New banners for 2010
Thursday, December 31, 2009
Top 5 Dramas of 2009 (Philippine Edition)
The jury is now out. 2009 has been quite the year for our local soaps as it is marked by several reimagined TV remakes as well as Twitter-worthy original dramas. IN no particular order, here's my list of my 5 top local dramas of the year.
1. Ikaw Sana (GMA)
A story of love amidst the turmoil, deception and betrayal. GMA madeits return to the traditional drama hour of the 6pm timeslot with its first set of soaps, All My Life and the follow up soap, Ikaw Sana. Nice to see Jennylyn Mercado and Mark Herras paired on screen again after quite a long time. Their acting have definetly improved since they started in the biz more than 6 years ago. Nice to see Pauleen Luna as well on the mix. Add to that is their supporting cast which provides much of the drama for the three major characters which Herras, Mercado and Luna portray.
2. May Bukas Pa (ABS-CBN)
A breather from the usual Philippine soap, MBP tells about a boy who is gifted with power of touching people's lives at a time of lost hope and sadness.
Similar in a way with an earlier series, "Mga Mata ni Anghelita", it has the same types of characters: the evil mayor, the gossiping kumares and the unbelieving townsfolk. What sets it apart is that the show takes on an episodic format with Santino, with the help of his father-figuring monk family as well as "Bro" helping a person in need. It also made a great display of human nature, how cruel and uncaring people can be but at the same time how willing they are to change for the better.
The show, still running for almost a year now is already reaching its saturation point. Hopefully, it will finally end its run in March 2010 giving a much needed break to the lead actor who portrays Santino.
3. Tayong Dalawa (ABS-CBN)
Tayong Dalawa, a show about paternal twin Amerasian brothers who were separated by birth, brought together by destiny and divided by their love over a single woman. Drama at its finest, the show is supported by an able-bodied cast from Cherry Pie Picache to Gina Pareno.
What I hate though was how the network promoted the series: using its supporting cast's achievements in their field of expertise. it kinda takes away the attention from what viewers should really focus on: The characters of JR and Dave, played by Gerald Anderson and Jake Cuenca respectively. The acting is superb, the writing is powerful and the execution admirable.
One thing that came out definitely was the hate of Kim Chiu's character, Audrey. Being the source of division between the brothers, some fans showed rejoice over her death on the second-to-the last episode of the series. Bad of them to do that but it became clear that TD ended on a very high note with one major cliffhanger that will most likely never going to explore.
Another cause of concern was its constant continuity errors with the characters' age. JR and Dave were born onscreen on 1992 in the series, but on the final episode where there was a scene showing Audrey's gravestone, it says she was born on 1984. That moment may have meant that the writers imposed SORAS (Soap Opera Rapid Aging Syndrome) to JR, Dave, Audrey, and the other younger characters, aging them by about 5 years.
Imagine JR and Dave, both finished military school, enlisted in the Army and made wedding vows to Audrey at the tender age of 17.
4. Stairway to Heaven (GMA)
Stairway to Heaven is the local adaptation of a popular Korean drama series. A story about love lost that was later found until it was too late. Starring Dingdong Dantes and Rhian Santos, the show made good of not depending too much on the premise of the original for which STH was based upon. Although I wasn't able to watch this show religiously, I keep myself updated through recaps. I could safely say that the show's ending best highlighted itself as a whole.
One thing bothers me though is that I'm a bit unsure of whether Dantes is actually good on playing the piano. His character's original portrayer, Kwon Sang Woo was actually seen playing the piano himself onscreen.
I doubt GMA's choice of casting Rhian Ramos as Jodi because I can't exactly see her as Jodi, especially with the age gap she has with Dingdong but she proved that she could portray any character with ease.
5. Only You (ABS-CBN)
Another series based on a Korean drama, Only You focuses on the life and cooking ambitions of the main character, Jillian (Angel Locsin), as she faces the spices of life with the support of her family and best friend, Jonathan (Diether Ocampo). Along the way, she met the love of her life, TJ (Sam Milby). That love bore fruit a son that Jillian solely took responsibility as a single mother, things of which went unknown to TJ until years later.
I like the fact that the show didn't exactly follow the same set of events from the original series, instead passing itself as something distinct, different and essentially Filipino and they passed it off with flying colors, much to viewers' delight. Only You for the most part, the unremake-ish of all the past remade soaps from any of the two major networks.
----------------
Here's hoping that the networks produce more original drama, and take the risk of not using the tried-and-tested formula of storytelling since viewers want more than just the same old-same old. Lessen the remakes, improve the sitcoms and put an end to this ridiculous network war.
1. Ikaw Sana (GMA)
A story of love amidst the turmoil, deception and betrayal. GMA madeits return to the traditional drama hour of the 6pm timeslot with its first set of soaps, All My Life and the follow up soap, Ikaw Sana. Nice to see Jennylyn Mercado and Mark Herras paired on screen again after quite a long time. Their acting have definetly improved since they started in the biz more than 6 years ago. Nice to see Pauleen Luna as well on the mix. Add to that is their supporting cast which provides much of the drama for the three major characters which Herras, Mercado and Luna portray.
2. May Bukas Pa (ABS-CBN)
A breather from the usual Philippine soap, MBP tells about a boy who is gifted with power of touching people's lives at a time of lost hope and sadness.
Similar in a way with an earlier series, "Mga Mata ni Anghelita", it has the same types of characters: the evil mayor, the gossiping kumares and the unbelieving townsfolk. What sets it apart is that the show takes on an episodic format with Santino, with the help of his father-figuring monk family as well as "Bro" helping a person in need. It also made a great display of human nature, how cruel and uncaring people can be but at the same time how willing they are to change for the better.
The show, still running for almost a year now is already reaching its saturation point. Hopefully, it will finally end its run in March 2010 giving a much needed break to the lead actor who portrays Santino.
3. Tayong Dalawa (ABS-CBN)
Tayong Dalawa, a show about paternal twin Amerasian brothers who were separated by birth, brought together by destiny and divided by their love over a single woman. Drama at its finest, the show is supported by an able-bodied cast from Cherry Pie Picache to Gina Pareno.
What I hate though was how the network promoted the series: using its supporting cast's achievements in their field of expertise. it kinda takes away the attention from what viewers should really focus on: The characters of JR and Dave, played by Gerald Anderson and Jake Cuenca respectively. The acting is superb, the writing is powerful and the execution admirable.
One thing that came out definitely was the hate of Kim Chiu's character, Audrey. Being the source of division between the brothers, some fans showed rejoice over her death on the second-to-the last episode of the series. Bad of them to do that but it became clear that TD ended on a very high note with one major cliffhanger that will most likely never going to explore.
Another cause of concern was its constant continuity errors with the characters' age. JR and Dave were born onscreen on 1992 in the series, but on the final episode where there was a scene showing Audrey's gravestone, it says she was born on 1984. That moment may have meant that the writers imposed SORAS (Soap Opera Rapid Aging Syndrome) to JR, Dave, Audrey, and the other younger characters, aging them by about 5 years.
Imagine JR and Dave, both finished military school, enlisted in the Army and made wedding vows to Audrey at the tender age of 17.
4. Stairway to Heaven (GMA)
Stairway to Heaven is the local adaptation of a popular Korean drama series. A story about love lost that was later found until it was too late. Starring Dingdong Dantes and Rhian Santos, the show made good of not depending too much on the premise of the original for which STH was based upon. Although I wasn't able to watch this show religiously, I keep myself updated through recaps. I could safely say that the show's ending best highlighted itself as a whole.
One thing bothers me though is that I'm a bit unsure of whether Dantes is actually good on playing the piano. His character's original portrayer, Kwon Sang Woo was actually seen playing the piano himself onscreen.
I doubt GMA's choice of casting Rhian Ramos as Jodi because I can't exactly see her as Jodi, especially with the age gap she has with Dingdong but she proved that she could portray any character with ease.
5. Only You (ABS-CBN)
Another series based on a Korean drama, Only You focuses on the life and cooking ambitions of the main character, Jillian (Angel Locsin), as she faces the spices of life with the support of her family and best friend, Jonathan (Diether Ocampo). Along the way, she met the love of her life, TJ (Sam Milby). That love bore fruit a son that Jillian solely took responsibility as a single mother, things of which went unknown to TJ until years later.
I like the fact that the show didn't exactly follow the same set of events from the original series, instead passing itself as something distinct, different and essentially Filipino and they passed it off with flying colors, much to viewers' delight. Only You for the most part, the unremake-ish of all the past remade soaps from any of the two major networks.
----------------
Here's hoping that the networks produce more original drama, and take the risk of not using the tried-and-tested formula of storytelling since viewers want more than just the same old-same old. Lessen the remakes, improve the sitcoms and put an end to this ridiculous network war.
Top 5 Dramas of 2009 (US Edition)
2009 made a 360 degree turn with the way I observe my TV viewing habits. I immediately got hooked on a number of American TV serials starting with the 2008-2009 season, as well as shows from the current season. Here's my list of my 5 favorites in no particular order.
1. 90210 (The CW)
The fourth series of the Beverly Hills 90210 franchise and a direct continuation of its mother show, 90210 follows the lives of teenagers living in the promiscuous world of Beverly Hills. Its first season has been rocky, almost losing direction as tries to to be two different things.
But came in a new showrunner, and we saw a show no longer about the glitz and glamor found in the zip but dwelled more on the lives and relationships of its core characters: turmoil within the Wilsons, a drug relapse, a perky girl's spiralled isolation, a torned sister, and a mother's lasting redemption.
With the teen drama reaching creative highs this year, here's hoping it finally found its place in the TV world.
If you wanna live in the zip, you got to live by the code.
2. Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles (FOX)
I'm very picky when it comes to sci fi serials. For one thing, it's hard for me to keep myself interested with such shows, from Star Trek TNG to Earth's Final Conflict to The X Files. What made TSCC stand out from the rest is its subtle and careful way of storytelling.
Being set in an alternate universe after the events of T2, the show saw the potential of developing the Terminator mythology throughout the course of its second and final season. One notable element that made the show such a delight is its handling of character development which makes up much of the drama and tension of the series.
It tries as much as it could to not become one of those "Monster of the Week" shows, with a lone story arc given greater emphasis. One scene that really got to me was that mother-and-son moment between Lena Headey (Sarah) and Thomas Dekker (John), man did that broke me into tears.
Summer Glau, besides being very hot, is such an ice breaker while playing Cameron. Nuff said.
3. Guiding Light (CBS)
Well, I got to hand it to the guys from P&G. They made a soap opera addict out of me with GL although it's very unfortunate that I only got to enjoy this great show for over 7 months. Last September, the longest running scripted entertainment program end up its quarter century run in light of low ratings.
As a last-minute plan on saving the show, the producers made the drastic move a year before of using extensive outdoor locations, permanent sets and "shaky" hand-held cameras. the move granted them only a year to continue (which is 2009) but on April1, CBS decided to axe the show.
The soap, which is about the trials and tribulations of the core families living in the fictional Midwestern town of Springfield, kind of benefited with the change of its creative model. For one, it gave the characters more realism than other characters from the soap realm. Second it became a show about a community of friends, neighbors and ultimately, FAMILY. Third, it gave the world a dose of OTALIA, the lesbian supercouple with a heart and a soul! Very unfortunate that the cancellation brought to a disappointing halt of one of its then ongoing storylines but the finale gave us a somehow bittersweet yet satisfying conclusion.
Only love can save the world.
3. As the World Turns (CBS)
Another daytime soap I feel in love with. The show focuses on the lives of residents living in the fictional town of Oakdale, and mostly revolves on the major core families of the show: the Hughes, Stewarts, Ryans, Grimaldis and Snyders.
The stories are engaging and exciting, very intense yet very slow, twists and turns comes unexpected. As good as this show is, it also became a victim of the pink slip with its run ending next fall after being on the air for 54 years.
Life As You Know It. Life As You’ve Never Seen It.
4. One Life to Live (ABC)
Yet another daytime drama, I got hooked on this show last March 2009 when the show was in the middle of a storyline about a baby-switch (babies switched at birth, get it? hehehe). When the storyline ended in June, I was by then a certified OLTL lover.
What I love about this series is the variety of its core casts: a melting pot of different ethinicties. The writing is superb and its careful handling of stories are well-executed.
Among them is the much-talked about "coming-out" gay storyline, the "Kish" love story of Oliver Fish and Kyle Lewis. Other shows have made use of stunt storylines about gays and lesbians but what made this different is the fact that it was never intended that to be a "stunt" to begin with, more so it that it was treated like any love story: Very touching yet remaining relevant on the issues brought about being different.
Live life to the fullest because we have only one life to live.
5. Glee (Fox)
The most phenomenal series of the current, Glee is a dramedy about a high school glee club trying to reclaim its lost glory by joining the annual interschool sectionals but its efforts are being hindered by the school's villainous and scheming gym teacher.
The series is headed by an ensemble cast of colorful and very talented ensemble cast: Matthew Morrison (last seen on Ghost Whisperer), Jane Lynch (Another Cinderella Story), Cory Monteith, Lea Michele, Jayma Mays (Heroes), Kevin McHale, Jenna Ushkowitz, Harry Shum (as Other Asian), Amber Riley, Mark Salling, and Chris Colfer.
Things I love about this show are its quirky dark comedy (yes, it is dark), the tensioned drama and its wonderful musical numbers. My fave Glee-fied songs are Don't Stop Believing by Journey, No Air by Chris Brown and Jordin Sparks, and Single Ladies by Beyonce.
One thing that Glee need not to show is letting Matthew Morrison rap, because he sucks at it, especially after seeing his take on Sisqo's Thong Song. :)
1. 90210 (The CW)
The fourth series of the Beverly Hills 90210 franchise and a direct continuation of its mother show, 90210 follows the lives of teenagers living in the promiscuous world of Beverly Hills. Its first season has been rocky, almost losing direction as tries to to be two different things.
But came in a new showrunner, and we saw a show no longer about the glitz and glamor found in the zip but dwelled more on the lives and relationships of its core characters: turmoil within the Wilsons, a drug relapse, a perky girl's spiralled isolation, a torned sister, and a mother's lasting redemption.
With the teen drama reaching creative highs this year, here's hoping it finally found its place in the TV world.
If you wanna live in the zip, you got to live by the code.
2. Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles (FOX)
I'm very picky when it comes to sci fi serials. For one thing, it's hard for me to keep myself interested with such shows, from Star Trek TNG to Earth's Final Conflict to The X Files. What made TSCC stand out from the rest is its subtle and careful way of storytelling.
Being set in an alternate universe after the events of T2, the show saw the potential of developing the Terminator mythology throughout the course of its second and final season. One notable element that made the show such a delight is its handling of character development which makes up much of the drama and tension of the series.
It tries as much as it could to not become one of those "Monster of the Week" shows, with a lone story arc given greater emphasis. One scene that really got to me was that mother-and-son moment between Lena Headey (Sarah) and Thomas Dekker (John), man did that broke me into tears.
Summer Glau, besides being very hot, is such an ice breaker while playing Cameron. Nuff said.
3. Guiding Light (CBS)
Well, I got to hand it to the guys from P&G. They made a soap opera addict out of me with GL although it's very unfortunate that I only got to enjoy this great show for over 7 months. Last September, the longest running scripted entertainment program end up its quarter century run in light of low ratings.
As a last-minute plan on saving the show, the producers made the drastic move a year before of using extensive outdoor locations, permanent sets and "shaky" hand-held cameras. the move granted them only a year to continue (which is 2009) but on April1, CBS decided to axe the show.
The soap, which is about the trials and tribulations of the core families living in the fictional Midwestern town of Springfield, kind of benefited with the change of its creative model. For one, it gave the characters more realism than other characters from the soap realm. Second it became a show about a community of friends, neighbors and ultimately, FAMILY. Third, it gave the world a dose of OTALIA, the lesbian supercouple with a heart and a soul! Very unfortunate that the cancellation brought to a disappointing halt of one of its then ongoing storylines but the finale gave us a somehow bittersweet yet satisfying conclusion.
Only love can save the world.
3. As the World Turns (CBS)
Another daytime soap I feel in love with. The show focuses on the lives of residents living in the fictional town of Oakdale, and mostly revolves on the major core families of the show: the Hughes, Stewarts, Ryans, Grimaldis and Snyders.
The stories are engaging and exciting, very intense yet very slow, twists and turns comes unexpected. As good as this show is, it also became a victim of the pink slip with its run ending next fall after being on the air for 54 years.
Life As You Know It. Life As You’ve Never Seen It.
4. One Life to Live (ABC)
Yet another daytime drama, I got hooked on this show last March 2009 when the show was in the middle of a storyline about a baby-switch (babies switched at birth, get it? hehehe). When the storyline ended in June, I was by then a certified OLTL lover.What I love about this series is the variety of its core casts: a melting pot of different ethinicties. The writing is superb and its careful handling of stories are well-executed.
Among them is the much-talked about "coming-out" gay storyline, the "Kish" love story of Oliver Fish and Kyle Lewis. Other shows have made use of stunt storylines about gays and lesbians but what made this different is the fact that it was never intended that to be a "stunt" to begin with, more so it that it was treated like any love story: Very touching yet remaining relevant on the issues brought about being different.
Live life to the fullest because we have only one life to live.
5. Glee (Fox)
The most phenomenal series of the current, Glee is a dramedy about a high school glee club trying to reclaim its lost glory by joining the annual interschool sectionals but its efforts are being hindered by the school's villainous and scheming gym teacher.
The series is headed by an ensemble cast of colorful and very talented ensemble cast: Matthew Morrison (last seen on Ghost Whisperer), Jane Lynch (Another Cinderella Story), Cory Monteith, Lea Michele, Jayma Mays (Heroes), Kevin McHale, Jenna Ushkowitz, Harry Shum (as Other Asian), Amber Riley, Mark Salling, and Chris Colfer.
Things I love about this show are its quirky dark comedy (yes, it is dark), the tensioned drama and its wonderful musical numbers. My fave Glee-fied songs are Don't Stop Believing by Journey, No Air by Chris Brown and Jordin Sparks, and Single Ladies by Beyonce.
One thing that Glee need not to show is letting Matthew Morrison rap, because he sucks at it, especially after seeing his take on Sisqo's Thong Song. :)
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
A Look Back to 09
A lots of things happened in 2009, some of them good but the rest are plain sadistic and bad. But still, with the current year slowly capping as the start of a new decade encroaches, it is now a time for New Year Resolutions and new beginnings.
January
-Learn the basics of photography with an old film-dependent Nikon SLR camera first, not with my newer D40 cam.
February
-CWS/Community service in Baseco Compound where me and a my pals taught some classes to kid scholars.
-Got hooked on American daytime serials
March
-Housewarming party at Jeco's neighborly place.
April
-Took some incredible shots around the Metro for my finals paneling in Fotogra: Street Money Makin' Tactics
May
-Second time visiting the Sibucao homeland in Ilocos Norte
-Start of what could be the longest trimestral year in CSB.
June
-AH1N1 outbreak
-Cancelation of Philippine delegation's Singapore for CG Overdrive
July
-Goddaughter's 2nd birthday party
-Started an ill-fated money-saving drive.
August
-Na-ulol sa Budol budol gang
-Lost my camera, money and laptop to a crime syndicate's modus operandi
-Won my at prize, a jacket. from Max FM
September
-Typhoon Ondoy
-Auditioned for Radio 1. Still waiting if I got the call or not.
October
-Found interest on making films (Thanks in part to Sir Dodos).
-Did 4 films before midterms: Habol, Ulol sa Budol, The Milktea Bottle, and A Bloody Inheritance
November
-Enjoyed the Extra Long Weekend, Baby!
-Had a grand EB with fellow radio fanatics and toured around different radio stations.
December
-Stressful finals month (ending in the firts few weeks of January 2010).
-Finished a very difficult film titled, "The Gift".
I don't know what to expect in 2010 but for certain, things will definitely be interesting because of the coming elections. And for the first time, I'm going to vote for the next batch of leaders.
Well wishes to the new year!
January
-Learn the basics of photography with an old film-dependent Nikon SLR camera first, not with my newer D40 cam.
February
-CWS/Community service in Baseco Compound where me and a my pals taught some classes to kid scholars.
-Got hooked on American daytime serials
March
-Housewarming party at Jeco's neighborly place.
April
-Took some incredible shots around the Metro for my finals paneling in Fotogra: Street Money Makin' Tactics
May
-Second time visiting the Sibucao homeland in Ilocos Norte
-Start of what could be the longest trimestral year in CSB.
June
-AH1N1 outbreak
-Cancelation of Philippine delegation's Singapore for CG Overdrive
July
-Goddaughter's 2nd birthday party
-Started an ill-fated money-saving drive.
August
-Na-ulol sa Budol budol gang
-Lost my camera, money and laptop to a crime syndicate's modus operandi
-Won my at prize, a jacket. from Max FM
September
-Typhoon Ondoy
-Auditioned for Radio 1. Still waiting if I got the call or not.
October
-Found interest on making films (Thanks in part to Sir Dodos).
-Did 4 films before midterms: Habol, Ulol sa Budol, The Milktea Bottle, and A Bloody Inheritance
November
-Enjoyed the Extra Long Weekend, Baby!
-Had a grand EB with fellow radio fanatics and toured around different radio stations.
December
-Stressful finals month (ending in the firts few weeks of January 2010).
-Finished a very difficult film titled, "The Gift".
I don't know what to expect in 2010 but for certain, things will definitely be interesting because of the coming elections. And for the first time, I'm going to vote for the next batch of leaders.
Well wishes to the new year!
Thursday, December 24, 2009
J.I.A.: Warmth Amidst the Cold Christmas Night
As I write this, I'm listening to an online stream to a station I used to listen to back when the family were spending a year stateside, WIHT, DC's Hottest Hot 99-5.
Since it's Christmas Day already, I guess I should tell you guys about the Habitans' first and possibly the only Christmas we spent outside of the country.
One thing's for sure, the Virginia winter is harshly cold and unfriendly. The average daily temp would often reach as low as 19 degrees Fahrenheit (several degrees below 0 Celsius). Some temperate greeneries would get frosted every morning while trees are completely devoid of leaves, signifying that winter is near.
If in Hollywood Christmas films, you'd see scenes of neighborhood engulfed with inches and inches of snow and heavily decorated with Christmas ornmanents, you could count this one out. Most of the houses in my neighborhood don't exactly put up decorations the same way we do things here in the Philippines.
For one thing: No "parols". Second: Not much Christmas lights placed outside their houses. Remember however that this was in 2001, and the country is still in a state of shock over the horrific events of September 11. Fox 5 continues to air their coverage on the "War on Terror" while NBC still had Katie Couric on the Today Show.
Another thing we didn't see during the cold month of December: SNOW! No thanks to climate change, the DC area was left out of getting some good ol' snowstorms throughout much of the winter season. It only snowed a month after Christmas and the snowstorm lasted for only a day. I learned that it has something to do with this natural weather system called the "Gulf Stream".
Winter fashion was a dread for me. Having already gained a peak of 120 pounds, basing from my frame then is a bit overweight, I have to wear three different layers of clothes before going outside. First, it's the regular t-shirt followed by a long-sleaved sweater, then a very thick jacket that when worn, I could hard reach my back when I needed to scratch it when itchy. Got to wear winter gloves and a scarf as well.
But despite the odds, the Habitans found a way of celebrating the holidays the old Pinoy way. First of all, my dad kinda "came home" to us after making an LOA from his work in the Philippines so the whole family could spent Christmas together. (Some people thought my parents are divorced because of this 2-year arrangement with my mom being a rep to the World Bank at the time while my dad had to remain in Manila for obvious reasons)
Second, he brought a parol along so we could hang it outside the balcony of our apartment, facing Haycock Road for all people to see. I think we're the only ones in the neighborhood with that kind of a bright decoration considering people did kinda notice that colorful star shining outside the building.
Third, we got to spent Misa de Gallo/Simbang Gabi at the neighboring parish a few blocks away from where we live despite the harsh cold. Imagine the distance of going there from home with the distance of going from UST's design and arts building going to the college of law. We had to call for a taxi to pick us up.
My nose turns red the moment it sense a drop of temperature outside our apartment, talk about harsh.
One thing I noticed, the way they celebrate a Christmas Mass seems to be more solemn than how Filipinos do things. And not much people crowding an otherwise small building. Choice of songs sang on Mass are either English or Latin and the people wear really formal clothing, as opposed to how we usually dress up for a regular Sunday Mass at home.
At home, we had our noche buena. Forgot what food we prepared for the occasion but I remember that all in the family are enjoying every bit of that moment.
A legacy of our first American Christmas is still visible in the household especially during the holiday season, our big Christmas tree. It's been with us for the past 8 years and still going strong.
Amidst the cold Christmas night the family spent in the US, a sense of warmth kept us together, both figuratively and literally.
That's because I remember that later after Misa de Gallo, my sister took me for a warm comforter and hugged me for some warmth. LOL!
MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR!
Since it's Christmas Day already, I guess I should tell you guys about the Habitans' first and possibly the only Christmas we spent outside of the country.
One thing's for sure, the Virginia winter is harshly cold and unfriendly. The average daily temp would often reach as low as 19 degrees Fahrenheit (several degrees below 0 Celsius). Some temperate greeneries would get frosted every morning while trees are completely devoid of leaves, signifying that winter is near.
If in Hollywood Christmas films, you'd see scenes of neighborhood engulfed with inches and inches of snow and heavily decorated with Christmas ornmanents, you could count this one out. Most of the houses in my neighborhood don't exactly put up decorations the same way we do things here in the Philippines.
For one thing: No "parols". Second: Not much Christmas lights placed outside their houses. Remember however that this was in 2001, and the country is still in a state of shock over the horrific events of September 11. Fox 5 continues to air their coverage on the "War on Terror" while NBC still had Katie Couric on the Today Show.
Another thing we didn't see during the cold month of December: SNOW! No thanks to climate change, the DC area was left out of getting some good ol' snowstorms throughout much of the winter season. It only snowed a month after Christmas and the snowstorm lasted for only a day. I learned that it has something to do with this natural weather system called the "Gulf Stream".
Winter fashion was a dread for me. Having already gained a peak of 120 pounds, basing from my frame then is a bit overweight, I have to wear three different layers of clothes before going outside. First, it's the regular t-shirt followed by a long-sleaved sweater, then a very thick jacket that when worn, I could hard reach my back when I needed to scratch it when itchy. Got to wear winter gloves and a scarf as well.
But despite the odds, the Habitans found a way of celebrating the holidays the old Pinoy way. First of all, my dad kinda "came home" to us after making an LOA from his work in the Philippines so the whole family could spent Christmas together. (Some people thought my parents are divorced because of this 2-year arrangement with my mom being a rep to the World Bank at the time while my dad had to remain in Manila for obvious reasons)
Second, he brought a parol along so we could hang it outside the balcony of our apartment, facing Haycock Road for all people to see. I think we're the only ones in the neighborhood with that kind of a bright decoration considering people did kinda notice that colorful star shining outside the building.
Third, we got to spent Misa de Gallo/Simbang Gabi at the neighboring parish a few blocks away from where we live despite the harsh cold. Imagine the distance of going there from home with the distance of going from UST's design and arts building going to the college of law. We had to call for a taxi to pick us up.
My nose turns red the moment it sense a drop of temperature outside our apartment, talk about harsh.
One thing I noticed, the way they celebrate a Christmas Mass seems to be more solemn than how Filipinos do things. And not much people crowding an otherwise small building. Choice of songs sang on Mass are either English or Latin and the people wear really formal clothing, as opposed to how we usually dress up for a regular Sunday Mass at home.
At home, we had our noche buena. Forgot what food we prepared for the occasion but I remember that all in the family are enjoying every bit of that moment.
A legacy of our first American Christmas is still visible in the household especially during the holiday season, our big Christmas tree. It's been with us for the past 8 years and still going strong.
Amidst the cold Christmas night the family spent in the US, a sense of warmth kept us together, both figuratively and literally.
That's because I remember that later after Misa de Gallo, my sister took me for a warm comforter and hugged me for some warmth. LOL!
MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR!
Monday, December 14, 2009
Saturday, December 12, 2009
Thursday, December 10, 2009
Photoshop Set: Si Taba at si Puti
Isang kuwento sa dalawang matalik na kaibigan na inilayo ng panahon pero nagkita muli dala ng tadhana.
Si Taba at si Puti
Minsan, habang nakasakay ako sa tren pauwi ay hindi ko inaasahang makita muli ang dati kong ka-eskuwela noong ako'y nag-aaral pa sa mababang paaralan. Tatawagin natin siya sa pangalang "Taba" kasi mataba siya. Nagulat din si Taba nung nakita niya ako kaya nagkamustahan kami't nag-usap habang pareho kaming lumabas ng tren pagkahinto nito sa pinakahuling himpilan.Nag-aaral na siya ngayon sa isang kolehiyo sa Maynila, halata sa unipormeng kanyang suot nung araw na iyon. Nagulat lang ako nung nalaman ko na naninigarilyo na rin pala si Taba eh nung bata pa kami ay panay "clean-living" ang motto niya, kahit mataba siya. Bumigay na rin siguro sa peer pressure dala sa kabigatang binigay sa kanya ng buhay-kolehiyo.
Si Taba rin, mangha rin sa pagbabagong nakikita niya sa'kin kahit pakiramdam ko na wala masyadong nabago sa'kin mula nang nilisan namin ang alma mater namin. Inanyaya niya akong manigarilyo rin pero hindi ko tinanggap ang alok niya dahil hindi naman ako naninigarilyo (lalo pa't masama sa kalusugan ko iyan). Okey naman siya pero siya iyung mukhang atat mag-usok.
Naglalakad kami sa daan nang itinanong niya sa'kin kung saang kolehiyo ako nag-aaral. Sinagot ko sa kanya kung saan at nagtanong uli kung may kakilala ba ako na tao na tatawagin natin siyang "Puti" dahil maputi ang kanyang balat.
Sinabi ko na "oo", dala nang pagiging magkaklase namin ni Puti. Humingi sa'kin ng pabor si Taba na kung maari ay hingan ko mula kay Puti ang numero niya sa cellphone. Nais niya kasi makausap ang iyung-pala'y matalik niyang kaibigan.
Matalik na kaibigan pala sila? Akalain ba naman?
Si Puti nakilala ko minsan nung unang taon ko sa nilipatan ko noon na eskuwelahan pero siya naman ay lumipat sa ibang paaralan nang di naglaon.
Hindi ako kaagad pumayag sa pabor niya lalo pa't hindi kami lubos na magkakilala at ganong kalapit na kaibigan ni Puti. At bukod doon baka hindi niya ako naaalala, nakakahiya naman na kausapin siya. Pero nagpumilit si Taba na pagbigyan ko ang hiling niya kaya pumayag na rin ako.
Nawala sa isip ko nga lang sa sumunod na araw ang pinapagawa sa'kin ni Taba ngunit noong nakaraang linggo ko naalala ang dapat ko gawin at nilapitan ko an rin si Puti nung meron kaming klase na panggabi.
Mabait pala itong si Puti, humble kahit mukhang maangas. Nalamn ko pa nga mula sa kanya na kaklase niya noon ang isa kong matalik na kaibigan nung grade school kaya may "common friends" kami. Nabanggit ko na rin sa kanya ang tungkol kay Taba at pinaliwanag an rin niya sa'kin na nagkita na rin pala silang dalawa ilang araw matapos ang huling pagkikita namin ni taba. Binanggit na rin daw ni Taba ang tungkol sa'kin kay Puti kaya medyo alam na rin pala niya na kakausapin ko siya.
How ironic, 'no? Nangyari na pero ang magandang dulot nito ay medyo lubos ko na rin nakikilala ng unti-unti sina Taba at Puti: ang kanilang pagiging matalik na kaibigan at iba pa.
Isipin na sa iisang lungsod naman sila nakatira, hindi kaya mas mainam kung sila mismo ang magkausap? Hahaha, eh di hindi na nahirapan pa'tong si Taba na magatubili na hingan pa ako ng pabor na kausapin si Puti.
Okey lang. :)
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
Photoshop Set: It's The Extra Long Weekend, Baby!
5 days of no school is 5 days of combined bum, bore, excitement and fun!
Quick-Drill Encoding (It's the Extra Long Weekend, Baby! Part 3 of 3)
Hay, it's better late than never. For most, school resumed the next day, Tuesday December 1 but in my case, I don't have due classes 'til the 3rd. That makes an extra two days of bumming, half of it I spent in school.
I was planning on starting work on several of my finals projects on those extra two days but it didn't work out well, probably due to laziness, lack of motivation, and the temptation of blogging instead of doing actual work. That's what I get for having such off-days, I have grown to use suich days to recuperate and reclaim lost sleep before, during and after midterms (and finals has yet to set in until for a few more weeks).
If only things worked out the way I hoped, I would have spent the remaining extra weekend being a quarter finished with the following:
1. Cadvis2 (Animated 3D-rendered production logo using 3DS Max)
2. Author2 (Rendered major parts via Photoshop which I'll be using for an interactive program I'm designing through Macromedia Director)
3. Webdev2 (Should have sent my plates to our group leader for our client's consideration)
4. 2Danim2 (Should have been done drawing a an animated walking character and started work on my finals project: An animated 4 scene short, each scene composed of at least four poses. Actual number of plates/frames I'll be drawing is unknown since 13 animated plates only make up a second-worth of animation.)
5. Vidprod2-Reserved video equipment in time for shooting my film plus casting of roles and finding an appropriate location outside the school.
6. 3Danim2-Continue working on a 3-dimensional "bahay na bato"/Castilian house I'm modeling using Maya 2008.
Most of them I wasn't able to do in two days time although several were accomplished on the days that followed. The next few weeks preceding and succeeding the Christmas break should be tiresome but I'm up to the challenge.
Considering I'm almost done with my 8th term here in CSB, what I should focus on is what's ahead for the last remaining terms of my tenure. Next term contains a lot of classes ending with 3's, prerequisites of the 2's I'm having right now, another 2 for next term and what I'm guessing as a bloody course-related class called MSCIETY.
Here's what I'm taking next term:
Sked by ~jlhabitan on deviantART
This is what I get for going to school to encode my schedule at a time when the school is prepping up for an earthquake drill gone wrong. note to self:
1)Never trust CSB's computers especially during encoding period.
2)Always trust the nearby internet cafe which are faster than ever.
3)Don't ever EVER lose out on getting the best times available among all the scheds posted.
4)Always make sure you won't get the lousy profs (that I managed to do once I realized my old prof which I don't like is going to teach in one of my classes so I moved to another class).
Well, there's nothing much I can do to change what I'm going to have next term. Hopefully I come out of it still alive.
Thus capping the extra long weekend
Monday, December 7, 2009
Ang Mga Iba't Ibang Mukha ni James Habitan
Buttons used for my Author1 class seatwork where we're supposed to create our own interactive photo album using Macromedia Director 2004.
Enjoy me!
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
Photoshop Set: CASTING CALL! NAGHAHANAP NG ARTISTA!
WANTED ACTORS
--------------------------------------------------------
1 Male Actor and 1 Female Actor
(Non-MMA and Non-CSB students are welcome)
Must be available at the either of the following days:
Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Fridays
(Between December 1-22, 2009)
Locations:
SDA
Condo ng may condo (TBA)
*A copy of the script will be given for each actor
Contact me at 09053321814 or email me at jlhabitan@yahoo.com
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
A Tour of Radio Stations (Extra Long Weekend, Baby! Part 2 of 3)
Continuing the "twilight" saga of the Extra Long Weekend, I went on to Ortigas for an eyeball between my fellow listeners in the Max FM studios in Jollibee Plaza on Bonifacio Day. What supposed to be the grandest EB in the biggest town in radio turned out to become the widest invasion of radio stations all in one day!
I. DWKX-In Tune with Manila
Still reeling from that party fever over the weekend in Laguna, all I want to do was to take another whole day to sleep it all off. But then I remember that I still have to attend the gathering of the "Loungers" (fans of Max FM's noontime program, The Lounge) the next day.
I arrived around a quarter before 10 at the 15th floor of Jollibee Plaza, the most un-"Jollibee"-ish building I've ever seen among all JFC-owned buildings. Thinking I was late, I was surprised to learn that I'm the first guy to arrive. The rest came an hour later starting with Drin, then Bhunnie and Lyn, after that Steph and her mom and later, the president of our organization, Mark Allen. Liza came in later. Then came the sudden realization that I'm the youngest of the pack.
I finally got to meet some of the DJ's of Max, including Scarlet (Madam S), Zip Cody, Bryan Scott, and HTown. I also saw Tony Spark but he was in a hurry though to leave so I never got to greet him right away. Maybe next time? :D
The food was awesome: pancit, donuts, puto, and CAKE! Boy was I stuffed!
We took some pictures inside the station, including the booth itself. Dim-lighted but not too dark.
The word of the visit: "Amelia"
II. DWLL-Sounds Good!
I'm not much of a listener for Mellow 94.7 but when I chanced upon the station I would listen to it sometimes. Although as a little boy the helpers in our house would tune in when the station used to be The Mellow Touch. One voice I still remember during their Mellow Touch days was Chris. He forms one half of C&C Music Factory with Chloe. Unfortunately, he was absent during the show by the time me and the guys went on to gatecrash on the stations based in Paragon Plaza in Mandaluyong.
The first DJ we met is Ingrid who hosts the show preceding C&C, The Afternoon Cruise. This is probably one of the few Mellow shows that I know of besides the former and Sunday in Time.
Ingrid looks like Nina the singer, also nice and lovely. Afterwards, we headed off to get inside the booth, which is jampacked with fans of Mellow. Inside, we saw stacks of CD's and what looks like records piled in shelves behind where Chloe is sitting.
Word of the visit: "Sounds good!"
III. DWTM-Today's Best Music
Magic is leading the pack, 'nuff said. I got to tell you, I have have a crush on two of the lady DJ's over at 89.9: Grace Lee and Andi9. Security in Paragon was lax so it was easy for many of us to go inside.
Upon entry Top 5@5 with Andi9 and Jessica was still on. We were able to gain netry inside the booth and was surprised to see THE ANDI MANZANO! Jessica is just as pretty as well, 'cause she looks like a courtside reporter (actually: she is).
Later, we caught up with two-thirds of Boys Night Out: Slick Rick and Sam YG. Tony Toni is somewhere and he won't be back until further notice. I remember last year, BNO fans were clashing against the Brewsters, loyal subejcts of DWRT's The Brewrats. The "un-feaud" ended after both shows made guest appearances to each other's radio stations.
The word of the visit: Yeah men!
IV. DWRT-The Rhythm of the City
Last station to visit was 99.5RT. I haven't been visiting for quote sometime now so I thought that it's high-time to check what's going on inside 906-B Paragon Plaza.
Considering the clock has yet to strike 6, I thought Inka who usually mans the booth from 3-6pm to is around. Got disappointed upon learning she got sick but good thing Ron Valentine was around to pinch-hit for her. (That reminds me of the day before: Inka's famous dad, Jeremiah Junior got hit with laryngitis so he can't speak in his usual cheerful self for 24k Weekend last Sunday. He made up for it by donning a deeper voice.)
Eventually, the hosts of the next show arrives: Sam Oh and Gibb. Sam Oh very friendly and bubbly, Gibb is frank and funny. The two of them make such good chemistry.
The word of the visit: "Inka is sick"
--------------------------------------------------------
It's been one heck for a whirlwind ride for me. I got to meet new friends, see old faces as well as new ones and get to be inside more than 2 radio stations in one day! (Breaking the record of having been in 2 stations a year ago: RT and Magic.)
Hanggang sa uulitin!
Next Part: Quake-Drill Encoding
I. DWKX-In Tune with Manila
Still reeling from that party fever over the weekend in Laguna, all I want to do was to take another whole day to sleep it all off. But then I remember that I still have to attend the gathering of the "Loungers" (fans of Max FM's noontime program, The Lounge) the next day.I arrived around a quarter before 10 at the 15th floor of Jollibee Plaza, the most un-"Jollibee"-ish building I've ever seen among all JFC-owned buildings. Thinking I was late, I was surprised to learn that I'm the first guy to arrive. The rest came an hour later starting with Drin, then Bhunnie and Lyn, after that Steph and her mom and later, the president of our organization, Mark Allen. Liza came in later. Then came the sudden realization that I'm the youngest of the pack.
I finally got to meet some of the DJ's of Max, including Scarlet (Madam S), Zip Cody, Bryan Scott, and HTown. I also saw Tony Spark but he was in a hurry though to leave so I never got to greet him right away. Maybe next time? :D
The food was awesome: pancit, donuts, puto, and CAKE! Boy was I stuffed!
We took some pictures inside the station, including the booth itself. Dim-lighted but not too dark.
The word of the visit: "Amelia"
II. DWLL-Sounds Good!
I'm not much of a listener for Mellow 94.7 but when I chanced upon the station I would listen to it sometimes. Although as a little boy the helpers in our house would tune in when the station used to be The Mellow Touch. One voice I still remember during their Mellow Touch days was Chris. He forms one half of C&C Music Factory with Chloe. Unfortunately, he was absent during the show by the time me and the guys went on to gatecrash on the stations based in Paragon Plaza in Mandaluyong.The first DJ we met is Ingrid who hosts the show preceding C&C, The Afternoon Cruise. This is probably one of the few Mellow shows that I know of besides the former and Sunday in Time.
Ingrid looks like Nina the singer, also nice and lovely. Afterwards, we headed off to get inside the booth, which is jampacked with fans of Mellow. Inside, we saw stacks of CD's and what looks like records piled in shelves behind where Chloe is sitting.
Word of the visit: "Sounds good!"
III. DWTM-Today's Best Music
Magic is leading the pack, 'nuff said. I got to tell you, I have have a crush on two of the lady DJ's over at 89.9: Grace Lee and Andi9. Security in Paragon was lax so it was easy for many of us to go inside.
Upon entry Top 5@5 with Andi9 and Jessica was still on. We were able to gain netry inside the booth and was surprised to see THE ANDI MANZANO! Jessica is just as pretty as well, 'cause she looks like a courtside reporter (actually: she is).
Later, we caught up with two-thirds of Boys Night Out: Slick Rick and Sam YG. Tony Toni is somewhere and he won't be back until further notice. I remember last year, BNO fans were clashing against the Brewsters, loyal subejcts of DWRT's The Brewrats. The "un-feaud" ended after both shows made guest appearances to each other's radio stations.
The word of the visit: Yeah men!
IV. DWRT-The Rhythm of the City
Last station to visit was 99.5RT. I haven't been visiting for quote sometime now so I thought that it's high-time to check what's going on inside 906-B Paragon Plaza.
Considering the clock has yet to strike 6, I thought Inka who usually mans the booth from 3-6pm to is around. Got disappointed upon learning she got sick but good thing Ron Valentine was around to pinch-hit for her. (That reminds me of the day before: Inka's famous dad, Jeremiah Junior got hit with laryngitis so he can't speak in his usual cheerful self for 24k Weekend last Sunday. He made up for it by donning a deeper voice.)
Eventually, the hosts of the next show arrives: Sam Oh and Gibb. Sam Oh very friendly and bubbly, Gibb is frank and funny. The two of them make such good chemistry.
The word of the visit: "Inka is sick"
--------------------------------------------------------
It's been one heck for a whirlwind ride for me. I got to meet new friends, see old faces as well as new ones and get to be inside more than 2 radio stations in one day! (Breaking the record of having been in 2 stations a year ago: RT and Magic.)
Hanggang sa uulitin!
Next Part: Quake-Drill Encoding
Monday, November 30, 2009
A Tour of Radio Stations
What was aimed as the greatest EB in the biggest town in radio turned out to be the widest invasion of radio stations in one day.
Stations we crashed:
1. 103.5 Max FM
2. Mellow 94.7
3. Magic 89.9
4. 99.5RT
Swimming ng Jamers: Party on a Weekend (The Extra Long Weekend , Baby! Part 1 of 3)
Thanksgiving for Americans, Eid al Adha for Muslims, Bonifacio Day for Filipinos. Although the first mentioned is not a legal holiday for Pinoys while the second was reduced to being a regional holiday in the local level, Filipinos had a reason to celebrate the Bonifacio Day Weekend. It's probably the first time in a long while that we got to celebrate a long weekend 3 2 days preceding/succeeding the 30th of November by technicality (Regular weekend being usual weekly non-working days) and not manipulated by PGMA.
I have another reason to celebrate the long weekend because I get to enjoy the it on an extended period, lasting until the first two days of December, because I don't have class during Tuesdays and Wednesdays for the second term (which has yet to end).
I kicked off my Extra Long Weekend with the belated celebration of Jeco's birthday bash which was held in a private resort in Pansol, Laguna.
I. Somewhere in the Night
The place is alright. A large enough pool, a videoke room and two bedrooms. Jeco's guests though could not all fit within the realms of 3 beds combined hehehe.
II. Jump
Interesting part of the night was when everything went into party mode-kain mode-inuman mode-chaka mode and videoke mode all at the same time. There were some booze: vodka, Red Horse, Bacardi, Bailey plus matching chasers. Many of us had his or her share of flaming shots, straight shots, "cup-sized" shots, and "anything-else goes" shots although I politely declined to consume hard drinks. The mere fact that I don't drink hard and the likes of vodka really gives one heck of a hangover is more than enough stray from it for now. Hehehe.
And yes, an overnight drinking session is never complete without getting quite the kick out of the leisure, yes. But it's all cool :D.
III. Morning After Dark
Many of us didn't have any decent sleep the morning after partying throughout the weekend's midnight run. Wasted, hangover-ish, and extremely tired...We got the chance to get back at least an hour of sleep in Jeco's Place after traveling back from Laguna to Manila (2-hour smooth drive). Although tired, I tried reserving my desire to hit the sack until later in the day so I spent most of the time from Laguna to Manila listening to 24k as well as The Final Countdown from my cellphone.
IV. Forever Young
Coming home tired and hungry, I mustered enough strength to at least get my butt going into Mass in Maysilo in Malabon, had lunch with the rest of the family and even attend to greet my relatives who were visiting to discuss something with my mom. Louie, who was invited but was not allowed to go to the trip with me tagged along and crash my room as I giving myself some due sleep. I did entertain her before completely giving in to my body for most of the afternoon.
In the end, the trip was completely awesome. Enjoyed ever bit of it, even if Jeco's mom was making fun of me (in a good way :D). Good thing nothing bad happened that has to do with me (no house blessing thank you very much!).
The Party on a Weekend closed, but a new one was unfold the next day.
Next Part: The Tour of Radio
I have another reason to celebrate the long weekend because I get to enjoy the it on an extended period, lasting until the first two days of December, because I don't have class during Tuesdays and Wednesdays for the second term (which has yet to end).
I kicked off my Extra Long Weekend with the belated celebration of Jeco's birthday bash which was held in a private resort in Pansol, Laguna.
I. Somewhere in the Night
"Somewhere in the night, she knows..."
We left Manila around 6pm en route to Manila, arriving in Pansol 2 hours later. Among those who heeded Jeco's call: Mark, Janelle, Kim, Eswhy, me, MR, Dianne, Nikki and Gene and good thing it's just us 'cause with just us alone, all of couldn't fit inside Jeco's Revo together so some of us ended up riding inside the family L300. In it were the rest of Jeco's clan (and another car packed wth more guest).The place is alright. A large enough pool, a videoke room and two bedrooms. Jeco's guests though could not all fit within the realms of 3 beds combined hehehe.
II. Jump
"When I say 'jump', you say 'how high?'..."
Interesting part of the night was when everything went into party mode-kain mode-inuman mode-chaka mode and videoke mode all at the same time. There were some booze: vodka, Red Horse, Bacardi, Bailey plus matching chasers. Many of us had his or her share of flaming shots, straight shots, "cup-sized" shots, and "anything-else goes" shots although I politely declined to consume hard drinks. The mere fact that I don't drink hard and the likes of vodka really gives one heck of a hangover is more than enough stray from it for now. Hehehe.
And yes, an overnight drinking session is never complete without getting quite the kick out of the leisure, yes. But it's all cool :D.
III. Morning After Dark
Many of us didn't have any decent sleep the morning after partying throughout the weekend's midnight run. Wasted, hangover-ish, and extremely tired...We got the chance to get back at least an hour of sleep in Jeco's Place after traveling back from Laguna to Manila (2-hour smooth drive). Although tired, I tried reserving my desire to hit the sack until later in the day so I spent most of the time from Laguna to Manila listening to 24k as well as The Final Countdown from my cellphone.
IV. Forever Young
"Let's start in style, let's dance for a while
Heaven can wait we're only watching the skies
Hoping for the best, but expecting the worst
Are you gonna drop the bomb or not?"
Heaven can wait we're only watching the skies
Hoping for the best, but expecting the worst
Are you gonna drop the bomb or not?"
Coming home tired and hungry, I mustered enough strength to at least get my butt going into Mass in Maysilo in Malabon, had lunch with the rest of the family and even attend to greet my relatives who were visiting to discuss something with my mom. Louie, who was invited but was not allowed to go to the trip with me tagged along and crash my room as I giving myself some due sleep. I did entertain her before completely giving in to my body for most of the afternoon.
In the end, the trip was completely awesome. Enjoyed ever bit of it, even if Jeco's mom was making fun of me (in a good way :D). Good thing nothing bad happened that has to do with me (no house blessing thank you very much!).
The Party on a Weekend closed, but a new one was unfold the next day.
Next Part: The Tour of Radio
Friday, November 27, 2009
Reality and Dreams: Shaky Bed
I was feeling a bit car-sick after spending almost an hour inside a crowded Camri car while traveling from Valenzuela to Manil this morninga. Since I arrived in school an hour before class, I decided to check myself in at the school clinic for a check-up. The nurse-in charge recommended that I should take a rest inside the male ward to rid myself of my car-sickness.
While trying to get some sleep, I felt some shakiness on my bed. I opened my eyes to see what's going on but I saw nothing. Afterwards, I quickly dozed off.
While for sure I was asleep throughout most of the time, I had this feeling of something or someone clinging onto me. I remember sleeping by my side then felt as if someone's hugging my body with the weight coming from on top of me and t as if his or her face is creeping near mine.
I can't seem to open my eyes again but I was aware that there's something wrong going on around here.
I woke up feeling more lighter, possibly due to no longer feeling car sick. I still don't have a clue as to why I had this weird episode in the first place. It's not the first time though, because last night just before going to bed, I heard someone laughing behind my bed even though there's nothing there but a window fronting a blank wall outside.
Weird much!
While trying to get some sleep, I felt some shakiness on my bed. I opened my eyes to see what's going on but I saw nothing. Afterwards, I quickly dozed off.
While for sure I was asleep throughout most of the time, I had this feeling of something or someone clinging onto me. I remember sleeping by my side then felt as if someone's hugging my body with the weight coming from on top of me and t as if his or her face is creeping near mine.
I can't seem to open my eyes again but I was aware that there's something wrong going on around here.
I woke up feeling more lighter, possibly due to no longer feeling car sick. I still don't have a clue as to why I had this weird episode in the first place. It's not the first time though, because last night just before going to bed, I heard someone laughing behind my bed even though there's nothing there but a window fronting a blank wall outside.
Weird much!
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
Behind-the-Mic
Ever wonder how it is like being a radio DJ? U92's Joshua Yu gives us the lowdown on the spot behind the microphone.
Sunday, November 22, 2009
Fancy Meeting
Recently, I've been getting quite a lot of those "fancy meeting" scenarios lately. Either with old friends and/oracquaintances, even the least expected scenario at the least probable moment that happens quite rarely.
This was completely out of the blue. Of all people, I got the chance of seeing one of the people whom I havent seen for a long period of time. In the case of Francine Quianzon, it's been 3 years and 6 months since finishing a whole month of preparing for the then-upcoming UPCAT in MSA Makati.
I was with a classmate on our way to the Vito Cruz LT station last Thursday past 9pm (November 19, 2009) when out of nowhere someone called out for my name: "JAMES HABITAN?". I looked around and saw a familiar fellow. Couldn't lay down my finger at her until she says "Di mo ba ako naalala?". That's when I realized..."Francine?! Uy, kumusta na?".
She was with someone and looks like she's on her way home as well (She lives in one of the condo buildings in the P. Ocampo-Taft Area).
We've met as classmates in MSA Makati, a review center in Legazpi Village. We became friends (with Jason Gotuato) by way of an awkward conversation over some topic I'm not exactly familiar with to. Ever since the end of our MSA tenure, the three of us would continue to connect through Friendster, YM and Multiply (then eventually Facebook).
We would often raise the issue of whether we should have a get together but brought by certain circumstances (i.e. academics and whatnot), it ends up never getting materialized (the same way I never get to see fulfillment of realizing my grade school reunion with friends).
Nice seeing her again after all these years. Fancy meeting her in Taft as well :D
This was completely out of the blue. Of all people, I got the chance of seeing one of the people whom I havent seen for a long period of time. In the case of Francine Quianzon, it's been 3 years and 6 months since finishing a whole month of preparing for the then-upcoming UPCAT in MSA Makati.
I was with a classmate on our way to the Vito Cruz LT station last Thursday past 9pm (November 19, 2009) when out of nowhere someone called out for my name: "JAMES HABITAN?". I looked around and saw a familiar fellow. Couldn't lay down my finger at her until she says "Di mo ba ako naalala?". That's when I realized..."Francine?! Uy, kumusta na?".
She was with someone and looks like she's on her way home as well (She lives in one of the condo buildings in the P. Ocampo-Taft Area).
We've met as classmates in MSA Makati, a review center in Legazpi Village. We became friends (with Jason Gotuato) by way of an awkward conversation over some topic I'm not exactly familiar with to. Ever since the end of our MSA tenure, the three of us would continue to connect through Friendster, YM and Multiply (then eventually Facebook).
We would often raise the issue of whether we should have a get together but brought by certain circumstances (i.e. academics and whatnot), it ends up never getting materialized (the same way I never get to see fulfillment of realizing my grade school reunion with friends).
Nice seeing her again after all these years. Fancy meeting her in Taft as well :D
Saturday, November 21, 2009
Friday, November 20, 2009
James Habitan Online: Portfolio Site
http://www.jlhabitan.com/webdev2/onlineportfolio/
Okay, check out my flash portfolio website!
Okay, check out my flash portfolio website!
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Photoshop Set: Clothes Store Website Study (Webdev2)
Designed using Adobe Photoshop CS3 and Adobe Dreamweaver.
I've yet to make another design for Clothes Store.
Hopefully by next week, I'll have both of them up and running over at www.jlhabitan.com
Sunday, November 15, 2009
The CSB Experience 3: Celebudents
What is a "celebudent"? A celebudent is a little something I coined a few months ago on Twitter to describe celebrities who go to school as students and vice versa. The word is a combination of the words "celebrity" and "student" thus explains the word's definition.
In CSB alone, there is a lot of celebudents gracing the halls of the school. I could name a few but not right now.
Of course, if you're the type who watches local TV all the time, you can't help but feel excited once you 're standing next a famous face within inches apart or have the sense of akwardness once you find out he or she is a part of your class. However, this scenarios happen to people with big-names only. These are celebudents who have long been a famous face for quite sometime now, on or before they became a student of the school.
The next set of "celebudents" are those whose celebrity status are somewhat acquired by birth, well sort of. They are the children of well-known personalities in their respective fields, usually in showbusiness, et al. The only "celebrity-ish" thing about them is just the mere fact that they have famous parents.
Last but not the last are "celebudents" who were students to begin with but attained their celebrity status as actors/reality stars/athletes/models and so on on a later time. Although the latter 2 does not exactly equate as being extremely popular but the mere fact that they also lead extraordinary roles other than just being mere students is something that is hard not to notice.
But despite them being them beyond the walls of the school, it should be understandable that once they are in school, they are students first. Fanboys and fangirls who also happen to go tot he same school as celebudents should control themselves as a sign of respecting their privacy.
Although it doesn't hurt if you ask simple questions like "Aren't you that girl from that TV commercial last night?" or "Are you the son of this famous actress?", I guess we shouldn't go as far as asking them questions like "My sister wants to know if you'll be coming back as your character on the soap?" or "Tell your mom that I have watched every single episode of every single show she was in since I was 5 years old!!".
I had the benefit of having been classmates to some of these "celebudents". They are really nice, friendly studious, and normally average. Just by looking beyond the glitter and the fame you see that they are like you and me.
The next time you see a celebrity student in awkward places like the elevator, remember to keep yourself together and pretend that he/she is just one of those students you just happen to be riding with in the elevator. Just as long as you keep your mouth shut, you'll be fine!
:D
In CSB alone, there is a lot of celebudents gracing the halls of the school. I could name a few but not right now.
Of course, if you're the type who watches local TV all the time, you can't help but feel excited once you 're standing next a famous face within inches apart or have the sense of akwardness once you find out he or she is a part of your class. However, this scenarios happen to people with big-names only. These are celebudents who have long been a famous face for quite sometime now, on or before they became a student of the school.
The next set of "celebudents" are those whose celebrity status are somewhat acquired by birth, well sort of. They are the children of well-known personalities in their respective fields, usually in showbusiness, et al. The only "celebrity-ish" thing about them is just the mere fact that they have famous parents.
Last but not the last are "celebudents" who were students to begin with but attained their celebrity status as actors/reality stars/athletes/models and so on on a later time. Although the latter 2 does not exactly equate as being extremely popular but the mere fact that they also lead extraordinary roles other than just being mere students is something that is hard not to notice.
But despite them being them beyond the walls of the school, it should be understandable that once they are in school, they are students first. Fanboys and fangirls who also happen to go tot he same school as celebudents should control themselves as a sign of respecting their privacy.
Although it doesn't hurt if you ask simple questions like "Aren't you that girl from that TV commercial last night?" or "Are you the son of this famous actress?", I guess we shouldn't go as far as asking them questions like "My sister wants to know if you'll be coming back as your character on the soap?" or "Tell your mom that I have watched every single episode of every single show she was in since I was 5 years old!!".
I had the benefit of having been classmates to some of these "celebudents". They are really nice, friendly studious, and normally average. Just by looking beyond the glitter and the fame you see that they are like you and me.
The next time you see a celebrity student in awkward places like the elevator, remember to keep yourself together and pretend that he/she is just one of those students you just happen to be riding with in the elevator. Just as long as you keep your mouth shut, you'll be fine!
:D
Saturday, November 14, 2009
The CSB Experience 3: Midterminal Illness
MY GAHD!! MY FREAKIN GAHD!! TAPOS NA! TAPOS NA SA WAKAS! YESSSS!These are random thoughts floating inside my head as I started saving my midterms plate for 3danim2. As I click the "save" button to save my changes on the working file in Maya 2008 in the FTP, the weeks-long midterms was finally drawn to a close.
It's bad enough that the school had to endure several suspensions and term extensions but what it made all the worse is the fact that our midterms are ripping our souls apart.
For the average MMA 107 student, here are the things that we were facing ONLY for midterms:
1. Webdev2 (Thursdays, 2:45-5:45pm)
-Three design studies for a proposed website we're going to make for our busines clients.
-Plus make an online flash portfolio website.
-Program to use: Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Flash Professional CS3 respectively
-Outcome: I made three more design studies based from one approved plate while the deadline for the flash portfolio was pushed to a later date.
2. Vidprod2 (Fridays, 8-11am)
-Make four individual short films, each covering 4 major topics (Element of Water/Freestyle, Camera Angle/Panning, Lighting, Outdoor Documentary/Interview)
-.Make a 10-20 minute movie as a group project complete with a production book, production photos, script and actor's profiles.
-Program to use: Adobe Premiere Pro CS3
-Outcome: For my 'indies', I did: "A Bloody Inheritance", "Habol", "A Look Behind-the-Mic", and "Behind-the-Mic". For our group project, we did "Ulam at Kanin". This part of midterms really took much of my time, resulting with days with little or no sleep and was unable to attend to other matters. I even have to go to school as early as 7am for taping purposes! Vidprod2 is the most demanding yet most fulfilling class I ever took. Plus, one of my vids took me to Guadalupe, which is kinda nice... in a way.
3. 2danim2 (Thursdays, 6-9pm)
-4 scenes each composed of four character poses, at least 2 backgrounds, and 1 under layer and overlayer if necessary. In addition we need to pass as well this camera movement sheets and a couple more papers.
-What to use: Animation paper, stacks of them,. 2b and 4b pencils, eraser, blue and red colored pencils.
-Outcome: Got to finish them all before the clock striked 9pm.
4. 3danim2 (Saturdays, 11:30am-2:30pm)
-Create a 3d scene composed of a background, and a couple of three-dimensional objects
-Program to use: Maya 2008
-Outcome: Created a scene set in space overlook the earth (emphasis on the Philippines) and a space shuttle sporting a Philippine flag.
5. Cadvis2 (Mondays, 2:45-5:45pm)
-Create at least three scenes of moving objects in spanning on a minimum of 30 seconds.
-Program to use: Autodesk 3DS Max
-Outcome: Created "The Playground" but I made too many keyframes in one scene. And the camera was too darm low hehehe. Was able to save it to Sir Jaime Latumbo's folder in the FTP.
6. Author1 (Mondays, 6-9pm)
-Using Powerpoint, propose an interface program, either educational or informative, and create a design study (two or more is encouraged) to show the program's basic interface if translated into Macromedia Director. In addition is a sitemap to see the composition of the program.
-Program to use: Adobe Photoshop and Powerpoint
-Outcome: The two design studies I presented were made in rush because I was able to make do on them within the day of the presentation (with one of them created right in the middle of class!). My proposal was creating a program about the different regions of the Philippines, aimed at grade schoolers who are about to tackle on this subjects. Sir Rexcel approved my first design study but suggested I trim my site map (hello, 16 regions?).
I'm just glad that it's all over...for now. But in little more than a month away, I have to face another round of finals. This means getting busy again with a workload of projects. For Vidprod2 alone, I'm already thinking of making an extended version of "The Milktea Bottle", but is simply titled "The Bottle". Go figure.
But as of the moment, I simply want some much deserved sleep and brain nourishment after grueling hours of doing "Ulam at Kanin" alone.
Friday, November 13, 2009
J Pics 3D Pics: The Global Filipino (3DANIM2 Midterms)
The last set of midterms exams finally came to a close. FREEDOM!!!
Dugo at pawis ang naging puhunan ko dito. I think I wanna cry now huhu!
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
The Playground (Cadvis2 Midterms)
My midterms for Cadvis2. I used Autodesk 3DS Max and Adobe Premiere for this one.
Enjoy!
Monday, November 9, 2009
Sunday, November 8, 2009
From Bacoor to Alabang with Love
Went to pay my respects for my paternal grandparents whose remains lie in a memorial park in Molino, Bacoor.
To take advantage of a newly built road cutting all the way to Alabang, we went to Alabang Town Center.
Second time to be in Alabang but it was my first real time to be in Town Center.
I took the opportunity to play tourist and take pcitrues of the place.
Also bumped onto Manny Villar later in the day, and he's not wearing orange.
He's nice and all but he still won't get my vote! :D
Friday, November 6, 2009
A Bloody Inheritance
Brothers bound by blood but divided by wealth. For their selfish intentions, they will receive "a bloody inheritance".
Directed by James Habitan
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
Photoshop Set: Beauty ATBP.
3 Proposed design studies for my client, Beauty ATBP.
Midterm project for Webdev2
Constructive criticism is most welcome
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
A Visit to U92
Went to NBC to interview my former professor for my Vidprod2 midterms.
This now counts as the sixth time I went inside a radio station. (DZMM, Magic, RT, Max, RX)
Location: EDSA-Guadalupe, Makati City
Monday, November 2, 2009
Thursday, October 29, 2009
Reality and Dreams: Just a Flash
This is most recent. A little over an hour ago, me and some classmates were waiting in the elevator at the lobby in school.
Suddenly I just had this flash on my head. I don't know what came on me but all of a sudden I felt a sense of familiarity with the scene I was in. First thought came to mind is that "Parang naalala ko ito ah? Dejavu?".
It may have been one of those dejavu moments I would experience every once in a while where I foresee events in my dreams but never get to remember them until the moment those dreams come true. the significant part of the dream was that there's this pivotal character in my dream. A professor wearing glasses and seems to be in a rush to get inside an elevator.
With striking coincidence, the very same guy in my dream was just there nearby inside the lobby as well.
I don't know what's going on but I can't see the reason why there's the need for me to foresee events like this that I may likely forget for the time being. Is this a gift or is it a curse?
Suddenly I just had this flash on my head. I don't know what came on me but all of a sudden I felt a sense of familiarity with the scene I was in. First thought came to mind is that "Parang naalala ko ito ah? Dejavu?".
It may have been one of those dejavu moments I would experience every once in a while where I foresee events in my dreams but never get to remember them until the moment those dreams come true. the significant part of the dream was that there's this pivotal character in my dream. A professor wearing glasses and seems to be in a rush to get inside an elevator.
With striking coincidence, the very same guy in my dream was just there nearby inside the lobby as well.
I don't know what's going on but I can't see the reason why there's the need for me to foresee events like this that I may likely forget for the time being. Is this a gift or is it a curse?
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
A Bloody Inheritance (Teaser)
Brothers bound by blood but divided by wealth. For their selfish intentions, they will receive "a bloody inheritance".
Monday, October 26, 2009
J Pics Cadvis Pics: The Blacktop Playground
Used Autodesk 3DS Max for this.
Criticsms and suggestions are highly valued (depending on how much of them are blow-by-blow accounts hehehe!)
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Aspirants I Won't Be Voting for President
Something I'm dying to write about for quite a while now. Simply put that most of the politicos aspiring to become El Presidente or in the case of Loren Legarda, La Presidencia have all proven to be the same-old same old crop of trapos we, Filipinos, have been getting for the past 50 years.
I'm looking for a leader that are not all blab nor hypcritical, and has the actual ability to make a change. The electorate should be smart enough not to choose a leader based just because he makes a great speech but someone that is strong and able.
So in this case, I'm listing the aspirants that won't expect any vote from me unless they could prove to me and to all Filipinos that they could change the country for the better:
1. Joseph Ejercito Estrada
-I'm sooo not gonna vote for this old goat. He had his chance when he was first elected and he blew it. People should not give him another chance to the top post. Is it that one of the conditions for his pardon is that he won't dare run for the presidency much so that the 1987 Constitution specifically stated that any people elected into the presidency is no longer eligible to run again to the same office, as in EVER!
2. Chiz Escudero
-No wonder he speaks as if he's in a balagtasan. He told Ricky Lo long ago that he got his manner of speaking from watching a lot of old Filipino flicks especially those from Nora Aunor. Chiz is so much a reklamador especially during his tenure in the Lower House. The irony is that the one person he would often focus with his attacks became his ninang/godmother for his wedding: Gloria Arroyo. I rather see Chiz do something of substance in his remaining days in Senate like legislating laws and not place all his attention doing his "Chiz Talk" and blab.
3. Loren Legarda
-Ah...the Butterfly of the Philippine Senate. Always switching sides, always cleaning her hands, and shows how much she is a hypocrite. Ain't she married so why is she known only as "Loren Legarda" instead of "Loren Legarda-Leviste"? Sometime ago, she accused some politicians for premature campaigning via endorsing products in billboards and the like. She was asked on the case of her being in a billboard herself (I believe she was an endorser of pharmaceutical company's line of products, etc) and Loren claims that she didn't use tax money but money from her own eco foundation.
Okay Loren, we believe you....
4.Manny Villar
-Everybody knows how he rose from poverty to become one of the most prominent people in the political scene. Everybody knows that as a child he and his family used to rent in a rusty old apartment that he didn't bother to fix once he had the means to do so as a way of gratitude to his former landlords. Everybody knows how many people he had helped from those who were given house by him to abused overseas Filipino workers who were sent back home safely because of his help. And everybody knows that he has a thing with orange.
5. Manuel "Mar" Roxas II
-He comes from a very prominent clan in Panay. One member of the Roxas clan became the first president of an independent postwar Philippines, Manuel Acuña Roxas, which happens to be his grandfather. At first he seems able given that he's young and seemingly promising. He used to be a DTI secretary so he used his past position in order to endear himself to voters back in 2004 using "Mr. Suave" by Parokya ni Edgar as his campaign jingle. Shirt color of choice? Blue (Coincidence with his grandpa being on the blue 100-peso bill?).
His credentials was placed on the backseat on the same year with news of his romance with ABS-CBN journalist Korina Sanchez. So in a way, this romance benefited him that earned him a senate seat.
Nowadays, I got turned off with his wave of publicity campaigns for early this years with his wacky infomercials and news of his scheduled wedding with Korina Sanchez. The latter I see as a sign of him merely using Korina to boost his chances of winning the top spot. Too bad for him, he had to give way with the Partido Liberal's msot obvious bet for the presidential bid: Noynoy Aquino.
6. Benigno "Noynoy" Aquino III
-Okay so he's the son of the country's most beloved late president and late senator. So what if he is? That very fact is already an advantage for his campaign as president but may end up disastrously. There are high expectations for Noynoy to employ the same "Cory" magic and "Ninoy" charisma to head 80 million Filipinos but I'm noting letting my hopes up on this guy. What if he proves incapable if ever elected or what if he gets the same reprimand some critics are giving to GMA right now, who is herself a child of a former president?
Face it, he's no Cory. He may wear yellow but he's still no Cory nor Ninoy. Let us see him as Noynoy not the son but Noynoy the 40+ year old single-yet-taken senator eyeing the highest office in the land.
7. Jejomar Binay
-He is completely wrong about Makati. First off, it's not because of him that Makati became such a developed city nor is it because of him that the residents of Makati gets the best of government welfare and services like education, health, etc. It took almost 30 years since the term of the Yabuts for the city to become the country's financial hub that it is. If people want to see the kind of progress happening in Makati to translate into the national level, we have to wait for a long time before the nation becomes mature enough to become progressive.
Remember, to see change is to make change not from others from each and every one of us so I can''t see why people blame GMA for our miseries. Are we that lazy to act upon it ourselves?
Back to the topic of Binay, he won't receive any vote from me not nly because he thnks he takes credit for Makati's development but because he like others in the opposition can't even unite to choose someone of high caliber to stand up against the administration. Sure they [the opposition] hates the GMA admin to death but that hatred does not equate for the camp to become united thus I believe none of these people won't get any votes from me.
It's no question that he is one of Makati's best mayors but that's because he inherited the city that is already reaching the peak of its robust development so everything's all smooth and easy for him.
I'm looking for a leader that are not all blab nor hypcritical, and has the actual ability to make a change. The electorate should be smart enough not to choose a leader based just because he makes a great speech but someone that is strong and able.
So in this case, I'm listing the aspirants that won't expect any vote from me unless they could prove to me and to all Filipinos that they could change the country for the better:
1. Joseph Ejercito Estrada
-I'm sooo not gonna vote for this old goat. He had his chance when he was first elected and he blew it. People should not give him another chance to the top post. Is it that one of the conditions for his pardon is that he won't dare run for the presidency much so that the 1987 Constitution specifically stated that any people elected into the presidency is no longer eligible to run again to the same office, as in EVER!
2. Chiz Escudero
-No wonder he speaks as if he's in a balagtasan. He told Ricky Lo long ago that he got his manner of speaking from watching a lot of old Filipino flicks especially those from Nora Aunor. Chiz is so much a reklamador especially during his tenure in the Lower House. The irony is that the one person he would often focus with his attacks became his ninang/godmother for his wedding: Gloria Arroyo. I rather see Chiz do something of substance in his remaining days in Senate like legislating laws and not place all his attention doing his "Chiz Talk" and blab.
3. Loren Legarda
-Ah...the Butterfly of the Philippine Senate. Always switching sides, always cleaning her hands, and shows how much she is a hypocrite. Ain't she married so why is she known only as "Loren Legarda" instead of "Loren Legarda-Leviste"? Sometime ago, she accused some politicians for premature campaigning via endorsing products in billboards and the like. She was asked on the case of her being in a billboard herself (I believe she was an endorser of pharmaceutical company's line of products, etc) and Loren claims that she didn't use tax money but money from her own eco foundation.
Okay Loren, we believe you....
4.Manny Villar
-Everybody knows how he rose from poverty to become one of the most prominent people in the political scene. Everybody knows that as a child he and his family used to rent in a rusty old apartment that he didn't bother to fix once he had the means to do so as a way of gratitude to his former landlords. Everybody knows how many people he had helped from those who were given house by him to abused overseas Filipino workers who were sent back home safely because of his help. And everybody knows that he has a thing with orange.
5. Manuel "Mar" Roxas II
-He comes from a very prominent clan in Panay. One member of the Roxas clan became the first president of an independent postwar Philippines, Manuel Acuña Roxas, which happens to be his grandfather. At first he seems able given that he's young and seemingly promising. He used to be a DTI secretary so he used his past position in order to endear himself to voters back in 2004 using "Mr. Suave" by Parokya ni Edgar as his campaign jingle. Shirt color of choice? Blue (Coincidence with his grandpa being on the blue 100-peso bill?).
His credentials was placed on the backseat on the same year with news of his romance with ABS-CBN journalist Korina Sanchez. So in a way, this romance benefited him that earned him a senate seat.
Nowadays, I got turned off with his wave of publicity campaigns for early this years with his wacky infomercials and news of his scheduled wedding with Korina Sanchez. The latter I see as a sign of him merely using Korina to boost his chances of winning the top spot. Too bad for him, he had to give way with the Partido Liberal's msot obvious bet for the presidential bid: Noynoy Aquino.
6. Benigno "Noynoy" Aquino III
-Okay so he's the son of the country's most beloved late president and late senator. So what if he is? That very fact is already an advantage for his campaign as president but may end up disastrously. There are high expectations for Noynoy to employ the same "Cory" magic and "Ninoy" charisma to head 80 million Filipinos but I'm noting letting my hopes up on this guy. What if he proves incapable if ever elected or what if he gets the same reprimand some critics are giving to GMA right now, who is herself a child of a former president?
Face it, he's no Cory. He may wear yellow but he's still no Cory nor Ninoy. Let us see him as Noynoy not the son but Noynoy the 40+ year old single-yet-taken senator eyeing the highest office in the land.
7. Jejomar Binay
-He is completely wrong about Makati. First off, it's not because of him that Makati became such a developed city nor is it because of him that the residents of Makati gets the best of government welfare and services like education, health, etc. It took almost 30 years since the term of the Yabuts for the city to become the country's financial hub that it is. If people want to see the kind of progress happening in Makati to translate into the national level, we have to wait for a long time before the nation becomes mature enough to become progressive.
Remember, to see change is to make change not from others from each and every one of us so I can''t see why people blame GMA for our miseries. Are we that lazy to act upon it ourselves?
Back to the topic of Binay, he won't receive any vote from me not nly because he thnks he takes credit for Makati's development but because he like others in the opposition can't even unite to choose someone of high caliber to stand up against the administration. Sure they [the opposition] hates the GMA admin to death but that hatred does not equate for the camp to become united thus I believe none of these people won't get any votes from me.
It's no question that he is one of Makati's best mayors but that's because he inherited the city that is already reaching the peak of its robust development so everything's all smooth and easy for him.
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)
