The Situation I'm In

Hello! I'm back and I missed blogging!

Saan kaya ako magsisimula?

Okay, LIFE has been good to me. Yun nga lang minsan sinusubukan talaga ako.. kung gaano ako kahina o kung gaano ako katibay sa mga problemang dumadating. Kahit ganoon man, at the end of the day, hindi ko nakakalimutan yung mga dapat kong ipagpasalamat.

Maraming bagay ang dapat nating ipagpasalamat. Unang-una, we are still alive. We can still see the beautiful and majestic things around us. We could still see our parents, relatives, and friends. Most of all, we could still feel the love despite ALL the PAIN. and the list goes on...

CHAPTER 1: WORK

EK Family day with GMA 7

I love shootings! Kahit hawak ako ng boom, game ako!

Taas lang ng ratings namin!

At work, I am truly blessed to have workmates na hindi lang 'katrabaho' ang turing sakin. Sa kanila ko natutunan na ang mga katrabaho ay pwede mo rin maging kaibigan. I could express my feelings.. I could tell them my worries.. mga ganong bagay. May father-figure, may parang Ate at Kuya kang matuturing. Parang isang grupo lang kayo na hindi man pare-parehas ang takbo ng isip pero at some point ramdam mo na nagkakaintindihan kayo.

MAHAL KO ANG TRABAHO KO. Dito, araw-araw may natututunan ako... iba't-ibang tao ang nakakasalamuha ko. People from different walks of life, people with different struggles and experiences.. na handang ibahagi ang kanilang life story.. sa likod at harap ng camera. Kahit kung minsan ay nakaka-stress, I still feel good lalo na pag nasa part na nagpapasalamat sila at natutuwa dahil sa napanood nila ang buhay nila on national TV. Nakakapawi ng pagod yun. Also, I get to travel around. Konti pa lang ang istoryang nagawa ko bilang ilang buwan palang naman ako pero I could say, napakadaming opportunities ang nagbukas ng pinto para sa akin. Nandiyan na yung iba't-ibang mga boss ang makakasalamuha mo.. iba't-ibang taong noon lamang ay nakikita mo sa TV. Iba eh. Iba yung pakiramdam na naiaapply mo ang natutunan mo sa napili mong propesyon.

CHAPTER 2: FRIENDS

Masasabi kong isa akong napaka-swerteng tao! Ang dami ko kasing kaibigan! Even though I ditch them sa ibang mga lakad namin before, hindi pa rin nila ako nakakalimutan. Ganon naman ata kapag tested by time and space na ang friendship. Kahit hindi kami magkita, isang text o tawag lang sakanila, rescued ka na kaagad. LAKING PASALAMAT KO DOON! Sila rin yung nakakaalam kung kailan ka dapat paiyakin at patawanin. Kabisado na nila kapag nagsisinugaling ka gamit ang mga salitang "Hindi dude, promise ok lang ako." Alam din nila kung anong kanta ang babagay sa sitwasyon o nararamdaman mo. Alam nila yung mga inside jokes na talaga namang ikatatawa mo. Minsan, pag talagang mali ka, sasabihan ka nilang "tanga" harap-harapan. Yan ang maganda kapag kabisado niyo na ang isa't-isa. No more backstabbing. Sampal ka kagad with words of wisdom.. na siya namang pinagpapasalamat ko din. They could make me relaize my strong and weak points without really hurting my feelings or screwing things up. Minsan nga kapag sa telepono kayo magkausap, kahit tuloy-tuloy kang nagsasalita ng puro reklamo, nakikinig lang sila.. and they'd say, "ano, tapos ka na? pwedeng kami naman?". Doon ka nabubuhayan ng loob eh, may opinion sila but they leave everything up to you. Yun ang swabe.

Sa ngayon di na uso yung shoulder to cry on. Minsan kahit magkausap lang kayo, harap-harapan at naiyak ka.. tama na yung you have someone to talk to. Sobrang okay at kuntento na ako don. AT SA MGA KAIBIGAN KONG NAKAKABASA NITO, ALAM NIYO KUNG SINO KAYO, maraming maraming salamat! Pakiss! :*

CHAPTER 3: PAG-IBIG

O siyempre, hindi ito mawawala. Sinubaybayan ng bawat isa ito eh. Paano ko ba sisimulan?

Okay, it's like this. People change, people grow. One way or another, you just really have to part ways. One phase every couple goes through: CHALLENGE. Lahat naman may challenge, may trials. Depende nalang how we would take it. May ibang "holding on" ang scenario, yung iba naman they consider "break-ups as an option". Well, one thing I keep in mind:

"TREES ARE PLANTED FAR FROM EACH OTHER SO THEY COULD GROW."

Kahit couple kayo at madami kayong common denominators, may differences pa din kayo. You think alike sometimes pero di talaga maiiwasan na yung isa ay iba ang opinion, iba ang pananaw, iba ang prinsipyo. Dito na pumapasok ang salitang COMPROMISE. If you both choose to compromise, mas okay diba. Yun nga lang, hindi sa lahat ng relasyon at sitwasyon ay nangyayari yun.

May mga bagay lang talaga na mabigat tanggapin kaya humahantong sa hiwalayan. Pwede rin namang masyado nang masakit para tanggapin o ipagpilitan pa. Kahit ano pa ang dahilan, basta naghiwalay kayo with the hope na mapapabuti ang isa't-isa, asahan mong mabuti ang landas na tinahak niyo. Though hindi maiiwasan ang mga panahon na itatanong mo sa sarili mo na "Bakit kayo nagkaganon? Anong nangyari? Kailan nagsimula? Hanggang kailan? Saan patungo ito?".. Masakit naman talaga. Hindi naman instantly ang pag-move on niyo. May mga panahon pa nga siguro na nasa isang lugar ka na maingay, maraming tao, pero siya lang ang naiisip mo. Huwag na huwag mong ikakaila na nangyayari ito sa iyo. Isang proseso na rin ito ng pagtanggap na "oo, maaaring hindi na maibabalik ang mga panahong iyon". Masakit, oo napakasakit. Pero wala, kailangan niyong tanggapin. Kahit gaano pa kayo katagal at kahit gaano pa karami ang naranasan niyo together. Palagay ko natural lang yun. Pinagdadaanan ng lahat ng nagbebreak yun. Huwag nalang magpatalo sa emosyon. BE STRONG.

Sana lang, huwag mawili ang isa't-isa sa sitwasyon. It could happen.. na isang araw nalang, masaya na yung isa na ganon nalang sitwasyon niyo.. at label mo nalang sakanya ay "my ex, now my friend". No matter how painful your situation is, ito nalang ang isa-isip natin, we have our own heartbreaks.. and we have the choice if we would let it put us down or make us stronger.

Mahirap man matulog sa gabi.. or patuloy ka paring umaasa na one day magiging okay din ang lahat, lasapin mo nalang. PAIN MAKES US FEEL ALIVE. At hindi naman dahil break na kayo eh ibig sabihin non ay hindi niyo na mahal ang isa't isa.. minsan mas nadadagdagan pa nga. You really have to spend time apart not because you love him/her less.. but you love them even more. Okay, babawiin ko pala yan.. ang dapat sa ganyang sitwasyon ay ang mga katagang: DO THE WALK, NOT THE TALK. Kung mahal mo pa nga eh ipakita mo, pero ipaliwanag mo din na may mga bagay pang dapat ayusin. Sometimes it helps din talaga eh. Makakatulong yung alam mo na may "hinihintay ka pa". Eh kung wala naman na talaga, "LET GO AND LET GOD."

hanggang dito nalang muna! lumilindol eh..

Salamat sa pagbabasa! Outlet ko talaga ito.. to express my emotions. :)

-Jonah

Hats off, 2010! Cheers to 2011!

Happy 2011, everyone!

A lot of my friends are posting "THANK YOU 2010, HELLO 2011" on their walls and I asked myself: What did I do with my '2010'?

Okay, 2010 has been very good to me.

1.I did not have a near-death experience, I actually had the craziest ride, happiest time!
2.I graduated from College, got my diploma on time.
3.I experienced bumming around while looking for a job (it sucked). But I learned to be productive by editing photos in Photoshop and Lightroom so, from nothingness to being productive!
4.I enrolled myself in Filmmaking and I could say it's a big turning-point of my life. I learned to appreciate films more.. and more.. and then some more.
5.Had the craziest vacation in our hometown. (Ilocos Norte) with relatives and friends!
6.I AM NOW A RESPONSIBLE CITIZEN BECAUSE I PRACTICED THE ACT OF VOTING! MALINIS NA PAGBOTO AT PAGPILI NG MGA KANDIDATO! :)
7.Got wasted at a party.. but it was awesome! :)
8.Had a rocky relationship. :(
9. Got my heart broken :( :( :'(
10.Appreciated my awesome and legendary friends MORE!
11.Appreciated the things I could do alone.
12.Spent time with parents just sharing stories on the couch.
13.Tricked my mom to let me do her make-up.
14.Did not lose a phone, a wallet, a key, etc. (THIS IS A BLESSING YOU KNOW!)
15.HINDI NA-HOLDAP!
16.FELL IN-LOVE AGAIN :) :) :)
17. Wrote my very-first screenplay (About to shoot it on 2011!)
18.Got employed!
19. Earned my very own cash
20. Brought expensive gifts for others.
21. Made my parents proud.


There were so many things and it would probably take me a month to finish everything. I consider them BLESSINGS! :) Even the times I was so down and hopeless. It changed me. It changed a piece of my life and that beats nothing!

Whatever mis-haps, whatever crazy strange thing, whatever happened, I will always be grateful that one way or another, I experienced those. It's important that we learn from them.

I hope and pray that 2011 will be a wonderful year for me, for my family and for my friends! :)

HATS OFF, 2010! CHEERS TO 2011! :)

Tears shed on a funeral.

Gone too soon.

Today, I attended a friend's funeral. We are really not that close but I always see her since we were kids. Her uncle is a close friend of my dad and mingling with their huge family wasn't hard. They are very dear to us and I could say we treat them as our family too.

She's dear to her cousins and relatives. She's known for being 'bungis-ngisera, walang kaarte-arte, at mapagkumbaba'. She throws funny jokes, and smiles a lot. To her mom, she's a precious gift and to her siblings she's a very loving sister.

I never thought I'd be affected this much but I say to myself that the sadness that transpired in the funeral served a good force for me to write this down.

Ate Meng, 24, a mother of two sweet angels and a good wife of Kuya Charles, died because of Dengue. The relatives told us she had Grade 4 Dengue. She stayed in the hospital and fought for her life in the ICU... but eventually surrendered and lifted everything to God.

Her mom, Tita Joy, suffered so much pain. In pain to see her daughter being CPR-d (i don't know how the experts call the past tense of CPR but yeah, she was) and finally having to decide to cut it out or continue. Ate Meng fought, she had her own battle but things were too fast.

I don't personally know her husband Charles but I saw them couple of times. Quiet couple but always sweet and thoughtful of each other. They had kids at a very young age, two sweet angels Charline (6y/o) and Catherine (turning 1 this Dec25). When I saw Charles the other night at the wake, he looked sad and exhausted. I often find him staring blankly at something. And I told myself, what if I am living the life and carrying the sadness he has right now?

Things start to flash in my head, countless sad, drifting things I could think of and a tear fell down from my eye. I said to myself, I am never strong with this kind of thing. Losing a loved one is hard. We thought break-ups are hard but this one is harder. When breaking up, you have this hope that you'll see him/her again, or someday you'll be back in each others' arms.. but with death, I can't explain it, but it's heartbreaking... and you have nothing.

When we attended the final mass, the priest kept on saying things that have something to do with Christmas. But what's moving is the part where Tita Joy spoke in front of everybody for her message and simple memories of Ate Meng.

Half a second, she's sobbing in front of everybody. She said, "...Sanay ako nagpapatawa, hindi sa ganito." It's true. She's a happy person and it's hard to see a mother who lost her daughter at a very young age. She had these messages from her children from the States. The messages made us cry. Charles did. Lots of times.

Charline did too eventually. I saw in her eyes that she's trying to understand everything, all the sobbing from the people in the room. Her aunts told her, "Wala na si Mommy mo, nasa heaven na.." and Charline just cried her heart out while hugging her Daddy Charles. It was really a heartbreaking thing to see.

The final blessing was another sad thing to see. Everybody was crying but what really caught my attention was Tita Joy. She kept on saying, "I love you anak, I love you so much. I love you Charmaine!" She said that many times with tears on her eyes.

I never thought I'd cry that much. I felt the love and sadness, the urge, the wish "IF ONLY WE COULD TURN BACK TIME.", the regret "IT HAPPENED TOO FAST." and the most moving words "WE WILL MISS HER."

It was hard for Tita Joy to accept that her daughter's gone now but I know Charles and her share the same pain. Charles loved her so much and he probably worries the future... I was told that Ate Meng usually waits for Charles at the doorstep of their house every night at sabay sila mag-didinner. She serves him and she's a very good wife to Charles. Paano na ngayon? When Charles gets home, who would wait for him at the doorstep? Who would hug him so tight? Comfort him? Who would help him with raising up the kids? These are probably the things Charles would surely miss about Ate Meng...

When the cremation was over, I found Charles staring blankly at the legit papers he has on his hands and he stared at Ate Meng's urn. I saw the sadness. I saw the pain.

I am sure the wounds would heal and they all would move on...

This experience thought me so many things. We could be gone in a blink of an eye and it would also be too late for us to thank all the people who loved us so much, that's why we must cherish everything before it's too late.

Ate Meng, you will be surely missed! Rest in peace.



PS.

..so when I die, I want everybody to wear white. I want a wide photo gallery near my coffin or chapel. I want an AVP and a mini movie where of course, ako ang bida. I want dim lights and the mini movie just keeps on playing. I don't think I want to be cremated but I'd surely love to get a regular visit from my loved ones. I want singing sessions at the wee hours para naman lively. I don't know but if you guys see this blog when I'm dead, please do these things for me.. kundi mumultohin ko kayo!

12 noon thoughts.

I'm waiting for the clock to tick at 12noon. LUNCH BREAK!

I am currently craving for food (as always). It's Thursday today and articles about FOOD have just spread the sheets of Philippine newspapers. And honestly speaking, they are also one of the factors of my cravings.

I would like to eat a slice of pizza.

Meat lovers pizza from Pizza Hut!

Are you familiar with the double delight promo you could get in Pizza Hut food stalls? I always look for that whenever I am on-the-go but starving. I usually eat it on the road, just to put something in my belly. I don't go for the Hawaiian pizza. I find it weird to have a pineapple on cheese, tomato sauce, and meat. Hahaha! MAHILIG AKO SA MAALAT, sorry!

I also want a Ziti to pair up with my pizza.

Ziti meatball from Aveneto

Pasta! Oh my! This one is so good for my tummy. Haha! I love eating pasta with lots of cheese and tomato sauce! Plus, of course, let's not forget the GARLIC BREADS! Random fact, I pair the garlic bread of Banapple with catsup! I find it yummy and it even tastes like pizza. Go try it some time! I am not kidding! Hehe!

I also want to have a Salisbury Steak

Red Ribbon's Salisbury Steak!

This one is really a must-eat! Its juicy burger patty is so yummy! The buttered corn and carrots also! And hmmmmm I won't forget the Mashed Potato with gravy! Haaay nakakagutom!!

For dessert, I think I would love a Banoffee Pie.

Banoffee Pie from Banapple!

This slice of cake is so yummy and it is worth the wait. Stuffed with bananas and cream, it could surely make your taste buds crave for more! It's cheap also! Big serving too!

And if I'll eat dinner, I would surely have a Chicken Breast Parmigiano.

Chicken Breast Parmigiano from Banapple

Yes, I am such a Banapple fan! Hahaha! But this one tastes so good that I always recommend it to people. Chicken fillets topped with tomato sauce and melted cheese! I tried cooking like these at home! So convenient and my mom loved it! It's so yummmmmmmmy!

I wish I'm an expert in cooking! I wish I could cook some like these in the future! I love to eat kasi hahaha so I should know how to cook! Plus, Axle loves food too! Don't ya worry, I will cook these! Hahaha!

It's 12noon! Time to hit the pantry!

Eat moderately,
Jonah.

Jonah: Sa Pelikulang Pinoy

So I was reading the newspaper today and I have met the column about the 7 Cinema One Originals that will be shown in Shangri-la Theaters on November 10-16. I am so excited for it!

And then I came across with this article (of which I cannot remember the title anymore) that states that the rate of Filipinos "na nanonood sa mga sinehan" increased by 23%. First thing that entered my mind is the possible influence and amusement brought by 3D.

I have watched movies in 3D. My first encounter with 3D cinema was when we watched Toy Story 3. The experience was outstanding! Sure I can enjoy the movie either way but watching it in 3D format's way better (and expensive? haha) but the experience was worth it!

Another encounter I had was when we watched Streetdance 3D. It's a dance movie that I enjoyed as well. Another one is Step-Up 3D. These movies really made me happy (and extra intergalactic happy because it's in 3D! haha!).

I suppose the thrill that 3D movies give its audience must have influenced and persuaded more people to watch films in movie houses and not on their couches. Meaning, people found a concrete and valid reason to watch in cinemas and not buy pirated dvds on the streets of Quiapo. Watching films in cinemas may be quite expensive. Movies in 3D formats are twice the price of regular screenings, but the popcorn tumbler, soft drinks, and the experience compensate everything!

Sure, pirated dvds are cheaper and more convenient to use. There are so many perks: You can avail 4-5 dvds in just 100 bucks. You can watch it on a daily basis, whenever and wherever you like. Another thing that may be listed as a 'pro' is that it saves your pockets.

I am no-advocate of original dvds nor of pirated dvds. In my own opinion, I think it's okay if you purchase pirated dvds as long as it is NOT A FILIPINO-MADE MOVIE. Our nationalism should come into play in situations like these. SUPORTAHAN ANG SINING AT ANG PELIKULANG PINOY!

I am a film-lover and a movie-goer. (Dating Movie-Goer, ngayon Filmmaker, Mowelfund 2009) It is only normal for us to search for some movies that serve as a textbook for our craft and it is also normal that we cannot find all these in the usual and common video rentals or video houses. We, in some way or another, purchase pirated DVDs. (Please do not be a hypocrite!) Another refuge we could turn to is the Torrents. Downloading must be the last resort because it is time-consuming and megabytes-related.. even gigabytes! Hahaha!

People who are reading this: Philippine Cinema died along with Fernando Poe Jr. and Rudy Fernandez who, legendarily, made tons of movies in a year. Filipinos always trusted their craft, their way of revealing different characters on screen and I bet it would not hurt that much if we create another legendary figures in Philippine Cinema. We have to REVIVE it. We NEED to.

Let us all support people who make movies especially PINOYS who take all kinds of pains and excrete gallons of sweat para lang mapaganda at MAIPAGMALAKI ang pagiging PINOY. If you have time, make an effort to support them. This coming November, let us make time to visit Shangri-la's cinemas and see the different emerging breeds of Cinema One Originals.

Kita kits!
-Jonah

The work and all that jam.

This should be called the WORKING GIRL's column. LOL!

So I'm blogging about my current work situation. I am the new Media Relations Officer, yo! Haha! My job description is to dispatch and monitor Press Releases of our clients. We do the 'charm' of Red Ribbon, Delifrance, Bistro Ravioli, Unilever, Shell Philippines- to name a few.

At first it was hard because I have to read different newspapers and magazines EVERYDAY to see if our press releases were already published! And I am glad to say that I am getting the hang of it. It's a nice experience because I am usually fascinated with reading through the internet and not the sheets, but now it's different because I do both! Haha!

Another fascinating thing I do here is the regular 'rubbing elbows' with different editors from different publications. Those who write for Lifestyle section, Entertainment, Business, and the like! It's like I do meet-ups and charm those big names we see on the paper everyday!

Well, some editors are busy so they just ask the guard to receive Press Releases for them. Some are extremely cheerful and warm when they know someone from a PR company visits them. We usually exchange smiles, comments, and simple kamustahan.

I admire their writing, especially those in the Lifestyle section. Their writing inspires me so much and knowing that I could visit them anytime gives me more confidence that someday, I could consult them when I write my own creative stuffs.

Having a work like this taught me how to be independent and ma-PR (malamang!). I am usually the reserved type of person and I don't talk that much unless we're in the I-know-you-and-you-know-me stage. It also taught me how to arrange my thoughts whenever I talk on the phone and interact with people in the business. It made me smile 90% more and talk endlessly about random stuffs!

Enjoying the work and having a good salary is a good equation. Of course, I cannot wait for the 15's and 30's of every month! having your own hard-earned money gives you the joy of being independent and responsible child of your beloved parents. NAAAX! hahaha!

Till here,
Jonah.

The times that tried our souls.

Did you ever have that movie that made you sit still? Well, I just did.

"When the action is over and we look back, we understand both more and less. The times that tried our souls." -Evelyn

These lines definitely got me the act to write my thoughts down. I never thought I would be moved this much.

It was one of the boring nights at home. And just because I am a movie freak, I saw this beautiful movie made by Michael Bay. The only war picture I loved (and adored) was HURT LOCKER by Kathryn Bigelow.. not until today. I have discovered one of the Hollywood's treasures and that is PEARL HARBOR (2001).

I know I'm a little late to see this movie but it really was one of the most amazing movies I have ever seen! I learned so much about it and I believe I was moved and I was inspired.

I learned so much about America's history and how December 7 of 1941 brought the Great America to tears, defeat and the need to surge forward to seek Victory. America's history is rich with valor and enthusiasm. I should not be surprised because for all we know, IT IS THE LAND OF THE FREE, THE HOME OF THE BRAVE.

In this movie, I have learned so much about brotherhood and valor. The two courageous young (and extremely charming) pilots had sacrifice so much of their lives to their beloved country and countrymen. Just like any other person, Rafe and Danny went through all the hardships an Army Air Corps' pilots would have but their bond went beyond the oath... they treated each other like brothers- from the beginning up to the end.

Another thing that's amazing in this movie is that it was able to incorporate romance into action and suspense. I have seen lots of TV series and movies that could mix them all up- Dear John, Prison Break.. to mention a few. But this movie has given me a different perspective, a different twist to experience. Who would ever wonder that two different men who treated each other like brothers could love the same girl? At the same time and the same place..

RAFE and EV.

Their love was extraordinary. Rafe found love in the middle of the hospital filled with aspiring heroes-to-be. It started out with a simple conversation and they both fell for each other. Ev is a very charming nurse (Kate Beckinsale literally has the looks!) and Rafe is a hot pilot (Ben Affleck's eyes could say much!).. together, they are like winners to genetic lottery or in other words, CHEMISTRY (hahaha!). But who would ever thought that Rafe would be one of those missing men in the middle of the battle and Ev was left alone, crying her heart out? See, that's what I am talking about. This movie has lots of surprises!

and that's where the story about DANNY and EV started...

Danny is the bestfriend of Rafe and it pained him also to know that he lost his bestfriend in the battle. Danny saved Ev's drowning and breaking heart. He made him believe that just because someone dear to her passed away, her heart should not be filled with sadness because good things shall come her way. And it did.. they both fell in love during the process of letting go with the past. It was cloud nine for them not until Rafe, still alive, showed up.

Rafe and Danny's friendship was put to test. If I were to be asked, this part of the movie was unexpected. I did not see it coming, not even a bit. And so, it made me love the plot even more!

I would love to share few lines I remember from the movie.

If I had one more night to live... I'd wanna spend it with you.- Evelyn

Having the thought of living your life all over again- from the beginning up to the end- with the same person? At some point, I did. It was when I fell in love and literally did not think of anyone else but him. I could not even imagine myself having a relationship with someone else.. even to the hottest crush I have on the list! I guess it is because you are satisfied and happy with that person that nothing else and no one else can compare with.

Ma'am, please, don't take my wings.-Rafe

It sounds unusual but these lines moved my heart. It was when Rafe was having that slim chance of being a pilot in the Army. When he uttered those words, it brought me to realization that WE SHOULDN'T LET SOMEONE, OR SOMETHING TAKE AWAY OUR ASPIRATIONS. We should not give up, nor give in. If he wanted to do more than the flying, then Rafe must have his 'wings' and I'm glad Ev did not take it away from him.

...all I ever wanted was for us to have a home and grow old together, but life never asked me what I wanted.-Evelyn

This is all true. When life gives you lemon, you're supposed to make a lemonade right? But what if you DEMAND tequila and salt instead? Life is unexpected and life can get freaky sometimes. All we gotta do is hold on and learn each step we go through.

Now I'm going to give Danny my whole heart... but I don't think I'll ever look at another sunset without thinking of you... I'll love you my whole life.-Evelyn

This line brought me to tears actually. I do not know why. I haven't experienced it but I saw the sincerity and the hurt between them. It was true love for them but because of some inevitable circumstances, they had to give up their faith that one day they will be reunited and fall in love again. It hurts so much for Rafe because the thought of Evelyn waiting for her kept him alive in the battle and it brought him home but it was too late for the both of them. Evelyn had let go of the past and believed that Rafe is dead and so she had to move on. If only time stood still and Rafe did not go to Britain... if only.

And so, to end this writing, I have to impart to you some words to ponder on...

When the action is over and we look back, we understand both more and less.

Contemplations.

I write when I'm happy, I write when I'm sad. But today, I'm writing for a new reason: REALIZATIONS.

It is true that when you're quiet, you come into a haven of different realizations. Some are evil, some are good.. or sometimes, some are dirty. Hahaha! (I know you guys get a good laugh on this one!) But after those realizations and contemplations, you somehow get lost or get in the right track. Well, today, I am lucky because through 'these' relaizations, I was moved to be a better person.

Number 1, opportunities come and go but what counts the most is that you grab it when you want it (and it's for the common good) or let it pass you by if you're not really into it. Two simple things to do. ACCEPT and REJECT. No complexities.

Number 2, your partner cannot be with you all the time and you have to accept the things that he can do without you. You were born on different time, different places, different days...It wouldn't hurt that much if you do things differently. What's important is that you grow together and you, two, do not grow apart.

Number 3, learn not to sweat the small stuff. Small stuffs have the tendencies to grow big, if and only if you will let them. When it did not hurt your feelings, let it go.

Number 4, if you hate a person, never let him/her get into your system. The more you hate him/her, the more you make him/her powerful. So if your hatred hits 101%, let it go. Be kind to animals, remember? LOL!

Number 5, prayers are powerful. I learned today, from a random status in Facebook, that when praying, we must not beg.. we must BELIEVE. And that alone will make our prayer powerful.

And last but not the least, my passion is on fire. I believe that MAKING MOVIES do have a calling. If people do believe in your capability and creativity, it convinces you (so much) to push through with the project. I have realized that making my very own movie is a blessing. SOON. :)

So there.

I BELIEVE that my name will soon appear on the big silverscreen while you guys are eating popcorn of taking a sip of your favorite drink. Who knows, with 3D glasses too?

Always a believer,

JONAH :)

I love you.

There are things that can be changed if only we will bother to ask.

Today is the 883rd day of one of the most-valued relationships I have. It never stopped, and I hope it would never end. We must all believe in second chances. If we sucked at the first try then, we must not lose hope to try again. If and only if you know that it's all you've ever wanted..

We did some things for the sake of finding ourselves. You chose to love yourself more, to explore things you wanted to try, make friends with time.. Never ever regret it because you did yourself a huge favor.. and that is to change.

I am happy right now because I know I made the right decision. This is all I have ever wanted. I held on to it for so long. Just like a kite, flying wild in the vastness of sky.. He pulled it and now it has found its way back. I will hold it again, and together, just you and me.. we'll make it fly.. higher than before.

I am lost for words, but I love you.. each and every day.

One More Chance does happen, if only we try. :)

When was the last time you did something for the first time?

I spent the day writing a screenplay for Cinemalaya next year *crosses fingers*. I have done several screenplays before but this one is different. It’s about LOVE. It’s funny though because I just came from a heartbreak. So saan ko kukunin ang pagka-mushy ko sa mga bagay-bagay? Need I explain? Hahaha!

Nakakaloka ang mga pangyayari kung PAG-IBIG lang ang pag-uusapan ha.

Examples:

• my friend who just got her heart broken for the last three months is getting back with his boyfriend, (oo na, Applet, ikaw na masaya! haha!) SILA NA ANG GETTING BACK TOGETHER.
• and another friend who has been ‘vacant’ for a year has finally grabbed her new love life. SIYA NA ANG MAY BAGONG BOYFRIEND
• Another friend, who has been in a terrible heartbreaking situation are trying to mend the broken gap between her and her ex-boyfriend. SILA NA ANG “LET’S FIX THINGS AND GET BACK TOGETHER… SOON”
• A friend of mine is head-over-heels with her friend and they are kind of dating now. SILA NA ANG MAGIGING MAGBOYPREN-GERLPREN.

So I was like, WAIT LANG HA! BAKIT LAHAT GANYAN? Hahaha! When I finally joined the “broken hearted club”, everybody started dating and getting a relationship. DAYUUUM! And my friend said, “Dude, I waited for this… for 2 long years, remember?” It was like, “In your face, Jonah! In yer face!!!” Hahaha and I was like, LMAO! Hahahaha!

It’s so nice to see people in-love… or just smiling because they think they are. And in finding love, or the so-called “LET’S-TEST-YOUR-PATIENCE” stage, everybody could just write on a piece of paper: YOU + ME= shit, bagay na bagay! TAYO NA LANG! Hahahaha!

Well, the truth is, finding love ain’t easy. I remember a quote sent by my friend that says: “I WANT TO LOVE A GUY WHOSE HEART HAS BEEN BROKEN SO HE KNOWS HOW IT FEELS AND WON’T BREAK MINE.”

Truuuuue enough! Let us never close our hearts and minds to finding new love.

So going back to the screenplay I am writing…

It brings me to good old days where I was leaping with joy. I wonder though. When was the last time I got kilig just because I am in-love or maybe got a random note from my better half…The answer is: well, quite a long time now. (insert straight-faced smiley here haha!)

(Ok guys, if you are reading this, getting small notes or short letters indicating your love for us is way sweeter than giving us bouquet of roses or gallons of chocolates. The letters, we could keep forever.)

Pero aminin natin, when we are in our cloud nine state, lahat ng mangyari sa atin, significant. Like kunwari,

• number ng anniversary niyo nasa isang malaking sticker, mapapa-“AWW” na kayo sa isa’t-isa..
• O mas gawin nating simple.. kapag kumain kayo sa fast food chain, Mcdo, KFC, Jollibee, etc. Pag yung anniversary date niyo yung binigay na number ng waiter or kahera, sobrang matutuwa kayo.. minsan pa nga pipiktyuran niyo! AMINAN NAAA! Hahaha!
• O tapos kapag 12:01 na sa cellphone niyo paunahan pa kayo mag-greet ng “Happy Monthsary!” Pahabaan pa nga minsan, puro ILABYU, ILABYU! Hahaha!
• tapos kapag nakikinig kayo sa radyo/mp3/iPod, biglang pinatugtog yung ‘theme song’ niyo, lalakasan niyo! Ano, tama ba? Hahaha!

Ganon talaga kapag in-love eh, walang pinipiling lugar at panahon. Kahit numero lang yan, sobrang importante sa inyo. Oh well, enjoy and savor the moment while it lasts. (SARCASTIC? hahaha)

Yung sa sinusulat kong stroya, nakakakilig. Yun pa lang nagpapakilig sa akin ngayon. (Tsaka pala si Jake Cuenca at Xian Lim) Which is nakakatawa dahil, hello, storya lang yun! Pero kahit papano pwede na. Tsaka nakaka-inspire din. You can find love in different places, different situations. Like Ashton Kutcher in A LOT LIKE LOVE movie. Imagine, he was just wiping his dirty polo when a girl came knocking. Sa eroplano yun! Nakakatuwa lang coz people find it in strange places.

I won’t put myself into someone who’s in-love shoes, because, I shall admit, I already forgot the feeling.. Yung feeling na “Shit, in love ako, I know!” Siguro in time, when I get the feeling ulit, it would be a whole-new experience. Getting a new relationship? Definitely not. Hindi pa muna, MALINAW YUNG MUNA HA, ako bibitaw hangga’t mayroon pa akong nararamdaman. Let love die a natural death, ika nga nila. There is nothing cute with baggage while entering a new relationship. So hinay-hinay lang. Antayin mo yung panahon na kapag nakita mo siya wala ka na nararamdaman at maiisip mo na isa nalang siyang ordinaryong tao.

• Yung hindi ka na apektado kung may makita kang picture na may kasama siyang iba,
• o kaya hindi mo na inaalala kung kamusta na siya, kung ok ba siya, kung nasaan siya..
• Sige, gawin nating mas simple. It is when you forget the urge to text/call him… to ask if things are okay.
• Tipong hindi mo na rin inaantay na mag-appear sa inbox mo yung pangalan niya.

Kapag wala ka nang pakialam sa mga bagay na yon, PWEDE KA NA PUMASOK SA BAGONG RELASYON.

Well as for my friends who are giving LOVE A SECOND CHANCE and another kick-ass celebration, I am happy for all of you. I know the pain you have been through and all the hopeless romantic nights you surpassed. LOVE IS SWEETER THE SECOND TIME AROUND so give it your best shot!

For my friends who are not yet in-love, okay lang yan. Take care of your heart, love will find you. And when it does, give in.

For my friends who are curing their broken hearts, let it rest for a moment, it will learn to love again.

For my friends who think they are in-love, be careful. Your heart is fragile. Let it not reach the ground, let somebody catch it. Hindi pwede yung “I WANT YOUR LOVE, I DON’T JUST WANNA BE FRIENDS”. Dapat sure ball, ok?

For my friends who are reading this, hello, alam kong sasabihin niyong andami ko na namang alam! Hahaha sorry, feel ko lang mag-blog. Ganon talaga kapag Bum.

“In my own opinion, the best thing you could do is find a person who loves you for exactly what you are. Good mood, bad mood, ugly, pretty.. what have you.. the right person will still think the sun shines out your ass and that’s the kind of person worth sticking with.”- Mac MacGuff, Juno.

Words can hurt but so does SILENCE.

I am writing this because I keep questioning myself when should we hold on and when should we let go?

It's a hard question to answer but since I am bothered, I might as well share it with all of you who might be reading this 'bothering' blog entry.

HOLDING ON.

You hold on because you are happy, you are satisfied, you feel safe, you are loved. Bakit pwede rin naman mag hold on kung naniniwala ka na may pag-asa pa diba? Kahit alam mong you guys are not really in a relationship.. okay, let me be specific, yung tipong hindi na kayo pero alam mong meron pa, kung kakayanin lang. In that case you're not happy, malamang kasi you'll spend time wondering WHAT IFs and in the process, you will feel lonely.Sa kaso din na ito, you are not satisfied. Malamang kasi you don't get to see him that often, unlike before. Here, you do not feel safe also definitely because anytime he might hurt your feelings. Last but not the least, you won't feel loved. Ikaw lang ang todo bigay, pero siya, steady lang... pwedeng papansinin ka, pwede ring snob lang. WORDS CAN HURT BUT SO DOES SILENCE. Ang hirap diba? So when do you hold on? When should you?

LET GO.

You let go probably because you're unhappy, you're hurting, you're unloved, you're not satisfied.. or worse, you have found someone new.. someone new who could make you HAPPIER, who would hurt you LESS, who would LOVE YOU MORE and turn that SATISFACTORY LEVEL to EXCELLENT LEVEL. Ganon ba? So what will happen to the relationship you were into? What will happen to you? What will happen to your partner?

They say the hardest part of letting go is not because you want to, but because you have to. But lately I have realized, parehas lang mahirap at masakit eh. Parehas kayong takot tanggapin ANG MGA PWEDE PANG MANGYARI. And you have to let go kasi... bakit nga ba? Kasi ayaw mo na? Ayaw mo nang umasa at masaktan? Let go ka na kasi alam mong masaya na siya.. sa iba? Let go ka na kasi wala nang magagawa yung pag-aantay mo? Kailan nga ba nagiging madali ang letting go? Pag nakahanap ka na ng bago? Wala naman kasi akong nakitang quote na GIVE ME REASONS TO LET GO diba? Mayron yung GIVE ME REASONS TO HOLD ON, or to LOVE YOU MORE.. Ang hirap naman sagutin nito.

mapunta naman tayo sa MOVING ON.

Ito siguro yung pinaka-masayang stage. Yung tipong masaya ka na at tanggap mo na ang mga nangyari. Wala ka nang bitterness at wishful thinking. Masaya at magaan na ang pakiramdam mo. Wala nang alinlangan kung the next day ba eh babalik siya o kakausapin ka. "THE HELL I CARE basta masaya na ako" ang drama dito. Pero... kailan nga ba dapat mag move on? Kapag nakapag let go ka na? O makakapag move on ka lang kung may MAKIKITA KA NANG BAGO?

Ang hirap sagutin ng blog na toh, at alam kong medyo hindi maayos ang construction ng ideas hahaha! Magulo rin kasi ang utak ko ngayon. Hindi ko ma-distinguish kung saan sa tatlong yan nabibilang ang sitwasyon ko but nonetheless, kaya ko pa naman.. keribels pa. Dito papasok yung sinasabi nilang EVERYTHING HAS ITS OWN TIME, pero you have to make TIME the RIGHT TIME. Let everything surprise you. Make friends with TIME.

Huwag nating pilitin. Let me endure and enjoy the beauty of pain. It only means nagmamahal/nagmahal ako ng totoo... kasi masakit. Let me expose myself to pain, pero syempre not too much haha! Sabi nga nila diba, ang taong mabagal mag move on, mas mabilis naghheal.. dahil step-by-step ang pagtanggap niya sa mga pangyayari.. so hayaan niyo munang maging PAGONG ako sa sitwasyon na ito.. di natin alam ang pwede mangyari..

Last but not the least, kapag malungkot kayo sa gabi, tipong nag-iisa lang kayo at namimiss niyo yung 'taong yun', magdasal lang kayo.. Sabihin niyo "Lord, patulugin niyo na po ako para makalimutan ko na yung nararamdaman ko." Tapos, bilang ka ng 1 to 1000, kung di parin epektib, bilang ka from 1000 to 1. Ewan ko lang kung hindi kayo makatulog! Haha! Tapos kung pag gising niyo naman, tapos naalala niyo yung 'taong yun'.. sabihin mo sa sarili mo, "Miss ko nga siya, ako ba miss niya?" O para masampal ka ng katotohanan. Haha!

Hindi madali ang mag move on, lalo na kung ang dami niyong pinagsamahan at kung bawat lingon mo sa bahay niyo, sa kalsada, sa mall, eh siya naaalala mo. YOU REALLY HAVE TO HELP YOURSELF. Ikaw lang ang makakapag-padali ng lahat.

Tsaka, sa mga katulad kong naniniwala at idol si Popoy at Basha ng ONE MORE CHANCE movie, medyo tamaan kayo. Totoo ang three-month rule. JOKE! Hahaha! Ibig kong sabihin, nangyayari talaga sa tunay na buhay yung istorya nila. Yung SANA AKO NALANG, AKO NALANG ULIT! hahaha epal ni Basha! Taray ni Popoy, trapped between two lovers! Pero diba nga, kahit ano pa pinagdaanan nila, naging sila parin. Kahit napunta na ng Qatar si Popoy at madami nang naitayong building si Basha, sila pa rin nagkatuluyan.

Ipagpaubaya na natin ang LOVE STORY natin sa itaas, siya ang nagsulat non, tayo lang ang magpapaganda.

-JONAH

The big turning point.

This would be perhaps the saddest blog I’ll ever make.

I never knew heartache until today. Maybe because I have been so happy for the past two long years of my life. I have never cried much, never missed someone this much, never thought of someone this much.. never.. not until today.

It has been a nice round for two hearts who really love each other until the end. They have never been broken nor taken for granted, they just have to part so each other could contemplate… could grow. Trees are planted far from each other so they could grow. At least, that’s what I have to think for the moment.

Before this thing happened, I did pray to God to give me guidance, to enlighten ‘us’, to encourage ‘us’.. “LET GO and LET GOD.” That was my perspective because I was trying to hold on but it pains me so much.. so much that I had to spend long hours of contemplating. And now, that my prayer has been answered, I am more than grateful to say that my faith in Him grew stronger. Maybe this is not yet our time, but I believe this is not yet the end.

What we see in the movies, really happen in real life. Well, most of them, I could say. As for dramatic scenes where two lovers have to part and say their sweetest and hardest goodbye, the rain will start to pour down or the sky will look dull. It did happen. I always thought that rainy days make me happy but in the past few days, it made my days and nights gloomy. Everything reminds me of him. It felt like the sky cries with me too.

When I browsed my hard disk and saw pictures of us together, all smiling for the camera or just stolen shots our friends took, it made me miss you more. The times.. all the crazy things that transpired on those days. It’s rewarding to see that in all the albums I have in here, I WAS WITH YOU. Happy and lovely. I do not have plans of deleting them or putting it somewhere that I could not see because truth be told, I LOVE LOOKING AT THEM.. even though it hurts me a little. The biggest files, biggest folders, will always include OUR PICTURES. ALWAYS.

Our story, the one we made right after our good friend introduced us to each other, will always be a happy memory to me. All the surprises from the dinner cruise, monthsaries, birthdays, valentines day, anniversaries down to the graduation gift you gave me. I will keep them, I should.

I do not know how to put an end to this because honestly it pains me still but I have to think of happy thoughts.. happy days.. for now. Because sometimes love means letting go when you want to hold on tighter.

Telling the truth sometimes hurt but what more does a lie do?

I don't like the idea of posting some personal matters online but it's nice to hear people's reactions about it. Basically, it's also a way of updating the people close to your heart but far in distance. If you can't tell it straight, you post something relevant to it like a post about something sad, something painful, and the like. So for you, who changed your profile picture, hello. :)

You, making our picture as your profile picture, is a nice gesture. Our picture edited from how it was before. From colorful-now to black and white... from vivid to blurred.. from what was before to what is now. It pains me, it makes me sad..

Photography people say Black and White photos suggest the viewer to look deeper into the photo to look for the meaning.. what's in the surface without the color. Ika nga nila, "MAS MALALIM". In relation to us, I guess, we are now in the stage of looking deeper into ourselves, asking if this is what we really want and if this is what is bound to happen. We are black and white. Relevant to each other and resembles a different meaning when put together.

In Film, blurred objects suggest meanings. The blurred objects aren't that important to the frame. Objects are blurred to emphasize on the real subject of the frame. As for us, we are blurry. Literally in that sense. We do not know where our relationship is taking us. We let go of our identities and let the most important subject, our heart, work for us in the frame. Do we still love each other? It pains to think about this right now.

What happened really taught me a good lesson. Telling the truth sometimes hurt but what more does a lie do?

When you're sleeping with a broken heart, waking up is the hardest part.

When you're sleeping with a broken heart, waking up is the hardest part.

Tonight, I’ll cry myself to sleep.

I never thought that it would be this hard to conquer all the things that have been putting me down lately. All the worries, the sadness, and the like. I always used to have a back-up plan for everything but unfortunately, this time, I don’t.

I’m pretty sure of what I want to happen: end this, save myself from being lied on again. What scares, or what worries me are the things that would happen if we are not ‘together’ anymore. Yes, it’s scary. I used to be with him for like what.. 2 years and 3 months now. That’s a big risk, but I have to take this step to save myself from all the hurt he’s been putting me through. :( I now have to face a new day, waking up without his messages flashed on my phone.. waking up not expecting anything from him.. anymore. :( I guess the lyrics “When you’re sleeping with a broken heart, waking up is the hardest part.” I should, I shall surpass these.

It hurts to be cheated on. It hurts to know the truth. It hurts to trust the person you love when in the end you’ll know, in one way or another, they have broken it. It hurts to feel like you’re the last person to know the truth. It hurts. It really hurts.

I have to save my better self for the one who is worthy of my trust. I have to stand-up for myself. I have to.

The trigger of the story: My film class

“Writing is personal, it has to be.” Those words came from my notable lecturer Clodualdo Del Mundo, a scriptwriter.

I always have been a fan of the movies and being in his class exposed me more to beautiful movies here in the Philippines and abroad. I was inspired even more to write stories and become more detailed in explaining the scenes I have in mind.

Trigger. You must have a trigger to write a good story. What story do you want to tell? From there, you’ll know where you could get your stories. The trigger starts it all.

Did you know the 6-word story made by Ernest Hemmingway? Yes, it took him only six words to tell a story. He said, ” FOR SALE: BABY’S SHOES. NEVER WORN.” Filling the gaps, you could tell that there has been an anticipation for a baby but perhaps due to some unfortunate events, the baby did not make it out... alive.

I am very much excited with all the stuffs I am going to learn from my classes in the coming days.

Tonight, he gave us an assignment. We must write ideas for our Short Film and Full-Length Film. This is a productive day, I could say!

We watched 9 Films today and did two screenplays in 50 words!

1. Blue Angel

2. Baraka

3. The Bicycle Thief

4. Biyaheng Edsa

5. Ten Minutes Older

6. Story of the Water

7, The Color of Paradise

8. Touch of Evil

9. The Virgin Spring

If you would like to know the stories, search it on the net. Haha!

Had fuuuuun today!

Inglorious Basterds

Written and Directed by the legend himself, Quentin Tarantino.
The man responsible for Pulp Fiction as well.

I thought this movie features a comic flow of events. Like, I know the spelling of Bastards, if Quentin meant that, so I wondered why the A was replaced by an E. Haha! So I guess that has nothing to do with the movie. LOL!

Five chapters rolled in one to tell a story of Jewish vengeance. This was all fictional but nonetheless told a story that revealed how cruel fighting and killing people were before. I admire how Quentin put together all the stories. He touched a very sensitive subject in world’s history, particularly that of Jews’ and Germans’. The first chapter was really significant and I thought the story in chapter one wasn’t that relevant not until Emmanuel showed up in a cinema house in Paris. The second chapter, an introduction of the Inglorious Basterds, is where the handsome hot Brad Pitt appeared. He is still sexy even in military uniform but I was bothered by the way he spoke in the movie. He sounded like a cowboy-turned-into-a-Nazi-hater. Seriously! Can somebody comment about this? Lol! Here, the plot was somehow tragic because the soldiers tend to ‘unscalp’ the Nazis they were able to kill in an encounter. Unhumane. The third chapter, The German Night in Paris, where the only survivor in the Jewish family that was murdered in chapter one appeared. Soshana Dreyfus, appeared German-like woman. She now owns a cinema where lots of German movies were shown and she is hiding her true Jewish identity. Her fancy meeting with a soldier led to her biggest plot of revenge to all the Nazis. In chapter four, the Operation Kino was proposed and everything led to a bloody encounter of fake Nazis and the original ones. In this chapter I could say, I was totally stunned by the actress’ beauty and was totally confused by all the accents. Last but not the least, Chapter five, The Revenge of the Big Face, was the best part! It showed the vengeance plot Soshana and her partner Marcel have been planning. Imagine a big revenge being shown in a big screen where people from different parts of the world watch. Must be outstanding! LOL! It was successful and Aldo’s masterpiece on The Jew Hunter was really rewarding!

Quentin already amazed me with Pulp Fiction but this movie… this movie… amazed me more! I wonder where he gets all the amazing plots. I have watched Valkyrie, another movie with Hitler in it, but this one is different especially how the chain of events led the people involved from chapter one get a very significant and outstanding evening. I love how Emmanuel said her part… “I have a message for Germany… that you are all going to die. And I want you to look deep into the face of the Jew who’s going to do it! Marcel, burn it down. My name is Soshana Dreyfus, and this is the face of Jewish vengeance!” Nice, nice, nice!

The setting, the plot, the shots, the characters… everything! Superb!

A Perfect Getaway

Strangers. Killers. Paradise Island.
Plus Milla Jovovich.

I remember the same sexy woman who starred in the .45 movie. Bad, rebellious and hot. I thought this movie was different but it all came down to my senses that Milla is a very flexible actress.

This movie went beyond my expectations! I do not normally read the summary on the back cover or on the internet because every movie is a story to anticipate. For me the title and the poster says a part of the story already and upon seeing the cover photo and the title of this movie, I already thought of struggles, fighting, lots of killing and chasing. I have watched the movie Touristas and I expected this movie to be something like that but as the movie goes, I saw different.

The story told the lives of different couples who go trekking and wandering on their honeymoon days. Set in a very nice part of Hawaii: trails, rain, rainbows, hunting, waterfalls, mountains… all the beautiful natural resources that a perfect paradise island could have. The couples were enjoying the time of their lives without any hint of worries and just like any other couples who were in their honeymoon, I expected Milla and her partner in this movie to be lovey-dovey in the plot. They never failed me with their actions and words not until the last 30 minutes or so of the movie. The transition and the twist of the movie really left me aghast. Outstanding! Plus, the sweet proposal that came after was really sweet.

As for the shots, all that panning really told a part of the story: Chasing. Lots of chasing! I wonder how they do all the running in the forest. Must be tiring… but it’s all worth it! The chasing and all the struggles the couple faced in the movie really contributed to the beautiful ending.

I find trekking very exciting but upon seeing this movie, I’ll probably won’t go trekking on my honeymoon! Hahaha! However, having a sweet proposal on a sunset, by the aerial view of the beach during a trekking would be very sweet. Awww…

Speak now or forever hold your piece.

Shutter Island

Perhaps the most mind-boggling movie I have ever watched!

The film was based on the novel “Shutter Island” by Dennis Lebane. I haven’t read the novel yet but I can say that Dennis must have had lost of imagination and connecting plots in mind when he made the story. Outsanding! This psychological thriller really made my day.

Set in Ashcliffe, an asylum for delusional criminals, this movie boasts a 1950’s setting. The cars, the clothes, manner of speaking, decorations, interiors, etc. I wonder where they got all the water to make an artificial rain, or should I ask, was it real? Also, the huge waves that crush against the shore, all those rocks and tall trees… for real, existed?

Leonardo DiCarpio portrayed a role of a delusional mad man who was in denial that he had indeed killed his wife in 1952. I could say that the plot was made not to confuse but rather make the viewers think of the possible ways the story can progress. I salute the people responsible for the screenplay! This movie was really a heart-pounding and mind-boggling suspense thriller!

I am a fan of suspense and mind-boggling movies or television series just like Prison Break and this movie reminded me also of the codes and similarities of events shown in Prison Break. The linkages and flow of events really affected everyone in the movie and it was really evident that all the hard work put into it really paid off. The scenes, the thrills, the portrayal, the story, and all the effects were really made to create a connection between the story and the viewer.

However, the effects used in the movie also reminded me of the movie The Lovely Bones. The apparition of Teddy’s wife and children, all the symbolic figures they used in the scenes, really added up some shiver along the movie. Nice job, directors!

I have to rerun the movie with a friend, I guess, to fully criticize some linkages and stories injected in the story because I was expecting someone, not Leonardo, to be the culprit. I already had that mindset not until the twist happened that somehow contributed to the dramatic and symbolic ending.

It is really a nice movie, go and get a copy.

Percy Jackson and the Olympians: The Lightning Thief

At first I thought my 4-year old nephew should be the one watching this movie but it turned out that I was the one who enjoyed the movie even more than my nephew.

I was never a fan of Greek Mythology. Sure, I did a part in our High school literature class but I swear nothing got stuck in my mind after that module. (Hahaha! Sorry Ms. English Teacher!) but after watching this movie, I was gradually oriented to the usual stuffs of Greek Mythology: Zeus, Hades, and Poseidon. The official brotherhood! Hahaha! Chiron, the trainor. Medusa, that sexy body Uma Thurman has (don’t forget the deceitful eyes and wiggley hair). Athena, the one with the sexy gorgeous shiny hair. Hermes, the messenger… I have lots to talk about but I’m saving my ass to be corrected if I say something wrong in this blog. LOL! I admire how they put together the real world we live in and the world the gods live in.

The movie was really good and I admire how the screenplay, all the characters, were compared to the modern day people. I don’t know if I should believe what Chiron said in the movie… that gods interact with normal people once in awhile and somehow produce babies that become Demigods: you know, half-god, half-human. Creepy! But nonetheless, the story was very unique and I loved it.

The main character, Percy Jackson, really reminded me of Zac Efron. Uma Thurman, Medusa in the movie, really boasted her never-fading beauty and good acting! The actors, when put together, assemble a very nice movie. The effects shown in Hades’ kingdom were awesome! All the fires, the magic, the screaming, the struggles of people being burned in hell… everything! Although the effects shown in Percy’s revenge, like the waters coming out of the water tanks, were disturbing. Did not seem real but the actors coming out of it wet was somehow average. It was good.

I learned so much in this movie. Giving values to your gifts and using it for the common good is really rewarding. We might not be gods who have power over events but we always have choices to choose from… we just have to make sure that it’s for the better.

The Hurt Locker

The only movie that made my dad glued on the couch like a statue all throughout the movie.

Bombs. Bombs. Guns. They were everywhere.

I was once intrigued by this movie because I heard that Kathryn Bigelow, the movie’s director, won an Oscar so I hurriedly got a copy and watched it. At first, I thought it was boring and all I will see is war freak military men shooting at terrorists.

I did not know that things like these happen in real setting. I know that bombs do exist and wars are never-ending in the Middle East but this movie made me realize that “Hey! They do exist and this is what happens.”

How could someone risk his own life wearing only a piece of heavy jacket while cutting the wires of a suspected bomb? “Disarming” bombs would be a nice term and it might explode any minute. How could someone have the guts to do that nerve-shredding job. And how could someone love a job description that entails 365 days of discovering bombs, cutting off bomb wires, running away from exploding bombs? What is the image that gets into his head? A human turned into a bomb sniffing dog who sits on bombs that he detects? Well, someone in the movie did. He even risked the joy of having his family just to save lives and to make a name in history. Staff Sergeant James, for him, war is a drug. He survived the war with his body and soul intact.

I also saw in the movie how the military men deal with their day-to-day lives during a war. I saw the struggles of people who want to have a normal life but because they were faced with instances like these, they can’t even take a hold of a normal life… even just a touch. Did you know that there were actually human bombs? Terrorists make people wear bombs like vests and they could explode any minute… even while praying. Sad, isn’t it? This movie also reminded me of Valkyrie, only that it wasn’t Hitler on the big screen but bombs that need to be put off.

Who wants to get hurt or to die while doing their job?
Powerfully realistic, action-packed, unrelenting and intense.

The title says it all: The Hurt Locker.