I'm still in my calm and relaxed state given that we are all in the middle of my most favorite season--Christmas. It was the 25th yesterday. And for movie-goers, this actually marks the start of Philippine cinema's annual Metro Manila Film Festival. Which leads me to think: what are the best movies of 2009?

A lot of top-grade movies have come out this year, and the quality of movie-making just went up a couple of notches. Oh, the beauty of technology.

Here are my top 5 favorites for 09, in chronological order. Let me know if you agree or not! :p

5. Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince
Admittedly, I'm a big Potter-freak. So any Potter movie that comes out ultimately lands on my list. Plus Harry-Ron-Hermione are just getting better and better.

4. The Hangover
Friends + Las Vegas = LOL. The funniest movie I've seen in a loooong time. Reminded me of one of the greatest wasted-comedy-flicks ever: Dude, where's my car?

3. Up
The best animated movie to date for me. It tops Finding Nemo by 0.5 points. Couldn't help thinking of my lolo and lola when they were still alive. *Sigh*

2. 500 Days of Summer
The story and the manner of storytelling just got me. Beautiful. And it wasn't bad seeing a grown-up Joseph Gordon Levitt. ;)

1. Avatar
Beautifully epic. This movie made and is still making history. This is actually included in my top films of all-time already. And I've already fought a couple of friends who thought the film was too long or too weird. :D

2009 Christmas is...

completing Simbang Gabi together with my Mom
carolling with my CMT batchmates
eating good food.. especially ham and chocolates
living peaceful family days
reuniting with life friends

and of course, celebrating Him.

Peace and love to all!

**

I think I might be coming up with a school-girl crush on Secretary Gilbert Teodoro. <3

I've finally reached the legit quarterlife milestone last week. And yes, while I may detest the fact that I feel slightly repulsed by my aging, I nevertheless think that I am a better person this year. I have a year's worth of maturity in me. This includes finally knowing my priorities in life, understanding my goals and knowing how to reach them, being more disciplined, and deciding that I must be more responsible as a person. And for those I am thankful.



CARPE DIEM.

Watched Fight Club again yesterday after what seemed to be 10 years. Technically speaking, it has been 10 years. Movie came out '99. Of course the beauty of a decade of life made me understand the movie in an entirely different manner. For one, I was already able to overlook the physical beauty of Edward Norton. And Brad Pitt. Back then, the movie held so much awe in my eyes. Particularly because of the angst it contained, how post-modern it was, and because it was one of a kind. There weren't many psychological movies back then. Or at least nothing as commercial as Fight Club. Nothing else with Brad Pitt in it. Or maybe aside from Meet Joe Black. (I thought Meet Joe Black was pretty much a mind movie, apart from the romance of course).

Like any other cool thing I acknowledged back then, some of the "shine" naturally faded as I, for lack of a better term, matured. Sort of how I thought Birkenstock was so cool before, but now it's so passe. No offense meant to those who are still wearing them (my mom still wears her pair). 10 years passed and I saw probably 500 movies since Fight Club. Harry Potter, Spider Man, Frodo Baggins, Achilles and Hector, and others have all colored the next 10 years of my movie-watching. I've all but nearly forgotten about Tyler Durden--his blown-up condo, his wretched desk job, his inner angst against corporate America, his addiction for support groups, his alter-ego, his lover, his wounds, his fights and everything colorful and dirty in between. Nearly. I almost did, if not for that spark of awe I still had at the back of my mind triggered by seeing a movie file in the lot of movies I copied from a friend.

I watched the movie again. Gone is my adolescent perspective, easily swayed by peers. I was again acquainted with Tyler Durden. I tried to understand him now, tried to comprehend beyond the visuals. Listened, rewound the scenes as I sought to grasp the meaning behind his words. Behind his narration. I almost cried at how pained he felt. He was a painful character. I can't imagine not being able to sleep and seeking support groups in order to cry, in order to sleep. I can't imagine not being able to feel. And that was what he was. Which brought about the entire convoluted direction his life took to regain balance in his self.

He was beautiful. He was complicated. He was alone and he was not alone. He was lovely. He was 2 people and one at the same time. I was again mesmerized.

As it was before, so it is now. I realized that I still hold the same awe as I did 10 years ago, albeit with a much richer understanding. With more compassion. Lesser angst. This time though I liked it for different reasons altogether.

Whereas before I liked it because it was angry, I like it now because I saw hope. Whereas before I saw the commitment to the destruction of man, I now see the determination of man to be better. Whereas before I saw the evils of corporate America bringing out the worst in people, I now see humanity struggling to unite for a brighter and better world.

I can truly say it is one of my top favorite movies. Maybe in my thirties I'll find a different meaning to it again. Although OMG, I can't believe I thought about my being 30 just now. Scary.

I love the BER months.

Actually, to be really specific, I start feeling all fuzzy and warm during the last week of October. That's the time when people start inviting for Halloween parties and when my mom (after deciding 3 years ago that this is a semi-holiday worth celebrating) starts decorating our home with subtle elements of the spooky season. Seeing fake spider-webs in stores, a pseudo-dracula with a witch head outside our front door, and plastic monster masks being sold side by side with Christmas decorations in National Bookstore are indications that the "good times" have begun!

Next birthday coming up!

My arms are starting to ache.

Yesterday, I attended a badminton training session (company-sponsored-yeba!) at this court near Pioneer. This is the first time I attended such a session, agreeing to take the next step to knowing the sport and improving my skills. Well, I am doing this for Wellness since I challenged my batchmate to a weight-loss match. And he's a guy, so good luck to me. So Coach taught us the proper way of gripping the badminton racket (the v formed by the index finger and thumb wrapped around the handle should be directly aligned with the racket). He also taught us some basic footwork and how to give a proper overhead shot. We divided into groups of four to have drills and to practice our form.

Anyway, today I played with DJ, Barre and Anakat so I can apply some of the things I learned yesterday to our game today. So now my arms are starting to hurt. Am planning to put some of that minty oil mom uses for body aches (medicine jar pa!). It smells good, lets me sleep immediately, and although I know its the kind of oil old people use (LOL), it really lessens the aching of the body. I'm getting old.

Next training session would be on Thursday so that gives me tomorrow to rest my muscles.

I'm targetting to lose 4 pounds this month. I don't eat so much rice anymore, just a half cup during lunch will do. I also try to eat more fruits. Now I'm wiring myself to eat 1 serving of pineapple or a banana in the morning plus a glass of milk to keep me full until about lunch. Or if I'm really hungry, I eat another serving of fruit or yogurt at 10:30am. For lunch, if I do decide to eat rice, I just consume half a cup. I can eat whatever dish I want and then just eat more fruit for dessert. At about 4pm I go to the caf to eat 1 serving of yogurt (try Nestle Fruit Selection Yogurt Buco Nata flavor!) to avoid feeling hungry; that just makes me eat more in the long run. For dinner, I try not to eat rice anymore. But my mom is such a good cook that I cannot say no to whatever she serves!

Moderate exercise, proper food intake. Nothing to drastic of a change, something more sustainable. Let's see where this Wellness challenge takes me by next year!

***
Other Media updates:
> Done with episode 3 of Gossip Girl (it's my guilty pleasure show) Waiting for ep 4 to be finished!
> Finished reading Eat, Pray, Love and I can't wait to see the movie next (or is it next next) year. James Franco is <3
> Finally watched 300 last weekend (super late!) and followed it with Troy (saw this on the cinema). Liked both, but I think Troy had a winning moment (the scene where Prium kissed Achilles' hands the night after Achilles killed Hector, Prium's son, and begged him to give Hector's body back for proper burial rites. Classic!)

I took an overnight trip to Dipolog last Friday to watch a live drama featuring one of our company's brands (yeah, it was work-related :p ) Dipolog is part of Zamboanga del Norte, a province in Northern Mindanao.

Dipolog is a pretty small place, so small you can easily get around the area via a tricyle. In fact, there are no jeepneys nor buses around the area. You see fancy SUVs with monster wheels frequently--they need big wheels since there are lots of dirt roads in the area--and tricycles that are a little bigger than those you find here in Manila. Roads are littered with trikes that the local government deemed it useful to adapt the "color coding" method of Manila to the trikes of Dipolog. Literally written on the back of the trikes is their DAY OFF day. For example: "DAY-OFF: THURSDAY" --this trike cannot operate on Thursdays.

Dipolog doesn't have an SM (yet!) and they don't have a cinema! Well, they used to have a cinema building but it was closed down. Our tour guide was quick to point out that Dipolog was very much in touch with the latest trends (while we were listening repeatedly to the OST of Twilight in his fancy Strada) and that even though the cinema closed down, they still get to watch the latest blockbusters featured in Manila...how else but through the trusty neighborhood DVD pirates. Great.

While having some time to kill, we drove to Dapitan which is a quick 20-minute drive from Dipolog. I was very excited to visit the actual place where Jose Rizal was exiled. Nearing the place, my companion (the person from the radio agency) was quick to point out that she wouldn't mind being exiled to such a beautiful and peaceful place--it was beside the BEACH! True that. The place was indeed beautiful. And romantic. A place fit for the romance of Jose Rizal and Josephine Bracken. How can you not fall in love in that setting?

Anyway, we reached the fenced compound. ANG PINAGTAPUNAN KAY JOSE RIZAL, MULA HULYO 1892 - HULYO 1896. I went straight to the nipa hut. It was quite disappointing to find out that it was only a replica of the actual hut Rizal lived in. The original was either totally dilapidated or burned down. I'm not quite sure. I was itching to ask the Rizalians who were in the area--3 veiled women whom the tour guide said worshiped Rizal as almost God--but chickened out. Anyway, despite the replica hut, I was quite happy to have visited Dapitan. The beach front, the sand, the trees--these were things that I saw which Rizal saw himself. And that made my trip worth it somehow.


****

Other updates:
- Am in the middle of watching S.A. (visiting my anime roots)
- Got my first ever Havaianas in Dipolog. Forgot my slippers in Manila and the slipper shop the tour guide brought me to is Havaianas.
- Our batch finally got our kick-off assignments (yipee!) and I'll be handling the team building session.
- Caveat is that starting Sept after my current stint, we'll be devoted to kick-off preparations. Meaning, we won't be having stints!!! Meaning my sales stint is AGAIN moved to a later date. Meaning our graduation is now moved to JUNE instead of FEB or MARCH. :| Oh well. We just have to deliver a really kick-ass kick-off. Bring it!!

Contrary to most Michael Jackson fans, I don't really have much to say--I just feel a deep loss.

He lived a great life and he made all our lives better through his music. We can't be anything but grateful.

Just like what was said in his memorial concert, I am glad to have lived in an era which experienced Michael Jackson, the greatest entertainer who ever lived.





****

This morning my boss--well technically speaking my stint superior--approached me and asked if I knew anyone still studying in Ateneo. And my answer? A big fat NO.

That came with a slight panic rushing to my head because of the realization that I am waaaaay past the "fresh grad" phase. I am nearing the big 2-5. I'M NEARING THE BIG 2-5!!! *SCREAM*

Do I sound like I'm about to hit forty? Sorry 'bout that. Well, I don't really mind turning 25 at the end of the year. I mean, it seems to be such a mature age already but truth of the matter is it doesn't really feel any different. In fact, I kinda feel great!

Some people (the wise men of lifestyle magazines LOL) say that your lifestyle when you hit 25 is the lifestyle you're gonna lead for the rest of your life. So if you eat a lot of junk, don't exercise, stare into a computer 18 hours/day, smoke and drink like there's no tomorrow when you're 25, that'll probably be how you'll spend the prime moments of your life!

2009 is THE year so I guess it's just high time we (me and my friends) slowly alter our lifestyles to accomodate more exercise, less alcohol, more healthy foods, less nicotine.

The thing about changing lifestyles is that it can never be a solo effort. You have to get the buy-in of your family so they can give you moral support (or at least give less temptation). And just as important is to have an agreement with your closest friends. Since I always do things with my friends, having them all commit to the same ideal makes everything more possible, more real, more enjoyable and more sustainable. So when I jog, my friends become automatic jogging buddies. When I refuse to eat fast food, my friends suggest we eat in restos with good healthy food. I guess learning the importance of your family and friends in this kind of decision is the best take away I can get out of the whole experience of slowly reaching the big 2-5.

Bottomline is: I am (will be) fabulous at 25! Bring it on!

***

Today I mark my first year anniversary in Nestlé. How fast time flies and before I knew it, I am already being scheduled for the annual physical exam (which falls on our anniversary month as employees). So I guess there is no better time than now (even though I am still in the office, or maybe because I am still in the office) to be thankful that I am where I am and that I am in a good place. I don't really put much work-related entries into this blog because, well, I don't like mixing work with my personal life (which means I count "blogging" as part of my personal life--sorry, I tend to categorize to sort out info in my brain). But today is the day to make an exception.

Since I'm a Morning Rush-er--I listen to RX during my morning drive to the office because Chico is so geekishly funny--I am creating my own Top 10. The Top 10 reasons why I am thankful for working in Nestlé. Tantaranaaaaaaaaan!

(Channeling the law of attraction here…)

I am thankful because….

1. my batchmates in the CMT program are the best. They are a smart, giving, fun, supportive and loving group and seeing them (even though not collectively) literally brightens and (on some occasions) even completes my day.
2. I am being given good exposure in various functions of sales and marketing, which is really what I want to do with my life (corporate now and in an entrepreneurial environment later).
3. I get to meet very smart, sensible and inspiring individuals (I actually get starstruck seeing members of the execom walk by).
4. food in the cafeteria is actually good!
5. the company inspires and encourages us to be healthy.
6. I can help my family out in financial matters.
7. the company is very attentive to employees' needs
8. I believe in what the company stands for: nutrition, health and wellness.
9. politics is not very pronounced.
10. the company has a very solid set of business principles and values.

And finally (okay, this is the 11th), I am thankful because I can still dream BIG and know that I can reach them. Well, that's not really company-centric but the environment adds to that. :)

There. Work is tough and the pressure is even tougher. Expectations can literally drown you and problems arise here and there; but those are just miniscule when compared to the significance of a good support system, an inspiring and developmental environment, and a good set of values and principles of a company which I sincerely believe in.

Cheesy mode. Anyhow, peace out y'all.

****

Other updates:

- Currently reading Haruki Murakami's What I Talk About When I Talk About Running. Cuads and I thought Murakami is quite the anti-climactic author and I don't "buy" the concepts in his work… But I must say, WITAWITA Running seems to be a good book. I bought the book because its about running--my new hobby--not because its Murakami.
- Resumed running yesterday with Pola after 2 idle weeks (because of LBM and Hong Kong). Instead of running fast during the start, I maintained a steady jogging pace at the start, which worked for me because I didn't slow down even after 30 mins of continuous jogging. Yay!
- Via talked me into watching Boys Over Flowers. I can't believe I'm watching this story for the 3rd time already! Taiwanese, Japanese and now Korean. Although I am appreciating the new elements they injected such as Makino's (using Japanese counterpart) swimming, Hanazawa Rui's angstier persona and political background, and Soujiro being a child prodigy.
- Watching Transformers tomorrow at MOA! I AM EXCITED LIKE HELL!

There's nothing better in internet blogging than Livejournal. I've succumbed to the Facebook mania, but truly nothing beats the comfy user interface, the familiar varying shades of blue layout, and the feeling of security (from prying, judgmental eyes from other social networking sites) in LJ. I may be missing for long periods of time but heck, I always come back.

***
Blog, this is what's new:

I am a woman on a mission! This year, I have committed to understanding myself better and loving myself more. For the only way I can ever relate myself to the rest of the world is when I am sure that I have enough energy in me to give.

As a concrete step towards this goal, I have affirmed that 2009 is my health and wellness year. I am healthier than I was in 2008. I lead a more active lifestyle. I encourage and am being encouraged by my close circle of friends to choose the healthier road.

I am releasing all the negative baggage continuously everyday.

***
And to you: Love yourself more!

I got permission to share a Y!M conversation between me and Anne. It's very interesting because the topic of conversation was Chris Tiu (go figure). I wonder if I write his name over and over again it would be google-able to him.

Chris Tiu Chris Tiu Chris Tiu Chris Tiu Chris Tiu Chris Tiu Chris Tiu Chris Tiu Chris Tiu Chris Tiu Chris Tiu Chris Tiu Chris Tiu Chris Tiu Chris Tiu Chris Tiu Chris Tiu Chris Tiu Chris Tiu Chris Tiu Chris Tiu Chris Tiu Chris Tiu Chris Tiu Chris Tiu Chris Tiu Chris Tiu Chris Tiu Chris Tiu Chris Tiu

Anyway. back to the Y!M conversation:

( Read More About the Chris Tiu Madness )

He's Tiuper amazing, dammit.

I can't believe that I just witnessed the most awesome game of tennis in the Open Era! Nevermind that it was just on TV, and that I technically saw the replay. Roger Federer vs. Rafael Nadal in the 2008 Wimbledon Men's Singles Final is the bestest game ever! If you want to talk statistics, it is the longest men's final in history, which ran for 4 hours and 48 minutes befor Nadal slid to the ground in his glorifying triumph. Nadal finally won, after failing to dethrone Federer for the past 2 years.

I'm just gonna rant here so kindly indulge me. I'm sure everyone knows (haha assuming) that I like Rafael Nadal a lot because he's so macho and gwapo. Babaw 'no? In fact I even joined an international forum dedicated to him in the hopes of finding a picture of his girlfriend Xisca. I did find one (actually a couple) but it wasn't in the forum. I abandoned the forum since. Anyway, back to Nadal. So I like him a lot. I really couldn't bear Federer taking away Nadal's Roland Garros title. Nadal belonged in the clay courts. In France. And I didn't like Federer that much before because he was always winning. And plus his nose was too big.

This year I had a metanoia of sorts. A change of heart. For the 3rd time, Federer took a shot at winning the only Grand Slam missing from his array of trophies -- the French Open title at Roland Garros. Nadal was the 4th time defending champion. It was beginning to be too painful to watch, Federer playing badly. Here was Federer, number 1 guy since 2003, and yet he STILL couldn't beat Nadal on clay. The Pete Sampras curse, I say. Anyhow, like I said. It was too painful to watch. So I said I think Federer should win this one. But he lost. Again. To Nadal. On clay.

I'm sympathetic, can't you tell? Then a few days after the French Open final, Star Sports (or was it ESPN?) began airing this Rolex special on Roger Federer. It featured his humble beginnings, how he was a ball boy who rose to become one of Switzerland's living icons. An icon. He is now a STAMP, for chrissakes. Some oldies spoke so highly of him. Probably because when Federer came, it signaled the end of their careers. I'm talking about the great Pete Sampras (holder of 14 Grand Slams) and Patrick Rafter (who only won 2). And then what piqued my interest was, of course, Roger's undying love for the erstwhile tennis player Mirka, who seriously sucked at tennis. Well it's true! She was barely in the top 100! But what she lacked in skill, she made up for in luuuuurve. That's what I think. And Federer, who is 3 years Mirka's junior, is just so smitten by her. He even went so far as to say that he couldn't bear waking up not next to her. (OMG---I know!) So anyway, suffice it to say that I saw Roger's humane side. Oh, I forgot to talk about how he's helping South African kids through the Roger Federer Foundation--which is run by darling girlfriend Mirka. Marry the woman, Roger! (As you can see, I'm all for the Roger-Mirka tandem now.)

Back to my point. I started liking the guy. And come Wimbledon, I knew I wanted Federer to win. If Rafa's not going to share his Roland Garros title, why should Federer give up his All England trophy? Nevermind that he's had it for 5 years. If Nadal's not sharing, why should Federer? That's what I think. I'm a kindergarten student, y'see. But when I saw Nadal in that gorgeous white ensemble--aka white shorts and white muscle shirt--my mind was again at a loss. Who should win? Rafa, whom I've liked since his first Roland Garros title (but who slightly irritated me because he made the umpire and Roger wait during coin toss) or Roger, whom I recently opened my heart to? What a very tough decision. I guess the universe is in synch with my mind because up to the very end, no one seemed to know who was going to win! Up to the last game of the fifth set, it was still anyone's game! Then after staving 2 match points off Federer, Nadal came to the offensive and sealed the deal, quicker than the queen could scream ASS.

I'm still in shock. Right now I still can't believe I saw such a game. It was a magnificent display of grace and power. I feel happy for Rafa. But I feel sad for Roger. But he'll definitely be back next year and I'm sure he's gonna win it. After all, he'll still be around till the 2012 London Olympics.

Life will give me a brand new beginning tomorrow. And as the night ushers in the calm after an afternoon of strong rains and forceful winds, I feel a bit disjointed.

I remember the times when the first day of school is near. I'd get all excited because of the new books, new school supplies, new shoes and new bags, so much so that I could never sleep the night before. I wish I was feeling that raw excitement now, but strangely, I am not. Maybe because I don't have new books, new school supplies, new shoes and new bags to speak of. Maybe because I am now an adult (but what does being an adult mean?). Maybe because the feeling of anxiety is stronger and more potent than any other feelings I may be open to experience right now. I probably won't even get a restful sleep tonight.

I hear the crickets outside. I guess they're all glad the heavy rains have stopped and are all coming out to sing their cricket-y songs of freedom. Though I am anxious about starting a new job, I guess I'm also feeling the freedom just around the corner.

Yesterday's TV marathon was quite unremarkable.

I watched Four Weddings and a Funeral (which Mom downloaded a couple of days back), my noon dose of Wowowee's Hep Hep Hooray segment, mindless MTV-ing and MYX-ing (Rihanna is hot!), a TV special on Daboy's wake on GMA, reruns of the 80s' classic Wimbledon games in preparation for the June 23 start of Wimbledon, and finally Throwback, Bobby Flay's nth foray into competitive cooking. That's a whole day's worth of TV watching.

But it wasn't until around 9pm that I got to watch the ultimate show of my day, or rather the lowest point of my entire TV watching: Moments on Net25's special feature on Cristy "ibabagsak kita Hero Angeles" Fermin estafa queen herself! I saw her house, her children and her seriously life-sized superhero toys (including a very big statue of Tweety Bird). I wonder what she does with those when she's alone. And did I mention who's hosting the show? Gladys "RDL kili-kili endorser" Reyes. SHET.

After seeing that, I asked myself the ff. questions:
1. Why the HELL am I watching Net25's special on Cristy Fermin?
2. Why the HELL am I watching a special on Cristy Fermin?
3. Why is Gladys Reyes' armpits so flawlessly smooth?

Rhetorical questions, rhetorical questions.

After reflecting for a bit, I turned the TV off and slept peacefully. I will never ever have that low point again.

***

I was supposed to get my NBI clearance today, but apparently my name had a hit. So I need to go back next Friday. A hit? My name had a hit?

***

For my remaining work requirements, I still need to get my diploma and one last evaluation from an ex-co-worker.

***

Adding to my growing list of movies-I-watched-on-the-big-screen:
- KungFu Panda (5 stars)
- Sex and the City ( 5 stars)
- Made of Honor (3 stars)

I should learn how to properly review movies. ^_-

To earn some money on the side, a couple of friends and I decided to hold a garage sale today. So we did. I brought a couple of books--those I didn't want to keep and some from my parents--and was able to sell 6 of them for a total of P100.

It is worthy to note the titles of the first 3 books I sold are:

- More Green Jokes
- Stag Jokes
- Text of Endearment (a compilation of text quotes)

People didn't pay attention to Anne Rice and Annie Proulx. Wrong crowd, I see.

Anyone know where I can sell 2nd hand books? At a pretty cheap rate of course.

***

2 nights ago, my brother begged me to pick him up in Katipunan. Or else he'd have to walk home because he didn't have enough money for a cab. Since it wasn't really that far (just 3 kms away) and since I was still up (marathon-ing Sex and the City), being the thoughtful sister that I am, I obliged. I noticed that I was running low on gas so I stopped over Shell Katipunan to load up 200 pesos worth of gas. Gas. Gas. Black gold was getting more expensive by the week, I found out. I nearly had a stroke when the gasoline boy informed me that the price per liter would go up 1 peso per week until it reaches P60.

60 pesos. 60 fucking pesos.

When I started driving, it was a little over P30. P200 would take me to Makati and back, with a side trip to Eastwood, Manila traffic already factored in. But now with P200, I only had enough gas to go to Eastwood and back.

AAAAAAAAAAARRRRRGGGGGGGGGHHHHH!!!!

Again.

AAAAAAAAAAARRRRRGGGGGGGGGHHHHH!!!!

I can't take it anymore. Anyone interested in a '99 CRV? I'm more than willing to negotiate.

I swear there is a big conspiracy on this!!!!

One last time.

AAAAAAAAAAARRRRRGGGGGGGGGHHHHH!!!!

Ted, bibigyan na lang kita ng P70 pang taxi sa susunod.

He might be the luckiest idol to date since he won the 7th season!