Bitter Pills, Breathing Spaces

Part of the perks in our company is that you're entitled to watch their featured movie for each month of the year for free... Well, you would get a no-show penalty if you miss your designated screening for some obscure reason like *cough* last-minute conference call *cough* which is irritating considering you have to weather the lag-time while loading the registration page. That's my sad story with Prince Caspian. I've learned my lesson enough to swear that I'll register for the next available movie I can click my mouse on. Which I did with City of Ember. I didn't know what the movie was and I didn't even see a trailer for it. All I wanted was some form of redemption for my registration faux pas that I didn't care whether the movie sucked or not. Fortunately, this one didn't and I had a blast watching my first company-sponsored movie night screening with a few unexpected yet fun friends inside the cinema.

After doing some minor research, I found out that City Of Ember is a book adaptation! Hmmm... I guess I need to chalk that one to my reading list. It stars Bill Murray (Ghostbusters), Tim Robbins (Mystic River), Saoirse Ronan (Atonement) and Harry Treadaway (Control). City of Ember details the adventures of Doon Harrow (Harry Treadaway) and Lina Mayfleet (Saoirse Ronan) at the time where Ember is experiencing terrifying blackouts. Lina's discovery of the box that has been developed by the Builders of the city over 200 years ago shall be the clue that will prompt her and Doon to find a way out of Ember before it self-destructs. The 95-minute film was full of thrills and chills as you rally behind Doon and Lina in their quest to discover the way out of Ember. Acting-wise, I was impressed by the ensemble, especially Saoirse. I can't believe I missed watching Atonement (mental note: rent it when you have time). Gah, I missed a lot of good movies over the last few years. I should hit IMDB soon to get a list of movies I missed seeing. That's going to be some hefty list!

Aside from enjoying City Of Ember, I've learned that it's cool to take advantage of what your company provides to make your work life a bit balanced. So here's to my next free movie night feature this November wherein I got my confirmation just this morning. Yipey! And it couldn't be a more perfect movie to see on a weekday and on it's first day screening...

The movie I'm referring to? It's Twilight!!! Oh, how sweet November is.


c,')

xoxo, l.p.

I have no plans of posting anything today. But I couldn't resist my glee after seeing these sneak peaks. Move away folks, the inner fan girl is coming out. XD

First off, the second US TV Spot for Twilight. The movie is barely a few days/weeks away and if you weren't flooded by all the books that came out this month, here come the TV Spots. I chose not to feature the first one because it barely varies from the full trailer. But this... There are no words! The sexy gray boy shorts got me stumped. Credit goes to Everglow and Lion_Lamb for this jaw-dropping gem. =]



Lastly, the international trailer for Harry Potter and The Half-Blood Prince. I saw this over a friend's YM status but since video streaming is blocked in my office, I waited until I got home to see it. Now, I'm wishing that July 2009 is here. "But I am the chosen one." Genius! LOL.



Hope you enjoyed it. See you at the movies!


c,')

xoxo, l.p.

Despite my weekday chaos, I still thrive in discovering my firsts. And, today did not disappoint. It's really true that age shouldn't be used as an excuse not to learn something new. I did learn more than a couple of things today and I'm damn proud of it.

One of my firsts for this day is French. Today marks Day 1 of my 10 Saturday sessions learning one of the most difficult Romance languages. My brain hurt a lot pronouncing most of the words -- mind you, it's hard to sound nasalized on cue. However, I enjoyed every bit of it. Although I was expecting it, I still enjoyed hearing the infamous French phrase in Lady Marmalade as an example in an exercise. I learned at least 15 conversational phrases and my table mates and I tried to even sing the alphabet song in French. Gah, listen to me talking like an absolute school geek. What can I say, I'm really a perpetual student hiding in a shell of a corporate-battered adult. I'm looking forward to the next session which is on November 8, which will give me about two weeks to practice what I've learned. Tres bien!

The next first on my list is Podcasting. This is with great thanks to my four, new Totally Cool Pals -- you know who you are -- who allowed me to tag along for the ride. From an avid listener to a podcast guest, it doesn't get any better than that. Especially if you're discussing about your passion for a certain black, white & red color-schemed book series which I'll further discuss on my succeeding posts. I wish I can get grasp the tech stuff behind it. Who knows, I might do a Peyton Sawyer or Erin Silver in the future.

The last first on my list is Technology. This is an ironic first because I always know that technology has a way of bridging a lot of gaps. However, it wasn't manifested in the manner that it did today for me. It was powerful yet overwhelming in some ways. The world becomes suddenly smaller for you with all the conceivable social network sites, instant messengers, blogging, etc. So far, I've created and maintained my accounts in relatively few sites and I don't think I want to add anything that would cause more confusion for me. Password management was never really my strongest suit.

To end this post, I'd like to quote this well-used statement.


How true can this get! Cheers to you, hope you enjoyed this post and always seek out your "Firsts" in whatever you do.


c,')

xoxo, l.p.

I'm going to blog about the two most odd subjects for me right now: Gov. Sarah Palin and SNL. Or rather, politics and American humor. Why odd? First, politics was never my favorite conversational piece. I always thought it was career path reserved only for those who can stomach it. Don't get me wrong, I'm not apathetic. I'm concerned in a not so rabid way. I just do my role a good citizen of the country. Whether or not our politicians take advantage of that to further their own personal causes is beyond me. I believe in karma and it can be a bitch when it hits you. Second, I have a love-hate relationship with American humor. Sometimes I get it, sometimes I don't. I can't bare to watch/finish a SNL show even if I tried although I like Tina Fey and Amy Poehler. On this occasion though, I'm tipping my hat both to Gov. Sarah Palin and SNL for their October 18 show.

One of SNL's specialties is impersonations. It's nothing new to Pinoys because we have awesome impersonators in this country. However, in the midst of the US Presidential elections, who would've thought that this brand of comedy will play a lot to a candidate's advantage or disadvantage. The moment that Gov. Sarah Palin was announced as Sen. John McCain's VP, everyone suddenly turned to Tina Fey for their uncanny resemblance. Tina Fey's skits on SNL impersonating Gov. Palin were perhaps one of the most watched moments since the fall TV season began. People were looking forward to seeing the often intrigued VP-wannabe on SNL. And she did not disappoint. She appeared on SNL for two skits. Yes, two. And she was a complete sport. You can't help but be amazed at someone who can take a joke and have a laugh too. Check out the videos below and you'll see what I mean. Credit to NBC.com's Saturday Night Live official website.

Skit No. 1 - SNL Opening



Skit No. 2 - Rap



Wasn't that a fun watch? The viewing stats for these two videos ate already above the 100K mark. The first skit, above 200K! Whatever the results of the US Presidential elections would be, I hope it'll help the country be better especially with all the crisis it's facing lately. You can only hope for so much in your elected politicians. Just as long as they serve you and the country well, it's all you can ask for.

What can an American do to exercise their duty as a good citizen especially at this crucial time?

Get out and vote.


c,')

xoxo, l.p.

It's now down to the last three months of 2008 and you'd think it's summer with the amount of US movies that any Pinoy buff would pay to see. Since I'm still enjoying my experiment of embedding videos, I'm sharing to you some trailers/teasers of the movies I'm looking forward to watching in the big screen. Trailers featured below are courtesy of MySpace.

QUANTUM OF SOLACE
When I first heard of Daniel Craig taking on the role of James Bond, I had some doubts. But after watching Casino Royale, I ate my doubts.



THE HOUSE BUNNY
Anna Faris is perhaps one of the funniest girls I've seen on the big screen. Although her movie choices may not fare well with the critics, I'm looking forward to this movie simply for eye-candy and having a ton of laughs. This also marks Katharine McPhee's first on-screen role.



THE DAY THE EARTH STOOD STILL
This is a remake of the 1951 sci-fi film and stars two of my favorite Hollywood actors: Keanu Reeves and Jennifer Connelly. I haven't seen the 1951 original but from the teaser I saw, I'm hooked.



TWILIGHT
I cannot stress how much I'm looking forward to this movie. This is perhaps my highlight film for the last quarter since I'm a huge fan of the books. It stars two of the most promising actors of this generation: Kristen Stewart (Panic Room, Into The Wild) and Robert Pattinson (Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire). Twilighters of the world unite! =]



How about you? What movies are you looking forward to this last quarter of 2008? Sound off in the comments section.

c,')

xoxo, l.p.

Hey there! I was in the middle of experimenting stuff with my blog (being new at this and all) and one of the items that caught my eye is the ability to embed videos. This got me to think of sharing some of the videos that I love over the net. And they're often found on YouTube.

To say that the creators of this very popular site are geniuses is highly justified. It has provided a huge medium for people to share their videos and even talents to be discovered through it. Case in point are our very own Arnel Pineda and Charice Pempengco. Even the Cebu inmates got some share of the popularity slice.

However for this occasion, I'm going to embed about six (6) parts of perhaps the most talked-about show uploaded on iTunes created during the height of the Writer's Strike: Joss Whedon's Dr. Horrible's Sing Along Blog. It stars Neil Patrick Harris as Dr. Horrible... Noticing a pattern, aren't you? Yeah, I'm a Neil Patrick Harris fan. I love How I Met Your Mother and of course, Doggie Howser M.D. But I'm not really a huge fan of musicals. My only favorite favorite to date is The Sound Of Music. Now, Joss Whedon has provided me with a new favorite. Gosh, the guy's super creative. Hats off to you!

The total run time for these videos are about 45 minutes long. I know it's a toughie but it's worth the watch. Credit to YouTube user KarikiNeroli for sharing these gems. Click, view and enjoy!

Act 1, Part 1



Act 1, Part 2



Act 2, Part 1



Act 2, Part 2



Act 3, Part 1



Act 3, Part 2



Hope you enjoyed them. Cheers to sheer geniuses!

c,')

xoxo, l.p.

For my first re-post from my clandestine and now, 170-page e-diary, I've decided to make public one of the poems I've written over eight years ago. I don't want to say how and what inspired me to create it but you can probably gauge once you've finished reading it.

I started writing poems and short stories when I was in high school, around junior year. My poems never fell into any acceptable patterns like a sonnet or a haiku. I just wrote. I paused where I needed to. I never cared for any rhythm or rhyme. Even the length. Just as long as it makes sense to me. That was my writing style. It's raw in many ways but like any first-time writers, you begin in that state then eventually grow into where you feel most comfortable. I haven't gotten to that place yet because, like I mentioned in my previous entry, I'm too critical about my own writing that the compulsion to edit sometimes overpowers the context.

Anyway, without further ado, I give you one of my poems entitled "Everywhere But Nowhere." Read on and as always, let me know what you think.



c,')

xoxo, l.p.

This may sound horrible for some but not for me. For an absolute music enthusiast, I don't have an iPod to think I have double digit gigabytes worth of audio files of every conceivable artist that I adore, mainstream or indie. I know... I know... Horrible concept indeed. Unless you're willing to gift me a new iPod this Christmas or I win it in a raffle, I wouldn't buy one within the next 18 months even if I have the resources. My hard earned money is set for something else which I hoping I can buy soon. What is it? Let's just reserve the answer for another post, shall we?

Right now, as you're viewing my blog, you're treated to some tracks from one of my favorite artists, Frou Frou, courtesy of IMEEM. The last one I featured was Keane. My collection of audio tracks is very eclectic to say the least. From Colbie Calliat to Oasis... Imogen Heap to The Virgins... EBTG to Paramore... Cary Brothers to Fall Out Boy... the list is endless. But I can definitely say that a big chunk of them are Brit/Euro acts. Not that I don't like OPM. My favorite OPM songs surprisingly are those from the 70-80s and even the classics. On rare occasions, my mom and I would hum "Maalaala Mo Kaya" when we feel nostalgic. However, for some reason, I'm gravitating towards Brit/Euro acts more because of their poetic/pained lyrics and their one-of-a-kind music arrangements. Imagine the creativity that goes into the fluidity of the lyrics and music that accompanies it. Try listening to One Place by EBTG and read the lyrics along with it... I've quoted a portion below... You'll know what I mean.


Genius! I guess you might be wondering what do I use to listen to my fave tracks. Well, I play them on my trusty mobile phone that I bought from Singapore oh-so many months ago. I've loaded about 150++ tracks in there that I've played over and over again. I replace some tracks when I get fresh ones but there are some that remained and were stored since Day 1. Shalom by Moonraker and Midnight Show by The Killers are my top 2 most played tracks. I paid my enthusiasm forward to several friends who I'm amazed to know that they like my selections.

So, if by some instance you happen to bump into me with my earphones on, I'd probably smile, say sorry and walk on because I'm in my happy little music zone.

c,')

xoxo, l.p.

So, okay. I was about to turn off the computer when I saw a comment on my first blog entry. I couldn't resist a challenge when I see one (even if I'm starting to feel sleep deprived). So I'm in my vampire mode right now (refer to one of my newly created avatars below), blood swirling in my mouth as a I prepare to dish 5 factoids about me:

1. I can throw a mean punch when I want to. But I've only done that once and that was to protect my younger brother from a bully in our neighborhood. I was about 10 or 11 years old then. Now, my brother is big enough (he stands at 5' 10") to be the one to throw punches for me.
2. I am scared (take note, S-C-A-R-E-D) of cockroaches. Major league phobia. Name it -- dead or alive, big or small, crawling or flying -- especially the last one, flying -- I am scared out of my wits to the point where horror movie-like screams escape my lips. It began when a big cockroach flew at me when I was 4 years old and bit me on the forehead. I never recovered since. Although I killed a cockroach or two, it's not without the scream-as-you-sweat-profusely reaction.
3. I'm the only one from both sides of my family to study and graduate from UP. Majority of my relatives have graduated from or attended UST. At some point, I felt like an odd girl out on reunions when I hear stories about floods and rushing to the main building during earthquakes. I've learned over time that it doesn't really matter as long as you graduated and got a job in the process. There's a certain pedigree attached to graduates of the Top 4 universities but it doesn't necessarily make them better than anybody else. And I've got first-hand experience to prove it.
   
4. My first-ever job interview was, strangely enough, for a summer OJT post in one of the most prestigious Advertising agencies in the country. My friend's father, who worked in that company, gladly helped her and her closest friends (7 of us in total) to get interview/pre-screening slots for acceptance into the company's OJT program that subjected qualified candidates exposure to all facets of Ad-related work. Thinking that we had inside connections, it was going to be a walk in the park. I was wrong. There were about a total of 50-60 applicants representing all the Top 4 universities. As each candidate came out of the interview room, they shared stories that the interview was easy since they were only asked about their course and extra-curriculars. When it was my turn, I was caught off-guard for two reasons. One, I didn't expect that the interviewer was an AVP of the Creative department. Second, she asked me questions as if I were applying for a real job. I was confident enough in myself to answer her questions but I went out of the room thinking I didn't nail it. A few days after, I got a message on my pager (hey, that time pagers were the in-thing and mine was a Motorola) asking me to call a certain number. I was surprised that it was the AVP who answered the phone and she informed me that I was one of the 15 OJT candidates who qualified for the program. I was flattered by that call but, to end this factoid short, I decided to pursue a different company since they paid allowances while you do the dirty work. That was my first job interview and surprisingly, my first job offer decline lesson (which I passed with flying colors). I owe that AVP a lot.
5. Despite all appearances and perceptions, I am a true-blue Gemini which means that I also have that naughty, scheming streak in me that on some occasions can prove useful. But, it's more often exhibited in the things I write in my e-dairy rather than in action. Goody two-shoes, gah! =P
   

Whew, that was a long one. Especially Factoid #4. I enjoyed writing it nonetheless. 8 entries in 2 hours. Cheers to me for facing a challenge! My reward is now a good albeit few hours of sleep.

c,')

xoxo, l.p.

Whew, 5 reposts and 2 new entries! That's got to be something especially if the time reads 2:00 a.m. on a Sunday. Well, I enjoyed it and definitely posting new entries even if it's once a week. Perhaps the main reason why I'm suddenly psyched up is the fact I got to attach pictures to the reposted entries from Friendster. Squee! Hardly noticed the feature before so there I went; I used and abused it. Hahaha! Plus, some minor edits help improve the overall read and feel to it. Gah! Sue me, roughly 18 or so college units of being forced to a life of spelling/grammar/context scrutiny does that to you. I am my own worst critic when it comes to the things I write. Maybe, that's one of the reasons why I don't blog often. I wonder... =P

Anyway, I hope you enjoyed the reposts. Here's paving the way for new material and perhaps some more reposts, but this time, from my clandestine, 168-page (and growing) e-diary.

c,')

xoxo, l.p.

Original Post Date: June 6, 2006 (Friendster) - with slight edits



I’ve been a fan of the X-Men series for as long as I can remember. My favorite character is Jean Grey. Her mental abilities astound me yet she seems to be reserved at exploring how far her powers would go. That was the status quo until she became the Phoenix and became one of the most powerful yet demented mutants…

Honestly, I haven’t seen the last adaptation of this famous comic franchise yet. However, in some ways, I am Jean Grey… Definitely not as psychologically demented as she is. But more on how she rose from the ashes and became Phoenix.

My life for the past 3 years has been a series of deaths and re-births from the ashes. I guess when change happens, you either are forced to accept it or welcome it with open arms — and somehow, change is like a little death in itself. Shifts in your life allow or force you to receive another kaleidoscope, another pair of rose-colored glasses or another mirror which you’ll use to reflect and see ahead. Your old life seems to pass by as your new life unfolds — a seamless transition that knows no boundaries, nor time or space. It just happens whether you're prepared for it or not. Sucks, isn’t it? At times, when these moments happen, you wish you have a set of how-to’s and what-not’s, or a map/user-guide that will help you navigate from point A to B.

Oh well, if accepting change becomes hard on the EQ, people I know resort to a shrink, couple bottles of booze or some healthy dose of depressants to chase that away. However, I’d rather stick to my family, friends, e-diary and this blog. I get the same kind of therapy and best of all, it is free. =)

Original Post Date: May 29, 2007 (Friendster) - with some edits

Original Post Date: October 26, 2005 (Friendster)


Have you ever felt being happy one minute, sad the next?

Ah, the beauty of balance. Truly poetic, isn’t it? Most people wish for all the good stuff to come their way; I wish for balance.

Life, for me, is a big scale — sometimes I get lucky; sometimes I don’t. But I’m cool with that. I guess I’m glad because I have my fair share of both the good and the bad stuff. You can’t be 100% lucky without any retributions. I’m sometimes afraid of being happy for too long because, sooner or later, payback comes and it’ll hit you big time. I’ve seen many of my friends who were in complete denial about balance amidst all the blessings they’ve received. I’ve seen some who’ve faltered along the way and never recovered. Some are still enjoying their lucky streak… but luck does strike out eventually. When? They’ll just know for themselves. I just wish that they’ll be prepared for it.

As for me, I’m just happy to have a normal, decent and hopefully "balanced" life!

Original Post Date: September 18, 2005 (Friendster) - with slight edits


At the end of the show, Doogie Howser M.D., Neil Patrick Harris would always type away all his thoughts, lessons in his computer diary. His entries were short but very direct. I envied him to a certain degree because I didn’t have my own electronic diary.

When I did have my computer, I started typing away — pouring my heart and soul into each and everything I wrote. For a while, I thought I lost the file. Now, I just finished typing another entry – 168 pages long and still growing as each day passes. With each new experience came a new entry. And thank goodness, it’s password protected. I can write away without any fear of revelation.

A part of my life enveloped in a small file.

In my fussy-free days (however long that was ago), I was blogging quite a bit. Having accounts in every conceivable social networking sites (well, at least the good ones, and in my last count, I've got a total of 4), I tried remembering where I posted them. Lo and behold, they are at Friendster. =)

To attempt at satisfying the request of some friends wanting to see some of the entries I've written in my clandestine Word document diary (yes, you saw it right, Word document, hahaha), I'll be reposting a handful of entries that I shared in my Friendster account that are also present in my diary.

So read on and do share your thoughts if you must. Just happy to flex my writing muscle again even if they're reposts. My blog could use the fresh wave of entries even if it's at least once a week. That's how manic my life can get.

c',)

xoxo, l.p