Sunday, March 29, 2009

Knowing: Movie Review


Do you believe EVERYTHING happens for a REASON? Or do you believe life is just purely coincidental?

Knowing is the latest sci-fi flick which shows the untimely demise of the planet earth due to series of natural calamities.

It all started in 1959 when a teacher collected her class’ works on what they aspire or foresee about the future. Some had drawn rockets and spaceships with out-of-this-world planetary imaginations. But for Lucinda Embry, it was different. She just scribbled random numbers on her paper and her behavior was eccentric after the ceremony. After 50 years, the citizens around the school reopened the time capsule and distributed it with the new generation. Lucinda’s work landed into the hands of a monotonous kid, Caleb, son of a distraught MIT professor, John Koestler who believes in the theory of Randomness which depicts that everything in life is by chance or coincidence. Disturbed by his son’s paper, he quickly deciphered something horrible in the paper and time is indeed running out. Lives must be saved out there and one must think and act quickly before it’s too late.

Ideally, the special effects were great most especially the scene when a passenger jet (I think that was an Airbus A320) crashed along the national highway. It looks like it was real, accompanied by power lines ripped off from the tower while the plane makes a dreadful decent. Also, the cinematography was great as well as the sound effects. Although the drawback on this film was, some of the lines weren’t clear. Overall, the movie was really great. You will be surprised with the ending though, and I won’t spoil you. HAHAHA

Knowing is now showing in all cinemas across the nation. You won’t regret watching this sci-fi flick.

Friday, March 27, 2009

The Chronicles of Singko

When I first entered UP, I thought the environment would be the same as high school, except for the set of subjects of course. During the freshmen orientation conducted one month before the first day of class (that was already two years), I really can’t forget one teacher’s remarks regarding the grading system. He said that singko (a grade of 5.0 means you failed a subject and must take it again on the following semester) is dreadful and time consuming.


So I said to myself that I won’t afford taking a certain subject twice, and have to keep my TOR clean – singko-free.


So the adventures embarked on to my freshman year. Things were on a smooth pace since I still have this high school mentality to be ϋber-grade-conscious. So during the finals week, I need not to worry with my standing since even if my scored zero in the final exam, I would still pass the course. I thought being GC (grade conscious) isn’t appropriate in college so I eliminate this kind of mentality. Likewise, everything had changed little by little. I became overconfident with my skills and thought I could handle tons of jobs in just a single moment. I thought everything that I read will stick to my memory forever. But that does not make any sense since I didn’t compartmentalize my schedule. I would end up piling my works in just a single day and studying would not be that effective. I thought I possess a brain that would withstand intense pressure. No, I’m just an average human being that actually needs rest.


And there you have it, procrastination and improper time management would lead me to my surprising demise.


Do you what it feels like when you got a grade of 5.0 for the first time?

Actually I was dumbfounded when I learned about it this afternoon. Still, I have to move on since I still have to nail my MST6 third long exam. Good thing I wasn’t affected by my bittersweet downfall.

What’s more interesting are the reactions of the people close to me.

WEH? Wow Renz congrats nakatatawa talaga joke mo, SWEAR”.
SERYOSO? (insert laglag-panga shocked face)
“NYAHAHAHA Corny mo Renz”
CONGRATS on your First Five! Parteeey!
"This is so not you, Renz (yack Chippy, conyo you! =]] )"

C’mon m’mon guys. I’m just an average person like everyone else. HAHAHA.

Sometimes in life, you’re on the top and at some point of you’re on the bottom. And when you learn from your mistakes (and also if you help yourself), you rise again and have the sweetest victory of your life.

Singko does NOT mean you’re a failure, a dimwit or a loser. It’s just a part of your life. Sometimes man has to wake up and see the reality. He shouldn’t take any small things for granted, like in my case. According to one forum that I’ve read when I was a freshman, one professor said you won’t complete the life of an Isko if you don’t experience the grades starting from Uno to Singko.

Hmmm.


So you might be wondering if I’m bitter about my situation?


The answer is NO.

Although it hurts big time but what can I do? It’s my own fault anyway. I should learn how to balance my subjects. I shouldn’t play favoritism, after all! HAHAHA. But I don’t hate Biochem, I love it actually since I’ve learned A LOT from this subject. Apparently, I just didn’t make Biochem my daily habit on studying. It was my least prioritized subject this semester. I got a wrong move this semester. It’s like, you’re dancing your own steps during the performance night.

So goodbye with the almost-impossible Cum Laude dream.
But yeah, it’s not the end of the world for Christ’s sake. Good thing it’s a terminal subject. But I can still be on the CS or better yet on the US list next semester if I do good.

I hope this would be the first and the last time. I think tres wasn’t good enough last sem. Lol.


What an experience.


HAPPY SUMMER EVERYONE
(though I still have one exam left this Monday).



You stand in the line just to hit a new low
You're faking a smile with the coffee you go
You tell me your life's been way off line
You're falling to pieces every time
And I don't need no carryin' on

Sunday, March 22, 2009

The Future of American Idol 8

America’s much celebrated talent show, which is the American Idol, has finally come to its top ten contestants, thanks to the nationwide voting. Since the start of the elimination process the show had generated a whopping 65 million calls. This show started at around 2001 and it’s on its eighth season. People around the globe didn’t fail to give support on to this show. Likewise, those who have at least passed the audition are already considered lucky. But for those who have qualified to the Top 13, well it spells another thing. They get more benefits, more opportunities and most of all, they get LOTS of publicity. You already know America isn’t a safe place for celebrities when it comes to privacy. But who knows, these juvenile stars knew the consequences already. Like any other human beings who try to reach their goals or dreams, they must undergo series of predicaments, challenges and tribulations.

And now we’re down to the top ten. So let me have this quaint opportunity to evaluate them and probably make some predictions. :)


Adam Lambert. This dude is a bomb and I think he’s overqualified on to the show. So far he is the only contestant that I’ve heard to have a distinct voice even if he had reached an almost impossible high note that a human larynx can endure. He got his own style on singing. His forte: Definitely when he belts on the high notes, a distinctive one.

Latest Gossip: That he is gay. Actually, while surfing a good picture for his icon, I saw something that can actually prove that he is gay. He had tons of pictures locking is lips and tongue to his boyfriends or what. But who cares right? His sexuality is not that important to the show. As long as he got an appeal to the ordinary people, it won’t affect his career. Dude, he’s talented and his talent can’t be removed by any means.

Weakness: If he’s consistent on to the succeeding weeks, he has this tendency to become relaxed and people may actually see as if he’s not serious with the competition.

Prediction: Go straight to the Season Finale dude.


Allison Iraheta. This red-haired sixteen year-old teenager has an amazing voice. You couldn’t believe that this girl had a voice of a rock star. She always had a rock solid performance. For the past two weeks, she never fails to amuse not just the judges but the audience as well. Apparently this could be the reason on why she was on the bottom three this week. Her fans thought that she was safe base on her performance, probably they didn’t vote due to that unhealthy assurance.

Weakness: I haven’t seen her performing slow songs. Well let’s wait for her doing that thing.

Prediction: Probably Top Five or Six. There’s a high chance that she’s going to be saved by the judges, that is if she’s in danger.


Anoop Desai. He is the only Asian contestant. What’s good on Anoop is, he tries his best to impress the judges and the audience. But hey, he doesn’t need to impress the audience for he has this unique charm to the viewers, most probably brought about by the award winning movie Slumdog Millionaire. Likewise he is one of Randy Jackson’s favorites.

Weakness: Wrong song choice. Oh Anoop, please choose the right song and make sure that it fits you.

Prediction: He won’t make it to the Final 5.


Danny Gokey. He is one of the early favorites of the judges as well as the audience. Many were touched by the untimely demise of his wife a few months ago and his support to his best friend, Jamar Rogers. This Milwaukee resident is surely talented. He made the classic Hero into a heroic one. Although there are some rumors that he only got his fame through the sympathy of the audience. Well, in a good way he defended his own side, at least.

Weakness: Tends to become overconfident.

Prediction: America will be confused in the near future - Torn between two favorites…


Kris Allen. This small man had indeed a big voice. Girls (and pseudogirls, hehe) love him so much. Even Simon Cowell can’t believe that he’s already married. Singing ballad songs is his forte and Paula would definitely be blown off from her seat whenever Kris plays with his own guitar accompanied by his angelic voice.

Weakness: If he has difficulties on choosing the right song on a chosen genre for the performance week, he opts to sing a safe song. Sometimes this isn’t a safe maneuver.

Prediction: Top Three.


Lil Rounds. Or ‘little’ Rounds as what Simon Cowell had called her during the last performance week. This Tennessee native had what it takes to be the next RnB queen. Well, she is the hybrid between J.Lo and Beyonce. Lil Rounds’ name may be little but her dreams are very profound.

Weakness: She is a risk taker and wants to explore all genres and may this cause her early downfall in the show. But hey, she has the attitude of an artist. That’s the spirit!

Prediction: Between seven to four.


Matt Giraud. The wild-card who made it to the top ten. I was very disappointed when he sang Coldplay’s award winning Viva La Vida. Only Chris Martin can sing that well, even the famous Boyce Avenue’s rendition isn’t that good too! But the judges had already seen a great potential to Matt since the start of the show and I guess he deserved to be on the top ten. Likewise, he creates a Michael Buble-ish aura when he hits the piano keys. He got a great voice too.

Weakness: He may have the talent but I think some people don’t like his image and I don’t know why. He may have a hard time to please some people. Ouch.

Prediction: Between final eight to four.


Megan Joy. This Utah native poses uniqueness not just on to her voice but to her style of singing as well. She may not have the best performance but the audience and sometimes the judges love her so much. The reason? She has this so-called originality. She is indeed a singer as well as an entertainer. Her quirky moves were effective to catch the audience’s attention.

Weakness: She must be sick to have a great performance… Just kidding!

Prediction: Probably she won’t make it to the Final 5 or 6.


Michael Sarver. The oil-rigger-turned-singer has a delicate heart for his family. That’s why he gets his inspiration from them. He is such a nice guy and had a great vocals too. During the audition, the judges were quite impressed when he hits the big notes.

Weakness: Like Kris, he tends to play safe.

Prediction: Likewise, he may be the next one to be booted out of the show. Let’s wait for next week though.


Scott MacIntyre. He is the living proof that God is indeed fair. He may be almost blind but he is really talented. Likewise, he is a great pianist as well as a great vocalist. He reminds me of Jim Brickman and he can be the NEXT Jim Brickman of this generation.

Weakness: He tends to create his own world whenever he’s on his piano and I think he hates surprises. He tends to become boring if he doesn’t change his style if he still plays on his piano again, and again, and again.

Prediction: He may have the big chance to flare up to the final four or three.


So who’s your bet? Let’s wait and see ‘til the finals night. I think it will be this May.



But prepare for some big surprises on the show.


Disclaimer: This blog article does not reflect to the show’s outcome or the results of the succeeding episodes. This is purely based on the author’s point of views and fearless forecasts. Well, just so you know.

Friday, March 20, 2009

Of Hopes and Cheesy Letters


Okay so it sucks when worry so much about that pesky Biochem crap. Sheeesh. For three straight days, I only managed to have at least 2 hours of sleep. Well, the sleep deprivation was compensated since I went home early and had the longest nap of my life. What the. But yeah, I think I performed well in the last exam but (inhales and exhales deeply) HOPEFULLY those unwanted thoughts won’t happen. I just hate this, tired yet I can’t sleep due to stress. Sheeesh.



So last night, I was a little bit shocked when Alexis Grace left the American Idol competition. Her name was a little bit ironic, though she had a graceful exit in the said show. Wrong song choice, but I’m pretty sure Alexis would have a bright future in the music industry. Who couldn’t forget the petite woman who had dreams that can reach as far as the farthest quasar in the universe and had a powerful voice? See you around Alexis.

The competition is getting more exciting as they tour America. Hurray for the Season 8’s Top Ten!


Oh yeah I’m stuck with this predicament on how to convince my adviser to take me as her advisee, as well as writing a different letter to the Department Chair.

I was thinking about this though:




Errr, NOT. HAHAHAHA. =))

Ahhhh yes, one week to go before SUMMER (bites his nails so hard..)

Current LSS (and I really HATE LSS. Grrr.)

I've had a little bit too much, much
All of the people start to rush, start to rush by
A dizzy twisted dance, can't find my drink, oh man
Where are my keys? I lost my phone, phone
What's going on on the floor?
I love this record baby but I can't see straight anymore
Keep it cool, what's the name of this club?
I can't remember but it's alright, a-alright
Just dance, gonna be okay, da da doo-doo-mmm
Just dance, spin that record babe, da da doo-doo-mmm
Just dance, gonna be okay, d-d-d-dance
Dance, dance, just, j-j-just dance
Wish I could shut my playboy mouth, oh oh oh-oh
How'd I turn my shirt inside out? Inside outright
Control your poison babe, roses have thorns they say
And we're all getting hosed tonight, oh oh oh-oh
What's going on on the floor?
I love this record baby but I can't see straight anymore
Keep it cool, what's the name of this club?
I can't remember but it's alright, a-alright
Just dance, gonna be okay, da da doo-doo-mmm
Just dance, spin that record babe, da da doo-doo-mmm
Just dance, gonna be okay, d-d-d-dance
Dance, dance, just, j-j-just
When I come through on the dance floor checkin' out that catalog
Can't believe my eyes, so many women without a flaw
And I ain't gon' give it up, steady tryin' to pick it up like a car
I'ma hit it, I'ma hit it and flex and do it until tomorr' yeah
Shawty I can see that you got so much energy
The way you're twirlin' up them hips 'round and 'round
And now there's no reason at all why you can't leave here with me
In the meantime stay and let me watch you break it down
And dance, gonna be okay, da da doo-doo-mmm
Just dance, spin that record babe, da da doo-doo-mmm
Just dance, gonna be okay, da da doo-doo-mmm
Just dance, spin that record babe, da da doo-doo-mmm
Just dance, gonna be okay, d-d-d-dance
Dance, dance, just, j-j-just dance
Woo! Let's go!
Half psychotic, sick, hypnotic
Got my blueprint, it's symphonic
Half psychotic, sick, hypnotic
Got my blueprint electronic
Half psychotic, sick, hypnotic
Got my blueprint, it's symphonic
Half psychotic, sick, hypnotic
Got my blueprint electronic
Go! Use your muscle, carve it out, work it, hustle
I got it, just stay close enough to get it
Don't slow! Drive it, clean it, Lysol, bleed it
Spend the last dough
(I got it)
In your pocko
(I got it)
Just dance, gonna be okay, da da doo-doo-mmm
Just dance, spin that record babe, da da doo-doo-mmm
Just dance, gonna be okay, da da doo-doo-mmm
Just dance, spin that record babe, da da doo-doo-mmm
Just dance, gonna be okay, d-d-d-dance
Dance, dance, just, j-j-just dance

Thursday, March 19, 2009

Transport Strike Blues



What the hell.

I thought it was going to be a normal morning until the local news had announced that there’s going to be a transport strike in which all public utility vehicles will be involved due to their protests about LTO’s (Land Transportation Office) exorbitant fines.


WELL, WELL, WELL MANONG JEEPNEY DRIVERS.

IT WAS INDEED A PERFECT DAY FOR US, DAMN IT.


You actually put our lives in danger and make our original plans ruined by your dimwitted nitpicks. Your acts were really appalling. SO WHAT if the fines were surprisingly expensive? You won’t be fined by those LTO officials IF you’re a regimented driver. An example of which, driving under the influence of alcohol would make our lives in peril. I still want to have a family, for God’s sake! I WON’T ACCEPT your idiocy as the reason of my untimely demise. Please, think of us too, the commuters. You see, this week is already our final examinations, defense for our thesis – one of the heaviest and crucial points of our lives yet you almost screwed us.


And for those desperate LTO officials, PLEASE if the driver did NOT violate any traffic rules, PLEASE I BEG YOU DO NOT look for any violations and ask the driver for a fine even if he’s innocent.


UGGGHHH. The crisis lies between the two of you guys. WORK FOR IT.

Sunday, March 15, 2009

Ineptness of Chocolates

At some point of my life, I sometimes ask if I am really happy and contented with my life. Yes I am terrifically happy with my life most especially my family exudes sanguinity. That’s one of the things that I can be proud of with my family. When I’m depressed usually brought about by stress I usually crave for chocolates since it is my comfort food. Today, I have eaten one bar of Cadburry Fruits and Nuts but surprisingly the endorphins in the chocolate bar seem to be ineffective. I don’t know but I feel down and tired.


Most probably this predicament was brought about by last week’s turmoil.


People nowadays are driving me crazy and somehow those scoundrels would be the primary cause of my insanity in the near future. I am bothered by their lunacy. First, there’s this eleven-year old boy who have been extremely furious on to me due to my honest opinion. To make things worse, the atrocious kid cursed me by using the fuck-shit-hell words. Second, there’s this bulimic pig who keeps on meddling to something even if the bulimic pig didn’t know the real event. And lastly, all those people who really crave for attention and somehow they are unconscious by it.


To be honest I was hurt. I was hurt because I really don’t know what went wrong. I was just expressing my opinion. If I weren’t honest then it would be definitely create an imminent mayhem. I was hurt because a KID cursed me to go to hell. I don’t how to react on the kid’s demonic statements – whether to be furious or to be confused. Why should the kid be that extremely furious? Sorry but my parents and my alma mater taught me to be honest, now matter what. I’m not viciously honest though because I know how to weigh things, whether if my brusqueness is already offensive or not. But I think it wasn’t. The rascal had indeed sucked all of my patience. I tried to stretch it but I already reached the threshold of its elasticity.


Okay, so much for that. I don’t want to delve with this crap.


And now I feel a little bit okay, thanks to blogging services provided by the internet.


Two things.

First, no matter how hard you try to have a happy disposition in life, there are still rogues who would try to destroy your day desperately.

Second, to be nice is one of the most difficult challenges of LIFE. Then again, those fraught rogues try to provoke you.


Life isn’t fair sometimes.
But if the world is in utopia, it would be rather boring.


Sheeeesh.

Wednesday, March 11, 2009

HE REALLY NEEDS YOUR HELP.

I read this blog entry from Ate Mel, a third year BS Food Tech student. Her classmate flew from Mt. UP to downtown, particularly in the historical San Pedro Street where she found this old and crippled man. It really pains me to see those poor people in the streets. If only I'm rich. Sigh. :((

But anyway, here's the original entry (http://mel101.multiply.com/journal/item/66/HE_NEEDS_YOUR_HELP.)


My classmate, Joanna, found this poor man on San Pedro street.
He can no longer walk properly because of diabetes.

Align Center
HIS ONLY WISH IS TO HAVE A WHEELCHAIR


He needs your help.
Please, if you have an extra wheelchair at home
or if you know someone who has one,
or if you know someone or any organization who can help him,
or better yet, if you can afford to buy this man a wheelchair,

PLEASE CONTACT US:

Smart- 09096665538
Globe- 09172408405


There's always a way to make a difference.


Tuesday, March 10, 2009

"Hula-hula" Hoops



Dr. ETRJr’s advisees aka RASCO BABIES (with a superscript TM on it) are really fond of doing entertaining stuffs. Yeah, every one in the class goes gaga to the iniquitous palm reading. Aiai together with her fellow ETR Babies are now experts on this paranormal field. They even had a book on it. So the long line of engrossed clients (hey that’s us! Lol) patiently waits for their turn. Madam Aiai also had this patience on reading and interpreting those lines in your palm. Questions like the future, number of children, work, leisure, love and success are some common things that were being asked and interpreted by the palm reader. Indeed, according to the book, our destiny lies in our palms.


Well, almost all of us were astonished by the coincidence of Madam Aiai’s interpretation. But yeah, this is just a form of pure entertainment since we find ways to entertain ourselves. You see, we’re always prone to boredom since the nearest mall is at least one hour and the fare is quite expensive. Being stuck in a prestigious academic institution situated in the outskirts of city is like when a prisoner or worse slave in the Medieval Times locked in a high fortress. We find ways to entertain ourselves, at least.


But yeah, while doing entertaining things (aside from Videoke, house parties and etc) like this one makes me remember an episode on a late night documentary show about a year ago. It tackled about a young woman who is very dependent on a soothsayer’s false verdicts and predictions. She tried palm reading, tarot card reading and other fortune-telling jobs in the sidewalk just to have a knowledge on what will “actually” happen in her life in the next few years, or maybe in the next few hours. It may sound horrendous but she was desperate at that time and all she wanted at that time was to have a stable job, strong family ties and of course, money. It seems to be a dim-witted idea to spend almost a thousand bucks just to have your destiny to be checked by those soothsayers when you can actually spend your money on to more important things like bills, food and water and education. Or better yet, she may opt to save the money instead and invest it to promising business or other small time franchises. Ideally, the general population of Filipinos tends to be carried away by those convincing interpretations of those fortune-tellers.


The greatest paradox was when the reporter asked the fortune-tellers if they can predict their own destiny.



The verdict: They can’t predict their own future. PERIOD.



Above all, the reason why they still delve with this kind of job is that they don’t have a choice. Interpreting one’s destiny would probably be sufficed to fill their children’s stomach of at least on a daily basis (one meal per day).


I don’t hold grudges to fortune-tellers, as long as they don’t create harm or mayhem to the society. They’re practically harmless.


But depending to the results and interpretations of these harmless mystics would be a harmful decision.


The destiny is in our palms, yes, THAT IS if we work for it. Perseverance and patience are prerequisites to a successful life.


Divine Intervention won’t intervene unless if you do something worthy and not appalling.


No, palm reading is fun actually. HAHAHA. LOL :))



PS: Aiai! Read my palm again. My right hand was dirty at that time, that’s why my future you’ve predicted was also dirty. LOL. Just kidding!