Departures: The Gift of Last Memories

The smell of death lingers with the movie Departures, which was directed directed by Yojiro Takita. However, the smell of death need not be a stench to be scorned. Preparing a body for the final departure is something as beautiful as life can be. Though death and life may be seen as a terribly vicious cycle, the thin line between the two shows the beauty of every breath. Being in such a profession is not an easy task owing to the emotional stress that one receives and this is exactly what Daigo Kobayashi had come to terms with being a professional embalmer.

One thing notable about this film is its ability to draw attention to something that is not normally noticed by most. The art of embalming and craft of sending a love one to the other side of life is usually overlooked. The process entails a different set of dynamics for the film. Embalming is not simply making the person look beautiful for an audience to simply appreciate but for the person who passed away, it is a farewell endeavor with a whole lot of affection in it. It encompasses the physical and the spiritual. Likewise, the film puts this system into perspective.

In the film, Taigo Kobayashi has dreams like no other would conjure. A great musician, specifically a cello was his immediate concern. He was part of an orchestra, but such an endeavor was not successful. After a performance, he was terminated from the job due to the fact that the company was not faring well. Starting from that point almost everything about this life fell apart.

Procuring a high-class cello for a huge sum was not entirely a good idea. He went into debt and decided to go back to the town, to which he was born. His wife, Mika Kobayashi is a woman of strong tenacity. She approached everything with a smile even when Taigo Kobayashi went into debt and decided to move to his hometown. By and large, Mika is indeed a very good example of a very supportive wife. However, there is a part in the film wherein she got fed up with Taigo’s unwillingness to share the truth about what he is doing. She found out for himself that the new career path of Taigo was not usual and he wanted him to find a usual job. However, Taigo sticked to his instincts and defended his job since he was not doing anything wrong, but doing a service to humanity. Initially, Mika left but came back for Taigo. Another interesting twist in the movie is Mika’s pregnancy, which affirms the cycle of life and death.

Taigo Kobayashi’s life is full of unwanted ironies and such. As a child, he was part of a family that was broken. However, Taigo was very resilient and strong and did not allow that to break his spirit. His father taught him to play the cello; he had a strong affinity with music after that. In one part of the movie, the break-up of his parents took a serious toll on him but he never showed it to his mother. During the earlier part of his life, he went to the bathhouse alone and he cried like he never cried before even to the point that his shoulders were trembling. Nevertheless, not at one point in his life he showed his mother that he is crying owing to the break-up.

Looking at the plot of the movie; sad to say, it is quite predictable and expected. Though it offered something new in terms of the cultural value, the entertainment significance of it not substantial. The plotting of the movie is quite conventional and does not offer something new to the plate. Some of the twists are dull, looking beyond the plot; the movie touches hearts because of the melodramatic factor it possesses. From time to time, the scenes are quite touching due to the blend of Taigo’s love for music and his affection for the process of sending people to the other side.

The cinematography is one of the strongest features of the film; it is very lush and rich. Indeed the movie brought in some images of the countryside with almost perfect quintessence. As for the musical scoring, it was chosen very well that elevated the message that the film wanted to deliver. These two aspects of the movie are quite strong. These two compensated for plot's lack of spark.

Overall, this movie can be placed under the “so-so” category. It is would not really blow the socks of one’s feet. However, it still contains a certain cultural value that makes one think twice. The film showed death in a very unconventional manner. By unconventional, it is highly stunning and beautiful. Appreciating the value of the person is made stronger with death. With all thing said and done, the film carries the Academy Award for the being the best foreign language film.

Café Noriter: A Playful Cup of Coffee

“Café Noriter? That’s our place!” Without a doubt, coffee has been the staple beverage of most individuals nowadays. From the initial Starbucks craze early on, this simple beverage has started to become a lifestyle item for those who need their daily caffeine fix. Likewise, gourmet coffee is undeniably the highest display of this beverage and nothing beats Café Noriter at this game. We have large chains of coffee shops sprouting here, there and everywhere; but such shops do not bring something new to the coffee shop game. They may offer free Wi-Fi, an ambience that is more than cozy, and cheerful and perky baristas and staff; but these aforementioned factors can only go so far. As for Café Noriter, they went against the convention of what the usual coffee shop look and feel like. It made them one of the most sought after coffee shop from all over the metro.

Café Noriter is conveniently situated at Taft Avenue, Manila, in front of De La Salle University. One cannot miss this coffee shop for its remarkably playful illustration of their signage. Going inside is a highly different experience from the typical coffee shop. Their sets of furniture are not the conventional ones as can be seen in big coffee chains. Fixtures that were placed inside café Noriter are exceedingly playful and lighthearted. The walls of the shop are infused with cheerful illustrations of different cartoonish images. A more interactive and personalized store design is the cups hanging all around the place, which the customers are asked by the staff to personally design the cups. The windows are filled with sketches of various kinds that some may consider “cheesy.” Similarly, the tables are infused with drawings as well. Bringing it all together, Noriter becomes a playground for coffee lovers and the likes. Well, Noriter literally means, in the Korean language, as playground.

Another interesting facet of Café Noriter is the mood that it delivers to its customers. The “at home” feeling is felt within the confines of this coffee shop - playground. There are several areas wherein customers can sit as if they are at home. For the more serious individual, the chair and table would be the best option. For the laid-back individual, it is the loft and throw pillow. Considering the latter, individuals must remove their shoes, climb the steps, and do an Indian sit for their own delight. As the clichéd line goes, “Its home away from home.” But yes, Café Noriter is really a home away from home; a coffee shop that feels more like a home.

Coffee, tea, or milk; Café Noriter has it all. For non-coffee drinkers, They have some treats that would make individuals fall in love with their brand of beverage. Hot chocolate would be the best bet for those who have a sweet tooth. Iced mocha for those who need caffeine kick. For their pastries, their waffle seems to be the best-seller. Loaded with various toppings, one cannot go wrong choosing this as a nibbling counterpart of any beverage. Anything from Noriter is quite pleasurable, may it be a cup of coffee, a bit of something to munch upon or both!

When a creative spark is needed, Noriter is the place to be. With the creatively eccentric design and the to-die-for decorative pieces, those creative juices will surely flow. Study dates anyone? Having it on Café Noriter is not a bad idea. The cozy ambience and the feeling of home will make studying a pleasurable endeavor bundled with yummy bites and beverages. For those who simply want to unwind from the hustle and the bustle of the metro, this place makes unwinding an understatement.

Tired of the same old coffee shop experience? If such is the case, trying Noriter will bring the coffee shop experience in a new light. From the playful decorative accents to how customers choose to enjoy their beverage; Café Noriter surely has something of everything for everyone. Something sweet, something cold, something hot, something relaxing, something quirky, something that everyone likes, Café Noriter offers it all. Frappes, tea, cappuccino and the likes, pastries of different kinds, such are irresistible treats. However, Café Noriter is not simply a treat for the taste buds but for the senses as well.

Operation Happiness: A Treatment of Some Sort

I have been feeling struggling with unhappiness without knowing the source. Rather, I know the source but I prefer not to divulge it just yet. I know, some people might regard me as a crazy person having intense mood swings and such. It’s a good thing I haven’t tried Prozac yet (soon I will). However, I found and formulated a better way of getting over unhappiness. Of course, I could not have formulated this without conversing much with other people and trying to find out how happiness works. I created this treatment that runs for exactly seven days. One week of trying to be happy and nothing else, this is the ultimate objective. This is what I coined as “Operation Happiness.” (Yeah, I’m trying to sound like a professional counselor here which I am totally not)

Operation Happiness Day Fucking One: Smile, but not too much and not too little.

Operation Happiness Day Fucking Two: Don't ever short-live the happiness, never ever. Short-living the happiness invites loneliness and depression to a free-for-all feast, with you as the main course.

Operation Happiness Day Fucking Three: Bad thoughts should be banished. If banishing such thoughts are not possible, just hide them all under the sheets.

Operation Happiness Day Fucking Four: I don’t want to hear the truth, just tell me something beautiful or good to hear.

Operation Happiness Day Fucking Five: Say your apologies to yourself, since you treated yourself worse than you would do to anybody else.

Operation Happiness Day Fucking Six: Chant the mantra over and over again, "Happy Happy Fun Time," until you wear it out.

Operation Happiness Day Fucking Seven: Happiness is a choice and a style of thought. Simply put, choose happiness and forget everything else.

It would be best not to skip a day on the daily dose of happiness. Omitting a step would render the whole regimen highly ineffective and futile. On a lighter note, happiness is something that is completely elusive. No one can really catch the whole of it, a part maybe. One of these days, I would create happiness in a bottle and joy in a pill and such won’t be illegal to peddle. In addition, it would be BFAD and FDA approved! It will be coming soon, very very soon.

The Writer Within

A tanka for the writer that I would love to be but never will be:

To you who wrote here;
The pen flows to the tempo;
Don’t you feel the rush?
Continue to scribble and write,
Until those words come to life.

Death by Chivalry

Chivalry is dead. Chivalry has passed away. Chivalry should not be revived. Most of all, chivalry is the peak of inequality. It is a fact, more of a fiction now, that men should prioritize women because they are considered part of the marginalized sector. However, women are advocating for equality in terms of opportunities. Take note of the word “opportunity.” Previously, it is not tolerable for women to vote, to work, to be bosses, to wear trousers and everything else that you can think of. Now, certainly these privileges or pleasures are being savored by women in most part of the world; thanks to what we call feminism.

What is feminism by the way? In a nutshell, it is a movement which aims to provide and establish greater protection of women. I am not an expert in this kind of subject, but I think there is loophole in what they want to advocate. Women desire the opportunity that men receive; they covet so much from men and forget to accept the complete package that comes with opportunities. As examples, in the context of queuing in lines, women demand some special care like being prioritized in the queue because they are marginalized. Another case in point, in riding the train women expect that men give up their seats. This is some crooked mentality that I have observed considering that they are advocating for equality. If men suffer standing then women should suffer as well.

In terms of being marginalized, they are oppressing they own self. They are the ones labeling themselves as helpless and vulnerable. In addition, they are reaffirming their self-declared vulnerability by asking gallantry from men. With these incidences, their mind is configured to a certain thought that they are the weaker sex because they expect special treatment at the same time asking permission to exercise power. I think being marginalized is more of a state of thought rather than an actual tangible occurrence.

If women demand for chivalry then they should not demand for equality. If women demand for equality then they should never demand for chivalry. Nevertheless, women should never expect, never ask, and never demand because by limiting themselves through these actions they have marginalized their kind in enormous proportions. As for men, stop giving them what they want because they can get it by themselves.

Reading Between and Beyond the Lines

In current times, some individuals claim that literature is a useless discipline. Moreover, if you were taking such studies in discipline some would say that it is a waste of time and effort. In addition, some would emphasize that there this is an inferior discipline as compared to the sciences. Due to the age of information, literature is pushed aside by the sciences. On the contrary, the sciences owe much to literature in terms of humanizing the advances in their field. If it is not for literature, humans would be creating sciences that would be uncontrollable on the latter end. In another light, talking about literature and its state of being irrelevant to human life is a fallacy. Literature is under the discipline of humanities, and the root word of humanities is human thus literature is man-made. If humans are intellectual beings, they would not create something that has no intellectual value.

Accentuating the significance of literature to human life, Carlsen (1974) insists that throughout human history, we have unconsciously positioned a sense of significance on literature as to some extent above the worth of other things. Literature is, more often than not, highly valued as compared to the games of chance, more valued than landscape gardening, more valued than interior decoration and most of all it is more valued as compared to urban planning. In the lengthy duration of human history, literature goes beyond military victories, political institutions, and even economic accomplishment. The power of literature to an individual is still undiscovered for the reason that readers have always bear witness to the extraordinary fulfillment in reading and appreciating a well-crafted piece of literature but no one has been able to spell out precisely what it is.

The perception that literature is bourgeois in current times is a misleading notion. Formerly, yes, one might consider it bourgeois because there was no concept of “free education for all.” Education back then was only reserved for the middle or upper classes and part of that education is the study of literature and the classics. Hence, we can deduce that the control of literature is limited to the middle and upper classes. Now, education is not reserved for the middle or upper classes; and for this reason, everyone can be involved in the production and the consumption of literature. To give evidence to this phenomenon, we currently have writings or literature for the marginalized sectors like the leftist groups, Filipino migrant workers and empowered women.

Post Interview Trauma

FROM THE HR: Thank you for applying for the (insert position) at (insert company name). We enjoyed talking with you and appreciate the time you took to come in and talk with us. We carefully evaluated your resume& the information you shared during the interview the screening. However, there were other candidates whose experience & qualifications appear more suited to our requirements. Thank you and we wish you success in your career pursuits.


FROM ME: Ok, I'm bitter.

Interview and Illness 101

And the interview keeps rolling in from here, there and everywhere. Earlier, I had my second interview from this company that I really want to work into but I sense that the interviewer is not going to choose me (But Looooowwwwrddd, c'mon spare some mercy and let him choose me please?). Sadly, I wasn't a hundred percent earlier because of this stupid cold; my mind went liquid at some question such as: can you mop the floor? can you clean the bathroom, can you wash plates? Ok, not exactly my type of work but I am aiming for the experience. Ok, I'm too sick to function. I'm ending this blog prematurely *cough* *cough*

Career Roller Coaster Ride

Really now, I'm trying to find a job. But in reality, I'm torn between studying and working. What should I prioritize, having a so so income through an official teaching job (which I am really avoiding but my dad wants me to have) or being a full time student again (by full time I mean no work whatsoever)? If I go with the former, I would be a simple cheap ass teacher who assists students how to put their head up before drowning in their own blood owing to the English language. If I pursue the latter, I won't have the income that I was thinking of before graduating.

On a lighter note, I applied for a job that is not of my specialization which means its really on the other side of the career spectrum. I wouldn't want to divulge it since I know that I will get a lot of criticisms such as "Ha? bakit ka nagapply diyan eh nagtapos ka with latin honors?" But just a clue, its in the food and beverage industry.Well, I want to prove something that even though I am not in the given track as dictated by the degree that I have; I am capable of crossing other careers that is maybe unthinkable for some. Simply put, I'm taking a career roller coaster ride; won't you ride it with me?

PhD Anyone?

So now, I would just like to share my sentiments regarding people who obtained their PhD. I would like to reiterate that I am not generalizing but this is just based on my experience.

Indeed, to advance one's career it is but a must to take further studies. Perhaps take a master's degree, a doctorate degree, post-baccalaureate, post-graduate, diploma or whatever; such ensures that one is being a step ahead. However, I have some observation regarding individuals who pursued this kind of endeavor. Although their career is flourishing; their attitude stinks gradually. Then again, I repeat that I am not generalizing.

There's a saying in Filipino, "Ang taas ng ihi mo." Definitely, this idiom best describes some people who attained such a high degree. Of course, they have the right to act such and be haughty, but there's always a limit. They are starting to have the conception that by virtue of their degree, it makes them superior to those who have a degree less than what they have. Well, this is partially true but I would to like remind them that before becoming a PhD holder they were first a person. When you strip them out of their degree, their ego shrinks to the molecular level.

I can still remember one instance that made me develop this thought. That person said, "mahiya naman kayo mga doctor tao dito" (pertaining to PhD holders) and "Kung inaakala nyong mataas ang sweldo namin dito, nagkakamali kayo." When I recall these lines, my ire brews to high heavens. It makes me want to pour ice cold water on that person's head to wash the blistering pride away. Ok, I'll stop because I may blurt out something that is highly inappropriate. But my point is: (1) Before you gained your PhD you were a regular person like me, like anyone of us. (2) There are some people who have such a degree but they made me admire them more because the place a premium on being humble despite their achievements, kudos to them! (3) Having a Phd makes you a better academician or an invaluable asset to the company; However it does not necessarily make you a better person.

This is my subtle answer to what the person said although I did not say it directly out of respect. If you don't like the compensation then by all means go to another institution, no one is forcing you to work here. I am not begging for your service, well I would say this in Filipino because the impact is much greater. Hindi kami nanlilimos ng serbisyo mo dahil nagbayad kami para sa serbisyo na 'yan; kaya huwag mong ipamukha na nanlilimos kami ng serbisyo mo. Binabayaran ka para gawin yan.

The shine that you have now will dull later on. By that time, you can count your real achievements by the people around you and not by what you have done.

Those are a few of my favorite things.

My birthday was just yesterday and I am really happy for what I got.

1. A book entitled Marrying Buddha by Wei hui given by someone who very dear to me - I read the prequel of this installation entitled Shanghai Baby and I got amazed by how a writer can mix naughty and spicy ideologies with the most tamed and censored culture.

2. An SMS from (insert company name) stating that I am scheduled for an interview. Sadly, I wasn't able to attend my first day of class at Instituto Cervantes for Accesso 2. Boo! But definitely, attending the interview was worth it. It's my dream company!

3. I was endorsed for a second interview and I am pretty much looking forward to it.

With all of these, I realized that the most intangible entities are the items that can bring the most amusement and gratification.

Twenteen! Cumpleanos Feliz Joseph!

"Its ok to be 40, if you look 30"

I don't know if I should be happy because it's mu birthday or should I be sad since I am aging. Well, Apple Aberin said, "It's ok to be 4o if you look 30." That gave a light of hope for me. On the more brighter side, 20 is still a teen right? Twenteen? Nevertheless, I am taking more responsibilities because I'm shedding my teen years off starting this day. I'm scared by the thought of having a job. Why? Even though I already finished my undergrad, I still don't like to work but I would like to pursue a Master's Degree. Well they said that I can work while still studying.

Stepping on the 20 mark has its perks as well. One, people treat me more as an adult so there are no more "Don't do (insert activity), you are still young for that." Now, its like I am given the liberty to spin around in whatever I want and still don't get reprimanded. Most of all, the best thing about being an adultish teen is our ability to commit mistakes and learn from it. Yes, it's not dreadful to commit mistakes as long as you learn from it. Given that, if one can't find something to learn from the mistake done, such can always be charged to experience.

Contrary to the good things of being older than the usual teen, by being an adult it is not quite happy happy fun time all the time. Since there are more responsibilities to take, life becomes more dulling, more automatized and more routinary. Work-play-work-play-work-play-study? Ok, maybe this is still far from where I am standing now but as early as now I am preparing for this.

The best thing that I can get for this specific birthday is very very simple, a sports car will do or a condo unit will do as well. OK stop dreaming Joseph! But what I would really like to have this birthday is to be admitted at graduate school with a scholarship. In line with that, I would like to know what program to take since I am extremely torn between MFA Creative Writing and MA Language & Literature. Dilemma Dilemma on my birthday!

Election, Halalan, Botohan, Bilangan, Eleksyon

It is a fact that the election is the highest display of democracy.

By this time, the election fever is slowly subsiding with Noynoy and Binay as the leading candidates for the position of president and vice-president respectively. My bets Gibo and Gordon sadly did not obtain a significant number of votes. Although i commend them more for conceding towards Noynoy. What they have done made me realize that our politicians are slowly being more decent as compare to the previous elections. Loren Legarda also conceded to Binay which made me commend her more because she accepted her lost in which I know is very difficult considering that she ran twice and lost twice.

On the other hand, there are still some who bear the old ways and cannot accept the fact that they have lost. With them, it is always "Nadaya ako ni...." or "Dinaya ako ni...." Well putting myself in their shoes, it is not a joke campaigning specially when it comes to monetary terms. How in the world would they gain what was exhausted in the campaign? Be it as it may, there is no room for bitterness. They must accept the fact that there can only be one winner and unfortunately it's not them who were chosen by democracy.

As for the teacher's who served as the board of election inspectors, I totally salute all of you for being the guardians of this milestone in Philippine history. In the news earlier, I saw that one teacher even hugged and protected the PCOS machine against men who raided the precinct because the candidate that they are working for is losing. Teachers are not only our second parents, but they are also heroes when election day comes. Again, I salute all the teachers who made the elections possible. Hindi biro ang hindi kumain at magbantay sa eleksyon.

Now, what is next for the Philippines? My tagline before the election is "Not everyone in yellow is a hero" but I guess democracy has spoken and indeed the one in yellow will be again our hero. We must give Noynoy and Binay a chance to change the Philippines as they have promised. In Noynoy's case, he should more than thank his parents for bringing him the highest position in the land. Hopefully he has the motherly care of Cory for the Filipino people and the fatherly strength of Ninoy for his government.

Just a side note, it is also notable that three of the Marcoses have won position in the government. Isn't is ironic that these Marcoses are working for the Aquino government? As they say, "Madaling makalimot ang mga Pilipino."

Prophecies and Whatnot

It has been three years and some of my batch mates are already graduating and It's a funny thing that some of the prophecies made which was made by the three of us namely: Me, Steph and Denise are partly true to life. Written below is the prophecy, compare and contrast what was written and what is happening. I might beat Madam Auring or Jojo Aquin when making prophecies. Kidding.

BATCH PROPHECY

ALL: Good morning, everyone! Juniors (nod sa 3rd yr), (nod sa gitna), Seniors (nod sa 4th yr). We present to you the batch prophecy of the senior class of twenty-o-seven!

*PALAKPAK!!*

ALL: Congratulations Rachel Anne Ching and Mikhail Justin Tugade —MTV Music Awards two k seventeen best pop duo for their modernized rendition of “Wonderful Grace of Jesus”!

DENISE: It was indeed a great leap of success for both artists’ career. However, they are very much aware of the help and support they have received from the Heavenly Father. Rachel and Mikhail also expressed their gratitude towards record producer Pauline Coherco, L’oreal make-up artist Ancellaine Chua, and their manager Angelo Siy.

JOSEPH: In celebration of their victory, the duo hosted a thanksgiving party at the Grand Ballroom of CHI-ONG Function Rooms, co-owned by Warren Chiong and Raymond Ong. Among the personalities who attended were from the Limchu Medical Group, namely doctors Mika O’yek, Marc Pelayo, Toni Uy, Russel Raquel, and of course, Michelle Limchu. From doctors, there also came lawyers and politicians. Rachel was glad to see her long-time friend Atty. Zion Ramos, who was having a nice chat, or rather debate, with fellow lawyers Atty. Stephanie Dy and Atty. Hubert Calalang.

STEPH: Admiring Karlene Co’s fabulous paintings while discussing the country’s problems were Rep. Alexis Go Cedenio, Cong. Alvin Sy, Sec. Tristan Ong, Sen. Constantine Tan, and self-proclaimed future President Mr. Kenno Yao. As the politicians were analyzing Richard Tan’s latest invention, the No-Gas Car, socialites Beverly Ng and Hannah Solon suddenly stood up for a toast. A very mellow tune played by famous pianist Ryan Uy soon circled the room. From the tune, there popped the angelic voices of the San Miguel Philharmonic Choir led by conductor Terrence Te.

DENISE: People were especially pleased with the sumptuous meal prepared by Chef Wendy Hsieh from the Lyka Shangri-La Hotel of Ms. Lyka Tanchip. It is of no surprise that the press would attend this event. Reporters Evenezer Mag-aro and Rhea Sy of 25-Oras were joined by the Philippine Star’s Erika Pua and Ervin Tiu in taking notes and pictures of the bright lights, floral arrangements, and exquisite decorations prepared by the Big4 Interior Designers Team of Eandra Po, Kathleen Lim, Desinira Teh, and Bernadete Garcia.









JOSEPH: While enjoying the celebration, Mikhail received a call from the Ambassador of the Philippines to Japan, Mr. Michael Lee for his and Rachel’s first overseas concert. Both singers were reluctant at first since they do not understand a single Japanese word, but it’s a good thing that well-known linguists Sherl Ong and Krystle Co can interpret for them. Mikhail and Rachel’s manager advised them to end the festivities a bit early since they are scheduled to perform in a fund-raising concert at the Grace International College the next day. Though everyone left in sighs, they still found the party to be quite a blast!

*KRRRIIIIINNG!!*

STEPH: The alarm clock rang before Mikhail found out it was already morning. As he looked at the time on his (ALL: Nokia ninety-nine one thousand) cell phone designed by Annie Tan, he panicked upon the realization of being tardy and hurriedly moved to catch up with his show. When he arrived at the GIC Auditorium, someone suddenly said…

JOSEPH: I’m afraid you’re a bit late, Mr. Tugade.

STEPH: It was popular teacher in campus, Mr. V a.k.a. Professor Joseph Velasco. The two friends started to walk to the dressing room and saw Rachel reminiscing with her former classmates, now GIC’s school board, Shyne Cheng, Nathaniel Edillo, Kyra See, and Anne Chua. The concert began and soon enough, the singers were overwhelmed by the warm applause of the audience, especially the college professors Ms. Mellissa Alcantara and Mr. Nico Ng were applauding the performance from the front row.

DENISE: Today is a tiring yet enjoyable day for both Rachel and Mikhail. Tomorrow, however, may be more exhausting since they will be headed towards Japan. Upon reaching home, Rachel immediately packed her things including the elegant gowns by Cindy Blas, the 1000-karat jewelries by Hestine Tan, and the priceless shoes by Jeanne Wee. Mikhail on the other hand, decided to relax and get fit at Roy Lim’s Spa and Fitness Center. There, he met with his private trainers Kenneth “D.” Lim and Irving “Timoy” Go, and after much rest and relaxation, Mikhail decided to head towards his new Valle Verde house made by the team of eminent architect brothers John and Joe Guo, together with Andrew Tsai, and spend his first night on his new home.

JOSEPH: Meanwhile, Rachel couldn’t find herself to fall asleep, and so, she excitedly flipped through the newest bestseller Hallerr to Become Popular written by Gerard Kho. In a few moments, Rachel was already fast asleep. At about 9 the next morning, Rachel and Mikhail arrived at the Oliver-Scott International Airport, where they were greeted by owners Genn Co and Kendrick Cheng.

STEPH: As the singers boarded the worlds’ most expensive and well-designed airplane ALL STAR created by Engr. Marvin Que and researcher Jan Michael Sy, a woman’s voice over the P.A. system said…






DENISE: Ladies and gentlemen, this is head stewardess Abigail Siapua. Please fasten your seatbelts. We would be taking off in a few moments. Thank you for choosing us.

STEPH: then a man’s voice followed with…

JOSEPH: Good morning, this is Capt. Eryll Salvame flying you aboard All Star flight 47654321 to Tokyo, Japan. I hope you will all have a great flight!

STEPH: A few minutes after take-off, stewardess Lianne Liquete started to distribute packed Japanese cuisine prepared by Chef Stephanie Wu.

DENISE: After a four-hour flight, the duo arrived to find their tour guide Ya Lin Wang waiting for them at the VIP Lounge. They were ecstatic when they found out that they would be riding one of the limousines from Kevin Teng and Co. The limousine they got was obviously designed by Goldwin Guiang, since the car had subtle curves and distinctive style. Rachel went crazy when she saw Samatha Dy in a billboard for “Japan’s Next Top Model”, while Mikhail was just happy that they would be reaching the Won Hotel owned by Ji Won Seok.

JOSEPH: That night on the presidential suite, Mikhail felt sentimental and decided to listen to some love songs from his T-pod, the tera-byte version of the I-pod, created by Edison Limqueco. After a thousand songs, he finally dozed off.

STEPH: Miss Ching… Miss Ching…

DENISE: a voice called out to tell her that there is only one hour left before the concert.

JOSEPH: WELCOME, ladies and gentlemen of all ages!

DENISE: the powerful and refined voice of Paolo Conde boomed all over the theater house.

JOSEPH: Here are Rachel and Mikhail in 5. 4. 3. 2. 1…

*NAGKAKAGULO HOLLERING!!*

DENISE: The show was a big success all thanks to the choreographer Japeth Reyes, the back-up dancers Deanna Chang and Jonalyn Tiu, and the music director Jamille Gabionza. Immediately after the concert, the artists flew back to the Philippines.

JOSEPH: Upon arrival, Rachel felt quite sick and so she consulted her physician Dr. Qiu He. His diagnosis was only stress and demanded her to take a vacation for a few weeks, and with that, Rachel took a break from the celebrity scene. Meanwhile, Mikhail felt yet again sentimental since he has been depressed because of his love life. He decided to have a session with his psychiatrist Angelica Go and talked about how he had been crushing on Robyn Tan, a stuntwoman he met at one of his shows. His dilemma though was that Robyn was already taken, and Dr. Go advised him to take a step back from relationships for a while and focus more on other things.



STEPH: Taking his psychiatrist’s advice, Mikhail went to watch a national volleyball and basketball match wherein the Philippine teams of the respective fields would be playing, and since he was one of the Philippine teams’ biggest sponsors, he had no worries about the tickets.

*PPPPPRRTTT!!*

DENISE: The final whistle represented the victory of the Philippine Volleyball team. Again, they win the gold thanks to the extensive trainings and team handling abilities of Coach Angelinla Li and Assistant Coach Vangie Lim. Mikhail was glad and then he decided to go to the other side of the arena where the Philippine Basketball team was playing.

JOSEPH: On three!

DENISE: Shouted Coach Angelo So…

JOSEPH: 1. 2. 3. Philippines fight!

DENISE: Now at the fourth quarter…

*SOUND NG NASHOOT NA BASKETBALL”

DENISE: Tam Go kept making three-pointers, and when their opponents started to take a shot, Maerson “Johnny” Godoya’s enormous hand stole the ball and immediately passed it to Patrick Ang—who then in turn, headed towards their court for a fast break. With three seconds left in the clock, Patrick shoots… and scores!! The Philippine Basketball Team also wins the match! Glad as he is, Mikhail left the arena with a much more pleased look on his face.

JOSEPH: The whole Filipino crowd was very proud of the national teams and was cheering along with the cheerleaders, headed by Michelle Sy and Myka Sy…

*GO GO PILI GO GO GO PILIPINAS!!*

JOSEPH: Except for Tam and Patrick, the volleyball and basketball players headed for Jace Tan’s Jellyjace Exotic Food Bar & Restaurant after the awarding ceremonies. Tam suggested that he and Patrick should visit one of their injured teammate Wilson Lee and share the victory with him. The three players shared victory over a scrumptious meal by Wilson’s wife Kim.

STEPH: The next morning, Tam received a letter from Cathleen Sy, inviting him for the 10-year reunion of Batch 2007. Excitedly, Tam called up his old friend Mikhail on his cellphone to ask him whether he’d be performing at the reunion. At the exact moment, Mikhail was crossing the street and was unaware of the truck moving fast towards his direction!!

*HONK HONK!!*
JOSEPH: that truck brought him straight to the emergency room. When Mikhail had already regained consciousness, he was like hearing things…

DENISE: Wake up… wake up… wake up!!!

JOSEPH: Suddenly, it all became clear…

DENISE: You’re about to be late for graduation!

JOSEPH: …his mom said. In a blink of an eye, Mikhail hurriedly showered while giggling to himself and breathing a sigh of relief. He was grateful that he had the chance to take a glance at the future that might take place in a couple of years, and he was very glad that a chance like that was just a dream away. However, as always, Mikhail is still tardy…

ALL: for graduation!

STEPH: Batch mates, dreams would definitely come true if we just try our best.

JOSEPH: In the mean time, let’s do everything it takes to reach our goal

DENISE: …AND till we meet again!

ALL: THANK YOU!

*BOW LEFT, CENTER, RIGHT*

Power and Cheap Ass Politics

The elections has been officially concluded as I have seen an official announcement in the website. But of course there are some people who are extremely bitter because their last chance of grabbing power was revoked with one single decision that is also made by them. I just supported their decision. Then again, I'm happy that I concluded it fair and to the best of my abilities. Although some are saying that I destroyed democracy whatsoever and they want a recount. Well if you want the recount, I will give you the ballots and you count it by yourself. I won't exert effort in doing something that I know is utterly useless. And to those who criticize me, I would like to throw a question back at you. What would I get if I manipulate it? It won't make me rich so why bother? My stupid pimple will not go away if I manipulate it. Such activities are thoughts of people who cannot accept defeat (poor you). Its funny that in cheap ass politics such as these people rarely accept defeat. More so, their reason is always "I got cheated". Well if you have balls, accept the fact that you lost or you can't run and most of all take it like a man not like some whining and crying MICE that seems to be chasing a cheese that's gone bad. Greed is indeed at hand with power, and those who greed it so much cannot handle power. With that, power controls them and make then lose their minds thinking that they attained a position that is even not worth mentioning. Take note, you lost you chance. Deal with it. Hahaha