Churos con Chocolate

Today, a man who I have supported and stood by since the pre-election wars shook the Philippine History. President Benigno "Noynoy" C. Aquino III swore in front of a race, that he will lead them to reform.

If you fail to witness our new President exclaim his inaugural speech, here is the link to the speech manuscript. Print it in waterproof, your tears might ruin it.

To celebrate this momentous moment, let me and my friend get lost in Churos con Chocolate from Dulcinea. Its cheap but very tasty. The chocolate is fantastic!

And here is a Yellow Ribbon wallpaper I resized to 400x240 pixels. Its my new phone wallpaper.

Iacta alea est

means the "the die (singular of dice) is cast". He took oath and he is now the president.

Let's celebrate with the Deathly Hallows trailer.

Voldemort: Why do you live?

Harry: Because I have something worth living for.

Me: Rawr!

CebuPacificAir.com Flight Sale and My Favorite Knife

I knew the day before that Cebu Pacific will be lowering their airfares from thousands to fifteen pesos. Thats ten plus five pesos. Meaning, with twenty pesos, you can either go to Manila and enjoy ice water or buy a Cornetto ice cream.

Of course, I planned all the possible flights my family can take. After I hit the search button, this little message gets through:

Cebu Pacific, I introduce you to my knife. Which I am now very inspired to drive deep into your flesh. What a shame that your header's background is yellow. You are a blasphemy to the INAUGURATION of Noynoy.

Panic for Paranoia

Every student in Pisay Western Visayas (not sure about the other campuses) who desires graduation must at least once in his/her life submit him/herself to a research defense. The research defense is an event characterized by a group of at least 4 teachers, a projector, a laptop and one or more students. On a wall, a Powerpoint presentation is projected. On the table, food is consumed. On the minds, a sort of forest fair. 

Now, the research teachers are in rush to get us into data gathering but before any gathering, you need to undergo defense. I had my share of staring at classmates walking back and forth, being restless and panicky, crying in fear, drowning in sweat and a lot of other disturbing behaviors so I have to share my experiences with defense.

We managed to schedule our defense late last school year, ahead of more than 75% of the batch. Not because we feed and live on research, but because our problem was simple.

It was an afternoon. With a laptop, some Coke cans and bread, and a cellphone on my hand (I have a big hand) and two groupmates behind me, we prepared for our defense. Apparently, nature preferred that I be a speaker than a paperwork person. Almost all the print-outs and information was contributed by my groupmates. I felt the pressure to talk a lot. We were scared. Imagine you saw an old woman staring down at you while you deposit funds in the toilet. It was that scary.

We entered the room, hooked up the wires and started presenting. I felt like every breath, every heart beat, every twitch was watched by the panel. I couldn't wipe my face, scratch my nose or even breath at a normal pace. My brain was also in turmoil. The energy I spent on thinking consumed all of my meals that day. It was like being a super paranoid for an hour. The questions of the panel felt like stabs to my heart. After the defense, nothing else mattered than cheering myself up to recover. Unfortunately, my coping mechanisms involves dancing, excessive singing and a lot more. Authorities said mortality rate increased afterwards.

Although the goals of the defense is to make sure no major error is committed when the work is on the final steps (invalidating your two years of research), it can be very stressful. I don't condemn this practice and I understand that to be a good scientist you need to accept scrutiny. I'm just sharing about what an emotional roller coaster a teen has to go through every defense.

How to be happy

Apparently, some of my Facebook friends shake with fear upon reading my status updates. I have been moody and extraordinarily sensitive these times so most of my statuses for the last month have been comparable to suicide notes. I have received the message and I learned my lesson: Facebook, no matter how open to the violent public, is still braved by sensitive people.

So from now on, I'm happy online. Except for my blog which is rarely read.

And if you ask me how to be happy? Force yourself to be. Happiness is a product of effort. For example, in front of tons of assignments, a failing heart, a turmoil of emotions, and a lot of other hell sent stuff, give a giant smile. Now your happy. But seriously though, happiness needs effort.

Spell "Spageti"

Spaghetti isn't exactly the first word you'd learn to write in the first few years of your life. For as long as I can remember, D-O-G was my first spelling word. But here comes Dulcinea, with all her Spanish glory, spelling 'spageti' like no other, without hesitation:

Dulcinea is a Spanish-influenced restaurant strategically located near the second floor main exit of SM City Iloilo. Strategically because if you fail to plan out the cost, they can go over your lifetime's budget, and you might need your chance in running away. Well, its worth the try, the dining I mean.

Happy Independence Day!

Last June 12, 1898, the Philippines was declared independent on the azotea, in front of hundreds of people, in Kawit, Cavite (back then known as el viejo or in English, the old). Now, its 2010 and in the 112 years of remembering those who suffered for freedom, here is a quote from Yan Yuzon's Twitter:

"Happy Independence Day. Remember freedom is not just a gift from those who bled for it, but a responsibility for those who are born into it." 

Amen!

And here is a photo of a dancer from SM. I took it for the sake of showing off the mystical powers of my color splash diffusers. Yes, I can talk camera.

Google's Independence Day Logo and the New Blogger Theme Designer

Google PH's new logo for the Independence Day!

Can you sense my new Blog Theme? Thank you very much to the new Blogger theme designer which is the BEST! One of the reasons why I love Wordpress more than Blogger is that Wordpress' themes are hotter than Blogger's un-updated ones, now for me, Blogger is the best!

Screen Caps of Glee Season 1 Finale

Here are my  screencaps of the Season 1 finale of Glee. 

It wasn't a good way to end a good season. The whole episode was out of balance in emotions but the ending suggested a season 2.

I started getting attached to Glee since I finally figured out what type of person Rachel was. She boasts only the truth and she works for what she wants. I like her although she might have flexed her jaws too much that sometimes when she sings, it confuses me. Am I watching a Jaws installment or a musical? I bet she can chew her whole hand.

Too bad I had to watch Glee from an illegal source. Hulu and Fox streaming websites fear that our third world country will have the equipment to hack their websites. As far as I know, internet advancements in the Philippines are heavily limited by equipment (and definitely not by brains). My teacher even said the Philippine inter-networks are 'dirty'. He said that accessing local websites still require global cooperation when requests and access could easily be processed and transmitted locally.   Just imagine sending a package from Iloilo to Guatamela and then to Manila! 

I can't really rant about why the government doesn't care about our internet technology because I'm glad we are focusing on teaching the youth how to use computers, thus computer science subjects. You know what they say: "Aanhin mo nga naman ang damo, kung brain dead and kabayo mo." I'll rather teach a horse how to chew before buying tons of his food. 

Authentic Pinoy Music c/o Grace Nono

Grace Nono's Padayon


Anungan:

How air conditioning can advance your death

Many people would prefer using air conditioners to counter the extreme Philippine heat that can cause heat strokes or even sudden viand-ism (symptoms are: just imagine an egg frying then imagine the egg being you). Even more people dislike my idea of cheaper electric fans over expensive air conditioners. Let me explain to you what you are not liking.

For example, I use the aircon everytime I feel uncomfortable with the temperature. I am afterwards relieved of all the stresses of global warming. After a few months, scientists were right and global warming raises the temperature of earth severely, leaving all air conditioners useless and weak life dead. When I say weak life, that includes me. I'm dead.

Why weak? Because of the aircon, your body didn't get to warm up its normal responses to hot temperature so the next time you expose yourself to temperature more than 22 degrees Celsius, you sweat like a pig. After several more hours, you dehydrate, imitate a raisin and die with your air conditioner. Thats why in my residence, I keep the aircon off as much as possible. Added to the longer lifespan you will receive is a more possible electric bill.

If this article ever becomes famous, electric fan manufacturers should pay me.

Alejandro Music Video, the real thing!

Many non-believers thought Lady Gaga would do a Madonna 'Vogue' rip-off with all the B and W leaked photos.

They just got served. When did Madonna ever rape a dozen chained boys? Or carried a chained heart on a snow funeral? Or even sang about Mexicans? Or supported 'arinola' haircuts? Or digested all the beads of a rosary?

This is a reason why I love Lady Gaga: surprising. Its the thrill that keeps me going.

P.S. Ely Buendia, I'm still a fan. Lady Gaga plus you will be the nearest thing to perfection humanity will ever have.

Procalamation tomorrow

Did anyone notice its been a month since the elections?

Tomorrow, June 9, 2010, Noynoy Aquino will be proclaimed as the next president. Let me hear a yahoo from all the supporters out there! I was a Noynoy supporter because I had great belief in what a household does to determine the traits of a child plus I prefer sincerity over credentials. Sitting as president, many will guide you and help you out so knowledge or experience isn't required but it takes a lot of sincerity to choose the best for the people and not only yourself.

Binay, on the other hand, has starred in many headlines concerning corruption and I am not sure about his credentials or sincerity. The advancement of Makati under his reign was only self-proclaimed and being a member of the opposite party, I guess he will try to stop some of Noynoy's projects. I hoped Mar Roxas would sit on the Vice Executive chair but 700,000+ people pushed through Binay.

But anyway, there is only one thing I can say. New leaders FTW!

A Diary and Two Shirts

I kept a diary when I was in second year. Now that I'm in the fourth year of torture high school, I had a chance to read textual events of my life almost two years ago. It was an amazing experience (aside from it reminded me that I'm aging)  but my discipline on keeping the diary lasted for less than a month. After a few weeks, my life was off limits to any other diary than this old blog.

After the diary was a little section I called 'Describe in Grudges' and it was written when I had a week long episode of extreme depression. The depression was so intense that I was suddenly anti-social, easily annoyed and scarce of appetite. When I re-read that section, even my chair was giggling. I sounded like a pre-suicidal teenage father. Nevertheless, diaries are responsibilities but become very valuable luxuries as we grow old.

A simple grain of thought to all out there who are depressed and are 'new' their depression, write a diary and realize the power of hormones over the brain. Diary-ing also keeps  you from expressing yourself in more violent forms to the likes of wrist slashing or cliff jumping.

One very important event that will definitely reach my diary is ... drum roll... I finally got my Eraserheads tees. I bought it online from an excellent seller (link to item).

My two jealous classmates, modeling what they don't own.

Too bad you couldn't see their faces. Hahahaha

Nuns swimming away the sunny season

Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration announced yesterday that the rain season has set in.

After almost 2 months of boiling temperatures, the likes comparable only to hell, rainy season has finally set. As uncertain as humans are, I'm expecting complaints about rain and all the bad things it brings: the water-borne diseases, increase in water breeding vectors (like the ones that deliver dengue), the mud and the additional weight of an umbrella.

Above is a photo of nuns defeating the summer deadline in

an exclusive beach in Batangas.

Photo by Boy Santos. Published here.

I adore nuns for their self-discipline, poise and mysteriousness. Have you ever seen them enjoying the beach? Well, I haven't before this picture. Look at those ladies enjoying the natural blessings of their Master. Judging from the photo angle and cropping, this was a stolen shot. Naughty photographer. 

Elmo and Ely on Party Pilipinas

I was telling everybody I would read the whole day last Sunday. After a few hours I visited Facebook and heard textual screams of awe from the Elmo and Ely performance on Party Pilipinas! I hate that GMA 7 got Ely and Elmo's contracts. ABS-CBN could have been better.

On a first Monday

Photo caption: Me, together with a Sprite bottle on my head, a green ballpen on my fingers and a green thing on my right hand are out to survive today. Good things come in green(like leaves).

We opened last week to jokes, activities, teachers who were not in the mood to start teaching their courses and students who were willing to learn about the summer escapades of everyone more than anything.

Today, a Monday, was different. It was baptized using a 7 AM flag ceremony where we have to let our skin be raped by the harsh sun. My face was red and stinging by the time we were allowed to go back to our classes. Not a good start for a week. I checked the schedule which I was already familiar with. Physics 3, Biology 3, Chemistry 3 and Mathematics 5. I almost forgot about happiness.

It was tormenting but adaptable. In a few more Mondays or so, I will start limiting my panic attacks to almost none. And I'm starting a creative project together with my Tumblr account(follow me). Introducing, "One-photo-a-day-for-God-knows-until-when". I'll be using my high end, 2-megapixel colored phone and a DSLR camera I have been storing for weeks. At least it can keep me entertained and not devoured in whole by the school year's schedule.

Note: The Photo-a-day idea was suggested to me by a friend who comes from the borders of the Philippine Islands. For the 3 years we have been classmates, she gained my trust and she is living proof that I do not discriminate ethnically.

On travelling

At high hopes of capturing a leprechaun or anything unusual, I stuck my phone video camera on the car window and started recording. Tell me if you see something unusual.

Everytime I realize the video quality is very bad, I have to think that cellphones were made for communications and not to replace video cameras.

So your ears are hungry?

I'll feed it with Travie McCoy and reggae-rap fusion.



Watching the video is optional, audio required.

Reading assignment: Stardust

If you have read this post, you will know that I have purchased a Neil Gaiman book with my new school supplies. So for today, my goal is to detach from computers, television or any other media aside from the book. My goal is to finish reading the book in 5 hours which is very possible because it is fun and captivating. Afterwards, I'll be writing a review for those who want to get themselves a copy.

Goodbye Facebook and Face to Face in TV5. Let me intoxicate with Gaiman and Stardust.

Banning Cigarettes

I have been baffled by the fact that cigarettes, medically, don't give enough benefits to weigh out its harm and it is still cheaply and readily available in stores here in the Philippines. Its like selling packets of lung cancer and toxins to people for a very cheap price.

Why can't smoking be illegalized?

I have seen money being wasted on cigarette packs, next on hospital bills. Families being brought apart by this unhealthy vice. People seeking rehabilitation but are never able to stop their smoking. Its a national problem we humans have grown so much it can overpower us. 

I wonder what happens now that our next president is a chain smoker. I do not condemn him and I believe in his capabilities as a leader but not every Filipino can afford the costs of smoking. Smoking can kill faster when you are poor. Being a smoker himself, he might not act upon smoking. He might protect a fragment of himself. For me, smoking is a disease that can be cured. I would save the smoker and condemn the cigarettes. I hope this problem will find a resolution soon.

A draft of my proposed bill: Sorry, I don't speak legalese.

Every pack of cigarette will be taxed 500 Pesos. Every individual stick bought will be taxed 100 Pesos. The collected tax money, instead of going to the pockets of leaders, will go directly to NGO's who will handle the rehabilitation of smokers. Any purchase of cigarettes of any kind that are without tax is punishable by live lung mutilation or simply put: You lie down in bed, chained and your lung will be crushed using a metal tube inserted on the area where you touch when you sing the national anthem, its apparent that its a painful way to die.

That was a very long way to say STOP SMOKING. The deliberation of my bill will be a test to officials if they serve themselves or the health of the population.

Just a reminder

in techno:


I received news from a very questionable source that the Eraserheads box set is to be sold on June 11, 2010. Lady Gaga's Alejandro music video will be release 4 days before the box set. See, June can also be a happy month.

Back to School Spending

Optional to read:
Its the second day of school and I have to handle a group of nine freshmen. I had to guide them through all the activities of the Freshmen Orientation Program (FOP) and it was very tiring. I am very beat up and sleepy but as testimony to my commitment to be a better blogger, I drank brewed coffee with less sugar. Its to keep me awake for as long as this blog post is over with.

By now, you know that school is back early. Same as every year and every student, I need to purchase stuff for schooling. Others refer to it as "Back to School Shopping" but I prefer to call it "Hours of decision making on how to spend cashed human labor: School Supplies edition". I enjoy abusing my right of being unique.

Photo 1.1 What I bought were nothing fancy and it took

me under an hour to meet with the cashier.

Photo 1.1 Here are (from top left to the right ) my new intermediate pad paper, a pre-covered spring notebook with 'You can lead a horse to the river but you can never lead the horse to drink(it reminds me that the teachers don't do the learning for me)', a binder notebook with May The Force Be With You (MTFBWY) print and a ziplock pencil case on the back, a Neil Gaiman 'Stardust' in paperback and a Get into the Green Scene notebook bought entirely because of guilt.

I am not really interested in discussing the other stuff. But I am very willing to talk about the Stardust book which I have been staring at for weeks already. I have only read one Gaiman book which was The Graveyard Book and I am already assured that 400 Pesos spent on a fraction of Gaiman's brain is worth it.

Prince of Persia: Sand Everywhere

Prince, please watch your eyes.

One of my greatest 'teenhood' fantasy is to be a film critic (alongside being a doctor and astronaut). Because I want to be a film critic, I expose myself to indie films, most of them Filipino, and I try to familiarize with alien cultures as much as possible. "To understand a product, you must know the manufacturers", marketing whores would say. Same as in films, to understand the movie, you must understand the filmmaker and his culture.

Criticizing "Prince of Persia: Sands of Time" (hereafter referred to as PoP, curse long movie names) is very hard to review because it is a commercial movie. A movie that isn't made for the art but for the people. Commercial movies are where financial health is calculated rather than the cultural value. Its also where director's act like dumb viewers and not as animate visual artists. PoP was a form of entertainment. If you want to spend 2 hours of your life sitting down and watching flashing lights, go see the movie. If you want to see an artwork, a masterpiece in film, stay away.

Personally, I did not want to watch PoP but my cousins assured me, by the power of movie trailers, that it was going to be amazing. It wasn't, at least for me. Entertaining but not moving or earth-shaking. 

I have high standards no box office film will ever meet so good luck, directors. When I grow up, I will not only be a movie critic but also a challenge to my generation's filmmakers.

If you were expecting a comprehensible review of the movie from this post, here is a brief and general opinion:

If you enjoy being buried in sand and you enjoy sand in your every body part, watch the movie. And if you think the Terminator with Arnold Swac*******ger was brilliant, you need to watch this. And if you can only associate Jake to Brokeback Mountain, watch this also. I used reason number 3.

I should note that this bad reaction to the film maybe because I think brilliant movies should not be heavily funded (although I liked Avatar) or overly publicized. My brain tells me to appreciate the work of the homeless rather than the millionaire's. Unfair, but earth is never fair. 

First day of school

Today is the first day of school. I really have a hard time figuring out if I'm happy that its back or I'm just too sad to even understand my emotions. I reported about 7:00 AM at school which is thirty minutes earlier than required. School was school. It didn't sparkle in new school year cleanliness and the buildings seem to be bored.

A mass was celebrated and the new scholars were called up on stage and applauded. It was moving to see yourself as a senior already when just a few days ago, you yourself pranced on that stage and was introduced as a freshman. Amazing how time flies. So fast that it warps itself. 3 years didn't seem that long.

For the last two years, we have to climb two pairs of staircases to get into our room. At first, it was torture but when you realize your legs are much stronger than the people on the first floor, you become contented. Some things seem like torture but they become blessings when understood. Like school, you wake up early, take a bath everyday and do truckloads of work everyday. Yesterday I realized that without school, I wouldn't know why tress are necessary. Time also changes our way of thought.

For now, I have nothing expect for fourth year. Honestly, I'm contended with what I know but learning, unfortunately, is limited only by the learner. Learning will never end unless your brain dead. Learning will be there forever and no matter how you want stop learning, more and more things will invade your brain. Scientifically, the human brain will never overflow nor explode.  So I'm suggesting you gather all your books, sweep the floor, lay down and read 'til your blind. Tell me afterwards how it feels because I have been fantasizing about doing that.

I suck at looking for web images.

Wondering why my school opened very early? We are trying to break the least summer days ever. Slightly kidding.