...CONFIDENTIAL...

Gnomeo and Juliet (2011)

2011-12-08T08:16:00.005+08:00

The neighboring gardens of Montague and Capulet are at war, but the gnomes, Gnomeo and Juliet, are in love. - IMdB

The movie shows the events on how love can unite two differing and contradicting races and finding out that they've got lots of things in common than they can imagine. :D

*photo courtesy of IMdB

*IMdB link

Honoured to Care

2011-09-14T08:46:00.001+08:00

Last night, I tried showing a strong facade to other people. They looked up to me for answers and support. They depended on me. And even though I presented to them the professional side of me, I can't help but feel the sadness, the mourning and the grievances of the family. I went straight home from work still shaking and having a mild headache. I was sort of numb at first, then I got scared....scared when I started to recall the events in my head. All the happenings, the signs, they aren't all coincidences.

It was my first time...my first time to experience someone dying in your hands, to see someone suffer and hear the scream of death in front of you. I can't erase the memory, I can't forget the sound of the wail. And she chose me. She chose to seek comfort in me, because she waited for me. Last week, when I visited her in her room, she seemed to be very bright and lively. She talked to me and greeted me sweetly. Then, she started counting in a very clear, audible loud voice. "One, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten, eleven, twelve." She stopped at number twelve. I was so happy to hear her counting like that, thinking that she would just count until ten as most of other people and young children do. I praised her for doing so and gave her a big smile. It was not until now that I realized what was that about. It creeps me out to have remembered that day now that she's in my arms shallowly breathing with face so purple and eyes half closed. Because, yesterday was the fateful day for her, the 13th of September. She stopped counting at twelve as if predicting that she would be gone when thirteen strikes. And she waited for me until I am on duty again as if to let me know that her prediction is right. Even during the entire shift, she waited until I had the time to attend to her cares longer, until I was there beside her for more than 30 minutes. And she chose her time well, just when all her family was not in the room and was away for a few minutes. She doesn't want them to see her suffer like that, she knows that it would be very traumatic to them, but she has given them enough time to say their goodbyes. She's a good woman. And I am very much honoured that she chose me to give her the comfort and cares that she needed at the last moments of her life. God bless her soul. God bless her family.

Thor [2011]

2011-07-03T22:15:00.005+08:00

Thor is banished to the realms of humankind when he disobeyed his father Odin's orders. With his arrogance, thirst for war and bloodshed and revenge against the Frost Giants, Thor has put Asgard in the brink of danger and war. But, never would he have predicted that a mere mortal scientist would change his ways and turn him into a god who will not just defend Earth from dark forces, but also Asgard from his traitor brother and the power-hungry Frost Giants.

I didn't realize the god of thunder is also a god of super hotness body. This movie also has a discrete sense of humor one will enjoy.

*photo courtesy of IMDb
*IMDb link

Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides [2011]

2011-07-01T20:39:00.003+08:00

Aboard for another new adventure, Jack Sparrow faces a strange group of adversaries: beautiful but deadly mermaids, the 'fearless' crew of Blackbeard, and the pretty but deceptive Angelica who tried to con Jack into leading them to the hidden place where the Fountain of Youth sits idle.

Had countless laughs while watching this movie. :D

*photo courtesy of IMDb
*IMDb link

The Girl who Kicked the Hornet's Nest [2009]

2011-07-01T20:17:00.002+08:00

With an entire secret organization in the Security Police, the local police force, a motorcycle gang, a determined mischievous psychiatrist and her own giant deadly brother as adversaries, Lisbeth Salander should learn to trust and rely on the help of the people who truly cares for her welfare and tell the world her story in order to set her free.

This is a story of a smart girl who kept herself loose from a world full of gender discrimination, crime and cover-ups to protect her human rights and possibly, the national security.

*photo courtesy of IMDb
*IMDb link

The Girl who Played with Fire [2009]

2011-07-01T20:08:00.003+08:00

A girl who has the misfortune of having a father to be the mastermind of a giant Swedish criminal syndicate was haunted by her grim past. Being accused of a crime and enlisted as the most wanted criminal in the country, how can she prove her innocence while trying to face the death claws of his own father?

*photo courtesy of IMDb
*IMDb link

The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo [2009]

2011-07-01T19:58:00.002+08:00

An antisocial girl with an extraordinary gift of a photographic memory helped a journalist to solve the mystery of the missing young girl, caught in the middle of the sophisticated web of the Vanger family. How can she keep her secrets hidden while risking to show her talents and probably save the life of the journalist?

This Swedish movie opens your eyes to the reality that misfortunes and evil doings of people abound everywhere, even to those you least expect to be.

*photo courtesy of IMDb
*IMDb link

Stieg Larsson - Millennium Trilogy

2011-06-01T19:30:00.004+08:00

I've just finished reading the last book of Lisbeth Salander's life. Looking forward to watching the movie. :D

-honey-

Whisper of the Heart [1995]

2011-06-01T19:24:00.002+08:00

Another Ghibli studio/Hayao Miyazaki masterpiece. A love story of a young girl writer and a violin-maker who needs to prove themselves they are both worthy for each other.

*photo courtesy of IMDb
*IMDb link

Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street [2007]

2011-06-01T19:13:00.003+08:00

The dark story of a barber named Mr. Benjamin Barker, who, after his beautiful wife and pretty daughter was taken away from him, went back to London as Sweeney Todd with unabated revenge and rage and a promise of destruction for the greedy judge who stripped his happy life away. Here, one will see how 15 years of longingness and sadness transform an exiled man into a monster he never dreamed he would become.

*photo courtesy of IMDb
*IMDb link

The A-Team [2010]

2011-06-01T19:06:00.002+08:00

Action-packed and hilarious. The A-Team only has Plan A, no other options, and you better not dare mess with them. They will beat all odds and go further as breaking jail to clear their name, because the honor of a name is far more important than anything else.

*photo courtesy of IMDb
*IMDb link

The Last Airbender [2010]

2011-06-01T18:57:00.002+08:00

Adapted from the Manga/Anime of Avatar: The Last Airbender, this movie is the story of Aang, the present reincarnation of the long line of Avatars whose existence brought balance amongst the four nations - Air, Water, Fire, Earth. The young Aang was overwhelmed with the idea of his responsibility as the Avatar, yet his years of hiding brought disastrous ramifications which resulted to the rise of the greedy and power-hungry Fire Nation.

*photo courtesy of IMDb
*IMDb link

The Fountain [2006]

2011-06-01T18:49:00.002+08:00

The Fountain is a story about everlasting love, death and the quest for eternal life. It spans over one thousand years and depicts the story of a man and woman from their past, present and future. This isn't any typical movie, rather it digs deeper to finding the meaning of our own existence.

*photo courtesy of IMDb
*IMDb link

reborn....again

2011-05-24T08:01:00.002+08:00

i have to be stronger.
i should start living out the promises i made to you.
for how else will i fulfill my purpose if i do not start taking any actions?
if i love, i shall love purely and divinely.
if i care, it will be genuine and honest.
there's a reason why i am here.
why of all places, you chose this one.
and i am bound to find out about it.
and the search for answers will begin.

-honey-

i used to

2011-05-23T21:16:00.004+08:00

i used to write with passion.
i used to write my heart out and reveal my raw emotions to the world.
i used to talk about life and love, friendship and family, faith and memories.
why did i stop?
why does it seem like i know nothing anymore?
the life has drained out of me...
i have no more passion, no interest, no motivation, no inspiration, no direction.
i want my life back.
i want it all back - the memories relived, the events retold, the people remembered.
i don't want to be saying i used to do these things...i want to say i am doing it again, and it starts now.

-honey-

Judgment Day 21 May 2011

2011-05-22T15:06:00.002+08:00

I just heard about this so-called Judgment Day early today. And I've known the whole story when I read this. I don't know actually what to say regarding this topic. it'd be safer to say that everyday is like a Judgment Day for us. How we live our lives, how we deal with people, how we train our actions not to hurt others - all these constitute the criteria for our own judgment. We don't have to panic over and stress our minds out for false prophets yelling their own predictions out to the world. We know in ourselves where we stand...in our faith, in our belief, in our convictions.

-honey-

The Karate Kid [2010]

2011-05-20T19:49:00.002+08:00

Jaden Smith is like a carbon copy of his dad! Nice movie, I should say.

*photo courtesy of IMDb
*IMDb link

Tangled [2010]

2011-05-20T19:38:00.003+08:00

a new version of the famous fairy tale "Rapunzel"...very hilarious and entertaining! a must-see for the whole family.

*photo courtesy of IMDb
*IMDb link

Casablanca [1942]

2011-05-20T19:36:00.002+08:00

very classic...and very nice!

*photo courtesy of IMDb
*IMDb link

The Way We Were [1973]

2011-05-20T19:26:00.003+08:00

you might be laughing at me and say, "are you kidding me? you watched this movie?" hahaha.
i won't blame you so, because i, myself can't believe i was able to watch the whole movie! gosh, me not liking barbra streisand in any way.

*photo courtesy of IMDb
*IMDb link

The Social Network [2010]

2011-05-07T16:40:00.006+08:00

very interesting. if you'd want to know the history of how Facebook was created and how Mark Zuckerberg, the young co-founder and CEO of Facebook, dealt with all the odds and issues around Facebook, then this movie is for you.

and oh, did i mention that Andrew Garfield who played Eduardo Saverin is a hottie? :D

*photo courtesy of IMDb
*IMDb link

Rango [2011]

2011-05-06T19:13:00.004+08:00

Another display of Johnny Depp's talent. Hilarious, action-packed and full of adventures set in the midst of the dust-filled almost barren Wild West.

*photo courtesy of IMDb
*IMDb link

John Tucker Must Die [2006]

2011-05-02T23:42:00.006+08:00

hmmm, i just got interested because Sophia Bush is in this movie. i love Sophia Bush, specially when i saw her in One Tree Hill.

*photo courtesy of IMDb
*IMDb link

An Education [2009]

2011-05-02T23:39:00.006+08:00

Nice, quiet interesting actually. :D One should see this movie.

*photo courtesy of IMDb
*IMDb link

Scott Pilgrim vs The World [2010]

2011-05-02T23:33:00.008+08:00

I'm sorry to say I slept through halfway of the movie. But hey, I finished the whole movie when I woke up! :D this movie kinda remind me of Freddie Wong and his friends...Check out their Light Warfare and Flower Warfare videos. not that you can see any flower warfare in this movie, but you'll get the idea afterwards.

*photo courtesy of IMDb
*IMDb link

Heartbreakers [2001]

2011-05-02T23:30:00.006+08:00

omg, Jennifer Love Hewitt is like....so young...and so small!

*photo courtesy of IMDb
*IMDb link

Dinner for Schmucks [2010]

2011-05-02T23:27:00.004+08:00

hmmm, so-so. annoying at times. :D

*photo
*IMDb link

Alice in Wonderland [2010]

2011-05-02T23:20:00.003+08:00

We all know the classic story. They've just put a little bit of twist in it to keep us staying in Wonderland a bit more. Johnny Depp is amazing!

*photo
*IMDb link

Repo Men [2010]

2011-05-02T23:15:00.004+08:00

I've admired Jude Law since I saw his other movie, Enemy at the Gates. He still have it until now. He's amazing.

*photo
*IMDb link

Morning Glory [2010]

2011-05-02T23:11:00.003+08:00

Entertaining. Makes me feel glad I ain't having the life of a journalist and a TV morning program producer. :D

*photo
*IMDb link

I Love You Phillip Morris [2009]

2011-05-02T23:05:00.003+08:00

Ewan McGregor was awesome! He actually played his role well. Um, Jim Carrey...he's fine, I'm not so much a fan of him. :D Peace. But have I already mentioned Ewan was awesome?

*photo
*IMDb link

I Am Number Four [2011]

2011-04-17T13:28:00.005+08:00

If you're into Sci-Fi, sexy female leads and handsome trainers of the main character, this movie is for you. :D Gosh, Dianna Agron is so pretty.

*photo
*IMDb link

Remember Me [2010]

2011-04-17T13:23:00.005+08:00

A very good movie! A must-see until the end.

"whatever you do in life will be insignificant
but it's very important that you do it, because nobody else will.
like when someone comes into your life
and half of you says you're nowhere near ready but the other half says make her yours forever."

-Tyler

*photo
*IMDb link

She's Out of My League [2010]

2011-04-17T12:07:00.004+08:00

hilarious romantic comedy...:D

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*IMDb link

P.S. I Love You [2007]

2011-04-17T12:03:00.003+08:00

now, i'm more liking gerard butler!

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*IMDb link

Despicable Me [2010]

2011-04-17T11:58:00.003+08:00

cute. cute. cute. fun-filled and family-oriented.

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*IMDb link

The Bounty Hunter [2010]

2011-04-17T11:52:00.005+08:00

Now, I'm starting to like Gerard Butler, hehehe.

*photo
*IMDb link

Body of Lies [2008]

2011-02-08T07:14:00.004+08:00

Another DiCaprio movie that captures your attention. Action-filled and set in the heart of Middle East...hold on to the edge of your seats and have a good grip on it because DiCaprio's going to give you a bumpy ride that fuels on truth and lies.

*photo
*IMDb link

Fly Away Home [1996]

2011-02-08T07:03:00.003+08:00

A truly inspiring movie and a heart-warming real-life story! A young Anna Paquin who performed such an magnificent role in this one. I just love it!

*photo
*IMDb link

XXX: The Next Level [2005]

2011-02-08T06:54:00.005+08:00

Action-packed! A good tandem of Ice Cube, Xzibit and Samuel L. Jackson all in one movie.

*photo
*IMDb link

Stardust [2007]

2011-02-08T06:48:00.003+08:00

It's been somewhat a relatively long time since I watched a fantasy movie, been waiting to watch this movie. I was laughing so hard to watch a Robert DeNiro acting so hilariously. Hahaha, I couldn't forget this movie because of that!

*photo
*IMDb link

The Secret Life of Bees [2008]

2011-01-25T16:08:00.003+08:00

I am looking forward to reading the novel! I think the story's great.

*photo
*IMDb link

Elf [2003]

2011-01-22T18:29:00.003+08:00

So-so. I am not so convinced with Will Ferrel's attempt to make people laugh in this movie. But for consolation, I watched it till the end. :D

*photo
*IMDb link

Honey, We Shrunk Ourselves [1997]

2011-01-22T18:24:00.003+08:00

Hilarious...but not too hilarious. I remembered I enjoyed more the first movie, 'Honey, I Shrunk the Kid.' But, it'll be fun watching with the whole family, though.

*photo
*IMDb link

Igor [2008]

2011-01-22T18:20:00.002+08:00

Fantastic movie! Especially to kids and young by heart...like me. :D

*photo
*IMDb link

Young Black Stallion [2003]

2011-01-22T18:14:00.004+08:00

This is a very inspiring movie that brings hope, friendship and courage. Very fit for family viewing.

*photo
*IMDb link

OTH S5E13: Echoes, Silence, Patience and Grace

2011-01-10T19:00:00.002+08:00

You might be wondering why of all the episodes of One Tree Hill Season 5, I wrote about this particular one. It's because out of all problems they're facing, all the trials and challenges that came their way, all the hurt and the pain, the sorrow and loneliness...they still feel hope. They hear the silence of their hearts and the sweet whispering of what they truly want in life. They realize the need for a little patience for their wishes to come true...and might as well a little belief in it.

I commend the writer and creator, Mark Schwahn for such magnificent lines. It touched my heart, and for sure the hearts of all the people who have watched this episode.

"Make a wish and place it in your heart.
Anything you want....everything you want.
Do you have it? Good.
Now believe it can come true.
You never know when is the next miracle is gonna come from the next smile,
the next wish come true...
But if you believe that it’s right around the corner, and you open your heart and mind to the possibility of it, to the certainty of it, you might just get the thing you’re wishing for.
The world is full of magic. You just have to believe in it.
So make your wish.
Do you have it? Good.
Now believe in it....with all your heart."

Mark Schwahn, starring as Max, guested in this episode. No wonder it was that special.

-honey-

Kate Voegele - Kindly Unspoken

2011-01-06T22:16:00.005+08:00

Through One Tree Hill, I've been acquainted to one of the best songs I ever heard.
Kate Voegele's voice is simply fantastic!
Here's the song that touched my heart and soul:

Kindly Unspoken

As high as the moon
So high were my spirits
When you sang out my name

And coming from you
It was enough just to hear it
Oh, it rang like the bells did today

But even the sturdiest ground
Can shift and can tremble and let us fall down…

Kindly unspoken
You show your emotion
And silence speaks louder than words
It’s lucky I’m clever
Cause if I didn’t know better
I’d believe only that which I’d heard

In the days of my folly
I follow your lead
I did what Simon said to do

But I won’t let melancholy
Play me for a fool
Oh, no I’m on my way somewhere new

And as far as your lack of something to say
Well, to tell me goodbye there was no better way

Kindly unspoken
You show your emotion
And silence speaks louder than words
It’s lucky I’m clever
Cause if I didn’t know better
I’d believe only that which I’d heard

Bridge:

So don’t keep me up till the dawn
With words that’ll keep leading me on
I know much better than to wait for an answer from you

Kindly unspoken
You show your emotion
And silence speaks louder than words
It’s lucky I’m clever
'Cause if I didn’t know better
I’d believe only that which I’d heard

*photo

One Tree Hill Season 5

2011-01-06T22:00:00.004+08:00

I know, I know...I'm 2 years late for this.
But hey, I came to watch it at last....at least am watching now...and it's all that matters.
OTH never failed to touch me in more ways than one.
I miss those faces, I miss their stories, I miss the way they inspire me.

*photo
*IMdb link

Inglourious Basterds [2009]

2011-01-05T20:34:00.004+08:00

Another masterpiece of Quentin Tarantino! It's brutal yet with a sense of humor. Every chapter is engaging. And oh, did I mention Brad Pitt had a funny accent here?

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*IMDb link

Journey to the Center of the Earth [2008]

2011-01-05T20:27:00.006+08:00

I read Jules Verne's novel "Journey to the Center of the Earth" when I was on 6th grade. After 11 years, I've seen the motion picture. It's just awesome for family viewing.

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*IMDb link

BOTANICAL GARDEN - Wellington

2011-01-04T06:12:00.013+08:00

It was one bright Sunday morning on late November and the weather was perfect to go out. The Botanical Garden was just the perfect place to be. It's springtime and the flowers are just in full bloom. Behold the gates of the Garden come radiating the colorful hues and the sweet scent of roses. It was awesome and breathtaking!

And the garden isn't just all roses...it offers a wide area of bush walks, making us all feel the comforting touch of nature.

tree-climbing adventures...

unique sculptures...

it really is a fun place to spend time with family and friends!

The Reader [2008]

2011-01-03T22:46:00.009+08:00

I was intrigued by the 4 Golden Globe Nominations and the astounding awards this movie had...so, I tried to quench my curiosity.
And I wasn't frustrated. It is soul-touching.

*photo
*IMDb link

Warlords [2007]

2011-01-03T22:40:00.005+08:00

The first movie I've seen for this year...
actually, I've seen parts of the movie when my dad was watching it before, but I was not able to concentrate on it.
The story is so tragic, but won't change the way I feel for Jet Li..*wink.

*photo
*IMDb link

Mount Kaukau

2010-11-30T14:57:00.008+08:00

Mount Kaukau is situated near Johnsonville and Khandallah. Its summit reaches 445 metres above sea level and can be reached within 30 minutes of trekking.

At the top of Mount Kaukau, Wellington's main television transmitter tower the Kordia TV transmitter mast, which stands a little over 100m tall can be seen.

A compass pedestal is also situated at the top, indicating the landmarks where one can oversee.

For nature-lovers, Mount Kaukau is a no-no to be missed.

Wilton Bush

2010-11-26T18:57:00.005+08:00

My first nature trek...and I have never been this close to nature.
It's just fantastic!

Otari Native Botanic Garden and Wilton's Bush Reserve is the only public botanic garden in New Zealand dedicated solely to native plants. It is classified as a Garden of National Significance by the Royal New Zealand Institute of Horticulture.

This unique plant sanctuary and forest reserve consists of 100 hectares of native forest, and five hectares of plant collections. Some of Wellington's oldest trees are here, including an 800-year-old rimu.

Entry is free.

-Wellington City Council

More information here.

Isn't that so amazing?
One more thing...New Zealand has quiet a high number of fern species in the country, the most popular of which is the silver fern. It is the national symbol and is named because of the silver color of the underside of its leaves.

After a few minutes of nature walk, right in the heart of the bush reserve, a flat grassy place fit for outdoor activities, gathering and/or camping could be found.

Looking forward for more nature-loving activities. :D

SHADOWFEET

2010-11-10T18:00:00.002+08:00

you give me strength when all odds are on me...
you keep me on my feet when my knees weaken...
you are my hope when darkness falls...
you are with me when i am alone...

Shadowfeet
by Brooke Fraser

Walking,stumbling on these shadowfeet
toward home,a land that I've never seen
I am changing: less and less asleep
made of different stuff than when i began
and i have sensed it all along
fast approaching is the day

[CHORUS]
when the world has fallen out from under me
I'll be found in you, still standing
when the sky rolls up and mountains fall on their knees
when time and space are through
I'll be found in you

Theres distraction buzzing in my head
saying in the shadows it's easier to stay
but I've heard rumours of true reality
whispers of a well-lit way

[CHORUS]

You make all things new

[CHORUS]

[CHORUS 2]
When the world has fallen out from under me
I'll be found in you, still standing
Every fear and accusation under my feet
when time and space are through
I'll be found in you

Guy Fawkes Night

2010-11-08T11:49:00.002+08:00

One dinner time, at the Miers's dining table, I came to ask whether Kiwis would often blow up firecrackers on special occasions. They smiled and said no, they would not normally see any fireworks display except for one special event....and that's the Guy Fawkes Night which would be celebrated annually on the 5th of November.

Well, new to this place, I was curious about how come the Kiwis would pay much attention to this guy and even celebrate 'his' night. So, I had a quick look on Mr. Google and found out a very interesting story dated 1605.

The story goes:

Guy Fawkes Night is an old English event celebrated each year on the evening of November 5th with bonfires, fireworks and family gatherings. The origin of Guy Fawkes dates back to 1605 when a group of 12 men tried to blow up Britain’s House of Parliament. This event became known as the Gunpowder Plot, and included Mr. Guy Fawkes, who established his reputation as one of Britain’s most notorious traitors.

Under the rule of James 1st, English Catholics had been persecuted for many years. The 12 Gunpowder Plot conspirators believed that violent action was warranted to end this persecution. By blowing up the Houses of Parliament it was intended that they would kill the King, maybe even the Prince of Wales, and the Members of Parliament who were making life difficult for the Catholics.
To carry out their plan, the conspirators got hold of 36 barrels of gunpowder, and stored them in a cellar just under the House of Lords.

But as the group worked on the plot, it became clear that innocent people would be hurt or killed in the attack. Some of the plotters started having second thoughts. One of the group members even sent an anonymous letter warning his friend, Lord Monteagle, to stay away from the Parliament on November 5th.

The warning letter reached the King, and the King's forces made plans to stop the conspirators. Guy Fawkes, who was in the cellar of the parliament with the 36 barrels of gunpowder when the authorities stormed it in the early hours of November 5th, was caught and sent to trial. To show the public that treason would not be tolerated, the judge sentenced Fawkes to the most horrendous form of execution available: that of being hung, drawn and quartered.

To ensure that this message to the public was reinforced, it became the tradition for a sermon to be delivered in Parliament every year on the anniversary of this date. This became known as the “Gunpowder Plot Sermon.” In addition, a poem or nursery rhyme was created to make sure that each new generation would remember the Gunpowder plot, and the nasty end that awaits traitors. This poem is sometimes called the “Please to Remember the Fifth of November” poem, or simply “Remember Remember the Fifth of November”.

Remember, remember the fifth of November
The gunpowder treason and plot
I see no reason why gunpowder treason
Should ever be forgot

Guy Fawkes Guy, 'twas his intent
To blow up king and parliament
Three score barrels were laid below
To prove old England's overthrow.

By God's mercy he was catched
With a dark lantern and lighted match.
Holler boys, holler boys, let the bells ring
Holler boys, holler boys, God save the King

-taken from "Kiwi Families for Passionate Parents"

And yeah, we watched the fireworks display...and it was spectacular! Despite the weather being a bit drizzly, the show went on, it was just breathtaking. I am very much hoping for next year's Guy Fawkes Night.

-honey-

The Windy Welly

2010-10-17T08:30:00.002+08:00

Just arrived in Wellington on 15th of October 2010.
The journey was not that tiring - overwhelming and ecstatic I should rather say.
I met various foreign people, spoke to some of them, but I guess it would be more fitting to say that I am now the foreigner here.
Wellington actually depicted exactly what has been written in travel books about the place's view, the language, the people, the weather.
And yes, it's very windy here - cold, humid wind brushing your face that makes you shiver all over.
Well, we've just been acquainted with Windy Welly,
and there'd be plenty of time to get to know her well. Right.

-honey-

GOOD-TO-KNOW

2010-09-07T14:18:00.000+08:00

Well, I don't know where I got these, but wrote it down just for good-to-know stuffs:

month -----------flower --------------- stone

January -------- snowdrop ----------- garnet
February ------- primrose ----------- amethyst
March ---------- daffodil ------------- aquamarine
April ------------ daisy ---------------- diamond
May ------------- hawthorne --------- emerald
June ------------ rose ------------------ pearl
July ------------- larkspur ------------- ruby
August ---------- poppy --------------- peridot
September ----- morning glory ------ sapphire
October -------- calendula ------------ opal
November ----- chrysanthemum ---- topaz
December ------ holly ------------------ turquoise

wedding anniversaries

1st - paper
2nd - cotton
3rd - leather
4th - linen
5th - wood
6th - iron
7th - wool
8th - bronze
9th - pottery
10th - tin
11th - steel
12th - silk
13th - lace
14th - ivory
15th - crystal
20th - china
25th - silver
30th - pearl
35th - coral
40th - ruby
45th - sapphire
55th - emerald
50th - gold
60th - diamond
65th - diamond

day ------------ celestial body

Sunday ------- sun
Monday ------ moon
Tuesday ------ Mars
Wednesday -- Mercury
Thursday ----- Jupiter
Friday --------- Venus
Saturday ------ Saturn

I'm Joining Cebu Blog Camp 2010

2010-05-17T15:54:00.000+08:00

It'll be my first time to join a blog camp, and I think it's a slick move for an amateur blogger like me to find out what does this event has in store for, even for you - amateur or not. We may find lots of opportunities as we express ourselves through blogging. So, see you on May 22, 2008 8:00 AM at the CAP Auditorium, CAP Complex, Jones, Cebu City.
Thanks to these sponsors who have made this event possible and available for us.

The Cebu Blog Camp 2010

is co-presented by

Gold Sponsors

Sponsor and Media Partner

Bronze Sponsors

Geiser Maclang Marketing Communications, Inc.

Custom Wordpress Theme by Padd Solutions

South Florida Party Planner Magazine
Weddings, Quinceanera, Sweet Sixteen and Events Magazine

Winston Delawar Photography, a Premiere South Florida Wedding Photographer

Black Friday Deals by Jehzlau Concepts

Jupiter Suites – Free Internet and Breakfast Hotel in Makati

Media and Institution Partners

Mozilla

RCTV 36 – Official Online and TV Media Partner

Cebu Daily News – Official Print Media Partner

Blog4Reviews

Donors

Jaypee Habaradas of JaypeeOnline.net

Cebu Blog Camp 2010 is an event organized by a group of Cebu Bloggers.

The Princess and the Frog (2009)

2010-03-20T01:28:00.000+08:00

This is a fantastic movie!

Fit for family viewing and made a surprising twist to the old-time favorite children story, The Frog Prince! Two thumbs-up!

-honey-

Directors:
Ron Clements
John Musker

Writers:
Story: Ron Clements
John Musker
Greg Erb
Jason Oremland

screenplay: Ron Clements
John Musker
Rob Edwards, etc.

Cast:
Anika Noni Rose as Tiana (voice)
Bruno Campos as Prince Naveen (voice)
Jennifer Cody as Charlotte (voice)
Oprah Winfrey as Eudora (voice), etc.

Plot Summary:
A modern day retelling of the classic story The Frog Prince. The Princess and the Frog finds the lives of arrogant, carefree Prince Naveen and hardworking waitress Tiana crossing paths. Prince Naveen is transformed into a frog by a conniving voodoo magician and Tiana, following suit, upon kissing the amphibian royalty. With the help of a trumpet-playing alligator, a Cajun firefly, and an old blind lady who lives in a boat in a tree, Naveen and Tiana must race to break the spell and fulfill their dreams. Written by The Massie Twins

-more at www.imdb.com

The Road (2009)

2010-03-20T01:21:00.001+08:00

In a moment, the world changed forever.

It will keep you thinking til the end.

-honey-

Director: John Hillcoat
Writers:
Cormac McCarthy (novel)
Joe Penhall (adaptation and screenplay)

Cast:

Viggo Mortensen as Father

Kodi Smit-McPhee as Boy

Charlize Theron as Mother, etc.

Plot Summary:

A father and his son walk alone through burned America. Nothing moves in the ravaged landscape save the ash on the wind and water. It is cold enough to crack stones, and, when the snow falls it is gray. The sky is dark. Their destination is the warmer south, although they don't know what, if anything, awaits them there. They have nothing: just a pistol to defend themselves against the lawless cannibalistic bands that stalk the road, the clothes they are wearing, a rusting shopping cart of scavenged food--and each other.Written by Sean Pollock

-more at www.imdb.com

Silas Marner by George Eliot

2010-03-16T16:30:00.000+08:00

This is a dramatic novel by George Eliot (the pen name of Mary Ann Evans) which was first published in 1861.

It is about a linen-weaver alien to the lands of Raveloe, exiled by himself after being falsely accused of theft and killing a deacon by not being by his side on his deathbed. Unaccustomed to Raveloe's ways and culture, Silas Marner lived a life of isolation at the Stone-pits, weaving for 15 years and tending to his monotonous life until a major event changed his life forever. Having lost his pile of gold yet gained the golden-haired Eppie, slowly, Master Marner blended with the townfolks of Raveloe and his life could never be the same again.

At first, I find this novel boring to read at, not looking forward on to anything that would make me feel interested. I just wanted to try a classic novel this time, but unknown of the adventures that lie beyond the pages. I slowly dragged myself up until half of the book and there, it came to me...the beauty of this masterpiece which George Eliot conjured. The love of a child which changed the life of an old solitary man, talking about ethics, family, religion, etc. This is the first novel I've read of George Eliot, and I'd be looking forward to more of her works.

-honey

The Lovely Bones (2009)

2010-03-16T04:24:00.000+08:00

Truly a lovely movie!

I first heard of it when it was mentioned at The Oscars, then when i rummaged through my dad's DVDs, I was kind of surprised that he had it in a pile of new movies he had.

In no second thoughts, I called my folks to watch this one.

And oh man, we got hooked up from start to end.

It gives me the screams, the thrill, the smile, the compassion and the sympathy.

Makes me think about what life in the in-between would be like for me...and whether my loved ones would also feel my presence despite the absence.

I so love this movie, and I'd surely recommend this to people.

-honey-

Director: Peter Jackson

Writers:

Fran Walsh (screenplay)

Philippa Boyens (screenplay)

Peter Jackson (screenplay)

Alice Sebold (novel)

Cast:

Rachel Weisz as Abigail Salmon

Mark Wahlberg as Jack Salmon

Stanley Tucci as George Harvey

Saoirse Ronan as Susie Salmon, etc.

Plot Summary:

"The Lovely Bones" centers on a young girl who has been murdered and watches over her family - and her killer - from heaven. She must weigh her desire for vengeance against her desire for her family to heal. Written by Anonymous

-more at www.imdb.com

Case 39 (2009)

2010-03-11T21:18:00.000+08:00

Even before I was in the middle of the movie, I jumped up to find anyone who'd watch it with me.
It got me so scared that left me shivering and hugging my pillow so tight like if it's a living thing, I already have suffocated it dead. Good thing my parents are still awake, and I asked Pa to come share the horrifying movie with me, hahaha.

I had no idea what this Case 39 would be. I never planned last night to scare myself off, I just wanted to surprise myself. And no, I did not search and read any synopsis about this one, and bang, it did surprise the courage in me. I actually went chicken, but even so, I still wanted to watch all of it. I was even glad the ending was satisfactory enough. You should try it...preferrably with someone, but if you aren't as scared with scary movies like me, you may as well venture this one alone.

-honey-

Director: Christian Alvart
Writer: Ray Wright

Cast:
Renée Zellweger as Emily Jenkins
Jodelle Ferland as Lillith Sullivan
Ian McShane as Detective Mike Barron, etc.

Plot Summary:
"Case 39" centers on an idealistic social worker who saves an abused 10-year-old girl from her parents only to discover that the girl is not as innocent as she thinks. Written by Unknown

- more at www.imdb.com

Not A Saint

2010-03-08T03:46:00.000+08:00

I'm sorry if I couldn't write in here everyday. It would have been fun to scribble down a thing or two...something to remember by each day. Everyday may not be that memorable, but it'd still be fun to look back and be able to remember those moments which contributed on who we have become.

Life isn't pleasurable as we all wish it to be, but because of life's thorns and twists and turns, we've come to experience some of its juiciest and sweetest moments...just like a grape pruned and aged.

We aren't saints...we've made lots of wrong judgments and decisions in life...some even to the point of regretting it later. Would it still count to be defined by those wrong judgments we've made or will we be somehow remembered by the good things we have done?

I ain't a saint myself. If I die, I might probably be going to Hell for all I know. I ain't even struggling much to be remembered by any good deeds I might have done. My soul could have been tainted and stained already, my mind corrupted, my heart darkened. I may not find life so enticing anymore and will try to seek for something that might spice up my nonexistent social life. And mind you, sometimes, I might find those in dark damp evilish places and events. But still, my yearnings are unquenched, my soul is unease, my life gone astray.

I try to get back on track, still searching for what's missing. Things are a lot better now. It ain't perfect, but better. Yet, something has not yet arrived. It's almost there, within reach, I just have to stretch my hands a little farther away and I could attain it already. I also need to be patient enough for I know it's coming to me. It's something bigger, for me. I don't even know if I would ever deserve to have it.

I don't know what I've done, but of course, I'm gonna accept it with open hands. I ain't perfect, I ain't a saint, but soon enough, I will be granted happiness, the kind which I was longing for...for myself. It may be fleeting, it may last long, the hell I care. I live for that moment, I breathe to experience it and I ain't gonna miss it. I will also die for it. I may not be all-goodies, but my soul was not dark to start with. There is a light that keeps on burning, and unless that light would stop shining, stop giving forth warmth and burning passion in me, I will cling on to life and all its miseries...until the time that I've been waiting for.

My life could have been short for all I know, attempts have been made to endanger it, but there was no success...obviously, I'm still here. Though I couldn't be left behind without worrying about my safety and my life, I still survived. I am fighting...to live my short life the best way I can think of. I don't have to fake the smiles and the happiness, I don't have to fake the events. Everyday is a struggle to be won, everyday is a test. I fail sometimes, hell, most of the times, but I will dust myself off and will try again. If I fail the next time, try one more time, and if there's still no luck the third time, no matter how hard I've put my efforts into, I still try again. We'll never know, my luck's on the fourth try...and I can't afford to lose that chance just because I dd not even try it one more time. That's just it.

Don't care about what others will say, people will always and will always speak. They will talk about anything, and it ain't your business anymore what they're blurt about. Just do your thing....do it best, not to please others, but to please yourself. These aren't rules in life. You may or may not follow them. I just learned them as I travelled my daily cruise towards death. I sometimes picked up precious lessons after a hard-won battle, though not all battles are won. Sometimes, lots of gems are just scattered everywhere that I did not care anymore to pick one, realizing later in my journey that I should have at least brought something with me. Yet, I can't do anything about it anymore. It's just life. It sucks, but I still love it.

-honey-

Avatar (2009)

2010-03-07T22:53:00.000+08:00

another jaw-dropping, meticulously furbished motion pictures by James Cameron,

this movie is best seen in 3D pictures,

and it's as much worth to the experience you'll never forget!

Director: James Cameron
Writer: James Cameron

Cast:
Sam Worthington as Jake Sully
Zoe Saldana as Neytiri
Sigourney Weaver as Dr. Grace Augustine, etc.

Plot Summary:
When his brother is killed in a robbery, paraplegic Marine Jake Sully decides to take his place in a mission on the distant world of Pandora. There he learns of greedy corporate figurehead Parker Selfridge's intentions of driving off the native humanoid "Na'vi" in order to mine for the precious material scattered throughout their rich woodland. In exchange for the spinal surgery that will fix his legs, Jake gathers intel for the cooperating military unit spearheaded by gung-ho Colonel Quaritch, while simultaneously attempting to infiltrate the Na'vi people with the use of an "avatar" identity. While Jake begins to bond with the native tribe and quickly falls in love with the beautiful alien Neytiri, the restless Colonel moves forward with his ruthless extermination tactics, forcing the soldier to take a stand - and fight back in an epic battle for the fate of Pandora.
-written by The Massie Twins

-more at www.imdb.com

Merlin

2010-01-22T01:21:00.000+08:00

captured by his enticing smile...
enchanted by his magical powers...
lured by his pure heart...

wanna see Merlin when he was still young and learning of his abilities?
wanna see fights against dragons, magical creatures and legendary identities?
wanna see Camelot before King Arthur's reign?

this movie series is the best for you...

MERLIN

-honey-

*photo of Merlin

mirage by soheir khashoggi

2010-01-11T02:46:00.000+08:00

01/09/10
this is the loud voice of women!
we are as equally capable as men in a lot of ways, probably not all, but in a lot of ways...even better, so don't shut us down nor deem us lesser.

-honey-

Amira, a girl from a wealthy and powerful family, expects to be sold into marriage and to never step outsider her house without being swathed in black veils. But she's not prepared for the savagery of the husband she first meets on her wedding night. In a daring attempt to save her own life, she escapes with her baby to start a new life in the United States. But her past--and her powerful husband--won't give her up so easily...

-plot summary by http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk
-book cover

the cat who said cheese by lilian jackson braun

2010-01-11T02:28:00.000+08:00

01/05/10
love cats? like mystery novels?
this would be best for you.

-honey-

With the approaching Great Food Explo, there's lots of delicious activity in Moose County-restaurant openings, a cheese-tasting, and a bake-off are planned, among other events. But there's nothing as tasty as a morsel of gossip, so when a mysterious woman moves into the New Pickax Hotel, the locals indulge in lots of speculation. Even Qwill is distracted. And when a bomb explodes in her room, killing the hotel housekeeper, Qwilleran, Koko, and Yum Yum have to put aside the treats and figure out who cooked up this murderous recipe...

Meet prizewinning reporter--Jim Qwilleran and his extraordinary Siamese cats Koko and Yum Yum-the most unlikely, most unusual, most delightful team in detective fiction!

-plot summary by http://www.fictiondb.com
-book cover

snow wolf by glenn meade

2010-01-11T02:11:00.000+08:00

01/04/10
a real page-turner! you can't wait to know what will happen next!
i love this novel!

-honey-

IN THE HEART OF THEE COLD WAR, THEY SENT HIM TO PLOT THE ULTIMATE ASSASSINATION. NOW, THEY WANT HIM DEAD...

It is 1953. Joseph Stalin, the world's most tyrannical dictator, is teetering on the edge of insanity, and about to plunge the world into nuclear chaos. Only one man and one woman can penetrate the Iron Curtain and stop this madman, before it's too late.

But someone inside the Kremlin knows. And as the KGB's deadliest manhunter pursues these two CIA-hired assassins, another duel unfolds, between secret warriors of the West and East, with a U.S. agent caught in between. Now that agent must do the unthinkable: find his way to the heart of the Soviet Union and stop the mission he himself set in motion -- -before it ignites World War III.

-book cover

-plot summary by http://www.fictiondb.com

Notorious by Janet Dailey

2010-01-11T01:58:00.001+08:00

01/01/10
if you're interested to read about ranching and cowboys, here's one for you.
and yes, Janet Dailey speaks about values and the love of land here.

-honey-

A RICH AND SWEEPING STORY OF DECEIT AND DEVOTION

Janet Dailey's mastery of grand romance, divided loyalties, and searing passion has made her one of the bestselling authors of all time. In Notorious, her finest and most exciting contemporary romance, Dailey returns to the wild ranch country of northern Nevada, where a determined woman fights to protect her family's land.

Eden Rossiter is the owner of Spur Ranch, located thirty miles north of the small town of Friendly, Nevada. Strong, cautious, and beautiful, she struggles in a world where a spirited woman is not generally welcome. Notorious for having eluded a first-degree murder charge years before, Eden is also widely admired for defying Duke Depard, the ruthless owner of the neighboring Diamond D Ranch, who is resolved to drive her out of business.

Eden stands up to Depard on her own--until a stranger drifts into Friendly. Soft-spoken and ruggedly handsome, Kincade takes up Eden's cause and becomes her ally against Depard. Although Eden has never trusted a man, together she and Kincade struggle through dangers and adversities, forming a unique bond, one that is strong and true. Gradually, Eden's reserve begins to give way to something unexpected, something she has been waiting for without even knowing it.

-plot summary by http://www.fictiondb.com
-book cover

new chapter

2009-12-19T20:45:00.000+08:00

Soon enough, the year 2009 will end.
Unfortunately, all the entries in my journal way back from the year 2007 which i would have wanted to share cannot be published.
Too much backlog, had i started blogging a couple of years before, i would be able to share more.

But, starting a new chapter is as exciting as reminiscing old memories and emotions.
I don't expect any good number of readers, but 'tis my life and you are free to join me in my journey through another entire year of challenges, exciting quests, fun adventures, and heart-warming laughter and tears.

About the old entries? hmmm. i might think of making a book in time, but i can't promise anything yet. at least, i've learned to stop burning them and tried to have them for keepsake instead.

happy holidays, everyone.

-honey-

Investigative Projects

2009-11-14T23:08:00.000+08:00

My younger brother took that picture. I liked it, so I thought I might show it to people.
I think he has an eye for photography, and who knows, he might want to pursue developing such skills.
Anyways, my story wouldn't be anything to do with that picture nor about my brother's talent. It's somehow about an experience of mine, about a glimpse of memory during my childhood days.

When me and my parents were talking on some things at lunch, they reminded me on something that I used to do.
There was a time almost everyday, I went rummaging through their things, as if looking for some particular objects.
I remembered those moments. I had fun discovering things about them, trying to solve the pieces of the puzzle on how their lives have been before I was born. I don't want to ask them questions, I want to find out for myself.
I went through their individual photo albums, those that they own before they were even together, through their old books, letters, and those stuffs. It was like an adventure for me, and yes, indeed, I have found out quiet a lot of stuffs.
And most of those stuffs were true as I try to confirm it from them afterwards.
Of course, I won't mention it here because those are confidential family matters - some were fun to know about, some serious and others, well, you know, cheesy, but the revelation was nothing harmless. They were just somehow amused by how I try to discover things on my own. They were not keeping them as secrets, but they aren't revealing them blatantly either. Hahaha, and I found out that playing detective could be so much fun, especially if it's your parents you are trying to investigate upon. *wink

my journal

2009-11-05T23:16:00.000+08:00

Since grade school, i always keep a journal, a tome of my thoughts and reactions about anything and everything.
It would have been a leisure to read my oldest entries and look about upon that pool of water on how i was...
but then, it would be impossible.
Before a year would end, i would read all my writings, shed tears again on some, laugh, and feel the emotion all over. Then, encrypting to memory, i would burn my journal, i would watch as fire eats up the paper and the ink - instruments of my emotional relief. it was pretty dramatic, i should say, and it has become a ritual for years.

why i'd burn it?
of all the emotions depicted in those journals, only one emotion compelled me to act on such a way.
fear.
fear that the person who might find them couldn't understand well,
fear that i would be misinterpreted,
fear that i would not be accepted because of my stance on things and my insane thoughts,
fear that i might feel derided and ridiculed.

it was how it pretty all started...when i write just for myself.
with contempt upon others who'd try even to cast a glimpse on my precious epistle of thoughts.
then, years went by...and the traffic of life has become so heavy i almost entirely forgot about my little ritual, but of course, i still continue to write.
as i perused over my older entries,
i realized that what i wrote seemed like a cycle of events and emotions repeating itself over and over again....and i was even unaware of it.
though, it was a continuous series of ups and downs, surprisingly, it wasn't a bore to read,
because every now and then, you'd learn something new from that experience,
and most often, those new lessons will eventually guide you through the next chapter.

and so, i decided to try to keep my latest journals with me.
a new light has shown not to fear, but rather to tell others about my adventures.
if i have benefited from it, then why should i be selfish and confine it to the dark damp corners of my cabinet?
if my journals helped me go through life, then with all odds, maybe others can, too.

-honey-

Why I Write

2009-11-05T22:59:00.000+08:00

this blog could be just about anything...
photos, places, people, thoughts, emotions, anything one can think of.
yes, i may not update it as regularly,
but i think that writing, sharing a part of oneself to others isn't just about being a scheduled task to do, but rather when the passion wells up until it is unstoppable and you'd just burst out with so much inside you and then you begin writing it down.
i don't write to impress others, rather to impress and express myself.
it gives so much relief when i feel down and hurt,
an outlet when i get overwhelmed with joy and laughter,
a way of introspection when i have so much to think of,
and an inspiration to myself that i can always do better in life.

i started writing when i got no one to talk to.
yeah, maybe, i was sort of a loner when i was a kid,
part of the ramifications of being a precocious child,
with all the responsibilities and expectations of people as the eldest sibling.
i'd have to act maturely in a premature time (ahaha, that sounded not right).
but, writing has been my company ever since.
when i was asking for even just one close friend to confide with,
writing has been my solace while waiting.

that's why i feel so much attached to it,
and i take it seriously when one started to open up oneself to the world,
to be brave to show others who he really is,
that despite the judgmental minds of people, he continued to voice out his THOUGHTS....

for there is no measurement as to how much one should peel himself off for the world to peep. there's just expression.

-honey-

In the Land of Crocodiles and more

2009-10-01T19:27:00.000+08:00

Off we went to Crocolandia, home of Philippine Freshwater Crocodile...
but not just that, it was the haven of common and extinct fauna that can be found from various natural habitats throughout the country. They also featured some trees and plants commonly seen in Philippine forests, but the Kingdom Animalia captured more our sight and was awed by the variety of species the Philippines is rich of.

apart from crocodiles, there are other animals, too:

Turtles

Birds

and look at this fantastic friendship between an iguana and a coleto:

count how many iguanas are there in the picture (keep your eyes open wide):

lizards...oh, look at those lovers.

And because man was expected to be stewards of God's creations, we are therefore bestowed by a task to protect and nurture these wonderful creatures, for they, like us, are animate beings, but we, unlike them, are sentient rational animate beings.

Island Hopping

2009-08-16T21:33:00.000+08:00

Island hopping: 9 August 2009 Sunday
It was a very spectacular event!
Going island hopping with family and friends is a perfect way to enjoy one's vacation, especially basking yourself with picturesque sceneries of the islands of Lapu-Lapu City.
It was my first ever island hopping with some friends who were also first timers on this breathtaking adventure. I had with me the love of my life, my family, high school friends and the president of CBS, hehehe...a pretty wild group, I should say.
Preparation and reservation was a bit exhaustive, but with my parents' help, there's no hard task left undone. It was all worth the fun!
After attending a 5:30am mass, we immediately made last-minute checks on the things we'd bring and waited for some friends. Off we went at around 8am, with flickers of excitement evident in each one. Everyone was vibrant and enthusiastic, raucous laughters heard during the entire trip and there was the spirit of camaraderie all throughout.
The group went wilder as we approached the beach and saw the motorboat floating, eagerly waiting for us and ready for the day's venture.

Man, the water is so clear and so blue! Hahaha, a sudden feeling of being one with nature enveloped us.
We ate our excitements out with lots of food, courtesy of my mom's culinary skills. Thanks a l0t, ma! We love you! Until we can't get a hold of satiety, a frozen delight of delicious fruit salad was served. How can we be so blessed in one day!

All were slumped on our seats after our glutonic episodes and just marveled at the clear waters around us, looking forward to the nearby island which would be our first destination... The Olango Island.
There was no easy way to describe how everyone felt as the boat stopped and the guide announced that we are ready for snorkeling. We were stunned for a few seconds... Fighting our way whether to just jump into the water or change into our swimming clothes and wear life vests. With a sliver of enlightenment that touched our too-excited minds, we finally settled for the latter...and then found out that we made the right choice since it was way too deep!
That was such a wonderful experience! We fed an entire school of colored fish with bread... And they did not even flinch away with the sight of a human. They seem to be too comfortable swimming around in groups. And man, they even touched my finger as they ate the wet bread. I felt their mouth sucking hungrily and playfully swam with much joy. I swam with much joy, too. I felt like being inside a humongous aquarium swimming with my fish friends and enjoying the cool water. There was so much fun!

And then, a few minutes later, we docked at the shores of Olango Island... Immediately, we "abandoned ship" to explore the outskirts of the island and we found some interesting stuffs, indeed.
I don't know what this plant is:

and here are some shots taken at the island:

Truly, Lapu-Lapu City has lots of kept treasures to be proud of, passed to its descendants not just from its mainland inhabitants, but also spread around its nearby islands. I am proud to be one!

-honey-

Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind

2009-07-23T20:58:00.000+08:00

I already forget how I used to feel about you.

Director: Michel Gondry
Writers:
Charlie Kaufman (story) &
Michel Gondry (story), etc.
Release Date: 19 March 2004 (USA)
Genre: Drama | Romance
Awards: yeah, lots of nominations!

Cast:
Jim Carrey as Joel Barish
Kate Winslet as Clementine Kruczynski
Elijah Wood as Patrick
Mark Ruffalo as Stan
Kirsten Dunst as Mary, etc.

Plot:
A couple undergo a procedure to erase each other from their memories when their relationship turns sour, but it is only through the process of loss that they discover what they had to begin with. (IMDB)

Comment:
Completely star-studded! And mind you, this has been the first Jim Carrey movie I've seen where his role isn't to make you rolling on the floor and laughing your heart out. But of course, he never missed to make you giggle once or twice. The plotine? Very sophisticated. This film would keep you on a rollercoaster ride until the end, and you'd be utterly confused most of the time. Why would you not? This film talks about digging into one's mind and erasing those "bad" memories you got there, but what if you changed your mind and doesn't want them to be erased anymore? hahaha, confused already? you just better watch this one.

Personal Rating: 6/10

more at: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0338013/

Finding Neverland

2009-07-23T20:35:00.000+08:00

Unlock your imagination.

Director: Marc Forster
Writers:
Allan Knee (play)
David Magee (screenplay)
Release Date: 13 April 2005 (Philippines)
Genre: Biography | Drama | Family

Cast:
Johnny Depp as Sir James Matthew Barrie
Kate Winslet as Sylvia Llewelyn Davies
Julie Christie as Mrs. Emma du Maurier
Radha Mitchell as Mary Ansell Barrie
Dustin Hoffman as Charles Frohman
Freddie Highmore as Peter Llewelyn Davies, etc.

Plot:
This movie is the story of J.M. Barrie's friendship with a family who inspired him to create Peter Pan. *no spoilers

Comments:
The character of Sir J.M. Barrie was somewhat complicated in the sense that there was a bit of childishness in it to appeal to his playmates and at the same time having a touch of maturity to work out his marital relations and to that of his financer...but it was brilliantly played by Johnny Depp! Kate Winslet looked nice and she appeared more mature being the mother of 4 boys. Forgive me, but I wasn't able to recognize that Dustin Hoffman was there in the movie. That beard and facial hair concealed his identity really well.

I'd like to give credit to a young actor's performance in this movie. Freddie Highmore who played the character of Peter Llewelyn Davies gave an astonishing dramatic act. I first saw his movies, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (2005)and August Rush (2007), and was impressed by him ever since. This time, he's done it again, though, obviously Finding Neverland came way before than those 2 other movies. Nevertheless, he's such a cute and talented kid. Kudos to you, boy! No wonder he's got nominations for the Best Performance by a Younger Actor. Look for more awards of the movie here.

Personal Rating: 6.5/10

more at: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0308644/

My Life Without Me

2009-07-23T20:21:00.000+08:00

Director: Isabel Coixet
Wriers:
Isabel Coixet (writer)
Nanci Kincaid (book)
Release Date: 7 March 2003 (Spain)
Genre: Crime | Drama | Romance

Cast:
Sarah Polley as Ann
Amanda Plummer as Laurie
Scott Speedman as Don
Leonor Watling as Ann, the Neighbor
Deborah Harry as Ann's Mother, etc.

Plot:
A young woman conceals the fact of her terminal cancer to live her life with a passion she never had before. (IMDB)

Comments:
A very sad movie...but despite that, it somehow shows a wonderful perspective about dying. Though dying per se isn't a good perspective in itself, it gives light in the famous saying that goes...live life to the fullest because we may never see tomorrow. I may not have gotten that right, but you get the idea. A very calm and sad movie, but I liked it overall. Look, it garnered some awards!

Personal Rating: 6/10

more at: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0314412/

Vicky Cristina Barcelona

2009-07-23T20:07:00.000+08:00

Life is the ultimate work of art.

Director: Woody Allen
Writer: Woody Allen (written by)
Release Date: 18 February 2009 (Philippines)
Genre: Drama | Romance

Cast:
Rebecca Hall as Vicky
Scarlett Johansson as Cristina
Javier Bardem as Juan Antonio Gonzalo
Penélope Cruz as Maria Elena, etc.

Plot:
Two girlfriends on a summer holiday in Spain become enamored with the same painter, unaware that his ex-wife, with whom he has a tempestuous relationship, is about to re-enter the picture. (IMDB)

Comments:
When watching this one, you need to have an open mind and a crazier imagination to be able to appreciate the storyline and jive with the writer/director's point of view - very unique and wilder opinion of life. It opens you to an imperfect yet, enjoyable life, and it suggests new versions of love relationships which you never have deemed to be ever possible. I enjoyed watching this one. It actually garnered lots of awards! Well, this is a good movie, but not which i couldn't forget the rest of my life...hopefully not.

Personal Rating:6.5/10

more at: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0497465/

A prayer

2009-07-19T23:25:00.000+08:00

What appropriate words there could be to describe this?
Such marvelous and splendid experience to see You...
in every small things - living and not.
I couldn't be a better writer just to describe and retell every detail of Your awesome magnificence...
so vast, unspoken and miraculous.
I couldn't fathom it, I couldn't breathe without praising every one of them.
I live upon the provisions of Your blessings. I thrive upon Your mercy. I survive every day because You held on for me...until the time I'd be reborn.
Where have I gone? Why was I asleep for so long?
No one could awaken me, but You...
But I was a stubborn, stupid child...refused to stop pretending...thinking that can save me from my self-made doom.
You patiently waited for me once again.
No one as patient as You could have lasted this long.
I don't want to even wink a single eye...afraid to miss every second being with You...but even as I slumbered for a very very long time, You were there, guarding me and protecting me...looking at me with loving eyes.
When I'd stray too far away, You'd simply grab my hands and pull me back.
But I was utterly unaware of all of that...completely and blatantly ignorant of Your great sacrifices to make me whole still.
I know I was too hard on You most of the time, if not all...gave you a very difficult situation to deal with....but You fixed them up for me...with teary eyes and a bleeding heart at some points.
How couldn't have I been more stubborn than this? Absurdly and inexplicably intolerable.
You gave me all...but I was completely ungrateful for it.
You provided the answers...but I ignored them.
You hugged me...but I withdrew from You.
How can I be such a dolt to turn my back from You?
I am frail, yet so stubborn.
I am fragile, yet refused to be championed.
Oh my Dearest, with bended knees...I plead thee...
with a sorrowful and contrite heart,
pardon my shortcomings and free me from all the imprisonment of sin.
Let not my weakness be the cause of my own destruction,
rather the root of my courage to lean upon Your sword and lay down all to Your hands.
I am thine servant.

Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen

2009-06-30T22:05:00.000+08:00

Revenge is coming.

Director: Michael Bay
Writers:
Ehren Kruger (written by)
Roberto Orci (written by)
Alex Kurtzman(written by
Release Date: 24 June 2009 (Philippines)
Genre: Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi

Cast:
Shia LaBeouf as Sam Witwicky
Megan Fox as Mikaela Banes
Josh Duhamel as Major Lennox, etc.

Plot:
* I won't provide any spoilers.

Decepticon forces return to Earth on a mission to take Sam Witwicky prisoner, after the young hero learns the truth about the ancient origins of the Transformers. Joining the mission to protect humankind is Optimus Prime, who forms an alliance with international armies for a second epic battle. (from IMDB)

Comments:
* Extremely awesome action scenes, though there's nothing much about the plot and storyline. The acting was kind of lame, and I personally don't like those twin racist robots and their dialogue. But, the special effects were spectacular. If you are looking for movies with high-end digital effects rather than focusing on the acting skills of the casts, then this one is for you. I was even more entertained on the robots' dramatic show than the live ones, hehehhe. peace ya all... Nonetheless, it still entertained me and a lot of people worldwide.

Personal Rating: 7/10

more at: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1055369/

LOOONNNGGG words

2009-06-21T11:31:00.000+08:00

It may be just out of boredom and with nothing else to do, i used to memorize long words out from encyclopedias and articles that i'd run into. It brings a nice feeling that you know some of the long words and that you are also able to pronounce them well.

From Frank and Wagnalls Encyclopedia, I got these:
DDT - dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane
CFC - chlorofluorocarbon

From Internet searches about fear of Friday the 13th, i found two terms for the phobia:
paraskavedekatriaphobia
friggatriskaidekaphobia

We often would have contests between elementary classmates on who could speak this the fastest:
Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious

But, with the medical terms that i got acquainted with, of course there's a whole lot being added to my list. Stumbling upon the question on what is the longest word in English, I remembered reading an old Guinness Book of World Records book at home (too old that the front pages were cut off and i don't know what edition it is) about the topic. And since entries about such does not change in time, unless there are new word coinages, information from my good old book are still relevant. Searches in the Wiki also provided useful answers. I just think I can share them with you.

The longest word in the Oxford English Dictionary is floccinaucinihilipilification (with a variation of p for n, i.e., floccipaucini...), with 29 letters, meaning "the action of estimating as worthless," first used in 1741, and later by Sir Walter Scott (1771-1832).

Webster's Third International Dictionary lists among its 450,000 entries pneumonoultramicroscopicsilicovolcanoconiosis (45 letters), the name of a miner's lung disease.

The longest word in an English classic is the nonce word Honorificabilitudinitatibus (27 letters), occurring in Act V, scene I of Love's Labour's Lost by William Shakespeare (1564-1616), but used with the ending "-tatatibus," making 29 letters, in The Water Poet by John Taylor (1580-1653). In this category may also be placed the 52-letter word used by Dr. Edward Strother (1675-1737) to describe the spa waters at Bristol - aequeosalinocalcalinoceraceoaluminosocupreovitriolic. In his novel Headlong Hall, Thomas Love Peacock (1785-1866) described the human physique as "osseocarnisanguineoviscericartilaginonervomedullary" - 51 letters.

The longest regularly formed English word is praetertranssubstantiationalistically (37 letters), used by Mark McShane in his novel Untimely Ripped, published in 1963. The medical term hepaticocholangiocholecystenterostomies (39 letters) refers to the surgical creations of new communications between gall bladders and hepatic ducts and between intestines and gall bladders. The longest in common use is disproportionableness (21 letters).

Sounds fun if you get to be familiar with these words, huh?
More exciting words with certain characteristics of notable lengths found here.

-honey-

I Am Sam

2009-06-20T22:12:00.000+08:00

Love is all you need.

Director: Jessie Nelson
Writers:
Kristine Johnson (written by) &
Jessie Nelson (written by)
Release Date: 25 January 2002 (USA)
Genre: Drama

Cast:
Sean Penn as Sam Dawson
Michelle Pfeiffer as Rita Harrison Williams
Dakota Fanning as Lucy Diamond Dawson, etc.

Plot:
A mentally-retarded, loving father fought against life and people who would attempt to separate him from his sweet 7-year old daughter. He would do everything that it takes to prove to the court that he alone could provide the kind of care and love his daughter needed to go through life's challenges as she grow up to be a young lady. And those people who never believed he'd be capable to do so, him having just a mental capacity that of a 7-year-old were all taken aback as he showed them that love is all you need to raise a child so dear to your heart. Sam Dawson sends inspiration to his lawyer, to his mentally retarded friends, to his daughter's foster parents and to all the people who witnessed how he struggled to claim his daughter back.

* I actually cried a lot of times while watching the movie. Yes, yes...you might think it's too sentimental or pathetic of me to do so. But, really, I just can't help myself. This movie speaks more of life and makes us see one of the things that we usually have taken for granted...our dad's love for us. I know that sometimes, we'd wish we have a different dad and not the one we already have. Sometimes we'd wish he wouldn't be that nosy or strict or overprotective or close-minded. And just because we couldn't conform to what he desired and wanted for us, we'd ravage and wish he'd be gone. But, we shouldn't be doing these. For at least, we've had the chance to know our dad, get to see him and live with him. We've had the opportunity to dine with him, cuddle with him, laugh at his jokes, watch movies with him, get to taste his cooking, and just even enjoy his company. We are fortunate enough to experience his presence, because not all the people in the world know where their dad is or if they do, not given the chance to get to know him.

Sam may not be a perfect dad, just like our dads. They all have flaws and weaknesses, and we may never knew it but they may also be hammering their heads and working hard on how to be a better dad to their kids. Yet, most of the time, we overlook at their efforts to provide us decent livings, we oversee their worries as we go home late at night and we resent their good advices to better our lives.

Before it is too late, let us all look back at what we've done to our dads and on how much we give importance to them. They deserve more than our attention, our care and our love in return...and I think Father's Day shouldn't just be a one-day affair. We should be celebrating that everyday of our lives so long as we look up to a father who nurtured us to who we are now...whether he be biological or not.

-honey-

Personal Rating: 8/10

more at http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0277027/

27 Dresses

2009-06-18T22:34:00.000+08:00

This January, always a bridesmaid, never a bride.

Director: Anne Fletcher
Writer: Aline Brosh McKenna (written by)
Release Date: 30 January 2008 (Philippines)
Genre: Comedy | Romance

Cast:
Katherine Heigl as Jane
James Marsden as Kevin, etc.

Plot:
Having been a bridesmaid for 27 times, Jane couldn't say no to friends as she selflessly and effectively plan for their wedding. She even could not say no to hand over her secret love to her beloved spoiled baby sister, Tess. Now, what is she gonna prioritize as she became her sister's maid of honor and at the same time warding off the cynical, but handsome "Commitments" columnist who came tailing after her to get the outstanding story of the week? Who will she pursue: her 20 years of secret love or the new attraction towards the new guy whom she found out that they may have something in common after all?

* I am no big fan with Tagalog movies, I admit, but I actually have seen a few of them. This movie reminds me of Claudine Barreto and Rico Yan's movie about her being always a bridesmaid. I forgot the title for that, it was somewhat cheesy, I think.. hehhhe, peace. But, surprisingly, it was one of the few Tagalog movies that I finished watching from the start till the end. Though the storyline for 27 Dresses are somewhat different from the plot of the other movie, still, the theme and general idea was similar.

27 Dresses is a hilarious romantic comedy about love, sisterhood and relationships. The person we secretly love for so long now may actually be not the exact person that we've been looking for after all. And the person we so despise may turn out to be the one, we just never knew. Weddings are very serious events where "I dos" have more to it than just the mere blurting out of words. There's the commitment and promise to be with someone the rest of time no matter what..and that's no ordinary saying of vows, it has to be fulfilled every day of one's married life. Scary, right? But i believe, once you're truly in love and found the person you've decided to spend time with, it wouldn't be that difficult and scary after all. You'll just enjoy each moment together and relive them over and over again.

-honey-

Personal Rating: 7.5/10

more at http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0988595/

Unknown Creatures Discovered in Ecuador

2009-06-18T12:57:00.000+08:00

Pls check this site:
http://buzz.yahoo.com/buzzlog/92687?fp=1

The age of discovery isn't over yet, indeed!
Though dangerous, i so want to be a part of ecotourism treks and also discover never-before-seen creatures on my own...and probably name one after me! hahahha, it isn't bad to be daydreaming about it, right?

Anyways, imagine, out of about 14 million species of plants and animals in the world, we only have discovered less than 15% of them...and yet some of them are already becoming endangered. Albeit we still have more to dig upon, it isn't ecologically justifiable to nudge the thought of saving them from total extinction. Remember, there aren't more of their kind and it would be such a pity for our generation to be heralded as passively unresponsive and uncaring towards our slowly degrading ecosystem. How can we truly appreciate the marvels of biodiversity if we can just see them through pictures and videos because we have not done enough to save them?

Apart from the wonder they bring to discoverers and environmentalists, we may never know that some of their possible medicinal properties might bring upon remedy, or if fortunate enough, cure to diseases such as cancer. Though of course, extensive researches and studies are needed to come up with those.

But, oh my! I do want to look at those See-Through Frogs, Alien Salamanders, and Spiny Bugs so that if ever, just when the worst case scenarios come, they become extinct, i might as well just tell the story to my grandchildren, ehe! God forbid.

Wireless Mobile Phone Recharging

2009-06-17T12:02:00.000+08:00

I came through this article and was curious on how they could have done this so. Then, i came up with words such as electromagnetic energies, wireless waves and phone's battery. Hmmm, not impossible, should i say? Though we are all itching for the advent of wireless charging which could be and hopefully enjoyed a few decades more...(let's just be patient on how they'd actually come up with that), this might be the "baby step" towards such feat of technology.

It actually sounds cool to me, though more time shall be spent so they can harvest a few more hundred milliwatts to actually keep our phones alive 24/7. But, when this comes out from the market, we don't have to worry about recharging our phones just to make that very important phone call (well, of course that first call would cost a lot for sure). Nevertheless, i salute man's ingenuity and creativity!

Student Denied Diploma After Blowing Kiss

2009-06-17T11:13:00.000+08:00

i stumbled upon this news just now...
and it took me appalled on how such could have happened.

A high school student must have reaped the fruits of his hard toil over years of burning candles during graduation day...and it's supposed to be one of the joyous memorable event in one's life, but how did it turn out to be a rage of confusion and agitation among the family and friends of this graduate as he was denied of his hard-fought diploma during his graduation day?

Of course, we should have to see what actually happened that time and find out what's more into the story. Since it would be very difficult to deliver our viewpoints without the details (yes, we were not there when it actually happened), here's the link to the video and report of the incident.

it wasn't much of a big deal, right?
though, we could understand the code of conduct being enforced to control the crowd of graduates attempting to overdo their excitement, nevertheless what Justin Denney did was a mere expression of happiness and gratitude to his family and friends.
we could commonly see such gesture being done by just anyone, and no one's got denied of their diplomas for doing so...except for him. Probably, the superintendent got too outraged by the crowd already and poured the hot soup on Justin, we never knew, but I think her actions were too much and unjustified to deny the diploma and getting serious about it. The guy earned it and he wasn't even part of the throwing of beach balls the entire ceremony. They should reconsider.

Mozart and the Whale

2009-05-23T20:06:00.000+08:00

They don't fit in. Except together.

Director: Petter Næss
Writer: Ronald Bass (written by)
Release Date: 2 February 2006 (Thailand)
Genre: Comedy | Drama | Romance

Cast:
Josh Hartnett as Donald Morton
Radha Mitchell as Isabelle Sorenson, etc.

Plot:
A dramatic-comedy, inspired by the lives of two people with Asperger's Syndrome, a form of autism, whose emotional dysfunctions threaten to sabotage their budding romance. Donald is a good-natured but hapless taxi driver with a love of birds and a superhuman knack for numbers. Like many people with AS, he likes patterns and routines. But when the beautiful but complicated Isabel joins the autism support group he leads, his life - and his heart - are turned upside down.
Written by Anonymous

Memorable quotes:
Donald Morton: Excuse me. Do you know when the next bus, uh 217, runs?
Man at bus stop: Sorry.
Donald Morton: I'm chasing someone.
Man at bus stop: By bus?
Donald Morton: Well, it's important.
Man at bus stop: Important enough to take the bus?
Donald Morton: Yeah. My girlfriend left me because I wanted to get married and she wanted to stay just friends.
Man at bus stop: Ah. The slower this chase, the better.
Donald Morton: Yeah.

Isabelle Sorenson: All this time, and you didn't call.
Donald Morton: I was gonna call.
Isabelle Sorenson: You were?
Donald Morton: Well just to tell you that I wasn't gonna call so that you wouldn't be aggravated, sitting around waiting and wondering when I was
Isabelle Sorenson: gonna call?
Donald Morton: Yeah. But in the end I figured that forcing myself into your life was probably not right. I would always do that. So the only nice thing I had left to give was just not to call.
Isabelle Sorenson: I hated you for not calling. Because you were always gonna be there, and when you weren't, it was as if you didn't love me anymore.
Donald Morton: So go home, I'll call ya.

Donald Morton: People with Asperger's want contact with other people very much; we're just pathetically clueless at it, that's all.

Isabelle Sorenson: Be my friend Donald, be my best friend, please, because I really need you. I always felt like you wanted us to get married or something.
Donald Morton: I never said that.
Isabelle Sorenson: Not with words. But instead of that, do you want to just be my friend?
Donald Morton: Without the sex?
Isabelle Sorenson: Without the pressure. My friendship is all I have to give. Do you want it?

trivia:
The project was originally planned for Steven Spielberg, but due to his workload it eventually landed in the hands of critically acclaimed Norwegian director Petter Næss. This became his first US production.

The film is based on the story of Jerry and Mary Newport. They were profiled in 1995 in an LA Times article.

Talking about Asperger's Syndrome:
Asperger syndrome is an autism spectrum disorder (ASD), and people with it therefore show significant difficulties in social interaction and restricted, stereotyped patterns of behavior and interests.

It is named after the Austrian pediatrician Hans Asperger who, in 1944, described children in his practice who lacked nonverbal communication skills, demonstrated limited empathy with their peers, and were physically clumsy.

The exact cause is unknown, although research supports the likelihood of a genetic basis; brain imaging techniques have not identified a clear common pathology.

The lack of demonstrated empathy is possibly the most dysfunctional aspect of Asperger syndrome. Individuals with AS experience difficulties in basic elements of social interaction, which may include a failure to develop friendships or to seek shared enjoyments or achievements with others (for example, showing others objects of interest), a lack of social or emotional reciprocity, and impaired nonverbal behaviors in areas such as eye contact, facial expression, posture, and gesture. Unlike those with autism, people with AS are not usually withdrawn around others; they approach others, even if awkwardly.

People with Asperger syndrome often display behavior, interests, and activities that are restricted and repetitive and are sometimes abnormally intense or focused. They may stick to inflexible routines, move in stereotyped and repetitive ways, or preoccupy themselves with parts of objects.

Personal Rating: 7/10

-courtesy by http://www.imdb.com
-more at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Asperger_syndrome

movie posters

2009-05-19T11:41:00.000+08:00

-google posts-

movie posters

2009-05-19T10:56:00.000+08:00

-google posts-

THE ALCHEMIST by Paulo Coelho

2009-05-11T11:45:00.000+08:00

This book helped me understand a lot of things. It witnessed the most devastating events of my life, it was there when i smiled and it scooped my tears when i cried.

I noted on the important lessons it taught me:

Everyone seems to have a clear idea of how other people should lead their lives, but none about his or her own.

If you start out by promising what you don't even have yet, you'll lose your desire to work toward getting it.

When each day is the same as the next, it's because people fail to recognize the good things that happen in their lives every day that the sun rises.

Making a decision was only the beginning of things. When someone makes a decision, he is really diving into a strong current that will carry him to places he had never dreamed of when he first made the decision.

The closer one gets to realizing his destiny, the more that destiny becomes his true reason for being.

No matter how many detours and adjustments it made, the caravan moved toward the same compass point. Once obstacles were overcome, it returned to its course, sighting on a star that indicated the location of the oasis.

People need not fear the unknown if they are capable of achieving what they need and want.

We are afraid of losing what we have, whether it's our life or our possessions and property. But this fear evaporates when we understand that our life stories and the history of the world were written by the same hand.

Once you get into the desert, there's no going back. And, when you can't go back, you have to worry only about the best way of moving forward. The rest is up to Allah, including the danger.

You must understand that love never keeps a man from pursuing his destiny. If he abandons that pursuit, it's because it wasn't true love...the love that speaks of the Language of the World.

One is loved because one is loved. No reason is needed for loving.

If what one finds is made of pure matter, it will never spoil. And one can always come back. If what you had found was only a moment of light, like the explosion of a star, you would find nothing on you return.

The wise men understood that this natural world is only an image and a copy of paradise. The existence of this world is simply a guarantee that there exists a world that is perfect. God created the world so that, through its visible objects, men could understand his spiritual teachings and the marvels of his wisdom.

Listen to your heart. It knows all things, because it came form the Soul of the World, and it will one day return there.

Wherever your heart is, that is where you'll find your treasure.

You will never again be able to keep it quiet. Even if you pretend not to have heard what it tells you, it will always be there inside you, repeating to you what you're thinking about life and about the world.

You will never be able to escape from your heart. So it's better to listen to what it has to say. That way, you'll never have to fear an unanticipated blow.

"Even though I complain sometimes," it said, "it's because I'm the heart of a person, and people's hearts are that way. People are afraid to pursue their most important dreams, because they feel that they don't deserve them, or that they'll be unable to achieve them. We, their hearts, become fearful just thinking of loved ones who go away forever, or of moments that could have been good but weren't, or of treasures that might have been found but were forever hidden in the sands. Because, when these things happen, we suffer terribly."

Every second of the search is an encounter with God. When I have been truly searching for my treasure, every day has been luminous, because I've known that every hour was a part of the dream that I would find it. When I have been truly searching for my treasure, I've discovered things along the way that I never would have seen had I not had the courage to try things that seemed impossible for a shepherd to achieve.

"Everyone on earth has a treasure that awaits him," his heart said. "We, people's hearts, seldom say much about those treasures, because people no longer want to go in search of them. We speak of them only to children. Later, we simply let life proceed, in its own direction, toward its own fate. But, unfortunately, very few follow the path laid out for them - the path to their destinies, and to happiness. Most people see the world as a threatening place, and because they do, the world turns out, indeed, to be a threatening place."

From then on, the boy understood his heart. He asked it, please, never to stop speaking to him. He asked that, when he wandered far from his dreams, his heart press him and sound the alarm. The boy swore that, every time he heard the alarm, he would heed its message.

Before a dream is realized, the Soul of the World tests everything that was learned along the way. It does this not because it is evil, but so that we can, in addition to realizing our dreams, master the lessons we've learned as we've moved toward that dream. That's the point at which most people give up. It's the point at which, as we say in the language of the desert, one dies of thirst just when the palm trees have appeared on the horizon.

Every search begins with a beginner's luck. And every search ends with the victor's being severely tested.

When you possess great treasures within you, and try to tell others of them, seldom are you believed.

Your eyes show the strength of your soul.

If a person is living out his destiny, he knows everything he needs to know. There is only one thing that makes a dream impossible to achieve: the fear of failure.

Then you'll die in the midst of trying to realize your destiny. That's a lot better than dying like millions of other people, who never even knew what their destinies were.

Usually, the threat of death makes people a lot more aware of their lives.

"You could have died later on," a soldier said to the body of one of his companions. "You could have died after peace had been declared. But, in any case, you were going to die."

When you are loved, you can do anything in creation. When you are loved, there's no need at all to understand what's happening, because everything happens within you, and even men can turn themselves into the wind. As long as the wind helps, of course.

Because it's not love to be static like the desert, nor is it love to roam the world like the wind. And it's not lvoe to see everything from a distance, like you do. Love is the force that transforms and improves the Soul of the World. When I first reached through to it, I though the Soul of the World was perfect. But later, I could see that it was like other aspects of creation, and had its owns passions and wars. It is we who nourish the Soul of the World, and the world we live in will be either better or worse, depending on whether we become better or worse. And that's where the power of love comes in. Because when we love, we always strive to become better than we are.

Everything that happens once can never happen again. But everything that happens twice will surely happen a third time.

No matter what he does, every person on earth plays a central role in the history of the world. And normally he doesn't know it.

As he was about to climb yet another dune, his heart whispered, "Be aware of the place where you are brought to tears. That's where I am, and that's where your treasure is."

Coelho, Paulo. The Alchemist. Published 1992. Translated by Alan R. Clarke. ISBN 0-7225-3292-8.

Inkheart

2009-04-08T01:12:00.000+08:00

"Every story ever written is just waiting to become real. "

Director: Iain Softley
Writers:
David Lindsay-Abaire (screenplay)
Cornelia Funke (novel)
Release Date: 28 January 2009 (Philippines)
Genre: Adventure | Family | Fantasy

Cast:
Brendan Fraser as Mo 'Silvertongue' Folchart
Sienna Guillory as Resa
Eliza Bennett as Meggie Folchart
Paul Bettany as Dustfinger
Helen Mirren as Elinor Loredan
Rafi Gavron as Farid, etc.

Plot:
Mo has the special talent to bring characters out of books. One night he brings out three characters from Inkheart, a story set in medieval times and filled with magical beings. Capricorn and Basta, two villains, and Dustfinger, a fire-eater. Now, 10 years later Meggie discovers the truth and it's up to her to escape Capricorn's evil grasp. Written by Gloria

Trivia:
*Brendan Fraser was Cornelia Funke's personal choice for the role of Silvertongue, as he was her inspiration for the character. She even dedicated the second novel of the trilogy to him and sent him a signed copy. The producers originally wanted a bigger Hollywood star but on the insistence of Funke they gave in and accepted him in the role.

* Paul Bettany's wife, Jennifer Connelly, appears as Dustfinger's wife.

* The exterior scenes were shot in Italy, where the story takes place, while most of the interiors were shot in England.

* Director/producer Iain Softley said he wanted to do the film because it was a story that opened a door between the real world and our imagination.

Memorable Quotes:
Narrator: Since the dawn of time, storytellers have enchanted audiences with their words. But there is an even rarer gift. There are those, who by reading out loud, can bring characters to life. Out of books and into our world. Most of these Silvertongues, as they are know prefer to keep their skills a secret but some do not even know this gift is theirs, until it is too late.

Personal Rating: 7/10

more at: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0494238/
photo by http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3188/2978846756_2429f61cfa.jpg?v=0

Chaos Theory

2009-04-07T21:05:00.000+08:00

"This man will bring order to the universe...or not."

Director: Marcos Siega
Writer: Daniel Taplitz
Release Date: 11 April 2008 (USA)
Genre: Comedy | Drama | Romance

Cast:
Ryan Reynolds as Frank Allen
Emily Mortimer as Susan Allen
Stuart Townsend as Buddy Endrow
Matreya Fedor as Jesse Allen (7 years), etc.

Plot:
At his daughter's wedding, time-management specialist Frank Allen corners the reluctant groom and tells him a long story: about the night his wife chose him, and then, about eight years later, when a missed ferry, a corporate groupie, a panicked expectant mother, and a medical test brought Frank's marriage to a crisis. In the midst of the crisis were Frank, his wife Susan, their daughter Jesse, and Frank's best friend, the feckless Buddy. Things come to a head at a lake when Frank, armed with a shotgun, decides to cross something permanently from one of his time-management lists. Is there ever room for whim and chaos? Written by {jhailey@hotmail.com}

Memorable quote:
Frank Allen: Ever heard Chaos theory Ed! Its a science, tries to determine underlying patterns in chaotic systems like weather, ocean currents, blood flow sort of things. But it turns out that are few things more chaotic in the beat of a human heart. Its beating up, slowing down. Pretty face, flirty stares. Its always changing on whats happening to ourselves out there its erratic sound of a bitch. But underneath all of that bump to bump mess, there is in fact a pattern, the truth, and its love. Most important thing about love is that we choose to give it, and we choose to receive it. Making it the least random act in the entire Universe. It transcends blood, it transcends betrayal and all the dirt and makes us human.

Personal Rating: 6.5/10

more at: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0460745/
photo by: http://www.brianorndorf.com/images/2008/03/13/chaos_theory.jpg

The 5 People You Meet in Heaven by Mitch Albom

2009-04-04T14:44:00.000+08:00

The 1st Lesson:

That there are no random acts.
That we are all connected.
That you can no more separate one life from another than you can separate a breeze from a wind.

-blue man-

Strangers are just family you have yet to come to know.

No life is a waste.
The only time we waste is the time we spend thinking we are alone.

The 2nd Lesson:

Sacrifice is a part of life.
It's supposed to be.
It's not something to regret.
It's something to aspire to.
Little sacrifices.
Big sacrifices.

-the captain-

Sometimes when you sacrifice something precious,
you're not really losing it.
You're just passing it on to someone else.

The 3rd Lesson:

Holding anger is a poison.
It eats you from inside.
We think that hating is a weapon that attacks the person who harmed us.
But hatred is a curved blade.
And the harm we do, we do to ourselves.

-Ruby-

The 4th Lesson:

Lost love is still love.
It takes a different form, that's all.
You can't see their smile or bring them food or tousle their hair or move them around a dance floor.
But when those senses weaken, another heightens.
Memory.
Memory becomes your partner.
You nurture it.
You hold it.
You dance with it.

-Marguerite-

Life has to end, but love doesn't.

The 5th Lesson:

*... ? where you're supposed to be? ...
*... ? what is the reason for your existence? ...

-tala-

from the book, The 5 People You Meet in Heaven by Mitch Albom
*quotes not derived from the book...my own interpretation.

Quotes

2009-04-04T14:27:00.000+08:00

These are some unforgettable striking lines I stumbled upon as I watched the movies and read the books...put some nice perception and a whole viewpoint in life. Might also inspire you..even a bit.

"A good traveler anticipates unexpected delays."
-Brother Bear 2-

"Why go through life unnoticed?"
-Aquamarine-

"Family comes first."
-Click-

Rule #1:
There's no going back anymore.
-Fluke-

"There will always be a few people who have the courage to love what is untamed inside us."
-Flicka-

"The best gifts are the ones we don't ask for..."
-Rachel, "Stanislaski Sisters"

"Just because you don't know everything don't mean you know nothing."
-Will Russet, "The Midwife's Apprentice"

"...because she gave up. I need an apprentice who can do what I tell her, take what I give her, who can try and risk and fail and try again and not give up."
-Jane Sharp, the midwife, "The Midwife's Apprentice"

One Tree Hill quote

2009-04-03T15:20:00.000+08:00

Most of our lives is a series of images.
They pass us like towns in a highway, but sometimes the moment stuns us as it happens.
We know that this instance is more than just a fleeting image.
We know that this moment, every part of it will live on forever.

Some of us live our lives in a rush...
We go through our busy routines, spend our free time indulging in our passion, and just do anything to pleasure us. We meet strangers, shake hands with superiors, embrace old acquaintances, go to parties, enjoy the beach, delight ourselves with out-of-town adventures.
Some memories were just fleeting images in our minds, some were stored to be remembered.

But, have you experienced a moment where you seemed to want to remember each detail in it?
...to try to memorize all that happened, not allowing a speck of event to be overseen?
...to relish over and over that instance until you'd virtually play that role again?
It would find you dazed for such a moment to be happening...that you'd wish it would not end,
However, even if it really would end...you'd know,
you'll always be reliving that moment for the rest of time.