30 March

Blood +

I’ve had the pleasure of watching for the first time, Blood +. It’s the newest anime to hit Studio 23, based on the 6th all time best selling anime Blood: The Last Vampire. Well it immediately became one of my favorite anime’s that was ever created. It was really brilliant and infectious. From the characters to the story itself, everything was remarkable. This anime has really got me hooked. It has the aura of something marvelous. It’s not just simple anime. It’s something worth of an award. Even the soundtrack is spectacular. How can an anime be this great? It’s really a WOW. I loved everything from the first time I ever graced my eyes on it. And I am absolutely fascinated about Haji, I love this man. He’s drop dead gorgeous. He has this mysterious, deep, cold and somewhat dark stoic presence in him. He’s so irresistible. Apart from being stunningly good looking, he’s definitely a strong man who stands on his words and his duties. He’s extremely loyal especially to Saya and he really loves her a lot.

I’m absolutely enjoying much of the anime right now. It’s really a great series. I hope the makers would make a second part of it. The fans would really love to have it. Although, I haven’t finished the series yet, I’ve read a whole lot of great feedbacks and comments. I did some researching and it’s going to be really great.


Special A

I just discovered this series just last Saturday. It was awful of me not to be able to have started this one. I really enjoyed the episodes I was able to watch last Saturday. It was really a funny series. And I really like Kei Takishima, he’s such a bomb. Poor him, he fell for the seemingly eternal dense Hikari. But they do look great together. I like this series because I can relate to it. It’s in a high school setting in Hakusen Academy, the most prestigious school in Japan. Here, the students are divided from A to F depending on their grades. Those that belong to A are called S.A. Kei firmly holding the top position and Hikari being the second forever.

Hikari and Kei have been rivals according to Hikari who never stops at any rate to challenge him. But at any rate, she always ends up losing to Kei. Kei on the other had continues to bug her a lot. I really like how the competition works for their relationship as friends and as lovers. I used to have a somewhat similar experience in high school. There used to be this guy classmate who bugs me a lot and we were rivals but we weren’t exactly the first and second in the curriculum. But we were still bitter rivals until now. Anyway, I’m loving this series and I’m really loving Kei as well.

The Scoundrel


I haven’t had the pleasure in the presence of a guy named Kennedy. He’s been out doing some rude and unacceptable things ever since he came out crashing my peaceful existence. The latest was him having me to do his stupid speech as the guest speaker in his old elementary school. I was fooled again by the same old damn guy who’s been doing the same to me all along. I was silly for letting someone like him make me his errand girl for everything he can’t do. I wasn’t supposed to help him that time. But he already accepted because I already agreed.

But then, he made a fool out of me again. This time, I cannot forgive him anymore. Besides, how could you forgive someone who never apologizes? He was never the kind to say sorry and atone for his mistakes. He did say sorry once. I was just about to finish his stupid speech when he sent me a message telling he backed out. I was so pissed off; I’d really want to slap him hard in the face. He said some unintelligent and obvious lies like he needs to know his priorities and that he’s busy with his review. Heck, like he just started his review yesterday. And all he could say to me was his thank you. I don’t need his thank you; he can have it all to himself. I just happen to have my time and efforts wasted again on him. And he wasn’t able to think of this, my time and efforts. How naïve and dense could he ever get?


Come to think of it, if he was actually a friend he would have thought of not wasting my time before he did that. I should have known, he could never actually do that. It’s just not his way of doing. He’s scared to death just to stand in a crowd and talk. I’ve done enough and I’ve had enough. I’m pretty sure he’d never felt any pang of regret to any of his doings. He’ll never be going to feel like something is odd. He’ll never be able to notice anything. Because he’s a toad; a scoundrel; a bad ass who never felt anything. This is my last time being nice to him. It’s going to end here.

Star Crossed Lovers by Duke Ellington

This is the favorite song of Hajime from South of the Border,West of the Sun by Haruki Murakami.I really like this jazz song now. I used to wonder what the song was like when I'm reading South of the Border,West of the Sun. Now, I know why Hajime likes this song a lot.

Commemorating Heath Ledger’s Unending Flair and Cleverness

In Tuesday’s replay of the 81st Academy Awards shown at Studio 23, I was more excited to watch the awards night this time. I was waiting for the awarding of the Oscar Best Supporting Actor. In January, I first heard about Heath Ledger’s Academy Award best supporting actor nomination for The Dark Knight. I really wished in the depths of my heart that he will win it. He deserves the nomination more than anyone else. Not because he’s not with us here anymore. But because his performance as the menacing Joker will go down the history of cinema as one of the best big screens villains. And arguably one of the best performances of an actor that ever graced the movie screens. He definitely has left us a legacy as one of the best actors in his generation.


I was rejoicing for the sweep win of Danny Boyle’s Slumdog Millionaire because I really fell in love with the movie even though I haven’t seen The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, The Reader, Milk and Frost Nixon. I’m sure each of the other nominees for best picture is beautiful in their own right. I already knew that Heath Ledger won because I saw the live forecast on Monday and he deserved it in an utmost manner. But the feeling was really overpowering on Tuesday when I exactly saw Kevin Kline presented him the best supporting actor.


“ This striking film images, perhaps the most unforgettable is that of a man with his face smeared with a clown make- up ; gleefully spitting his head out of a speeding car; relishing in the night wind and reveling in the chaos he has unleashed on the streets of Gotham City. “


"Menacing, mercurial, droll and diabolical," co-presenter Kevin Kline summarized as he listed Ledger among the supporting actor nominees.


“Heath Ledger as the Joker in the Dark Knight kept us all on edge anxious to see what act of falling mischief he might commit next with his revering performance as well as a wide range of other roles to which he put his unique signature. Heath Ledger has left us an original and enduring legacy. “


I was crying then when his parents, Kim Ledger and Sally Bell with his sister Kate Ledger walked up the stage to accept his award in behalf of his daughter Matilda.


“This is ever so humbling being in such wonderful people in a wonderful industry. Firstly, we’d like to thank the academy for recognizing our son’s amazing work, Warner Bros. and Christopher Nolan in particular for allowing Heath the creative license to develop and explore this crazy Joker character. To Steve Alexander, Heath’s mentor, special friend and agent for 10 years. We Love you Steve.

"This award tonight would have humbly validated Heath's quiet determination to be truly accepted by you all here, his peers, within an industry he so loved," Kim Ledger said.


“Heath was such a compassionate and genuine soul. He rendered so much excitement and inspiration in our lives. We have been truly overwhelmed with the honor and respect being bestowed upon him with this award. Tonight, we are choosing to celebrate and be happy with what he has achieved, “Sally Bell said.


“Heath, we both knew what you had created in the Joker was extraordinary special and had even talked about being here on this very day. We really wished you were but we proudly accept this award in behalf of your beautiful daughter Matilda, Kate Ledger said.


I knew Heath Ledger would win the Oscar Best Supporting Actor. God didn’t allow anything to interfere with Heath Ledger’s win. Because God knew that he really was meant for it whether he’s still with us here or not. I have high respects for anyone who has gotten nominated at the Oscars. Therefore, I have high respects as well for Heath Ledger’s co-nominees. But they themselves had put their faith in Heath to win the plum award.

I just really wish he was there on stage to accept the award he really worked hard for. I wished I heard him say his acceptance speech and how thrilled he was to be bestowed with this kind of honor. I’m sure he will be in absolute happiness. But even though he was just watching from above, I know and we know his fans and the people who love him that he’s extremely happy with the tribute and reverence by the people and his peers for him. We know you know we love you dearly. You will always be a part of our lives. We will never forget you Heath Ledger.

Remembering Heath Ledger

It’s been a year and people still just can’t accept the fact that he is forever gone. The shock is still there from the first time we heard about the incident. He doesn’t deserve it of course, but I’m sure wherever he is, he is now in a better and happier place. I’m sure he’s smiling at us from above right now. Because people don’t seem to forget who he was and who he is.

Since the release of the Dark Knight in July last year, critics and audiences alike have been giving him accolade from here and there. It would have been a lot better if he was here hearing those accolades himself. If it was actually him who was receiving those awards from respected award giving bodies. It was no doubt one of his best performances ever in his successful career. Just like what the saying goes, “Save the best for last “. It was his last performance and truly one of his best.

At the height of the awards season, here comes the Oscars. He is indeed nominated for Best Supporting Actor for his role as the Joker in the Dark Knight. He already won in the Golden Globes and I really pray and hope he will take the Oscars. I don’t think there’s anyone who could match up to his performance among the nominees for the best supporting category. I’m not saying Robert Downey or Phillip Seymour Hoffman didn’t do great but performance wise, it should really be Heath Ledger. I’m not saying they should make him win because he’s gone. They should make him win and he should win because he should really win. So here I am, asking and pleading for God for a wish to come true. Tomorrow, it will be known if my wish and most people’s wish came true.

To Heath, wherever you are the, people who loves you and your fans will miss you forever and remember you always. You are the best and you are the winner with or without a trophy. You will be with us for as long as we live.

February 13, Friday

Proceed or Suspend


It’s raining hard outside now. What if some unearthly creature called “shinigami” or death god came to me one day. And he looks stunningly just like Chiba, Takeshi Kaneshiro’s role in Sweet Rain. (I’d die in his arms, hehe in my wildest dreams) Chiba is a rain man because it rains hard when he’s around. Serious talking here, what if Chiba indeed comes to Manila and I’m his current subject. He will have to decide if I live or die.

A shinigami’s job is to decide whether this certain life of a person is worthy of death. They don’t deal with suicides and illnesses, only those that are foretold. They go to funerals but only those cases of children because children don’t understand many things. They choose either to “suspend “or “proceed”. Suspend means that that person’s life has been chosen to continue for it hasn’t fulfilled its purpose just yet. Proceed means that that life is without a doubt worthy of death for it has fulfilled its purpose already.

Chiba’s first subject is a 27 year old female office worker named Kazue Fujiki. Fujiki thinks that there is nothing good in her life. When she was little, her parents died from a car accident. The couple who took her in died as well from a fire. And her boyfriend died in a car accident too. She herself has been thinking a lot about death and that she wants to perish just like them. Then Chiba came to her life and she seemed to have some hope alive again. But then we know what Chiba’s purpose after all, that is to judge whether she dies or she lives by making contact with her. Fujiki has been receiving these weird calls from a stalker who wants to her voice. Surprisingly, that weird caller is a music producer who is looking for new talents and he happened to like her voice. When Chiba saw this and found out that her voice is special, he decided to suspend and that way she lives. Because a singing career might be the fulfillment of her life’s purpose.

His second subject is a male 40 year old yakuza leader Fujita. Fujita wants to take revenge to Kuriki, another yakuza leader who killed Fujita’s boss some time ago. Chiba came to the picture as an informant who knows the whereabouts of Kuriki. Unknown to him, his most trusted ally Akutsu was sent by Kuriki’s gang to keep an eye on him to kill him at the right time. Fujita was tricked that there is a certain meeting but it turned out to be a plot to corner and kill him finally. Akutsu, who looks at Fujita like an older brother decides to ask Chiba’s help only for them to get caught. Fujita came to save Akutsu but it wasn’t him who died there but Kuriki. But Chiba has decided to proceed for Fujita to die in a car accident.

And his last subject is a 70 year old hairdresser who lives near the sea. Chiba came to get his hair cut but unexpectedly, the old woman knows what he really is. She lost her husband and she abandoned her son for fear that anyone she loves will die. She already has a grandson but she doesn’t want to meet the 7 year old boy. So she asked Chiba’s help to gather some 7 year old boys to get a haircut for free the day after tomorrow. There was this particular boy who wanted to pay. She knew exactly then who among those boys was her grandson. Incidentally, the woman’s son is Akutsu the former yakuza member. That means this woman is Kazue Fujiki. And so Fujiki and Chiba met again. She said she has no regrets and that she can die anytime. And for the very first time, Chiba has seen a real blue sky. He now seemed to understand what Fujiki meant that a life maybe ordinary but important just like the rising of the sun.

Kazue Fujiki has made her purpose. She became a singer and she had a family and a son. She might have abandoned her son but she is already forgiven. She finally meets her grandson and she has find complete peace at last. Akutsu is Fujiki’s son who she abandoned when his father dies when he was little. He became the closest ally to Fujita, a yakuza and came to know how to live again. When Fujita died, he renewed his life carrying on what Fujita has taught him about life and built his own family.

We may never know when our time is, but what’s important is that we make our everyday as worthy as the life that was bestowed on us. Do what we have wanted to do. Be happy and find contentment in life in ways that we feel secured. Forgive and forget. Let go and move on. Move forward and find that star that will shine on us alone. And if we do, we will be that star that will shine for them alone as well. And if we get a “proceed” in that fateful time, we have live with no regrets and will leave with no regrets. Don’t forget to live.

A Stranger Calls


A stranger called me on Tuesday night, January 20. I was then busy doing something when I heard the phone ringing. I knew there’s someone downstairs so I don’t really bother to answer the phone. And it didn’t even come to me that it might be him calling. When I was told that the call was for me, still it didn’t occur to me that it could really be him. I answered the phone and when no one answered, I knew immediately it was him. He was the only person I know who’s like that. But I really thought it was Jacky.

To be honest, I really didn’t feel anything at all. I wasn’t happy nor was I sad or angry. I used to be so excited whenever the phone rings expecting it was him calling. But that call really had a different feel for me. I still talk to him the way I used to. I don’t know if I’m being judgmental and unfair to think that he only called to remind me of my debt. But I always think of him this way.

Then he suddenly blurted that he didn’t know I went home to the province. To top it all, he even said why I didn’t even told him I was going home. Should I? And I doubt it because Joanne told me once that Fabio and he went to her place. Joanne even asked if they’re going to my place which they answered maybe next time. So how could he not know I was there? He just really didn’t pay any attention or they had no plans at all. Well it didn’t really matter to me whether they did come or not. What matters is he’s lying again in my face.

I just gave his sister the payment for the rest of my debt. His sister told me I could have just gone to their place. She even asked me if the reason why I gave the payment to her instead of him was because I don’t want to see her brother. I was really caught off guard by what Ading said because she was damn right.

As days pass, he just might become stranger and stranger to me. I’m not sure if I still can remain friends with someone who only toys with someone else’s feelings. Maybe we’re just supposed to be mere strangers to each other. That way, we’ll be well again.

My Chinese New Year Experience

I went to Ongpin last Saturday, January 24 particularly to look for some Takeshi Kaneshiro movies. I was with my Mom who I asked to accompany me because I might get lost. Well, we kind of got lost getting to Ongpin.

We continued to walk through the narrow streets of Ongpin. People were everywhere in Binondo, pure Chinese; half- Chinese or non – Chinese. I myself happen to have bought lucky charms. Besides, I’m part Chinese and it’s really nothing new to me as my relatives and my family has been following some Chinese traditions.

Back to what my real purpose in coming to Ongpin, I finally saw the sign of Mei-Ah Vcd Shop. I hurriedly went to the shop and looked for Chinese movies of Takeshi Kaneshiro. Unfortunately, they don’t have Chinese movies. But they do have wide selections of Korean, Taiwanese and Chinese series like in Hidalgo in Quiapo. They also have animes which I love as well and music albums. I may not have bought something but I definitely will come back, besides they sell DVD’s on a lesser price. I ended up buying at the store next to it which I think is another branch of Mei-Ah. Luckily, I saw Golden Bowl; one of Takeshi Kaneshiro’s Japanese series. And I also bought A Moment to Remember and Strawberry on the Shortcake.

I really wanted to see a real dragon dance. I did saw the dragon mascot but they weren’t performing yet because it was still Saturday. I really love the colors around the place. The different colors of boxes of Tikoy, red lanterns, gold and others bright colors of lucky charms. Although my family doesn’t actually follow the Chinese New Year, I like Tikoy very much, I believe in feng shui and lucky charms and I like how Chinese celebrates the New Year uniquely. Because, you see I’m 40% Chinese and 60% Filipino. My Dad is 75% Chinese from his mestiso father and pure Chinese mother. My Mom on the other hand is pure Filipino from Lucban, Quezon. So I really have a taste of the Chinese culture and tradition. During All Soul’s Day, my family lit incenses for our departed elders and we burn the so called Chinese money. And we lit big red candles with dragon designs. This is how we pay respects to our elders.

I’m proud of my Chinese blood, as you know Chinese are known for being patient, persistent and hard working. Chinese are very artsy and we have a very beautiful ancient culture. This must also be the reason why I like Chinese movies particularly that of Mr. Kaneshiro of course. I really love classical Chinese music as well with ethnic instruments which one can never hear in others. It’s just perfectly distinctive. I was really captivated of Shigeru Umebayashi’s score of House of Flying Daggers, one of my favorite movies ever.

The Chinese people, wherever you looked always have that exclusive trait and culture that only them can call their rightful own. Filipinos should learn from them.

God Please Give Me More Time / Precious Time

The series aired its last episode tonight. Starring Takeshi Kaneshiro as Keigo Ishikawa and Kyoko Fukada as Masaki Kano. It tells the story of a 16 year old girl Masaki who sold her body to earn cash to buy a concert ticket of the famous singer – composer Keigo Ishikawa. She’s a die hard fan of Keigo, she even followed his car on the rain to show a banner saying “I love Keigo “. She had a one night stand with Keigo but unfortunately she has already been inflicted with HIV virus from the man she sold her body to.

Eventually, she learned that she’s HIV positive. She develops a close friendship with Keigo from then on. He on the other hand is still haunted by the death of his former girl friend Lisa who died from labor and their child. He remained good close friend to Masaki despite knowing that she’s HIV positive. He continued to motivate her and console her when she needs someone to understand her. In due course, he fell in love with her as well.

Things seemed to be going well. Keigo and Masaki have agreed that she’ll go with him to New York. However, Kaoru (Lisa’s sister) told Masaki that Keigo already left in an earlier flight. Masaki was in deep despair but she went on to live her life without Keigo. After 3 years, Keigo came back to Japan for a tour and saw Masaki again. They rekindled the relationship that was stalled by consequences. What seemed to be a happy moment for the two was wrecked by the news that Masaki’s condition has fully developed into AIDS.

She later on became pregnant of Keigo’s baby. Thus causing more danger to her because the baby might inherit her disease or she might die from labor. The baby was born and they could be any happier but Masaki went into coma. Later on, Masaki regained her some strength and managed to still see Sachi grow and marry Keigo. She died after marrying Keigo leaving him and their daughter Sachi.


This Japanese series is one of the best I’ve ever seen. Not only because it has Takeshi Kaneshiro on the lead. But because it’s so true that you can’t help but feel the same for them. It’s extremely sad and brilliant. I’ve never seen a story like this. So riveting and infectious that I cry almost every time when watching it. I was so affected and I desperately wanted a happy ending for them. But that is not life; it’s not always a happy ending.

I really love how it made the connection between Keigo and Masaki so genuine. The things they had to go through, how far they went to be like this, what’s it like to be in those situations. It melts my heart how love can go ahead of almost everything. It just shows between Keigo and Masaki the way how love should be spoken, heard, or done. And how we should embrace life after a loss and understand that we were actually very blessed.

This made me admire and love Takeshi Kaneshiro a lot more. He perfectly showed an award worthy performance as Keigo. He just had this really enormous strong presence as Keigo. It felt like I was there witnessing a real situation. It felt so real and so melting. He portrayed a very genuine acting that you could almost feel like consoling him right then and there. He was at his best or one of his best in this series. I also commend Kyoko Fukada for displaying immense melancholia as Masaki.

If it was made into a movie, I’m sure it would be critically acclaimed, awarded and a box office hit. I definitely recommend this series and it’s indeed one of the best series ever made or ever graced the television.

Lovers by Kathleen Battle
Soundtrack for the movie House of Flying Daggers

Takeshi Kaneshiro on CNN Talk Asia

Illumination

I took this photo on Dec. 24, 08 inside the church while waiting for the mass to begin. I was with my Mom and my third brother.

It’s pleasant to see the light shining in deep darkness. There’s always something to smile about.

Fisher folks

After the mass, I and my brother went to walk near the sea shore. We went to see if the fishermen were already raking in their harvests.

I remember, we used to have a banca when I was younger. It’s nice seeing people working together for one good cause.

I took this photo on
Dec. 28, 08.

Sad Beginning

I took this picture with my phone from our window on Dec. 28, 08 at 7:06 in the morning. I and my brother were getting ready to attend a mass.

Upset at the Lakeshore

I was on my way home to Claveria on December 20, 2008. I boarded an RCJ bus that will depart at 8:30 PM. I was early when I arrive at the terminal but as usual, the bus left 30 minutes after 8:30 PM. I didn’t actually notice that the air con wasn’t working already. Since I don’t really like the bus to get too cold, I paid no attention.

We were in Pampanga; I don’t exactly know the particular place. The bus stopped at a petron station maybe to fill some gasoline. Unfortunately, we ended up staying there for the next three hours. Then I suddenly felt how hot it was inside the bus so I went out to pee. I went back to the bus and started reading Sputnik Sweetheart but I couldn’t concentrate. I then went on to buy some drink. I sat outside the convenience store and started reading again but I still can’t get myself to focus. I then pulled a chair and placed it under the streetlight. I began reading and it was just perfect. I almost finished the book, leaving only two chapters left but still no sign that we could already leave. Actually, the bus was waiting for another bus to give them some help with the problem. That’s why it’s taking them this long to fix it.

It’s already dawn of December 21 and we were still there. I think it was already 12:00 AM. I closed the book and went to buy a cup of coffee. I sat there just sipping my coffee, looking at the road and the cars passing by leaving us to where we’re left high and dry.

How I met Takeshi Kaneshiro

I met Takeshi Kaneshiro through my third brother who mentioned to me the Zhang Yimou Oscar and Golden Globe nominated movie, House of Flying Daggers. I was aware of the movie but I only knew that Zhang Ziyi is one of the leads. But I haven’t watched the movie so he bought a pirated DVD.

I first saw him in Precious Time, a super hit Japanese tv series and I thought he was that other guy from Meteor Garden, but I was wrong cause he is way way hotter. But he seems really familiar to me. I got hooked on the series and him after watching the 2nd episode. And I even got more in love with him after watching House of Flying Daggers. I love him. I really really love him!

Quintessential Man
Takeshi Kaneshiro

“I’m a free spirit, like the wind always moving.
The wind never thinks too much. “

“A playful wind stops at will. “

“I’m like the wind, I come and go without a trace. “

*****
I just look at him and everything sad goes away.

December 30, 2008

No Show

It’s been a week since I arrived and I haven’t heard or seen any of him. Unlike last year when out of nowhere he and his best friend came to my family house. For what reason,I really don’t have any idea or whatsoever. That was in December 23, 2007. He and Fabio were on a motorcycle. He was absolutely not the one who’s driving ofcourse. Well, I actually didn’t expect him to show up again on the same day since it was really out of the picture.

Saturday, December 27, 2008 – seven of our common classmates / my friends came to my family house. Just to hang around and eat. Since they didn’t attend the alumni homecoming in Trade, they instead came to me. It was only Jacky who attended the homecoming. I actually wanted to attend but what stop me is the thought that I might be seeing him and her there. And another was that, the weather has been really cold and chilly as always.


Rosalie told me that Fabio and he went to Sanchez Mira. Again, for what reason I really don’t want to know. His at his own ever since and it’s got nothing to do with me. We were never actually friends. And that we have really different ideals and principles. To be honest, I practically didn’t expect him to greet me on Christmas Eve, but he did. So I just had to do what I should do and greeted him back.


Teaser for my New Year’s resolution is that I’ll be a no show to any things that he’s involved. And that I hoped he will be a no show to me at all after I’m done with what I owe him.