I write me

I am on some livejournal hiatus. I don't know when I'm coming back.

Wanna know a number?
5!!!
That's the number of times I composed some tough shit worries I wanna write about but I just ended up tearing it down five times. Fuck. The muses and the escorts ganged up on me and my writing mind developed a gangrene and yeah, yeah, it's not supposed to be written shit fuck. Those worries aren't mine anyway but it's drowning me deeper in that shit fuck. Shit fuck.

I was relieved and satisfied after watching the pilot episode of the first Philippine Idol. With pride. They didn't disappoint. They delivered.

Taking cue from its American predecessor, from the time of Clarkson, to Studdard, Barrino, Underwood, and recently Hicks, the household and I had been hooked on the singing talent quest. What actually hinged us to the show is the format at which they present the worst and the best, the most melodramatic, and the downright bizarre (read: Rhonetta and cohorts).

And most of all, the relish in seeing contestants with Filipino ancestry giving a good challenge, like Trias, Velasco, that guy from Hicks' Season, and that other Fil-Am girl who didn't make the Semi-finals of Underwood's Season. They all made watching American Idol worthwhile from the Philippine shores' point of view, er, from our household's point of view. Sure we were followers of ABS-CBN's Star in a Million, but the difference that American Idol made aside from the glossier packaging it had, was the Pinoy factor squaring it off trying so hard to become American Idol, which was a good thing in giving us pride offshore. We wanted them to prove that they had it too to slug it out with the best in America. The media mileage it got for the Philippines did some good as some sweetener to our otherwise badly tarnished image abroad.

The Filipinos in American Idol thus failing to clinch any Title, we in the household could only wish that a similar show with a similar format could be shown in Philippine local TV with an all-Filipino contestants. And it did.

So, with much anticipation, I watched tonight's episode and it didn't disappoint. Though the stage and the room where the auditions were held were wanting of better upholstery, carpeting and curtains, the contestants, the best ones, really delivered splendidly! It was awesome knowing that despite the wide array and copious volume of talents being hoarded on TV from earlier singing contests, Philippine Idol didn't lack in great talents! The hearing-impaired girl wowed me. The anime-singing hair-colored girl amazed me. The hulla-dancing fat boy amused me. The tomboy girl could run Aiza Seguerra out of fame. Dolphy's grandson surprised me. The Anak-singing mestizo boy reminded me of David Farmboy from AI's last season. The list goes on and on and on. I must admit I was tearful in hearing and watching great talents unfold on TV. They were delightful to watch and really caused me goosebumps. I said, I am proud to be pinoy at the abundance of talents we have in this country. And that is the first time I am saying that in an entry here in LJ. I said that since those who passed in Philippie Idol are very competitive and could easily pass too in American Idol. And it was just the Metro Manila leg. Cebu and Davao come next. I was wondering if lighthouse_hero made it. I hope I just missed him on TV and that he made it.

Together with the best, the worst and the downright bizarre of the Philippine Idol were also well delivered. Sure, the casting and showing off of the worst talents or their lack of it, were shamelessly patterned from the American Idol samplers, down to the passing of that nut with a tie who ran the corridors flailing his Gold Card in hand (who by the way started to lose its humor at the extended showing off especially when his antics were becoming too obviously patterned from the lanky nut from American Idol last season). All in all, this portion even on American Idol always delivered glorious hilarities. Philippine Idol thus delivered a good amount of comic relief, sadly at the expense of those hapless and naive contestants. I really was laughing much at their shameless display of weirdness.

One of the booboos of the show was the presence of burly guards who took the weeping failures out of the stage. I think it was in poor taste showing it on TV. It was already humiliating for those contestants to fail on National television. I say this not out of being sensitive but out of decency and proper behavior. Having them guided, however gently, out of the stage by the guards were salt and insult rubbed on injury. The temerity of the producers. I hope either Pilita, Mr. C, or FrancisM, would have the wisdom to tell the producers to carefully edit those portions out on the succeeding shows.

Oh the judges. Yeah the Philippine Idol producers succeeded in making Pilita, Mr. C and FrancisM hold their own and be not like Paula, Randy or Simon. The pinoy judges had their own flavor and nice traits brought into the show. Somehow, Pilita came off to show similar antics as what Paula would do when both ladies were surprised or feigning surprise. I don't know it it's just coincidence, or girls act all alike when surprised or when trying to be surprised or trying to be cute. Nonetheless, Mamita was at her own and I'd say a good choice who made a good female judge.

Yeah yeah I know I made a lot of comparisons, so sue me. But hey, Philippine Idol delivered and that's enough.

Alam ko nakakahiya na tong ginagawa ko. Sige, last na to.

First Update:
Ikinasal si Superman ke Zsa Zsa Zaturnnah. Si Ivan and nag-officiate.



Sa karagdagang kaalaman tungkol sa mga pangyayari bago naganap ang kasalan at sa kanilang kasalukuyang arrangements, basahin ito.

Second Update:
Tapos nag-decide si Ada na damitan si Superman ng iba't-iba para may variation at maiba naman and at times cover nya para di sya agad makilala. Eto samples, oh:




Ang portion na to ay brought to us by Marvin. Para sa kabuuan ng bago niyang wardrobe, bisitahin niyo na lang to.

Third Update:
My dick is chafed. Too much use. But not by masturbating.



Current music: Haaadchiiing
Current mood: Shet, nagiging tabloid na tong LJ ko ah.

In "Superman Returns", when Superman finally does... errrrmmm... return, the news channels reported all his rescues and good deeds from around the world. One news broadcast said "Superman was seen in Manila at 10:55pm..." Of course, that caught the attention of all the Pinoys who were watching in the theaters. But everyone asked... what WAS he doing in Manila?

( Well, here's the answer... )

Note: If the pictures don't upload, just go to his site. It worked fine yesterday. Maybe David hexed this post.

I read from Kingroll's LiveJournal, the blog of this guy David, a very interesting fellow. Well, since Kingroll was only joking when he said he'd marry him, then I will.

Anyway, I got to read his blog this afternoon in between writing reports, calls, meetings, etc., and boy, I was treated for a very nice surprise. He is here in the Philippines for some sort of immersion - a sabbatical from a life well-lived in the U.S. To quote him, "...And then I sacrificed it all. I have let go of the comforts and financial ease of living in the US, a full scholarship to an Ivy League US college, and essentially the whole American Dream in order to become a modern nomad in the Philippines. I, a half Filipino half American raised in the US, now will be facing life in a turmoil-infested third world country, and I am doing so willingly. His credentials on his blog are indeed sterling.

His reason for coming here? "Most people run away from turmoil. I, in this particular situation, am running into it on purpose and willingly. Most people go through some kind of scenario in life where they are peer-pressured into, analogically, “jumping off a bridge.” Well, in this case, everyone's telling me not to “jump” (and logic and reason is on their side), but somehow I feel like I was meant to dive into the pit anyways."

I don't know if this guy is a sham. Whatever, reading his blog confused me, or gave me a little ironical culture-shock. I surmised this is really what he wants. "Guess you can never get the good without the bad. You can't get the comfort of the US without the social qualities of the Philippines. You can't enjoy the beauty of the Philippines without going through financial hardship. And you can't get the full Philippine social experience without having to tread through polluted areas."

He needs help. "I am going there without any family or external support and without any extra money or belongings except what I feel are necessities for survival. What led to this? I kind of know, but it’s hard to explain completely. My instinct tells me my birthplace, the Philippines, is my “safe haven” although in reality going there may prove to be my undoing". And did I mention his credentials? Oh la la. Hope this post will reach nice people to help him. Oh, I'm carrying his torch.

See here:






Visit his blog for more information: http://www.coconuter.blogspot.com/. Btw, Davids' pictures are posted here without his permission. He could just tell me to bugger off and I'll tear em all down with no questions asked. But I don't think he would, I'm broadcasting his crusade.

In praise of cornflake who disengaged her comment button, and for posting the link to these super hilarious "videos", I'm copy-pasting these: A gift of giggles to last for generations.

As seen by the Germans.


As seen by the French.


As seen by the Italians.

( Two others. )

Mom called, "by this time, Tolstoy must be dead."

I felt numb. I couldn't hear her lament on the other end of the phone. I was trying to keep my best not to let my voice break. I felt very very sad. I felt disoriented. I wanted to shout. I wanted to be angry. I wanted to weep. I wanted to shrink and feel small. I wanted to crawl into mom's lap and be a child again and feel the warmth of her bosom. I wanted to be in a dark and quite and cold place.

Then Tolstoy's brave, handsome and proud image flashed before me. I cried. My tears are hot as it rolled down my cheek. My nose clogged with unwanted mucus brought by the hardness in the heart convoluted with the heaving emotions in my chest. My whole body is warm with sensation I couldn't quite fight.

I couldn't even see him before he sees his last. I couldn't even be there to hold him as he takes his last breath.

I love you, dear faithful pet and friend. Though at times we didn't know who was master or pet, but we belonged to each other. You were My Tolstoy and I was Your Master or you were my master and I was your pet.

I felt so terrible that I couldn't hug him to my chest before he is laid down to rest. My chest seems like it's ready to explode my head has this terrible headache that I felt nobody should come near me with the slightest annoyance lest the wrath of my bereavement is unleashed with fluent fury.

Goodbye, dearest Tolstoy. I love you. You will always be remembered.

Damn. I never knew grief like this.

My Yahoo Music is tuned in to 4th of July *NEW* for good measure. So, to all of you Americans and foreign Nationals living in the U.S. of A., Happy Fourth of July!

The sports freak that I am is basking under highs and lows in world sports this week. First off, Wimbledon. Agassi, who charmed the world with his off and on court antics, has retired from Wimbledon after losing his third round match (oh my badness) to Nadal (oh my goodness). Hats off to you, Andre. Thank you for the wonderful years you spent making my beloved sport wonderful and thank you for marrying the lovely and gifted Steffi. Then the scintillating Swiss Federer is showing deadly form on Grass with only Nadal and the feisty Cypriot Baghdatis in the last eight who could challenge the King of Grass and Concrete.

Then World Cup. So it came to pass that Brazil lost to France, Argentina lost to Germany and gasp, England lost to Portugal. Being a bona fide fan of Brazil, I was one of the millions who braved the 3:00 A.M. QF game (PI time) and felt bad with the French Henry's header that sealed Brazil's doom, 1-Nil. With Portugal who had never won World Cup yet, I think it's gonna be France and Germany in the World Cup Finals and Italy could try again in another four years. I take my bet on Germany riding the hometown frenzy to raise the Cup aloft.

Landing at home and hours after the defeats of Brazil and England, my spirit was lifted when my kabisaya Manny Pacquiao clobbered the Mexican Chololo Larios in the ring! The Man outclassed, outpunched and outcharmed the charming Larios. The Araneta Coliseum was filled with a galaxy of stars, the rich and the famous and the multitude who shelled precious money (the cheapest being P528!!) who filled the Araneta Coliseum. It was worth yelling and carousing with strangers last Sunday.

The country is still feeling very Fourth of July, like what the Americans are feeling now, with the Pacquiao win. And you hear new things and you say What?!! The Philippines has a new National Hero?! You say What?!! again?! Who?!!

( It's not Dr. Jose Rizal!! )

Haha. You're welcome. I laughed my arse off when I saw that one.

Globe sucks bigtime.
The 0927- series has no service since this morning.
Death to Globe 0927- prepaid users. Death to Globe.

Since the Globe economy is bolstered by the prepaid or pasaload sachet-marketing crowd, losing the service for the 0927- series for such a huge market should be such a no-no. I hope Smart benefits by Globe's current incompetence. Globe could offer explanations on various technical glitches that would surely be beyond the prepaid crowd's comprehension. But then no amount of explanations could appease the pissed subscribers. Not when we've lost precious transactions, wasted precious time waiting for people when we cannot inform them that we've arrived to meeting places, etc, etc, etc. Just when I've forgotten how slow and inefficient it was during the days before the advent of texting, those feeling are rekindled. Thanks and no thanks to Globe.

It's the season for Superman again.

After I wrote about TV's Superman in the nude, I thought I could not write anything about the guy from Planet Krypton. I say that the new movie installment about the flying hero in the red suit, yes you heard it, I said installment as I'm sure there will be a spawn of movies from this Superman, is the funniest of them all, or better still, the funniest movie I've seen this year thus far. I should give credit for my precious partner in crime, movies and boys zetweaker, for co-branding Superman Returns with me to be this funniest.

But before I explain why I say this is the funniest movie, I should say that there were two from the previous four installments (with the dearly-departed Christopher Reeve) that I find more entertaining.

But don't get me wrong here, I still find this one worthy of the queue and the stupendous ticket. There were some highlights, primarily coming from Brandon Routh and Kevin Spacey. Routh was magnificent without trying too much in portraying the awkward Clark Kent that delienated his connection to The Man of Steel. Spacey was brilliant (remember the Usual Suspects?) in his essay of the Luthor role though at times he tries hard in his theatrics to be obnoxious that brought to mind the brilliance of Gene Hackman's Luthor. Ergo, one would see Hackman and not Spacey. Or maybe that is the greatness of Spacey; being able to lose his own Kevin persona and to take over the Gene identity. He was so unlike Routh that when the latter tries to be gawky and clumsy, it's still him we see and not Reeve.

But let me say this, Christopher Reeve will forever be the face of Superman. Hmmm but we'll have to wait how this Routh guy turns out if he could dish-out unforgettable performances in the future installments thus giving us a new and lasting face/identity for Superman, and thus replacing the face of Reeve's in our memories forever. Or until another guy plays the Superman role.

I should give a runner-up trophy to the Producers for rewriting the irritating role of Lois Lane from the first four installments. Margot Kidder was so not pretty and so fidgety that made me imagine her spewing saliva when she talks to Superman/Clark or had bad breath galore. Superman had lungs of steel so the bad breath didn't matter to him. Kidder's Lois Lane was that unpretty and untidy to me. That made me question Reeve's Superman's taste in women.

Thankfully, there was Lana Lang portrayed by Annette O'Toole (who played Clark's mom in Smallville) who exuded a quiet charm that fitted nicely with either Superman's and Clark's character. That restored my faith in Superman's taste in women. Too bad Lana didn't end up sacking Superman, but the Lois Lane with bad breath. (I'm glad that Smallville's writers made Clark and Lana date and more.)

Back to Bosworth's Lois Lane. Casting the scintillating Kate Bosworth for the rewritten Lois Lane role was a very good change for me. Bosworth's Lois was more assertive and smart unlike Kidder's Lois who appeared stupid sometimes that I wished Clark didn't rescue her from being swept in Niagara Falls or had not removed her from the elevator of the Eiffel Tower with the bomb that Superman threw to outer space to explode.

But I want to share how Superman Returns instantly became the funniest movie of the lot. ( Those who haven't seen the movie yet shouldn't read this portion )

So, that's it. All told, I am very much pleased with this movie. I swear that when the opening credits rolled, I had goose bumps. When the familiar chords of the Theme and of "Can You Read My Mind" were played, memories of a young boy being mesmerized by the flying hero came to mind. Memories of a child growing up and admiring Superman to bring all the peace and goodness to this earth came to mind. Memories of sleeping in my Superman pyjamas and going to Saturday school with my Superman shirt. And many other soft and good and nice memories of growing up with Superman.

I was a young boy all over again.

Pahinga muna ako sa mundo. Andaming gulo. Magulo. Magulo. Magulo. Magulo. Sa mga hindi marunong sa Filipino, I just wanted to say that everything's fucked up. Fucked up. Fucked up. I want to be goooone. Jose Fucking Rizal didn't know better. Pa Mi Ultimo Adios pa. Hah. He should have kept his fucking mouth shut.

I've been watching too much football since the World Cup started last week. This affair with the sport that's as popular as oxygen (at least in Europe, Africa and Latin America) started in High School when I couldn't get the end of hearing names like Pele and Diego Maradona. The very mention of the names evoked interest that launched a young boy's mind into the sport with the bravado and passion reserved for Generals and Lieutenants rearing up for war. Growing older, the love affair intensified as hordes of fanatics, Presidents, women, children and a cabal of corporate giants wielded volcanic frenzies about the sport. If hundreds of people storm out a stadium to fight a warlike stance against another hundreds of people of the opposing team, this sport could be something. Football related world events and mishaps topped one after the other that continued to fan the embers of my curious sporting mind. Then it never stopped.

So here we are again in 2006. Hearing the names like Zidane, Ronaldo, Ahn, Ronaldinho, Barthez, Xavi, Kaka, Beckham, Cahill, Robben, and a still long list of other great humans bearing the powers of football. And let's watch for those under 21 who some of them are currently showing their prowess in Germany.

With boldness that I'm predicting that this will be the order of winners for this 2006 FIFA World Cup.


Brazil


France


Switzerland

So far, my bets are running them wild. I have a fair affinity for the Asian teams and I'm glad Korea did it 2 over Togo. But even if I made a fearless forecast of my three winners, I'm quite curious that the German hosts with their home crowd cheering them on could send them to the semis. Then there is England who showed no mercy against Trinidad and Tobago by whooping them 2-0 and then 1-0 against Paraguay. Yeah, yeah, this is still anybody's ballgame. So the more that this World Cup edition makes very very fun and exciting to watch.

Too bad some people didn't like Il Divo (with Toni Braxton) singing the World Cup theme. But what the hey, I love David, Sebastien, Urs and Carlos.

My apologies for being such a goblin lately. I know that being on my wit's end about certain things (personal) is no excuse to publicly post stuff like this one, which I put on LJ cut already. Thanks to those who called my attention.

But today, I'm still crazy. Someone sent me this wonderful quote of wisdom (blind item 'to) from someone who got bored doing action movies and hopped into the Senate:

"There what it takes to be. Then we shall so be it because it is. To do or not to is in the what, now or what else. Without which there never to you!"

Wonderful. No wonder politics and economy in the Philippines are getting way ahead of Japan and our European counterparts.

Then another one of my faithful minions sent me some tasteless, some politically incorrect and some sexist jokes. I apologize for anyone who'd get offended (but please don't let me tear this down kahit kumita na ito. Let's just do these for laughs.) Samples:

Priest: ang mga bakla'y walang lugar sa kaharian ng langit.
Mga bakla: carry lang po father...dun na lang kami sa rainbow mag slide-slide!!

Then another one:

1 panget na babe, hinoholdap

Holdaper: holdap ito! akin na gamit mo!
Babae: RAPE! RAPE! RAPE!
Holdaper: anong rape? holdap nga to eh!
Babae: wala lang! nagsusuggest lang...

( Sa mga mahilig mag click ng Lj cut, eto pa, marami... )

This sure jolted my lazy afternoon boredom.

( I say again, let's stop complaining. )

Pitiful.

"The innocent are sometimes slain to make way for grander schemes.
You were collateral damage." Chris Wilton

---

I swear I have not seen any two actors of the opposite sex that carried a megawatt on-screen chemistry like what Jonathan Rhys Meyers and Scarlett Johansson had in Match Point. Together, they combined a perplexingly huge charisma that filled the movie. Their intensity would've suffocated and drowned anyone who'd watch it with pretentions to know and understand but wouldn't, of the nuances of this Meyers-Johansson-Allen caper. My Scarlett and my Jonathan were so intense I forgot they were commiting a crime. But then I identified with them, so I was a fan convert, I became either of them.




Now I know why Woody Allen got away with marrying one of his adopted daughters. The man is just brilliant. He megged Match Point seamlessly crocheting scenes and paying attention to details that allowed a nerve-gripping climax. I could have heard Woddy Allen wanting to mouth these words about the movie's character at the rolling of the credits, for himself: "Trivial norms are for trivial people who are gonna die unnoticed. You fuckers aren't gonna get me."

Thanks to thenatureboy for reminding me about this film, which, thankfully, I accidentally found being sold by zetweaker's roommate. You guys just gotta watch this. You would want to savor this film. Woody Allen, the American Almodovar. Only that he, Allen, is not gay.




----
This is a Public entry kaya I hope makita ito ng gusto kong tamaan ng kidlat. Tinanggal ko na sya sa Friends' List ko. Eto ang sa yo:

Tangina mo for berating me that I am not acting/writing like my age should. Pakelam mo kung gusto kong masaya, youthful at adventuruso ang napo-portray kong image dito sa LJ. Inggit ka lang kase nakatira ka pa rin sa kweba at pang Grade V, Section Bulate pa rin ang Aptitude at Comprehension mo. Magsulat ka rin at tingnan natin kung kaya mo ang kaya ko. Usually, di naman ako pikon. Pero pare, dalawang beses mo na ginawa 'to sa 'kin, kaya mas puta ang ina mo. Masaya at mayaman ang ina ko pero kahit ni minsan di sya nag puta. Kaya solong puta ang ina mo.

French Open opened last sunday, a day earlier than usual. I like the artwork that they made for this year's Slam. It's very delightful and very French.

This could yet be another record-setting year at Roland Garros. Like last year, I'll cheer Nadal all the way to the Finals. Rafael Nadal just broke Guillermo Vilas' record yesterday as he now possesses the longest claycourt winning streak in the Open Era. The event at Roland Garros has always been very fascinating to me. It is the hardest surface to play as indicated by the fact that only five people won there to complete a total Grand Slam on all four Grand Slam surfaces.

What's particularly interesting to note this year is the way Roger Federer is trying tooth and nail to get this one Slam under Nadal's fierce volley so Roger could be the 6th male player to have won all Four Grand Slams. It would even be a greater feat for Roger to win this year at Roland Garros as he will get a Golden Slam as he'd win all Four Slams consecutively.

But I think Nadal, only 19, will not let that happen. He is the only one out there who could beat Roger Federer but sadly only on Clay. Rafael Nadal, if ever his game improves for the other surfaces (grass and concrete) could be Pete Sampras' heir apparent. He is one reason why the Slams are always worth watching. I swear I hope to catch him play live at least once before I die. So there, gentlemen and ladies, I give you Rafael Nadal this year...



He's adorable, ain't he?
------------------------

Current Music: English Radio Station Bans James Blunt Songs

Not everything that I post here pertains about sex. I can also write about numbers and movies. For example:



1. $107 million was the three-day opening gross of "X-Men: The Last Stand", which is the 4th biggest in history.
2. $77.1 million was the three-day opening gross of "The Da Vinci Code". Meets expectations.
3. $103.5 million is the total three-week haul of "Mission: Impossible III". Dismal.

I write about these numbers since I make it a habit to check the grosses first thing Monday morning for blockbuster movies. (This is about my fascination with numbers.) With the onset of DVDs, it has been harder to watch just any movie that hits the theaters. It's the issue of time time management and economics. So I choose the very select that should be worth trooping to the malls. Hence these movies were the last three that I watched on the big screen. Then these are to be anticipated. Two movies about two different boys. Let's watch out for the grosses.

I'm in no mood to make nice so I grabbed this from thisisdavid. Thanks, Davey my love.



Relish.

This is what i feel today.

The room was humming harder
as the ceiling flew away
When we called out for another drink
the waiter brought a tray...

It's one of those days when you know Taylor Hicks will win and your heart bled when Katharine destroyed the song to a damning doom and you wanna give your heart to her instead of to Taylor.

But that's not my ire and cause of the foam in my mouth.

No amount of beer could persuade me not to preen and curse fluently. Today is one of those days.

If you doubt, say
fuck.

I don't doubt. So just the same, I'll say
fuck.

Fool. Do you think you know everything,
do you?

I was warned about today. To celebrate foams and keels and prancers on the loose, I'd rather talk about sex. Should take my mind off these lame fucks.

Most everybody is talking about sex or not getting any. In a bit off tangent topic, let me ask:

Would we still get an erection when we get to heaven?

I woke up very happy. While waiting for my morning meeting, I was browsing this morning's most viewed photos and I stumbled on this one:



Goodness. A millimeter more and that matador's balls would have had holes on them. Then I remembered a wacky story we shared in College that we laughed our arses off. Here goes:

There's a restaurant in Spain whose specialty was the most delicious bull's balls served in the most delicate sauce. The bulls that lose in the fights are then butchered and the most prized portion was of course its balls.

After being a regular, the man would look forward to his favorite bull's balls. But one day, the man hollered "Waiter! Why are these balls shrunk? Way smaller than the usual serving?!" Then the waiter replied with glee, "Er, Sir, sometimes the bull wins!"

Oh gawd, it's early in the morning and I'm already talking about balls. Blame it on last night. I think it's still not a crime to be happy and weird in the morning.

So we ball on!

It's raining hard, thanks to Caloy. This, I guess, plus yesterday's power outtage in the whole of Region 7 made me nutcracked. What the hey, rainy days make me share some nice and naughty stories especially for the fathers, fathers-to-be and those who would-be fathers some day. Just beware of what your sons will become. Come what may, sons will be loved unconditionally as exemplified by the fourth father in this story. I got this story a long time ago and its comic relief is timeless, it cracks me up after reading again for the bazillionth time.

( Cut for thrill and laughter. )

My cable TV is awash with American shows. The recent addition was The Scholar which debuted very belatedly in Asia last night on Star World at 9:00 P.M. Though we already know who got the full-ride scholarship, I'm still curious how Jeremy, of Vietnamese descent, the only Asian in the group, would fare. It was nice to know that on its pilot episode, Jeremy ranked second in the quiz for the Captain search. I was glad that I got "Call of the Wild" right when Jeremy didn't and I also got "Margaret Mitchell" right that Davis (who topped the quiz) didn't. I was glad that Melissa won over Davis in the first round to clinch the US$50k to get the first slot for the Final 5. Now that's saying a lot with only the first episode. Though the show has concluded in the US, I'd still like to see how Jeremy fares (huh, I said this already!).

This is Jeremy of Westminster, CA., 4.60 GPA



This is Scot from New Freedom, PA., 4.00 GPA



Double-whammy blessing: to be born good-looking and intelligent. Whew.

It's okay wring, I already know who got the boot earlier. Come Finals, I think these three will make it:



Who will win.
Who I'd like to win.
Sorry, ohyeahx, I don't think she'll make it.

Last night while I was looking at the sea at dusk, I realized something embarrassing about myself. I was ashamed about it. It's not something I have done. It's something that I am not doing. I did a lot of introspection to connect the reasons why I haven't realized it early on. "Nah", I thought aloud, this happens. I let it sink some more, puffing my cigarette, drawing deep sighs of regret for the eventuality of it. "Nah", I said to myself once more. Why fuss a lot when there will be no limbs broken, no heart crushed, no blood spilled? With those considered, the egos of those affected are left bruised. But what the hey? The integrity of other people's pride will seek its own level. Egos, when saturated, become so liquid like water that it finds a way to leak and flow towards the mouth of the river where it meets the sea at bay.

These are saying it in a mouthful. Like the photo above, these thoughts are stolen from some people's pride.

Pic 1

Pic 2


I was surprised to learn that Paul Bettany bagged the Silas role for The Da Vinci Code movie.

Who would have thought that the guy who made many hearts swoon and loved in his captivating roles in Wimbledon (Pic 1) and the enigmatic best friend in A Beautiful Mind, or the ship's surgeon in Master and Commander would now play the role of Silas, a role that demands to be hated (Pic 2).

The actor is one of the few whose rise to stratospheric stardom is characterized by roles at both ends of a latitude that stretch his skills to be loved and then hated. I think Silas is Bettany's most spectacular role so far. This should lead him to bigger and better roles and hopefully solo starring roles.

Oh by the way, I wrote this since Silas was the character I found very curious on the book version. The second was the Sir Leigh Teabing character. Folks, May 19 is only a few winks away. And aren't we glad that the Philippines gets to show blockbuster movies on the same day it opens in the U.S.? We are even a few hours ahead come opening day! Hooray.