Jumper

A genetic anomaly allows a young man to teleport himself anywhere. He discovers this gift has existed for centuries and finds himself in a war that has been raging for thousands of years between "Jumpers" and those who have sworn to kill them.


Watched it last night at The Grand Cathay at 11.15pm. Funny, I just realized it was "anakin" who's playing the david as a jumper at the last part where he called diane lane mom hihihi. Better watch it! I had a feeling now what would they be doing for the 2nd book of the Golden Compass :)

If you had this kind of power, which place would you "jump" in first? Me? Of course, Europe where else???

Rate: 5 sweet popcorns!

That Bitch!

Last week's last 4 days was anything but pure rest and lazying around. I was so glad that at least once a year, we get the chance to feel rest like this. And last friday was suppose to be one of our happiest days but turns out to be one of the saddest and stressful days. My sister A was already at the airport, checked-in her baggage, paid her travel tax and airport tax and was queueing at the immigration when I got an sms from her and from my mom who luckily has the patience to wait, that the immigration officer *bitch* didn't allow her to go. Her f****ng reason was that her return ticket (via Tiger) is not the same as her ticket going to singapore (via Jetstar) and they don't know if the Tiger ticket is for real since according to her a lot have been using fake tickets. Why not checked it with the airlines then? I booked her that ticket since it's really cheaper and when i say it's cheaper it's not that cheap to waste that amount of money. She has the EPEC, two valid tickets and God knows why she wasn't allowed to go. In other words, after cursing and reaching the highest level of stress, my sister didn't managed to catch her flight inspite of her pleading and humiliation and money and effort. That conniving son-of-a-b****! Pardon my words. I was just really pissed off. Imagine if I have done this post at that exact moment, I don't know what words I would utter. Sigh!

Anyway, I know I was that mad at that time but I wasn't strong enough not to cry bucket of tears. Partly, it's my fault that my sister had to endure that kind of embarassment. I've been trying to save few bucks and this is what happens. But I didn't know that they had this kind of policy. Been doing it for years. Never heard it happen to anyone. Apparently, this has been their policy for years. I've talked to someone from Jetstar and they said that they don't have any issue if their customer uses any other airlines for their return ticket. I was soooo sad that day. But we just thought that hopefully and maybe there's something bigger for us to thank to. When that happens, I'll send that bitch a cake as a thank you.

You know how sometimes, people do everything they can to crushed other people's dreams and they do it with great delight holding that power granted upon them. I have never had a pleasant experience with any immigration officer in the philippines. I always felt a mixture of hatred and fear everytime I leave the country seeing their straight faces looking tough and asking questions with a palpable hint that you are working outside the country not as a professional. Even so, whatever that person is working as, i thought that people who queue at that line deserves some respect. You've got to learn to respect those kababayans who's trying so hard to be away from their families just to make a living by serving people of not their own race. And at this point, as I see it, you are the one working for us and not the other way around. I'm sorry but I never saw that kind of snooty attitude on immigration officers of other countries. They, who are some had that impression of being a racist. They do not have a friendly facade, all right, but at least they don't show what power they have. I just wish there would be a chance that people itself will change. It's hard to keep peace when people around you doesn't have the same kind of aspiration as you have.

Hong Bao Moment

Every year here in singapore, as they celebrated CNY, one of the traditions is the River Hong Bao. Typically like a "perya" in the philippine's provinces. We went there last saturday as we already run out of things to do at home besides watching tv or movies. Enjoy din. Full rest. Feel na feel ang holiday. We went there around 9pm and it was still full of people. Para kaming nagdedate sa perya. Alala ko tuloy yung peryaan sa bulacan noon. Pahirapan kaming magpaalam na magpipinsan pero pag naman pinayagan may allowance pang kasama. Dun namin imimeet mga barkada ng pinsan ko na crush na crush ko noon hihihi.

There were rides for the kids, and for the people who sadistically paid big bucks for a ride that either make you barf or make you dizzy like hell. There were displays of wires that look like animals in which year you're born to, of course the gigantic image of a chinese character that showers small pieces of paper at certain times which locals patiently waited to and open their umbrella upside down so they can catch hundreds of it *they said that if you put one in yoru wallet you'll be lucky and you won't run out of money*, stalls selling chinese pieces, and of course food! During these times, I will be acting now like a 12 year old kid asking rommel to buy me a muah chee or a cotton candy or a corn in a cup! It's fun but a bit tiring. Enjoy the photos!

Rule the World

Rule the World Take That You light the skies, up above me A star, so bright, you blind me, yeah Don’t close your eyes Don’t fade away, don’t fade away- Oh Yeah you and me we can ride on a star If you stay with me girl We can rule the world- Yeah you and me we can light up the sky If you stay by my side We can rule the world- If walls break down, I will comfort you If angels cry, oh I’ll be there for you You've saved my soul Don’t leave me now, don’t leave me now Oh Yeah you and me we can ride on a star If you stay with me girl We can rule the world Yeah you and me, we can light up the sky If you stay by my side We can rule the world- Ooooooooh [Rule The World lyrics on http://www.metrolyrics.com] All the stars are coming out tonight They're lighting up the sky tonight For you, for you All the stars are coming out tonight They’re lighting up the sky tonight For you, for you- Ooooooooh Yeah you and me we can ride on a star If you stay with me girl We can rule the world Yeah you and me, we can light up the sky If you stay by my side We can rule the world All the stars are coming out tonight (oooooooh) They’re lighting up the sky tonight For you, for you- All the stars are coming out tonight They're lighting up the sky tonight For you,for you- All the stars, are coming out tonight They're lighting up the sky tonight For you, for you- All the stars, are coming out tonight They're lighting up the sky tonight For you,for you-

Stardust

Since there's no open mall to go to, we stayed home the whole day watching movies and eating and lazying around. And I finally saw Stardust after days and days of asking friends if they have the movie or asking the lady from Gramophone if it's already on sale. I've read the book since day 1 it was shown in the movies. I've thought of trying to read the book first and when we decided to watch it, it was already over and I've forgotten about it until rommel told me he had watched it in the plane and that it was really good. So that kept me on the lookout for the movie and bless my housemate for giving me this site.

The movie is really really good though nothing will change how much I love the book it’s based on. And now I can really say that the movie is really different from the book. An adaptation of the stardust book if I may say. It's like having one story with two different twist.

If you have watched the movie and haven't read the book then go on read this post. But if you haven't, you may stop now.

Babylon candle wasn't given to Tristan by his mother along with the letter and he didn't met Yvaine by "falling" from the sky literally. He walk across the wall with the help of his father. Robert de Niro's character wasn't in the book at all though a captain and a ship was mentioned but not of a funny character as de Niro's. He was hilarious and I really love him! Septimus or the 7th prince didn't died the way he died in the movie, he was bitten by the witch's snake when he was trying to burned down her house. The arrival of the unicorn and how it died was also different. Lastly, the last part of the movie where Tristan return to his town was really not the way the book tells it.

Both the movie and the book are good and comparing it is really difficult. It's both a masterpiece. Eye-Luv-It! Neil Gaiman is truly a master of his work. I think everyone should WATCH the movie and READ the book.

I have the book, just let me know if you want to borrow it :)

Oh, and by the way, i sooooooo love the soundtrack. Rule the World by Take that. Rommel does too. He can now play it in his guitar. Lovely!

Stars: Claire Danes, Robert De Niro, Michelle Pfeiffer, Sienna Miller, Charlie Cox
A young man named Tristan (Charlie Cox) tries to win the heart of Victoria (Sienna Miller), the beautiful but cold object of his desire, by going on a quest to retrieve a fallen star. His journey takes him to a mysterious and forbidden land beyond the walls of his village. On his odyssey, Tristan finds the star, which has transformed into a striking girl named Yvaine (Claire Danes). However, Tristan is not the only one seeking the star. A king's (Peter O'Toole) four living sons - not to mention the ghosts of their three dead brothers - all need the star as they vie for the throne. Tristan must also overcome the evil witch, Lamia (Michelle Pfeiffer), who needs the star to make her young again. As Tristan battles to survive these threats, encountering a pirate named Captain Shakespeare (Robert De Niro) and a shady trader named Ferdy the Fence (Ricky Gervais) along the way, his quest changes. He must now win the heart of the star for himself as he discovers the meaning of true love.

The Final Cut

We rented this movie from Gramophone in Cathay and it was really a good movie though I think may be far from reality. I remember last time when I told rommel while we were in a vacation in another part of the globe, that if we could only tap the side of our eyes and it will automatically record all those things that you see. Hmmm, well this movie is somewhat similar though this you are not given a choice to choose which part in your life you wanted to record. Someone will be doing it for you only after your death.

Stars: Robin Williams, Jim Caviezel, Mira Sorvino
In a world where people are implanted with a chip that records their lives, one man has final cut on the recorded history of his clients. Alan Hackman is the best “cutter” in the business, his ability to grant the corrupt absolution of the sins of his clients, has put him in high demand. However, his talent for viewing life without emotion has shaped him into a cold distant man and has made him unable to experience life in the first person. He believes he is a “sin eater” and his work provides him with the ability to absolve the dead of their sins. While cutting a Rememory for a high-powered colleague, Alan discovers an image from his childhood that has haunted him his entire life.

Note to Self

When you're caught off guard with something and you have no idea how to respond to it, sometimes it's better to think things over for as long as it takes so you won't end up on the other side that you don't want to place yourself into. 

Negative Desires

A disciple said to his teacher:

‘I have spent a large part of my day thinking things I should not think, desiring things I should not desire, and making plans I should not make.’

The teacher invited his disciple to go for a walk with him in a forest near his house. On the way, he pointed to a plant and asked if the disciple knew what it was.

‘It’s deadly nightshade,’ said the disciple. ‘The leaves can kill you if you eat them.’

‘But they cannot kill you if you merely look at them. In exactly the same way, negative desires are entirely harmless unless you give in to them.’

(c) Paulo Coelho

Northern Lights

Have you seen something so beautiful as this? This was taken above Bear Lake in Alaska. *this is a United States Air Force photo by Senior Airman Joshua Strang* This is really amazing.

I was reading the Northern Lights book also known as The Golden Compass and thought about doing few research about the Aurora that tickle my curiosity and this is what I found in the internet. Auroras or Polar Lights, according to wikipedia are colored light displays usually observed in the night sky particularly in the polar zone. In northern latitudes, it is known as "aurora borealis". Borealis is a greek name for north wind. It is also known as Northern Polar Lights. The aurora australis (latin word for "of the south") or southern polar lights is the southern counterpart. Indeed, there are things in life that God made for us to see. It's so enchanting. =)

src:wikipedia

Mourning for Heath

When I heard it on the news this morning, I thought it was really tragic that heath ledger died at only 28. It's really sad. You don't know when it's time for you to go so better make the best out of it. Enjoy every minute doing things that gives you bliss.

Heath Ledger

Lost Tiffany

It took 2 months for me to notice that my tiffany necklace is missing. And it's just now that it's beginning to sink in to me. I lost it during the wedding day. I could remember that I switch the chain of my tiffany from my mom's gift then lost track of it afterwards. I still have the pendant that my mom gave me but couldn't find the chain and my tiffany. I already asked my family but they didn't find anything. How could i be born like this always losing not just the ordinary but those expensive ones? When I told ffg about it, I was trying to change the topic to avoid him blaming me again or giving me full hour lecture. But when I told my friends about it, that's when it started to sink in. Then I browse the latest pictures that I had in my hard drive, almost every picture, I'm wearing that necklace :( It isn't just expensive. It has a sentimental value. It's really sad :( Haaayyy...

Wishful Thinking

I've been burrying myself doing a lot of things so I wouldn't think about that someone I terribly miss. Speaking of, I'm so glad I'm finally done creating a post for all my books and shared them here in my blog hoping that some might find it interesting and useful. I'm also trying to finish our wedding album, and hopefully I can find time selecting pictures and give them to our photographer. It's already been 5 months. I'm also planning to do a backup for my blog. Who knows, right? Better be safe than sorry. There's too much memories here and I don't even remember some of the details of those momentous events if I just rely on my memory. Yes, that's what you called getting "there". Forgetting the little things which to me are important. Also planning to do the travel posts that are still on my draft list. I know it's been years, but I figured it may remind me of those times that my longingness to travel was met. And one last thing, I'm currently trying to do my own novel about the details of our wedding. I'm almost half there anyway. When it's finished, i'll be going to recto in manila to have it hardbound. I will be printing the posts from my blog too and have them hardbound. I just have to figure out what kind of printing it would require so it won't fade in time. Then I will include them in my mini library! Sigh! Well, those are all my wishful thinking I hope I'll make at least one done. Wish me luck!

I'm almost done with our wedding photo album. Last night, from our visit to bebi Alexi, which i notice that she had gray eyes! so cute with her pinkie fingers always pointing up and her eyes that looks like she's listening intently to anyone around her talking, I slept almost 6 AM just doing the album! Better get some sleep now, I guess.

Santa uses sleigh, Ate/Kuya uses Door-to-Door

This was a draft post suppose to be posted last christmas but only managed to finish just now

It's already December and Orchard Road, as always, glimmers so brightly with all its christmas decorations. Shopping malls are all busy will a lot of shoppers, christmas songs in the background and a long queue of gift-wrapping service. Lucky Plaza, a Filipino lair in Singapore selling products from the philippines, restaurants serving filipino food and of course at this time of the year, all remittance centers are much busier than ever.

During this time of the year, we were one of those Filipinos in Singapore who painstakingly gather and packed things that we seldom use, chocolates, imported canned goods, laundry soap, old and new clothes, new state-of-the-art gadgets, perfumes, toys even toiletries like body wash, toothpast, household and kitchen stuffs which were sold cheaper here in Singapore. And everything were put in one box most commonly known as "Balikbayan Box". Boxes will then be shipped from Singapore to Philippines and from the office in the Philippines, they use vans or trucks to deliver them door-to-door to our family. KCDat or any other door-to-door delivery service providers are like Santa's sleigh with reindeers. They were like the cheaper version of UPS or FedEx. Only it takes two to three weeks before it reaches its destination.

And each time a balikbayan box was delivered at my family's doorstep, they would sms me right away which i would call back instantly and then i will hear shrieks of excitement and numerous thank yous. And I know that at that instant, in their eyes, I'm the real Santa Clause. =)

The Last Mimzy

Last night, I return all those dvds that bebe and i borrowed last saturday and was tempted to borrow another. And of those was the "Last Mimzy". I don't buy the story but the characters are really good especially that adorable little girl. The little girl and his brother found a box in the shore near their home and the objects that they found gave them both some magical powers. One of the objects included a stuffed bunny rabbit called mimzy who apparently can communicate with the little girl. Did I mentioned how pretty and cute she was? Mom and Dads, let your kids watch this. I bet you'll enjoy it more than them hehehe.

Pan's Labyrinth and Veronika decides to die

Pan's Labyrinth is a spanish movie that tells about a story of a girl who believe in fairytales. She spent her childhood believing that she was the lost princess long time ago told by the faun and doing 3 tasks that the faun asked her to do to be able to open the gate for their kingdom. I think if she's an adult and she will undergo medical treatment where she will be, no doubt, classified as schizophrenic. She wallow in her own world where fairytales are alive and fauns are real. She did the things that the faun asked her to do, somehow believing and making that hope alive that there's still some happiness for her to look forward to at the end of her tasks. She died believing that she's a real princess where her father and mother awaits her though realistically killed by her ruthless stepfather.

Veronika Decides to Die is a masterpiece of Paulo Coelho. It's focus is on Veronika who just decided to kill herself and failed and ended up on a mental hospital. Through this story, I was able to see and feel what it's like being inside this institution. I've learned that some people were still caught up with the sadness of their past and have never learned to take a step to forget about it. I've learned that some were living in the "illusion" of another world and found real peace in it. I've learned that no matter how "perfect" your life can be, there will always be something in your heart that you desire to do without fully knowing what and how to attain it. How many of us are guilty listening to other people's depression and showing compassion but feeling a bit of "im still lucky im not her/him"? How many of us are guilty creating a different world where we can go when quandaries arises?

Sometimes, it will make you think that living in a chaotic world like this, maybe it's best to create a different world where pain and suffering and ruthless people doesn't exist. Only you, the people you love and the "paradise" you created. Well, what do you think the real basis of calling someone "crazy" or "mad" or "schizo"? Is it when you take some time out of your usual ordinary ways? Or when you do something that you think will put gladness in your heart without finally taking heed of the other people's belief of an orthodox life? Wachutink? =D

2007 Flashback

New year has arrived and saying goodbye to the past is inevitable. Though it may seem to be part of the past, there were thousands of things that seem unforgettable in that year. There may be pain or things that i never thought of doing but done, i have no regrets whatsoever. So to welcome this new year, I thought of the grand things that happen to me in 2007.

So here's a flashback of my 2007. Im sure yours is as grand as mine if not grander. Our course our church wedding tops my 2007 =)

Though I've welcomed the year with tears in my eyes and longingness for my family eventhough my friends were around, this year had brought me nothing but happiness.


January
- Our civil wedding in Singapore ends up our reason for celebrating our bf-gf relationship.
- We had, by far, the most relaxing travel we've made when we went to Krabi, Thailand. Beautiful, relaxing beaches!
- Similar design of the sun tatooed on our toes.

February
- valentines day!

March
- Got hold of our precious ring :D

April
- received a news that almost crushed me but took it as a breather instead. it's been 7 years anyway.
- lola passed away :(
- prenup @ botanical garden
- manila trip on bunso's graduation!
- bridesmaid ako! on my bestfriend's wedding
- star cruise virgo!
- engagement encounter

May
- went back to philippines through ffg's miles in SIA. Been a long time I've been to SQ flight since budget airlines surfaced
- my 2nd time of being a bridesmaid on my bestfriend's wedding
- busy preparing for my own wedding =)

June
- in manila
- christina aguilera concert

July
- hollywood theme party sows-i!
- joey in singapore
- my bridal shower

August
- my bridal shower again

September
- ahhh the best time of my life! i was and still am so happy not only that i was able to wear my dream dress and being the center of attention but being married to someone who complements my whole being in every way and loves me much is what makes it the best and unforgettable.

October
- recovery phase

November
- got hold of sony cybershot camera

December
- christmas, what else???
- welcoming baby alexi and dj to this chaotic world

Year ender post

Saw this one post on one of my blog-hopping times... So sorry to forgot the owner of this post. Hope you don't mind!

1. What did you do in 2007 that you’d never done before?
Got married! Twice!

2. Did you keep your new years’ resolutions, and will you make more for next year? I belive in that saying "live life to the fullest" =)


3. Did anyone close to you give birth?
Yep yep! My inay anik to a beautiful baby girl Alexi and my kumareng Jude to a beautiful baby boy DJ!


4. Did anyone close to you die?
My paternal grandma =(


5. What countries did you visit?
Philippines, Thailand


6. What would you like to have in 2008 that you lacked in 2007?
debt free and a baby


7. What date from 2007 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
Our church wedding, September 1, 2007

8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?
my youngest sister's graduation *1 year pa!*

9. What was your biggest failure?
secret...

10. Did you suffer illness or injury?
monthly yes...

11. What was the best thing you bought?
dunno!

12. Whose behavior merited celebration?


13. Whose behaviour appalled you and made you depressed?


14. Where did most of your money go?
remittance, bill payment, wedding


15 What did you get really, really, really excited about?
Our wedding!


16. What song will always remind you of 2007?
Your Guardian Angel

17. Compared to this time last year, are you:
i. happier or sadder? Happier
ii. thinner or fatter? fatter, i think
iii. richer or poorer? poorer hehehe

18. What do you wish you’d done more of?
manage my earnings well

19. What do you wish you’d done less of?
spending money on worthless things

20. How will you be welcoming the New Year?
a glass of wine in my hand, my adorable husband kissing me and friends around me

22. Did you fall in love in 2007?
24/7

23. How many one-night stands?
ay!

24. What was your favourite TV program?
Grey’s Anatomy, heroes, simpson, Miami Ink, Travel and Living

25. Do you hate anyone now that you didn’t hate this time last year?
nope

26. What was the best book you read?
Notes from my Travels and

27. What was your greatest musical discovery?


28. What did you want and get?
My dad's presence at my wedding and fuss free wedding

29. What did you want and not get?
I feel blessed that I can't think of any

30. Favorite film of this year?


31. What did you do on your birthday?
Dinner with my two families!

32. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
straighten up that one thing i've been wanting to change

33. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2007?
nasa nagdadala lang yan!

34. What kept you sane?
My family and my husband *yiha*

35. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?
Angelina Jolie

36. WHo is your real-person crush?
Palibutan ako ng anaps eh hehehe

37. What political issue stirred you the most?
meron pa bang tatalo sa pinas?

38. Who did you miss?
my family

38. Who was the best new person you met?
vinh and kaoutar

39. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2007.
no regrets!

40. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year.
my bridal march song

Reservation Road

We were suppose to watch "National Treasure" but end up watching "Reservation Road". Sadness ever! Literally tulo ang luha ko. Anyway, ffg read the book already long time ago and surprisingly I haven't. So now, this book will be next on my list. Panoorin nyo, kaiyak talaga.

src: yahoo
"A tale of anger, revenge, and great courage, the film follows two fathers as their families and lives converge. On a warm September evening, college professor Ethan Learner, his wife Grace, and their daughter Emma are attending a recital. Their 10-year-old son Josh is playing cello--beautifully, as usual. His younger sister looks up to him, and his parents are proud of their son. On the way home, they all stop at a gas station on Reservation Road. There, in one terrible instant, he is taken from them forever. On a warm September evening, law associate Dwight Arno and his 11-year-old son Lucas are attending a baseball game. Their favorite team, the Red Sox, is playing--and, hopefully, heading for the World Series. Dwight cherishes his time spent with Lucas. Driving his son back to his ex-wife, Lucas' mother Ruth Wheldon, Dwight heads towards his fateful encounter at Reservation Road. The accident happens so fast that Lucas is all but unaware, while Ethan--the only witness--is all too aware, as a panicked Dwight speeds away. The police are called, and an investigation begins. Haunted by the tragedy, both fathers react in unexpected ways, as do Grace and Emma. As a reckoning looms, the two fathers are forced to make the hardest choices of their lives. "

Last Sunday, I forgot my book "Cross" by James Patterson at the church. So much hoping to get it back on Sunday :( I haven't finish the book yet...

At lunch time, I was so happy to get hold of the trilogy of Phil Pullman's Dark Materials. All three of them for only $5 each! Weeee. So happy. Btw, book 1 of this was the Golden Compass the movie.

"I wonder if I'll ever get a closure."
"There's no closure. Only acceptance and resignation."

New Year's Eve 2007

HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE!

Well, for our new year's eve, we spent it at a friend's place in Spottiswood. For today's event, we didn't spent time on cooking or preparing anything. We just brought a bottle of white and paid our share hehehe. Mas ok pala yung ganon hihihi.

There were only 9 of us but it still was fun. We start with the appetizer then with the main course of roasted chicken, baked potato *which was really good*, ham, salad and of course cheese. French party couldn't survive without a cheese and wine I guess hehehe. There were lots of good wines. Few that I liked was the sparkling wine that Richard and Fione brought. I'm not much of a fan of champagne so I guess that's the reason why I didn't like the Moet. The last bottle we consume was the Muscat. It was too sweet *like a lychee* for my liking but it complements the lemon cake desert. The countdown was fun. And I think I'd rather be at home with friends doing the countdown, than outside worrying about how I could go home later. I was at Esplanade last year and we went home at 4 or 5 in the morning waiting for the early bus. It was a good night :) Thanks so much Celine and Preman for that wonderful food and being the good host. Muah!

Before it all ends here, they said that it was a french tradition that whoever gets the small ceramic thing in their dessert, he/she'll get to be the king/queen of the night. And ffg got the small sheep from his dessert so he was our king for the entire night.

We miss you Vinh, Kaoutar, Kenny, Bonnie, Aaron and Nadia :(