edcruz.com/blog

SonicLogic.TV presents Welcome Back, Swissy!

2010-05-31T17:55:00.001+08:00

Swissy just got back from her Japan Tour, and so we'd like to welcome her back!

So come along this coming Wednesday, June 02, 2010, 7.30pm at Cafe Alfonso (Mezzanine A LPL Center 130 LP Leviste Street, across Makati Sports Club) and enjoy the music and company of Flavours & Caffeine, The Bernadettes and Swissy!

FREE ENTRANCE!!

Hope to see you there :)

Paramita's Gatilyo music video launch

2010-05-31T17:50:00.001+08:00

Paramita's releasing their much awaited 3rd album this year.
And this coming June 04, 2010 they're releasing the video for their first single "Gatilyo" at Route 196.

Come, listen and watch the launch of the video.

Click here to find out about the event and to confirm your attendance.

For more news and updates, add Paramita on Facebook.

Buteyko's Method Free Introductory Lectures

2010-01-20T17:43:00.003+08:00

Sick & tired of symptoms and drugs?

The Buteyko Breathing Reconditioning Program is proven to provide:

Immediate relief from symptoms of:

Asthma
Rhinitis and Excess Mucous
Sleep Disorders (including Apnea)
Anxiety Disorders
Hay Fever
Coughing
Stress

Long-term (and also some short-term) benefits for:

Emphysema and COPD
Migraine
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
Chronic Bronchitis
Allergies
Digestive Disorders
Hypertension
Immune & Hormone Function
Weight Control
Skin Disorders
Sports/Diving performance enhancement

So you want to be responsible for your own health & well-being?

Come and attend the FREE introductory lectures that's happening at the following venues:

MANDALUYONG CITY:

Monday, January 25, 7pm-9pm
at the Sustainable Living Club,
2/F Highway 54 Building,
Edsa corner Stanford Street,
Mandaluyong City

QUEZON CITY:

Tuesday, January 26, 7pm-9pm
at the PhilDHRRA Partnership Center,
59 C. Salvador Street (left off B. Gonzales Street, Katipunan),
Loyola Heights, Quezon City

MAKATI CITY:

Wednesday, January 27, 2pm-4pm & 7pm-9pm
at the In Touch Community Services (2/F of Holy Trinity Church Complex),
48A McKinley Road, Forbes Park (across from San Antonio shops carpark)
Makati City

PUMA presents DRIP 3 Videos Launch

2010-01-18T16:06:00.003+08:00

PUMA presents

The 3 music videos launch of DRIP

Drip will be launching 3 separate videos, be there when it happens!

"Bloodletting" directed by Jason Tan

"Turning Grey" directed by Jelise Chun

and

"Blind" directed and animated by Juan "Johnny" Alcazaren

Drippies of the World Unite!

on January 29 2010, 6pm at The Gallery, Greenbelt 5, Makati City

Click here to confirm your attendance!

new year, new blog entry.

2010-01-01T11:29:00.002+08:00

happy new year everyone! welcome to the year of the tiger!

so i've really decided that i'm not a particularly good blogger unless i'm really inspired by something cool happening – and when something cool happens i usually want to enjoy it rather than worrying about writing it down. Or when i just need to share thoughts that going through my head.
so, though i pledge to do my best on the blog entry thing . . . i think most of the time I'll just check in and let you folks know stuff that you might find exciting, inspiring, or intriguing.

that's kinda how i think the blog thing is going to work out for me. i'd like it to be interactive. i'll check in and let you know what i'm reading, listening to, watching, or thinking about – then you (the collective 'you' out there) write me at thisfire[at]gmail.com and let me know what YOU'RE thinking, reading, listening to.

how's that sound?!

Drip Live in Hong Kong

2009-02-19T18:10:00.002+08:00

From HK Live website:

Trip-hop band, Drip, headline this special HK Live! show. They have an impressive track record, having won both Album of the Year from the QLE Awards 2008 in the Philippines and the JUNKSOUNDS 2008 Regional Music Awards for Best Electronic/Fusion act in the whole of South East Asia. The meta-glamorous act are set to deliver a seductive experimental mix that is sure to enthrall the crowd.

Other music acts performing will be: Violent Jokes, Synthetic (In)semination and Kongkeretebass.

Ticket Prices: Advance - HK$100 (from Fringe Club) / On The Day - HK$150

So if you're around come and watch this gig, and/or spread the word.

Thank you!

The Kite Runner

2008-03-09T23:09:00.002+08:00

I read the book two years ago, and tonight I have finally seen the film.

I was not dissapointed and believe it was well done - cos it took me back to almost the same moment when I shed my tears with the book.

Great acting, good screenplay and well-done soundtrack.

Cheers to Khaled Hosseini for the great story, and to Marc Foster and the rest of the cast of the film!

---------

And for those who don't have a clue what is the story about:

This is based on the novel of the same name by Khaled Hosseini. Amir is an Afghani writer living in the United States. Twenty-two years ago, he was still living in Kabul with his father. He was best friends with Hassan, his Hazara servant. Hassan was Amir’s protector, often standing up for the timid boy. Eventually, their friendship is torn asunder by circumstance and distance. Amir moves to the U.S. with his father, and lives a contented life. But a phone call has him flying to Pakistan, and eventually into his homeland, for one last chance to make things right.

Tears

2008-01-26T22:00:00.000+08:00

I was in an friend's flat getting some stuff organised for him, and there was no available music to play, so I thought of putting the telly on, and tune in to MTV to get some music happening in the background.

Gosh, I can't remember the last time I watch telly (telly: Brit expression for TV). I watch films often on video, and occassionally in the cinema. That's why I'm clueless, when colleagues and friends asked me about what happened to this soap-opera or that TV program and all. But I must admit, am pretty happy not to watch TV these days, as most of the programming are rather dull, and that whole concept of having to remake TV series and dubbing are so uninteresting.

Sorry about the fastidious attitude. I guess this is what happen, when you hang out around people who talk their heads off with "interesting" stuff.

Anyway, going back to the original subject of today's blog.. I was watching this music video by Fall Out Boy called "I'm Like A Lawyer" - and suddenly "tears" rolls down on my face.. and I kept sobbing for more than a minute. I'm not sure if it's because of the actual video, or is it just because I have not cried for awhile.

Mmm.. interesting hormones/psychological reaction.

Up dharma Down in Hong Kong

2008-01-10T00:45:00.000+08:00

Am so excited to hear the news today that Up dharma Down is going back to Hong Kong for the second time around - to play. I just love this band.. I just knew it when I first heard them live at 70's Bistro in October 2006.

They went to HK for the first time and played at the Channel V's Amp thingy early in 2007, which I missed out on, cos I arrived a day late. Again, I'll miss out on this one, as work won't permit me to do so.

I hope the band will diffuse and leave the mark of their music to every Chinese and gweilos crowd.

And I hope this journey will open up more possibilities for them.

If you have not heard of the band, then I urge you to go and listen to them here. Or check them out on MySpace.

In Your Eyes

2008-01-04T14:35:00.000+08:00

It's in your eyes
I can tell what you're thinking
My heart is sinking too
It's no suprise
I've been watching you lately
I want to make it with you

This is the lyrics of a song by Kylie Minogue that played in my head, when a guy on the MRT looked at me straight-in-the-eye as I also looked back..

I love it when you look at someone, and they look back. And they know that it's a look of "being interested" with their look and everything. It's a pity that a lot of people, have issues when someone look at them intensely. But I suppose, this is still case to case basis, I wouldn't generalise.

But this guy on the train, obviously didn't mind being looked at, and looking back. I just had to write this one down and express it here. Now, this is what I call a short & painless affair.

Thank you 2007! Hello 2008!

2007-12-31T09:39:00.000+08:00

Dear friends/mates/colleagues;

time spent with each one of you last year has been quite interesting, funny, touching, loving, and surprising...

i would like to take this opportunity to thank you and wish you...

- humor in everything, no matter how serious it is...
- awareness of your connection to everything, no matter how disconnected we all may feel from each other...
- love for all parts of yourself, including the parts that you think are utterly un-loveable.
- endless expression in whatever form, whether it's in how you dress or how you speak.
- freedom from any box or construct that doesn't encourage life in you...
- courage to set your boundaries with clarity and love...
- allergy-free white kittens and pillows to fall into when you are despondent and spent and lost...
- faith in the moments where it seems stupid and foolish to have it...
- moments of blissful solitude and yummy community and safe intimacy in the doses that feel best...
- moments of feeling like a student, equal and teacher..all roles spent with you in your power...
- gratitude for all that you have and boot strap up-pulling for when you want to move forward into entirely unknown territory, for that is where i believe liberation and growth is most often found...

and i send you love & friendship throughout 2008!

love, peace & light,

ed :)

Terno Inferno @Cafe SaGuijo

2007-11-29T17:00:00.001+08:00

Last night, I attended this month's Terno Inferno at Cafe SaGuijo!

Line up was Giniling Festival, Swissy, Musical O, and my favourite "Up dharma Down".

It was great hanging out with the bands, and friends.

And of course, it was great to hear new two songs by Up dharma Down, the two new songs is titled: Every First Second & Blessed.

Also played a down-tempo version of Flicker, which Armi said will be included in the sophomore album.

You can check out the photos at the official Dharmalites site.

27 Years!

2007-11-09T12:00:00.001+08:00

Today is my 27th year on the planet.. does this mean anything?!

Of course not, I don't want to be too significant about my existence.

But I am grateful that I was able to enjoy life since birth and can hardly complain at all.

Thanks to my mother, who up to this day I still have not met, I was too young when she went away.

Thanks to my father, for doing the best he can to raise me up by hand.

Thanks to my step-mother, for acting like my mother and filling up the gap.

Thanks to my siblings, for acknowledging my as part of them.

Thanks to my friends and mates for the all fun, enjoyment, and hard times we've share along the way.

and thanks to you for taking time to read this.

Lovelight,

Ed :)

angel on my table

2007-11-02T22:00:00.000+08:00

Woke up this morning with an angel on my table..
He was so sweet that he let me kiss his lips.. this was truly an expected.

Question is, is he aware of what he was doing? Or am i just dreaming?!

terno inferno halloween party

2007-11-01T22:00:00.000+08:00

came home from the halloween party of terno inferno.
had a ball. had a dance. had a laugh. had fun.
thanks for the sweet company Mary! - and thanks to the sweet beings at the party!

Jeff Buckley, U2 and Bic Runga DVD-thon

2007-05-22T00:11:00.000+08:00

I managed to watch some DVDs tonight.. and most of them are music-related, as the title already mentioned.

I have this legacy edition of Jeff Buckley's amazing CD "Grace", and since I bought it I haven't had the chance to watch the accompanied DVD, so I watched most of it, I didn't watch the making of Grace yet, what I watched were the videos for the Grace songs like: Grace, Last Goodbye, So Real, and the beautifully put together "Forget Her" video. He was so great.. It would have been more great if Jeff had lived to see the success of his album, and it would have meant a lot to him to know that he was going to become an inspiration tot he next generation. Grace is indeed full of beauty and yearning! And it's indeed a great gift to leave behind.. Cheers to you Jeff, wherever you are man!

So after watching the Jeff Buckley, I look for another music DVD, and I found U2's How To Dismantle An Atomic Bomb bonus DVD, which have some studio performances - it's amazing to see the energy behind this band, and their love for their music.. No wonder they're biggest rock band in the world!!

And I completed my music DVD-thon, with Bic Runga's Birds Special Edition CD/DVD - which included her live performances at the Auckland Civic Centre last November 2005. I love this girl, since she came out with her debut album "Drive", which featured that American Pie film so-called theme song "Sway".
Anyway, she performed five songs from her "Birds" album - and it was fantastic, such a smooth performance! The DVD also included two of her "Birds" music videos: Winning Arrow & Say After Me!

How I wish I could see all of these performers, in concert?! (well, except of course for Jeff!)

Brink Magazine launch party & Long Hair

2007-03-07T14:10:00.000+08:00

So last night, Jac and I went to the launch party of Brink Magazine in Soho at a resto + bar called Bohemia Lounge. Not too many people when we arrived but enough crowd to make it exciting.

Our friend Walter was there already when we arrived, and Mark welcomes and introduced us to his circle of guests.

Mark invited some performers but for some reasons they didn't perfom/show-up, anyway he's got his own band and they play the night away.

At the party, we got to talk to some young Israelis and the ever popular Long Hair.

Long Hair is a brave individual who protested lots of time on the streets of Hong Kong, before he becomes a legislator - which is an amazing achievement. I remember seeing/hearing him talk two years ago here in Hong Kong at the first International Day Against Homophobia, and it's great to see a heterosexual guy standing up for the equality rights of LGBT community. So that was a privilege to meet him and talk to him.

Then an hour later, our mate Tim who is a DJ/masseur dropped in and joined us.

Tonight, we are meeting with close friends for dinner in the Century Novotel in Wanchai, which I will share about tomorrow.

Das Leben der Anderen (The Lives of Others)

2007-03-06T18:00:00.000+08:00

Today we went to see a film recommended by our Austrian friend Walter, and also happened to be the winner of this year's Best Foreign Film at the Oscars, The Lives of Others.. wow, what a beautiful film! (and I don't mean that in physical sense, although there are moments).

The film was set in Berlin back in '84 - bleak and depressing; before the fall of the famous Berlin Wall, the former East- German government (known as the GDR, German Democratic Republic) ensures its claim to power with a ruthless system of control and surveillance via the Stasi, a vast network of informers that at one time numbered 200,000 out of a population of 17 million. Their goal is to know everything about "the lives of others." And it goes on...

Just a tip in watching this film.. don't get too affected by the obvious bleakness to it cos otherwise a possible dislike will occur.. just sit through and watch it till the end, cos am telling this film have one of the strongest/unforgettable scene that moved me, and literally put tears in my eyes. So if you can watch it in the big screen - go! - otherwise make sure you catch on video and watch it without any distractions.

So I'm giving this film, 5 stars out of 5!

Anyway, tonight we are going to the Brink Launch Party, on Bailey Street in Soho - should be an interesting night.

Ulrich Mühe's photo is copied from the Filmhai site.

To know more about this film, check out the Internet Movie Database site.

Youssou N'Dour & the Super Etoile de Dakar in HK

2007-03-05T13:00:00.000+08:00

So that was an exhilarating experience to see/hear Youssou N'Dour at the Hong Kong Cultural Centre last night. He was with his band "the Super Etoile de Dakar". Fantastic band!, and they even have a male dancer with them who was dancing wildly.
How I wish the Philippines would bring or host such event here, with such performers but then again not many Filipinos would appreciate African music like they appreciate American Pop music.

I'm in Cafe O again with Jac, I'd say this would be a usual place for us, cos the Wi-fi access here is just handy and very convenient. I just met another interesting Aussie bloke that Jac befriended with, he's name is Mark Aldred - this guy is super skilled - he's a photojournalist/writer/musician/, and he's also one of the people behind a new magazine called "Brink". Jac asked him what advice he can give me in regards to working in the music field, and the next thing I heard was he's asking me to write the music review for the magazine, so I'm like "wow, that would be great!"

So I decided to write about my current favourite local band, Up Dharma Down, as I love their debut album: Fragmented, and seen them performed live, twice now in Manila.

They were performing last night at The Fringe Club, as part of the HK Live;
I didn't get to see them, cos I arrived today and I've told a few people to come and see them, and Jac is one of them but he's not well enough to go nor Mark who was suppose to review their gig.

Oh well, that's the way it is.

FYI: Cafe O Central - 2 Arbuthnot Road Ph: 2868 0450
Serving Salads/Pizzas/Pastas/Wraps/Juices/Smoothies/Cocktails/Wines

Youssou's pic is courtesy of BBC

I heart Hong Kong!

2007-03-04T15:00:00.000+08:00

I arrived today in Hong Kong, after 16 months. I come here often because I get invited by my dear friend Jac. And in the past year, I was working in a call centre in Manila, so travelling outside the country is an option I chose not to do. So it's good to be back!

Of course, it didn't take long to know that I'm in Hong Kong, cos arriving here Sunday means that most Filipino workers are out and about, on every streets and foot paths, 'cos it's their day off from work, so everyone get together and do stuff.

I'm staying at the Caritas House on Cain Road with Jac, it's a hostel where it's strictly for "male" guests only. It's a lovely place, as it's next to the Hong Kong Park, so when I got into the room at around 11a.m., the Orang-utang are making some wild noise.

Jac arrived after a lecture in Sai Kung, so it's good to see him, especially after he left Manila in his terrible accident up in Tagaytay. He's recovering and still experiencing some pains/aches from the accident.

I'm posting this from Cafe O, which is a delicious snack place here on Artburnot Road, where they have a Wi-fi connection, which you can use for free while having something to eat, pretty civilised eh?!

Tonight we'll have the opportunity to hear one of Africa's most celebrated/gifted musicians, Youssou N'Dour. Surely, it will be a good show.

My Wish for You in 2007!

2007-01-01T09:00:00.000+08:00

May peace break into your house and may thieves come to steal your debts.
May the pockets of your jeans become a magnet for $100 bills.
May love stick to your face like Vaseline and may laughter assault your lips!
May your clothes smell of success and may happiness slap you across the face.
May your tears be that of joy and may the problems you had, forget your home address!

In simple words ............

May 2007 be the best year of your life!!!

The Rose

2006-04-28T12:00:00.000+08:00

Last night I watched this film about the tragic life of a self destructive female rock star.

Originally intended as a flat-out biography of Janis Joplin's last days titled "Pearl"
( Janis' nickname and alter-ego ) the filmakers allegedly ran into privacy issues with the Joplin family which caused them to take a more "loosely based" approach of a "composite" character, and so they called the movie "The Rose".

Bette Midler played the role of "The Rose", where she pours out her heart and soul into this role and leaves nothing behind!
Her rock concert scenes alone show her broad talent as a stage performer! Her scenes drunk & stoned give a rare glimpse into a lonely and crazy world of rock stars(like Janis Joplin was!)

This film shows how can fame be both beneficial and destructive to one's artist life, that's if you don't have a say in the matter.

My favourite performance is when Bette Midler sang Percy Sledge's When A Man Loves A Woman... such a beautiful song!

Of course the end credit song, "The Rose" sends chill down to your bone.

A must see film for those who've heard of Janis Joplin, someone interested in the life of a rock star, and what fame can be.

Two thumbs up to Bette Midler!

Zsa Zsa Zaturnah - Ze Musikal

2006-04-24T13:00:00.001+08:00

Finally, after missing out on the first run, Zsa Zsa Zaturnah returns on stage.

And this time around in the new PETA theatre in Quezon City.

I decided to go to the Matinee show yesterday. I went with a friend whom I'm not sure if he enjoyed it right now, cos I didn't hear laugh out loud nor clap his hands at any point of the show..

We get to the venue via taxi, as it's new the taxi driver have no idea where it is, even though I mention QC Sports Club already, so after asking several people in the area, we finally found the place, and voila... people are just starting to arrive, and this was about ten to two.

Nice location, I thought. And the new PETA looks lovely. I enjoyed looking at all the photos on the wall, where it shows different plays from different era, which was educating for someone like me who wasn't aware of the scene back then.

Anyway, at 2.15pm we started to go in.. the set was designed in a typical bar like the one you see in Timog;
Stage was quite small but it was close to the audience. At 2.20 a voice recording in Tagalog & English said what needed to be said prior to the show.

At 2.30 the show started... Fluoro lighting... cast walking in entire black costume to the stage, carrying the sticks that would represents the "planets", and the spotlights came on and Ada (played by Tuxqs Rutaquio) starts to narrate and so it goes.

I'm not going to tell you the whole story about the play, but to summarise how it started here it goes:

Zsa Zsa Zaturnah is based on Carlo Vergara's comic creation that was unleashed in late 2002.

It tells the story of Ada, a cynical resident of a small provincial town, who gains superhuman abilities through a stone that falls from the heavens. With the ability to transform into the voluptuous and powerful Zaturnnah, Ada defends his hometown from dangerous otherworldly threats.

Adding color to this simple tale is the fact that Ada is a homosexual, proprietor of his own quaint beauty salon. Joining him in his extraordinary adventure is his frilly-mouthed assistant Didi and his secret love Dodong. Because of strong language and suggestive imagery, the comic book is strictly for mature readers.

And that makes the laugh trip way better: the foul language, the half-naked and naked bodies, the phallic symbols.

Anyway, the play stared Eula Valdez - Ms. Amor Powers playing Zsa Zsa Zaturnah - in her skimpy body suit, big boobies and t-back ass. Eula Valdez, well-known poshy woman in the movies and tv but here you'll hear her sing and act like a Bakla (Shouting mader paker demshit you, putangina niyo!), And Agot Isidro who played Queen Femina. Then Zaturnah battles against the giant palaka (frog) and her more internal battles with her gender and family issues and yada yada yada.

But what was most incredible was the ending, in which the hunk courts the gay beautician with flowers.
Now, that was really icky, a real fairy tale.

Now you still have a few days to catch this funny, entertaining, and fabulous play.

Here are the details:

April 28 (Friday) - 7:30pm
April 29 (Sat) - 2:30pm and 7:30pm
April 30 (Sun) - 2:30pm and 7:30pm

You can call: 891-9999 for ticket prices and more details.

Enjoy!

Imelda

2006-04-11T12:00:00.000+08:00

I finally watched this controversial documentary film about Imelda Marcos, a film by Ramona s. Diaz.

What is it about?, well it's about the complex persona of the former Philippine First Lady Imelda Marcos, and her rise to power, and fall from grace.

I knew nothing about Imelda, as I was too young back then, all I heard is the stories from people who experienced/seen/heard her; plus the articles that I've read over the years.

And this documentary just confirmed what I really thought of her.

It was funny cos I actually got to experience being around her in one of her party, just recently. Although it wasn't as grand as what've the people in the documentary were saying...

A documentary must seen for people, who's interested in the meaning of power, beauty, and everything else ala Imelda.

For more information about the film, check out www.imeldathemovie.com.

Stupid MRT Rule

2006-04-05T21:00:00.000+08:00

I went to shop this evening in SM Makati, and I was going to take the MRT back home, when they stop me from getting in, and this just because of two softdrinks in can; I said why not... the lady security said, "It''s the rule", so I asked her, "What do you want me to do?, and she said just drink it.. Now that's a very intelligent advice?! - What if I have 6 of them?

And by this time, I lose it... I said: "This is stupid", and she replied back, "I'm not stupid", and I replied back, "it wasn't you who's stupid, but the rule here".

And before it goes to any big drama, I rudely left my friend who's already inside (Sorry Sef!), and went down to the bus stop downstairs, and took the bus home instead.
Which I must admit quite comfortable and quick.

But I'm still mystified by this "no drinks in can" rule in riding the MRT. It's the Philippines!!

1st National Cheerleading Competition

2006-04-02T16:00:00.000+08:00

The 1st National Cheerleading Competition happened today, at 11.am in Araneta Coliseum. Twelve teams competed (6 for the high school division, six for the college division) under the American cheerleading rules (with American judges to boot).

high school division
Assumption College (not sure if AA or AC)
St. Pedro Poveda College
San Beda Alabang
School of the Holy Spirit
School of St. Anthony
Southville International School

college division
Adamson University
Ateneo de Manila University
Central Colleges of the Philippines
Mapua Institute of Technology
University of Perpetual Help
University of the Philippines

I attended the event cos I'd like to give my support to my friend Ajjie's team, which is the San Beda Alabang.
They were the first one to hit the centre floor... and I think they did pretty well. They took two awards after the competition.
Poveda took the high school division top spot (predictable - from the crowd's cheering!), and UP took the college division top spot (hardly surprising!).

Even though it's not my cup of tea, I truly enjoyed the event. I told Ajjie (who's the one behind the choreography of SB), that I might not be able to stay until the end, but suprisingly I did. I was mesmerised by the adrenaline rush, the energy, and the spirit power that I witnessed from this younger people, and this made me look back to my past... and thought I wish I did something like it... but oh well, past is past, and what matters now is the "present".

Philip Seymour Hoffman

2006-03-06T12:00:00.000+08:00

Yipee!

Philip Seymour Hoffman got the "Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role"
at the 78th Annual Academy Awards.

Congrats Phil!!!

And for those who haven't see the film, catch it on the big screen, if not you can always get the video. ;)

Pride and Prejudice

2006-03-06T10:00:00.000+08:00

I've watched the film last night, even though I was not too well. I guess I'm not the type of person who would just stay in the house, and baby sit my hardly sick body... so I decided to go and watch.

What is it about?, well first it's based on a novel by Jane Austen (which I haven't read), and it's the classic tale of love and misunderstanding unfolds in class-conscious England near the close of the 18th century. There are five Bennet sisters � Elizabeth (played by Keira Knightley - whom I think is grogeous!), Jane, Lydia, Mary and Kitty � who have been raised well aware of their mother�s fixation on finding them husbands and securing set futures. The spirited and intelligent Elizabeth, however, strives to live her life with a broader perspective, as encouraged by her doting father.

When Elizabeth meets the handsome Mr. Darcy (played by Matthew MacFadyen), she believes he is the the last amn on earth she could ever marry. But as their lives become intertwined in an unexpected adventure, she finds herself captivated by the very person she swore to loathe for all eternity.

So to sum it all up, it's a story of love and misunderstanding that sparkles with romance, wit and emotional force.

This is very timing to what I'm reading right now which is the book called: Watching the English by Kate Fox.,
and I'm in the part of the book, where it talks about how class-conscious the English are really are...

Also I enjoyed hearing all the names of the cities/towns/counties mention in this movie, especially because I am working for a British Directory Assistance company... so that was fun!

As for my rating for this movie, I give it 4 stars! :)

Capote

2006-03-02T10:00:00.000+08:00

So I watched it last night in Glorietta 4 in Makati alone.

What is it about?

In 1959, Truman Capote, a popular writer for The New Yorker, learns about the horrific and senseless murder of a family of four in Halcomb, Kansas. Inspired by the story material, Capote and his partner, Harper Lee, travel to the town to research for an article. However, as Capote digs deeper into the story, he is inspired to expand the project into what would be his greatest work, In Cold Blood. To that end, he arranges extensive interviews with the prisoners, especially with Perry Smith, a quiet and articulate man with a troubled history. As he works on his book, Capote feels some compassion for Perry which in part prompts him to help the prisoners to some degree. However, that feeling deeply conflicts with his need for closure for his book which only an execution can provide. That conflict and the mixed motives for both interviewer and subject make for a troubling experience that would produce an literary account that would redefine modern non-fiction.

The film was written by Dan Futterman and it's based on the book "Capote" by Gerald Clarke.

Wow! What a character that Truman Capote was?!

My favourite line in the movie was, when Harper Lee (Truman's mate) asked:

"Do you hold him in esteem, Truman?", and he defensively answered: "Well, he's a gold mine."

This movie gets 5 stars from me. And Philip Seymour Hoffman deserves the Oscar for this. :)

Chinese New Year @ Imelda's

2006-01-29T10:00:00.000+08:00

Kung Hei Fat Choi!
How bizarre that me and my friend Jac should find ourselves attending a Chinese New Year party at Imelda Marcos's apartment here in Manila last night. I do make a bit of a policy of trying to accept invitations...... so I put aside some rather strong opinions about her, and we went out to have some fun......

Well, it was a predictably eccentric evening...... we were actually guests of a friend who is mates with her neighbour across the hall and he was with them the other day when they came up with the idea of a CNY party (she loves to throw a party for any occasion!). Both their huge apartments (on 34th floor of Pacific Plaza in Makati) are incredibly gaudy and crowded with art, furniture, ornaments and nostalgia - some obviously very valuable, some tasteful.... and some very tacky.. The rather sumptuous banquet was spread in the foyer. The wine was French and quite acceptable. The crowd was a zoo. Some of the musical offerings were very impressive - a soprano and a pianist. After most guests had eaten, a rather obviously camp priest delivered mass!!! Come to think of it, 'camp' isn't a bad word to describe the whole affair. At midnight Imelda led everyone in blowing horns, turning on their 'flashing ball' necklaces, and singing "Auld Lang Syne" (!?)... We left before The Lettermen (60s/70s group?) were due to arrive after their concert......

We liked the neighbour (a sharp, flamboyant and amusing older queen - retired party organizer and collector of antiques the like) and spent half the time in his place - and, in fact he wants to suggest to Imelda that my friend Jac should do a private Buteyko class with them.....

She seemed a bossy, pompous, but still pleasant enough host.... but so far my opinions haven't changed much.......

But indeed it was an experience...

P.S. No... I didn't get to see the "shoe closet/room/wing".

Akira Isogawa: Printemps��t�

2006-01-26T15:00:00.000+08:00

Last night, I was lucky to be invited (together with my dear friend Jac), to the opening of our special friend's exhibition in the Ayala Museum in Makati. Thanks to our friend Alexis, who invited us to the opening!

The exhition is called: Akira Isogawa: Printemps��t�, it's part of the "Celebrate Australia 2006: A Feast of the Senses" celebration here in Manila, Philippines.

The exhibition provides viewers with a privileged journey through Akira�s designing process from his initial inspiration, various collaborations, fabrication, execution, and final presentation.

It also showcase Akira's use of Origami, which displays key inspiration works in paper and fabric to reflect development of his collection;

Ongoing until February 10, Akira Isogawa: Printemps��t� explores the creative process of Australian fashion designer Akira Isogawa as he worked towards his Spring/Summer 2005 collection, revealed on the Paris runways in October 2004.

Exhibition curator Katie Somerville says: �Akira has created a unique place in the Australian and international fashion scene. He has a deliberate and individual approach to his work, which has resulted in a practice based on supreme technical virtuosity, and sculptural approach to wrapping the body.

It also features all the human size paper-cut dolls, which I enjoyed looking at.

The collection is on view at the fourth floor gallery of Ayala Museum.

PS: I also enjoyed the performances of Sirocco, one of Australia's finest world music ensembles, Phil Geia, Australia's most acclaimed Aboriginal contemporary dancers, together with David Hudson on the didgeridoo.

�

Chronicles of Narnia

2006-01-10T21:00:00.000+08:00

So last Saturday night (07 January), I went to see "The Chronicles of Narnia" at Glorietta 4 (Makati City, Philippines) with my friend Oliver.

What is it about?

It's a film based on the classic novel by CS Lewis. Where four London children are sent to a professors country home in order for protection during World War II. There they find a magic wardrobe which leads to a mystical land called Narnia, which is being ruled by an evil witch. To defeat the Witch, they must join forces with Aslan, the lion God of Narnia, and the great battle between good and evil.

But the reason why, I went to see this movie is because of the new song by Alanis called "Wunderkind". It was played at the end credits of the movie.

I'm happy that many people actually recognised that it's Alanis voice, so she's not after all forgotten at this end of the world.

But I must admit it's been awhile since I enjoyed a kids/teens film. So that was fun.

I also enjoyed the British accent in it, especially now that I'm working for a British company, and I'm now in my "elocution" training.

So to all of you, who still haven't seen the movie, or hear "Wunderkind" go out and watch it!

Welcome...

2006-01-01T00:00:00.000+08:00

Well, I guess this is my blog ... now what to type?
I'm not one for usually doing this sort of thing but I thought "What the heck".

I doubt I'll even manage weekly updates knowing my lack of consistency with diaries, etc.

Right, what shall we make this entry about ... hhmmm.