I'm back. Here's my 
First of all, I would like to congratulate myself for my first year here on WordPress. One year of no readers! Win! Usually, after a year of blogging on some network, I’d shift to another one. But, fuck that, I’m taking my chances here at WordPress.
Nothing new at this side of the world, really. Maria’s making me listen to Love of Athens, formerly known as DCD. Check out his revamped Myspace and listen to the only track there.
I passed my Devc 40 exam! Whew, I thought that I wasn’t gonna make it. 2 hours of cramming and jamming everything inside my mind was well worth it. Next time, I should study a bit longer and forget the whole notion of slacking off. Slacking off is one of the best things in life, but sometimes we just gotta stand up and do something.
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I honestly can’t wait to start shooting our short film. The cast still isn’t complete; we still have no one to play the lead or the zombies; we have three cameras but no blank tapes. This will be a lot of fun. I started canvassing for materials that we’ll need though. Mini-DV tapes go for 80 pesos a piece. A halogen light is 280 pesos. Lapel microphone for 480 pesos. Food for the cast, booze for the cast, make-up and costume… we’ll think about that later.
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Overall, I think my first year of blogging here at WordPress was awesome. I basically wrote whatever I want without ever thinking of who might read it (hello my dear professors from DevCom); I put up shitty reviews and free downloads; I met new people; sold out my work and thoughts; influenced someone I know. Meh. This is the life!
Here’s to another year of putting my irrelevant thoughts in front of your monitor!
Filed under: Emoshit, UPLB, Yupielbi | Tags: eraserheads, julie tearjerky, rain, UPLB
The rain poured big time as I was walking towards my Devc 50 class. I left my fucking umbrella in Muntinlupa. I actually hate the rain. But this time, with my earphones glued to my ears and Julie Tearjerky blasting through it–I felt so alive.
I conquered the rain and ran like a madman. Inside my mind, everything was in slow motion and I felt so infinite.
No comic books, no ugly looks
No flaming trees
Oh man, I need some more…
Filed under: Abyssmal nothingness, Alcoholically Me, Boredom, Fanboy Mode, Films, For Teh Lulz!, Indie Films, Indie Music, Reviews | Tags: adoration, le poem, makati cinema square, Quiapo, short film, sona
I’m glad that my weekend was uneventful. Usually, eventful weekends are fun; but then again, they’re oh-so-fucking frustrating too. There’s nothing like hanging back without ever doing a thing. No plans, means you can do anything you want without ever thinking about it. Truth be told, this is my perfect weekend.
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There’s nothing like hanging out at your friend’s house (even though he still has a lot of things to do in front of his computer), sitting on his couch and watching obscure short films.
I saw Olivier Smolder’s 1987 black and white short film “Adoration.” Basically it’s about a Japanese guy who’s in love with a girl. Because he’s so in love with the girl, he decides to put a shotgun shell through her and eat her fingers. Yumm… nothing like good ‘ole romantic love to soothe the nerves.
I was actually okay after Adoration, but it was Bogdan Borkowski’s Le Poem that really drove me apeshit. Although, I really appreciate the way the film was presented (Autopsy + a reading of Arthur Rimbaud’s The Drunken Boat), how graphic it was, and that killer ending… I still couldn’t stomach it, because I knew that it was a real autopsy that I was watching. I’m okay with fake blood, but when it’s a real body that we’re dealing with… Fuck everything else.
Friday night was pretty good. We managed to watch “The Wackness” which I still love, then after that was P.T. Anderson’s Magnolia. I slept through Magnolia, not because I hate P.T. Anderson, but because I was really high up my ass and tired as well.
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Saturday is “stay-at-home” day. Hovering over the internet, watching more movies, catching up with my readings (novels, not handouts), playing old records, everything. Staying inside the house can be fun, if you have the right tools to make it fun. I think I wrote a song. I’m not really sure. But, I am sure that I once again, established connections with my old “friends.” If you know what I mean with “friends,” then you’ll know that I had been once again whipped by my romantic routines. The shifting from one girl to another. The sudden abandonment of romantic emotions. Yes, yes… it’s all a fucking routine for me.
Don’t get me wrong though, this is not me and my machismo. This is simply my idiotic shuffle towards the world of adult relationships. No, I don’t know what that means.
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I still don’t know how I ended up at Quiapo when my starting point was Makati Cinema Square. Sunday was a big fucking blur, let me tell you that.
Because my mom is reviewing for her Nursing exams (for the nth time), she’s staying at Manila for the weekends. Since most of my Sundays now would be spent in Manila, because we have to pick her up and shit… I figured that I should use this to my advantage. So, I decided to roam around Manila every Sunday.
I started with Makati Cinema Square. It’s the most logical place to go since I’m craving for new LPs to play and DVDs to watch. Alas, the record stores were closed and the DVDs were overpriced. I decided to go to Bangkal and try my luck there. Sadly, all the thrift stores were closed too. Fuck, Sundays. I have no idea how I got to Quiapo from Bangkal. I guess, it was one of those “spur-of-the-moment” things that just happened.
HMVs were at sale! 3 for 100. I, of course, instantly grabbed the titles that would generally please me. Meaning: Space movies of the 90’s. Titan A.E. and Lost in Space were my two favorite sci-fi flicks of the 90’s. I know that Titan A.E. was released in 2000, but still… The 90’s was very much alive during that period. By now, you’ll probably realize that I love the 90’s. Beyond that, I purchased some pretty mundane DVDs.
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“POWER TO TEH PEOPLE!”
Oh, look… The President’s speaking about her plans and whatever… Boring. I know deep down that I should care about things like the President’s State of the Nation address, well… just because–but you know what, it really is hard to get involved with something, if you know that it just wouldn’t push through.
I know that I’m in no place right here to comment, because who the fuck am I? Though, just for kicks, I’ll tell you about what I think of the President right now.
The President is like this chick who’s really really hot and you know deep down that you’re in love with her. But then again, (pardon my analogy, it’s pretty fucked up.) she’s also the ‘ho that your mom probably warned you about. I’ll elaborate. Think of it like this: she’s a fucking player. She’s the kind of girl who promises a lot, but gives out nothing. Kinda like that girl you courted back in high school. She asks you to do one thing, and you do it, but in the end… you weren’t just good enough.
“Okay, ligawan mo me. Then sasagutin ko you.“
“Ay… wait lang… Kasi, never naman talaga kitang sineryoso eh.“
“Okay, let’s all work and strive for the government, and then we’ll all be fucking rich and then we’ll hang out with the awesome first-world countries.“
And then, by the end of the term…
“Oh look, we’re still a third-world country. I wonder why? Oh, yeah I gave that douche that budget for education. Whoopee!“
Sure, it’s hard work. Sure, it’s a fucking risk. You have to give something to achieve something. But you know, when it comes to love and all that shit, my main idealism is: “If you don’t want me, then fine (hidden word: fuck you).“
So, I guess, I’m not that stupid enough to work for something (i.e. ligaw, or date, or court) unless I know that there’s a good outcome. Which is why it’s important for girls to say to me upfront if you like me or not before I make a move towards you. Because if you don’t, and you’re just playing and fucking around, then ha-ha. I’ll fuck you up well. Same thing for the government. If you just talk talk talk and you want us to work to achieve something, but you’re not working with us… I’ll pull off a Joker-esque social experiment. Bring out the fucking ferries and boats!
The point is: I only smoked as the President was blabbering about. Now, am I a good citizen of this Nation? I’d like to think so (in a totally passive way). But honestly, what’s good and bad these days anyway?
God, I’m so fucking selfish and apathetic. Don’t worry, I’ll snap out of this one of these days. Until then, I’ll continue being a douchebag.
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Speaking of Presidents, Here’s the new trailer for Oliver Stone’s new picture W. The film takes a look at George W. Bush’s life and how he became a President from being a cheerleader/douchebag who drinks a shitload of alcohol. Judging from the trailer alone, the casting (Josh Brolin as Bush?! Elizabeth Banks as Laura Bush?!), and the somewhat-hilarious POV that Oliver Stone would depict on screen… Heck, I’ll definitely see this.
Hey, I’m also a douchebag who drinks a shitload of alcohol! Maybe I’ll become President one day! ZOMG! Awesome!
Filed under: Alcoholically Me, Boredom, SABOG | Tags: high, stress, the wackness
After a grueling Devc40 exam last Monday, reports on Devc50 and 30 last Wednesday, and keeping up with some friends (and some neighbors), I finally made it through the week. Thanks to The TG Girls (no idea on what TG means) for the drinks and shit, Thanks to my housemates. Ayeeeeeeeeeeehieeee!
Holy shit, I am so gonna enjoy this weekend. But first, there’s a Devc40 report to write… Fuck.
Filed under: Abyssmal nothingness, Alcoholically Me, Emoshit, Fanboy Mode, Films, For Teh Lulz!, Indie Films, Reviews, UPLB, Yupielbi, youtube | Tags: devcom, the dark knight, the wackness, UPLB, video presentation, young people fucking
The Dark Knight was one of those films that was overly hyped but then again, it deserves the hype because it was so fucking unbelievable in so many awesome ways. Fuck, I love you Mr. Nolan. I actually cried while I was walking from ATC to Festival (holding a donut and a can of beer) because of Heath Ledger. I’ll miss you forever, papi. Oh, and… GIVE HEATH LEDGER THE FUCKING OSCAR YOU EVIL SONS OF BITCHES. Don’t vote anyone else. Go fucking see it. (But honestly, I think everyone had seen it already)
The Wackness totally blew me away primarily because of Josh Peck’s awesome performance (I used to hate him because he was fat, then he suddenly became thin. What a fucking sell out.) which matches up with Ben Kingsley smoking a giant bong. What a fucking great cast, I mean even Mary-Kate Olsen was so awesome as she was fucking Sir Ben Kingsley. I know that The Dark Knight is awesome, but I have to say that The Wackness is simply my favorite movie of the year. Why? Because it really made a connection to me. I was living in that movie, and the writer/director didn’t even know it. Great choice of songs, too which helped represent how deep the shit is where the characters are in. Shapiro = Shinji. ‘Nuff said. Go fucking see it.
If Juno was the must-see Canadian movie of last year; this year it would have to be YOUNG PEOPLE FUCKING. The title itself pretty much explains it. The movie takes a look at different relationships (Roomates, Best Friends, Couple, Exes, and First Date) and how they look at sex with their own perspectives. The movie is divided with chapters which people who had sex already knows: Prelude, Foreplay, Sex, Interlude, Orgasm, & Afterglow. It’s Hilarious, Honest, and Hot. Go fucking see it.
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Whew, I saw three awesome movies this week. Not to mention that I also finished our Devc 30 presentation, which although I did while I was drunk, still turned out pretty cool. Google Video’s crappy quality is just… frustrating. At least I have a high-res version which is what we would present! Awww!
I also studied a bit for Devc 40’s exam. Thank god, I managed to answer some questions. At least, I know that I wasn’t dumb while taking the exam. NOW, IT’S TIME TO DRINK! AWWWW!
Filed under: Indie Music, UPLB, Yupielbi | Tags: feist, pressure, sesame street, UPLB
I can feel the pressure of having 4 DevCom classes. I gotta keep up, man! There’s a video presentation, a critique of a Development project, and a pseudo-experiment on a social problem. Wooh! I know I kinda hate it, but at least I feel like a student and not a bum.
In other news, this just made my day. Feist on Sesame Street singing about counting to 4?! Awesome! Though, I gotta admit, the song is pretty stupid. But what the hell, Sesame Street is for kids! At least kids will get a taste of indie music now!
Filed under: Best in Tensions, Boredom, Emoshit, Filmmaking, Films, For Teh Lulz!, Indie Films, Short Films | Tags: Best in Tensions, Boredom, emo, indie, Mumblecore, Munsci, pinoy, randomness, short film, UPLB, webisode
I’ve been meaning to start an online show for quite some time, but I tend to procrastinate. This weekend however, I finally decided to do it. So, here’s the first episode for Best In Tensions.
The main idea behind the show is that for every episode, there’s a different story coming from an entirely different perspective. It’s basically just a series of monologues and/or conversations from various people. It doesn’t have to be scripted, but basically it is.
Think of it as a collection of online short flicks. I’d like to look at it like Adrian Tomine’s Optic Nerve–except that it’s moving and not printed. Call it mumblecore, or whatever. Mostly, it’s just about a certain character and his thoughts. Like, for example the first episode. It’s basically just me talking to an invisible dude about his routine life. Well, yeah since I wrote it, it’s kind of personal (but I wouldn’t say that it’s a clear depiction of what I feel right now. I’m not angry at all at Stef. Really.). I think if you watched the episode, then you’ll have a clear idea of what’s gonna follow.
I think Tomi’s slated to write the next episode, and he’ll star on it. Then after that, who knows? If you do want to get involved, or you’ve got a monologue or conversation in mind, then let’s translate it into an episode. It doesn’t have to be dramatic, I actually have a comedy and a musical episode in mind. Then there’s a horror episode which I’ll probably shoot this week (I just can’t find an actor. I’ll bug some people I know here.)
Oh, have I mentioned that I’m only doing this because I’m bored. Kinda like blogging; I’m blogging because I’m bored. Most of the things I do anyway (like reading, collecting vinyls, making songs) are done because I’m bored. I’m not looking for attention, I know I won’t be winning an Emmy or a YouTube award from this. Basically, if you watch it, then thank you. If you want to get involved, then let’s do it. If you hate it, then okay. Hahahaha!
Plus, I’m sort of practicing my madd filmmaking skills (even if I don’t have it.) so I could apply it to something bigger. Like, I don’t know. But, I do want to make something cheap and easy to shoot. So the best bet is actually making a mumblecore film. Or whatever. Haha.
Anyway, thanks for checking the episode out! 2 webisodes per month, perhaps? Yes, that sounds okay.
Hay, finally I’ve snapped out of my bursts of emotional hullabaloo. Last night while doing the grocery with my dear mother would be the last of it. I swear to god. I looked like a distressed zombie while pushing the grocery cart–which doesn’t really sound good.
I went to Cubao Expo yesterday and picked up some vinyls. There’s nothing like spending money to lift up one’s spirits.
I managed to get 3 Bread LPs (Self-titled Debut, Lost Without Your Love, and Guitar Man). I’m a huuuuge Bread fanboy. As far as I can remember, I was around 8 when I found myself listening to Goodbye Girl (hands down, favorite Bread song) after than I begged my mom to buy me a cassette of David Gates and Bread Essentials. I devoured that fucking album. After school, I’d rush home just to listen to Bread. I think Bread was one of the earliest emo moments of my life. Haha!
Besides the three Bread vinyls, there’s also The Beach Boys’ Good Vibrations, and a Simon & Garfunkel collection (which included Mrs. Robinson, The Only Living Boy In New York, and *gasp* Bridge Over Troubled Water) But, I guess the two greatest vinyls that I purchased yesterday were:
Pink Floyd’s The Dark Side of the Moon is a fucking classic. Thank heavens I have it on vinyl. Now, if only I could find a The Wizard of Oz OST… we’d be cooking! I bargained really hard to have this one, they wanted to sell it for 500. I told them, no fucking way. It’s locally pressed, the cover isn’t really in great condition, and there were minor scratches on the record. After bargaining really hard–nauwi kami sa 150! It’s Locally Pressed! I wouldn’t buy a locally pressed vinyl for that amount.
Then there’s the Grease OST. Let me say it upfront: I am a huge huge huge fan of Grease. Well, at least the movie–haven’t seen it on stage. But I guess Olivia Newton-John and John Travolta best represent Sandy and Danny. My dream finally came true! Grease on Vinyl! I had this on cassette during my 1998 addiction with Grease. I also have the movie on VHS, VCD, and DVD. Oh diba? It also doesn’t hurt to admit that I know all of the songs by heart. This 2LP vinyl just blew my fucking mind away. Great addition to my growing collection of vinyls.
Oh, and as for Grease 2? Well, let’s just leave it in the dumpster shall we?
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Delikado na to pag nagka-credit card ako. There’s just so many records I want to own. Everytime I go to eBay and search something like “Neutral Milk Hotel LP” or “Death Cab for Cutie LP,” I just break down with depression. Hahahaha. I will forever be grateful to that one person who will sell or give me those aforementioned LPs.
