"If you don't think of your reputation, you can do whatever you want." - Chinese Proverb
Everyone has a reputation, I believe. It just depends on what kind. Reputation initially earns us respect, good nature and comfort. It ultimately makes or breaks our lives. That is why people exert all efforts to guard it, maintain it and some revive it. The wonderful years it takes to build a strong reputation, just takes a second and a foolish act to break.
Money, resources, visuals, beauty, words, intelligence, clan, relations, they will all eventually fall short if the reputation is tainted. The power of positive attributes may be regained slowly, but it requires effort, overseeing and timing.
It's also different if this reputation is tainted by something unverified. A strong reputation can at some point rescue itself. But if the person is caught, especially not only by one witness, then consider the reputation to be destroyed.
However there are those who are willing to adjust and blind themselves from the tainted truth. These are friends and families who are willing to accept whatever damage the reputation imposes. That is why they are created in the first place, but remember that they too have limits before they only submit to the facade of the person's once pristine past.
Even though others are put to the wire, in the midst of all powerful bliss and emotion or are forced to face unfortunate circumstances, they don't give in. It just depends on how they value it. They may sacrifice all efforts and strength required from them as humans, but they will never surrender their reputation. It is like a rope that ties sanity and faith together. It is a currency that never fades.
Some have slipped and lost their reputation to temporary bliss. In the end, they hurt themselves and they also hurt others. It doesn't matter what poem and lyric they say, they could never erase the damages. It would go down in history that they, for quite some time, didn't seem to care. After the aftermath, even if they care to repair it, it only takes time. Especially that reputation's demise travel to many ears and tongues. For some of us, to realize its greater power, one has to go to the extent of losing it and it's never going to be a pretty picture.
Monday, October 13, 2008
Golden Gate Bridge's many features
“After decades of debate, the Golden Gate Bridge board of directors voted 14-to-1 on Friday to install safety netting 20 feet below the bridge’s deck. The net, made of metal wiring coated with plastic, will catch any jumpers and allow rescue teams to easily untangle them due to its design, which makes it partially collapse around anyone who jumped into it, according to Denis Mulligan, chief engineer for the Golden Gate Bridge, Highway and Transportation District, the authority which oversees the structure.” – Eric Blair efluxmedia.com
The first time I’ve seen the Golden Gate Bridge was courtesy of my 20 dollar bus tour thanks to the generosity and lack of touring spirit of my dad. Sadly I don't have any pictures of it, I went there alone and I bought a disposal camera which I left at my dad’s friend’s house in San Francisco. But I remember the structure’s beauty, vastness and novelty. It’s not just a bridge, it’s a masterpiece. I’ve seen too many shots of it on TV and viewed postcards to last me a lifetime, just as an actual image is properly stored in my mind. But in some cases, it’s also comically viewed as the “most convenient” suicidal structure for those who might be nursing intense problems they chose not to manage anymore. If they’re going to pick a bridge, might as well pick the grandest. But I don’t think they instantly die from the dive, unless they don’t know how to swim or have actually chained heavy balls in their ankles. Putting a safety net in this tourist attraction is very timely. You don’t want to add those negative suicidal numbers as a “matter of fact” on tours, right? Especially now that entertaining suicidal thoughts is in season.
Sunday, October 12, 2008
Documenting the first Skype Experience
This is just fresh.
Just before I decided to call it a night, tried to end my chat conversations and bid Mitch goodbye, he suddenly remembered that I have installed Skype earlier this afternoon. I completely forgot all about it. He urgently convinced me to use it before we say goodnight. I was hesitant at first. Suddenly I smelled unwanted stress. Well, I don't know the exact mechanics of using it, that's one. My cousin was the one who installed the program, that's second; and I think I need a functioning headset, third.
But I won't let it get the best of me. I'm not that tech savvy but I'll make this work. How hard could this be? I clicked on Skype and found out that I was already registered. That saved me from task number 2. I gave him my username as I tried to look for a working headset. The only thing I could find near the computer was an el-cheapo brand of my sister's. I had no choice. Might as well try it.
And voila! It worked! I was so happy I got to see Mitch and actually heard his voice well..surprisingly clearer than expected. I'm ecstatic about the convenience this program brings. Now I can understand what this Skype is all about. But I know that I'm terribly delayed.
All along he was on speaker, so good thing I warned him not to say anything nasty lest someone hears him. I just had an inkling to magnify his voice. Can't wait to do this again tomorrow!
This picture makes me want to smile. Ahem, enough of the mushiness. Now, signing off.
Just before I decided to call it a night, tried to end my chat conversations and bid Mitch goodbye, he suddenly remembered that I have installed Skype earlier this afternoon. I completely forgot all about it. He urgently convinced me to use it before we say goodnight. I was hesitant at first. Suddenly I smelled unwanted stress. Well, I don't know the exact mechanics of using it, that's one. My cousin was the one who installed the program, that's second; and I think I need a functioning headset, third.
But I won't let it get the best of me. I'm not that tech savvy but I'll make this work. How hard could this be? I clicked on Skype and found out that I was already registered. That saved me from task number 2. I gave him my username as I tried to look for a working headset. The only thing I could find near the computer was an el-cheapo brand of my sister's. I had no choice. Might as well try it.
And voila! It worked! I was so happy I got to see Mitch and actually heard his voice well..surprisingly clearer than expected. I'm ecstatic about the convenience this program brings. Now I can understand what this Skype is all about. But I know that I'm terribly delayed.
All along he was on speaker, so good thing I warned him not to say anything nasty lest someone hears him. I just had an inkling to magnify his voice. Can't wait to do this again tomorrow!
This picture makes me want to smile. Ahem, enough of the mushiness. Now, signing off.
Good Persian Experience
Finishing the whole story reminded me why I liked Kite Runner in the first place. It's done in masterful storytelling. At some point, it moved me to tears (okay, I'm exaggerating), but knowing me, this is one of the few novels that deeply and seriously moved me. For someone to say to you:
It's a story of true redemption without the added fuss. It's a mirror of the clear and unfortunate reality of Afghanistan. The situations maybe really morbid at times, but I knew that somewhere in this world it is happening.
After reading the entire book this morning, I craved for kabob or anything Persian. That's how much the book influenced me. I encouraged my cousin Den to drive us at some Persian "eatery" near our village.
This Persian Kabob place is not really legitimate in a sense. The place is not really a full blown restaurant, it's a house. The owner just has sustainable tables in his garage where people could dine..if they want to. Although, for the four times I've been there, my friends and I were the only ones eating. We hardly see people dine in. The Kabob place mostly caters to take outs and bulk orders to go, but in terms of the place, do not even hoist any grand expectations.
*Kewl! Den's war car!
But the place really wouldn't matter now would it? Just as long as the food remains authentic and the price is so reasonable, then it's enough to keep people like me coming back with an intense Persian craving on a budget. A kabob stick marinated in 2 days costs 30 bucks, for 120 pesos you could get a combo meal of 2 long kabob sticks, rice, soup, tomatoes and calamansi cooler.
**My tour guide. Fine, I put her up to it.
***Feeling toursists...we're imagining ourselves touring in Iran.
Upon arriving there via Den's "war car," we ordered 5 kabobs and some pita bread to go. At first, we didn't know if the restaurant was open. There weren't any signs. We just went inside only to be faced by tiles on the garage and some packs of cement. I guess they are in a middle of some renovation. The owner, the usual tall Persian guy, met us and greeted us warmly. Although he was smiling I knew he was very apologetic with the place and the disorganized setup. He said he was in a hurry to go to the airport. I quickly understood and told him that I should come back another time, but being courteous that he is, he insisted that I stay. He insisted to take my orders and told me to wait for a few minutes for the kabob.
**Yes Karla??
While we were waiting for him, my cousin and I were talking about the Middle Eastern people. Since she spent half of her adult life in Jeddah, and her family is based there, she is pretty much an expert. In fact, every year she goes to Saudi to join her family. We kept talking about the funny customs and the not-so comfortable customs of the Arabs. I noticed while we were talking, posters of Iran are pasted on the wall. I instantly felt that I'm in a chapter of Khaled Hosseini's novel. I'm still suffering from the Kite Runner residue.
He gave us the order just in time and my total bill was 220 bucks for the 5 long kabobs and 2 pita breads. I gave him 2 2oo bills. He smiled and told me he didn't have any change with him. I frantically asked Den to get some change in the car. He even insisted not to pay him the 20 bucks. He just told me to come back next time and pay him. He was that generous. Well, I guess he recognized me as his regular customer already.
I was trying to fumble for some coins in my purse since I'd be too guilty to leave his simple restaurant, taking so much of his time and paying him 20 bucks short. Luckily, I fished some coins and able to produce him with the additional 20. He extended my thanks and told me that he put some cheese on the side just in case we'd want to eat it with our kabob. He even mentioned a trivia that in their country, they never liked putting sauce in the kabobs. Kabobs should be eaten as is to really enjoy the flavor. It's only in the Philippines that the market insists to put a garlic cream sauce.
We left his store and felt really grateful that the gracious Persian accommodated us. We went to buy some coke and hot pandesal on the way home. I was itching to ask him if he has read The Kite Runner. I know it's a silly question just because he's Persian. He looks too busy to suggests that he reads, much more be interested to know the unfortunate circumstances of his race in fiction. I just made a silly assumption and reconciliation of the book with an actual Persian in front of me. In the book it has taught me two things, which I proved just now. Some Persians' customs are not so easy to understand and appreciate. Some of their characteristics are even condemnable like the character Assef in the book. Persians are often seen to be too opportunistic, discriminatory, closed-minded, brutal and extreme individuals. But there are some, like Hassan and Baba, who represent the best of their kind, who have golden hearts that transcend beyond the conformity of their race. They are kind. They are generous, courageous and respectable. They give high importance to their race, yet more importance to the needs of others. Lucky are those who got a chance to meet the best of their kind, meeting a potential Baba. And I think I just met one today.
"for you, a thousand times over."..would be enough to make me a softy. I also do have the potential to melt.
It's a story of true redemption without the added fuss. It's a mirror of the clear and unfortunate reality of Afghanistan. The situations maybe really morbid at times, but I knew that somewhere in this world it is happening.
After reading the entire book this morning, I craved for kabob or anything Persian. That's how much the book influenced me. I encouraged my cousin Den to drive us at some Persian "eatery" near our village.
This Persian Kabob place is not really legitimate in a sense. The place is not really a full blown restaurant, it's a house. The owner just has sustainable tables in his garage where people could dine..if they want to. Although, for the four times I've been there, my friends and I were the only ones eating. We hardly see people dine in. The Kabob place mostly caters to take outs and bulk orders to go, but in terms of the place, do not even hoist any grand expectations.
*Kewl! Den's war car!But the place really wouldn't matter now would it? Just as long as the food remains authentic and the price is so reasonable, then it's enough to keep people like me coming back with an intense Persian craving on a budget. A kabob stick marinated in 2 days costs 30 bucks, for 120 pesos you could get a combo meal of 2 long kabob sticks, rice, soup, tomatoes and calamansi cooler.
**My tour guide. Fine, I put her up to it.
***Feeling toursists...we're imagining ourselves touring in Iran.
Upon arriving there via Den's "war car," we ordered 5 kabobs and some pita bread to go. At first, we didn't know if the restaurant was open. There weren't any signs. We just went inside only to be faced by tiles on the garage and some packs of cement. I guess they are in a middle of some renovation. The owner, the usual tall Persian guy, met us and greeted us warmly. Although he was smiling I knew he was very apologetic with the place and the disorganized setup. He said he was in a hurry to go to the airport. I quickly understood and told him that I should come back another time, but being courteous that he is, he insisted that I stay. He insisted to take my orders and told me to wait for a few minutes for the kabob.
**Yes Karla??
While we were waiting for him, my cousin and I were talking about the Middle Eastern people. Since she spent half of her adult life in Jeddah, and her family is based there, she is pretty much an expert. In fact, every year she goes to Saudi to join her family. We kept talking about the funny customs and the not-so comfortable customs of the Arabs. I noticed while we were talking, posters of Iran are pasted on the wall. I instantly felt that I'm in a chapter of Khaled Hosseini's novel. I'm still suffering from the Kite Runner residue.
He gave us the order just in time and my total bill was 220 bucks for the 5 long kabobs and 2 pita breads. I gave him 2 2oo bills. He smiled and told me he didn't have any change with him. I frantically asked Den to get some change in the car. He even insisted not to pay him the 20 bucks. He just told me to come back next time and pay him. He was that generous. Well, I guess he recognized me as his regular customer already.
I was trying to fumble for some coins in my purse since I'd be too guilty to leave his simple restaurant, taking so much of his time and paying him 20 bucks short. Luckily, I fished some coins and able to produce him with the additional 20. He extended my thanks and told me that he put some cheese on the side just in case we'd want to eat it with our kabob. He even mentioned a trivia that in their country, they never liked putting sauce in the kabobs. Kabobs should be eaten as is to really enjoy the flavor. It's only in the Philippines that the market insists to put a garlic cream sauce.
We left his store and felt really grateful that the gracious Persian accommodated us. We went to buy some coke and hot pandesal on the way home. I was itching to ask him if he has read The Kite Runner. I know it's a silly question just because he's Persian. He looks too busy to suggests that he reads, much more be interested to know the unfortunate circumstances of his race in fiction. I just made a silly assumption and reconciliation of the book with an actual Persian in front of me. In the book it has taught me two things, which I proved just now. Some Persians' customs are not so easy to understand and appreciate. Some of their characteristics are even condemnable like the character Assef in the book. Persians are often seen to be too opportunistic, discriminatory, closed-minded, brutal and extreme individuals. But there are some, like Hassan and Baba, who represent the best of their kind, who have golden hearts that transcend beyond the conformity of their race. They are kind. They are generous, courageous and respectable. They give high importance to their race, yet more importance to the needs of others. Lucky are those who got a chance to meet the best of their kind, meeting a potential Baba. And I think I just met one today.
Best Brand of Missing
I am chatting with my boyfriend who is currently in Malaysia for an entire week. For the past few days, we've only resulted to chatting since I didn't reply to the CHKKA text that he sent me the other day. This completely blocks him from sending any text messages to me. If he's online and I'm not, he asks our common friends, who are online, to text me to go online. I just relay messages to them if I'm mobile. Now, I'm currently waiting for SKYPE to finish downloading.
Probably this is the longest time we have been apart from each other. He bested me with this trip against 2006 when I flew to Bali with Je for a quick vacation. Considering that we see each other almost everyday, people might think that this trip would leave me in shambles. Actually it's the other way around. I get to live being "single" for almost a week, doing what needs to be done without the need to be "flexible." It's a good recharging phase for the both of us I'm sure.
Do I miss him? Of course. I miss him. I really do, but it's a good "brand" of longing. I don't wallow at some area and mope around. I make use of the day as productively as possible, which I'm sure he is also doing in a foreign country. I want him to enjoy and focus on his tasks while I do what needs to be done. It's good to be apart from each other once in a while, done in a very good context that is.
There are times that I dine out to restaurants that Mitch and I frequently visit. I order the usual food that we order, and I think about him. It's not a depressing kind of mood though. It's happy and often trivial. It's no big deal probably because of the knowledge that I'll see him after a week. I also don't necessarily see this week as especially long, just normal. Thinking that he's enjoying there doing what he loves best is good enough for me.
Bags also mentioned last Friday night that I'm comfortable with human relationship adjustments because of my nature to quickly get preoccupied and focused with something else. I reflect it in my jobs. If I don't like the job anymore, I would weigh the alternatives and consequences, make my decision and forge on. For human relationships, these I can easily manipulate. I am real with relationships and transparent, but I always save something for myself. I must say that of course the strength of it comes in the type of relationship I have with someone. I might miss and hurt if the separation is abrupt and negative, but I know that I would bounce back to my natural roots. With Mitch, which I share special relations with, is very different from the rest. It's a thousand times harder to be apart, but definitely manageable for me.
At Some points I long for him to come home, of course eventually I'll get tired of pestering my brother. It's not the same without Mitch if we're talking months. But in truth, I want his happiness above all, it's the most important thing for me even from the start. I miss him, but it doesn't matter. I know we'll see each other pretty soon, and that is already good enough for me. This is the best brand of "missing" that I know.
PS: I'm sure HENRIETTA misses him:D
Probably this is the longest time we have been apart from each other. He bested me with this trip against 2006 when I flew to Bali with Je for a quick vacation. Considering that we see each other almost everyday, people might think that this trip would leave me in shambles. Actually it's the other way around. I get to live being "single" for almost a week, doing what needs to be done without the need to be "flexible." It's a good recharging phase for the both of us I'm sure.
Do I miss him? Of course. I miss him. I really do, but it's a good "brand" of longing. I don't wallow at some area and mope around. I make use of the day as productively as possible, which I'm sure he is also doing in a foreign country. I want him to enjoy and focus on his tasks while I do what needs to be done. It's good to be apart from each other once in a while, done in a very good context that is.
There are times that I dine out to restaurants that Mitch and I frequently visit. I order the usual food that we order, and I think about him. It's not a depressing kind of mood though. It's happy and often trivial. It's no big deal probably because of the knowledge that I'll see him after a week. I also don't necessarily see this week as especially long, just normal. Thinking that he's enjoying there doing what he loves best is good enough for me.
Bags also mentioned last Friday night that I'm comfortable with human relationship adjustments because of my nature to quickly get preoccupied and focused with something else. I reflect it in my jobs. If I don't like the job anymore, I would weigh the alternatives and consequences, make my decision and forge on. For human relationships, these I can easily manipulate. I am real with relationships and transparent, but I always save something for myself. I must say that of course the strength of it comes in the type of relationship I have with someone. I might miss and hurt if the separation is abrupt and negative, but I know that I would bounce back to my natural roots. With Mitch, which I share special relations with, is very different from the rest. It's a thousand times harder to be apart, but definitely manageable for me.
At Some points I long for him to come home, of course eventually I'll get tired of pestering my brother. It's not the same without Mitch if we're talking months. But in truth, I want his happiness above all, it's the most important thing for me even from the start. I miss him, but it doesn't matter. I know we'll see each other pretty soon, and that is already good enough for me. This is the best brand of "missing" that I know.
PS: I'm sure HENRIETTA misses him:D
Result to the Alternative
Unfortunate fool. Addressed to me, of course.
Much to my excitement and failed preparation, I commanded my sister and cousin to Greenbelt at around 5:30 to buy tickets for El Orfanato showing at 9:30 as part of the Instituto Cervantes Pelicula showcase. I thought that was enough preparation already; and with a couple of more expensive and mainstream movies shown for this week, I was pretty confident that there would be three seats at least waiting for El Orfanato. This was where I slipped.
Waiting patiently in a long queue I was more excited for my cousin and sister for this International movie experience. They are mainstream leisure watchers and picking El Orfanato wouldn't be something that they'd do, but they were pretty optimistic about the plot that I gave them. If there's one thing that we don't shy away from, it's horror movies in any culture and in any language (with subtitles of course).
But I remembered last Thursday night my officemate was a bit relieved that El Orfanato had sold out tickets. She was supposed to watch it with friends , but she doesn't really like horror movies that much. I figured that it must have a good reception here. It's a famed 2007 Spanish movie after all. So I felt I just had to do some last minute preparation in the hope that I wouldn't be forced to use it. I asked my sister, just in case that El Orfanato is sold out, to pick out the possible alternative. She and my cousin bellowed "TROPIC THUNDER" and then my turn came up.
Much to my dismay El Orfanato was already sold out. A 9:30 pm , 65 bucks, Spanish movie is already sold out. I was in complete shock. My sister glanced at my petrified and distraught attitude and took over purchasing the tickets. My cousin pulled me from the line and tried to console me. She said that Tropic Thunder is a good choice. It's a Ben Stiller film with Jack Black and Robert Downey. I nearly screamed when I said "I know that, but I want El Orfanato. My freaking mistake! I should've reserved tickets online. Stupid me!" I realized when we reached at Glorietta that I was cursing myself the whole time.
By the time we were having dinner at Cafe Bola, I fully accepted my fate. I would just result to DVD just like the alternative I was talking about on my previous post. I drowned my sorrows on Bangus mousse and the regular meatball sandwich as the scene was flocked by celebrities. Michelle Madrigal was there, Jessica Zafra, Carlene Aguilar and Charmel (I have no idea who Charmel is, but my cousin told me she's a part of the Deal or No Deal Girls) . I forced myself not to ask for a picture with Jessica Zafra. I know she wouldn't like it at all. She was just having dinner with two friends, eating Bangus mousse pate and most probably will watch El Orfanato, if she hasn't seen it yet, which I have every reason to doubt due to her movie-buff persona.
After dinner and another round of toasted bread for the remaining Bangus Mousse, we went to Coffee Bean for some dessert and killed time.
Going to the theater, I wasn't expecting much from Tropic Thunder. I figured it's another Ben Stiller brand of comedy just more Star Studded than usual. I was right. The movie's strength was building comedy out of it's pointlessness. I laughed at some slapstick parts mostly care of Jack Black and his heroine-diva character. Ben Stiller delivered his usual and Robert Downey Jr. is a convincing for a confused Australian who turned into African American. I tell you the plot is crazy and insane, which accounts for the fun part. It's not that deep either. It's not supposed to make sense, and the plot could easily be done by a person who has watched too many Tito Vic and Joey movies.
The story being that there are diva actors making a highly budgeted movie of Tropic Thunder based from a fake Vietnam veteran's book. They are being funded by the money hungry producer, Les, and the actors are Jack Black, Robert Downey, Ben Stiller and two others who couldn't really get along. They make it hard for the inferior Director, played by the British Steve Coogan, to meet deadlines and present a good output. Les, played by the prosthetic infused Tom Cruise, scolded the director (in a slapstick way), to manage his actors. The Director out of desperation turned to the Writer of the book, with the help of the Explosives expert, to stage an on the spot shooting method where they would just install hidden cameras in a secluded location, give the directions to the actors, and shoot from somewhere afar. Their aim is to make real for the actors as much as possible.
Upon reaching location, the five actors were oriented by the director of the new shooting method. No more harnesses, no more crew, just explosives and making it look real. The actors, being just trained actors, were hesitant and wimpy at first, but later on found themselves in a real life plot against Vietnamese Guerillas who are not part of the whole cast and crew. They accidentally stumbled against Heroine smugglers after all.
Most of the strength of the movie comes from slapstick jokes, lines and the whole comedic effect that infused a bald and dancing Tom Cruise, the usual Ben Stiller, the Surprising African-American Robert Downey and a Diva-like blondie, Jack Black. This movie has a license not to make sense at all. Some jokes are disgusting. Some are slaptick, but I wouldn't be surprised if you utter a hearty laugh every now and then.
At the end of the movie, I realized that maybe these actors were just bored at some point in their lives and wanted to enjoy themselves. Maybe some acts were even pro-bono, but who cares? In this movie, no one has to really care about the details. In the end, it looked like they were just actors having fun and making complete fools out of themselves.
So those were my alternatives, to just result to the DVD version and to watch Tropic Thunder against the much anticipated El Orfanato. But it's damn hard to shift movie moods though, from one serious horror to a senseless slapstick comedy. Might as well maximize my choices even if it's an alternative.
Much to my excitement and failed preparation, I commanded my sister and cousin to Greenbelt at around 5:30 to buy tickets for El Orfanato showing at 9:30 as part of the Instituto Cervantes Pelicula showcase. I thought that was enough preparation already; and with a couple of more expensive and mainstream movies shown for this week, I was pretty confident that there would be three seats at least waiting for El Orfanato. This was where I slipped.
Waiting patiently in a long queue I was more excited for my cousin and sister for this International movie experience. They are mainstream leisure watchers and picking El Orfanato wouldn't be something that they'd do, but they were pretty optimistic about the plot that I gave them. If there's one thing that we don't shy away from, it's horror movies in any culture and in any language (with subtitles of course).
But I remembered last Thursday night my officemate was a bit relieved that El Orfanato had sold out tickets. She was supposed to watch it with friends , but she doesn't really like horror movies that much. I figured that it must have a good reception here. It's a famed 2007 Spanish movie after all. So I felt I just had to do some last minute preparation in the hope that I wouldn't be forced to use it. I asked my sister, just in case that El Orfanato is sold out, to pick out the possible alternative. She and my cousin bellowed "TROPIC THUNDER" and then my turn came up.
Much to my dismay El Orfanato was already sold out. A 9:30 pm , 65 bucks, Spanish movie is already sold out. I was in complete shock. My sister glanced at my petrified and distraught attitude and took over purchasing the tickets. My cousin pulled me from the line and tried to console me. She said that Tropic Thunder is a good choice. It's a Ben Stiller film with Jack Black and Robert Downey. I nearly screamed when I said "I know that, but I want El Orfanato. My freaking mistake! I should've reserved tickets online. Stupid me!" I realized when we reached at Glorietta that I was cursing myself the whole time.
By the time we were having dinner at Cafe Bola, I fully accepted my fate. I would just result to DVD just like the alternative I was talking about on my previous post. I drowned my sorrows on Bangus mousse and the regular meatball sandwich as the scene was flocked by celebrities. Michelle Madrigal was there, Jessica Zafra, Carlene Aguilar and Charmel (I have no idea who Charmel is, but my cousin told me she's a part of the Deal or No Deal Girls) . I forced myself not to ask for a picture with Jessica Zafra. I know she wouldn't like it at all. She was just having dinner with two friends, eating Bangus mousse pate and most probably will watch El Orfanato, if she hasn't seen it yet, which I have every reason to doubt due to her movie-buff persona.
After dinner and another round of toasted bread for the remaining Bangus Mousse, we went to Coffee Bean for some dessert and killed time.
Going to the theater, I wasn't expecting much from Tropic Thunder. I figured it's another Ben Stiller brand of comedy just more Star Studded than usual. I was right. The movie's strength was building comedy out of it's pointlessness. I laughed at some slapstick parts mostly care of Jack Black and his heroine-diva character. Ben Stiller delivered his usual and Robert Downey Jr. is a convincing for a confused Australian who turned into African American. I tell you the plot is crazy and insane, which accounts for the fun part. It's not that deep either. It's not supposed to make sense, and the plot could easily be done by a person who has watched too many Tito Vic and Joey movies.
The story being that there are diva actors making a highly budgeted movie of Tropic Thunder based from a fake Vietnam veteran's book. They are being funded by the money hungry producer, Les, and the actors are Jack Black, Robert Downey, Ben Stiller and two others who couldn't really get along. They make it hard for the inferior Director, played by the British Steve Coogan, to meet deadlines and present a good output. Les, played by the prosthetic infused Tom Cruise, scolded the director (in a slapstick way), to manage his actors. The Director out of desperation turned to the Writer of the book, with the help of the Explosives expert, to stage an on the spot shooting method where they would just install hidden cameras in a secluded location, give the directions to the actors, and shoot from somewhere afar. Their aim is to make real for the actors as much as possible.
Upon reaching location, the five actors were oriented by the director of the new shooting method. No more harnesses, no more crew, just explosives and making it look real. The actors, being just trained actors, were hesitant and wimpy at first, but later on found themselves in a real life plot against Vietnamese Guerillas who are not part of the whole cast and crew. They accidentally stumbled against Heroine smugglers after all.
Most of the strength of the movie comes from slapstick jokes, lines and the whole comedic effect that infused a bald and dancing Tom Cruise, the usual Ben Stiller, the Surprising African-American Robert Downey and a Diva-like blondie, Jack Black. This movie has a license not to make sense at all. Some jokes are disgusting. Some are slaptick, but I wouldn't be surprised if you utter a hearty laugh every now and then.
At the end of the movie, I realized that maybe these actors were just bored at some point in their lives and wanted to enjoy themselves. Maybe some acts were even pro-bono, but who cares? In this movie, no one has to really care about the details. In the end, it looked like they were just actors having fun and making complete fools out of themselves.
So those were my alternatives, to just result to the DVD version and to watch Tropic Thunder against the much anticipated El Orfanato. But it's damn hard to shift movie moods though, from one serious horror to a senseless slapstick comedy. Might as well maximize my choices even if it's an alternative.
Saturday, October 11, 2008
Get away Food-Booze Spirits, I must Go Here
I am still presently "gearing" myself to watch Spanish Movies showcased at Greenbelt today, but it seems when I woke up my body felt so weird and tired from that Chami, Booze and Hotdog experience last night. After having dinner with Den, I went to a newly opened coffee shop near our Village, read a few chapters of Kite Runner, and met my good friend Bags for some drinks at Central. Now all my food and drink intake are spiraling like crazy in my inards.
But I really don't want to miss these international films though. I mean, yeah, I could get it in DVDs, but it's still a different experience in theaters. DVDs are always an alternative, and with international movies you want to experience it the best way. When I was in college, when movies for me were not necessarily considered date activities, I save my allowance to watch different kinds of movies in Robinsons Galleria or Greenbelt on a weekend. Tim usually accompanies me, but there are still times that I don't mind going alone. I'm really the person not to mind. My friend Che who is very into everything Japanese gave me a list of movies shown at Robinsons Galleria this year. I wanted to watch those, but I didn't have time. Hence, the DVDs. Now, that Spanish movies are showing I didn't actually dwell on the part of "making a decision." I instantly know that I'M GOING with or without a movie buddy. Tim is currently in a dentist emergency, as I think I should be too, but heck his absence will not alter my activities.
I must go, it's just that I have to fix this physiological chaos. My stomach is freaking me out and I feel bloated more than ever, so I think I would have to lie down for a bit, but gosh, I wouldn't want to miss Guillermo del Toro's creation. It's also timely that I'm craving for a good horror movie; and subtitles do not bother me at all. This is my ultimate pick and something tells me I have to experience it on the BIG SCREEN.
But I really don't want to miss these international films though. I mean, yeah, I could get it in DVDs, but it's still a different experience in theaters. DVDs are always an alternative, and with international movies you want to experience it the best way. When I was in college, when movies for me were not necessarily considered date activities, I save my allowance to watch different kinds of movies in Robinsons Galleria or Greenbelt on a weekend. Tim usually accompanies me, but there are still times that I don't mind going alone. I'm really the person not to mind. My friend Che who is very into everything Japanese gave me a list of movies shown at Robinsons Galleria this year. I wanted to watch those, but I didn't have time. Hence, the DVDs. Now, that Spanish movies are showing I didn't actually dwell on the part of "making a decision." I instantly know that I'M GOING with or without a movie buddy. Tim is currently in a dentist emergency, as I think I should be too, but heck his absence will not alter my activities.
I must go, it's just that I have to fix this physiological chaos. My stomach is freaking me out and I feel bloated more than ever, so I think I would have to lie down for a bit, but gosh, I wouldn't want to miss Guillermo del Toro's creation. It's also timely that I'm craving for a good horror movie; and subtitles do not bother me at all. This is my ultimate pick and something tells me I have to experience it on the BIG SCREEN.
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