos each...that's because it's THX. Non THX cinema tickets cost 150 pesos, people. Can you just imagine how much a movie ticket will cost in 3-5 years time? No wonder movie goers are that selective and chose to rely on dvds as alternatives, which is bad and hurting the movie industry of course.
After having dinner at Bubba Gump, we directed ourselves for a warm coffee treat at our favorite Coffee Bean and Tea leaf, where I am now currently writing this through the convenience of my Nokia E61. The wonders of technology, you say...i still have to find ways to maximize and digest everything.
So many things to say, yet so little time. We are on our way to the cinema as wi fi goes out.
Thursday, January 10, 2008
My sister's Motorola Handset has inevitably reached its lifetime. Aside from the actual adhesive tape that is holding the battery in place, I think it's time to declare it as 'technically resting in peace.' It was in that obvious state to give it a rest and give medals and gratification for its more than a year of use. Now is the perfect time to look for a more durable and relatively usable phone for her, without sacrificing the funky factor of course.
This country has established itself to be a favorable market for the mobile industry. With almost more than 85 million population, close to 40 million already have cellular phone. It's been a form necessity of communication that it goes even beyond the actual usage, but it goes with the actual normal human operations. Gone were the days of meeting through word of honor. People sometimes or most often than not panic when they don't have their cellular phones with them. It's like they've become and instant invalid. People change cellphones sometimes in a month's time. That is why mobile companies like Nokia, Ericsson, Motorola and now Apple have decided to target not only the Philippines, but the world. Now with all of the Apple products Hype up, which overwhelmed the whole market for their steady profitable increase especially during the Black Market season, it was damned obvious that people are excited to get their hands on the Apple's latest and most daring edition to the gadget product family, which is the IPHONE.
Now that Apple established its mark through the rising sales of IPODs and MACs, it's no wonder that they have decided to enter into a very lucrative market of Mobile Phones.
It was a pretty good strategy to begin with. When I hear of Apple it immediately projects the world of the Elite. Apple products, started by the IPODS, are funky, updated, simple, chic and very fashionable. People instantly loved it. It's like offering function like no other, packaged in a highly "ergonometric" state. Soon Macs have infiltrated the gadgeteers, and those who are far from being one. I remembered a person once who bought a Mac for the sake of the TREND and the status that says "I'm cool! I have a MAC!" It was amusing at it was annoying at the same time. You come to realize how Apple has slowly positioned itself. It has shook its hardware and OS competitors to double check their market stands, and now shaking up its Mobile Makers once-stable positioning.
Singling it on my sister though, it was not much of a shock to me when she was given an IPHONE. Relating it to me however, probably I'm one of the few who are not that tech-savvy. Which means I don't change phones every time a new batch appears. I don't change phones just to let people know I'm updated and savvy. I am quite a very loyal and practical buyer with technology consumer stuff just as long as it delivers its primary, promised important features of what a mobile phone should be, and some.
Here are things that I consider on choosing a particular phone, granted that the most justified reason to get one is present: note that it you may depict me as a Tech-simpleton:
1. KEYPADS - Yep, KEYPADS are at the top of my list. You see, I'm a big girl and I have relatively long and heavy set of fingers, but I generally type like a speeding bullet. Fast, yet strong. So I need a very durable, appropriately shaped keypads that doesn't hurt any pressure points in any of my fingers. I don't like the ballooned keypad 5110's and the like. It's much too elevated and ballooned that continuous texting ignites pain in some parts of my thumb. I also do not like the the small, congested keypad spaces found in small LG or Samsung units. Actually before actually considering a phone, I first have to feel the keypads. Usually the keypads I love are in those FLIP phones. They are flat with appropriate spaces and with the appropriate size to accommodate my fingers. I like my fingers to have a feel with every keypad edges and glide.
2. TEXT and CALL Features - The primary reasons for having cellular phones, right? They should have the basic, call forwarding, group call-text, dictionary etc. The text graphics and call graphics also matter.
3. ORGANIZER - It should have a good notes section / calendar features and calculator features. And the OS of the computer should be able to be flexible enough for the user to customize what they see in their main menu, just like what E61 does, it adds personality. If you like your contacts to be on the immediate menu, or games or whatever thingamajic program you have.
4. CONNECTIVITY - for the net. Wifi stuff is present to be accesible on the net. The triband-quadband are also present.
5. DESIGN - I really couldn't care much of the design as long as it it meets the top 4 critieria, because this design or brand is accommodated by its price.
I have to say the Apple IPHONE generated some mixed emotions and reviews.
Aside from it's a touch screen type of phone, the keypads are non-existent. I tried texting and it proved to be a mere inconvenience. One really has to look and make sure you're not mispelling any words. It's like texting in the dark, but imagine it without the basic feel of keypads to direct your spatial estimates. And another thing with texting, whenever you press any letter it has a graphic that makes it look bigger. It's a major distraction, not to mention the pesky dictionary feature that you have to repeatedly turn off.
Although the graphics and the design are sophisticated, funky and impressive, i couldn't really sacrifice the texting part. It has an MP3 player, a total ipod storage package. The camera captures great pictures by the way. But all of that combined, I just felt that the IPHONE is not for me. IT would not be for everybody, I presume, but my sister's doing quite well with it. She's loving every IPHONE moment, or maybe it's just a matter of getting used to.
This country has established itself to be a favorable market for the mobile industry. With almost more than 85 million population, close to 40 million already have cellular phone. It's been a form necessity of communication that it goes even beyond the actual usage, but it goes with the actual normal human operations. Gone were the days of meeting through word of honor. People sometimes or most often than not panic when they don't have their cellular phones with them. It's like they've become and instant invalid. People change cellphones sometimes in a month's time. That is why mobile companies like Nokia, Ericsson, Motorola and now Apple have decided to target not only the Philippines, but the world. Now with all of the Apple products Hype up, which overwhelmed the whole market for their steady profitable increase especially during the Black Market season, it was damned obvious that people are excited to get their hands on the Apple's latest and most daring edition to the gadget product family, which is the IPHONE.
Now that Apple established its mark through the rising sales of IPODs and MACs, it's no wonder that they have decided to enter into a very lucrative market of Mobile Phones.
It was a pretty good strategy to begin with. When I hear of Apple it immediately projects the world of the Elite. Apple products, started by the IPODS, are funky, updated, simple, chic and very fashionable. People instantly loved it. It's like offering function like no other, packaged in a highly "ergonometric" state. Soon Macs have infiltrated the gadgeteers, and those who are far from being one. I remembered a person once who bought a Mac for the sake of the TREND and the status that says "I'm cool! I have a MAC!" It was amusing at it was annoying at the same time. You come to realize how Apple has slowly positioned itself. It has shook its hardware and OS competitors to double check their market stands, and now shaking up its Mobile Makers once-stable positioning.
Singling it on my sister though, it was not much of a shock to me when she was given an IPHONE. Relating it to me however, probably I'm one of the few who are not that tech-savvy. Which means I don't change phones every time a new batch appears. I don't change phones just to let people know I'm updated and savvy. I am quite a very loyal and practical buyer with technology consumer stuff just as long as it delivers its primary, promised important features of what a mobile phone should be, and some.
Here are things that I consider on choosing a particular phone, granted that the most justified reason to get one is present: note that it you may depict me as a Tech-simpleton:
1. KEYPADS - Yep, KEYPADS are at the top of my list. You see, I'm a big girl and I have relatively long and heavy set of fingers, but I generally type like a speeding bullet. Fast, yet strong. So I need a very durable, appropriately shaped keypads that doesn't hurt any pressure points in any of my fingers. I don't like the ballooned keypad 5110's and the like. It's much too elevated and ballooned that continuous texting ignites pain in some parts of my thumb. I also do not like the the small, congested keypad spaces found in small LG or Samsung units. Actually before actually considering a phone, I first have to feel the keypads. Usually the keypads I love are in those FLIP phones. They are flat with appropriate spaces and with the appropriate size to accommodate my fingers. I like my fingers to have a feel with every keypad edges and glide.
2. TEXT and CALL Features - The primary reasons for having cellular phones, right? They should have the basic, call forwarding, group call-text, dictionary etc. The text graphics and call graphics also matter.
3. ORGANIZER - It should have a good notes section / calendar features and calculator features. And the OS of the computer should be able to be flexible enough for the user to customize what they see in their main menu, just like what E61 does, it adds personality. If you like your contacts to be on the immediate menu, or games or whatever thingamajic program you have.
4. CONNECTIVITY - for the net. Wifi stuff is present to be accesible on the net. The triband-quadband are also present.
5. DESIGN - I really couldn't care much of the design as long as it it meets the top 4 critieria, because this design or brand is accommodated by its price.
I have to say the Apple IPHONE generated some mixed emotions and reviews.
Aside from it's a touch screen type of phone, the keypads are non-existent. I tried texting and it proved to be a mere inconvenience. One really has to look and make sure you're not mispelling any words. It's like texting in the dark, but imagine it without the basic feel of keypads to direct your spatial estimates. And another thing with texting, whenever you press any letter it has a graphic that makes it look bigger. It's a major distraction, not to mention the pesky dictionary feature that you have to repeatedly turn off.
Although the graphics and the design are sophisticated, funky and impressive, i couldn't really sacrifice the texting part. It has an MP3 player, a total ipod storage package. The camera captures great pictures by the way. But all of that combined, I just felt that the IPHONE is not for me. IT would not be for everybody, I presume, but my sister's doing quite well with it. She's loving every IPHONE moment, or maybe it's just a matter of getting used to.
Wednesday, January 9, 2008
Hambugers and Archie Comics
I was craving for a specific hamburger hours ago. I realized this when I've nothing else to observe but the rumblings of my stomach, as I wait for my turn to be attended to at the bank. I coined the term specific because it's not just any other patty in the bun, but a plain McDonald's Hamburger. It's been so long since McDonald's, here in this country at least, have subtly eliminated their plain hamburger on the menu. It's not included in any other value meals that, I and majority of the public, have been accustomed to.
What is this specific fixation with the PLAIN McDonald's Hamburger? There is a reason why it was taken out by the McDonald Management in the first place. I don't know what that reason might be. It might be because it tastes raw and plain. You see, Filipinos have accustomed to incorporate so many other added flavorings in their meal like catsup, toyo, suka. Well, i don't. The taste of that raw and untainted meat is just perfect for me, specifically McDonald's flavored beef patty.
It took me some time to realize that McDonald's actually eliminated it from their menu, just like what they did with Strawberry Sundae. But if there's no harm in asking, so all one has to do is to ask for it and wait for at least 5 minutes to get it done. That's what I've been constantly doing for the past years, if I have time to spare. Otherwise, I'd go order Cheeseburger by default.
As my colleague gave me my McDonald Plain Hamburger request for lunch, I immediately googled and had my youtube directed to the Archie Cartoon series. And it's time to tell you a story about this loony habit of mine.
I love hamburgers. I'm not actually addicted to it, but I just appreciate it. And when/if I crave for it, I've already got selected few hamburgers in my list, but unfortunately Burger King's not one of them. I usually crave for the Plain McDonald's Hamburger, Carl's JR plain burger and Friday's American burger preferably without the cheese.
These specific hamburgers have already claimed a part in my neuro-memory, and usually it's automatically associated to Archie Comics. I've discovered this loony habit of mine one afternoon when we came home from Robinson's Galleria Mall. That afternoon was pretty traumatic for my parents for I was technically lost for at least 2 hours, and I was just around Grade 5 then. The whole mall search party was formed and my mother went hysterical as I can remember. But silly old me, I just remembered to go to Guard in the hope that I won't be swallowed by an imaginary myth of a Human Snake that's supposedly a twin of the Mall's owner. (Story's pretty famous and a complete farce)
Nothing in hand and just my National Bookstore package, I waited patiently for my parents to pick me up. Then minutes passed as I began to get scared. I remembered the tears already welling up as the guard waved his hand to his colleagues. There I saw my mother running towards me and being hysterical.
I found it to be instantly funny as all attention's focused on us. I found relief too as I wouldn't be the next Snake-man's dinner. Out of a form of consoling, my father decided to take me to McDonald's. I immediately bought the plain burger and urged them to go home.
When I went home I locked myself up in my room, after receiving a relatively good scolding, and began to read my newly bought Archie Comics. As I read, I started to eat my burger. That moment was priceless. That was the time I realized that after all those years of reading Archie Comics, I knew I'd enjoy it more if I have a burger with me. And vice versa, whenever we eat out at McDonald's, it would have been funner if I had my Archie comics with me.
It might attributed to Jughead's passionate interest on Pop Tate's burger, or it might be attributed to actually having the whole Archie Gang as my first time heroes...okay...friends. I tell you, the foundation must've been that strong in childhood, that I somehow learned how to adapt it until now...until now that I have my burger in my hands and watching Archie Cartoons in youtube.
We all have our little things. I have little things...little weird numerous things that I carry till now and I figured this is one of those loony things. hehe
After I've devoured the burger, I've again devoured the euphoric memories of my childhood. If I had to document the my whole childhood existence, I would definitely dedicate a chapter to the priceless Plain McDonald's burger with the literary classics of Archie comics.
What is this specific fixation with the PLAIN McDonald's Hamburger? There is a reason why it was taken out by the McDonald Management in the first place. I don't know what that reason might be. It might be because it tastes raw and plain. You see, Filipinos have accustomed to incorporate so many other added flavorings in their meal like catsup, toyo, suka. Well, i don't. The taste of that raw and untainted meat is just perfect for me, specifically McDonald's flavored beef patty.
It took me some time to realize that McDonald's actually eliminated it from their menu, just like what they did with Strawberry Sundae. But if there's no harm in asking, so all one has to do is to ask for it and wait for at least 5 minutes to get it done. That's what I've been constantly doing for the past years, if I have time to spare. Otherwise, I'd go order Cheeseburger by default.
As my colleague gave me my McDonald Plain Hamburger request for lunch, I immediately googled and had my youtube directed to the Archie Cartoon series. And it's time to tell you a story about this loony habit of mine.
I love hamburgers. I'm not actually addicted to it, but I just appreciate it. And when/if I crave for it, I've already got selected few hamburgers in my list, but unfortunately Burger King's not one of them. I usually crave for the Plain McDonald's Hamburger, Carl's JR plain burger and Friday's American burger preferably without the cheese.
These specific hamburgers have already claimed a part in my neuro-memory, and usually it's automatically associated to Archie Comics. I've discovered this loony habit of mine one afternoon when we came home from Robinson's Galleria Mall. That afternoon was pretty traumatic for my parents for I was technically lost for at least 2 hours, and I was just around Grade 5 then. The whole mall search party was formed and my mother went hysterical as I can remember. But silly old me, I just remembered to go to Guard in the hope that I won't be swallowed by an imaginary myth of a Human Snake that's supposedly a twin of the Mall's owner. (Story's pretty famous and a complete farce)
Nothing in hand and just my National Bookstore package, I waited patiently for my parents to pick me up. Then minutes passed as I began to get scared. I remembered the tears already welling up as the guard waved his hand to his colleagues. There I saw my mother running towards me and being hysterical.
I found it to be instantly funny as all attention's focused on us. I found relief too as I wouldn't be the next Snake-man's dinner. Out of a form of consoling, my father decided to take me to McDonald's. I immediately bought the plain burger and urged them to go home.
When I went home I locked myself up in my room, after receiving a relatively good scolding, and began to read my newly bought Archie Comics. As I read, I started to eat my burger. That moment was priceless. That was the time I realized that after all those years of reading Archie Comics, I knew I'd enjoy it more if I have a burger with me. And vice versa, whenever we eat out at McDonald's, it would have been funner if I had my Archie comics with me.
It might attributed to Jughead's passionate interest on Pop Tate's burger, or it might be attributed to actually having the whole Archie Gang as my first time heroes...okay...friends. I tell you, the foundation must've been that strong in childhood, that I somehow learned how to adapt it until now...until now that I have my burger in my hands and watching Archie Cartoons in youtube.
We all have our little things. I have little things...little weird numerous things that I carry till now and I figured this is one of those loony things. hehe
After I've devoured the burger, I've again devoured the euphoric memories of my childhood. If I had to document the my whole childhood existence, I would definitely dedicate a chapter to the priceless Plain McDonald's burger with the literary classics of Archie comics.
Monday, January 7, 2008
Saturday Ho-Hum Carnival
Speaking of roller coasters metaphorically in my previous blog, do I daresay mention that I was in one last Saturday?
It was a dreary Saturday morning when I battled the desire to linger more in bed and waste the precious time sleeping, in a yet to be concluded New Year season. Mitch and I were discussing on a perfect Saturday date while he was playing DOTA and I was playing SIMS. With the lack of better options and creative ideas, we've decided to go to MCS for a DVD shopping hunt and just have lunch at the fabulous Chinese restaurant at Mr. Choi. It was not less than 5 minutes after we said our goodbyes when he called up again.
"What's up?" as I anticipated some massive alteration of plans.
"Do you want to go to Global Fun Carnival this afternoon?" he muttered
"Global Fun carnival, as in the one in MOA?" excitement's already evident in the tone here.
"Yup. Anton and Angela are going, I think AJ has free tickets." he confirmed.
And it was pure excitement from then on. The height of excitement doubled since I didn't expect my beloved Mitch would actually suggest that, since he is not a total fan of theme parks. Any ride that's elevated from the ground, except I suppose carousel, gives him the uneasiness. That's why he wouldn't dare to think of it as an option. But lucky me, his girlfriend, won't turn down a perfectly promising theme park, and a free entrance of ride all you can to boot!
Dressed up in shorts, shirt, jacket and messenger bag, I hopped outside the gate as soon as my ride had arrived. Not only did I look like a tourist, but I also acted like one.
Going to Global fun carnival via Macapagal was hassle-free at around 4 pm, noting the fact that MOA is having an end-year sale at that time. We parked the car in a massive space in between MOA and the carnival and hurried to meet AJ and Timmy.
As we entered, walking amidst the gravel laden ground, we tried to view the perimeters. Frankly speaking the first thing that comes to my mind was "PERYA/PERIA." For the benefit of those not exposed to this word, peria is some sort of 'localized form of carnival,' that usually is associated in school and town attractions. It's really not the typical elite carnival that I expected like in Enchanted Kingdom. The images and drawings that entice you tor ride can be done by billboard art displays you see in dimly lit cinemas in Aurora. But what can you expect, Global fun carnival is a moving / nomad carnival after all? It reminds me of a what a carnival should be though, with all the gypsy history.
As we tried to decide which one to ride first, I viewed the selections, and frankly I wasn't really that impressed. There's the usual roller coaster, Star City's better. There's Flipper, a group ride, wherein you get spun off constantly as you get elevated, (just imagine you're inside the tea cup, twirling in mid-air), there's the usual ferris wheel, bump cars, airplane ride (for kids) and ranger, a sort of 360 degree version of Anchor's away.
Some of the rides like the GFORCE and the other one which failed to resonate its presence in my memory were inactive. Aside from the not so impressive rides, were various games, which have impossible chances of winning, and numerous general attractions like mortuary (attempt at horror attraction), jurassic park and the mummy. Unfortuntalely the crowd spirit didn't help much.
After being immobile at the center, we decided to ride the infamous FLIPPER. AJ, Timmy, Angela and I dared it as Mitch and Anton declined, who immediately took on other roles as photographer and Baggage counter representative. Angela was hilariously becoming nervous as the ride begins to resume, she kept on worrying about the technical aspect of the ride, primarily because of the 'peria feel." She kept on catching the maintenance guy's attention to check our unit to see if there's any loose strings or something. "Di pa tayo name-maintenance check!" I think that was her exact words, mixing it with laughter and nervousness.
The Flipper well, was just like what a flipper should be, it imitates the feeling of being tossed and grabbed in midair. It was fun at first, but as the momentum speeds up, it was much more of a discomfort. Most of the peeps ended up feeling nauseated and the discomfort hits right at the head, not at the stomach, which is far worse.
We started to take a long break from rides and tried to meager through the grounds and looked at the game booths. I didn't take part of the gaming activity. I'd rather observe and just be hell KJ about it, cause frankly to win in those ludicrous game booths, one must have immense luck and superhuman calculated strength skills, otherwise you'd better treat your money as a form of donation.
After they've had enough gaming, the rest fell in line for the bump cars while Mitch and I tried to investigate on the snack booths. It was the usual finger food delights, nothing special. Lastly, I decided to venture to the last interesting ride in the carnival alone, which is called the ranger. It's just like a 360 degree turn of ANchors away with a special 10 second "tihaya" feature in the air. It was okay, better than flipper if you ask me. After that I went another round with AJ, and we all decided to go home.
Well, good thing the tickets were free. I'd hate to think I'd be cranky on the way home paying 400 bucks, for something that could easily be worth a 100, entrance and rides. The bad part is I didn't quite enjoy. The expectations were not that high really, can't blame it on me. But from the images, to the structure, to the ride selections, it's really not worth 400 bucks. Star City would've been better. But then again there's a first in everything.
*I'll try to post the picture as soon as Mitch hands them over to me.
So, if you're just not doing anything and wanted to experience the nauseating flipper and pay 400 bucks for the rides/entrance, well, be my guest, but for those who have doubts...listen to them, it might save you your wallet and time.
*Image borrowed from globalfuncarnival.com
HAPPY NEW YEAR!! Ride to a new life
Happy New Year Everyone!
Actually it's already pretty late, and it's been like a whole month and some days since I've written in this blog of mine.
To be more exact, HAPPY three KINGS.
Well, the 12 days of Christmas have just ended, people! It's just about the right time to put away those shimmering lights,prickly Christmas trees and miniature golden disco balls. It's time to make the house squeaky clean to represent life's new clean slate.
That clean state started exactly by watching a fireworks display in Ayala with some of my friends from work. Checked in a fabulous metropolitan hotel is the only way to go, experiencing new year with a little bit of luxury and comfort.
The feeling of collective celebration in Ayala was something worth it, I tell you. It beats being stuck in the house and listening to self-made fireworks orchestration that litters improperly in your village streets.
The new year celebration was pretty unexpected for me. I had a couple of talks with good friends, equally divided quality time with loved ones, and most importantly had a quiet reflection just before the closing of 2007.
I think everyone should be able to do that, snatch a few minutes or hours of their time writing or doing what they love to do when reflecting. Doing this activity allows relaxation and thinking. Good or bad things it may be, I think it's worth another look and worth saying good bye to.
Cliche is really not my thing as I bluntly say that 2007 was kind of a 'shit-year' for me. Talking metaphorically is understated, but shit in a good way, like what you scream on a deadly roller coaster ride. "SHIT!"
You scream that word "shit" knowing you're scared. You scream that word knowing that you wouldn't know how you'd end up with. You scream that word with bravado, publicizing to the world that you are in a very unstable position and there's honestly nothing you can do about it, but to brace yourself to somehow survive the ride.
I think I've come to realize that life is sometimes supposed to be like that.
No matter how you plan and manipulate the situation, there are just some monumental moments wherein you're 'riding that rollercoaster.' As it gets steeper and steeper, as much as you'd want to go back, reassess your strengths and try again next time, sometimes it just doesn't happen that way. One wouldn't realize you're taken into the ride of your life and the situation is beyond repair, that the first step to get it solved is to just to let it go and suffer the ride. There's nothing you can do but scream the word...SHIT.
Now that the roller coaster has stopped, I successfully got off. And I'm happy to get off, as I'm happy to realize that the ride is over. I am getting off in that blasted 2007 bringing memories of uncertainty, adrenalin, spontaneity, love and hate for life. I'd go down that ride facing friends s I carry on new activities. Although the person who got off that ride is quite different and changed compared to that person who got on.
Hopefully this year would be good to all! It should be a mix of ride of some sort, a relaxing one, a rushed exciting one, an uncertain one, romantic and fulfilling one, mostly happy moments and not shitty moments. But knowing that everything has its purpose and everything has its end, just like what happens to any ride, makes it all better and bearable. And right now at the start of 2008, I'm starting to feel and enjoy this ride called life.
Actually it's already pretty late, and it's been like a whole month and some days since I've written in this blog of mine.
To be more exact, HAPPY three KINGS.
Well, the 12 days of Christmas have just ended, people! It's just about the right time to put away those shimmering lights,prickly Christmas trees and miniature golden disco balls. It's time to make the house squeaky clean to represent life's new clean slate.
That clean state started exactly by watching a fireworks display in Ayala with some of my friends from work. Checked in a fabulous metropolitan hotel is the only way to go, experiencing new year with a little bit of luxury and comfort.
The feeling of collective celebration in Ayala was something worth it, I tell you. It beats being stuck in the house and listening to self-made fireworks orchestration that litters improperly in your village streets.
The new year celebration was pretty unexpected for me. I had a couple of talks with good friends, equally divided quality time with loved ones, and most importantly had a quiet reflection just before the closing of 2007.
I think everyone should be able to do that, snatch a few minutes or hours of their time writing or doing what they love to do when reflecting. Doing this activity allows relaxation and thinking. Good or bad things it may be, I think it's worth another look and worth saying good bye to.
Cliche is really not my thing as I bluntly say that 2007 was kind of a 'shit-year' for me. Talking metaphorically is understated, but shit in a good way, like what you scream on a deadly roller coaster ride. "SHIT!"
You scream that word "shit" knowing you're scared. You scream that word knowing that you wouldn't know how you'd end up with. You scream that word with bravado, publicizing to the world that you are in a very unstable position and there's honestly nothing you can do about it, but to brace yourself to somehow survive the ride.
I think I've come to realize that life is sometimes supposed to be like that.
No matter how you plan and manipulate the situation, there are just some monumental moments wherein you're 'riding that rollercoaster.' As it gets steeper and steeper, as much as you'd want to go back, reassess your strengths and try again next time, sometimes it just doesn't happen that way. One wouldn't realize you're taken into the ride of your life and the situation is beyond repair, that the first step to get it solved is to just to let it go and suffer the ride. There's nothing you can do but scream the word...SHIT.
Now that the roller coaster has stopped, I successfully got off. And I'm happy to get off, as I'm happy to realize that the ride is over. I am getting off in that blasted 2007 bringing memories of uncertainty, adrenalin, spontaneity, love and hate for life. I'd go down that ride facing friends s I carry on new activities. Although the person who got off that ride is quite different and changed compared to that person who got on.
Hopefully this year would be good to all! It should be a mix of ride of some sort, a relaxing one, a rushed exciting one, an uncertain one, romantic and fulfilling one, mostly happy moments and not shitty moments. But knowing that everything has its purpose and everything has its end, just like what happens to any ride, makes it all better and bearable. And right now at the start of 2008, I'm starting to feel and enjoy this ride called life.
Tuesday, December 4, 2007
Just Another Life Cycle Blog
I'm starting to bug myself.
The world definitely just moves around not waiting for anyone. I'm left in a certain societal limbo that might as well engulf me in the flames of uncertainty and occasional illusion I bring myself to face.
My friend/colleague and I were able to chat recently and we greeted ourselves a very merry Happy December, which means that both of us will yet again face the Official chambers of Aged maturity. The problem with having birthdays at this season is that we are turned into official torch bearers that the annual reflection for us seem to be painstakingly heavy. And it doesn't help the fact that we have a tendency to be consumed with numbers like a ticker in the unstoppable life bomb. But you see, a number is just a number is a just a number. I'm turning 24 this year, might as well call it the new 25 especially now there's a popular crisis called the Quarter-Life Crisis. But the certainty and legality of the number can easily be dismissed psychologically. What really hurts is that it's a constant reminder of your personal expectation and the expectations of society.
My friend even mentioned the fact that she had lived with this certain framework of thought that life is composed of series of events that we all have to follow. You study your ass off for years. Then you get into college and get a job, or have a 'career.' Then once you've achieved all those stuff, now you entertain marriage, have a family, have kids and die a natural death.
Fortunate for us that we have achieved all until the stage of getting a job, but beyond that societal expectations poke us in the face, which is constantly bugging me.
Let us disclose the fact that my friend and I are not your typical ladies. We are the sort of independent women who call our own shots in life...well most of it in terms of career and pacing. But the certain nagging of expectations brought by our age really sometimes ticks us off. I mean, I'm turning 24 this December and it's just as easy to close it as 25. It's really not the age and the presence of 'the number.' Do I feel 24? Hardly. I'm feeling 20, except for the fact that people closest to me are reminding me otherwise.
You see, I've got 3 weddings of my closest friends scheduled next year. I just had my first baptismal affair two weeks ago and I think it's already wearing me down. I remembered when I was in first year college, I had debut invitations here and there, some of which I've attended, but now I'm facing...WEDDINGS? BAPTISM? And it's not even from my extended network of friends, but my CLOSEST friends ever, and I haven't added those friends who are planning anytime sooner. The world has already turned for them...but my axis stays firm.
I may have an unconventional reaction on marriage, but I don't really take it against them. It's their decis
ion and I think they're at the 'right' phase to embark on it, but why does it have to include us (my friend and I) on these particular small talk. It's like since now that we're at this age, I am expected to hear questions about "when I'd get married..." "how they're eager to see me as a mother??" Oh please, marriage is fine as long as I don't think about it. But now expectations and these certain occurrences make me think about it. What's worse is that my PARENTS, the worst people who claim that they perfectly know me, assume that I'd be jumping on the bandwagon soon.Thinking about it wears me down. Entertaining questions and surviving through events like this, destroys my appetite on a perfectly good buffet. And sometimes I even force myself to acknowledge that I should have an MO in dealing with this because it wouldn't stop any sooner. I'm 24 and the first batch of marrying friends are now at bay. I've got an 'inaanak' by the way and I'm assuming it would only be the first of the dozen to come.
Everything's fine as long as we're not in a way assumed to be following them anytime sooner. It hurts to know the fact that I still don't have my own house and empire at the age of 25, which is already half of my wasted prime, but to embark on marriage and having...babies? That's just too much for me or anyone like me to handle.
Call me crazy but I t
hink I'm perfect where I am now. It needs a little tweaking, but It doesn't help that certain things in life like marriage and kids are already eminent with my contemporaries allowing expectations and assumptions in our generation seep in. It's okay if they don't make us think...but on an afternoon chat season with my friend...we did think about it; and we are being bugged. There should be a support group for this because one against the world can just be easily frustrating. But definitely it just strengthens the fact that it would take us a couple of death threats and egg deteriorations to turn our axis into a merciless world of 'The expected adulthood."(Sources of pictures/www.google and geocities.com)
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