My 2013 in Books, Films, etc.

Below this post is my 2012 in Books, Films, etc. For now, may I present to you my short list of books and films I managed to pick up, read or watch despite my busy schedule :)

When 2013 came, I promised myself  to read more books by Filipino writers. And I can say that I have been keeping that promise good enough :)

BOOKS:

1. Unholy Night, Seth Grahame- Smith - here's to another look at the Three Wise Men who graced the nativity of Jesus Christ. Prepare yourself for an emotional roller-coaster ride in Seth's take on the unspoken life of Balthazar
2. Looking for Alaska, John Green - maganda rin 'to!
3. Room, Emma Donoghue - another young hero emerges from this beautiful novel
4. Paper Towns, John Green 
5. Lumayo Ka Nga Sa Akin, Bob Ong - Jumpstarting my Pinoy reads. Welcome back, Bob Ong. Meaning, this book is funny!
6. Young Blood 4, Various - inspiring and honest essays from the twenty-somethings
7. Harry Houdini's Box, Brian Selznick - a really nice children's bed time story
8. Tahong/ Talong, Various - a collection of short homoerotic stories from promising Filipino writers
9. Laglag Panty, Laglag Brief, Various - the hetero version of the former
10. The Golden Loom, Various - a collection of Palanca award-winning children's stories 
11. This is a Crazy Planets 2, Lourd De Veyra -  more blessing (and curses) from the Lourd!
12. Manila Noir, Various - a collection of crime fiction from established and awarded Filipino writers here and abroad
13. Ang mga Kagila-gilalas na Pakikipagsapalaran ni Zsa Zsa Zaturnah, Carlo Vergara - LOL, yun lang!
14. The 100 Year-Old Man who Climbed out the Window and Disappeared, Jonas Jonasson - you would wish that Alan Karlsson, the protagonist, is your lolo :)
15. Sellevision, Augusten Burroughs - hindi ko talaga siya favorite e no? This is his first novel and pati itong genre na ito, he can rule!
16. The Adventures of Huckelberry Finn - nandaya ako kasi this is the easy-read edition; as in pambata siya. Haha
17. Inglourious Basterds, Quentin Tarantino - sobrang ganda. yun na!
18. Ligo na U, Lapit na Me, Eros Atalia - overkill ang satire. For me lang ah! :)
19. Siddhartha, Herman Hesse 

FILMS:

1. The Kids Are All Right (again)
2. No Strings Attached 
3. Life of Pi :)
4. Spread
5. Les Miserables' :)
6. Hansel & Gretel
7. Girl with the Dragon Tattoo
8. The Expendables 2
9. Upside Down
10. You Don't Mess with a Zohan
11. Brave
12. Jack the Giant Slayer
13. Oz: The Great and Powerful
14. Tekken
15. Bounty Hunter
16. The Help
17. December Boys
18. SAW 6
19. 50/50 :)
20. Avengers (again)
21. The Dark Knight (Heath Ledger!)
22. Silver Linings Playbook
23. Brokeback Mountain
24. Bad Teacher
25. Secret Life of Bees
26. Ted
27. Iron Lady
28. We need to talk about Kevin :)
29. Hangover 3 :))
30. EPIC
31. Four Sisters and a Wedding :')
32. Despicable Me 2 :))
33. Across the Universe (again)
34. Wolverine :)
35. Quick Change
36. Porno (????)
37. Before Midnight :))
38. Apartment 143 (walang kwenta)
39. Percy Jackson & the Sea of Monsters :(
40. Ekstra
41. Before Sunrise :)
42. Instant Mommy
43. Lihis
44. Eat Pray Love (again)
45. Good Will Hunting (again)
46. Sapi
47. Bekikang
48. Running with Scissors :)
49. Hunger Games: Catching Fire
50. This is the End
51. Prisoners
52. Don Jon
53. Water for Elephants
54. Kimmy Dora: And Kiyemeng Prequel

CONCERTS:

The Script's #3 Live in Manila

Thank you, Lord for keeping an eye on my soul with these books and films that contribute to my well-being. Cheers to another year with love for the arts! :)

My 2012 in Books, Films, etc.

Today is the last day of 2013 and I know I should be doing a roundup for This Year. But pardon me as I will write first my 2012 in Books, Films, and even some artsy highlights. (Hindi ko kasi nagawa noon, so ngayon na lang :) )

BOOKS:

1. A Separate Peace, John Knowles - classic, it cuts so deep it's hard to process emotionally
2. The Lost Symbol, Dan Brown
3. Have a Little Faith, Mitch Albom - tears. always. 
4. Pitik Bulag sa Buwan ng Pebrero, Ricky Lee - I bet only hardcore Lee fans would know this feminist stage play existed
5. Feathers, Jacqueline Woodson - children's book on racism; hindi ko na matandaan ang story
6. The Street Lawyer, John Grisham - my first Grisham read, I was not disappointed :)
7. Perks of Being a Wallflower, Stephen Chbosky - "we accept the love we think we deserve," enough said!
8. Eleven Minutes, Paulo Cuehlo - it's one of the many 'self-seeking' novels of Paulo; too many life lessons to comprehend
9. Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night Time, Mark Haddon - another classic tale which was inspired by deduction systems of Sherlock Holmes
10. The Giver, Lois Lowry - there is a reason why this is considered a classic children's tale :) And it's movie version will be shown this 2014 :)
11. The Kite Runner, Khaled Hosseini - oh well, my favorite novel thus far :')
12. Running with Scissors, Augusten Burroughs - my favorite memoir :)
13. The Secret Life of Bees, Sue Monk Kidd - a nice religious, feminist novel
14. Mister Pip, Lloyd Jones - a gift from my best friend. Truly a treat! A major inspiration of this book is The Great Expectations by Charles Dickens
15. Catcher in the Rye, J.D. Salinger - I honestly need to read this again because I seemingly did not comprehend it the way it should be understood
16. Possible Side Effects, Augusten Burroughs - LOL essays from one of the 'funniest men in America'
17. This is a Crazy Planets, Lourd de Veyra - marami kang matututunan; kagaguhan man o seryusohan
18. Kafka on the Shore, Haruki Murakami - nice din 'to. I remember staying late in the office just reading this
19. The Fault In Our Stars, John Green - haay nakuuu... lahat ata ng kilala ko, humagulgol dito.
20. Interpreter of Maladies, Jumpha Lahiri - there is a reason why this collection of short stories is a Pulitzer winner. I can read this again and again.
21. A Wolf at the Table, Augusten Burroughs - my third Burroughs book this year?! Wow. This time, he sits down and puts his humor aside from some serious reminiscing of his childhood with, or better yer without, his father. Augusten is really one of my favorite writers!
22. Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children, Ransom Riggs - kung hanap mo fiction, ito try mo! Fiction to the highest level! Galing lang!
23. You Are Not A Stranger Here, Adam Haslett - hanggang ngayon hirap ako intindihin ang ibang short stories sa compilation na 'to.

FILMS:

1. Manila Kingpin: The Asiong Salonga Story
2. Crazy, Stupid, Love
3. Horrible Bosses
4. Sherlock Holmes
5. Sherlock Holmes: Game of Shadows (adik lang ako sa kanya)
6. Eat Pray Love
7. Little Miss Sunshine
8. The Lovely Bones
9. Midnight in Paris
10. Rain Man
11. The Talented Mr. Ripley :)
12. The Illusionist
13. Love Me If You Dare (Jeux D' Enfants)
14. Good Will Hunting :')
15. Across The Universe :)
16. Dead Poets Society
17. Requiem for a Dream
18. Unofficially Yours
19. Priceless 
20. Howl
21. The Libertine
22. Benny and Joon
23. The Painted Veil
24. Pans' Labyrinth :)
25. Donnie Darko (????)
26. The Kids Are All Right :) - may I just say, sobrang galing ng cast dito; esp. Annette Benning
27. Hunger Games
28. One Day :')
29. Titanic 3D :')
30. Se7en - Kevin Spacey!
31. Memento (????)
32. Avengers :)
33. Dark Shadows :(
34. Boy Pick Up 
35. Kimmy Dora: The Temple of Kiyeme
36. Abraham Lincoln: The Vampire Hunter
37. Bwakaw
38. The Dark Knight Rises :)
39. Three Musketeers
40. Cars 2
41. I Do Bidoo Bidoo - the music of APO Hiking Society
42. Perks of Being a Wallflower
43. This Guy's In Love with you Mare
44. Hangover 2 - twice kung pinanuod :))
45. 3 Idiots
46. The Hangover
47. A Lot Like Love
48. Tiktik: The Aswang Chronicles - curse you, Lovi Poe and your underacting eyes
49. Skyfall :)
50. Da Pogi Brothers, Weh?
51. Nowhere Boy - biopic on John Lennon's teenage life :)

THEATER:

Bona :))

TV SERIES:

Newsroom :))

CONCERTS:

James Morrison's The Awakening Live in Manila
Ate Gay's Ako Naman! Concert - LOL

Next naman, 2013! Yeah baby! I hope and pray na marami akong natutunan sa mga nabasa at napanuod ko :) Mukhang mayroon naman kahit kaunti :)

Welcome to Pen&Eraser

I started this blog metaphorically using Pencil as the medium in writing my thoughts, well in fact I am typing on laptop keyboard. The pencil indicates that my thoughts are not permanent and so I have to write them for my, and my handful of readers', benefit. I am aware that everything I write can change or be omitted as I mature through time.

As I (slowly and desperately) explore more topics for discussion in this humble and honest blog, I am introducing you to a new segment, Pen&Eraser. Frankly, this is nothing new from the weekly roundups that we see from other sites (SPOT.ph and Rappler, to name a few). In here though, I just want to talk much, write less and maybe entertain more. 

Going direct to business, here is Pen&Eraser (insert Gaga song: I work for the applause, applause, applause): From pencil, Who and What should be retained in this world and should we deeply encourage to propagate their sensible selves, and Who and What should evaporate faster than a newly-blown bubble would. And I'll explain all the reasons Why.


Pen; let's make their mark permanent

1. The covers: Angel Aquino for Rogue and Cherie Gil for Esquire (November Issues)

Here are two ladies, fined by their experience, elegance and artistry, gracing two upper class glossies of the country this month (well, last month kasi December 1 na mapa-publish ang blog ko). Angel shares to her On The Job director Erik Matti what she thinks of Philippine cinema in Rogue's 2nd Cinema issue since Cherie's cover in March 2008 (Oh yes, it's Cherie over and over again in this list.) Angel never dreamed of being a star back in her UP days but look at her now, a constant fixture in some of the most promising projects in the industry -- may it be independent or mainstream.

Cherie, on another note, raises the bar for women in their 50's. She fiercely encourages women to not need a man but always want one instead. A symbol of a woman not to be ignored, Cherie is one of the honest, careless, and classic stars who remain true to her brand -- being an Eigenmann and a foremost primetime antagonist.

2.  The beauties: Mutya Johanna Datul, Megan Young, Ariella Arida

Philippine pageantry has been on the rise these past few years. I don't know why but I think we are slowly becoming the 'Venezuela' of Asia. Nevertheless, these fine young women are really commendable for making us proud during ordinary times and the not-so peaceful of days.

For the second half of this year, Mutya won as Miss Supranational, a beauty fair slowly gaining fame and credibility among pageant aficionados. Megan, however, made bigger news as she ends the 47-year curse of title-less Pinay beauties in the beauty-with-a-purpose Miss World. And just recently, Ariella placed fourth in Miss Universe. Fans and forecasters predicted she will take home the crown, even 2012's Olivia Culpo said she was rooting for Ariella. In Ariella's credit, placing fourth is not a bad place to be, especially if you're the only non-Latina in the Top 5. That speaks a lot and we should thank her for that.

P.S. There is really something about how beauty queens react during attendance (see pics above)

3. The Brave Man: Atom Araullo

When Yolanda came in, he made it to worldwide Twitter trend. He also caught the attention of a CNN anchor, prompting him to ask: who is that brave man? Well, this news heartthrob really proved that there is more to his pretty face. And what exactly did he do. Well, Atom Araullo reported live in Umagang Kay Ganda from Tacloban while the storm made its first blow in the country. 

He was there on the street, soaking wet and reporting even when losing communication with the home studio. His bravery, the first to go live among his contemporaries, inspired memes and short FB and twitter love letters from fans and peers, alike.

Eraser; let's get rid of them. Sayang lang sa space sa earth

1. The super typhoon: Yolanda, enough said.

 By November the media have been warning the public of a super typhoon coming our way. This Yolanda became a household name and brought red signal to every conversation in offices, canteens, schools, government, and uhm... the world? It remained true to its promise of being famous for setting world records and basically turning the Central Philippines from green to gray in Google Earth.

Everyone was suddenly on their feet, calling for and giving out help. It was really a hard time for our country no matter how you look at it; from the POV of a government official, housewife, student, priest, media, or what-have-yous and who-are-yous. I think the only person happy that Yolanda happened is Dick Gordon, because uhm... we all know why. You know that red cross thingy... (my parents volunteered and they saw how more expensive canned goods and other imported items are being excluded in the relief bags. sad but unsurprisingly)

2. The super Yolanders: Korina Sanchez, Jejomar Binay, That Yellow Ribbon

[He said, she said, they reacted] When CNN superstar anchor Anderson Cooper reported live from Tacloban, he said he didn't see much on-the-ground effort from the government. When ABS-CBN pokerface anchor Korina Sanchez heard this, she said he doesn't know what he is talking about. When netizens heard her say that, they said: He's in Tacloban and you're in your radio booth. Who do we believe to be telling the truth? Not to mention that netizens slammed Korina for (allegedly) protecting her husband's reputation as our Interior Secretary. 

We have not heard from Korina since then. Thanks to her management. Frankly, I think that people just overreacted. Anderson Cooper will be given a Star in the Eastwood Walk of Fame by entertainment guru German Moreno while the White House said they are looking for possibly appointing Cooper as their PH envoy; just because he covered the story. Why did it not happen with other foreign media as well? Meanwhile, Korina was suspended for an indefinite period while netizens ranted against her without any concrete solutions raised to help the victims. Again, frankly I think people just overreacted.

Going back, where do all these commendations for Cooper come from? Is it because of his story or plain idolatry?

Jejomar Binay, on the other hand, was simply everywhere during the relief efforts. And this I say with all the literal implications of the word: his face is on every relief goods and plastic bags donated to the victims. Mind you, even on drinking water. He said it was his 'friends'' idea but honestly, Jejomar, didn't you think it was way too loyal of them as it was already blatantly inappropriate and insensitive? And of course, I felt sad when I also saw That Yellow Ribbon on other plastic bags. That used to be a noble and dignified symbol of our nationalism. And the way they stuck it in those bags, it lost all the meanings it used to have. 

To my politicians: Yolanda during, before and after, was not your time to shine. Clearly, there are people who died and suffered. The last thing I, we, want is for dole outs to be in yellow or orange stickers. And it was also sad that the President wildly entertained a blame game with the LGUs. Care to show some maturity and urgency, please. 

Pencil; I don't know where to put you because of the polarity of the incidents in your life this month

1. The boxer and the tax evader: Manny Pacquiao

He is back! Said the headlines last November 25, a day after our 'pambansang kamao' reclaimed his kingship in the boxing ring against Brandon (totally unmatched for him) Rios. Again, people were in celebratory mood because he 'raised' our flag despite the aftermath of Yolanda. But to our surprise, days after gaining his new belt, he was knocked out with an ATM saying: Hey Manny, congrats on additional bills, unfortunately you cannot withdraw a single cent from me. Talk to BIR for more information and inquiries.

Yes, the country's (perhaps) most hated bureau said that Manny didn't pay his dues for a period way back 2009. Manny's side rebutted that he paid his taxes in the US and he will not repeat losing some more (or paying the PH government). This appeal to correct Manny's tax payment has been under the radar since but when BIR finally made it public, it was instantly a huge issue. The money we are talking about already reached P2.2 billion, and is still increasing. Frankly, Pacman, you should talk to Kim Henares. She is a woman of substance, honor, and lots of guns.  I hope this gets fixed cleanly and honestly.

2. The new Muslim lovers: Freddie Aguilar and his sweet sixteen keychain

Why do people care if national music icon Freddie Aguilar is so fond of her minor girlfriend? To some he is a pedophile, well to me, he is in love. And let me remind you that the girl reciprocates the affection and seems to be normal during interviews and photo ops. Why do people focus on them when we have bigger issues to resolve? Where is Janet Napoles now? do CBCP and DSWD care? (my search for Janet is good for another blog, altogether). 

Let them live and let them be. At the very least, nobody is harmed and/or killed yet. Although admittedly, converting to another religion, may it be Islam or not, can really get controversial especially if the intent is union and/or marriage only. Again, I don't want to think about it, I have my own dilemmas. Buti nga siya may syota eh?! 


Most of the time when two people are in love, others are happy for them as well. But all that changes when they are 44 years apart, biologically. Why is that so, sige nga "anak", pakiexplain, labyu!


***photos are not mine

When Five Fell

When 2013 came, I swore I'd give Filipino books their longed-for chance and focus on them for good. Gladly, I am keeping my promise. 

Meanwhile, another literary shift I am slowly yet fondly taking on is reading short stories than novels. You know why? Because an impact a novel leaves us with can be sourced from a mere short story - that is how powerful, or sometimes more, it is for a literary piece. With short stories, you don't necessarily get the details, just settle with emotions and you will have more than what you paid for. In short, there is beauty, and plenty of them, in short stories.

Knowing this, my best friend Khaye recommended that I watch some short films produced by Wung Fu Productions on YouTube. I kept on forgetting this info until she finally shared me a link. After watching the first and her favorite clip, I thought: what have I been browsing in YouTube all those years?

To get a sense of what I am talking about here, kindly watch this clip: 

And oh, please read the caption below FIRST. I didn't understand it the first time because I jumped to the video right away. Khaye was really dumbfounded and I was really ashamed.

"Can the things we love, love us back just the same? Five household objects express their feelings toward their owner when she begins to neglect them for someone else. "When Five Fell" is a new take on the ideal boy-meets-girl love story. Although the short is told from a unique and unconventional perspective, the emotions described should be familiar to anyone that's fallen in or out of a relationship."

Just to manage the length of this blog (though it's a free space), just tell me if you find the video - from script to cinematography - lovely and I'll share you the sweet and short script :) I hope my best friend doesn't get angry because she is my source to all good reads pirated from the web.

Thanks! I'll write to you again, then :)

Homework: Isang Tula

While trying very hard to sleep last midnight, the below lines came to my mind. And so, I thought, why not try to make it into one, senseless (for the lack of better word) poem?! 

Try lang natin as a new blog (che!):

Wag mo na kong turuan kung pano ang umibig

Matagal kong prinaktis yan

Tapos nung recital, binagsak mo lang ako

Hindi ako mahinang estudyante

Bobo ka lang bilang professor

You don't attend to my student needs

Pero pinilit kong aralin lahat ng topics sa subject mo

Nahahanda ako kasi anytime

Baka magpa-quiz ka, o kaya prelim, midterm, o kaya finals na

Tapos ano...

Kung kailan patapos na yung sem at wala kang macompute sakin

Sasabihin mo kulang pa ako at kailangan kong bumawi

Eh nasan ka ba nung handa na ko sa exam

At kung nasa classroom ka noon,

Bakit iniba mo yung topic

Hindi ako nagkulang

Lagi akong present

Ngayon tanungin mo yung sarili mo

Baka ikaw naman talaga ang absent

Bahala na 

Di bale na

Hindi ko sasayangin ang apat na taon ko sa school

Para lang iplease ka

 Gagradweyt din ako isang araw

At pagkatapos nun, lalabas ako ng school

Ikaw, dito ka lang

Maghahanap ng bagong tuturuan, o hindi matuturuan

At malalampasan uli

Kasi ang estudyante, natuto nang wala ka

Nakakainis lang talaga

Kasi minsan sa buhay ko

Binigyan mo ko ng marka

Hindi nga lang mataas, bagsak pa

Ganda no?! LOL. Joke! Uy, copyrighted yan ah!

Pork -- whether eaten or not -- causes headache

At the very least, it was comforting to know that another Filipino from a different place, sect, gender, religion, and status also voiced out the same disgust I felt regarding the Pork Barrel Scandal which has been continually impairing our national growth and growth as a nation.

I joined our fellowmen in the Million (actually, Many) People March held at Luneta Park last August 26, Monday. I knew the event would evoke national interest. I believed in the same cause that these people were fighting for. I was sure the event will make prime time news’ headlines. The only thing I wanted to have a full grasp on is – aside from the fault of Janet Napoles and our corrupt solons, why did they come?

With my colored pens and my notebook, I invited some MPM goers to write why they were at the event. Here are some of their reasons:

MILLION PEOPLE MARCH

August 26, 2013 (National Heroes Day) | Luneta Park

I’M HERE BECAUSE...

Of my children’s future!!!

Jet Pampolina | Father

I love the Philippines <3

Carmela | Consultant

I love my country...

Sister Ems| CSFN

I want my voice to be heard and (to) abolish totally pork barrel

Cora | Businesswoman

I fight corruption! Always!

Bro. Angelo, OFM | Franciscan

To fight corruption. Sobra na sila... God bless Philippines

Dante Fornesa | Businessman

(He even gave me his contact numbers s as to be informed of the progress of this case and should there be another MPM)

I pay my taxes. I am a Filipino who cares for the future of my children. I want accountability and transparency. I want change. I want to see my country rise because I know we can.

Sharon | Mother, Wife and Soundtrack Producer

To unite with all the Filipino people in saying no to pork barrel and really focus on giving life to all! Scrap pork barrel. Give life to Sierra Madre and to Mother Earth.

Elizabeth | Chairperson, Save Sierra Madre Network Alliance Inc.

I’m here because I have to be. Witnessing the ever-growing gap between those who have and those who have not has distressed (or stressed) me greatly. I hope this gathering at Luneta shows the government how serious  we – the Filipino people – are regarding our future. The PDAF scam has been exposed. What(‘s) next? What I want to see is (1) the pork barrel system abolished and (2) those who took funds / benefitted from this scam brought to justice. 

I have a four-year old son. I’m here because I want him, and all children to have a positive future in this country. OUR COUNTRY THAT WE LOVE. Mabuhay ang Pilipinas!

Teenee Chan | Singer, Theater Actor

I am for change. I am a Filipino who wants to make a difference.

Yanam | Housewife

I want a better Philippines for my students

Teacher Jerson

I want to fight for better living in our nation.

Jess | (Student)

Pilipino ako. Pilipino tayo. Magkaisa tayo.

Jay | (Student)

Because I join or people in their protest against the abuse of our taxpayer’s money!!

(A member of Philippine Educational Theater Association)

I Juana be one in a MILLION

Juana Change

Transparency is a must!

M. Thomas Duggan | American Photographer, Peace Corps Volunteer

And as for me, I attended the Million People March because of several factors:

·    (1) I am a taxpayer since 2011. Let me clear to you though that the big bulk of the money which was allegedly ill-spent was collected from 2006-2009. During that time, I was still enjoying the benefits of public school system in this country. With a great sense of gratitude to the people who funded my education, I was there to represent the underprivileged Filipinos who wish they could go to high school or college (or worse, grade school) but could not because of lack of resources. Had these money been used to fuel education programs in the metro and more importantly in the provinces; our youth could have been more empowered and competitive. I am a proud product of the public school system since grade school. Hence, I know how important it is to attain and uphold education. I am sad because not all people at my age have experienced the same because they simply cannot, while those who could have helped them – did not.

·    (2) Like most people, I believe in the power of money – the good and the bad. I can tell anyone who would confront me that I never stolen from my parents. Not because we were rich, but only because I don’t need much. I just have enough and I’m good. Unfortunately, to most barong-clad people, money is blood and water combined. It sustains them. It enriches them. It provides for them. And how I wish soon enough – it could put them into their proper places as well. Yes, I am thinking of jail – with only steel bars and a resounding, domineering conscience.

·    (3) And of course, I want to do what I exactly did – know the pulse of my fellowmen. I am so curious to know what fuels them. I know we all have different reasons in going to Luneta that day. But to tell you honestly, I am amazed and overwhelmed with the idea that no matter how valid or petty the motivations may be, we were all there bearing the same spirit of patriotism. Like what most people echoed at Luneta, “I love my country.” I agree. But you know what, when I saw and heard both the masses and the elite say those words passionately, it just made want to love it more.

Disclaimer: I do not believe in total abolition of the ‘pork barrel.’ To me, it is a very dangerous tool when entrusted to the wrong hands. But given that we have good, conscientious leaders, the PDAF is actually a very sound means of extending public service. Think about it! 

To Manileños and Dan Brown: an open letter

Magpapakatotoo lang muna ako, hindi ko pa nababasa ang Inferno ni pareng Dan Brown kasi;

1. Sobrang busy ako sa work

2. May iba akong binabasa at gustong unahin na basahin

Pero nito lang Mayo nang ilabas niya ang kanyang ika-6 na nobela, e biglang umingay ang social networks at media -- at sigurado ako, lalong tumaas pa ang sales ng Inferno, dahil sa:

1. Naisulat ng lasing ko atang kumpare na “Manila has six-hour jams, suffocating air and a horrifying sex trade whose workers consisted primarily of young children, many of whom have been sold to pimps by parents who took solace in knowing that at least their children would be fed...I've run through the gates of hell.”

First reaction ko, walangya! After some pondering, my reaction became, wala lang! Kilala ko kasi yung nagsulat (not personally). Alam ko ang kanyang kakayanan sa paggawa ng fiction o gawang kathang isip lamang; hindi katulad ng marami na maaaring matapang na ipinagtanggol nga ang Maynila pero hindi naman talaga nakapagbasa ng 'ni isang akda niya.

Isipin niyo na lang ito -- kung kinaya ni Dan Brown na gumawa ng ingay sa buong mundo tungkol sa tunay daw na katauhan ni Hesus, maging ng kanyang mga minamahal na apostoles at Simbahan (I am talking about Da Vinci Code --educate yourself), bakit hindi kakayanin ni pareng Dan na gumawa ng ingay gamit ang isang inosenteng siyudad sa Asya?

Isa pang punto: Oo, masakit para sa mga isinilang, tumira, lumaki, nagkapamilya, at namatay na sa Maynila na masabihan sila na nasa tarangkahan (gate) ng impyerno. Pero hindi ba mas masakit na nung may isang banyaga na nagsabi nito, napatigil ka at napatanong, "teka, bakit niya nasabi iyon?"

Yung totoo... may konting kirot dyan sa puso mo no?! Kahit siguro hindi ka taxpayer ng Maynila, tinamaan ka ng konti. Siguro may bumulong sa iyo nung mga sandaling 'yun, "may punto siya, tanga."

The politics of devil

Isipin niyo ulit ito (sorry ah, kanina ko pa kayo pinag-iisip, well, tinatagalog ko naman kayo eh. Tayong mga demonyo, hindi tayo basta-basta nakakaintindi ng wika ng 'sibilisadong' tao). Mabalik ako -- isipin niyo to, hindi ba parang impyerno rin ung hayaan na lang natin na maging alkalde ang isang ex-convict at plunderer na dati na nating Pangulo? At tsaka, tangina naman, 'anak' ng Pasay yan eh! Para sa mahirap pero maraming mansyon yang gagong yan.

Siguro sasabihin ng mga maka-Orange dyan, "eh kaysa naman kay Dilaw?!". Ayun na nga, isa ring kademonyohan ang magtyaga sa isang tumatandang alkalde na nagiging inefficient na sa pagpapatakbo ng siyudad. 

Isa pa ring kaimpyernohan yung abangan ang pagiging alkalde ng isang charming na dating artista na sa bawat kalingkingan ng kanyang mestisong pagkatao ay isa ring balimbing na pulitiko.

Siguro nga hindi 'gates of hell' ang Maynila, pero bakit parang andaming demonyo rito? Nakabarong pa nga yung karamihan. Ahhh,,, kaya siguro sila naka-aircon. 

Bakit kaya hindi natin subukan yung iba naman -- maaaring kaalyado nila o matagal na ring councilor ng Maynila pero hindi pa masyadong matungis yung mga sungay. Kung sino man sila, ewan ko, baka hindi pa sila pinanganganak.

Devil everyday, everyday okay!

Isa pa -- talamak pa rin naman talaga ang mga kademonyohan na nangyayari sa maduming siyudad na 'to. Delikado ang Quiapo. Ironic nga kasi kilala ito sa mundo bilang sentro ng pananampalatayang Katoliko, pero paglabas mo lang -- as in pagtapos mong mag sign-of-the-cross, makakabili ka na ng pampalaglag ng bata.

Yung Malate ba, malinis na?! eh sa gabi kaya, malinis pa rin talaga?! Madumi! hindi dahil sa basura kundi dahil sa mga kuntodo make-up na gipit na kababaihan. Well, ang masasabi ko lang diyan, kung gates of hell ang Maynila, edi ang pumupunta dito mga demonyo?! Oh foreigners, alam niyo na ah. Grabe, 'pag papasok ako sa trabaho tuwing umaga, pauwi pa lang sila, tapos yung itsura naman, masasabi mong "ahhhh...panggabi nga..."

Anyway, sigurado rin akong nakarinig na kayo ng istorya ng panghu-holdap sa Moriones o sa Pier, meron nga kapag naging clingy ang biktima sa kanyang putanginang iPod, iPad, smart phone (buti pa ang cellphone, smart), e pinapatay talaga. Maswerte ka na kung guguhitan lang ang palad mo gamit ang kutsilyo.

O kaya naman mga batang nasagasaan sa highway ng truck. Bakit kamo? Eh kasi nagnanakaw sa mga 'perishable goods' (do not delay) at 'fruits and vegetables' na karga ng malalaking truck na 'to. Maliwanag pa sa apoy ng impyerno, este sa sikat ng araw, na pag sila nadisgrasya, hindi kasalanan ng truck driver. Highway yun! Ang dapat sisihin ay yung mga magulang (pag patay na ang bata), at yung mga bata mismo (kung maswerte sila't buhay pa).

Lahat ng ito at marami pang iba -- kademonyohan.

Exorcising the devil

Pero to be genuinely fair to Manila, hindi na talamak o ganun katotoo ang mga sinabi ni Dan Brown. Six hours of traffic? Hindi no! Minimum, seven! 12 hours kapag may national prayer rally ang Iglesia ni Kristo. Oops, wala akong personal na galit sa inyo, hindi ko lang makalimutan yung malapit na kong maiyak sa galit dahil sa traffic na dinulot niyo. Nilakad ko mula SM Manila hanggang Divisoria, e may otso pesos naman ako nun!? (Alam ko, maswerte pa ko kumpara sa iba noong araw na yun) Pero promise, as in matunog pa ung pindot ko sa keyboard, ang hirap talaga sumakay habang kayo nagdadasal nang sabay sabay.

Suffocating air?! Shit, alam niyo guys, totoo to. I AM SORRY. Lalo na sa tulad ko na hirap sa paghinga, maraming beses na rin akong gustong umiyak dahil sa dumi ng usok ng Maynila. Sa umaga gumising kayo, tingin kayo sa langit, hindi hamog kundi usok ang makikita niyo, tapos inom kayo ng kape, tapos sabihin niyo "Yummy..." na parang Coco Martin lang, hindi bagay. Umaga pa lang mabaho na.

Sex Trade? Mismong bugaw pa yung mga magulang? Ito isolated cases 'to, parekoy. Marami na ngayon ang hindi kinakailangan ang magulang para pagkakitaan ang sariling katawan. Biro lamang (totoo 'yun). Ang gusto ko talagang sabihin dito ay maraming rason kung bakit ito nangyayari hanggang ngayon (maging ang prostitusyon sa kalahatan). At mas inuunawa dapat sila kaysa hinuhusgahan (kung maka-comment ako, parang hindi ko nilait yung mga nasa Malate e, no?!)

Alam mo pareng Dan Brown, kilala kita bilang manunulat kaya may kakayanan ako, bilang mambabasa mo, na husgahan ka bilang writer. Pero bilang tao, lampas ka lang sa 'kin, hindi na kita huhusgahan. In the same manner, hindi mo naman naranasan tumira sa Maynila at ang pinakamainam na nagawa mo lang ay i-Google ang lugar namin -- kaya hindi mo na kami dapat binanggit. 

Sa iyo gates of hell 'to, pero maraming nangangarap umasenso dito. Kung may kakayanan lang sila -- kami -- hindi kami titira sa lugar na para sa dayuhan ay impyerno. O kung manatili man kami rito, babaguhin namin 'to kung may pagkakataon (nakakahiya naman kasi sa book mo eh).

Tsaka isa pa, ang kultura rito at pamumuhay, mas malaya at mas makatao kaysa sa ibang bansa. Walang sanggol na hinuhulog dito sa inidoro (tama ba China?), wala ring mga dalagitang binibenta rito para ipakasal sa mga gusgusing matandang lalaki na nambubugbog kapag walang siping (anong say ng Afghanistan?), ang mga mahihirap dito, tinutulungan kahit paano (hindi tulad sa Caste ng India), at hindi pa naman ganoon ka-over-the-top ang pagsamba namin sa sugal, sa divorce, sa dropping- out of school, sa kulay ng balat, at paramihan ng acting awards (Oh for goodness' sake, America). Ito pa malupit: hindi uso sa 'min ang school killing spree at kabaliwan sa premier ng Batman. Sa inyo parte sila ng headlines. Well, kung 'yan ang langit, okay na pala ako dito sa impyerno.

Sa maliit naming mga paraan, may mga ipinagmamalaki rin kami. Tama ba readers?! OLA! Tama nga kayo, mga kasama! (Dora?!)

Oh well, ang haba na ng sinabi ko. Ang gusto ko lang naman iparating sa mga mambabasa ko ay: kaya may nasasabi sila kasi hindi kayo -- tayo -- kumikilos nang tama. Marami tuloy iregularidad at imoralidad ang nakakagawian na sa ating 'malayang' lipunan. Wala namang perpektong siyudad o tirahan, pero kahit mali man o tama si Dan Brown at ang iba pa -- sa totoo lang, may mabigat na trabaho talagang dapat gawin ang Maynila. Para umayos ito, gumanda, at umunlad ulit.

"Tundo man ay langit din." Kung totoo ito, edi mas mala-palasyong kalangitan pala ang Maynila. 

Kilos lang tayo... nang wasto :)

Kailangan nang will to change, so as to start changing, and in the future, see change.

That, my friends, is a #fact, 'nu Paulo Coelho?

Pleasure, Pizza and The Feast!

Long time no blog!

To tell you straight --  this entry has nothing to do with the twilight of Mother's Day (May 12) nor the dawn of midyear elections in my ever-hopeful country (May 13).

I just want to share with you how I find peace in my Sunday service; plus the many perks that come along with it.

It's just less than a year since I attended the Feast PICC -- a weekly prayer meeting of the Light of Jesus family; a congregation founded by Bro. Bo Sanchez. In it, I find serenity every Sunday.  Each rest day is a renewal for me -- another chance to be distressed, inspired, motivated, forgiving, grateful, and feel loved. Last week, I had a very crazy epiphany: being in the Feast is more liberating than touching one's self -- or succumbing to temptations of the flesh.

Oh yes, I just included the phrases "weekly prayer meeting" and "temptation of the flesh" in one paragraph. My apologies for the conservatives, but just continue to read, please.

Have you ever felt those times when something inside you wants to get out? Something buried or sustained finally calls for freedom. It's so hard to resist and so you look for ways to liberate yourself. Well, I'm only human and I do have those times -- unexpected or not. There are times when being alone with myself is tantamount to being in a confession room. Only I cannot invite a priest -- or someone -- to do it with me. 

But what happened last week as I was worshiping -- I felt as if I am reaching a climax -- a different climax altogether; no deep breathing, but with tears prompting to flow down my cheeks. I got so contained in the songs and in the warmth of the entire reception hall that suddenly I felt as if I am free. It was not like those moments when I hide something in order to free something else.

And that is what I like most in the Feast. It makes me feel these inexplicable emotions and overwhelming feeling of acceptance; that no matter what sins I committed in the past weeks or so, I know I am forgiven. I know that somewhere in Pasay City every week, I can be one among the unnoticed worshipers who go to the venue only to ask God for a repair. I like the idea of being seated next to a probable prostitute, mistress, abusive father, foul-mouthed teenager, or flirty, sexually active couple, but only because we all want to be healed in areas we are most damaged at. I especially love how Bro. Bo Sanchez claims not to be perfect and still manage to be legitimately inspiring.

I think this is what will make me continue to attend the Feast until I'm a father or a grandfather. It is a home to people with or without apparent connections. It is home to people who only wish to be present once the Teacher calls for Sunday attendance. A simple nod of recognition can change a week or an entire life! And when it becomes a habit like what it is to me now, you could also be surprised at how it could be more liberating than our nastiest means of escape :)


Segue:

Every week after service, my cousin Honeylette and I proceed to Harrison Plaza and have our late lunch at Patrick's Pizza. It is an affordable pizza store located in front of Shopwise which sells 2 slices of supreme flavored Pizza (ham, cheese, pineapple, pepperoni, bacon), plus 2 8-oz. mountain dew drink for only Php 25.00.

I say you try it because (1) it is very affordable -- bordering on cheap -- considering that (2) it tastes legitimate, if not better than many other pizza labels we know. It is best eaten when toasted and fresh from the oven. It is tasty and mouth-watering. 

1 whole Patrick's Supreme Pizza -- sorry for the quality, wish I had a better camera phone

My cousin and Feast buddy, Honeylette

Her boyfriend; another Feast volunteer, JC

My Sundays are complete when I get to have 2 feasts: one in PICC and the other at Patrick's Pizza.