The Best Movie I Ever Watched

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"It sounds corny to some, but admit it, all of us wanted to experience a one-of-a-kind love story."

I belong to a family who loves to watch movies. My father used to rent VHS tapes when I was still a kid. Every time he arrived from work, it was my instinct to check out what were the tapes he rented for our evening’s movie time. Being exposed to movies as early as my childhood days, I am lost in my count on how many movies I’ve already watched. And for this week’s article I am again in a dilemma what movie really fits the tag- The Best.

And then memories flashed back in my mind. What genre of movies do I really like to feature. Will it be a comedy, a serious drama, a mushy romantic one or a full packed action film? I really don’t have an idea. It is a totally bizarre scenario.

But wait, speaking of bizarre scenario maybe this one will fit in.

I watched this one on a DVD during one of those lazy Saturday nights back in dormitory days in college. It is a movie about a man who meets a woman unexpectedly and both their lives were changed during that moment. It’s a bizarre romantic comedy. I admit I felt somewhat bored at first especially during the first half of the movie but I was definitely fascinated by the latter part especially the finale. Most of all I was so tired reading the subtitles. Yup my friends you read it right- SUBTITLES, I spent my time reading subtitles and not actually listening to the dialogues because it was a Korean film! Still my effort was not put into waste. It was truly worthwhile watching this film. I guess you already know what I am talking about. Here are more clues- there’s a train station scene, a drunk lady, a pathetic guy, a long-stemmed rose during a piano recital, a scene of switching of shoes, a tree and… a time capsule.

Ladies and gentlemen you all got it all right. It is My Sassy Girl.

In 2001 this South Korean romantic comedy film was a phenomenon; a second highest selling film in Seoul over its 10 weeks in the cinemas. It is based on the true story told in a series of love letters written by Kim Ho-sik. His letters were initially posted in the internet and later adapted as novel. Recently, I also got the chance to watch the American remake (of the same title) of this film. Jesse Bradford and Elisha Cuthbert are the stars in the remake which is also directed by Yann Samuell. The plot was still the same but I still prefer the original version. While I was watching the Hollywood version, what I only did was to keep on comparing it to the original one.

I enjoyed watching My Sassy Girl because of its different plot as compared to typical love story. Most of all what attracts me to this film is the significance of believing in destiny. It sounds corny to some, but admit it, all of us wanted to experience a one-of-a-kind love story. At a certain point of our life we believed that someone is destined for us. That there is someone truly made for us.

I asked a lady friend of mine if she still believes in destiny and you know what she said? “Minsan hindi.”

There is nothing wrong believing in destiny. However in order to achieve what is destined for us, we need to make a move. In the movie after a year of separation, the guy (Gyeon-woo) worked hard to improve himself in many ways. He changed for the better.

For those still waiting for their special someone just like me, let’s make a move and change for the better. Who knows our SASSY someone is just around the corner.

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PS : Happy Birthday to Vincent Escueta, Edna Diano and Mercy Reyes. Thanks Eds and Mercy for being avid fans of our blog. Also belated Happy Birthday to Acie Coballes, Abeth Loyola, Marco Pinez and Francis San Andres!

PS (again): Yesterday we had our bowling games, one of the events in our Sportsfest. Thanks for the support teammates! Go go go Blue Team!

Cream Page:

“What benefit does it have, if a man gains the whole world but loses his soul?”

Profitability is one of the factors that will determine whether a movie is a big success or an embarrassing flop. Looking at the list of Hollywood films that are considered to be the most profitable, No. 1 on the list is… anybody could guess it, TITANIC – the 1997 film that earned an enormous $ 1.8 Billion, followed by the third and final installment of the Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King with $1.1 Billion. I can’t believe that the 2008 movie, IRONMAN, which I truly enjoyed, is only on the 47th spot. It’s even under Ratatouille (37th) and Kung Fu Panda (38th). Going back to IRONMAN, the latest film adaptation of the Marvel Superhero, the story line put me at the edge of my seat. The special effects, the remarkable high technology devices & equipments that were shown made me exclaim “Wow”. The director of IRONMAN, Jon Favreau, is a genius. And for that moment, I fell in love with IRONMAN (Robert Downey Jr.)
As you can see, a movie can entertain us, teach us, and move us. The movie which I actually chose for this article kind of pulled on a heartstring. It almost made me cry. This is a 2006 film inspired by a true story. The movie: THE PURSUIT OF HAPPYNESS directed by Gabriele Muccino.

Chris Gardner (Will Smith) and his girlfriend (Thandie Newton) started out fine, and they eventually had a son (Jaden Smith). Chris had big dreams for him and his family but it didn't seem to come together for him. In order to survive, Chris has to sell the Ostelo National bone-density scanners, an apparatus twice more expensive than x-ray with practically the same resolution, which is no doubt, difficult to sell. Their financial trouble got even worse until she couldn’t take it anymore and she left Chris to care for their 5-year-old son. Chris lands an internship at a prestigious stock brokerage firm but he will not receive any salary. If he passes, which is a 1 to 20 chance, he can become a big-time stock broker. He hangs on to that situation. He and his son got evicted from their apartment because they couldn’t pay anymore. They had to experience sleeping in bus stations, bathrooms, shelters or any other place where they can find refuge for the night. But through perseverance, love and patience, father and son was able to overcome the hardships.

The thing I learned from PURSUIT OF HAPPYNESS is “Success is sweeter when achieved through hard work”. Trials make a person stronger and more grateful for the blessings that come. Anybody can easily get rich through illicit acts but as the proverb goes, “What benefit does it have, if a man gains the whole world but loses his soul?” Chris Gardner is definitely someone who proved that no amount of hardship will get him down. For the love of his son, he just kept on going until he made it through.

Delectable Finale:

As kids, we loved watching colorful animated cartoons. Then we eventually became fond of teen movies. Right now, we can watch any movie with various themes – comedy, action, horror, drama, sci-fi, fantasy, western, musical. You name it, a producer has definitely made it. Haven’t you noticed? It’s much more pleasant to watch a movie whether at home or in theaters, together with the whole family, the whole barkada or with a significant other. It’s the whole incredible experience of “dipping” into another world, and sharing that particular experience with somebody close to us. After a whole stressful week, relax, unwind, sit back, have your popcorn ready, and watch a movie. There is a lineup of great new movies in theaters now.

Picture Perfect

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"We were baptized as Dorm Boys of our batch."


I had a tough time choosing for a perfect picture to be presented for this week’s article. I thought it will be easy as pie selecting the best picture since I already have plenty of pictures in my file. I was wrong. Selecting a perfect one gave me a headache!

As I review the pictures in my file, my cursor stopped to some pictures I had with my closest buddies back in Men’s Dorm days.

Way back in college, I made a great bond of friendship with these six great guys. These fellows were from different provinces (from north of Luzon), five of them are Ilocanos actually. They were my batchmates, classmates and at the same time dormmates. We were baptized as Dorm Boys of our batch.

Dexter, the guy sporting a cap, is the genius among the group. He is such a remarkable student from Sta. Maria, Ilocos Sur, receiving Latin awards to both bachelor degree in Accountancy and Financial Management. Not known by many, he has a talent in poster making- a magnificent artist indeed. Thanks to him, I got the chance to be hired in the audit firm I am working now.

Jonax, (in orange T-shirt) the guest blogger for the month of September, is the most silent but deadly among the group. A former seminarian from San Fernando, La Union is the epitome of the saying, “Silent water runs deep”. A great writer, a musician who idolizes Goo Goo Dolls, and at the same time a singer being a part of a chorale back in college days. Right now, this English-speaking fellow is my roommate.

Raffy a.k.a “Kadafy” (the guy seated on my left side) is the most diligent (even the fastest guy in finishing assignments and projects) among the group. He hails from Cauayan City, Isabela and has the identity of being the moody type of guy in the group. He is also a prolific dancer, imitating the moves in the movie You Got Served.

Chix, (on my left) is my kababayan from Mangaldan, Pangasinan. Every time we go to their house, wow the food is so great especially the sea foods! This guy is also a singer who once became a part of chorale just like Jonax, and an artist, being good in brush and paints just like Dexter. (By the way Chix if you read this one, we haven’t heard about you for so long pacheese burger ka naman!)

Mcdo, (on my left) the guy from Dupax Sur, Nueva Vizcaya is the most popular among the group. He is our batch most favorite guy. A true blue stage actor, he once owned the stage during his performance in Drama Feast during the University Days. He took the road less traveled by choosing to establish a career on Special Education (Sign Language for deaf and mute and Braille Alphabet for the blind). He is the jolliest person in the group. I never have seen a frown on his face. Indeed he has his own way of making people smile.

Lastly Jerry (at center), from Bangued, Abra is the most talented guy in the group. This guy is jack of all trades master of all. He is a singer, composer, master of different instruments (piano and guitar most notably), table tennis champion, all around basketball player, a great leader and most of all a great friend. He is the first one I became close with since we were on the same block section during our freshmen year. Indeed he is a worthy friend to keep! His antics and jokes are truly one of a kind!

In the days to come we will take our own different paths towards our chosen careers. Some will move to other places while some will decide to stay. We may not see each other as often as we want to; still our friendship remains.

I can’t find any group picture we had. I guess these pictures I selected are like pieces of a puzzle… combining all them creates a picture…

A picture perfect!

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PS: Dex hope you read this one. This one's for you tol! We'll surely miss you! Keep in touch always! Be safe always there!

PS (again): I was down by flu during the past days, thanks Jonax for the medicines. Thanks CPA for recommending bioflu is best for flu. hehehe! Thanks Maan for the concern. Thanks Beth, A/P- Accrual Team and Cash team for everything.

Cream Page:

"I was the one who sung to him every night before he went to sleep."

This is the picture I chose for this topic Pat and I chose for the week. This picture, taken of me and my younger brother, Carl Christian, was during their summer vacation of 2008, if I can remember it right. We were eating at Yoshinoya in Megamall for the very first time. Together with us are my older brother & his girlfriend. Both of the big guys had almost 10 cups of extra rice because the extra rice was for free.

Carl Christian is my big “little” brother. He was born when I was already 7 years old. I was the one who sung to him every night before he went to sleep. The songs were commonly the theme songs from teleseryes of the past like Valiente . When he started going to school, he told me about the time when his teacher in Grade 3 scolded him and terrorized his other classmates for petty things and I got sad because those children’s hearts are still tender and fragile. He told me about his other teachers (whom we made fun of sometimes), about his classmates and friends. Then he grew up again, I caught him smoking one time in Session Road with his friends and I didn’t even tell our Mom. She had a way of finding out anyway.

My brother is 18 years old now and studying in Baguio City. As my Mom said, she doesn’t expect me or my other siblings who already earns money to support her financially or to contribute anything to the household expenses. It’s all right with her that we help our brother through college and give in to some of his lambing like a new pair of shoes or a new shirt or pants.
Feel free to sing IF by Bread. This is such a wonderful love song about not being alone. And the opening phrase happens to be true about PICTURES: A picture is worth a thousand words. Every picture tells a story.

If a picture paints a thousand words,

Then why can´t I paint you?

The words will never show

The you I´ve come to know

If a face could launch a thousand ships,

Then where am I to go?

There´s no one home but you,

You´re all that´s left me too

And when my love for life is running dry,

You come and pour yourself on me

If I could be two places at one time,

I´d be with you

Tomorrow and today,

Beside you all the way

If the world should stop revolving

Spinning slowly down to die,

I´d spend the end with you

And when the world was through,

Then one by one the stars would all go out,

Then you and I would simply fly away

(Turnaround)

If a picture paints a thousand words,

Then why can´t I paint you?

'Cause the words could never show

The you I´ve come to know

And one by one the stars will all go out,

But you and I will simply fly away

We'll fly away.

Delectable Finale:

We all love taking pictures. With the advent of technology we now have digicameras with us. I guess it's not the color, the lights or the background which makes every picture a perfect one. But the people at one time or another we spend a moment with for a snapshot.

Say cheese!!!

Guest Blogger of the Month

This is actually an experiment. Maan and I would like to share our blog to our friends who would like to share their stories and experiences in life. We decided to have a GUEST BLOGGER every month!

We would like to invite all our friends who would like also to be part of our blog. Feel free to contact Maan and I.

In the mean time, here's our Guest Blogger for the month of September: Jonax.

First

Guest Blogger of the Month:

" I promised not to fall for her. I was wrong."
- Jonax

This world is just so amazing. No one really knows when things will happen in his life. Unpredictable! Ah, such thrill and ecstasy that envelops a person’s bits of consciousness especially when it’s experienced the first time.

Honestly, I don’t exactly know how to go about writing my first. It’s not that easy since I’m the type of guy who would rather keep personal experiences locked up in my closet than freely unleashing them out in public. But then I guess I have no choice but to give in and share at least a single first or else I’ll be sacked by Mr. Starfish!

Rewind… It all started on the month of June in the year 2000, the first month of my college life in Baguio City. There she was the most popular girl in our block section… pretty, simple and definitely a head-turner. Most guys knew something about her but as for me I didn’t really care because I was then a cold cake freshly baked from the ovens of the seminary. I was not really interested in women. Its not that I’m an “it” or something but I guess it’s just that I was taught to live a life of chastity and celibacy. Whew, religious vows! In other words, the things I learned really sunk in and occupied my senses.

Fast track… Days passed, we became close to each other and the cliffs of being complete strangers were slowly abridged. I was her confidant. She would seek my advice from time to time. At that time she had a boyfriend, a basketball player from one of the popular leagues in the country. Long distance relationship… no communication… disloyalty… distrust… eventually they broke up. I was there to hear the whole story. I was there to see her pain.

Turning point… We went out from time to time. Text messages bounced to and from our cellular phones until the wee hours of the morning. I promised myself not to take advantage of her recent break-up. I promised not to fall for her. I was wrong.

Downside… One day, our common friend asked me to accompany her in a photo shop. I agreed since I was free at the moment. I was not asking anything in return but then our common friend insisted so we end up eating in a fast-food chain. Someone saw us. Misinformation… miscommunication… all was lost in thin air.

I didn’t exactly know what to do… I was too scared… I was too immature… This was the first time I fell deeply in love and the first time that I have to let go…

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Jonax, is a CPA, a singer, and a writer. Check out also his blogsite at http://neoscribbles.blogspot.com/.

Turning Disability into Grace

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"I read articles about her accomplishments and stories along side with her clutches. I see in her a disabled lady but with a mission. "

Every morning I always see a man sitting in the sidewalk, meters away from our client’s office. He sits on an old cartoon box with his clutch at rest on the wall. In front of him is his precious plastic cup- his main source of income for him to survive each day of his life. There is no placard telling how pitiful he is as he begs for spare coins in people’s pocket. He sits there silently from morning till afternoon, displaying his thin left leg. He is an epitome of a man who quitted dreaming a long time ago. Maybe he had forgotten that he is also a man with a mission in life.

He is a beggar.

He is a beggar probably crippled early in childhood by polio.

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One of the Ramon Magsaysay awardees this year is Gov. Grace Padaca, a former local radio broadcaster in Isabela turned politician. She became famous after ending a dynasty in politics in Isabela. She received the award for Government Service after serving her constituents with candid public service and for being a vocal advocate of “Free Isabela” campaign. She has brought a new image for Isabela during her term as a governor by reminding her people that they are no longer “victims of cheaters and opportunists”. I see her on TV walking with her clutches. I read articles about her accomplishments and stories along side with her clutches. I see in her a disabled lady but with a mission.

She is a public servant.

She is a public servant crippled early in childhood by polio.

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These are two people with the same disability but with different status in life. One had chosen to receive while the latter decided to give.

We all have our own weakness and disabilities in life; physically, emotionally or even financially. Yet it is not a reason why we need to sit down and pity our situation. Let’s not blame our parents and their genes for being handicapped. Forget the freak accidents or ailments we had which had destroyed our physique and our capability to work. Stop cursing people who once in our life betrayed and hurt us. There is nothing we can do about it. Accept the fact that we are born with all these imperfections. Our imperfections must not be a hindrance for us to fulfill our mission in life. What we only need is to have a different perspective in life by turning our disability into grace.

If only we can find the real mission that is assigned to us then we will all have this enthusiasm to live and to grow. We have all the time to make a move. Making a giant step would not be necessary. Making a small step though will do in order to escape from our old and disabled self. Encourage everyone to help one another to overcome each others disabilities in life. Just like Gov. Padaca, she liberated her people as well from their disabilities by being a model of change in serving the people.

I hope one day, we will not all be beggars of hopelessness and pity but be givers of passion and life.

Cream Page:

"As you can see, her disability was never a hindrance to free her province from a tyrannous administration. "

Maria Gracia Cielo Magno Padaca, a Filipino, received a Ramon Magsaysay Award together with other exemplary individuals from India, Indonesia, Thailand, Japan and Sri Lanka last August 31, 2008 at the CCP Complex. This prestigious award is one of the highest honors a person from Asia may receive. The Ramon Magsaysay Award is widely regarded as the region’s equivalent of the Nobel Prize.

Upon knowing of Padaca’s story, I myself can tell you that her story is one that will inspire you. She is a courageous and passionate woman whose battle in the political arena in Isabela can be compared to the battle of the Biblical characters David & Goliath.

Grace was born in 1963 and was crippled early in childhood by polio. She was a scholar and by the age of 21, she became a Certified Public Accountant. She took an accounting job at Bombo Radyo and eventually became a broadcaster, too. She exposed Isabela’s persistent corruption, gambling, illegal logging and other problems that worsened the province’s economy. Isabela was then controlled by the Dy “dynasty” and nobody in Isabela ever challenged their ruling.

To cut the story short, Grace defied the odds by winning as Governor in 2004 and re-elected in 2007 for her second term. With her will and determination, she transformed Isabela into a better and more democratic place. She paid off 2/3 of the province’s huge debt. With the support of her constituents, Grace has improved the transportation, communication and medical facilities of Isabela. She also increased the budget for education and reforestation. She is a leader who empowered the people of Isabela to use their right to elect honest and democratic leaders and to refuse to be victims of cheaters and opportunists.

As you can see, her disability was never a hindrance to free her province from a tyrannous administration. She was an ACTION WOMAN. She had a belief and a strong will. And that was all that mattered. During the 2008 Ramon Magsaysay Awards, she received the special award for Government Service.

All around us, we see DISABILITY. The “taho” vendor or the “puto” vendor has a burden over their shoulders. Literally speaking, they do carry their goods over their shoulders. But because most of them lack some formal education, they have to endure the hard life. They lack the mental skills to work in a bank, teach in academic institutions, or build bridges and roads. That is why I strongly suggest that education be prioritized. Poverty itself should ignite determination to succeed in life. Like Lucio Tan, the 3rd richest man in the Philippines who formerly mopped floors in China to become a chemical engineer, and now, he is a rich businessman. And like our very own Sen. Manny Villar, the Philippines’ 5th richest, who was a shrimp vendor’s son. Manny worked all his way to the top.

Every disability, whether physical or the status in life a person was born with, can always be turned to GRACE.

Delectable Finale:

Everything happens for a REASON, even the most embarrassing disability. But God has a purpose for all of us. He has that great master plan. Pray to God for that special purpose in life. Ask Him what that mission on earth is. And I’m sure that a person’s disability can eventually be a GIFT.

September

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"Abundance and happiness is hard to find for many Filipinos but never on Christmas day. "

I woke up early last Monday morning and I saw Edu Manzano on TV greeting everyone with his “advanced-Christmas greetings” in one of the segment in Umagang Kay Ganda. Edu and the rest of the cast of the morning news program were discussing about Christmas while Christmas song was being played in the background. The spirit of Christmas season was very much present in their set with all the glittering decorations, Christmas trees and Santa Claus displayed. Then I realized it was the first day of the month of September. Ber-month officially started and for us, Filipinos it is the start of Christmas season!

They say, the Philippines have the longest celebration of Christmas season. Radio stations play Christmas carols during the early hours in the morning and we greet one another “Advance Merry Christmas!” even if it is still September. I don’t know where we got this practice of considering all months ending in ber as part of the Yuletide season.

I have my own point of view why we tend to celebrate Christmas so early. Christmas for us connotes happiness. It is only during this time of the year we feel joy and abundance. People, particularly the working class, are rich during Christmas with bonuses in their pockets. Noche Buena packages are present in every employee’s dining table. Malls and commercial centers are jam packed with sales from all corners. Promos and raffle tickets are distributed to customers. Children are happy with their new toys, clothes and instant money from their ninong and ninang. Others consider this occasion as the best moment for reunions. Families divided by time; friends separated by their careers; and long lost classmates in high school and colleges of all ages were all reunited again during this special occasion. These series of events are not present in our regular days during the year. Abundance and happiness is hard to find for many Filipinos but never on Christmas day.

Amid the crises in our lives we still never lose hope. Even if the price of gasoline and basic commodities is rising; even if there is rice shortage; even if our expenses are ballooning while our salary increases are not enough to cover our needs and wants, many of us are still in positive spirit. Celebrating Christmas as early as September is an example of how optimistic we, Filipinos are. We even keep telling to ourselves “Sana Pasko na!” every time we face problems- financially most of the time.

I have nothing against this practice because I also enjoy the euphoria that I feel every time I feel the spirit of Christmas. Since we have the longest Christmas season, we also have the longest time to give and share our blessings to the needy. Isn’t it that Christmas is also about sharing our blessings to the less fortunate. Why don’t we start to give as early as September? As we celebrate Christmas on ber-months may we all be instruments of charity and a source of happiness to all our brethren.

Advance- Merry Christmas everybody!!!!

Cream Page:

"Make the most of this exciting month"

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The following events are a few of the historic but sad events that happened in the month of September:

September 11, 2001: The 911 terrorist attacks in the USA that shattered the whole world. This is one of the many important events of September in the last 2000 years.

September 5, 1997: Mother Teresa, a Catholic nun who devoted her life to helping the poor, died at the age of 87.

September 4, 2006: “Crocodile Hunter" Steve Irwin dies while filming in Australia's Great Barrier Reef when a stingray's barb pierced his chest.

But there is no use getting sad over this merry month of September because we all know that the Christmas season is fast approaching. Do you feel the slight chill in the air? I do coz I live in a mountainous part of Rizal. I even feel a little bit excited. Ganyan talaga pag malapit na ang Pasko.

It is also Grandparents’ Day on September 7. I should remember to greet my Lolo Rudy on that day. He is my only remaining grandparent. Lolo Rudy is my mom’s father who lives in Olongapo City. From him I got my sociable personality – making friends with almost all the people I meet.

Allow me to introduce my other three grandparents who are no longer with us, and let me share with you why I’m so proud to be their “apo”.

Lola Rose – my mom’s mother. From her I have this patience in making arts and crafts no matter how “busisi” or delicate the project may be.

Lolo Felix – my dad’s father who was a soldier. I got from him his love for reading books. He was the original bookworm. An intelligent man.

Finally, Lola Maura, the mother of my dad. She was a hardworking entrepreneur. This is the reason why I want to have a business of my own, too.

So guys, make the most of this exciting month. Don’t forget to greet your grandparents on the 7th.

Delectable Finale:

There are a lot of things to look forward to on September. Let's celebrate each day with full of enthusiasm as our countdown begins in anticipation for Christmas. May we all start extending our helping hands to the poor and share our blessings!

Don't forget to give our warmest embraces to all our lolos and lolas as we celebrate Grandparents' Day on the 7th. Let's make their days more meaningful as they face the twilight of their lives.

Live life to the fullest!!!