And September barely passed...

Phew, last month has been hectic. Attending to some due papers, formalizing application forms, applying for graduation and etc... I've barely had time to breathe some fresh air but hey, you get rewards after hard work right?
Well, even though its late. Let me just do September's round up which consists of a few articles by our dedicated and awesome core group (except me that is, I was too busy :p).

There are of course 2 articles by our most dedicated founder, Bernel, who is a Sherlock Holmes fan like myself. These include;
Top 5 Reinventions of Sherlock Holmes - a list of some people who have honored Holmes and
Top 10 TV Shows Based On Movies.

Of course the most artistic of the group, Maddy shares a unique but definitely not a rare form of art to our readers in Clean Graffiti / Reverse Graffiti Project :)

I hope our readers appreciate them and keep on tuning on. Onward!

Experimental Theatre presents...

I've been busy the past many weeks and it seems I owe everyone more than a post. Hehehe. For starters, let me share a short movie that my EFCOM group made for our midterms.

Experimental Theatre Presents...

Invidia

Invidia (latin: envy) is a short movie about Serena and Blaire, bestfriends and how one chose love over friendship and the other; friendship over love.
A group of friends visits a friend from a faraway province for her 18th birthday. They didn't know what a tragedy that visit would be.

Serena (Idy Cagas) has had a long time crush for Hans (Ran Tupas) and his surprise attendance at Steffi's (Betsy Pearl Sullano) party had her heart up in loops.


She excitedly asks her best friend Blair (Joana Jane Cabatingan) for some help in preparing for the party but keeping the reason to herself.

Meanwhile Hans found a confidante in Blair as he helps keep her secret and Serena grew jealous of their closeness. She shared her problems to a "demon" (Alexis Nacua) whom she found while crying in the middle of the nearby forest.
The demon then goads Serena into getting rid of her best friend to have Hans for herself.


The story then goes on with Serena growing obsessed about her emotions and letting the demon's words influence her thinking and actions.


It climaxes into Serena taking Blair hostage and finally Blair dies willingly into her best friend's arms. The ending reveals that Hans was actually taking Blair's advice on courting Serena and Serena's imagined causes for jealousy.

Invidia is not for the one who expects an Oscar-deserving result, but anyone who has been through the make-a-movie-as-your-requirement stage during college would definitely appreciate and praise this short movie.
For a movie done by amateurs (for lack of a better term ) it was definitely well executed and the actors and actresses did their parts very well.


Other characters include; Ripcord (Dominic Moneva), Eula (Su Jeong Jin), Carter (Daphne Olarte), Hiro (Marco Querubin), Sandra (Hedda Paquibot), Ellena (Erlyn Bolambao) and the doctor (Agnes Abapo).
The story was written by Maria Lourdes Sapitan who is fond of horror stories hence the dark themes of the short movie. It was also directed by her and Niki Reynes.

My Sweet and thoughtful 22nd

I though the day would just be like any other

But I guess the Lord wanted to surprise me today

And spread presents along my way...

... I had missed breakfast again today because I wanted to sleep in. After Speech class, I dragged my classmate to eat with me and she found out that it was my birthday and she bought me my favorite ice cream. :)

It was my first present of the day. Thank you Trizzia. I was not really expecting it. The second gift was from my grandma. :)

... Then my 2C girls texted me to meet them at school. I knew they were up to something. Hahahaha but I didn't expect all of them to be there. Having all of you present was the best gift I got from you. I love you girls. ^_^ Even Ate Sialmo greeted me through text. hehehe. I totally love the frame and the cake too. Hanging out at the hospital... where we were almost not allowed to go in.Hope your dad will recover soon Joy. :)

.... Then around 4 my best friends were already looking for me. Madel had asked me if I liked carbonara so I expected her to cook that for me. I thought I was already late for whatever was happening there but I guess a celebrant is never late for her party (though they still ate the pancit canton without me). hehehe. But instead of carbonara, there was macaroni, macaroons and... the macarena????? O_o hahahaha!!!!! Thank you so much for the gift Dakz. Thank you so much for the food Madz. ^_^ I really enjoyed my mini party there. Hehehe. I didn't expect the three of us to be complete because I thought Rhoda had work but Korea's independence day falls on my birthday, what do you know??? hahahaha

... Then when I got home.... nope. No surprise party there. Hehehe... although there were more chocolates and presents. hahahaha. Soo cuuuute the cat Bernel. :D

I think today, is the first time in my 22 birthdays that I feel so loved. My best birthday ever. :)

Thank you all. Even though Andrew isn't here in Cebu you guys made me feel so happy. Also, Andrew had already given me an advanced birthday gift - A panda! Hehehe.

And also to those who greeted me on FB and through text. Thank you. :)

Stop, Stare, Write

by Siggi Churchill, Flickr

Stop.

If you're thinking of nothing, and you've got nothing to write, nothing to say then stop.

you can't do anything anyway.

Stare.

If there is an action word for what you're doing now, then that would be it. Stare.

Something is bound to be in front of you that will catch your attention.

Write.

So now that you can find something to talk about. You should start to write.

It doesn't matter what it's about. From your mind, something will definitely come out.

Peace all. ^_^

Peter Pan and the Peter Pan syndrome

"Pan, who and what art thou?" he [Hook] cried huskily.
"I'm youth, I'm joy," Peter answered at a venture, "I'm a little bird that has broken out of the egg." - Peter Pan

First, of all; No. Peter Pan syndrome isn't a recognized disease in the medical world. But it is an interesting concept to consider.

I guess most of the people reading this would already be familiar with Peter Pan. The boy who lived in Neverland and has wonderful adventures with Wendy and the Lost boys. Some of us loved him when he was a kid, though I guess he won't stop being that to us - a kid. And though some of us would just like to be that - kids, most of us grew up and left our childhood days behind.

Peter Pan Syndrome is a term coined by Dr. Dan Kiley with his book "The Peter Pan syndrome: Men Who Have Never Grown Up". I think I've read it once in my library visits. And though it is not recognized as a psychological disorder, I think there are people who fit in this syndrome.

Characteristics:
- refusal/failure to accept mature responsibilities
- post adolescent development stage
- emotionally immature
- narcissism
- a history of failed relationships/ fear of commitments

Causes:
One probable cause would be a person rejecting the adult world because of fear of growing up. He or she has experienced or observed an adult event that makes them afraid that that is how they'll be as adults. Another theory is that it is due to over protective parents. As young children, the adult "realities" were hidden or masked so they have a false sense of security which immediately dissolves when their first adult problem sets in. They're used to their parents handling their responsibilities.

This makes us look at Peter Pen at a different light huh. :)

Though the syndrome makes us think of lazy-good-for-nothing bums who has no sense of responsibility, I believe that it is not necessarily their fault. These people are merely "victims" of the circumstances that surrounded their growth and development. I think with supportive friends and family, a person can grow up to be a mature, responsible and productive citizen of a community.

What do you think?

All information from the internet. :)

The Filipino Happiness

People have always talked about how a Filipino can smile even though tragic events are happening around them. Other countries also wonder about that. I don't have the exact answer but one of the things that I think contributes to it lies in the history of the Philippines. Being conquered by a lot of countries, the Filipinos have developed a sense of resiliency towards painful events. They have a deep sense of hope that things will turn out for the better. You can just imagine the horrible stuff those invaders did to our fellow men and yet the Filipinos still forgive them and even turned out to be one of the most hospitable people around.

Another factor is probably the fact that a majority of the Filipino population are Christians and being Christians, we know that a higher being does not ignore our suffering and we can turn to God in times of life's sufferings. I observed in other countries that they don't or maybe they can't really smile about it and yet I observe the local news and somehow... the people there are grinning ear to ear. People who have lost homes. People who have nothing and yet they can still smile. Maybe some may call us fools but during those times, what can you do? It's not like moping around would help.

I think that having a family centered orientation also contributes to this cheerful nature. When a Filipino is lonely, he/she knows that mother (or another relative) is only a phone call away or a shout away. No one can underestimate a Filipino's love for their families or even their fellow men. Even though they can be harsh sometimes (not the abuse kind mind you), it is probably because they think of your future.

History, Faith and Family. These contribute to the smiling Filipino. I'm truly proud to be pinoy.

49 Days: What will you do?

As anyone who's been stalking my FB wall lately, you would know that I've been watching this great Korean TV series; 49 days. It's a 20 episode drama written by So Hyeon-Kyeong and directed by Jo Young-Kwang. Recently, I've been watching a lot of Asian dramas but as always I'm pretty much choosy when it comes to shows, only watching the interesting ones until the end.

49 Days

49 days is a beautiful story about Ji Hyun (Nam Gyu-Ri), a rich girl who's life was well and perfect. She was getting married to the man she was destined for and no one could be happier. But her life literally takes a sudden turn when an accident caused her to have a coma. Pronounced brain dead, Ji Hyun's soul wandered about and she met the Angel of Death a.k.a. the Scheduler (Jung Il Woo). He offered her 49 days to find 3 people who sincerely love her but this excludes anyone of blood relation. As proof she had to collect 3 tears. Ji Hyun then was "allowed" to take over a depressed person's body - Yi Kyung for a certain time. Ji Hyun felt confident that she would accomplish that mission easily.

Nam Gyu Ri and Lee Yo Won

On her first day "alive", Ji Hyun remembers why she got into an accident - she had seen her best friend and her fiancée being intimate and had driven blindly and so crashed into the back of a truck. Suddenly she's not that confident in finding those three persons.

But then Ji Hyun has always been known to be the optimistic princess and as she unexpectedly finds other people who care, she brings her hopes up and goes on to find people who can shed those three tears for her.

As the story goes on, Yi Kyeung discovers someone is possessing her body and soon enough Ji Hyun and Yi Kyung help each other and find something meaningful in their lives. The writer also gives a satisfying finish as she reveals a secret to the watchers.

The drama has a smooth script but isn't that heavy though I can't help but cry at the end. Ji Hyun gives an air of being a scatter brained at first but she is someone who is genuine and can do things if she puts her mind in it. Though she is definitely a cry baby, being in tears in almost every episode. Nam Gyu Ri performed her well.  Of course, Lee Yo Won (playing Yi Kyung) has always been considered a very good actress in Korea and her acting in the show was unquestionable considering that she had to play 2 different personalities.

On my own personal drama reflection; I also think what if I was given 49 days and be in the same situation? Would I do what the unselfish Ji Hyun did? Do I really know my friends? Can I forgive my fiancée (If I had one) for doing that? Can I forgive my best friend for plotting for my end? Would I have the grace to accept my end?

I can't speak for anyone but myself though but I really liked this drama and recommend it to you if you haven't seen it. ^__^

Prank-ly Speaking

I was venturing into my old social network site (a.k.a Friendster) when I chanced upon a video shared by my friend, ANDoi. Its this one;

The video got me interested in other similar deeds and found this;

It was quite entertaining to see those people laughing. It was probably some marketing strategy by the store but its still funny.

 Now, this one is really scripted but not obviously so and the two guys look like aliens even without the shades on.


Bernel did tell me that they might be scripted but we can always wonder, right? :)

If you don't have anything else to do, do stop by my personal blog; Now and Then, Here and There.

May 2011 Round-Up: Signs of Revival

Just one day late with this month's round up.
And so we're catching up with April's slow fiasco with 10 entries this month starting with;

- No Don't by Niki that expresses her wish to keep up with the blog
followed by;

- Rain or Shine, Let the friends reign by Niki, an entry about hanging out with friends even when it rained

- Maddy shares a part of her life in Royal Jester

- and the part 1 of Pinoy Mentality - some things we could have without

- Ching also posted an awesome entry about Not your ordinary graffities.

- and of course what's Bernel with out his fourth interesting things found in the internet

- A tribute to Awesome cats was written by Niki accompanied by cute cat pictures.

- Niki also invites readers to watch a mind twisting anime with Code GeAss: Lelouch of the Rebellion

- And of course Maddy's part 2 of Pinoy Mentality.

- Bernel ends this month's list by writing about expressing his posts in Bernel's Bullets

I guess its still not right to post the hierarchy but let's all keep it up.

I am optimistic about this blog's future. ^_^

On a side note, Maddy and Niki will be starting classes this June. See you. ^_^

Code Geass: Lelouch the Rebellion

If strength is justice, then is powerlessness a crime?

"I was dead until the moment I met you. I was a powerless corpse pretending to be alive. Living without power, without the ability to change my course, was bound to a slow death."

Lelouch Lamperouge (Code Geass)

This anime really tested my patience and sanity. The story is a beautifully crafted plot of war and revenge.

It starts with Lelouch Lamperouge, the main protagonist-antagonist, getting interested with a truck that crashed. He immediately tried to rescue the people in the truck and was accosted by a soldier that turned out to be his long lost friend. They recognized each other and tried to talk but suddenly the capsule in the truck opened and revealed a girl with yellow green hair.

More of the military came and cornered Lelouch thinking he was the man who stole the capsule. Lelouch tried reasoning but to no avail. The military held their guns at him and were about to fire when the girl defended him.  Surprised, Lelouch ran to the girl. The moment their hands touched was the moment Lelouch’s life changed. The girl’s name was CC and she offered Lelouch power in return to granting one of her wishes. Since then Lelouch gained the power of the Geass, wherein he could order anything from a person with just one look in their eyes.

The world cannot be changed with pretty words alone. 

The story is set in a fictional era where Britannia was at war with the rest of the world and Japan was its latest conquest.

Lelouch Lamperouge was really Lelouch vi Britannia – a prince from the Royal family by the King’s second wife. When they were young, he and his sister were used as bargaining chips during the beginning of the Japan – Britannia war. Their father attacked Japan even while knowing that they were there and Japan became Britannia’s territory.

The war escalated and the Japanese revolted against Britain. They were led by a masked vigilante, Zero. A brilliant strategist that almost gave Japan their independence. Behind the mask was a man nobody thought of.

Lelouch’s revenge and his wish for peace, in the end, what will these contradictions bring him? The story unfolds and makes you hold on the edge of your seat.

Awesome cats

This blog loves cats. Remember the "Onward" pic. :)

I’d like to introduce you to five awesome cats that makes me go ooooh, ahhhh and kawaii!!

1. The Lynx

Wha.. what wazzat?

There are actually four of these medium sized wild cats (take note, wild, that means they should be out there in the forests or woods freely roaming about). The name means light or brightness which refers to the way their eyes shine. What makes them unique is the tuffs on their ears. Some say its to hear or communicate better... ooohhh... somewhat like an antenna eh?

Fact: Lynx cubs look like domestic cats at birth until about a few months and the kittens are pretty much aggressive.

2. The White Tiger

We are bored. Yup. Definitely. Bored.

They have blue eyes and white fur. These cats are pretty amazing to look at and I really want to see one live. They're pretty rare too. The White Tiger is an animal that I'd like to classify together with the Red Phoenix and the Turtle who carried the world (Fushigi Yuugi anyone?). They make me believe that the stuff in legends are true and that nothing is impossible. These tigers are also very rare with about a hundred in number in India.

Fact: White tiger cubs are generally larger than any other kind of Tiger.

3. The Black Panther/Jaguar/Leopard

I eat cat food!

Next to White is Black. Ever since the movie "The Jungle Book", black panthers have always had a significant place in my heart.

They give off an image of strength and . They're like princes. Their skin is like satin... sigh. They're pretty cool.

Fact: The color is either due to a dominant allele (for jaguars) and a recessive allele (for leopards). Two black cats can't produce another black one. :)

4. The Cheetah

Last one to the finish line eats the skunk.

The Cheetah is the fastest cat in the animal kingdom with speeds that can reach up to 70 to 75 mph. Wonder how it would feel to ride one. But it probably can't carry me. :p

Some Indian tribes even keep cheetahs for hunting animals like the antelope.

Fact: Its weak genes contribute to this cat's rarity.

5. The Domestic cat

Well, of course I couldn't leave out the domestic cat. The greatest thing about them is... you can have them for free. No red tape, no smuggling, no taking them out of their own habitats. They're less moody and they're very cuddly too.

Fact: They eat almost anything. Meow!

Having pets can be therapeutic to you. They can ease your mood when you get home. They can even eat the extra food on your table (voila, no waste). Although, I do not recommend them for those who have asthma and allergies.

*random fact: All the pets/ pests we have in our house were all just accidental. O_o

She talkin' about us?

Rain or Shine, Let the friends reign

Yesterday's day out started with a simple round of messages;

Me (still in bed): Yo, its raining chocolates and marshmallows are we still heading out?

Madz (heading to the bathroom): Of course! (enthusiastic, isn't she?) the three of us seldom meet.

Me: Kk.

And so after several months of not seeing other, the trio was complete. We went to the GECCO's event at D' Family Park, Talamban. It was quite fun. ^_^

Rhoda with some "high school boys"

take note of the rainbow guys on the back. ^_~

Rain or shine!

No don't...

I know the site hasn't been jumping around for the past month. I can't really explain why but on my side a lot of things are happening which explains my lack of inspiration and laziness.

But  I wouldn't want the site to "die". In the past few months that we've been up, I have been exposed to more areas of the net that I haven't even thought of going to. The blog takes away my online boredom. I wouldn't want to leave it....

Much as a lot of events are taking me away from keyboard time, I'll try a bit harder to update here. I hope you guys don't get discouraged now, we've just passed the thousand mark after all. ^_^

A week of prayer

It's the start of the Holy Week and people are rejoicing. For some, its a few days off from work. But more than letting the physical self unwind, people should also take time to renew their relationship with God and spend some time with prayer and asking forgiveness. Even if it isn't the Holy Week, we should.

Matthew 28:1-10

After the Sabbath, at dawn on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to look at the tomb. There was a violent earthquake, for an angel of the Lord came down from heaven and, going to the tomb, rolled back the stone and sat on it. His appearance was like lightning, and his clothes were white as snow. The guards were so afraid of him that they shook and became like dead men.

The angel said to the women, "Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay. Then go quickly and tell his disciples: 'He has risen from the dead and is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him.' Now I have told you."

So the women hurried away from the tomb, afraid yet filled with joy, and ran to tell his disciples. Suddenly Jesus met them. "Greetings," he said. They came to him, clasped his feet and worshiped him. Then Jesus said to them, "Do not be afraid. Go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee; there they will see me." (NIV)

Keeping My Summer Cool

Summer season has just started and I can feel the heat prickling my skin already. What I would give for some Halo-Halo or maybe even just a sundae at McDonald’s.If you haven't got it yet, this post is gonna be all about food. Summer food. 

One of the cheaper and faster way to cool down during a hot summer day is go to the neighboring mini store and buy some ice candy. It's cold, its convenient, and it has a lot of flavours. It's also easy to make one at home. One satisfying treat if I must say so myself.

In my pre-college days, some classes or rather cleaning activities extended beyond March. And after those activities I always remember one or two peddlers selling those yummy looking colored liquid with floating jellies (gulaman). Memorable afternoon delights that lightened our tired moods.

Another summer treat that makes me reminisce my high school days is the Mais con Yelo. There was this place a few blocks away from our school that was everyone's favorite store to buy similar treats. Students also spend their afternoon dates there or hang out with friends.

When you're in the city area of Cebu, you can't really find an ice candy in the nearby store or a "clean" looking sago and gulaman on the dusty high way. If you're in a hurry and want something cold soon. You can always go to the nearest McDonald's or Jollibee and get a sundae. Hehehehe

But the best cold treat I choose would have to be the Halo-halo. Shaved ice combined with tropical fruits and beans, add some evaporated milk and top it off with a scoop of ice cream or maybe even 2. I have a lot of memories with this Filipino delicacy and I'm sure you have too.

Apart from the top choices, I'd also go for a gelato anytime.

Sheesh, writing this post is making me hungry... Off to find a sundae. Did I say it's also available 24 hours a day? ^_^

*all pics taken from Google

March 2011 Round-Up: Saying Au Revoir to March

Wow, I think I saw the numbers hurrying up in this month. From the 572 views last month, we had about 813 views as of this post. This baby blog (3 months) sure is growing up fast. As for the month recap, I’ll be giving it a twirl. Feels like I had my own graduation. Hehehe

Anyway, here we go;

5 Random Interesting Things I Found in the Internet #1  by Bernel

- you think the internet is getting boring? think again. ^_^

Ragnarok Online ~ A Reminisce and Art Appreciation by Maddy

- Maddy recalls her Ragnarok days

Flipped by Niki
- the chief shares a cute movie

I'm a Fan by ANDoi
- a piece of ... art?

I miss home by ching
- ching shares what she misses back in the home country

Facebook is eating me alive! by Carl Cathrx
- Carl gives us the Facebook reality

5 Random Interesting Things I Found in the Internet #2  by Bernel
- another list of reasons why we stay online

Jasmine: Part 1 and Part 2 by Niki
- Niki gives us an original story inspired by the old Disney classic

I ♥ CEBU FOOD-- Part 1 by Maddy
- a post for the stomach, can't wait for part 2. ^_^

The Crappiest Song Ever!!! by Bernel
- the title says it all... ^_^ 

zombie lovin' by ching
- meet the guy who's literally... a zombie 

Top 10 Animated Movie Songs by Bernel
- his post will have you singing along with the familiar songs 

Behind the Song: DROWN by ANDOi
- a tribute to Japan that ended up as a heartbreak song. ^_^

Writers' Hierarchy As Of March 31, 2011
Founders:

Niki - "The Chief"

Maddy - Blog Manager

Bernel - Blog Manager
Espada:
ANDoi  - Primera
Carl Cathrx- Segunda 
Ching - Tres

RD - Cuatro

Another rank change for this month. Though, we didn't get a new writer for March, we're still recruiting. ^_^

Bonjour avril!

3 months have come and gone and I look forward to what the writers of this blog can come up with. This blog makes me go forth and surf other sites online and not only keep myself in Facebook.

We're keeping up despite busy schedules and other things that happens in the real life and putting so and so in writing. ^_^

Now that March has ended, I expect a lot of summer-y posts in April and so forth. And also more contributors. There's even a rumour of a surprise for this month for the readers so keep on following us to find out more. I'd also like to invite our guests to drop comments and suggestions whenever. It would mean a lot. ^_^

the cat feels so epic