Earth Day, Starbucks and Climate Change

I opened my planner last April 22 and the date says Earth Day. It was a very typical office day and I never cared much about what the world was celebrating. Of course, I noticed the Google and Yahoo themes which were related to Earth Day (I’m  not stoic!). At around five o’clock, my officemate Joven announced that Starbucks will slash off Php 40 from the price of your drink if you bring with you your Starbucks tumbler.  It was then that I started to love Earth Day. I went straight to the nearest Starbucks branch together with my friends Japhet and Hizza. Armed with our own tumblers, my friends and I ordered our favorite fraps and happily savoured our discounts.

On my way home, it was raining cats and dogs. It felt like it was already the rainy season during the time when the country should be experiencing the peak of summer. From time to time, I check out PAGASA’s website (yes, I do!) just to see if there is a storm (other than that oh-so-popular inter tropical convergence zone… I love saying that!). There’s none. I am alarmed by the recent weather changes.

Now is the time to take Al Gore’s ‘Inconvenient Truth’ very seriously. I remember my professor in Ecology noting Gore’s data and saying that the current weather changes are sort of ‘defense mechanism’ of Mother Earth. And yes, it is. Mother Earth is defending herself from destruction, and her reaction is ‘climate change.’

Thanks to Earth Day, I got Php 40 off my Java Chip Frap. Aside from that, this made me realize that I should support brands that are going ‘green’ and help in long-term efforts to save our planet.

Seven Dragon Balls

I can’t help but laugh when my friend sings ‘Cha-la head cha-la’ – the lines from the theme song of Dragon Ball. The animated Japanese series “Dragon Ball” was one of my favourites when I was a kid. After so many years, 20th Century Fox finally got the rights to produce a live movie out of the interesting and action-packed story of Goku.

I laughed when Piccolo showed up during the first part of the film. Flashbacks came and I kept on smiling while reminiscing my childhood days throughout the movie’s duration. The actors, led by Justin Chatwin (Goku), fit their roles.  It is Yun-Fat Chow (Master Roshi) who is able to successfully support his fellow characters in the acting side (since some of them act like amateurs).

Good thing the special effects were great to cover up the not-so-good storyline. The plot generally follows that of Dragon Ball’s animated version but the twists and love angle aren’t presented that well. Movie-goers aged below 15 would love this movie. Adults may find the story shallow. Well, I think the movie is really for the kids and if I were one, I would’ve enjoyed the whole one hour or so.
Number Seven
What’s with the number seven? And I consider seven as my lucky number. There are seven Gifts of the Holy Spirit, seven Deadly Sins, and other ‘seven’ stuff. Since I was born on the 7th day of December, the number is close to my heart. My student number in college had 7 on it. I requested that the last number of my car plate should have the number 7. I came in at 7th place to qualify for a national competition in high school. My email address ends in seven. Here’s some interesting info about the number 7: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/7_(number).

Why am I saying these things about the number seven? Because there are SEVEN DRAGON BALLS.

Ah, Macau!

The four days and three nights we spent in Macau were quite challenging for me and my mom. We had no idea what was in store for us (well, aside from the unbelievable ‘ruins’ which was the highlight of every Macau trip).

On the first day, we roamed around the streets of Senado. Me and my mom dropped by every store which had a “Sale” sign on and we were lucky to have found some good items (Crocs, Izod and Giordano) at very low prices. We bumped onto several Filipina sales ladies who were kind enough to help us out since I found no one who understands English – no one! Our whole trip became a series of communication gaps and plastered smiles. I wonder why nobody told us to study Cantonese.

By the 21^st of March, we had a whole day tour of the city. It was a race against time since we had to visit a lot of places although each destination were just a stone’s throw away from each other (Macau is small, very small!). After visiting the usual tourist sites – the Ecumenical Center, old churches, souvenir shops A-ma Temple, Grand Prix area, and revisiting Senado Square (way too popular!), we came back to our hotel (The Grand Emperor) battling our way out of a crowd of tourists taking pictures of the gold bars found at the hotel lobby (yes, we’re just stepping on them!).

The third day was a marathon! Me and my mom decided to take a taxi and go to Taipa Island. We visited The Venetian. It was a very splendid sight! Builders of The Venetian copied the iconic landmarks in Venice. Too bad we weren’t able to ride a gondola, but I enjoyed the scenery (breathtaking!) along with the classical background music. After that, we went to the Fisherman’s Wharf were we met more Filipinos. At night, we watched a Taiwanese performance across our hotel and took pictures of the bright and colorful Casino facades.

Personal Macau Notes:

·Streets are one-way. Good, disciplined drivers everywhere!

·Riding a taxi is similar to a race car driving experience (blame the Macau Grand Prix!)

·Car brands seen: BMW, Toyota, Honda… and more BMWs (plus a few MB’s)

·Funny Q&A:

Mom: Is this delicious?

Saleslady: 25 dollars!

·Historical sites in the Philippines are far more realistic

·You’ll get that “Portuguese” feel wherever you are

·McDonald’s = palatable food

By the way, according to our cool tour guide, the name “Macau” was derived from early settlers who introduced the area as A-Ma-Gao (Bay of A-Ma).I prefer, Ah, Macau!

Ngiti

It pays to help.

As a culminating activity for our Managerial Accounting class, our batch decided to go to the Gawad Kalinga site in Gabaldon, Nueva Ecija and treat the kids (especially the birthday celebrants) with a party they’ll never forget. It was at the crack of dawn on March 8 when my classmates and I met at the Ateneo Campus in Clark to prepare for our (as Oprah says it) “Big Give.” We packed everything – spaghetti, burgers, a huge cake, hotdogs and drinks.

After several stopovers, we reached the GK site. The donors were successful in building a cozy community situated between lush mountains. We all took deep breaths of fresh air and appreciated the beauty of the surroundings before we got down to business.

We quickly arranged the ‘party’ area under a big tree (which served as the shade.) Our very energetic classmate, Mon, hosted the program. Everyone had fun during the games. We also gave away some school supplies and handed over several shovels (for a sustainable livelihood development).

The most touching part for me is when I rendered a song number. As I sang the lines of Ronnie Liang’s “Ngiti” (Smile), I felt so happy because I really saw genuine smiles beaming from the faces of the children whom we helped. They even sang several lines with me. I am pleased to have touched the lives of people in such a simple way and I know my classmates felt the same.

We at the Ateneo Graduate School of Business believe in our motto that “Our Country is Our Business.” Bawat Atenista, Bayani! I condemn the words of Tracy Isabel Borres  who blogged negatively about her immersion experience with Aetas. Anyway, she admitted she was just some spoiled sheltered girl. The issue about the lady Atenean already vanished yet I am personally aggravated by her words. Hers are not that of a genuine Atenista who fully understand what the Ignatian teachings are all about.

Earth Hour 2009

‘Slumdog’ praises and Oscar acclaims

Now I know why AMPAS awarded 8 Oscars to Danny Boyle’s ‘Slumdog Millionaire.’ The sensational story behind the success of this movie already reverberated in households all over the world for quite some time even before the Academy Awards.

From Dumas to Christopher de Leon
The show “Who Wants To Be A Millionaire?” played the pivotal role throughout the movie. Whenever I hear the show’s theme, I instantaneously remember Christopher de Leon in the defunct local version of the game show. Jamal Malik (Dev Patel) was great in delivering few but meaningful lines. I never thought that the beginning of the film would be very much related to the ending. Who would have imagined that ‘Aramis’ (from The Three Musketeers) would be worth 20 million rupees?

A good brain exercise
Slumdog millionaire is a very intelligent film. Several stories are perfectly stitched together resulting to a masterpiece that encompasses love, art, humanity, society and reality. I’m not talking about the questions asked by Anil Kapoor (game show host) which were not really difficult. The story will keep your mind very stimulated.

What love really means
Latika (Frieda Pinto) made me realize what love is about – its value and meaning. The movie may have portrayed an “ideal” romance with a happy ending but the instance is far from impossible. The unique love story intertwined with money and sex produced emotional scenes which affected me a lot. Now I have my own meaning for the word ‘love.’ The movie concretized my belief in destiny.

Very revealing
I was disturbed by some scenes especially that of the “Bombay” era of India’s present financial capital. Astonishing scenes portrayed how difficult it is to live in this Indian city. The movie revealed astonishing lifestyle practices, chaotic city life and unbelievable sights that will let one appreciate his/her comfortable life.

Perfect mix
Slumdog Millionaire’s music was generally exotic. The Indian touches complemented every scene in the move. I found the ending (the Bollywood dance) very entertaining especially because this kind of production number is always included in Indian movies. It completed the award-winning spectacle. Viewers will appreciate how much effort was allotted to cinematography as well. Every scene was carefully thought of and interpreted in a very artistic way (Salam’s “bathtub of money” and “climax flashbacks” are some of the scenes I will never forget).

~~~

Revamped Oscars
I love the new way the Academy Awards was presented. Hugh Jackman did a very good job hosting (and singing, too!). I bet ‘copycat’ award-giving bodies would imitate the new way on how awards are presented. People from Hollywood never run out of creativity.

Two J’s and a bunch of laughter

I am talking about Jessica and Julie. Their books are perfect breathers since my mind is already saturated because of Garisson’s Managerial Accounting.

Jessica should rule the universe
A month ago, Mark (a schoolmate) invited me to become one of the minions of Jessica Zafra through Facebook. I felt that Jessica and I have some personal connection through her write-ups (don’t laugh). Back in 2003, I brought with me Twisted 6 during a writing contest in Nueva Ecija and the book became a handy companion that eased my tension (thanks to a few laughing breaks, I won). I didn’t like the close-to-newsprint paper of Twisted 7. Last year, I finished Twisted Travels while on a road trip from Baguio to Pampanga.
Now, I’m done with Twisted 8: The Night of the Living Twisted. This book is a hilarious knock-out. Zafra’s crazy ideas were compressed in a 159-page reality show-like narration. The sarcasm, humor and drama of it made me giggle a lot. I love her take on Philippine politics, customs and society. Readers get an overload of tennis facts, movie reviews and showbiz gossips (or should I say – unwanted truths?). I, as one of her minions, declare: “Jessica should rule the universe!” (Her blog: jessicarulestheuniverse.com)

Hot haute
A book by Julie K. L. Dam is one of the best finds I got from a recent bookstore sale. My mom used to buy boring classics for a few hundred pesos. Last month, I was lucky enough to find a very cool book for only fifty pesos! Some Like It Haute is the book I am talking about.
The novel is about the funny story of Alex Simons who writes for the fashion section of a magazine. Her misadventures in Paris has led her to a lot of memorable antics – humiliating herself during a fashion runway show, meeting her former French professor, and falling in love with Nick. Aside from funny narrations about true-to-life problems, the novel randomly advertises high-end haute couture. The book is can also be called ‘fashion for dummies.’ It is the perfect ‘breaktime’ novel.

Next book assignment: Specimen Days by Michael Cunningham.

Busy Valentine’s Day

I never thought this year’s February 14 would be a very busy day for me. The fact that I am not committed to anyone didn’t make things quite easy.

4:30AM-7:30AM
What: Hot Air Balloon Fiesta
Where: Clark, Pampanga
It was my first time to be in such event although it has been running for 14 years. It was my first time to experience heavy traffic at dawn in this former US air base. I wonder how it was done 14 years ago. The affair turned out to be a little bit commercialized (if not too much) but the effect was quite good. Throngs of people came to see hot air balloons with assorted shapes – coffee mug, elephant, tiger, and a lot more. My pick for ‘Best Hot Air Balloon’ would be the colorful ‘smiley with a cap.’

Notable person/s seen: Ivan Henares (ivanhenares.com)

8:30AM-5:00PM
What: Work
Where: Office (where else?)
For us, there’s no such thing as “work-life balance.” Oops, maybe we have (we just have to do the ‘balancing’ in our own way since we have whole day of work until Saturday). Good thing I love my job! It was a usual “V-day” at the office. We tuned in to RW playing mushy love songs.

Notable person/s seen: N/A

5:00PM-6:00PM
What: Reflections of the Heart
Where: SM Pampanga
Yes, it was like a “mall tour” for me. I sang Paolo Montalban’s part in Cinderella (The Sweetest Sounds). Thanks to my officemates Darla and Amar for being there (they stood as my stage parents!).

Notable person/s seen: I swear I saw someone ‘artista-like’ performing in front of Congo Grille.
7:00PM-10:00PM
What: Carlo Hizon’s Surprise Party
Where: somewhere downtown San Fernando
I drove to Carlo’s house for a surprise party for him prepared by his wife and family. When I came, everything was dark. They turned off the lights of course (oh, the usual “surprise” thingy). Everyone was holding a slice of cake with a small candle. The sight was exciting. When Carlo came… SURPRISE! And the night started to roll. The food was great! (1004 made me say ‘mmmmmm’ after every bite).

Notable person/s seen: Former schoolmates from San Lorenzo; the guest band

Adding Value to Ads

Let me list down three of the most attractive commercials on Philippine TV (according to my biased, superficial opinion). I know a lot of people have been talking about these commercials and it’s high time to take this opportunity to cling to their popularity.

FIRST LOVE
McDonald’s latest commercial (courtesy of DDB Philippines) gave me a mixed feeling of unexplained emotion and nostalgia. The storyline was simple yet impressive (watch: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zzkFry48P1I). The catch – childhood sweethearts never ended up being with each other. The hard part was when the guy (GMA’s Gino dela Pena) met his childhood sweetheart’s husband (ouch!). Of course, everything happened in McDo. It’s the kind of commercial you’ll hang on to until it ends. It did touch a lot of Pinoys’ hearts. I bet the emphasis on the choco sundae would boost its sales (oh, and the fries, too!) Nice work. *still singing ‘Ang Huling El Bimbo’ while writing this*

UNILAB BA ‘YAN?
Hats off to Unilab’s new catchphrase – Unilab ba ‘yan? Although this may not evolve as a word of mouth like “I love you Piolo!” or “Goodbye, Carlo” yet I’m sure consumers will recall this commercial whenever they buy any drug/medicine. I believe the ad is amazing.

GREENWICH FOURSOME
I love the whole gang of John Lloyd Cruz in Greenwich commercials. The four of them are symbolic of the four types of people who eat pizza. The concept is catchy and customers tend to identify themselves through the four characters (thereby rushing to the pizza store and daydreaming that they are the ones in the ad).

The advertising industry in the Philippines is evolving. I hope advertisers will continue to produce sensible ads.

*Note: The author was not paid to advertise the brands mentioned above (he wishes) *wink*

A Truckload of Stupidity

This is about “Ordinance 261 (An Ordinance Regulating the Hauling and Transporting of Sand, Gravel, and other Quarry Materials), which aims to prevent commercial quarry trucks from overloading sand by instituting measures like reducing truck height, removal of truck axle, among others.”

Quarrying has been a big issue for the people of Pampanga. The quarry business became a big hit since Pinatubo erupted. Billions of pesos are earned by the provincial government because of the said activity, and now, everyone wants a piece of the expensive cake!

Even before the assumption of Ordinance 261, many politicians have been bullying governor-elect Ed Panlilio. The wrath of greedy Kapampangans who are hungry for power and money do everything they can to oust the provincial head. Fr. Ed doesn’t lack leadership qualities. Instead, he doesn’t have that ‘Pinoy politician (trapo)’ factor – corrupt and evil.

Obviously, the ordinance is for the good of all. With its implementation, roads will not be battered, accidents will be prevented, and quarry activity shall be regulated. But the minds of the people against the good government of Fr. Ed aren’t in favor of something that will benefit the Kapampangan people. Backed-up by powerful groups (who are craving to get their share of money from the people’s fund), these truck drivers made a fool out of themselves (they reached the point of banging the door of the governor’s office and conducting nonsense protests since last year).

2010 is fast approaching. Isn’t it clear that old politicians are just pushing the limits to regain control of the Capitol and use the billions of money saved by the present governor to run their campaign machinery? In 2007, Kapampangans were so proud of choosing Fr. Ed over a movie star and a gambling lord. Now, the people should be enlightened regarding the situation.

There may be flaws in the leadership of the priest-turned-governor, but what is the use of protests? What can we get from biased dialogues? Let the governor finish his term and let ‘common sense’ reign.