Never Let Me Go: Movie Review Plus My Personal Analysis and Reflection (Spoiler Alert)

So last weekend, I was on an out of town trip with office mates.  And while they were on a drinking spree, I decided to watch a movie called "Never Let Me Go", a movie I happen to have stumbled upon as a recommend film by fellow movie lovers.

Never Let Me Go (2010) is a movie adaptation of a novel by Kazuo Ishiguro of the same name.  The movie is 103 minutes long.  The cast really did well in acting.    The movie is centered on three main casts: Kathy H (played by Izzy Meikle-Small and Carey Mulligan), along with her friends Tommy (played by Charlie Rowe and Andrew Garfield) and Ruth (played by Ella Purnell and Keira Knightley).  

The entire movie is based on the narration of Kathy when she is already 28 years old as she reminisces about her childhood.  The story begins when she was 7 years old and at a boarding school called Hailsham in the 1970's and stretches out until the present when the beginning and ending scene will collide.

The movie is a mix genre: romance, drama and sci-fi.  The sci-fi part comes of as something that is mysterious and slowly unfolding throughout the movie.   As the beginning narration begins with Kathy stating: 
"My name is Kathy H.  I'm 28 years old.  I've been a carer for 9 years. And I'm good at my job.  My patients always do better than expected and are hardly ever classified as agitated, even if they're about to make a donation.  I'm not trying to boast, but I feel a great sense of pride in what we do.  Carers and donors have achieved so much. That said, we aren't machines.  In the end, it wears you down.  I suppose that's why I now spend most of my time not looking forwards but looking back, to The Cottages and Hailsham, and what happened to us there."

To fully appreciate the plot, you have to play within its context.  And that is they as clones classified as carers and donors, fully accept their fate from the moment they were created.  Also it didn't make sense why they didn't chose to be a carer so they can extend their lives a bit because they are given the task to care for other donors before they begin donating.  But, let's skip pass that as the movie is about how they cope with their given circumstances.

Although it is fictional, it's very much relatable which makes it a really good movie.  The movie itself is sufficient to disclose a lot of deep points which Kazuo Ishiguro wants to present to the readers.  But, it made me uncontented so I just had to read the book after watching it.  They were points revealed on the 300-page novel which was not encompassed in the movie probably due to lack of time.  In terms of production, I'd say they really did well with their $ 15 million budget.  I even feel bad that this movie only achieved a $ 9.4 million box office hit as I believe it deserves much more than that.

My Personal Analysis and Reflection 
The movie and novel really has a lot to uncover so dwell with me as I try to release my thoughts on the issues that I've unveiled.

Life
After playing the cassette tape of Judy Bridgewater called Songs After Dark with the song “Never Let Me Go", Ms. Lucy (their guardian) reveal to them their purpose in a very sentimental and emotional way: Ms. Lucy: "The problem is you've been told and not told. That's what I've seen while I've been here. You've been told but none of you really understand. So I've decided I'll talk to you in a way that you will understand. Do you know what happens to children when they grow up? No, you don't, because nobody knows. They might grow up to become actors, move to America. Or they might work in supermarkets. Or teach in schools. They might become sportsmen or bus conductors or racing car drivers. They might do almost anything. But with you we do know. None of you will go to America. None of you will work in supermarkets. None of you will do anything except live the life that has already been set out for you. You will become adults, but only briefly. Before you are old, before you are even middle-aged, you will start to donate your vital organs. That's what you were created to do. And sometime around your third or fourth donation, your short life will be complete. You have to know who you are and what you are. It's the only way you'll lead decent lives."
The song is about a woman’s love for her baby.  It is also the title of the movie and the novel which I have yet to understand why.
~ These 3 characters knew from age 7 how limited their time was.  And, yet they end up spending it in a regretful way.  It is no different from how some of us deal with our lives too (not just relationships).  Sure, we may have longer lives but still it is limited and beyond our controllable when it ends.  But, do we really go after what we desire the most so that we can say that we have lived our lives without regrets? 

Contentment
As Kathy states in the ending "I come here and imagine that this is the spot where everything I've lost since my childhood has washed up. I tell myself if that were true, and I waited long enough, then a tiny figure would appear on the horizon across the field and gradually get larger until I'd see it was Tommy. He'd wave and maybe call. I don't let the fantasy go beyond that. I can't let it. I remind myself I was lucky to have had any time with him at all. What I'm not sure about is if our lives have been so different from the lives of the people we save. We all complete. Maybe none of us really understand what we've lived through or feel we've had enough time. When we are scattered afar and asunder. Parted are those who are singing today When we look back and forgetfully wonder What we were like in our learning and play Oh, the great days will bring distance enchanted Days of fresh air in the rain and the sun How we rejoiced as we struggled and panted Echoes of dreamland, Hailsham lives on."
~ No matter how bad the circumstance we encounter, we can always make ourselves believe that we are lucky and that we should feel contented.  We have no choice but to believe that to be so.  We can relieve moments from our memories and satisfy ourselves with that.  Or, we can make ourselves endlessly hope so we have something to look forward to.  Everything can be as we want to believe... there is no right or wrong...as long as we can move along in our lives.

Feelings and Relationship
When they were 7, Tommy was teased because he had an uncontrollable tantrum, Kathy always tried to reach out to him.  In the movie Tommy's feeling were subtly showed by the way they looked at each other, Tommy's words: "I mean, I wouldn't want to hit any girl. But particularly not you." and his gesture when he gave her a cassette tape of Judy Bridgewater called Songs After Dark with the song “Never Let Me Go". 
~ In this part it is quite clear to us audience that Tommy and Kathy had feelings for each other and somehow led us to expect or wish that it would somehow become fruitful for the two. 

But because of Ruth was more outspoken than Kathy who was reserved and pragmatic, at the age of 15 Tommy and Ruth became a couple.  It was quite clear from Kathy's narration that Ruth chose Tommy (something Kathy could never do even if she wanted to).
Kathy: "I didn't understand why, after all her teasing, Ruth would decide that Tommy was the boy she liked most of all. They say girls are always mean to the boys they like. So maybe Ruth had liked him all along. Maybe I should have teased him, too. I kept hoping they would separate, like the other childhood and teenage romances at the school. They never did."
~ In this part, I was a bit disappointed when Ruth and Tommy ended up together.  But, I thought it was realistic.  I've seen this happen a lot in my surrounding especially with girls.  In our culture where girls are courted by guys, I think girls are placed on the same circumstance as Kathy.  It doesn't matter if she has feelings for some guy.  All she ever has to consider is the guy who chooses to be with her and the aging even limits the time for considering.  As for guys, being prideful creatures, some are also afraid of rejection.  They'd rather choose the one that flirts with them rather than risk with those who they think are difficult for them to woo or those who are difficult for them to support, take care of and satisfy.  And, they also consider those that fit the norms based on looks and shape perhaps rather than going for those which would have been more compatible with them.

When they are 18, they are moved to "The Cottages", where it is depicted to show that Ruth and Tommy are in a sexual but loveless relationship.

Kathy was obviously affected but she dealt with it by applying to be a carer and leave the place.  She chose to avoid and run away from it and never thought of encountering the two again.  But at the age of around 27 when she accidentally saw Ruth at the hospital, she couldn't have but opt to be the carer for her childhood friend.

On the other hand, Ruth had a different way of handling the situation which is revealed when Kathy found her after her second donation and she was about to die that she confessed to both Kathy and Tommy.
Ruth: "I'd like you to forgive me. I don't expect you to. Forgive you for what? For keeping you and Tommy apart. Should have been you two together, I always knew it. As far back as I can remember.
It wasn't just because of the rumors about deferrals. It was because I was jealous. You had real love
and I didn't, and I didn't want to be the one that was left alone.  It's the worst thing I ever did.  And now I want to put it right. xxx I can if you two get a deferral. xxx It wasn't easy, but I've had years to think about what I did. And years to try and work out a way to make it right."

Tommy was always a passive character.  He never showed his feelings for Kathy until Ruth allowed him to which is probably why he believed that there was a deferral and he could request more time with Kathy who he truly loves.  He always knew he truly loved Kathy which is why he knew he couldn't try the deferral with Ruth but he went on a loveless sexual relationship with her anyway.  As expected, Tommy was the one with the biggest tantrum and regret when they found out that there was really no such thing as a deferral until the momeent he died.
~ These showed different ways on how we handle our feelings, the choices we make and the consequences that follows it.  It's very relatable in our lives today as shown by scientific studies on unhappy marriages, criminal cases filed for rape, adultery and concubinage (and other forms of unfaithfulness revealed on surveys that aren't filed and often condoned), divorce and annulment rates, children born out of wedlock and more.  

Tommy's interpretation of  "The Gallery" is also an interesting aspect. It was also a medium for him to express his true feelings.
Tommy: "Suppose for a second that the rumor is true. That there is a special arrangement for Hailsham students, if they're in love. Well, there would have to be some kind of way to decide if couples are telling the truth and not just lying to put off their donations. That's what The Gallery could be for. In The Gallery they have everything about us they need to know.  So if we say that we're in love, they can look into our souls and they can see. They'll know if it's real love or if it's just a lie."

While at Hailsham, Tommy never drew.  But, he started drawing after finding out about the deferrals.  During this time, he was with Ruth and yet he was creating arts hoping he'd be deferred with Kathy.
Tommy: "I started doing them when we were at The Cottages.xxx I realized that if I was ever going to apply for a deferral, then I'd have to show them something. And I've done hundreds of them over the years.xxx I have never showed anyone them until now. They were my secret."

Tommy's desire of course was only exposed near the end when he and Kathy tried to apply for the deferrals.
Tommy: "So... We're in love. And it's true love. It's verifiable. xxxWell, we'd heard about the deferrals. And we'd worked out the purpose of The Gallery. xxx To use our art from Hailsham to look into our souls, which would verify that we deserved a deferral. But the problem is I was a little bit mixed up back then and I didn't really do any art, so you never took anything of mine. I know, I know that that is my fault and it is probably much too late, but I brought some stuff with me today. This is a book of stuff and... Other stuff here. Some of them I've done quite recently, and others were done several years ago, so there's a real spread."

~ These parts of the plot is what made it quite emotional and sad.  I felt sorry for Tommy not because he was a clone, not because he had little time but because he didn't have the courage to go for what he truly felt until it was too late.

~ Ruth's confession and Tommy's theory also differentiates true love (it's mysterious aspect) and a lie.  What Kathy and Tommy felt for each other was true.  And, we don't know the reason why.  It just happened that way.  It also showed the other reasons to enter into a relationship other that true love.  Ruth chose Tommy out of desperation because she didn't want to be the one left alone.  I think she chose Tommy because she was able to dominate him.  And Tommy who was passive, allowed himself to be dominated by Ruth although he always knew it was a lie and it was never explained why. Hope
Kathy knew the rumor of the deferral is false but she supported Tommy's decision to apply anyway.  No matter how stupid the idea was Tommy made himself believe in his theory just so he can spend more time with Kathy after he wasted all his chances of doing so in the past.
~ It is very human to grope on anything that can give us hope.  We believe in religion for a chance that they can be forgiven and given another chance after-life.  We believe in superstition for a chance to have additional luck and other benefits.  As someone once told me, if you could bet on two sides: win or lose, of course you'd bet on the possibility that you could win.  Besides if you believe, you have nothing to lose.  Many who are dying (some due to unlucky circumstances and most due to the consequence of failing to take care of their bodies) are going for any kind of treatment that could extend their lives... no matter how small the chances are, ridiculous it would sound or even if they are unverified (no therapeutic claims familiar?).

Beginnings
All of them are interested in finding out who their originals or possibles are despite already knowing their purpose for their creation.  
~ It is a human instinct to know our origin.  In the same way, adopted children still want to know their birth parents regardless of their state of well-being.  So I think what it is trying to relay to us is that we are made to reflect on our past and not just to look forward.

Cloning and Souls
Madame: "We didn't have The Gallery in order to look into your souls. We had The Gallery
to see if you had souls at all."
~ Up until recently, I had a very narrow view on cloning.  I thought that if we cloned, we will be playing God as we are able to create souls.  But, someone pointed it out to me that we are already creating souls when me copulate.  Thus, cloning of a human being with a soul will only be a different way of creating.  I have to agree. I think if we do clone, it will have a soul different from its original unless we only clone a body part, say a live tissue or cell of some sort, which of course would be incapable of living a life on its on.

Rainy Day Farewell

We meet again, on a rainy day…  We’ve been together for so many days that even rains hold so many memories.   

After the long silence with your usual frowning face, you utter, “You know you’re the one who broke up with me right?”  This time, I can firmly say “I did”.

After 5 years, I dreamt of you.   We had a long and meaningful conversation... It brought the same feeling as serious conversations we had that tugged my heart and where it reaches the very depths of my soul.

As usual you pointed out, what I missed and what I didn't understand.
You said "Don't you get it?.  We're different now.
Before we were lost in fear and surrounded by darkness, but now you only know love.
We've learned to see things in the light.  Even in the midst of our arguments, our anger, our struggle to defend our fears and our pride, we can no longer hold on to them as we once embraced them... instead we have developed the understanding to only see beyond and feel the our true nature with warmth and care.

We can't help it.  We've changed.  You've changed.  You have no more fears, no more hate, no more darkness... All you have is light.   You've earned it and live on."

I knew you were right.  I am different.  I am stronger.  And, I know I can go on because our experiences taught me.  You were always the better half.  And, I'm really the worse one you know.  I was just too spoiled.  Behind every person is another person who pushes them to be better.  For me, perhaps, the biggest catalyst aside from family is you. 

Thank you for your parting message...  I'm glad you found new love.  It's true, beliefs can change everything.  Change is the only thing constant and in order to survive we too can change our belief in love.  I'm sorry I lost my belief that we are meant to be.  Love is really only about that and never letting go.

“Belief, like fear or love, is a force to be understood as we understand the theory of relativity and principals of uncertainty. Phenomena that determine the course of our lives. Yesterday, my life was headed in one direction. Today, it is headed in another. Yesterday, I believe I would never have done what I did today. These forces that often remake time and space, that can shape and alter who we imagine ourselves to be, begin long before we are born and continue after we perish. Our lives and our choices, like quantum trajectories, are understood moment to moment. That each point of intersection, each encounter, suggest a new potential direction. Proposition, I have fallen in love with Luisa Rey. Is this possible? I just met her and yet, I feel like something important has happened to me.”
― David Mitchell, Cloud Atlas 

Life goes on regardless.  I will continue to do my best... I hope I can be kinder, understanding, forgiving, wiser (even if not smarter)  and confident (but not proud).  In this life, I can only pay it forward to anyone else except you.  And maybe, just maybe, in the next life, I can pay you back.

Who Saved Who

Behind the door, inside the walls
Sinking under the weight of it all
This old house is bound to fall
Can you hear me, can you hear me call?
Little did I know when I was reaching out
To help you
I was just as much in need of a rescue
Tell me who saved who, now?
If I showed you my old scars
My war wounds, my broken heart
Would you let down your iron guard,
Your armor, show me who you are
Little did I know when I was reaching out
To help you
I was just as much in need of a rescue
Tell me who saved who, now?
Tell me who saved who, now?
Love is devotion
It's more than emotion
It reaches in and it pulls us out
It lives in the moment
That can't be stolen
The more you give it just comes back around
Little did I know when I was reaching out
To help you
I was just in need of a rescue
Tell me who saved who, now?
Tell me who saved who, now?
Tell me who saved who, now?

极星

兜兜转转 生活像画圆圈

逃脱不掉 后退不了

早就习惯 这嘈杂世间

但我能感到 你在此间

靠近你以前

我倒数时间

想找到你 想抱紧你

为此我宁愿再等一千年

直到遇见你

美好得不真实

如此无与伦比

你的双眼像钻石 凝视着我

你是黑夜中的耀眼星火

别让我

在世间坠落漂泊

引着我

像极星守护着所有的角落

你让我

也爱过

谁都不曾 看到黑暗中间

真正的我 灰色的我

一边寻找 又一边思念

一次次感知 你在此间

靠近你以前

我狼狈不堪

害怕总是 重新开始

拉住我伸出又缩回的手

是你给我的勇敢

美好得不真实

如此无与伦比

你的双眼像钻石 凝视着我

你是黑夜中的耀眼星火

别让我

在世间坠落漂泊

引着我

像极星守护着所有的角落

你让我

也爱过

(Revisited nth time)

Welcoming the Rainy Days

How I loathe the dry humid feeling as wjenever I walk under the scorching heat of the sun during the summer.  I seek refuge to an electric fan or air cooler whenever I am home.  The garden soil were often dry so my siblings and I had to share the burden of watering the plants.  I wished the summer would end...

With the opening of the school days comes the rainy season.  During drizzling days, I am thankful on my of our plants and my laziness.  But when it rains hard, I scorn the feeling of weariness as I arrive late at home due the worsened traffic.  And, if I'm unlucky, I'd have to walk home through flood water up to knee level high. 

Yet, at the end of each day, life goes on.  And the weather like many circumstances in our lives becomes so insignificant because all we really care about is waking up to another day whether it rains or shines.

Is Generation Y's Direction Towards Self-Actualization Good or Bad?

Generation Y are those who are born between the 80's and the 90's.  The Generation Y are currently aged at around 20 to 30's.  I myself below to Generation Y.

Have you ever wondered why those in their 40's or 50's never bothered to shift from one work to another.  Most of them, have spent their lives working in one company for more than 10 years.  They don't mind working and working as long us they are rewarded.  But, I noticed that in our generation, the Generation Y, people are seeking towards their self-actualization or self-fulfillment.  People are not afraid to shift from one job to another, to study again or to spend for travelling and exploration.  I bet a lot of you are already looking for cheap holidays.  Working and living is more than just being able to eat and pay the bills.  People are not ashamed to leave their jobs and wander off to where they can find happiness.  Generation Y has a high self-esteem.  We value ourselves more than loyalty.   Our biggest worry is finding a happy and stable job before we become 30.

Is Generation Y's Direction Towards Self-Actualization Good or Bad?
While many may see Generation Y' traits as negative, I beg to differ.  I think it can be either good or bad.  Sure, it may take some time before they find a suitable job where they can be happy.  Some may even think that their endeavor is foolish and risky.  There may even be those who get lost in searching.  But, once they find the right job for them,  they will be more than willing to compete and fight for it.  Thereby making they're strong natural drive for self-fulfillment their source of limitless motivation, productivity and other possibilities.

Lost in Translation

I'm always fond of watching Asian drama and other foreign films.  I've always wondered if I'm missing something out.  Have you tried watching TV and a person will say something long in a foreign language and then the interpreter will say it in a short and quick sentence?

We are in a generation where globalization is bringing the world together.  But, I think we cannot deny that they are still language barriers that are preventing us from fully understanding each other.  I've always wondered how about the business transactions that are taking place.  I bet a simple misunderstanding would cause them a lot of money.  Then, I came across London Translation.  Apparently, there are reliable translating services we can avail for businesses too.

My Reflection After Watching Something Borrowed

Watching the main cast Rachel reminded me of myself.  She is a 30 year old lawyer who is way past her birth bearing age and doesn't love her job.  She always gives in to what other think or say.  She likes a guy but didn't feel confident that she could have him so he gave him up.  She always let her best friend win and she has a cool guy friend.

I realized I'm exactly like her.  I'm not sure whether I really want to be a lawyer.  I'm probably wasting my youth just studying for it.  I never want to decide on my own.  When people ask me, I always say "ikaw bahala" (you decide)  I always think that if I could sacrifice fo others its better than regretting not giving or doing enough for them.  I'm actually comfortable in succumbing to what others want.  I never speak up.  I guess that's why I'm not confident enough to have any relationships.  I don't want to expect, wait or fight and be disappointed.  I hate those complexities.  Perhaps, I lost my chance when I walked out on one a long time ago and I could never have the chance back again.  In terms of friendship, I've always let my best friend win.  Although admittedly,  my guy friend may not be as cool as Ethan in the movie but he used to be way more cool.  He just totally forgot about it.  I miss that coolest best friend though.

Funny, it was like watching myself.  Hopefully, my life is not yet on a dead end too.  Maybe, I would someday have the chance to fight for what I really want too.  Although right now, I'm not sure yet.  All I know is that I want to have a meaningful life and I feel happy when I help others.  I believe that life is really short and meaningless and when I help others, I feel like I get to live on in their memories even when I am away.

It got me thinking though.  Isn't Dex the jerk?  But the movie was presented like Rachel did all the wrong moves.  If it was me, I would've chosen the cool Ethan.  Imagine what Rachel did for Dex and the movie ended with them just like that.

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Show Me the Money! My Financial Reflection

Watching my favorite show segment Suze's Orman "Can I Afford It?".  She would always ask show me the money.  People would explain their financials in these terms:

• Income
• Expense
• Debts
• Savings
• Investments
• Retirement Fund

*credits to Ronald De Los Santos

People don't really feel comfortable talking about their financials so I learn a lot from the show.  Now, let me share mine.  I'm a full-time student at the age of 24.  I still have three to four years to go.  Sadly, I have no income and I'm spending quite a lot.  I have yet to build my savings, investments and retirement.  The thing is I always hear Suze explain that as you reach the age of 45, you need to have $ 1,500,000 or (64,000,000 pesos) on you're retirement at least.  Do you think that applies to the Philippines as well?  I'm really worried if I can catch that amount.  So how about you?  How are your financials?  

Another thing I learned about the show is that couples should first talk about finances before getting married.  A lot of lies are built and disagreements between partners occur because of financials.  As if culture and a other criterias in selecting a soul mate is not enough right?  I have yet to meet someone who agree with my financials ideals though.  I think the chances are slim.  I guess, that's what fate is for. 

My Footprints in the Sand of Time

The world spins around me as the sand of time continuously drops.  How I missed those days when I could fool around or fall so hard and rise up again.  I miss laughing at my silly stunts or not caring about being idle as if there's each day was forever.

*credits to Arit Ghosh

Where has my youth gone?  I sacrificed my time, my love, my passion to the things I thought I could hold on forever.  Yet, right in front of me, they shattered in dust going back to their true form.

Should I wish to go back?  No.  What's past is past.  What's lost is lost.  What's gone is gone.  All I have to do is move on.  It may be too late but I'll never know.  As long as there lies a path ahead, no matter how rough, no matter how coarse, I'm moving on.  Life may be too short but there will always be endless opportunities for me to leave my footprints in the sand of time.

P.S. I hope you don't mind me talking in riddles for awhile.  My mind is in a state of confusion and struggling with options with the people I love, the things I want to do and where life leads me.

Happy Birthday Mama Mary

Today is an important day for Catholics.  Back when I was in elementary and high school, we would celebrate Mama Mary's birthday by praying the rosary and have a short program.

Now, I just celebrate it with a simple prayer.  How about you?  How do you celebrate her birthday?

An extra long holiday due to dengue fever

Last Wednesday, my mom overworked herself a bit and the next day she got a fever.  She was still continuing her daily routine.  Just this Tuesday, we all got surprised that her nose bled and my little sister advised that she be brought for a blood test.  The tests revealed that her platelets dropped to 30,000 when the normal was 400,000.  We immediately search for a doctor.  It was difficult find one since it was a holiday.

As a last resort, we called and consulted from Healthway and their medtech advised us to rush my mom to an Emergency Room (E.R.).  She was admitted instantly at Medical Center Manila Hospital.  She was positive for Dengue Fever.  In order to increase her platelets she had 3 bags of plasma transfused.  According to my sister, low platelets means you can have internal bleeding anytime.

Blood samples were taken from her every six hours to monitor her platelets.  Some blood samples were easily taken and some were not.  I hope she can recover soon.  Here is her results so far:

Tuesday (before admission) - 30,000
Tuesday (upon admission) - 22,000
Tuesday 6 p.m. - 18,000
Wednesday 12 a.m. - 18,000
Wednesday 6 a.m. - 20,000
Wednesday 12 .n.n - 24,000

The doctor said my mom's slow recovery was due to her diarrhea from the "tawa-tawa" extract.  He advised her to only drink water from then on.  Hopefully, she'll recover faster.  I guess its better to trust the doctor than hearsays and myths.=p

It's my first time to stay overnight with my mom at a hospital.  It felt like an ordinary hotel.  Price is almost the same too.   But I missed home instantly.  I missed my pillows, blanket and WiFi.=p  Lucky for me, I have 4 other siblings so we had shifts.  I can't imagine how homesick my mom is though.

My mom's bed

My bed

fridge

TV with Skycable=)

On the bright side, at least my mom finally had the chance to finish Smallville season 6.  Relatives visited the hospital everyday and everyone had a chance to catch up.   Thanks to all the friends and relatives who have showed their care and prayed for my mom's recovery.

Amusing Church Sign

Noticed this one day while attending mass at Ermita Church.  I liked how it was stated.  Truthful yet non-offending.  What do you think?

My First Ever Baguio Experience

Being four hours away from Manila, Baguio was my first out of town vacation ever!  I was around 10 years old when I went to Baguio with my aunts, uncles and cousins.  Back then Baguio was surrounded by pine trees.  It was so cold that when we were near the top of the beautiful plateau, we would turn off the air conditioning and open the windows to enjoy the cool breeze.  You could see cold mist and fog surrounding the area.  My cousins would fool around and breath in the air and see if fog would come from our mouths.

credits to the owners of the photos

We went to so many places on a single day.  We tried boating at the man-made lake in the middle of Burnham Park.  Back then, the lake looked so big and wide to me.   After that was my favorite activity, pony riding at Wright Park Circle.  I can still recall that the pony I rode was color brown.  Some of my cousins were afraid to ride but that was ridiculous since we were assisted by staffs and we couldn't even make the ponies gallop faster.=)  We dined at Camp John Hay during dinner and shopped around the city before hit the sack.  It was the first time I ever saw "ukay-ukay" shops.  We also saw lots of interesting native products and word works like the barrel man.

credits to titakosivilma.com

The next day, we visited Mines View Park.  The view was so nice.  We also ate "pinipig" being sold on the streets.  My aunts also went to the market.  They came back with boxes of FRESH vegetables and strawberries.  I love strawberries!  The strawberries in Baguio are so fresh and sweet I ate to my hearts content.  We also visited Good Shepherd to buy peanut brittle and strawberry jam.  On the way home, we also purchased brooms.  It was so much fun!

So why am I reminiscing?  It's because Baguio City is celebrating its 102nd year.  Happy Birthday!=)

In case you want to visit Baguio check out the cheap rates of http://www.eurotel-hotel.com

My Top 10 Favorite Motivational and Inspirational Songs

Sometimes, when I'm too tired, I just play my favorite motivational and inspirational songs to keep me going.  Here's my Top 10 list.  What about yours?

1. Survivor - Eye of the Tiger

2. Yolanda Adams - I Believe

3. Avril Lavigne - Keep Holding On

4. . Donna Summers - Power of One

5. Good Charlotte - Hold On

6.  Dianna Ross - If We Hold On Together

7. Mariah Carey and Whitney Houston - When You Believe

8. Miley Cyrus - The Climb

9. 5ive -Keep on Moving

10. Yellowcard - Believe

Movie Review: Crazy, Stupid, Love. (+ some reflections)

Last Night, I got to watch the advance screening of  "Crazy, Stupid, Love." movie in Rockwell Cinema 2 with my little sister.  We had FREE ice cream courtesy of Nestle.  There were also some games and prizes from the sponsors before the show.  But everyone was looking forward to just watching the movie.

Tickets courtesy of PEX

There has been a lot of romantic comedies these days that are full of big shot stars but lack uniqueness in plots.  So we had the impression that this will be another one of those.  BUT we were WRONG!  This movie is probably one of the best romantic comedies I've watched.  Seriously, this is one romantic comedy your boyfriends (except if its Kurt) would even enjoy.

It's not a cliche romantic comedy.  It has a plot of its own and good one too.  Its a good blend of entertainment.  There are tear-jerking moments and a lot of good and hilarious jokes.  The humor is unexpected and surprisingly funny.   There was not a boring scene in the entire film.  There is also a message in the story which I really appreciated.  The message,of course, is well encapsulated in the title itself.

I liked the combination of the casts.  Steve Carell, as expected, is a superb comedian.  I've liked Ryan Gosling since he starred in as Noah in one of my favorite movies, The Notebook.  He's a real woman-charmer that's for sure.  Together, these two brought the show to life.

Overall, I loved the movie! The casts did well in their role.  I like the presentation and how it was made.  It was perfect!  You should watch it.=)  There's a good lesson to it too.

After watching this movie, Kurt will probably tease me for watching movies like this because he thinks romance is just a sham sold to women to hope for something that doesn't exist.  Is it?  For a long time, I've stopped watching and believing in these things.  But by watching this movie, it made me rethink and reconsider.

New Hobby: GetGlue.com Sticker Collecting in Manila

When in pre-school, my little sisters and I used to collect stickers.  I recall memories of begging our parents to buy us sticker albums and stickers.  We used to check out stores just to see if they had stickers.  Sometimes, we'd go out to the small sari-sari store near our school and buy some.  We would trade and negotiate with each other.  (As if stickers are currencies!=p)  Well, you can't blame us since stickers are one of the few things we could buy back then.

So why am I talking about stickers?  Recently, I discovered about GetGlue.com.  It is a social network for entertainment.  You get to check-in what you are thinking, watching, reading and listening.  It can also help you find your the next movie, books and music albums.  You can also collect FREE stickers randomly when you check-in.  When you reach 20 stickers, you can have it sent to you wherever you are.

I tried it for several weeks until I finally collected 20 stickers and had it sent over.  After a  month, I got a mail and there it was my FREE stickers from GetGlue.com in New York.  

My family thought it was weird that I got excited over this.  They think I'm too old for sticker collecting.  Am I?  If you think about it.  These stickers represent me.  I got these stickers by checking-in what I wanted to do.  So if you were to view my album in the future, you could tell what I've watched, read, thought about and listened too even without me blogging about it or telling you about it right?  Thus, a new hobby is born.

Check out our sticker albums when we were kids.  The one with the Sesame Street stickers is mine.  (we used to watch Sesame Street everyday during lunch time when we were kids) While the rest I borrowed from my sisters just for sharing purposes.  How about you?  Did you collect when you were a child too?=)

Best Overpass?

Went to Ortigas today to claim our prize from Open Rice.  Noticed that the overpass at the back of Megamall is the best overpass I've seen.  I wish all overpass are like this.  So it won't be too scary for people with Acrophobia (afraid of heights) like me.

Overpass at the back of Megamall

        Even the overpass after are ordinary.  In fact, some escalators were not working.

Overpass near Ruby Road

My expectations from President Noynoy's SONA before and now.

Last year, president Noynoy made the following promises:

• Stop corruption beginning with the establishment of the Truth Commission
• Public-Private Partnerships to promote and improve education, infrastructure, health, military and police needs and more to improve the economy and tourism.
• Build-Operate-Transfer to fasten the process of registration with the DTI to create more jobs.
• Build more classrooms
• Cover more masses who are in need of Philhealth 
• Anti-Trust Law to stop monopolies and promote the growth of Small- at Medium-scale Enterprises
• Pass the Whistleblower’s Bill and strengthen the Witness Protection Program to the culture of being threatened
• Negotiate with the MILF

This year he his SONA mentions:

• his dedication in stopping "wang-wang" which is a sign of abuse of power
• improvement in our stock market as a sign of good business and economy
• that taxes are guaranteed to benefit the public
• improvement in the agriculture sector having produced 15.6% more rice locally
• lot allocation to policemen
• our "Hamilton Class Cutter" vessel and the possibilities of acquiring more helicopters, patrol crafts and weaponry in the future
• large drop in motorcycle and car thefts
• Drop from 8% (April 2010) to 7.2% (April 2011) in unemployment rate with 1,004,000 jobs created last year
• More Phil-health-deserving beneficiaries
• Stopping corruption in ARMM
• Studying the possibilities of Tree planting stewardship to solve the problems with flooding
• DOST and UP have even teamed up to develop a prototype monorail system
• aim:
• to give due compensation to the victims of Martial Law
• to grant our house help the salaries and benefits that they deserve
• to improve the system that awards pensions to our retired soldiers. 
• to support the expansion of the scope of scholarships granted by DOST to outstanding yet underprivileged students
• the advancement of universal quality healthcare
• responsible management of the environment
• formation of facilities that will ensure the safety of our citizens during times of great need and calamity
• development of BuCor, NBI, NEA, and PTV 4

I was expecting that he would update us on the improvement in classrooms.  I believe that education is essential to the progress of our country.  Has any one been watching the news?  You'd notice that quite often, poor students are being featured.  Sometimes the news would show students having their classes in worn down tents which leaked during rainy days.  They would show teachers who have to travel and hike before reaching schools.  They would show overcrowded classrooms where kids were forced to stand the heat and be cramp like a can of sardines.  Moreover,  I'd like to see more infrastructures built that would benefit the public instead of purchasing a new vessel.  He still has a lot of time during his term so I'm still hoping that there will be more tangible proofs in the future.  How about you?  Did you get what you expected?

Based on the ratings everything has improved.  But how do they perform these surveys?  Do we know?  Like when they consider a person poor on the basis of earning 45 pesos a day.  Is that really enough to cover a persons daily expenses?  I've learned in our statistics class that ratings could easily be modified to mislead people.  Is that the case here?  You tell me.

Mc Tonight?

My little sister stayed home to study tonight so we brought her home a Mc Donald's 1 pc chicken with spaghetti meal (w/ softdrink) (priced at 108 php).  She was so happy!  She said that it was her first time to eat fast food at late night.  She was also excited to use plastic fork.

I've always wondered why kids love to eat fast food and use plastic spoon and forks.  Do you know?

Eiga Sai 2011 Japanese Film Festival in Shangrila, Davao, Cebu and UP

I really want to watch atleast one film at Eiga Sai 2011 Japanese Film Festival.  I've always been a fan of Japanese Dramas and Movies.  You'll notice I have a long list of Asian Drama at "My Watchlist" page.  But  I also have to study.  I've been in a confused and slack state every since the start of the school year and I have to catch up for the midterms.

Below is the schedule for the Free shows at different venues.   Good Luck!    

Shangri-La Plaza (For inquiries, contact 633-7851 loc.113 or go to http://www.shangrila-plaza.com.)

01 July 2011
7:00pm Departures (Invitational)

02 July 2011
1:00pm The Chef of South Polar
4:00pm Departures
7:00pm The Summit: A Chronicle of Stones

03 July 2011
1:00pm Summer Days with Coo
4:00pm The Summit: A Chronicle of Stones
7:00pm The Chef of South Polar

04 July 2011
1:00pm Yunagi City, Sakura Country
4:00pm Villon’s Wife
7:00pm Climber’s High

05 July 2011
1:00pm Your Friend
4:00pm One Million Yen Girl
7:00pm Feel the Wind

06 July 2011
1:00pm One Million Yen Girl
4:00pm Climber’s High
7:00pm The Summit: A Chronicle of Stones

07 July 2011
1:00pm Feel the Wind
4:00pm Climber’s High
7:00pm Your Friend

08 July 2011
1:00pm Your Friend
4:00pm Yunagi City, Sakura Country
7:00pm Departures

09 July 2011
1:00pm Departures
4:00pm One Million Yen Girl
7:00pm Villon’s Wife

10 July 2011
1:00pm Summer Days with Coo
4:00pm Feel the Wind
7:00pm The Chef of South Polar

Gaisano Grand Citimall Davao

22 July 2011
4:00pm Your Friend
6:30pm Departures

23 July 2011
11:00am One Million Yen Girl
1:30pm The Chef of South Polar
4:00pm The Summit: A Chronicle of Stones
7:00pm Climber’s High

24 July 2011
11:00am Yunagi City, Sakura Country
1:30pm Summer Days with Coo
4:30pm Feel the Wind
7:15pm Villon’s Wife

Ayala Center Cinema 4 Cebu

02 August 2011
7:00pm The Chef of South Polar

03 August 2011
7:00pm Climber’s High

04 August 2011
7:00pm Yunagi City, Sakura Country

05 August 2011
7:00pm Villon’s Wife

06 August 2011
1:30pm The Summit: A Chronicle of Stones
4:30pm Summer Days with Coo
7:30pm One Million Yen Girl

07 August 2011
1:30pm Your Friend
4:30pm Summer Days with Coo
7:30pm Feel the Wind

UP Film Insitute

17 August 2011
12:30pm Summer Days with Coo
3:00pm One Million Yen Girl
5:30pm Yunagi City, Sakura Country
7:30pm Villon’s Wife

18 August 2011
12:30pm Your Friend
3:00pm Feel the Wind
5:15pm Yunagi City, Sakura Country
7:30pm Climber’s High

19 August 2011
12:30pm Climber’s High
3:00pm The Summit: A Chronicle of Stones
5:30pm Villon’s Wife
7:30pm The Chef of South Polar

20 August 2011
12:30pm Summer Days with Coo
3:00pm Feel the Wind
5:10pm The Summit: A Chronicle of Stones
7:30pm The Chef of South Polar

Lunch Buffet at Spiral Sofitel Philippine Plaza Hotel Manila

One beautiful sunday, my family decided to eat our lunch at Spiral at Sofitel.  It was our first time to try it.  We've heard a lot about it.  People say that it is the best buffet in the country.

Upon our entry at around 12:30 p.m., we were brought to our reserved seat.  We noticed that each part of the venue had different ambiance from western to asian.  Our round table had a european influence in it.  As we roamed around, we noticed that the place was packed.  There were foreigners and local Chinese and Filipinos.  

We quickly got up and started with the sushi section.  The Salmon Sashimi was fresh and sweet.   I also loved the Mackarel sushi.  I ate a lot of it.  It was tastier and was more fun to chew than the cooked one.  We also enjoyed the Temaki.  I think I ate around 3 of those.

After that we tried the fresh seafood section.  The Fresh Crab, Oysters and Prawns were so big and sweet.  I only added a few drops of lemon and it was very delightful.  We then picked out samplers of the salads.  We loved the Waldorf Salad.  We also tried the variety of cheese and matched them with crackers.  It was so many that I could no longer identify which cheese I was eating.  

We ordered the Foie Gras.  It was cooked on the spot by a chef upon order.  It was my first time to try one.  Initially, it was really good.  It was soft and tasty but as I ate more, it was "nakakaumay" (too tiring too eat).  I guess, it is best enjoyed at an ample amount of at most 2 pieces.  How about you? How much Foie Gras could you eat?

Just beside the Foie Gras, we took a slice of Pizza and got a Lamb Shawarma.  As expected they tasted ordinary.  The shawarma meat was delicious but the sauce was not.  

The next section was the tempura section.  There were all sorts of tempuras but we only chose the Tempura Shrimp.  It was a disappointment.  The prawns were small and the batter didn't taste good.

I got some Yakitori and Miso Soup from the Japanese section.  It was nothing special.  I think we got some dishes at the Mediterranean section but we forgot the names of those dishes.  

Then we tried the Roasted Lamb with the mustard sauce and Roasted Chicken at the International Cuisine.  We didn't like the tangy taste of the sauce.  We also tried the Salmon Puff.  It was good.  

Xiao Long Bao

We then proceeded to the Cold cuts section where we ordered Peking Duck.  It was sliced on the spot.  It was delicious and still crunchy.  Next to it is the Dimsum section where we got ordered Xiao Long Bao.  It took 15 minutes to cook.  We glanced at the Thailand Section and tried the Chicken Tikka.  We were too full so we skipped the Filipino section.

Now, for my favorite part, the dessert.  There were Assorted Cakes (some sugar-free), Sliced Fresh Fruits that you can dip in the chocolate fountain: one color brown and the other was green (I don't know what the green was...), Cotton Candy (Yes! I was the only adult to order one), Crepe (we chose blueberry), gummy candies and jelly beans, churros, cookies, halo-halo, ice cream and Teppanyaki Ice Cream (ours was chocolate mixed with pistacio and some sprinkled candy) similar to Cold Rock.  I tried all the deserts offered except for the churros, cookies and halo-halo but I don't remember which one stood out from the rest.

Overall, the meal was great.  In fact, we were so overwhelmed by the selection and the dishes that we forgot to take a picture.  The price was a bit expensive as expected from the longest buffet we have ever tried.  The experience is definitely worth it.  We were able to taste new dishes.  The food selections were delicious but nothing so special that would make me want to try it out again.   

Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila

CCP Complex, Roxas Boulevard, 

Pasay City

(02) 551-5555 loc 1086