Do We Deserve November 8?

Every four years we experience Leap Year and add February 29 on our calendars because the Earth revolves around the sun slower than normal.

A Reverse Leap Year hasn’t been proposed yet wherein instead of add, we omit one day from the calendar. If that ever comes true, perhaps most Filipinos and Americans would vote for the removal of November 8.

If you belong in the minority of these populations who weren’t informed by the recent breaking news, here are they:

Our Supreme Court ruled 9-5-1 in favor of allowing formerPresident Ferdinand Marcos to be buried in Libingan ng mga Bayani (Heroes’Cemetery)—the final resting place for our country’s presidents, heroes, patriots, and national artists and scientists. For almost three decades, human rights lawyers, activists, and martial law victims have opposed this move because while he is technically qualified to be buried there as a former president; National Defense secretary; Medal of Valor awardee; and WWII veteran; the atrocities committed under his declared Martial Law counters the essence of the cemetery’s foundation.

For obvious reasons, social media exploded with furious netizens. While majority of people (at least on my feed) could not accept the decision, others said that life must still go on.

“Move On!” said those who have had too much of this ‘Martial Law thingy.’ For them, the burial might actually signal our national unity—an ideal path to progress with our past behind us where there is no sinner and everyone is a saint.

“It’s a soldier’s and a President’s burial, not a hero’s burial,” others said in an effort to calm down the opposition. Point taken: soldiers and presidents are qualified to be buried in the cemetery; however, whether Pres. Marcos was a war veteran and a decorated soldier remains contestable (read up on articles about his allegedly fake medals and hard fought war victories).

On another note, the AFP Regulations G 161-375 states that the cemetery prohibits a burial for people “who have been dishonourably discharged from service or personnel convicted of an offense involving moral turpitude.” Pres. Marcos was ousted from Malacanang in a dishonourably manner. If you’re lazy to read the news or browse online videos, ask your parents and grandparents about it. The recurring image of People Power revolution that shows military officers accepting flowers from rosary-decorated nuns is the culmination of a bloody struggle. While it painted a peaceful resolution, the path to achieve it was not. Others contend that while Pres. Marcos was charged with several offenses, he was never convicted—he died as an innocent man. Then we hear a new rebuttal and the argument just went, and still goes, on and on.

The following day our strongest ally (probably a debatable issue), the United States of America, held their elections to determine, above all, who will be their 45^th president. Whichever was the result, it was a historical night because they would have either elected their first female president or their first president who hasn’t held public office in his entire privileged life.

Popular vote favored Hillary Clinton but their election, validated by the Electoral College System, placed Donald Trump on the lead. If only to prove that America is first at anything, they trumped United Kingdom’s#Brexit from EU earlier this year and claimed the most embarrassing national move title.

“Why are you affected, you’re not even a US citizen?” asked clueless netizens to their friends who hate Trump or are appalled by the results overseas. For your information, USA is among the country’s top foreign investors (meaning they put up businesses here), trading partners (we can sell them our products and vice versa), and military partners (we can buy equipment from them and have access to their advanced training so our soldiers are better equipped to protect us).

Our current president is vocally not a fan of the United States but (surprise!) the feeling is mutual for Mr. Trump. In his race to the White House, Mr. Trump once cited the Philippines among “terrorist nations” whose immigrants should be barred from the US. Mr. Trump’s hostility will likely affect us, especially the more than 3 million Filipinos currently living in the US and millions more who aspire to visit or reside there.

Don’t blame Filipinos who are concerned with economics, diplomacy, foreign trade, and generally our security in the international scene. If you’re a Filipino who insists on taking care of your own business in your native land, then don’t bet on your favorite NBA team during the finals; stop binge-watching with your Netflix; don’t drink a tall, grande, or venti; don’t line up for the latest Marvel movie; and stop filling your sentences with “ahm,” “like,” or “you know,” because uhm...you know, all these and more are so like...American.

November 8 was 2016’s biggest irony yet. We were haunted by our past and left with uncertain prospects.

Now that the table has been turned by the highest court in the land, we ask ourselves: do we create another revolution by going to the streets, angrily typing at our keyboards, or shutting down everything so we can simply live free from politics? Now that Mr. Trump will soon be Pres. Trump, we have to observe and assess the impacts of his “America for Americans” plan. If it will be as aggressive as he promised it to be, his “wall” won’t just be for Mexicans.

November 8 begged the question if both our countries have been taking democracy for granted. It also challenged us to think if we can keep it longer.

Do we deserve November 8? It depends on your belief in your people, your government, your leaders and yourself. Even if it’s ideal to have a Yes or No for an answer, it only matters if you care enough. You don’t shrug off these issues and easily move on. It’s not as easy as when you click that like or share button but didn’t even read that damn political news.

Whang Od's trademark

My portrait

In Buscalan, Kalinga province, 98 year old Whang-od Oggay or simply "Whang Od" lives and thrives with her art called "pambabatok" or traditional tattooing. She is the oldest and the last of her generation of Kalinga mambabatoks. 

Whang Od is highly regarded for her work in the preservation of their tribal identity since World War II. It is no secret, however, that due to old age, cultural advocates are anxious about the influx of tourists in Kalinga who want to see 'the,' and be tattooed by, Whang Od, herself.

Critics dismiss this trend as anything from exploiting the rich Kalinga art form, to immersing in pop culture (where people are more into the 'pop' aspect of the visit than in knowing their 'culture'), to subjecting the almost centenarian to intensive labor than her frail body and eyesight can manage.

I won't deny my aspiration of meeting Whang Od in person because to me, she's a living museum. I think it would be a memorable opportunity to sit with her and ask her about the art form, her reasons for keeping it alive, and the inevitable day when she has to wash down the ink and clean her container for good.

Plenty of videos have previously surfaced on the net about these topics but until I hear from her, then I can gauge whether I will get a tattoo or just witness her leave her mark on someone else's body—turning it into enviable historical artifact while I settle on being a reliable witness.

For me, there are three obvious courses of action when one meets Whang Od:

1) The Fan. Greet, smile, and ask for a picture with the 'living legend.' Tell her where you're from and what brings you to their remote village. Post on Instagram with #blessed. If you can afford to bring a Polaroid camera, ask her for a signature and perhaps request for the same ink that she uses when tattooing. When Whang Od's relatives ask if you will get a tattoo, say you'll think about it or you'll get permission from your parents, first. 

2) The Culture Vulture. Come early morning in the village and approach her assistant so you can get in line first. Bring a draft of your preferred tattoo design and ask help from translators so Whang Od can get your rationale. If applicable, show her your other tattoos to prove that you're legit and you're not just there for the 'likes.' Make sure you can get through the pain of the 'pambabatok' process because as you know, it is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. As a true cultural advocate and a tattoo aficionado, you know that having a Whang Od tattoo over your dead body equates to bringing another portrait to decorate heaven with.

3) Journalist/Blogger. Yes, you go through days of travelling the Cordillera highlands to finally see Whang Od in action. You document her every move and imply deeper meaning to her simplest nuance like, maybe moving her eyes, taking deep sighs, stretching her worn out arms, and washing her tattoo equipment. You narrate how she reacts alone and within the community, and how her tribesmen and neighbors respond to her celebrity. You end your journey with a question if Whang Od is indeed a national living cultural treasure or if the government and our people take her for granted just like other tourist attractions.

To fit in any of these categories is not at all unfortunate. Whang Od's legacy has been primed once locals and foreign nationals realize that she could be gone soon. She has been doing this since the post-World War but we only see her now. Whang Od's body and eye sight may be frail but we are the ones trying to catch up with her and her trademark.

Think about it, we have invented the emojis, hashtags, memes, and chat acronyms to decorate our communication and self expression but we are also the ones willing to travel for days and line up for hours to get that painful, long-lasting ink in our bodies. We are so busy making a mark as a generation and in order to do that, we seek the help from older ones like Whang Od. We cannot erase that fact; it's like our collective tattoo.

Watercolor Workshop for Kids

Last Sunday I volunteered for the Watercolor Workshop for Kids at Ayala Museum by GooglyGooeys artist and founder Ms. Tippy. She was joined by her supportive husband, Pong.

GooglyGooeys is a watercolor art folio that features gooey designs appealing mostly to kids. 

I learned a lot from my experience that day. Best of all, I appreciated how watercolor is such a flexible art medium. But let's not go into that, instead, I want to share some photo highlights from the 4-12 year old participants.

Kids played with watercolor techniques like flat wash, gradient, wet in wet, dry brush, splatter (my favorite), lifting, and glazing.

The second session taught kids how to doodle (sketch) based on facial outlines. 

I am the lone volunteer that day so Ms. Tippy drew me when she needed a male model. Yes, I can say that GooglyGooeys drew me. Yey! Note: I volunteered to see an artist in action and learn from her; to be drawn by her is just a great bonus! 

The kids also directed Ms. Tippy as they invented FlappyButt, a boy-rocker-vampire who dons a spiky hair and loves bears and cats.

With my five hour volunteer experience, I observed that kids have varying visions of art (obviously!) as some of them see it as a dark experience. One kid captioned her character, (not in exact words) "Sometimes I just sit and stare and wonder what am I doing here?" Pretty dark, eh?

When Ms. Tippy asked kids to observe their hands and count their fingers, the same kid answered, "I'm pretty sure we all know that." This kid clearly has issues, though I have to say that she is one of the advanced students.

Participants pose with their certificates

Wish parents could see their kids' folios so they can gauge how they feel or think as of the moment.

"Borrowed Time"

Pixar brought us some of the most remarkable animated films like Inside Out, Wall-E, Finding Nemo (then Dory), Brave, and The Toy Story and Cars franchises, which made us yearning to be kids again! 

Unbeknown to many, behind the entertaining characters, fanciful production value, and mostly lighthearted storylines, are cartoonists who believe that animation is a genre not exclusive for, and defined, by kids.

Take the case of Lou Hamou-Lhadj and Andrew Coats, co-writers and co-directors of the award winning animated short film, "Borrowed Time." They have been generating a lot of attention recently for their story about "a weathered Sheriff who returns to the remains of an accident he has spent a lifetime trying to forget. With each step forward, the memories come flooding back. Faced with his mistake once again, he must find the strength to carry on."

This aptly titled six-minute film (which you can watch HERE) echoes the time tested principle that our time on earth is limited. So short that we need not spend it sulking over the past (i.e. things we could have done the other way; mistakes we could have avoided; and choices we wish we made).

To live with grief, remorse, and sorrow, is part of the 'moving on' process but if they consume you for the rest of your finite life, expect to become worse than your former self. 

Let us learn from the Sheriff who unintentionally faced his demon--his uninvited ghost--after all these years. He proved to us that no matter how hard the challenge was, how long it has been, and how old you've become, "you can turn things around.*" He also showed us that forgiveness is a generous gift that we can offer ourselves.

The best part about the short film is knowing that Lou and Andrew developed the story in a span of five years, collaborating between their breaks at Pixar to do something compelling and meaningful out of their 'borrowed time.' :)

If you want to learn more about the creators' motivation behind making the story, watch their interview on Vimeo, here.

*Part of the emotional speech of Joan Rivers when she won a Daytime Emmy for her morning show in 1990, few years after her lowest point inHollywood--following the cancellation of her Late Night show and the suicide of her husband. You can watch it HERE.

Gratitude List (part 2)

Never take for granted simple blessings and pleasant surprises. You never know when will they come back to you (if they will, at all.)

Here is my gratitude list (part 2)

• Free chocolate in the fridge - Do I need to explain how chocolates make our day? :)

• Cheap, quality cinema - Together with some college friends, I recently watched "Ang Babaeng Humayo" (The Woman Who Left), the four-hour epic of internationally acclaimed Filipino filmmaker Lav Diaz. The movie won the Golden Lion award (Best Picture) at the 73rd Venice International Film Festival. Ticket cost is P100 only when you watch it at the government funded Cinematheque Centre Manila.

My millennial friend, Hsam

It was my first Lav movie and I could say that he has a magical approach to cinema.The duration is extremely challenging for even seasoned moviegoers but he knows when to insert light parts to avoid crossing the lines of monotony and drag. 

When I watched it, I became prouder of our identity as storytellers but proudest for finishing it in one sitting! #ShowTheLav #ForTheLavOfCinema 

• Power Rangers 2017 movie trailer -  Yap, I belong to the millions of '90s kids who still dream of becoming a Power Ranger so to see the sneak peak of the new generation Rangers is beyond exciting. It's the next best thing to making my power induced dream come true. I bet it's safe to say that little girls dream of being a Disney princess while little boys aspire to be assigned one powerful color in the pack (mine is negotiable)!

• Agot Isidro - I thought nothing could beat the Power Rangers trailer until local actress Agot Isidro trended on social media because of her strong and unapologetic criticism of President Rodrigo Duterte. The rest of the country was like, "I never thought Agot can say those things" so she became the subject of thousands of smart-shaming and personal tirade from Duterte supporters. Way to go, Agot! As it is with democracy, everyone is entitled to their opinion. The unbearable noise in social media resulting from opposition with the current administration is the price that we, unsurprisingly, have to pay.

• Successful encore event for a client - After countless of preparatory meetings, and back-and-forths of plans and articles, I finally sealed one of my accounts at work and my clients were happy with our performance. Yaaassss!

• Volunteer experience at Ayala Museum - After what felt like an endless cycle of (cue Rihanna) work-work-work-work-work, I signed up to be an Ayala Museum volunteer so I can recharge on weekends and be surrounded with arts and culture--two things that make me happy most. My first task was to be an usher in Ambeth Ocampo's talk on Food in Philippine History. I gladly found out that Ayala Museum takes care of its volunteers and treat them--us--with food and freebies. Not to mention free entrance to the events we volunteered for :)

(From left) My co-volunteers Val, Arvee, and Sam. The cool Ambeth Ocampo does the peace sign.

I can keep going on with this list but I have to manage my time. 

More to come!

The Joy of Improv

The family that improvises together, grows together. 

TWI logo

I just want to share my recent creative endeavor called Third World Improv (TWI) Workshop conducted by the country's premier improvisation group, SPIT (Silly People's Improv Workshop; naks!). 

I joined Level 1 (aka beginner's level) because admittedly, I don't have an experience in improvisational performance yet. I may be the class clown or the group's stand up comic but I do know that the art of improv is a different animal altogether.

I first learned about improv from watching SPIT in Commune, marathoning Saturday Night Live (SNL) videos on YouTube, and reading Tina Fey's hilarious memoir "Bossypants."

Watching SPIT for the first time, I thought that their brand of comedy is unique. Little did I know that it's not just a comedy show, it's a performance art. For comparison, it's like theater without the stage set-up, costumes, scripts, and rehearsed blocking, lights and sounds, and movements.

SNL is branded as a live sketch comedy show but I learned early on that most of its former and current cast members and writers have an improv background. I would name Kristen Wiig, Bill Hader, Maya Rudolph, and Amy Poehler, as some of my improv heroes. 

In Tina's case, she dedicated a chapter in her book for the love of improv. That was where I first learned its two greatest commandments:

Commandment no. 1: Always say, "Yes" 
By doing so, you will be able to continue your unrehearsed, unscripted story.

Commandment no. 2: Say, "Yes, and..."
You have to not only agree to what your co-performer said but also contribute to his/her idea.

Seasoned and amateur improvisers know that you only need to take to heart these two rules and you can get through most of your performances (unless your sh*tty nerves get in the way, then sorry bes!). Going through Level 1 under teacher Aryn Cristobal (yes, shout-out!) made me realize more guidelines to help me become a better improviser:

No. 3: Make your partner look good
It's simple. If you agree to what your partner said (even if you really don't), the audience will believe that the two of you are in sync with your make believe stories. 

No. 4: It's not about you
Perhaps the hardest thing for any aspiring improviser/performer is to think of himself as not the 'star of the show' but just a part of it. Successful improv shows are made by groups and not individuals. If you think you're not ready to say "we" instead of "I," then stand up comedy might be the best way for you (which is not a bad thing, honestly).  

No. 5: Be a child again (even if it means you'll look foolish and embarrassing) 
You'll be surprised to learn that a lot of aspiring and practicing improvisers have full time jobs. They enroll in improv classes because they (I included) believe that it will develop their creativity, playfulness, and fun-loving spirit that they unfortunately loss while working or being "alipin ng salapi." 

In my group's case, you could easily point out who are part of the labor force--not just by our outfits but also by our demeanors (more reserved, careful with words, and cautious of movements). Gladly, we had 8 sessions to break that attitude and be childlike again!

No. 6: Don't control what's going to happen. "Que Sera Sera." Prepare for pleasant surprises

"Improvisation," according to (Senator) Merriam-Webster is the act or art of speaking or performing without practicing or preparing ahead of time. If you don't get the point, you just wasted a good 5 minutes reading my blog.

Pardon the (always) haggard face. I went straight to the venue from Palawan

Our team is called "Where's Mariana?"

After days of workshops and hours of preparation, we finally had our TWI Showcase last September 11 at Circuit Makati.

We played five short games in an effort to sound and look spontaneous, young, and fun in front of supportive families, friends, and fellow improvisers. It wasn't a perfect showcase but it was nonetheless fun. 

I'll close this blog by echoing what TWI Director Gabe Mercado said during his introduction, "Improv is a process, not a product." 

Gabe Mercado. I wish I just Googled a photo of him

That's the beauty of improv. Regardless of age, background in performing arts, or comic timing, you have the excuse to be wrong. You never have to worry because no matter how silly your ideas seem, somebody will say yes to it. You will look good because you're part of a team.

Like any millennial-dominated group, we had to look cool, hence the group hand sign

Gratitude List

[Part 1]

It's no secret that it pays to be grateful for things, big or small, that make us smile and, in some cases, get us through the day with better disposition. 

Recently, here are some of the things I am thankful for:

• Taxi/cab drivers who don't choose passengers, especially during heavy rains. See, I live in Tondo, Manila. More often than not, these drivers would deny me service because they are afraid of the street and neighborhood conditions in Tondo. Honestly, I believe that anywhere is as dangerous or as safe as your mind conceive it to be.

• Writers who are grateful/not intimidated by fans. I attended Virgin Labfest 12, the festival of untried, untested, and unstaged plays in CCP where you can basically bump into some of the who's who in Philippine theater and literary scene. So I bumped into these writers and told them how I admire their work: Nicolas Pichay, Eric Cabahug, Dingdong Novenario, and Herlyn Gail Alegre. They warmly and humbly accepted my compliments and offered their gratitude in return.

• Being able to help an elderly cross the street/open the door. The best thing is when they smile at you, say "thank you," and even wish you God's blessings. Awww...

• Strangers offering their humble food and starting a conversation. Once I was having dinner at a convenience store and the man beside me offered his food (which is as plain as mine). He then complimented my watch and asked where I got it from. That experience reminded me that everyone has something to share regardless if they look interesting or not. 

• Unexpected team dinner. To remind everyone that we still have a life outside work and things inside the office are not personal.

Here's hoping to more frequent and longer gratitude lists soon!

"The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari"

I stumbled upon this self-help book by writer and leadership guru Robin Sharma while browsing through the Personality Development section of Fully Booked.

I didn't pick it up the first time. I knew I would when the right time comes. And it did...three weeks ago when I was thinking of moving out of my comfort zone. 

The message could not have been more apt: be a monk, sell your ferrari. In essence, focus on the essential and rid yourself of life's excesses. Sharma didn't attempt to conceal it either, putting a tagline that it's "a fable about fulfilling your dreams and reaching your destiny."

In the book (also in Wikipedia), the story revolves around two characters, former law colleagues Julian Mantle and John, immersed in a 12-hour long conversation. Julian narrates his spiritual experiences during a Himalayan journey which he takes after selling his holiday home and red Ferrari. A successful trial lawyer, Julian collapses from a heart attack while arguing a case in court, and his lengthy recovery leads him to seek a spiritual path in the Himalayan mountains, under the Sages of Sivana, from whom he receive wise and practical lessons which bring drastic changes in his life. 

Julian shares valuable life lessons to John through a short story hiding The 7 Timeless Virtues of Enlightened Living. 

Here's the summary: "There was a [3] sumo wrestler who walked out of a [2] lighthouse in the middle of a [1] beautiful garden with nothing more than a [4] pink wire cable covering his private parts. While walking, he slipped on a [5] shiny gold stopwatch and fell to the ground. After what seemed like an eternity, he regained consciousness when the fragrance of the [6] yellow roses reached his nose. He then jumped to his feet in delight and was astonished to see a long, winding [7] path studded with millions of tiny diamonds. Of course the sumo wrestler took the path and, in doing so, lived happily ever after."

To spare you some time, here are the meaning of these virtues, according to Sharma:

Go pick up the book if you're into self-help. It probably won't bore you because the lessons are hidden in the form of a short story. It is unlike most self-help books these days which promise guaranteed change! in life after few bullet points and examples.

It's also helpful for meditation and Buddhism enthusiasts :)

Pens and Faces

Late last year I discovered a new hobby: drawing. It turned out that my father's artistic influence is still alive despite my denial that I can draw (and that I have the patience to turn sketches into someone recognizable). 

I chose to draw portraits as a way of paying tribute to the people who have inspired me in one way or another. In few cases though, I drew people for mockery (as in the case of Manny Pacquiao and Taylor Swift). 

Here are some of my portraits using colored pens (Note: I am an amateur. I don't have any professional training).

From Hollywood:

From first row, L-R: Versatile actor Johnny Depp, Award-winning daytime talk show host Ellen DeGeneres, Talented actress and TV star Viola Davis, Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter John Mayer, Bankable British actor Jude Law, Bankable German-Irish actor Michael Fassbender, Two-time Academy Award-winning Australian actress Cate Blanchett, Academy Award-winning actor and legendary comic Robin Williams, and another Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter Amy Winehouse

I also have some local personalities:

(From left, counterclockwise) Model and versatile actress Angel Aquino, International boxing legend Manny Pacquiao, and Miss Universe 2015 Pia Alonzo Wurtzbach

Recently, I dabbled into a new technique: the classic black and white.

(From left, counterclockwise) Legendary British stage and screen actor Patrick Stewart (some say Steve Jobs), Pop royalty Taylor Swift, 'Hamilton' creator and Broadway star Lin Manuel-Miranda, and 'Cookie' of hit TV series 'Empire,' Taraji P. Henson

I still have a lot of room to grow but so far, I think I'm on the right path because drawing makes me cope up with boredom, enhances my creativity, and espouses focus and discipline.

You can see more of my attempts at @rossmanicad in Instagram.

Looking (HBO Comedy-Drama Series)

I have rare moments in life when I don't know what I'm feeling at a particular moment.

Looking poster for Season 2

Last July 4, I finished watching "Looking," a two-season comedy-drama series in HBO (2014-2015) that tells the stories of three grown-up gay men living in modern San Francisco. That day I just wanted to hug a lot of people and I didn't think any emoji can capture my emotions.

"Looking" stars Broadway heartthrob Jonathan Groff as Patrick, a 29 y.o. game developer who is your gay buddy longing for a serious relationship and, at the same time, willing to experiment.

As easy as in the pilot episode, Patrick tries his luck in meeting a few men and making his mostly uncalculated moves. He is unable to shut his honest mouth as he opens up to new acquaintances which then lead to failed attempts.

Groff's Patrick is adorable. He's like the younger brother that you wish you can play with, hug when you're happy or sad, punch when you just want to, and talk to when you're feeling bored or overly excited. Patrick is a really nice guy and his vulnerability as a gay guy, as a nerdy gay guy, as a single nerdy gay guy who just wants to love and be loved, would surely keep you wanting more. Episode after episode. Smile after smile.

Agustin, Patrick, and Dom

His softness is balanced with the stronger personalities of his friends Dom (Murray Bartlett), the proud and impulsive aspiring entrepreneur and Agustin (Frankie J. Alvarez), a thriving artist who, like Dom, has a high tendency to jump the gun.

Being best friends, these three are enough compelling reasons to religiously follow the show. Their lives intertwine but the show runners did a good job in highlighting their separate storylines so we can see through their dreams and aspirations.

They are not just gay guys who like to flirt. Sure, they have a lot of steamy sex scenes with different guys, but you can see how they treat their relationships beyond the flesh. They long for something that touches on the emotions--finding what it is that makes them truly happy.

***

#TeamRichie

#TeamKevin

For the main love triangle in the story, Patrick is such a sweet guy that you can't blame him if he can't make his mind up between Richie (Raul Castillo), the loyal and emotional Mexican barber and Kevin (Russel Tovey), his sexy British tech boss who enters his life while still in a relationship.

Is it #TeamKevin or #TeamRichie? Dammit. Just stick to #TeamPatrick

No matter who he ends up with, someone will get hurt and he is bound to lose a great person. Like Patrick, show followers are divided between #TeamRichie and #TeamKevin only to end up miserable in the season 2 finale because they don't know who he finally chooses. If you consider yourself a fan of the show though, know that you should always belong to #TeamPatrick.

The funny and lovable Doris

While the show can come across as a 'gay drama' to some, there are several comic surprises--most of them courtesy of Doris (Lauren Weedman), Dom's best friend and the only female friend in the circle. She's the brutally honest straight friend who is ever caring to her queer folks. Doris speaks the truth without delay but ensures that you're not offended with her satire and sarcasm.

***

With all the commendations I give to Looking, I still summarize it as one big heartbreak. It's so good that 1) it hurts to know that it only ran for two short seasons, 2) most episodes have open endings that compels you to click on the next episode ASAP, and 3) with all the complications of their loves and lives, you can't help but to let the characters stay in your mind for long.

You let them live inside you as if they were your best friends. You want to make sure that they are okay, and that even if they leave your mind, they will be okay out there. Such is the magic of simplistic, realistic storytelling of its creator (writer-director) Andrew Haigh.

"There's more OUT there" says the show's tagline. Pictured here are the adorable cast members of Looking

Every now and then a story is born and it's unlike any other.  For its part, Looking is about LGBT but it present the truths of people who others may easily dismiss as sex-starved individuals. There is heart and art to the ways they tell the stories of the Gs in LGBT. It's comedy is subtle yet effective and it's drama doesn't solicit a boring sobfest.

It's not yet too late to catch Looking. It's TV movie airs this July 23 on HBO. In it, we get to revisit the characters' lives years from when we last saw them in Season 2.