Bar Boys (Movie Review)

I can't remember watching this much number of Pinoy films within a week. But I'm not complaining. The selection of movies showcased by the Pista ng Pelikulang Pilipino are all worth the money and the time. The latest one I've seen is Bar Boys, written and directed by Kip Oebanda.

Bar Boys is the story of four friends and the arduous pursuit of their dreams while facing the many curveballs life threw at them. Set in the backdrop of a Law School, the film brilliantly captures the travails of law students. Torran (Rocco Nacino) is the ambitious and overconfident one, whose audacity almost put in jeopardy his academics and carefree life with threats from so-called brothers. Christian (Enzo Pineda) is the well-off member of the group, who constantly deals with the pressure of his Dad's expectations, and struggles to keep a relationship going amidst the grueling demands of law school. Meanwhile, Erik (Carlo Aquino) comes from a poor family, but he is blessed with a very supportive family and a father who encourages and believes in his dream, especially during times when he doubts himself. Rounding up the group is Joshua (Kean Cipriano), the only one who failed to enter Law School, who often felt out of place and out of touch with his friends, but remained steadfast in pursuing a different dream. 

The distinct qualities that set apart the four main characters made the actors shine individually and compliment each other. Carlo proved yet again that he is a very effective and reliable dramatic actor. Rocco was very loveable and stole most of the scenes with his smartass and funny lines. Enzo showed depth and provided a lot of layers to his role. Kean, on the other hand, could have been given more to work with because his co-actors had very engaging subplots and clearer character journeys. Nevertheless, Kean made sure his presence was felt in the scenes alloted to him, and added a flavor that made the group of four all the more interesting.

The writer succeeded in creating not just memorable characters, but relatable ones that the audience can easily identify with. In the intense confrontation scene that pitted Enzo and Carlo with each other, with Rocco caught in the middle -- I found myself saying, I am Rocco in that situation, trying to keep the barkada from falling apart. It's the same feeling I felt after watching Mga Mumunting Lihim a few years ago. In fact, the film also reminded me of some of my favorite 90's films like Dead Poets Society and School Ties.

Even if the story was set in Law School, the journey of the characters was very involving that the audience cried when they stumbled, and cheered when they achieved victory. The film also elicits a lot of nostalgia and fond memories of college. Who among us have not encountered a terror professor who could make our knees buckle the moment they call our names? Who hasn't been desperate to consider doing really stupid stuff just to earn a passing grade? Whether you used to be a Law student or not, it was in campus that you forged life-long friendships. And sometimes, it is there that you meet people who start out to be annoying, but end up changing your lives (like the character of Atty. Hernandez in the movie, played by the Odette Khan, who took a break from yaya roles and channelled Annalise Keating).

Bar Boys is a well-written, well-directed and well-acted film that deserves to be seen in cinemas even after the Pista ng Pelikulang Pilipino ends its one-week run. We should be making more Pinoy films like this. It's definitely one of my favorites this year! 

Patay Na si Hesus (Movie Review)

One might find its title blasphemous. But this film, whose pivotal scene is a dysfunctional family crying over the death of Hudas instead of Hesus' funeral, does not attack religion nor disrespect any catholic dogma. On the contrary, it is a funny, heartwarming roadtrip movie that is so relatable and inspiring.

Told mostly in Visayan, Patay Na Si Hesus revolves around Iyay (brilliantly portrayed by award-winning Kapuso actress Jaclyn Jose), a single mom who recently found out that her estranged husband (the titular role, Hesus)  passed away. Her desire to attend Hesus' funeral is met with reluctance, even repudiation, by her son Jay (Melde Montañez) and lesbian daughter Jude (Chai Fonacier).  Only her youngest son Bert (Vincent Viado), afflicted with Down Syndrome, shares Iyay's enthusiasm to travel on the road and see their deceased father. What follows is a series of outrageous detours and wacky adventures that seem to impede them from reaching their destination, yet, surprisingly,  pull them closer as a family.

Inside the cinema, the audience's reaction to PNSH is very heartening. This film should be the yardstick of pinoy comedies in the future. More so, the film also celebrates the strength and significance of single moms in raising their children, no matter how dysfunctional they are. By the end of the film, the future seems uncertain for the three siblings, each with their own crosses to bear. But their single mom serves as their rock; she consistently takes the wheel throughout the journey. She is completely in charge of her family.

I missed seeing PNSH when it was first shown at the QCinema Film Fest in 2016, where it won the Audience Choice Award. That's why I am thankful that the pioneer Pista ng Pelikulang Pilipino chose it as one of the twelve feature films in the weeklong showcase of outstanding Pinoy movies. I wouldn't be surprised if the box office returns of Patay Na will gain more traction through word of mouth. It's one of the best comedies I've seen in recent years!

Movie Review: The Fundamentals of Caring

Lunes. May hangover pa ng weekend, kaya ang bigat-bigat ng katawan ko. Nakakatamad kumilos. Buong weekend, sabi ko okay lang kumain nang kumain, dahil mag-wo-workout naman ako sa gym pagdating ng Lunes. Isa na namang pangako na napako.

So, habang nakasalampak ako sa kama, at nag-iisip kung ano ang ipapa-deliver na food, I decided to watch this film which I haven't heard of before. 'Di ako sure kung napalabas 'to sa mga sinehan dito sa 'Pinas. It's called The Fundamentals of Caring. The only reason I decided to check it out is because Paul Rudd is in it.

Paul's character is Ben, isang dating writer na may tinatakasang nakaraan. While dodging his ex-wife's attempt to get a divorce, nag-take si Ben ng caregiving course. Not long after, he lands a job bilang caregiver ni Trevor (Craig Roberts), isang teenager na wheelchair-bound dahil sa muscular dystrophy. Sa umpisa ay laging asar-talo si Ben dahil sa pagiging pasaway ni Trevor. Pero eventually, magkakaroon ng koneksyon ang dalawa at magiging magkaibigan. 

Dahil sa sakit niya, isang beses sa isang linggo lang kung lumabas ng bahay si Trevor. Naka-schedule ang lahat ng kilos niya. Ang tanging koneksyon niya sa mundo ay ang TV, watching programs that feature roadside attractions. Si Ben ang hihikayat sa kanya to live his life outside of the living room. At dito na magsisimula ang isang road adventure na magsesemento at susubok sa pagkakaibigan ng dalawa.

Kung nagustuhan mo ang mga pelikulang The Fault in Our Stars at ang recently shown na Me Before You, siguradong mae-enjoy mo rin ang The Fundamentals of Caring, na hango rin sa isang libro. Although may love angle rin sa movie sa pagitan ni Trevor at ni Dot (Selena Gomez), mas naging sentro ng kwento ang friendship nina Ben at Trevor. Nakaka-inspire kung paano nila natulungan ang isa't-isa na makawala sa kani-kanilang mga misfortunes, at maging buo muli. Kwento rin ito ng redemption at pagtanggap sa mga bagay sa buhay na hindi na natin mababago, upang makapag-move on bilang better individuals.

At one point in the movie, sinabi ni Ben na swerte nang mabuhay si Trevor nang beyond 30 years old dahil sa sakit nito. Pero sa loob ng ilang araw na road trip, narating ni Trevor ang mga lugar na gustong puntahan, nakatagpo siya ng pag-ibig, at natupad niya ang ilan sa mga pinapangarap lang noon.  After watching the movie, parang bigla akong nagkaroon ng drive na lumabas ng bahay, and make the day productive. Kung minsan kasi, we take many things for granted, kaya nami-miss natin ang beauty at halaga ng mga blessings na mayroon tayo. This movie teaches one to have a passion for life like Trevor. 

So, matapos kong umiyak sa ending ng Fundamentals, I took a shower, got dressed, and prepared for the day ahead. I was all fired up to seize the day.

  

Paglabas ng Casa Mula sa Kloseta

I feel so proud na, finally, nagkaroon ng lakas ng loob ang Magwayen to stage 'Walang Umaga sa Casa Ligaya' sa bakuran ng Pamantasan. Noong 2002 kasi, natakot ang grupo na baka harangin ito ng school officials, o i-censor ang content nito. Hindi rin confident ang Magwayen sa magiging reception ng PLM students sa isang dulang tumatalakay sa mga issue gaya ng homosexuality at prostitution.

Pero, gaya ng isang gay person who at last decides to step out of the closet, who ultimately sheds all of his insecurities and inhibitions, at sa wakas ay nakilala ang kanyang sarili at natanggap kung ano siya, nakamit na ngayon ng Magwayen ang kahandaan at paninindigan na itanghal nang buong pagmamalaki ang Casa Ligaya sa loob ng kanyang tahanan -- ang Pamantasan.

Dear M

Dear M,

There was a time when I loved you so much. All I wanted was to be with you. And all I hoped for was to hear you say you love me too.

There was a time when the only thing I'd listen to is the song "Beautiful In My Eyes," because you once told me that "I'm your peace of mind in this crazy world." That was the most beautiful compliment anyone has given me. 

There was a time when I thought I could wait for you to get tired of playing around. I waited for you to see that my warm embrace is enough, that we could be content holding hands, that we could be happy together.

But then, there came the time when I finally grew tired of the waiting, of the hoping, of praying. 

I realized I was only fooling myself that you would learn to love me in return. I realized I was only hurting myself for believing that there would be an "us" together. I wrote you a letter, "Para Kay M." It was more than just goodbye. It was my gift to myself - the gift of freedom to love myself again, to let go of all the pain, and to open my heart to happiness.

So, years passed by, and we both lived our separate lives. I tried to forget you, to get you out my life. Yet, you remained. Somehow, we managed to become friends. And we were better that way. I accepted you without bitterness, without any grudge. I was already in a happy place. 

Then, one day, you suddenly asked me questions like "natatakot ka bang maging tayo?" or "have I ruined all my chances?" 

I know I seemed rude with the responses I gave you. I'm sure you've noticed I'm keeping my distance lately. But can you blame me? Is it wrong for me to choose to protect my heart from the confusion and false hopes.

This morning, you emailed me a song. You said you're dedicating it to me. It was a really beautiful song. But I erased it as soon as I listened to it. Can't you see? This is how it started in the past! This is how you made me fall for you before. The cycle is only repeating. And we both know how the last one ended - with me broken hearted and left hanging. I don't want that to happen again.

I'm writing you this letter to say thank you. Because of you, I've learned to be strong, not to be carried away so easily, not to get lost in love. 

Because of you, I realized that I deserve so much more, that I'm worthy to be loved and not beg for it.

I learned so much in the years that passed since you first broke my heart. It made me a stronger, better person.

Maybe, this time, I need to break your heart too for you to be stronger and better too.

xoxo

Thank God I Said Yes

You know that moment when you find yourself staring blankly at nothing, then it suddenly feels like a Rewind button was pressed. Tapos everything plays in slo mo sa isip mo. 

That's how I feel right now. 

After nine weeks, my first headwritten show, BINOY HENYO, came to an end. At habang senti mode ako, nagpe-play sa isipan ko ang journey na pinagdaanan ko.

I can hear Sir Aloy's unexpected phonecall in my head, surprising me with the news that the Binoy Henyo concept was greenlighted. I can still vividly picture how my face turned white, and how  clammy  my hands felt, after being asked if I was interested to headwrite the show. Pikit-matang "yes, po" ang sagot ko. Immediately, I felt a surge of fears, insecurities, and uncertainties wash over me. I've been asked a similar question more than a year ago, to which I replied no. I felt I wasn't ready back then. But when Sir Aloy asked me to helm the creative team of my approved concept, it came without warning. Saying Yes seemed the right thing to do. I remember thinking, "bahala na."

The first challenge was composing my team. I initially wanted Onay and Ken to be my writers. But since Ken was involved in another show, Ate Tina was the easiest choice. For my brainstormers, Borgy seemed automatic. Miss Denoy recommended Mikee from the Institute. Finally, I also brought Ate AA to the fold. I recall feeling pleased, at ease, and proud of the people I would soon be working with. 

And then came the really scary and challenging part - writing the Pilot script. I remember being terrified of Sir Jake, our Creative Head; Sir Aloy, our Creative Consultant; and Miss Camille, our Program Manager. I was so afraid that I'd fall short of their expectations. I kept revising Day 1 of my sequence treatment. I wanted to make a good impression to my bosses. But I ended up second-guessing myself every step of the way. Soon, my deadline was almost up. I realized that I'm doing it all wrong. 

So, I had to regroup. I lied down in bed, and played the soundtrack of We Bought a Zoo (for some reason, it soothes and relaxes me). After an hour, I sat down again to write. This time, I had the mindset that I was just writing a weekly script on my other shows. Soon enough, my treatment was finished... ahead of deadline.

Pero shaky pa rin ang confidence ko after that. I was so anxious kung ano'ng magiging reception ng mga boss ko sa treatment ko. Writing a family oriented show was not my strongest suit. I remember struggling before sa Daddy Dearest. But when our Executive Producer, Miss Winnie, said she liked the treatment, para kong nabunutan ng tinik. Then, Sir Jake said nagustuhan nya rin. Kaya pagkatapos nun, nag-evaporate na ang kaba ko.

It took me 5 days to write the pilot script. I remember being pleased and proud after reading the initial draft. Sir Aloy gave a good feedback, kaya ang saya-saya ko. Sa wakas, masasabi ko nang Headwriter ako dahil nakapag-pilot na 'ko!! 

Everything after that seemed to breeze by. Fond memories of our locked-in storymap meeting and the "naughty" conversation that followed; the dramatic feedback meeting for the original Week 5; the sad farewell to our original PM; the welcome addition of Ms Cathy, our other PM; the animated and hilarious bickering between Sir Aloy and Ate Tina; my infatuation for Daddy Francis (hihi); Mikee's explosive expose; and the solid love and support among members of the Creative Team.

I will always be grateful to Sir Jun for the break; Sir Aloy and Sir Jake, for their patience and support; Miss Denoy, for the mentorship; Ate Tina, for being dependable and for adding drama and humor to the show; Onay, for her constant affirmation and for the very beautiful and memorable finale; Ate AA, for being very understanding and really supportive; Borgy and Mikee, for contributing interesting plots to the story; Direk Albert, for his dedication to the show, and for injecting his wonderful vision to Binoy Henyo; Miss Camille, whom I love dearly; Ms Winnie, whom I'd love to work with again; Ms Cathy, whom I enjoyed working with; the brilliant cast, especially Sheena, David and Tita Nova, for being the family I come home to every six pm; to my family, all my friends, and fans of the show, thank you; and, finally, i give thanks and praises to God, for making all these possible and for leading me this way.

It's been two weeks since the show wrapped up. But Binoy Henyo will always remain alive in my heart. 

I will never be afraid to say Yes again!

14 Years of Fulfilled Dreams

It was June 1998 when I first thought of creating Magwayen.

Ang lakas ng loob ko at ang kapal ng mukha ko na magtayo ng isang theater group sa PLM. Ano ba'ng alam ko, e Engineering student ako? The only experience I had sa teatro ay yung pagsali ko sa Dramatics Guild ng Mapua when I was second year high school.

Siguro, may gusto akong patunayan kaya ko ginawa yun. Nagtayo ako ng isang theater group para masabi ko na may na-achieve ako, para may maiwan akong marka pag-alis ko ng Pamantasan. Umiral ang kayabangan ko, ang kabaliwan ko, ang pagka-ambisyoso ko.

Hindi ako maintindihan ng mga kaklase ko. Wala akong nakuhang suporta mula sa kanila. Kuntento na sila sa normal na buhay estudyante. Pero ako, matagal na akong patay. Mula pa nung mag-enroll ako sa kursong 'di ko gusto ay mistula na lamang akong zombie na iniraraos lang ang bawat schoolyear.

Ang hindi ko maipaliwanag sa kanila ay kung paano akong binuhay muli ng ideya ng pagtatayo ng Magwayen. Para akong adik na hindi kayang bumitiw sa mga planong nabubuo sa isipan ko. Si Jerry Lopez at Archibald Tolentino, sila lang ang naniwala sa akin. Sila lang ang nakinig sa akin, nagpalakas ng loob ko at nagpaniwala sa akin na kaya ko.

Kaya sumugal ako. Tumaya ako ng pikit-mata. At noong Agosto 1998, nabuhay ang Magwayen sa Pamantasan.

Marami ang nagtaas ng kilay. Marami ang tumawa. Ang sakit tanggapin ng mga paghamak nila. Pero tama sila. Hindi pa ako handang maging ama. Marami akong gustong mangyari para sa Magwayen, pero hindi ko alam kung saan magsisimula. Akala ko kaya ko siyang buhayin ng mag-isa, pero hindi pala.

Dahil sa kayabangan ko, sa pagiging makasarili ko, ako mismo ang unti-unting pumapatay sa Magwayen na nilikha ko.

Hanggang sa dumating si Shengka Mangahas. Nakatagpo ako ng taong naniniwala sa akin. She saw the man i wanted to be and the man I almost was. Pinaalala niya sa akin ang isang bagay na nakalimutan ko na -- ang pagmamahal ko sa teatro at ang saya na dulot sa akin ng pagsusulat.

Bago matapos ang unang taon ng Magwayen, itinanghal ang Hawla. Suddenly, wala nang tumatawa. Ang mga dating nagtaas ng kilay, medyo dumistansya na. Magwayen is still in the game. Bilang Founder ng grupo, para akong ama na nakita ang unang hakbang o narinig ang unang salita ng aking anak. I felt really proud, not of myself, but for the organization. It was a really humbling experience.

Mula noon, sabay kaming nag-grow ng Magwayen. Maraming stage plays at concerts ang aming pinagsamahan. Ngayon, labing-apat na taon na ang grupo. Hindi ko na nararamdaman na mag-isa ako. Marami na akong kapatid, kaibigan at anak sa Magwayen. Ang organization na itinayo ko noon, naging isang ganap nang pamilya.

Ngayon, mas kilala na ang grupo sa pangalang Marulaya. But the organization's objective of honing the talents of its members remain. Ang Magwayen/Marulaya pa rin ang nag-iisang Theater and Performing Arts Group ng Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila.

As a testament to the group's commitment of developing its student members, Magwayen/Marulaya has received eight Molave Awards for being the Most Outstanding Non-Academic Student Organization in PLM.

Hindi titigil ang Magwayen/Marulaya sa pagdiskubre at paghubog ng mga Iskong may talento. Sa pagtuntong ng grupo sa kanyang ika-labing-apat na taon, nananatili itong matatag, matapang, malikhain at mapangarap! Patuloy na lumalaki ang ating pamilya!

I may have built Magwayen/Marulaya, but the foundations that kept it standing and strong in the last fourteen years are the members and alumni of the organization.

Happy 14th Anniversary sa atin, Magwayen/Marulaya! Kudos!!!

Awkward.

I accidentally learned about MTV's teen comedy Awkward after seeing a gorgeous photo of Beau Mirchoff online. I've never heard of the show before and had no idea what it was all about.

So I consulted the wisdom of Wikipedia and read the synopsis. It didn't say much. Only that "it is a series based around social outcast Jenna Hamilton who, after receiving a 'carefrontation' letter, has a legitimate accident, though it appears as if she tried to commit suicide."

With a vague idea about the story and Beau Mirchoff as its only come-on, I decided to download the pilot episode. After watching it, I was literally cheering for Awkward. Although the concept of a highschool outcast triumphing over the mean cheerleaders and winning the hearts of the cute boys is something we're already very familiar with, Awkward is still so fun to watch because of its good storytelling and remarkable performance by Ashley Rickards, who plays Jenna.

The first season has twelve (12) episodes. What's good about Awkward is that the characters grow and develop depth. It succeeds in reminding you the pains, the joys, and the fantasies of being a teenager. It kinda reminded me of movies like Easy A, Juno and the cheesier Lohan fave of mine, Mean Girls. But Awkward stands out, mainly because of the beautiful and lovable character of Jenna Hamilton. Her "words of wisdom," told via voice-over at the beginning and end of each episode, are Carrie Bradshaw-ish and offers a lot of sense, even for someone who is way past his teen-age years.

I'm excited for the second season. I think four (4) episodes are already in. If you wanna feel the kilig-vibes, i strongly suggest you check out this show. So what if you're no longer a teen-ager. Reliving those years is never Awkward!!

Friends Forever

Nabwiset ang buong sambayanan sa lutong desisyon ng mga judges sa laban nina Pacquiao at Bradley. Nakakalungkot, dahil natapos ang winning streak ng Pambansang Kamao.

Pero hindi si Pacman ang dahilan kung bakit mabigat ang kalooban ko.

Sad ako dahil sa pagwawakas ng Tween Hearts, ang youth-oriented drama na napapanood tuwing Linggo ng hapon sa GMA. Sa loob kasi ng halos dalawang taon ay naging bahagi ako ng Creative Team ng show. Sabi nga, it's never easy to say goodbye.

I will treasure so many good memories about Tween Hearts. First time kong sumulat ng isang weekly drama. When we started, eight episode mini-series lang dapat ito. Pero after seeing the overwhelming positive response from the viewers, after episode 4 ay nagdecide ang management na i-extend ito for a full season.

Sobrang excited ako when I heard the news. I was a big fan of TGIS and Click kaya pangarap ko to be part of a show na linggo-linggong aabangan ng kabataan, na tatatak sa kanila at magiging parte ng buhay nila. Sabi ko, this is it! Tween Hearts could be the show for this generation's youth!

I was blessed to work with four brilliant Headwriters who shaped the story of TweenHearts.

Miss Kit was the first. She conceptualized the show, and she created the characters. Nung una, takot ako sa kanya. First time ko kasing magsulat for her. Pero magaan pala siya katrabaho, kaya love ko na siya ngayon. Madami akong natutunan sa kanya, na ngayon ay nagagamit ko ng sobra sa pagsusulat. Later on, she would remain in the show as Creative Consultant. Sa original team ng Tween Hearts, kaming dalawa ang nag-stay hanggang sa Finale.

Ang sumunod na naging Headwriter ng show ay si Sen. Iba naman ang style niya. Mas maluwag, mas relaxed ang meetings. Generous siya sa compliments kaya love din siya ng mga writers.

Third na humawak sa Tween Hearts ay si Miss Denoy. Sobrang fun ng mga meetings, at sobrang dali ng trabaho dahil by this time ay sobrang bonded na ang grupo. Nag-graduate na bilang writers ang mga kasama kong sila Onay and Geng, at nadagdag sa pamilya sina Borgy, Ken and Jason. Sobrang maternal para sa 'min si Miss Denoy dahil sya ang mentor namin sa Writing Institute. Sa term din niya naging official food ng team ang David's Tea House!

Last Headwriter, but not the least, ay ang contemporary kong si Onay. She's quite timid and shy, pero sobrang love namin siya dahil very considerate and down to earth. Sa term niya nag-graduate si Ken as writer at pumasok naman sina Libay and Cyril. Kasama namin si Onay na humarap sa matitinding pagsubok na dumating sa final season ng show. She never gave up. And with her stewardship, nanatiling number one ang Tween Hearts hanggang sa pagtatapos nito.

If you're wondering kung ano'ng personality ng mga writers ng Tween Hearts, isa lang ang masasabi ko -- we're all tweens by heart. Kaya kahit kami ang gumagawa ng mga kwento, kami rin ang number one fans ng show.

Si Borgy, maaasahan sa mga kilig devices na lalong nagpapatamis sa mga kilig scenes ng show. Si Ken naman, panalo ang mga dialogues na madalas nako-quote sa Twitter. Si Geng, alagang-alaga ang consistency ng mga characters. Si Jason, forte niya yung mga heartwarming moments. Sina Libay at Cyril, kahit parehong baguhan sa show, nagpamalas agad ng galing at pinatunayang pwede na silang sumabak sa daily soaps.

Sa apat na extensions ng Tween Hearts, lagi akong nagpe-pray na wag ako mag-graduate sa show. Sobrang napamahal na sa kin ang mga tweens. Apektado 'ko pag nag-aaway sila Josh at Bambi. Inis na inis ako pag may kabulastugan sina Lucy, Becca at Violet! Kinikilig ako tuwing kakantahan ni Jacob si Bel. Ganun ako ka-involved sa mga buhay nila.

Kaya thankful ako that the management trusted me to remain in the show til the very last episode. I am so proud to be part of Tween Hearts, to work with an outstanding Creative Team and excellent Production Staff headed by Direk Gina Alajar, our Program Manager, Miss Hazel Abonita and our Executive Producer, Miss Mona Mayuga. Syempre, it's an honor din to meet and become friends with our awesome young cast.

Sa pagsasara ng Tween Hearts, hindi lang ang mga tweens ang mami-miss ko nang husto. I will miss the creative meetings and the team. Ibang klase ang nabuo naming bonding. Kasama ako ng mga fans sa clamor na magkaron ng reunion show ang ating tween barkada, para mabuo rin ulit kaming team.

Siguro ay lilipas din ang lungkot ko. Dahil marami namang happy memories na pwedeng balikan. The show may have ended, but the bond remains.

In behalf of the Creative Team, MARAMING SALAMAT PO SA PAGSUPORTA AT PAGMAMAHAL NYO SA TWEEN HEARTS.

Friends Forever!

Crash and Burn

Nandito 'ko ngayon sa PowerMac, pinapacheck-up ang Macbook ko. Sabi ni Kuya nag-unmount daw yung... teka, ano nga ba yun? Nakalimutan ko yung mga terms, puro teknikal kasi. Basta ang bottomline, nag-crash ang hard drive ko at kelangan ko daw mag-reformat.

Nanlumo ako. Lahat ng files ko, all gone! Lahat ng photos at mga intimate videos namin nina Nick Jonas, Zac Efron at young actor from the other network, wala na rin! I'm devastated. I don't think I deserve this misfortune. Maingat naman ako sa paggamit ng Macbook ko. In fact, bihira ko nga siya gamitin. So, paano nangyari ito?! Bakit?! Nasaan ang katarungan!!

Dali-dali akong naghanap ng dingding upang dumausdos sabay breakdown! Hayuuuuuup!!!

Pero, maya-maya lang, naisip ko na mukha akong tanga sa pag-e-emote ko dahil wala namang camera sa paligid. And I also realized na hindi pa naman katapusan ng mundo just because nag-crash ang hard drive ko. I mean, yung ibang tao ay mas worse pa ang mga problema. Kaya kahit walang direktor na sumigaw ng "cut!" ay tinigil ko na ang pagdadrama ko.

Sa panahon ngayon, masyado nang dependent ang tao sa mga gadgets. Ito na ang kumokontrol sa kanya. Alipin na tayo ng teknolohiya. Kaya pag walang signal ang cellphone or down ang server, nagpapanic na tayo. Kapag nag-crash ang hard drive, naloloka na ang tao.

Kunsabagay, ganun din naman ang reaksyon at mararamdaman natin kapag sunud-sunod ang mga pagsubok na dumadating at problemang pasan natin. Some are driven to the point of desperation. Feeling nila ay magka-crash and burn na sila.

Buti sana kung pwede mag-reformat ang isang tao para mabura lahat ng mga sad memories at bad experiences. Pero kung posible nga yun, would you choose to erase your past and start anew. Do you think you'd still be the same person?

Kung ako ang tatanungin, ayoko ng reformat. E ano kung hindi perfect ang buhay ko? So what kung corrupted ang past ko? Ang importante ay natuto ako at nalampasan ko ang mga struggles at pagsubok. In fact, thankful ako dahil sa mga madilim na kabanatang iyon nakilala ko ang mga tunay na nagmamahal sa akin. I'm proud and content of who I am now, and I wouldn't trade it for anything else (spoken like a byukonera, hahaha).

Pagkatapos ma-reformat ang Macbook ko, it will be returned to me in good condition. Yun nga lang, it will be empty. Kaya buti na lang walang reformat sa tao. Who would want to feel empty?

Not me. But how about you?

My Daddy Dearest

This coming Monday, 11th of June, ipapalabas na sa GMA ang isang pampamilyang soap opera, ang My Daddy Dearest.

Tampok si Ogie Alcasid bilang si Bong, ang lalakeng maagang nabiyudo at tumayong mag-isang magulang sa anak na si Daisy, na ginagampanan naman ng child wonder na si Milkcah Nacion. Isang kahilingan ang babago sa pagsasama ng mag-ama at susubok sa kanilang katatagan bilang pamilya.

Exciting ang bagong handog ng GMA dahil hindi lang ito hitik sa comedy at drama kundi kapupulutan din ng aral ng mga batang manonood.

Kaya 'wag ninyong palampasin ang My Daddy Dearest, gabi-gabi bago mag-24 Oras sa GMA.