Movie Marathon: Superhero Series (well, almost)

I lately went into a movie marathon. I watched a movie every weekend for the past weeks - sometimes alone, sometimes with work buddies or friends. Now here's a brief review of the movies I have watched recently. 

Now for the rundown (scoring out of 5 stars):

• Thor - 3 stars. Nice effects. Great casting - Chris Hemsworth was perfect for the role. Natalie Portman seems rather out of place. Over-all, it was an entertaining movie. A decent visual feast. 
• Pirates of the Caribean: On Stranger Tides - 1 star. I even gave it a one for all the effort. Johnny Depp should have stopped making this after the second movie. The movie is so cliched. Predictable story line. Producers are thinking of one or two more movies after this. Please, enough already.
• Priest - 3.5 stars. I don't know if I'm just biased but Paul Bettany is such an effective actor but as an actions star portraying someone messianic, I was not really into. Before I launch into this just another vampire movie, let me just say that the action scenes in this movie was quite entertaining. Editing and cinematography was good. The visual effects were also good. This movie was not a disappointment. 
• Kung Fu Panda 2 - 4.5 stars. This sequel was even better than the first one. Very very good story line. It's still as hilarious as before. Entertaining and heart-warming at the same time. Only drawback, I don't think this was not really a kids movie at all. I mean, the story line was somewhat heavy for kids 8 and below. (just my opinion). 
• X-Men: First Class - 3.5 stars. Action scenes were so-so but the story line was actually quite good. They made new twists to the comic book characters' stories but nonetheless it went out well. It makes me anticipate for another x-men movie. 
• The Green Lantern - 2.5 stars. As I mentioned in my Facebook status message, the movie was predictable and story-line was just. It was filled with superhero cliches. Good thing, Ryan Reynolds portrayal saved the movie. He was funny and added color to an otherwise drab (and I mean drab green) movie.

That's it for the past six weeks. Movies I wanted to watch but missed were Super 8 and Insidious. Don't worry, I'll try to catch them and give my thoughts once I'm done with them. Till the next movie marathon.

Blogging Rebooted

It's nearly a year since I last posted. Well, nobody really cares because I don't have a significant number of followers. It doesn't really bother me that I don't have a huge following but it matters for me to write. I feel that I have been really really stagnant in the past months. I should be really doing this more often. I want this internet space fully utilized. Now if only "Ningas Cogon" not set-in, then I will fully realize that goal.

It's just the same with me struggling to keep my weight down. It's sad that I won the genetic lottery for slowly metabolism and hypertension. It's further agitated by my love for food and passion for cooking. I have been meaning to try start a decent healthy plant but to no avail. If only all my excess whatever magically disappear, then life wouldn't be so hard, aight? But then, who am I kidding?

Now with me blogging again, I would set down a few goals and I hope I can turn-around my life before 2011 ends. Now here's THAT list:

1. Lose weight (at least 5 lbs)  before my friend's wedding this July and achieve my target weight before December 2011.  (This needs serious work)
2. Be debt-free before my 27th birthday this September. (I'm sure I will achieve this).
3. Decide to take the CFA exam before August 1st. Pass the exam on December. 
4. Eat healthy. Exercise. Sleep Early. (see number 1).
5. Avoid stress at all costs. Take it easy at work. (This will be the toughest).
6. Organize my electronic Files before my Birthday. 
7. Save money. Save money. Save. Save. Save. 
8. Blog regularly. Honestly, this is a good exercise.
9. Organize my MUSIC and my EBOOKs before the year ends. 
10. Pray. Read the Bible. Pray some more. :)

Well, this list will never end if I continue but for now, let me focus on these things. Now, let's get this started. 

How does it feel?

Funny that this questions popped in mind while I was viewing a wedding album of a friend. She was absolutely gorgeous (I think any bride for that matter should be stunning during her big day), and I can't help but notice the look of sheer happiness and pure bliss radiating through her eyes. The clichéd quote, "a picture is worth a thousand words" became an instant reality. 

And then there's me. I know, with conviction, that wedding bells won't ring for me anytime soon. I would be lucky if wedding bells would indeed toll for me at all. I am hoping that perhaps in the next 5 to 10 years, I would indeed, as they say, "get married and settle down." I know, it's quite some time in the distant future but I would certainly want to get there - exchange our vows of undying commitment and love, all for the world to witness. (I know it sound's kinda cheesy and all, but I guess that's LOVE.)

But for now, I guess I'll just have to settle for a dose of reality. That I'm single and be contented with the answers and replies of my married friends give when I ask them, "well, how does it feel to be finally married?"

__________________________

P.S. I'm posting here a song of Westlife which I would definitely want to be played on the biggest day of my life...

Deeply in Love

I'm just amazed how much love our hearts can pour no matter how much we've hurt trying to find it and keep it. I'm even more amazed as to how I have kept my sanity despite the number of times love has failed me. Perhaps it's the optimistic side of me that keeps me going and going after it after I have suffered from love. And then, I remembered this song. It reminded me that no matter how much pain our earthly lives will experience, there is only one love that will redeem and captivate us. And if so happens that you find this love, I'm sure you will never experience pain again... that is the Love of our savior Jesus Christ.

Deeply in Love

Hillsong

In my life You've heard me say I love you
How do I show you it's true

Hear my heart, it longs for more of you
I've fallen deeply in love with you

You have stolen my heart
I'm captivated by you
Never will you and I part
I've fallen deeply in love with you

You and I, together forever
Nothing can, stand in the way
My love for you, grows stronger each new day.
I've fallen deeply in love with you

You have stolen my heart
I'm captivated by you
Never will you and I part
I've fallen deeply in love with you

Jesus, you've stolen my heart
I'm captivated by you
Never will you and I part
I've fallen deeply in love with you
  

Futurama

After all that has happened to me in the past few months, I can say that I have been into the "future" mode currently. I have been immersed into the NOW that I forgot what I want to do in the future and to make use of NOW I made a list of things what I want to do in the near and not-so-near future.
   First, I have decided to seriously consider my application for migration to a foreign land. My dad was bugging me about this since time immemorial and I simply pushed myself to follow what he wanted without even having the gusto to leave our country for something good. Perhaps, all I really need was a jolt from somewhere or something and electrocuted did I get. Well, I won't go into the details but I am saying that I'm over with round one and I'm on to round two. Well, guess my departure from Philippines will be faster than what I expected it to be. And I can't wait. 
   Secondly, I am taking the CFA exam this December. Finally, after years and months of trying to convince myself (or simply for the lack of monetary support) I mustered enough courage to try it out. I can say that I am enjoying studying again. And I know I'll pass. Rush level 1, can't wait to get to level 2. (*Cheshire cat smile*) hehehehe
   Lastly, I'm giving myself a break from expecting too much out of the dreaded L word. I have been into it and been dumped. I can't say I don't love that person anymore but I can say I am moving on. Wow, it is indeed a relief to say that. The pain sucks big time especially if you thought both of you will get stuck for a lifetime of "forever" but it didn't work. The optimistic me got cannibalized again. Well, charge it to experience. I am moving on. Well if the L word lands on my doorstep again, bet you I will still open the door. 
   After all that futurama stuff, all I can say ---- I can't wait for the FUTURE to become NOW. Until then, I'll wait and just work hard for it. Wish me luck, guys. 
 

Quick Note 2: On Grief.

Kübler-Ross: Denial. Anger. Bargaining. Depression. Acceptance.

I am far from acceptance. Far, far, far from it.

Rush February, I had enough of it.

When You Find You

I have to admit, I am going through some difficult times right now. I hate the world. I hate a lot of things about it. Most of all, I hate someone. I hate this feeling - HATE. I don't want to feel hate but I have to, in order for me not to feel the pain. I posted a note around four months ago declaring my status and stand in life. I was ready and willing to take the risks.  And to quote: 

As always in life, there is a CHOICE. And my choice, LOVE is worth all the risk. In the film Y Tu Mama Tambien, one of the characters said that "Life is like a surf, so give yourself away to the sea." Somehow, this is how I feel right now. One cannot be involved with LOVE and not surrender everything to it. For if it not, that would be entirely selfish or worse it is a complete lie. 

   And this brings me to a realization, I was daring enough to take part of the benefits of love therefore I must also be brave enough to take all of its consequences including all the pain and hurt. It's just sad that after all that had happened, everything was a lie. It was all a lie. And I was fooled. I had fallen as a victim into a trap that I helped build. It's just sad. 

   So right now, I guess, I just have to start again. It's valentine's day today and we had so many plans. Not just for today but for a lifetime. It pains me to think about it. All the places we planned to go to, all the things we were supposed to do.  

   But it's really time for me to move on. As an old adage says: It does not do to dwell on the past and forget to live. So life has to go on. And I have to start now. Now.

 _____________________ 

And to YOU. Thank you - for teaching me valuable lessons even if our story lasted for just a few pages. I hope you will find what you are looking for. I hope you find you. And when you find you, don't be afraid to love again. Just make sure you're ready to really give your all and not just go with what your emotions tell you. Learn to open up yourself to love. Love fully, entirely, genuinely. That way, you wouldn't miss yourself again because you will find yourself in the person that you love.

What I Need... Now.

Rest in You
Hillsong  



Your faithfullness endures always
Where mountains fall and reason fails
And You calm the raging seas
And You calm the storms in me, again

All I know is I find rest in You
All I know is I find rest in You

My heart will praise throughout the night
Where singing seems a sacrifice
Your grace is all I need
Your grace is all I need 

__________________________________

Postscript: In you O God do I find rest. Amidst all the chaos and haste, you calm me. Direct my paths and ways, Father that I may be worthy of receiving the gift of eternal life.

quick note 1: risks and aftershocks

everything is about risks. life is all about it. so take a stand. risk it. enjoy life. because each day is a good day to die.

It's You.

It's You

Westlife

There's a laugh in my eyes.
There's a waltz in my walk.
And it's been such a long time,
Since there was hope in my talk.
If you never knew
What it is that's new. It's you.

'Cause when your hands are in mine,
You set a fire that everyone can see
And it's burning away
Every bad memory.
To tell you the truth
If it's something new. Baby it's you.

It's you in the morning.
It's you in the night.
A beautiful angel came down
To light up my life.

The world's a different place
Where nothing's too hard to say.

And nothing's to hard to do
Never too much to go through.
To tell you the truth
Everything that's new. Baby it's you.

It's you in the morning.
It's you in the night.
A beautiful angel came down
To light up my life.
My life, my life
Ohh

So if I get to grow old (oh if I get to grow old)
With many years behind me (many years behind me).
There's only one thing I want (aahh)
One thing I need beside me.
For all that you are,
For everything you do,
For all that you've done,
Just for showing me the truth,

It's you.
It's you.
Baby, it's YOU!

________
The song says it all.

It's YOU.

Reality Check: Awake from Hibernation

It's been quite sometime since I posted something. I don't even know if someone notice it. I'm just one of those bloggers who try to open a blog, write a few posts, and totally forget about it. I have that sickness ever since. I don't know if I lack time (which I think I do most of the time but if I really contemplate on it, I have plenty of time) or perhaps I'm just simply lazy. Well, that's not going to get me any good. So I better change and continue what I started. Besides, I made some sort of vow that I'm going to maintain this blog. (hehehe)

Back from Australia
My last entry was posted on November 11, 2009. Exactly eight days before I left for Australia. I was assigned by my company (then, story about this later) after a client requested my services for a due diligence assistance in Sydney. I thought the job was not going to push through after two weeks of stressful email exchange between my bosses and the client as to the terms of engagement in my contract. After gazillions of editing and tons of compromising, the parties agreed mutually on November 19, 2009 at around 10 in the morning, Manila time. I left for Sydney, 8:30 pm the same day. (Call it stressful, I vowed never to leave the country again in such a hasty condition, good thing my VISA and passport was ready).
    I arrived in Sydney around 8:30 a.m (local time, 5:30 a.m. Manila Time) and immediately proceeded to work. I stayed in Sydney for around 26 days (2 days of leisure and 24 days of pure work from 9am to 2am). We were working on such  a tight deadline that even Sundays were not spared. I'm telling you guys, never engage in such a working environment. You''ll just burn yourself out (meaning less efficiency and productivity) and learn to hate your boss (which is really really bad, hehehe).
   Nonetheless, I enjoyed my brief stint in merry-'ol-Sydney. I got to meet Desiree and Jade (awww, I miss you two already), two of my closest friends in college already working there. I got to see Koalas, Kangaroos, and Emus in live action (and close range). I got to climb the zenith of the Sydney Harbor Bridge (the view was breathtaking). I got to watch Wicked the Musical (the best part of my stay in Sydney). I got to walk the sandy shores of Bondi Beach. I got to experience Australia, at least.
   And finally, my return trip home was also as hasty as my flight going there. I arrived in Manila, December 15, 2009 at 7:00 pm. It was one trip I can't forget (for both the good and the not so good experiences, hehehe). I'm sure I'm going back there someday 'mate!

Moving Forward from P&A
I officially resigned from my job after three years and one month and nineteen days. I tendered my one month's notice, much to the shock and dismay of our partner, on December 15, 2009 effective a month later. Our partner ("the BOSS") tried me talk me out of it but my mind was already made up. I signed with a KPO (Knowledge Process Outsourcing) firm with global operations spanning 4 continents in 6 countries servcing clients globally.
   As of this posting I'm entering my third week with the company and so far, so good. (Keeping my fingers crossed! :D)

Holidays Cheers
Eight days after I arrived from Australia I left for Iloilo for my annual Christmas Break. It was really really good to be back home. It was again time for reunions (both family and friends) and almost every night (except for christmas eve and new year's eve), I was out with different groups of people whom I've touched base with. Christmas is indeed my favorite time of the year. Though I know it's the most expensive time of the year (you just can't imagine how many gifts I dispensed that season), still the experience, warmth, and cheer is priceless. It's just sad that my vacation only lasted for 9 days and I was back in Manila at the evening of January 1st.

Final Note
I'm praying that 2010 will be a good year. I pray that God will continue to bless and provide for us and this nation. On a personal level, I pray that God will continue "expand my territory", bless me, my family and loved ones with good health, and direct my relationship and connections unto HIS ways. I'm thankful for 2009 and everything that comes with it. And I'm looking ahead with the love, hope, and faith in my heart.
   For now, I leave you this prayer.

Holy Father,
God of our yesterdays, our today, and our tomorrows.
We praise You for Your unequaled greatness.
Thank You for the year behind us and for the year ahead.

Help us in Your new year, Father, to fret less and laugh more.
To teach our children to laugh by laughing with them.
To teach others to love by loving them.

Knowing, when Love came to the stable in Bethlehem, He came for us.
So that Love could be with us, and we could know You.
That we could share Love with others.

Help us, Father, to hear Your love song in every sunrise,
in the chriping of sparrows in our backyards,
in the stories of our old folks, and the fantasies of our children.

Help us to stop and listen to Your love songs,
so that we may know You better and better.
We rejoice in the world You loved into being.
Thank You for another new year and for new chances every day.

We pray for peace, for light, and for hope, that we might spread them to others.
Forgive us for falling short this past year.
We leave the irreparable past in your hands, and step out into the unknown new year knowing You will go with us.
We accept Your gift of a new year and we rejoice in what's ahead, depending on You to help us do exactly what You want..

I say it again, we rejoice!

In Jesus name,
Amen.

______________
a new year's prayer taken from here.
P.S. I will post more pictures soon.

ONE YOUTH: Project Headshot Clinic - the Youth Vote Series

Join and contribute in shaping the future, 
be part of the One Youth Project Headshot Clinic – 
The Youth Vote Series

See you on November 14, 2009 from 3pm to 9pm at the 4th Floor Tower 2 of Globe Telecom Plaza Pioneer cor. Madison St. Mandaluyong City. To join, fill up the form at this link.
   To promote Youth causes in the upcoming national elections, Youth Vote Philippines and Globe Telecom have partnered to use the collaborative power of the internet in a program called ONE YOUTH.
   Under One Youth, young Filipinos promote their advocacies online by joining discussions and by using their profile pictures in social network sites as a way of endorsing of their causes of interest (i.e. education, reproductive health, etc). These photos are collectively called One Youth Project Headshot Clinic – The Youth Vote Series, and will be taken by Fashion photographer NICCOLO COSME.
   The photos of this Headshot Clinic will be released in December at the launch of the Youth Vote online forums which aims to produce the One Youth Manifesto – a document containing the final list of advocacies that Youth Vote Philippines will present to our future leaders.
   See you there and let's get moving for the future of this nation. 
______________________
This event is brought to you by: 
   YouthVote Philippines
   Globe Telecom
   Project Head Shot Clinic
For more information, visit: 
   Globe Telecom
   YouthVote Philippines

All For Love

I was just simply inspired by the praise and worship during our Sunday Service yesterday at GCF Makati. I was just amazed at how I can be just captivated by a song and lead me into a reasonable disturbance - enough to keep me thinking awake until 3am this morning. As I was talking with JR (my flatmate and roommate), a lot of realizations came into light. But one key point kept everything intact - that is to have FAITH in CHRIST JESUS whose abounding LOVE never failed us, not a single moment, not one instance.
   I have a lot to thank GOD for these past few weeks. Life is not one big smooth ride but GOD's faithfulness never left me and HE has continually assured me of His blessings. I am still at awed at how HE has allowed me to GROW and find the true meaning of HAPPINESS and FULFILLMENT. He has blessed my ventures and enlarging my territories.
   But I only realized this when I was calmed from all my fears and doubts. Earlier, I was pouring out my heart because of all the future things (yeah, I think too much) I kept on thinking. It's really the uncertainty of the future that scares me more than anything. Especially when I feel that I don't want the moment to stop because of the happiness and satisfaction I am currently experiencing. I just simply think too much and after all GOD's mighty work in my life how can I still afford to doubt. I should never stop trusting him. As I mentioned earlier, GOD's love never fails. It endures forever. 
   Apostle Paul testifies to that when he wrote to the Romans (Romans 8:28-38). To us whom HE predestined, called, justified, and glorified - nothing can separate us from Him. It was only lately that I truly understood the meaning of SALVATION and how it can NEVER be LOST. Because of CHRIST's ultimate sacrifice, we BELIEVERS are ALL SAVED. 
   All I (and we) needed to have a little more FAITH and TRUST HIM MORE. Because, ALL FOR LOVE, He gave up His life. ALL FOR US, He died for our sins. Now, how can I still doubt? To us whom He assured the gift of salvation if we just CALL upon His name. 
   To you LORD JESUS, I just lift everything back. Your will be done. 
   
(postscript: below is the song which inspired everything and a snippet of the message of Paul to the Romans)
______________________________ 
More Than Conquerors

 ²⁸And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. ²⁹For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. ³⁰And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified. ... ³⁸For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, ³⁹neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

ALL FOR LOVE

Mia Fieldes
Hillsong United


All for love a Father gave
For only love could make a way
All for love the heavens cried
For love was crucified

Oh how many times have I broken Your heart
But still You forgive
If only I ask
And how many times have You heard me pray
Draw near to me

Everything I need is You
My beginning, my forever
Everything I need is You

Let me sing all for love
I will join the angel song
Ever holy is the Lord
King of Glory
King of all

Oh how many times have I broken Your heart
But still You forgive
If only I ask
And how many times have You heard me pray
Draw near to me

Everything I need is You
My beginning, my forever
Everything I need is You

All for a love a Saviour prayed
Abba Father have Your way
Though they know not what they do
Let the Cross draw man to You

Everything I need is You
My beginning, my forever
Everything I need is You

Liberating Music from Libera

Libera came. They sang. And they conquered. And I was nowhere to be found. 

   I was just simply ecstatic when I heard the news that they were coming over here to MANILA for a one-night only concert at the PICC. It's LIBERA and I cannot just simply miss that. I got hooked to them when my cousin ERIK gave me a copy of their album. Since I'm a great fan of Pachelbel he pointed out to me that I listen first to the track entitled "SANCTUS". When I heard it, I was amazed at how the rearranged Pachelbel's CANNON in D and added the lyrics taken from the Latin Rites of the Catholic Mass.

   And from then on, I became an avid fan.
   It was just sad I wasn't able to see them live when they came here. I was busy with a client and was assigned for an out-of-town engagement. TATAY MONCH (who I also influenced) even called me up just to ask me if I was going to watch the concert. To cut the story short, he was there. I wasn't.

   For those who do not know them...

LIBERA is a non-profit all-boy vocal group directed by Robert Prizeman. Their name comes from their signature song "Libera," which is based on the Libera Me portion of the Requiem Mass. "Libera" is the Latin word for "free". Most of the boys in Libera come from the parish choir of St. Philip's, Norbury, in South London. The albums, tours and TV appearances the boys do as Libera are in addition to their regular singing as part of the full choir of men and boys at parish choral services.

The boys come from a variety of backgrounds in the London area, attending many different schools, including local state schools, church schools and performing arts schools. Libera recruits boys from any religious denomination and even those with no religious affiliations. Most boys join between the age of seven and ten, however older boys can join if they have the appropriate singing abilities. (wikipedia)

   And the boys never fail to captivate their audience. Tatay Monch recounts that it was already the end of the show and they already left the stage but after a while they all came back. The audience was delighted that they were treated to an ENCORE. But the encore was more than what they expected, after the first few notes of the song was played, the entire hall in PICC roared into a frenzy of applause and cheers - the boys are to sing BAYAN KO. 
   The song was especially significant to the FILIPINOS as it is one of the popular patriotic songs that helped stirred consciousness among the Filipino people. Originally written as a protest song during the American occupation by Jose Corazon de Jesus (music by Constancio de Guzman), BAYAN KO rose to popularity as it is often sung in protest rallies and demonstrations throughout Philippine history - more notably during the funeral of Sen. Benigno "NINOY" Aquino, Jr. and the following PEOPLE POWER REVOLUTION where Freddie Aguilar led the crowd to sing the song's chorus. 
   To get a better appreciation as to why I am truly amazed, the video is posted below:





   After the song, the entire PICC came down with a thundering standing ovation from the crowd. Even Tatay Monch forgot he was the MONCHITO and started to scream his lungs out. (If I were there, I might have also lost myself, hehehe). The music felt it came from heaven and played just for us FILIPINOS.
   And I came to realize, if British boys can sing Bayan Ko with such ardour and passion, how much more us FILIPINOS? I doubt that these kids really understood what they were singing compared to us FILIPINOS who know the song since way way back then. How come they can make beautiful music and not us? How come they can sing it and own it like it was theirs? How come?
   I think the answer lies on our own hands. Let this be a challenge to all of us.


_______________________________
LIBERA enthralled the Filipino audience with a concert at the PICC on October 25 and in CEBU on October 28. 
Visit them at their official website: www.libera.org.uk

LOVE and the Promise of Sunrise

I do not know how to start this post. It seems I have ran out of lines to say but I know there's a need for me to express. So what exactly do I feel right now? First, I'm feeling a rush of emotions I have never felt in my entire life before. It's convoluted and complex. There's both excitement and fear. Totally opposing forces that keeps my heart beating rapidly to God knows how many times per minute. And this scares me. 

   A deep sigh escaped my chest. (*sigh*)

   LOVE really works differently over any other emotion. It's highly unstable and unpredictable but still it is the most reliable of all. It is bound to cause you to experience pain in varying degrees of excruciation but it can also cause you to experience sheer BLISS like no one else felt before. Now, I'm asking, is LOVE worth the risk?  Am I ready to step out of my comfort zone and experience it all over again?

   For most parts, it's the uncertainty that causes the fear. The mind in its brilliance definitely knows how to concoct a mixture of thoughts  enough to poison you heart with all the doubt in the world. These are the very thoughts that make me weak, vulnerable, and totally distrusting. These are the feelings I should learn how to quell. These are the very feelings LOVE should turn the tides on.  I should trust LOVE more.

   But then there is really no right way of feeling LOVE. I could not contain it and mold it the way I wanted it  to be. I know the outcome I want but the road going there is definitely one big question. I just need to have FAITH, learn PATIENCE, and simply rest on our promise.
   There will always be uncertainty because if there is none, surprises wouldn't be surprises anymore. Life would suddenly become predictable and love will be totally boring.  So uncertainty should be the least of my worries. It is MYSELF that I should tend to because the answer to the future lies in my OWN hands. As always in life, there is a CHOICE. 
   And my choice, LOVE is worth all the risk.
   In the film Y Tu Mama Tambien, one of the characters said that "Life is like a surf, so give yourself away to the sea." Somehow, this is how I feel right now. One cannot be involved with LOVE and not surrender everything to it. For if it not, that would be entirely selfish or worse it is a complete lie. 
   As they say, it does not do to dwell on the past, uncertainty, fear, or doubt and forget to live.

   Right NOW, I'm taking the risk. Right now, I'm feeling love, living it, and loving it.

__________________

To YOU, I thank GOD for the gift of you. 

I pray to have many more SUNRISES with you.
I love you. 


No rush, lets take it one day at a time.

Colorblind and loving it...

I recently encountered this song by Britain Pop Idol Winner Darius Danesh and instantly got hooked to it, again. The song (aptly titled Colourblind) was released in 2002 and instantly became a number 1 hit in the UK. It was his first single off his debut album DIVE IN. The album proved to be a huge success and sold over 300,000 copies in the UK alone.

I distinctly remember this song being used by the clothing brand PENSHOPPE for one of their earlier ads. I was instantly glued to the song by its catchy tune and playful use of different colors in the lyrics.

I have to agree with the song that being COLORBLIND is not a handicap or a defect, rather it is an explosion of emotions brought about by different hues and shades of your own feelings.

Definitely, I am appreciating this song more and more each day.

Colourblind

Darius Danesh

Feelin’ blue, while I’m trying to forget the feeling that I miss you

Feelin’ green, when the jealousy swells and it wont go away in dreams

Feelin’ yellow, I’m confused inside

A little hazy but mellow when I feel your eyes on me

Feelin’ fine! Sublime!

When that smile of yours creeps into my mind

Nobody told me you’d feel so good

Nobody said you’d be so beautiful

Nobody warned me about your smile

You’re the light, you’re the light

When I close my eyes

I’m colour blind

You make me colour blind

Feelin’ red, when you spend all your time with your friends

and not me instead

Feelin’ black, when I think about all the things that I feel I lack

Feelin’ jaded, when it’s not gone right

All the colours have faded, then I feel your eyes on me

Feelin’ fine! Sublime!

When that smile of yours creeps into my mind

Nobody told me you’d feel so good

Nobody said you’d be so beautiful

Nobody warned me about your smile

You’re the light, you’re the light

When I close my eyes

I’m colour blind

You make me colour blind

Blinded by the light you shine, the colours fade completely

Blinded by you every time, I feel your smile defeat me

I’m colour blind

I just cant deny this feeling

Nobody told me you’d feel so good

Nobody said you’d be so beautiful

Nobody warned me about your smile

You’re the light, you’re the light

When I close my eyes

I’m colour blind

You make me colour blind.

Corazon C. Aquino (1933-2009)

Corazon C. Aquino

(1933-2009)

Freedom Fighter. Champion of Peace. Icon of Democracy. Proud Filipino. President. Wife. Mother.

My HERO.

Dyspnea: The Last Airbender

I can’t wait for the live action – film adaptation of Avatar: The Last Airbender to be released into the big screen. I was so addicted to the animated production from the start (I was in college, back then) until it aired its series finale around a year ago. Many would think that the show is for kids (yeah, I admit, it was not targeted for my age group), but then who are you to judge the child in me? Right? (*lol)

In a nutshell, Avatar: The Last Airbender chronicles the story of a young boy destined to bring back balance into a world ravaged by greed and war. The main character, Aang, together with his friends must save the world by defeating the Fire Lord thereby ending the destructive war brought about by the fire nation. I no longer want to post details in here and not pre-empt the story for those who are interested to watch or discover why many people are going gaga over it. (For those who prefer to know the story in advance, there’s always Google).

It’s a long wait for the film is due for release on July 2010. Nonetheless, it gives me more time to re-watch the entire Book 1 of the animated series. So it’s just apt for you to follow suit. The DVD copies of the entire series are all out in the market so grab a copy.

The Last Airbender, is the first film in the planned The Last Airbender Trilogy (guys, support it so that production won’t be shelved after the first installement). The film is adapted, directed, and produced by M. Night Shyamalan (director of The Sixth Sense, Signs, and Lady in the Water) and will feature new-comer Noah Ringer as Aang, Nicola Peltz as Katara, Jackson Rathborne as Sokka and Dev Patel (of Slumdog Millionaire fame) as Prince Zuko.

I am pleased to note that James Newton Howard (The Dark Knight, The Sixth Sense, Treasure Planet) will join the production team as Musical Scorer/Composer (?). This is no longer a surprise for me as Newton-Howard has previously worked with Shyamalan before with The Sixth Sense and The Village. Another great news is that Judianna Makovsky will join the team as Costume Designer. She was also the costume designer for Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone (my personal fave among the series) and Xmen: The Last Stand, to name a few.

Truly, I just cannot wait for my eyes to feast on the visual imagery of M. Night Shyamalan. I hope he does not disappoint me this time. For now, I leave you with the teaser trailer. It might not be much but you have to admit, it does tickle your interest.

You might want to check out these other sites for more information:

Official Website
The Last Airbender at IMDB
Avatar Wiki Article
Official Nickelodeon Site

Post Nasal Drip: LP Rocks Transformers 2

Linkin Park heralds the soundtrack of this season's expected megahit - Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen. The newest single NEW DIVIDE, released just yesterday is currently creating waves of both positive and negative responses from fans and critics alike. Admittedly, it is their first song put out in quite a while after releasing Minutes to Midnight more than two years ago. While it is not exactly a clone/copy of their prior hits, it has a dynamic new sound to it but not totally dilineating from the sound that makes them Linkin Park. I really like how it catches on me and how Chester Bennington has evolved into a more seasoned and mature singer than before. The entire band has completely grown and I can't wait to get my hands on the Transformers soundtrack after hearing this song.

You can download New Divide exclusively via iTunes here.





other links:
Review by www.newreviews.net
Lyrics from Mike Shinoda's blog
Official Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen site

A Mid-year Resolution

Today, I made a resolution. I need to be a little more serious about finding a new job. Not that I really need a new one but I feel that it’s about time for me to move on to the next level. I am hoping and praying that I can find a job abroad but in the meantime I have to settle for just being here in the Philippines.

Honestly, I need a higher paying job so that I can pay my dues and fees for all of my application requirements for a job abroad. That’s just it. Other than that, I really don’t have reasons to leave my current job. Truth is, I love my job. I love what I do. It’s just that working with auditing and consulting firms are not financially rewarding. Ask my fellow CPAs who toil with auditing firms and they will surely back me up.

But in terms of experience, auditing firms are a treasure trove. Most people in the “accounting and auditing” world that I look up to would always suggest that, as new CPAs, we should start our careers with an auditing firm. The pay may not that be much but the experience and the learning we will gain is just priceless. They would say that just persevere for the next 3 years and from there watch your market value soar up.

I am trying to “persevere,” as they call it but is seems my cup can never be full. I want to become lots of things which is quite dangerous at my age – it would simply mean I still do not know where I am heading to. That’s a shocker, right? Me, the ever career oriented person, LOST!?!

But then again, some things in life change. As we travel and live our lives, we learn that we want things to happen. We regret some decisions we made and hope we can change whatever mistakes we did in the past. Some might even shrug off their shoulders and continue to live the same lives they chose before. It may not be the right thing to do but, perhaps, it’s totally late to change everything. I believe it is never too late to change. It is never too late to take a detour or a U-turn and head towards another direction.

So how do we know that we need to shift gears and change lanes? We think about it. We weigh the pros and the cons. We compare the benefits against the possible consequences. Most of all, We PRAY about it. We do not simply keep our fingers cross and leave everything to chance because that is a dire act of sheer stupidity. The key is discern and pray.

So far, I have made little progress about that resolution. I still have, yet again, to revise my resume (or cv/curriculum vitae) and update all my contact information. The fact that I languidly sit on all of these does not help, not a single bit.

I am going into my 3rd year this November 26th. That’s roughly 5 months from now. And the pressure for me finding a better (in a complete picture) job is mounting.

And about that “market value surge” thing – that I yet have to see or feel.

Nonetheless, life must go on.