Art at the Wright Park

I’m not some kind of an artsy person. I really don’t know anything about arts or paintings per se. When I was in Baguio, I saw this really pretty painting lined up in a corner as we were on our way back from The Mansion. Rhea did some bargain talk to the artist; we ended up buying each for us for a very reasonable price.

I don’t know the title of the painting. I don’t remember asking the artist and him telling me. I quickly picked the one out of ordinary. The dominant colors is gray, I really like how it feels so mysterious. I also liked what Rhea has chosen, but I’ve seen lots of those kinds already. It was actually my first time to buy a painting. It’s not for me though; I’ll give it to my Mom. It would look nice as an interior décor at home.

Everyday Trekking in Baguio

I had my very first vacation outside my home town. I was in Baguio during the holy week with Rhea. I’m used to traveling alone, but I’m not that accustomed in Baguio yet. I don’t remember going there or maybe I was just too young then to remember. We almost didn’t make it, it was quite late when we finally decided to pursue with the plan. We didn’t have problem with the tickets, the problem is with the accommodation. We were only lucky to have found a cheap transient house.

We were there for four days. It rained in the afternoon on our first day, so we ended up going home early. We went to Mines View Park; Wright Park; The Mansion; Camp John Hay; Crystal Cave; Easter Weaving; Baguio Cathedral; Burnham Park; Bell Church; Strawberry Farm and Tam-Awan Village.

I’m used to walking but in Baguio, it’s a different matter. I guess people there might already leg muscles. The roads and the streets are all in an upslope. It’s like you’re trekking everyday. It’s really tiring to walk when you’re going up of course. But I love the air, so clean, fresh and cool. Though at lunch until the afternoon, it’s quite hot.

I tried some of the local restaurants there. Rhea was on a fasting mood so I ate alone. I ordered boneless bangus and samurai crepe on the day of Friday in Zola. The food was fine; I like the interior of the resto. I don’t really like the red color but I appreciate the red in Zola and the lighting too. I ordered the next day at Sizzling Plate a porterhouse that was too much for me. It was my first time splurging on food so expensive like this. It was good, could have been better if I ate it hot. The interior was some kind of a cowboy inspired look.

Let’s talk about stairs. I don’t even remember how many steps have I climbed. I was too tired to even count. My legs were extremely taking its toll on me. We first had to climb a stair at the Baguio Cathedral. To our dismay, we later found out that there was an easier way without climbing the stairs. But the hardest was when we were to climb the stairs at Lourdes Grotto and the fact that it was raining made it twice as hard. It seemed to be our sacrifice.

It felt nice doing that for my self. I’ve always wanted to go on some traveling. From time to time, I’m going to have some trips outside the city; if my finances and my schedule permit me to do so. I would love to have my next stop at Puerto Galera.

It’s really beautiful in Baguio despite the increase of the population there. I wished I could have studied there. It’s really relaxing and calming to live there than here in Manila. It was a nice trip for me; I enjoyed every part of it and Rhea’s company of course.

One Half (Yi Ban) - Jerry Yan

Hot Shot Soundtrack

(Photo by Janice Sabnal )
article.wn.com

Summer Rain

I hate the rain. But I also hate the sun. People just couldn’t get enough, do they? It’s been raining since I got back from Baguio last 13. This is so unusual in the Philippines especially in Manila, to be raining like this in summer. Is this another sign of global warming are we seeing? I don’t really remember having summer here where it’s raining. I honestly think, this is only happening now.

Like I said, I hate the rain especially when the city goes flooded. How can I even manage to go home, without letting my feet get dip in dirty canal water? That’s just gross. It really sucks when it floods. It happens all the time, more so when it rains hard or when there’s a typhoon. Then I see kids at our neighborhood enjoying the rain, and the flood that instantly became their public swimming pool. The kids are enjoying along with floating cockroaches and rats on the road.

However, I’m not saying that I like the sun. I don’t like the sun either and its scorching heat. It’s really a pain whenever its summer here especially in Manila. Thank God, I had the chance to go to Baguio and have a breather from the sweltering heat in the metro. I love Baguio; it’s really nice to live there. Besides, it’s nearer to my province. I even thought of relocating there, if there will be chances. I’d definitely love to go back especially when it’s really hot in Manila.

Summer Rain, this might be the first time I’d ever experience such summer in Manila. It’s really weird to be seeing rain, even floods in a season we call summer. Perhaps, we should change how we call it then. Maybe we should just call it the Summer Rain season.

The Red Shield

The Red Shield, a righteous term to describe this awesome vintage car. I got the term from Blood +, wherein Red Shield is a powerful organization in pursuit of Chiropterans. Anyway, we’re not in pursuit of Chiropterans here; instead we’re in pursuit of nice cars.

We accidentally saw this car, while walking along Session Road in Baguio. It might belong to a restaurateur, who owns one of the establishments along Session Road. It was really striking; we couldn’t resist not taking pictures of it. The guy’s got such a nice looking car I’ve ever seen. I could only dream. I’m not really a car junkie kind of person. I’m not into cars or any that involves auto mechanics. But I just really find this car to be so beautiful. To whoever who owns it, he must be rich and lucky.

April 25, 2009
2:00 AM

Two in the Morning

I’m writing this at exactly 2:00 AM. As to why I’m still up, I just feel like doing it. It’s been a while since I’ve been up this late. I’m still awake even though I have to go to work tomorrow. Besides, I don’t need to go early cause it’s a Saturday. Plus the fact that I hate going to work on Saturdays, but oh well I don’t have a choice. It may seem like my punishment for my absenteeism last April 13. What’s done is done.

I’ve been busying myself at this wee hour watching Blood + Episode 23, which I missed earlier during Studio 23 primetime. I’ve been taking pictures of Haji by pausing the episodes and taking a close good shot of him with my phone. You see, I love this guy a lot; more than I do with the real bastard one.

It’s just real quiet at this hour and I really liked it. I don’t work in a call center but I’m used to this type of sleeping habit. And I just love to be alone at times, in this quiet hour in the comfort of my very own sanctuary. My mind tends to wander at these times.

I remember, I’ve been wondering for almost the whole day; if someone has been bothered these past few weeks. But I guess, he isn’t bothered at all. I’m sure by the way I know him, he’ll just call it nothing out of ordinary. Anyway, I don’t have any business with him anymore. I just hope it will stay like this permanently.

I will likely end this night with a few pages of Norwegian Wood, which I’m rereading now. I’ve always done this at night especially during Friday nights. I’d stay up as late as 4:00 AM just with the pleasure of my book. So from here on, I guess I’m about to take some few pages and sleep. So I’m off.

Two in a Row


It’s been two years since I graduated college. Looking back, I couldn’t help but feel discontented and disgusted about myself and what I’ve really become. We were rooted with the notion that, if you graduate with honors in college; things will open much better for you. But they were wrong and we were wrong to believe such a false predicament. With all the discrimination surrounding in this crappy country, it wasn’t as easy as they wanted us to think it will be. I hate it when I see some ads that say, “WE PREFER GRADUATES OF LA SALLE, ATENEO, UP “. I really hate it, sure I wanted to get to UP then and I had nothing against these schools. However, this is a form of ridicule. I mean, how can someone get a fair chance; when at the start you’ve been put down already? Another scenario, when a clever kid from a not – so high end school luckily landed a job in super elite company; the discrimination is all over him. Just being with people from the Big 3; seniors and others; and the way they look at you is nothing but mockery.

My official first taste was as an Events and Communication Assistant in a health related company in Makati. I did like the work and I found most people there to be really nice and accommodating for an amateur like me. I’ve never really been someone who’s headstrong and beaming with overzealous confidence. But they were really friendly to me, especially Ate Irene, Kuya Bombet and Ms. Leizel. I had a good time staying with their company except for one. I really like my job, I get to write with the newsletter, although it’s wasn’t really rigorous writing but I like it. And, I get to exercise my lay outing skills. Apart from these, I do events once in a while. It was practically just me most of the time. I only get some help with Ms. Leizel and Kuya Noel but majority was all upon me. But then, one couldn’t be so happy.

I spent two months finding a replacement job. I did get to be accepted in a certain company, but I just had this nagging feeling that something wasn’t right. Then I finally landed a job in a public relations firm. At first, everything seemed to be doing well because everything was so new to me. I didn’t really care much about politics then. This was really at par with my previous work. But this work made me more aware about politics and media; it wasn’t actually a bad thing at all. However, after a year or so; it just really started to be just the same. I feel as if I’m walking on circles, not knowing where I’m headed. I’m really no better, I’m no good. I’m not even sure of what I’ve actually become. I’ve never even practiced my writing for the past year. I’ve been stagnant; I don’t think I’m ever using my head anymore. I’m not reaching my full capacity and the worse, I stopped learning and developing. Let’s just say, I’m bored as if I’m getting swallowed by a big shadow. Although, I also had bored sessions then but not really like this. Maybe I’m just looking for some adventure but neither am I looking for torture.

On one side, I’m not saying I don’t like my work now. I’m okay but I’m no better. I also like the people here a lot; they seem to be like a new family. I get some extra pay once in a while and I’m not just talking about over time. Although it still isn’t enough, this is beside the point. However, I know it would really help a lot. They’re really good to me particularly boss number 2. Even though he isn’t boss number one; B2 is the most generous and nicest among them. Unlike the previous one I had who wasn’t approachable in any way. However, I have to admit a fact, I think I like my old job better. I just need to be honest with myself but I like the people here better. That maybe because, were just five in the firm; unlike my previous work wherein where like 25 or something.

I honestly feel like I should do something else, other than what I’m doing now. I’m not even sure if I should start looking for a new job right now. Maybe, it could do better if I do get in that freelance writing job I applied. I just hope they call soon for the orientation. I hope I’m not getting my hopes wasted. I’m sure it will perk up my senses; my head; my body and my dormant being. If I can’t enroll this year for masterals, I might as well just enroll for a language course or some photography; writing workshops I could find. If I can’t find any chance of development in my work now, then I’ll just have to find something on my own.

I just feel so worthless at times. I think this life is stupid. I just have to do something. Something that I’m not doing as of the moment.

Kei and Hikari

2 April 09

S.A.

Special A, I’ve discovered this anime series quite late on tv5. I wasn’t able to start the series; I think the episode I first saw was episode 16 or something. It’s almost nearing the end of the series. However, I immediately fell in love with the series despite not being able to watch the first episodes. The series is so wacky, funny, and romantic all at the same time. And I really like the characters especially Kei Takishima, one of the main protagonists in the series. I can really relate to him, we’re alike in almost all possible ways. He’s cold, quiet, stoic, mysterious, confident and devoted independent teen who sneers a lot, and can be a bully. I on the other hand, also quite cold, mysterious, stoic, devoted but I don’t sneer and I’m not a bully. Well he’s actually the bully.

It’s a story of rivalry and how you find love in it. Hikari is a daughter of a chief carpenter who’s been brought up to be almost good at anything she gets into. From sports to academics and anything she could want to be involved with. Her father is an avid wrestling fan who’s friends with Satoro Takishima, the Chairman of the Takishima Group who is also Kei’s father. Satoro introduced Kei to Hikari and thus began the rivalry between Kei and Hikari. Hikari challenged Kei to a wrestling match only to be beaten up badly by Kei. Since then, Hikari had sworn to herself that she will never give up until she beats Kei. She even enrolled at Hakusen Academy, the most prestigious school in Japan just to tail Kei.


In Hakusen, Kei is the top student in the whole school and Hikari is second. Kei loves to call her Miss Rank Two. The top seven students are called S.A. However, unknown to Hikari, Kei has been in love with her since they were kids. A known fact that Kei doesn’t deny and that six of the other S.A. members are aware of. Hikari, being the dense that she is, couldn’t even notice Kei’s feelings towards her despite his cool and cold bullying manner to her at times. He never did try to confess to Hikari because he knows she won’t understand it.


I did have almost the same experience in high school. We didn’t have an S.A. class with only the top seven students, but we did have a star section wherein I and this boy were members. There’s this boy who’s not from my neighborhood but became my enemy or rival in academics, sports and extracurricular. We weren’t the first and second in the whole school respectively. During freshman year, he was actually ahead of me. He was fourth while I finished sixth during the end of the school year. But it wasn’t until we were in our sophomore year that things started to heat up between us. He became really talkative and annoying. He’s bursting with confidence like he’s the most handsome and most intelligent teen around in school. During sophomore year, things turned around in favor of my side. That’s when I started to beat him in academics, sports and extracurricular activities. I finished fifth and he was eight I guess. We were like cats and dogs. Always barking at each other every time we cross paths. I don’t know what’s wrong with him but it’s me who he teases a lot and bullies if you might call that bullying. He really was getting to my nerves then and I almost hated him for that.

While Kei and Hikari were childhood friends, I and that boy weren’t. The foundation of Kei and Hikari’s relationship friendly or romantic is so well cultivated, that they came to know and trust each other really well. Unlike us, we just met on our freshman year and we didn’t actually become close or become friends for that matter. But like Kei, I sadly ended up developing feelings for that boy. And like Kei, I’m devoted to him to the point that when he needs help I’m there always. Like Kei, I never got the nerves to confess because I’m sure the feelings not the same. But unlike Kei, Hikari loves him but she just doesn’t know how to deal with it. Like Kei, the girl he loves is so dense that she notices the unimportant things and not the important things. Like Kei, I was and am a martyr. Like Kei, I become extremely happy when he shows even the most minor kindness.

I’m Kei you see and he is Hikari. He didn’t actually challenged me to contests then, but we constantly argue as to who is better and more clever. He kept on insisting that he’s better than me at anything. He pisses me off almost everyday of our high school life as classmates. Like Hikari said to Kei, Kei was the most irritating but the most intelligent person she ever met. I must admit, that boy was and is way better than me in numbers or in Chemistry and Physics. But I am and I was way better in others. And it’s a fact that he’s the most irritating person I’ve ever met, but not exactly the most intelligent until now. Although, he did have some similarities to Kei when it comes to being proud, bossy and loves to annoy me.


In the end, Hikari sees Kei as not only a rival but a special friend and the person that she loves. And that she will also protect him at all costs. Kei on the other hand, has long been in love with Hikari. And that he will stop at nothing just to protect and help her. Me, I’ve been truthful and helpful to him. I have always regarded him as someone special since junior year. However, he doesn’t see me the way like Hikari regards Kei. Unlike Kei and Hikari who treats each other in a special romantic way, we don’t. So we’re not going to end up like Kei and Hikari who found love along the way of their rivalry.

Even though how much hope I have, it’s never going to be like it. We’re never going that way, not like Kei and Hikari.

Music Video of Blood + especially dedicated to Haji and Saya fans with This Love by Angela Aki playing on the background. Another of my favorite anime's ever. One of the best I've ever seen or has ever been created. It's like a movie. And I love Haji very much.

Fan music video dedicated to Special A fans especially Kei and Hikari fans. I really liked this anime,so funny and romantic. I love Kei,sorry Hikari.

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.