Never Again

Never again shall I fall

Never again I will crawl

If I met your likes

I just have to be scarce

The charm I’ll resist

The smile I won’t miss

Scarred me for a lifetime

My heart opted a vacation for a while

You have that magic to lure me in

You entice me so mad back then

That time when you know what to do

But your feet just won’t move

Keep telling your heart it’s for the best

Oh how stubborn it was till you give in

Several times you repeat the cycle

You lost count on how much you falter

They keep telling me to stop

But I think I lost an ear by the beating of my heart

I don’t know what’s with you

Why I just couldn’t cease from going after you

And then I knew I was holding on to nothing

But for a while I thought I meant something

How my day used to be about you

And now I finally knew it can be about me too

Nasaan si Katarungan?

        

                                  Photo not mine

       

     Nasaan na nga ba si katarungan na pilit inaasam

        Sa lupang sinilingan tila naging bulag na lamang

        Parating dinidinig ngunit di nakakamit

        Hanggang senado na lang aabutin yaong banggit

        Kung may mapipiit, sa pera’y lalaya

        Mga kaso mabibinbin at tila walang pag-asa

        Yuyurakan ang dangal ng inang bayan

        Sa pagluklok sa mga dating kinasuhan

        O Pilipinas kong bayan kailan ka matututo

        Sa tuwing botohan ika’y nagpapauto

        Papagamit ka ngayon kapalit ng mamiso

        Pagdurusa ng iyong mga anak sasapitin nito

       

        Ang mahirap lalong naghihirap

        Ang mayayaman siyang nagpapasarap

        Bakit mo sinadlak ang iyong tanglaw?

        Kapalit ng barya ika’y nauhaw

        Habang si Juan ay nagkukumahog

        Maitawid lang ang gutom sa maghapon

        Si Pedro ay nagpapahangin sa kanyang kwarto

        Pumasok man o hindi ay may makukubra ito

        Sa liit ng kita ni Nena sa araw-araw

        Dugo, pawis at pagod ang puhunan

        Kakaltasan para sa pondo ng bayan

        Ngunit ginhawa ay hindi maramdaman

        Kapag may kaso ang kinauukulan

        Sari-saring sakit ang dinadamdam

        Ngunit habang nagpapakasasa sa kaban ng bayan

        Ang kalusugan o edad ay sadyang di alintana

        Bakit ka naging mailap katarungan?

        Tayo nama’y magkakalahi sa iisang bayan

        Ngunit bakit ang katotohanan ay pilit binabaluktot

        Upang ang may sala ay di mamaluktot

        Matatawag ka pa bang katarungan?

        Kung wala namang mapaparusahan

        Kung ika’y di rin lang para sa lahat

        Ang iyong kahulugan ay kathang isip na lang.

       

        

The Dictates of Wealth

We all know how important money is in today’s time. You use it to buy your daily needs like food, shelter and clothing. And in today’s generation wherein technology has become a necessity in living, you throw in there electricity, cellphones and other gadgets, internet. Going to places, you need money for transportation or fuel. You use that cash to spend for education and recreation. From womb to tomb, it’s hard to make it through without money around.

The message I wanted to convey is not we need money to survive in this world, yes it’s a necessity but it should never dictate how we should live our lives. This is what’s happening in the world right now. Most people are letting money take over their lives that they have forgotten the essence of living.

We always think of how we’re going to be so happy by buying things that we don’t necessarily need. New shoes, latest gadgets, trendy outfits that will really give you that elated feeling that would soon be replaced by another craving. When in fact, real happiness does not have an expiration or worth.

The true sources of happiness are the ones that money can’t buy. These are love, friends, family, work and faith. If your partner and/or friend is only after your money then he/she is not your lover or friend but just a user who wants to squeeze every ounce of cash from you. You cannot buy your family, it’s your origin. There are times that you may feel like they’re only after your money but that’s for another discussion later on. I know some people may buy their way through their work, politicians, use of backer. But generally having work makes a person happy. Aside from generating the means to get through with your everyday needs, more importantly it gives you that sense of purpose and accomplishment that Masslow would definitely agree with me. How does it feel when you got sacked from work or you just can’t really land one? Some people may take work for granted but they’ll know what work really meant to a person once they lose it. Some people even lose themselves in the process, that’s how bad it can take its toll on you. Lastly, faith, just for the sake of sharing what I believe in, this isn't up for arguments with the atheist or people of different faith from me. It’s hard to argue with something I have no idea of or have little knowledge about. I wanted to say not just as a Catholic but people of different religions who worship one God who may come in different names, it gives you a reason to hold on and defines your morals on how you should live life. Without a God, how do you know the right path? Our God gives us that sense of direction. Although some of us may not be taking faith seriously becoming secondary to worldly needs and other people still without Him we’d be nothing. When you feel like God never abandons you despite all your shortcomings as His son/daughter, it’s the happiest feeling you’ll ever know. Stemming from this is faith in humanity, if you believe in His work of art, that we were made in His image and likeness then it’s safe to say you haven’t given up on mankind. You believe that we were born good and can redeem ourselves no matter what. I’m waiting for that day too and hopefully that day would be called soon.

The negative influence of money, this would be the focus of my essay. How money seems to make the world go round and dictate a person’s life. If you choose to take away what is meant for everyone in order to be richer than the rest then you are letting money be your Lord in exchange for your soul. This is what’s happening to some of our corrupt officials. Not just in politics, even people who do not have any connection to the government have been exercising this demon in the community. The fact that they come in all forms and different sectors is very alarming. That thinking that it’s okay to take advantage of our brothers and sisters in order to get by and above the others is slowly destroying the foundation of human existence. We ought to be above all other forms existing on Earth, above the animals yet look at what we have become? Instead of taking care of each other because we have the brains to think, we use them to further dampen the spirits of our brothers ‘till they can no longer stand up. While some are lavishing from the fruits of their cunning labor. This has become the reality, I before you. Deceit and deception for one's prosperity. It makes me cry or gets me sad when the important people in our lives get affected by this bug. I don’t want to see a good foundation or relationship crumble over money that can be pried away from your hands so quickly. I don’t want to wake up one day when no one knows kindness, compassion and camaraderie. It would be a nightmare to live in a world where everyone is doing his best to pull someone else down and pit to his very last breath. And at this rate this cancer in the world is proliferating, it may overcome even the last ounce of kindness man has in him. It may happen, think about this kind of culture being inculcated to every single young minds the world has. And we'd be harboring people who have been robbed of their humanity. When you start things right, everything else will follow. Money is just there to buy the commodity not to buy your humanity. Don’t let it take over and change you into someone you no longer recognize.

Whenever people kept tugging on my strings of patience, I sit around and pray that that string will hold forever. You cannot change other people but you can always start the change in you and let it ripple. And when things seem to get out of hand, always be the better person in every equation. Easier said than done but really every small action can still cause an impact to our nation.

The Fault in Our Stars Movie Review

See, it has been a habit of mine to come up with reviews that no one cares anyway but I do enjoy doing it nonetheless. Anyway, it's becoming a trend nowadays to have book to film adaptations that had the book enthusiasts raving or rather fuming about it. It's kind of a double edge sword when it comes to these adaptations, whether you love it or it sucks and you demand your money back.

I was pretty excited to make a review because I had some great feels about the film. It reminded me of Korean films like Lovely Rivals and My Little Bride also a good mention would be So Close. The resemblance: the positive messages sent by the film and being a tear jerker at the same time. These are the ones that really pinch you straight through the heart. Other than the sniffing I kept on hearing at the back of the cinema, I'll move on to my film dissection.

So we have two cancer stricken lovers, then we all know how it will end. Basically, I just wanna see how it will pan out. The trailer was really good for me, what attracted me to watch it was Ansel Elgort and Shailene Woodley's overflowing chemistry. I'm a chemistry shipper so I base a lot on that when it comes to romantic films cause if ever the story sucks, the movie will still be bearable to watch.

Hazel Grace Lancaster is this cynical girl who lives with oxygen support due to her disease. It's a struggle just looking at her, being a nurse the first thought I had was where is her nasal cannula attached to, then boom you see it 'oh, she has a portable tank.' Then I wondered next what she does when she runs out of tank but then it's a film so I doubt they would show Hazel changing her tank.

Then we have Augustus "Gus" Waters, the charming, virgin cancer survivor with a metal leg. He is a ball of happiness and energy.

At the start you see how pole opposites they are but as the story progresses you see how alike they are. Hazel comes off to me as one’s ideals. At least most people see death as inevitable that everyone would turn to ashes one day; While Gus is an epitome of looking at a glass as half full rather than half empty. But when death comes knocking on their door, that's when you notice that both their demeanor is just a coping mechanism. No one really is spared by the hurt and anxiety that death can bring. You do not only worry about dying but also the people you leave behind.

We always say that having our family and friends is enough for us but really when that special person comes into our lives; it changes every spectrum of our being. Let's admit it, in reality we know how romantic love shakes us to our core and deep inside we all wish that one day that person would come knocking on our door or has already done so. Hazel in particular exemplified that in the film, when she fell in love it's like she's been brought to life. Being very sheltered throughout her life, it's like she's a living dead. Desperation sets in when she fell deeply and had a taste of what it's like to have someone other than her family who really cares about her. 

Their romantic story is a must for the hopeless romantics, it's very touching and powerful. Living everyday as if it's your last, hashtag YOLO; finding someone who can bring the best out of you and be there with you through sickness and in health; and beating a married couple by breathing the line of till death do them apart. And I know even though at times we think what's the point of loving when you know you're dying anyway; but like a line in the film, “You don't get to choose if you get hurt in this world...but you do have some say in who hurts you.” At the end of the day, everyone deserves happiness whether that will be short lived or not.

Some of the things I liked in the film as well were the family and friendship stories. I bet Hazel's mom got some bawling in tears too. Their mother-daughter relationship is very endearing. As well as Gus and Isaac's friendship is pretty cool.

I really liked Hazel and Gus's characters, Hazel a lot more, which prolly has something to do with Shailene's powerful performance. I have to say she totally outdid herself this time. She could probably relate more to Hazel whom she shares the same hobby and manner of thinking and speaking. I really hated her character in Divergent while Ansel was pretty much a gust in the wind in that film. Their characters are very complex and intricate. You just enjoy their dynamics and that tantamount chemistry that they showed off together.

Ansel though was such an eye candy, his smile is infectious. My only problem with him was when he was crying, it was excruciating to watch. He was very at ease with his light scenes. His sense of humor comes naturally to him but during drama scenes he really made me cringe. I hope he works on that.

So that's all, if you haven't seen it sorry if I spoiled you but still go check it out and see for yourself. It was pretty much worth my money I can say.  

300: Rise of an Empire Movie Review

I've read several good reviews about this film aside from the fact that I've always loved history and war movies so I'm really pumped up to watch this one.

I'll start off with the positive stuff for me that is. I liked how they showed us some background about Xerxes, Darius, Themistocles, Artemisia and even Queen Gorgo. History always sets the path for character development. Who the hell is Xerxes and how come until now he still sits comfortably in his throne? Why is Artemisia betraying her own blood? Etc, etc...

Anyway, the best positive I've seen would have to be what's most people are raving about. Artemisia as superbly portrayed by Eva Green, I am floored with her performance. Thus, my wallpaper tribute for her. Most people normally despise antagonists although I cannot say the same thing for me as I'm more of a villain fan. Ask me and I'll say protagonists are usually overrated. I hate one dimension characters, if I pursued theater acting I'd love to do either the enemy or the non stereotypical roles. Usually I ask for more fight scenes, more blood but with this one, I did not mind seeing more talking as I excitedly anticipate for her entry everytime. Her character is so fun to watch, toying with men, cunningly running the show. Makes you wanna scream you go girl. Too bad, she succumbed to her wrath until the very end. My heart would have been very happy for her alternative ending. Nonetheless, for me it's only right she ended up the way she did as it would look out of character if she softened in the end.

Onto the other ending that I'm brewing in my head, I almost thought it would happen when Queen Gorgo was narrating as if Artemisia suddenly had an epiphany in the end. I was actually rooting for Themistocles and Artemisia, I know too good to be true but hey the chemistry is really noticeable so can't blame me. The line that got me though was, "You fight harder than you fuck." Lol. So I was thinking will she give in to his offer and live another day even possibly have a life with someone who can keep up with her wits or take away her own life when surrendering is just too much to fathom for her. Yeah those were running in my head.

Moving on, the not so likeable about the film, first would be the fight scenes. The sci-fi-ish blood shed is just a no-no to me and the jumping off a hundred foot cliff with a perfect landing. Are we watching superheroes or men who were named heroes in the history books? There will most definitely be a sequel as Xerxes is still yet to use his gigantic figure in battle so I hope they stray from this path and stick to battle of the real men.

Themistocles, as portrayed by Sullivan Stapleton, he kind of lacked the charisma of a general in the battlefield. I don't expect him to look rugged as Athens is known to be the brains of Ancient Greece while Sparta are the brawns so that justifies the boyish over manly appeal. However, you always look for charisma  in a leader in which Sullivan lacks plus I was looking for conviction and fighting spirit in his voice that fell short in my expectation. If you are in a battle with a small army who will go up against a mammoth size of Persians you will most likely need a lot of inspiration and encouraging words from your leader.

Those are the things I've noticed but let me add on my sidenotes. The not so important aspects yet people look for anyway. There were less abs and muscles, the Athens are definitely doing more studying than fighting. So depends on your taste if you like the lean muscular or those hard ripped biceps and six packs.

Anyway, comparing it to the first movie, I can say that Butler just put 300 to greater heights but this one is still entertaining enough. So I really wouldn't say waste of money.

My Book Thief (Film) Review, nuff said

First of all don't expect me to compare the book and the film coz I haven't read the book yet for a reason. Now, onto my not so critique film review.

I enjoyed watching this film simply because it was like a mixture of youth and maturity. You put a child in a chaotic era that I was able to witness her childhood experiences. You see different forms of love, happiness and despair in the eyes of a child. So it's kinda refreshing yet gripping. I read somewhere that the book is a bit dark yet in the film it seems to me only the setting was actually dark in a sense because it was set around world war II so there were some violence depicted in it. 

Well anyway let me say that what I loved about it is how humane the film was as it captivates emotions and experiences of the protagonist. Losing your mother at a young age then sent to a foster family, having to cope with education as she learns how to read and love doing it as time goes by and in the end spoiler here, losing all your loved ones, so tragic if I may say. Liesel's passion for reading is just amazing, she started not knowing how to read yet eventually she goes beyond that and does unimaginable things just to pursue that passion. It will put to shame most people who know how to read. And it makes me wonder why in this world, those who have the luxury to be gifted in every way are just taking things for granted while those unfortunate ones will move heaven and earth just to do what they love.

Acting wise, surely not an eyesore. Basically it ticks me off watching a badly acted film. Sophie Nelisse will go a long way in the showbiz industry. My favorite in the movie though would have to be Emily Watson, such a joy to watch.

Erm, well...as a personal take on what I always notice in a film, so I'm a chemistry shipper. And as one, I would have to say that I saw that in Ben Schnetzer and Sophie Nelisse as Max and Liesel respectively. Yeah age difference I know, well what is age? That's just a number. Has anyone seen Silver Linings Playbook and Ruri no Shima? (not a romance series but damn their chemistry, this also cemented my idolism for Riko Narumi)

Anyway, as a person who loves to read and write, I definitely recommend this movie. It reminds me of how words are more powerful than we'll ever know.  

The Apocalypse Run Review-ish and Everything Else

A very productive way to get back at blogging which is releasing all my rage by ranting. My cranky day started at waking up late and making my pal wait, yeah of course she has the license to be even crankier. And we're wondering God knows how to get there, with the taxi driver not knowing his $h!zz asking people how to get to Circuit Makati. 

And finally when we got there, it appears there's something wrong. We won't be getting our singlets and we're not alone. So I asked this organizer where are the singlets? You did post on your fb site that you'll be releasing unclaimed singlets at the venue. Then he told me the delivery guy is still in Quiapo. So we had to run without one. Onto the baggage counter, it was a literal leaving your baggage. Our stuff were labeled using a packaging tape and pentel pen then dumped onto a number of other bags lying on the floor. 

Now let me describe how the track looks like as I'm too lazy to include photos. It was a construction site wherein we had to run in a concrete road with some rocky parts and sandy atmosphere. Describing the splash run, there was a firetruck spraying the runners then the color run is achieved by crawling under a black sheet, the paint was splayed on a thin wooden plank. Yes you have the option to avoid them. Next is the obstacle run which urges you to get through a short criss crossed garter roadblock that you can easily go through. As you keep on running you'll be given a hot water refill(pun intended) as you brace yourselves with the entry of the dreaded zombies. Man, they really scared the $h!zz outta me, not! Prepare to get chased...by selfies. They don't chase or scare in my POV, that really let me down plus the makeup wasn't really up to par. One person who left a feedback said that the zombies were outnumbered by a helluva lot for them to even cause fear. According to some people there were in fact water balloons in the last part that you can throw at their zombies, too bad after the first wave their supplies lasted. It would have been a great way for me to unleash my frustration. Then after that you just make your way back and proceed to the boring after party. 

We went back after the run to follow up our singlet and there were already other people who were fuming towards that same organizer we first encountered so I had an inkling we'll end up empty. Still, I asked him again where's the delivery person, he answered in Alabang. I had a feeling he's just lying to get us to shut up but you know when people are misleading you, it's just spurring you on. I wanted to shout at him or strangle him so they would be able to see what a real apocalypse run would look like hehehe. But that's not what a sane person would do and it's pretty much useless arguing with someone who doesn't know a thing. It would just make you look smaller and foolish. 

It seems to me, they were trying to achieve an Apocalypse dimension but failed miserably. The production was too cheap for their own good or should I say ours coz it felt like we were totally ripped off as it was originally priced at P850, only had ours at 500+ via metrodeal. With no singlet and a very disappointing run, it was no doubt not worth your money. This event did not meet my expectation, I know I don't run often but events like this should make you feel good not robbed. 

There must be a reason why my pal kept asking me before if we'll still be able to claim our singlet and then I read that you can still register onsite for P850 without a singlet. Oh, the power of that nagging feeling at the back of your head. 

The only saving grace is being in the good company of someone you enjoy hanging out with and doing these kinda things. Only goes to show any activity can still be fun with the kind of people around you. 

Onto the Verdict: Waste of money, very disorganized and disappointing, The Great Events Plus Phil. Inc. should start getting their $h!zz together if they wanna pull a good one in their upcoming events. I'm sure the bad feedbacks would snowball across the running community.