The tribe has spoken.

Conclusion IV -- AT LAST!

2007-03-15T20:09:00.000+08:00

Finally, another moment to breathe out. I am now officially done with media-logging!

So yes, March is indeed nearly coming to an end, and each and everyone of us is only left with a little amount of time for us to enjoy what is left for us. I am rather happy of the fact that summer is already knocking at our doors and at last, we will all enjoy another two months of freedom, but I guess this emotion mixes with the fact that I do not want to end this school year so soon. Not yet.

This little project of ours made me appreciate media MORE. Not only did it make me aware of this certain propagandas our "media people" make to fascinate us, I also learned a lot of lessons about life from it as well. I certainly would not get the chance to see and think deeper and more clearly without this, and I guess this is also a form of escapism as well. Media-logging is definitely a great escape from reality!

Well, time really does fly by so fast. It has really been a fun year and I will sure miss writing here. It has been a pleasure writing my thoughts about the things I really am fond of, and I would like to thank Miss Platon for this project (and making it easier for some of us because you allowed us to use blogs!). Thanks, Miss Platon!

Goodbye, media-logging. :)

If You Could See Me Now

2007-03-15T19:23:00.000+08:00

These past few days have been very, very hard for me, and I admit that I hardly have the time for my own leisure. The past few months have been very blurry and I only had the chance to read a number of books, this being one of them.

So what makes this book "special"? Well, aside from the fact that I was inspired to read it despite of the busyness of my world right now, I was also able to finish the book in a week's time. Roughly. Ha-ha.

I do not read Cecelia Ahern's books because I was afraid they would be a complete waste of time, but I guess this book really proved me wrong. Not only was I able to discover a new "favorite author", I even appreciated the book itself as well. I like the fact that it has a lot of quotes and thoughts to ponder on (and I really mean a lot!) for I am a quote-lover. I write them on random notebooks that I usually have while reading the book, and I always put them in my mind.
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Cecelia Ahern definitely "describes" the story so well. I practically see myself in the story, witnessing every scene of it and being a part of it as well. She definitely has this thing for writing, and I salute her for that.

So to sum things up, "If You Could See Me Now" is definitely an excellent read. It is truly a phenomenal book, and I would not mind reading it again. As far as I can tell, it is defintely a great escape from reality. :)

American Idol: Season 6

2007-03-14T20:55:00.000+08:00

I remember posting an entry about Philippine Idol during the first semester of this schoolyear, praising it and all for making it here in the Philippines and how people greatly support it. Now, I am back to write another entry about another singing competition with a same format. The only difference is this time, I am writing about American Idol.

American Idol has been a phenomenon ever since it has first started, and it has been known for producing many successful singing careers. Millions of people support it, not just from America, but even from other countries as well. I know a lot of people who is crazy about the show, I being one of them, and this is a proof that American Idol is indeed a worldwide phenomenon. A number of franchises has already been made and done, and this by far is the most popular of all.

I do not take something against the show because it has always entertained me everytime I watch it. FOX really did a great job with this reality TV show for it does not fail to get high ratings. The judges are still the same ones from the past: Randy Jackson, Paula Abdul, and Simon Cowell. Simon can be really harsh but I love the way he is being honest to the contestants. For this season, I still do not have a personal favorite, but I have an eye for some guy contestants who really do sing well.

We all know that a lot of people support this show, but we should all remember that we should also support our country's own shows as well. They might be as good as the others, you know. :)

Pinoy Big Brother: Season Two

2007-03-14T19:33:00.000+08:00

The second season of Pinoy Big Brother has officially started, and I might as well say that it is without a doubt better than ever. As we all probably know, Pinoy Big Brother is the Philippine version of the reality television show Big Brother. Basically, it follows the same format of the original version: a certain number of housemates (usually 12, but now I see that it is 14) are forced to live each other inside a house for more than a hundred days, only they add more twists. It is a primetime show aired in ABS-CBN every night, and who would have guessed that I will watch it everyday?

So here's the thing: I tried watching it during its opening night and with all honesty, I got quite bored with it. I, for one, am not really fond of learning about other people's lives, and seeing how they introduced the first 6 housemates did not even excite me. Then again, after watching its first official episode the following night, I immediately got hooked to it.

There are obvious changes this season. The house has been renovated and made bigger. I give props to the people who did its interior design for it is really exceptional. I love every part of the house, specifically the color combinations they used for its design.

I personally think that Pinoy Big Brother is an instrument for a reflection of one's attitude and character. The tasks given by "Kuya" has many different values you can learn from everytime the housemates perform them. Also, PBB can be a venue for discovering new talents, such as singers, dancers, and even models. My current personal favorite this season is Wendy Valdez, a model for different products and such. I like the fact that she is true to herself and to others as well inside the house, and she is also pretty. I am all for Wendy! :)

The Art of Foley

2007-03-08T19:14:00.000+08:00

I would like to comment on the discussion we had a while ago in class during our Media Awareness period, "The Sound/Music in Media". I really got interested with the way my classmates and I discovered how the sound effects we hear in the movies or television shows we watch (basically everything related to media) are being made.

Once, while surfing through the channels of our television, I have seen this show wherein they let their viewers see how they made their sound effects in this certain movie that has already been released. Unfortunately for me, I have already forgotten its title and the channel from which I have seen the show, but I can honestly say that it is a horror (or much more of a suspense kind) movie. I stopped switching channels when I have seen what they have been featuring and had myself to get a good look at it. The thing that really amazed me is the simplicity of the way of they make such sounds, because it does not look that "simple" when I see (in this case, hear) them on the television. There was this part wherein they used vegetables and other stuff for the crunching of the leaves because the scene takes place in the woods with the actor walking on the leaves, and is it not very simple? As for how it is being edited, that is another story. Miss Platon says that it is very hard to match the sounds when it comes to the editing part. But with this in my mind, I still think of considering being a "foley artist" someday. Ha-ha. I wish.

The Amazing Race: All Stars

2007-03-08T18:01:00.000+08:00

The world is waiting... GO!

The 11th season of the much awaited "The Amazing Race" has already started and it has been airing for weeks now. For this season, there really is not anything new that we get to see every week when we watch it. Phil Keoghan still hosts the show with his "exotic accent" when explaining the different tasks the teams should accomplish such as the detours, roadblocks, and even eliminations. The only difference is that we all already know the players because they are all-stars! (If not all, at least most of them.)

I am really excited about this new season because of I get to see my all-time favorite team on The Amazing Race series -- Rob & Amber! I know, they have been exposed too much on TV, especially on Reality TV and we have seen so much of them, but why do you care? I love them so much that I get so giddy everytime I see them on the show racing through together. Ha-ha. Excuse me for spoiling those people who still have not seen the first three episodes, but they came in first in all of these legs of the race! I love how Rob's strategy is working, and how he is able to manage to get past through all of those teams in a blink of an eye. Really.

I think this is about as good as reality TV can get. "The Amazing Race", for me, is truly amazing because not only does it lets you see the world for free, but you also get to learn more from other people's culture and discover why they are doing certain rituals and the like. I love the places they choose to go, and well, the prizes! Who would not want some free travel to this and that after you have come in as the first team in each leg of the race? And of course, who could forget the one million dollar-prize? :)

I love how I see the beauty of the world through this amazing show because truly, despite the world's negativity, the world is still wonderful. :)

Ugly Betty

2007-03-07T18:05:00.000+08:00

Ugly is the new beautiful.

Each and everyone of us usually do not go with what is not hot or cool but instead craves more for what is beautiful. We do not usually appreciate things that are usually right in front of us for some certain reasons even we ourselves cannot even explain. The saying that goes "Do not judge a book by its cover" is what I see as the main theme of this new series I have recently heard of (and most recently watched), "Ugly Betty".

Hearing its title is really intriguing, is it not? You may not really want to watch it at first, but do not be fooled by the things that you cannot prove and see. I have no interest in fashion for I do not usually care what I wear, but based on the one and a half episode I have seen a while ago with my clubmates and Miss Platon, I am definitely going to watch "Ugly Betty" every week. I am dying to get a hold of its copy.

I find it of much fun, packed full with really heart-wrenching lines to go along with and support it. The execution is cute, heartfelt and sweet and I do not find it boring. I now know the reason why it has won a number of awards during the Golden Globe Awards this year. "Ugly Betty" is really worth checking out.

Multiply: The Best Way To Share Everything

2007-03-04T17:02:00.000+08:00

"Multiply makes it easy to create, share and discuss your blog, photos, videos and music with more of the people you know, and less of the people you don't."

I used to have a blog (same url site that I am using right now as my Media Log) wherein I write practically everything. From nonesense to senseless (makes sense?), to my frustrations and confusions, my happy moments and such, I do write them all. I do not really care who on this earth will read it as long as I am happy posting. Going through this same routine everyday eventually bored me in a year's time, and I stopped blogging... not until I discovered Multiply.

I do not really remember when was the first time I made myself a Multiply account, but I still do have one right now. So for those of you people who does not know, Multiply is very much like Friendster and MySpace, only better. It lets you post photos, journal entries, special dates for you to remember through your own online calendar, music, videos, reviews, and even recipes! (Who would think of that?) It also lets you exchange messages within your network through commenting and private messaging. And you get this all... for free.

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Basically for me, I find it fun keeping in touch with other people through the "help" of Multiply. I am able to share photos with them and likewise. Multiply, on the other hand, is also a reason why I sometimes put the "more important things" aside for awhile for it really is very addicting. Multiply is definitely one of my guilty pleasures, and I encourage everyone to use it, nothing but wisely. :)

Television Without Pity

2007-03-04T14:19:00.000+08:00

Spare the snark. Spoil the networks.

Television Without Pity is a site that constantly criticizes every drama and reality television show there is to spoil in different networks. Not only do they provide different spoilers, but they also detailed recaps of certain TV shows through mockery as its writers does not have anything better to do. Their reason for such actions is that it is also a way for them to work for their feelings. If they plain hated a show, they would not pay it any attention at all.

I do not see how bad this site can get, but as long as it does not exceed the limit and go against something personal, I think that they can still go on with their business. I have read a number of articles and recaps in their sites, especially in the past 2 years for I have always missed a number of shows of my favorite ones, mostly on American Idol and Survivor. I do not always rely on this site because the recappers and I do not have the same views about the shows we watch, and they tend to irritate me through their way of writing. They may be humorous, but most often than not, they go below the belt. They criticize too much they hurt other peoples' feelings. I know it is their job, and I know they just want to express their feelings, but they can always do it in a better way.

It has been more than a year since I have last visited this site, and I am not sure if I am going to visit it again. Sure, their recaps make you smile, but I do not think they can really satisfy you because all you are going to get are out-of-the-line comments that can really be annoying.

Lost

2007-03-04T10:09:00.000+08:00

All of them have a secret; all of them are Lost!

Unless you live outside of this world or you are probably living under different rocks and caves, you have probably heard of the hit show "Lost". The plot revolves around 48 survivors of a plane crash, but somehow focuses on 14, all with different secrets and life stories. They had lost communication when their plane went down, and nobody knows what island they were stranded on. They were not rescued, and the only way they will survive is to deal with what they have at the moment, and that is each other.

So what is my point in telling all of this? Well, as you can see, everybody differs in their points of view, and we all have different favorites and "thing" for the television shows we choose to watch. Seeing how this show had really made me want to watch it forever tells me that I should encourage each and every person who still has not seen it to go watch it. (Come'on, go watch it! Haha!)

Lost has more mystery than any drama I have ever watched. The mysteries being pondered upon and shown there really fascinate me. Not only does it send you chills but it also lets you think about how every episode ended and the like. I love all of the Lost mysteries and I cannot wait to see more of it, especially since its new season is coming really soon. Lost reminds me of Survivor, you know.

24

2007-03-03T08:54:00.000+08:00

He's got one day to save his family and protect his country. The clock is ticking.

A lot can happen in a day.

Every Second Counts.

I am without a doubt addicted to different television shows shown on different TV stations, most of which are series relating to drama, reality, crime, suspense, and the like. I have this one particular TV show in my mind that I am really proud to share with everyone else, and this show is called 24.
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To those who does not know why it is called 24 or does not have any idea, I will tell you what it is about and why. It is very different from other TV series for it has a unique format when it comes to its plot and story. "24" is produced by CBS and each of its episode covers one hour of real time, making the season's entire story happen in a day. It is very addicting, quite intriguing, and will definitely not let you sleep unless you are done watching it.

The first time I heard of 24 was not really that "memorable". I did not see the show as something interesting back then, but after seeing a number of episodes during my Christmas Break and Semestral Break last year and finishing a whole season, things began to turn the other way around. The first episode I have seen and finished was its fourth installment, and I guess it really pays to watch its first season first before anything else. I still understood its story, though.

I love every bit of "24"! It is absolutely one of the most thrilling TV series you will ever see, and I think everyone should at least try watching an episode and see yourself not wanting to let go. It may never let you sleep, but at least it is something that I can really say is worth one's time.

Introduction IV

2007-03-03T08:28:00.000+08:00

Bonjour, everyone! I am back (at last) for another quarter full of entries intended for my Media Awareness Project -- My Media Log. The past quarter has been pretty rough for me, I barely had the time to go online, and this was one of the reasons why I failed to finish my entries for the last quarter. I still have a number of drafts here in my Blogger's "Posting" tab, and unfortunately, I was not able to post them. I was also not able to make even a single line for my conclusion, and I would really like to improve much, much more this quarter.

So, for this quarter, I intend to post ten entries, eight at the least, to make up for what I have failed to do during the previous quarter. I remember telling myself during the first quarter that I will come up with forty entries all in all, ten for each quarter, and now I know I would not be able to do that because of this. Then again, I know I will I find time to complete the number of entries I plan on doing, especially since I have a lot of ideas running through my mind right now.

I believe that I should make the most out of this quarter as it is the last for the schoolyear. I should now come up with more entries. Let's start, shall we?

Dan Brown's "Deception Point" and "Angels and Demons"

2006-12-03T16:59:00.000+08:00

I have finished reading three of Dan Brown's most controversial works, these two being the second and the third, and I must say that I really love all of them. Dan Brown is a classic! He definitely gets me to get excited in finishing what I have started reading. He writes very well with those good ol' thrilling parts, adding to all his imaginative mind's amazing ideas.

These two novels may have been of two different stories, but they certainly both interested me. I especially like how Mr. Brown described the places in them, specifically "Angels and Demons" where most of the story was spent in Rome. I love the way he used Bernini's works in his novel for it pretty much exposed me to the Renaissance period mor, thus adding more to my knowledge for our AP classes.

There may have been a lot of controversies about his books, but I do not think that they can really affect on what you believe in, at least when you do not let them to. I remember the part wherein he said that Jesus was born in the month of March and even added that it is written in the bible, and this really had me troubled. Then again, you cannot be fooled by just a mere book unless you let it to. You just have to hold on stronger. Props to Mr. Brown's great works! Keep the faith!

The Guardian

2006-11-30T18:10:00.000+08:00

I have recently finished reading another novel of Nicholas Sparks, and to be quite honest with you, the book is not really satisfying -- in other words, it is disappointing.

I do not like the way it was written, how the thicknes of the book almost killed me, and how the story and the book itself literally bored me to death. I am not exaggerating things here; I seriously wanted to throw it away while reading it.

I should have listened to my friends when they told me not to read "The Guardian" because I would just be wasting my time by doing so, and I now completely agree with them. They kept saying things like "The Guardian?! Itapon mo na yan!", and all I could do was shrug and smile.

I guess the book lacked the suspense and thrill every reader expects to have in it. The characters of the story are somewhat undeveloped, thus making the book very slow-paced, dull, and unmoving.

I bet none of us would want to kill his/her time over something unworthy or stupid, so save yourself by not getting hold of your own copy of this book. Trust me; having it hurts. c;

Jam 88.3 & Wave 89.1

2006-11-26T13:26:00.000+08:00

Your Kind of Mix and The Most Influential Radio Station

I would agree with the fact that things are still stressful as much I expect them to be and with all honesty, things are really getting crazier EVERY minute. I am really having a hard time balancing my time over THE MOST IMPORTANT THINGS IN MY LIFE and this really upsets me. But sometimes, all that I could think of to do is be alone and do some reflective thinking. I really like the idea of reminiscing over some things, specifically the good ones (THOSE DAYS...). And after all, memories are all I have. Then again, thinking too much can really make my head spin around in circles, and it would not really do that much if I just keep on thinking and not put them into actions. And this, my friends, is where my topic (Wave 89.1 & Jam 88.3) comes into action! After all of this hardships, all I want is something soothing and mellow.

I am a music lover of all sorts and I listen to every genre of music I know I can stand. I like easy listening music, alternative, and just recently, RNB. And I, also being a fan of radio stations, believe that these readio stations provide such music that makes me really sing. They play easy listening songs (emotional and sentimental songs, in short =p) and these songs are my type of music. I listen to them every night (even during mornings) just before going to bed. I even sleep with my headset still playing and put over my ears, and I know this is how addiction prevails. c; They are, after all, one of those things that really relieve my stress after a long, long, long (and I mean really long!) day. c:

Rent

2006-11-25T17:17:00.000+08:00

No day but today.

"I don't own emotion, I rent."

Perhaps the tagline of the movie "No day but today." made the movie even more sensational and had more people loving it, but nothing beats the ever-so-popular song "Seasons of Love" that was used a lot of times in the movie. The song made me dance to the beat and sing with my heart out, and so did the movie.

So, the bottomline is: I loved the movie. It was more than good and pure fun. As a matter of fact, the movie was surprisingly great. I seriously missed a number of meals just for it, and that would only mean one thing: the movie is good enough and worth my time.

The movie was a musical and is based from a play written years ago, so you cannot expect it to be not musically-inclined because it is. Its storyline is full people expressing their thoughts and emotions through dancing and singing, and cheers for the choreography of the movie. :)

Storywise, the movie was okay. It deals with the different problems and concerns the world is encountering today. There were issues about financial problems, drug addiction, the HIV virus crisis, homosexuality, and basically everything that is in the present world now. I have to say that the casting of the movie was good, and I assume that all of them REALLY knows how to sing. The actors and actresses have good voices!

The only thing that I did not like in the movie is its explicit content (different forms of vulgar humor were used and portrayed) but above anything else, the movie was fine. I am sure everyone will like it. And oh, just do not let the younger people or even the older ones get near you while watching it. Trust me, you do not want to get in trouble. c;

Introduction III

2006-11-25T16:02:00.000+08:00

Is it not amazing how fast time really flies by? Sometimes, all we can do is just stop what we are doing, think for a second, and wish that everything would just slow down. Everything is just going so fast and what is worse is, we can do nothing about it.

So again, I am glad to be back for another set of media log entries this quarter. I am thinking of having a theme this time, but I am still quite unsure about it. I encounter different kinds of media everyday, and not all of them relate to each other. What I am sure about, though, is that there will still be entries about books and movies this quarter. What can say? Everything is just going down, and I barely have the time to check out what is new on the television nowadays. I am not even updated on the currents events and the like. I am now under that sensational feeling of being stressed, thank you.

But yeah, life goes on. Let us see how I would start for this quarter.

Conclusion II

2006-10-19T01:34:00.000+08:00

Alas! Another quarter of media logging has finally come to an end, and with ten entries, my media log for the Second Quarter ends here.

This quarter has been nothing but full of hard and long days. I do not get the at least 8 hours of sleep I honestly have been longing for for the past few months, and school has been really making me crazy. Good thing I have posted a number of drafts before; I did not have the time to worry too much about this quarter's entries.
But then again, information and realizations just keep and keep on coming, right?

One thing I have learned is that there are really these types of media wherein we really get biased when it comes to judging them, more specifically with the ones you really love the most. I do not see how you can eventually get to start hating them, but I guess we should all be literate enough to know when to stop admiring or supporting a certain type of media.

Though I have only posted 2 entries about the books that I have read for this quarter, I have to say that I have really read a lot this time around. I have to say they are good ones. The number of books I have read for this quarter have exceeded my normal reading "skills", and that is what I am quite amazed of. Books really have a way of getting that something into you, do they not?

Quite a tough quarter, but I do not see why we have to get bored with this media logging. More entries to come for the next two quarters!

Survivor: Cook Islands

2006-10-18T21:41:00.000+08:00

Outwit. Outplay. Outlast.

Another season has just started, and as controversial as Survivor can be, the show has yet another set of new twists and dilemmas to watch out for.

For years now, CBS has been producing quite a number of installments of Survivor, this being the 13th season. For every season, different sets of twists have been reserved and cast upon on them. And through all those exciting years, never the producers had once come upon this idea: a racial division among the teams? What exactly were they thinking?

I, being an avid Survivor fan ever since I could remember, am not against with this new twist and idea; I absolutely love everything about the show. Though there have been some rumors before that everything we see on the television is nothing but a fraud, I still am not surprised by how I support this reality TV show. Then again, it is supposed to be a reality TV show, but what is really the reality behind it?

We do not really know for sure, but as how I see it, everything really seems to be exactly like how I want a television show to run. All those exciting challenges, both the reward and immunity, how every shot is taken, the places they shoot and choose as a location, and literally everything about it really amuses me. This idea of having a racial division may have disappointed quite a number of people, but I do not see how bad the show will turn out. Jeff Probst, the host of Survivor, says that this new “experiment” is also about the different races representing their “world”. Based from what I have seen over the past few weeks, ethnicity was not really used as something against the other tribes. The castaways were just plainly there to “represent” and have the chance to win the million dollars.

"A lot of people who have never seen Survivor have absolutely no idea what they're condemning and using this as a platform," Probst told reporters Thursday.

"Those opinions of people criticizing us for doing this are valid and fair," Probst said. "All I'm saying is, you have to recognize you're condemning a show before you've seen it, and that's not fair or just."

Viewed with a careful eye, we should still be aware of the things we are seeing on the television; biased or not, a television show may still have flaws on how it is being shown, and sometimes, we just have to deal with it.

And in contrary to Survivor’s ever-so-famous “Outwit. Outplay. Outlast.” line, I have come up with another one (I have seen this on a random site 2 years ago).

“Are you a survivor? Impress. Improve. Inspire.”

Survivor Cook Islands
-- Friday (via satellite)1 pm
-- Saturday (primetime telecast) 7:30 pm

YouTube: Broadcast Yourself

2006-10-14T23:01:00.001+08:00

Founded in February 2005, YouTube is a consumer media company for people to watch and share original videos worldwide through a Web experience.

Due to the seemingly unending stress and hassles my schoolmates and I have been receiving for the past few weeks ever since we became juniors, we barely have time for ourselves anymore. On most days, you would usually find me spending my time just for plain leisure. I would most likely be in front of the computer chatting with my best friends, watching my favorite television shows, or perhaps even sleeping. But for the sake of being a junior, never have I once slept for 8 hours straight nowadays; not even on weekends. I hardly even have the time to watch my favorite television shows at all.

But hey, look what is new? Look what comes after all that you have been through? Here comes YouTube! And what, precisely, is YouTube?

Based from what I have read in http:// http://youtube.com/t/help_general, YouTube is a free online video streaming service that allows users to view and share videos that have been uploaded by their members. It is free of charge, therefore allowing anyone to view and share videos, and members, on the other hand, can upload videos and use other features.

I find YouTube useful especially after a long and hard day (in my case, week). Sometimes, all I need is to watch a video of my favorite television show, Survivor, to relieve all the stress I am going through. I actually had the chance to watch a number of videos a while back with Denise in an internet café at SM, and I was able to at least fill in some of the episodes I have missed for the past few weeks.

Thanks to YouTube; at least I still get the feeling that missing an entire episode or other special videos in my life would not hurt that much because of the loads of work I am currently stuck with.

RV

2006-10-07T23:27:00.000+08:00

Bob Munro: Welcome aboard, everybody. Before we embark, I think we should give this beauty a name. Suggestions?

Cassie Munro: The Turd.

Carl Munro: The Big Rolling Turd?

Bob Munro: In that spirit, we set forth.

Technically speaking, I was thrilled when I came across a poster of "RV" in one of the movie houses I have been to just a month ago. After that came the trailer of this movie, adding more to the excitement I was having at that moment in watching it with my cousins and/or friends. In all honesty, I was really expecting more from the movie, more from its cast and plot, but the director failed in doing this so. I have seen a lot of Robbie Williams' movies before, and I have to admit that this is not one of his best ones EVER. And as a matter of fact, it is not good. I practically hated every minute I spent watching and getting annoyed with it. The movie did not even make me laugh for they were only few humorous scenes, most of them being dumb and childish. There is very little to recommend about this movie, one being that is it a family movie, and that it still has a moral lesson. I loved how Robbie Williams interpreted his last few lines in the movie, though.

I know there is a certain audience for this kind of movie, but I really have to say that I do not belong to them. If you are pretty much trying to see a movie that is actually worth spending for, FIND ANOTHER MOVIE. I suggest you just wait for this movie to come out in your cable TV sets in a month or so; just do not waste your money by even trying to buy a DVD/VCD copy. Trust me; the movie is not worth it.

The Notebook, The Rescue & Nicholas Sparks

2006-09-18T22:57:00.000+08:00

Noah: I am nothing special; just a common man with common thoughts, and I've led a common life. There are no monuments dedicated to me and my name will soon be forgotten. But in one respect I have succeeded as gloriously as anyone who's ever lived: I've loved another with all my heart and soul; and to me, this has always been enough.

I have recently read two of Nicholas Sparks' novels over the past few weeks, smoothly one after the other, and I am not quite amazed by the fact that both books were well-written. Reading them helped me get through all of those sleepless nights, thanks to Mr. Sparks.

My aunt told me once that for you to not get disappointed in a book, you have to see the movie first (or vice versa), and I agree with what she has said. When a person expects too much for a movie to be literally based on the book, he/she ends up getting disappointed. Not everything that is written in the book is actually being shown in the movie, and that is the reason why most of us are lowly satisfied with what we see. "The Notebook", as we have all known, has been made into a movie a few years back, and it captured a lot of hearts with its story. Boy, am I glad I watched the movie first! The movie and the book differ on a large number of details, and I have to say that the movie is a better version of the story. My perspective on the book might have been different if I have not seen the movie, but in any case, the book was still disappointing. The movie was perfect.

"The Rescue", on the other hand, is a different story. It is not necessarily the most memorable read I could ever think of, but I enjoyed reading it. I actually shed some "tears" (teardrops) towards the end of the book, and it really surprised me. I cannot wait to read more of Sparks' books; he just keeps on getting better.

Philippine Idol

2006-09-15T19:11:00.000+08:00

Who will be the first Philippine Idol?

I have always loved American Idol the moment I laid my eyes on it, and I guess the phenomenon it brought still carries something in my heart up until this moment. I enjoy singing, but I am no performer. I will probably be more proud by watching other people perform on the television rather than seeing myself as someone in their shoes because with all honesty, I hate performing.

But then again, these kinds of shows somehow inspire me. Indeed, Philippine Idol is not just any other competition; it is a worldwide phenomenon.

Based from what I have read and heard, the Philippines is the 35th country to have its very own idol, and we should be proud of it. I have seen a couple of episodes since this show first aired, and I would like to compliment the Filipino people for not being afraid in showcasing their talents. We Filipinos are definitely good in arts, and I guess this leaves us the fact that we are not afraid of taking new chances and risks; we are all indeed, competitive.

In contrast with judges Randy Jackson, Paula Abdul, and Simon Cowell from American Idol, we have Francis Magalona, Pilita Corales, and Ryan Cayabyab as our judges for this year’s season. Seeing how they judge, I might as well agree that they are in fact well-trained in the said industry.

And of course, criticisms and disappointments were expressed all over the country through various forms of media after the show’s premiere. I am quite unsure on how I would react to it, but I guess the people involved are just envious of losing a great number of their audiences to ABC. How could they criticize such a show when in reality, they have not even watched a single episode of it? And who says it was only just copied from American Idol? Have they not heard of the word franchise?

Arguing with this narrow-minded people will not lead me to something fruitful, so I guess I just I have to get on with it and let them be fooled with their wrong accusations. I still believe that this franchise is strong and can rise up no matter which channel it will be shown.

Performance Night -- Saturdays, 9 PM; Results Night -- Sundays, 9 PM

Flightplan

2006-09-14T17:17:00.000+08:00

If someone took everything you live for... How far would you go to get it back?

This movie has been released probably more than a year ago, but it was just a month ago that I was able to borrow a copy of its DVD from Pola and see the movie for myself.

The reason why I watched this movie was because of other people’s influence – a lot of them überly loved it. My friends, particularly Pola, Bonggai, and Mica, kept on telling me how much they loved the movie, how exciting and fun it had been, and that I should watch this if I want to see the “movie of the year” [last year].

And after an hour and a half of watching the movie, I found myself satisfied with its outcome and ending. Not only did it give me this excited feeling, its suspense and tension is even highly bearable. The plot was a matter of ups and downs. I literally found myself confused about it, but in the end realized that its ending was really obvious. (Ha!) My mom (who actually entered the room with only a couple of minutes of the movie left) figured out its dilemma easily, but I constantly found myself asking the same question over and over again: Is Kyle crazy?

I bet she is, but she is not.

Flightplan, predictable yet exciting, does not exactly go to my list of my favorite movies, but I recommend everyone who still has not seen it TO SEE IT. The plot, which is without a doubt far from extraordinary, still gets the movie and its viewers going. It had just enough good points to outnumber the bad – but not by much.

Click

2006-09-13T23:54:00.000+08:00

What if you had a universal remote..

that controlled your universe?

I do not want to write this movie review being a “good” movie critic and all, but I would still like to express my thoughts about this movie for the time being. I have always loved Adam Sandler, his professional acting skills, and of course, his movies. I have actually seen a number of them and was quite impressed by their outcome; but sometimes, looks can really be deceiving, don't you think?

I cannot say that I am writing this in my negative point of view because I really am not, and the fact that you will learn something from it is really impressive; but I still think that there has something been wrong with the movie. The producers went beyond it when they involved vulgar physical humor; so much for showing true morality.

But then again, the movie still has embedded values in it, right?

At first, it might appear to you as a typical romantic-comedy movie; but I am afraid to say that it is more than that. Removing and not seeing all those infantile jokes of the movie, I am still proud to say that the movie has at least shown its viewers what it really wanted them to see and learn. Sure, having a universal and magical remote control hanging around with you is indeed fun, but what will you do when this remote control controls you?

And as the saying goes, “things are not always what they seem”. You may have everything: a good and stable job, a great amount of income, a couple of happy friends here and there, but have you at least looked and seen what you really have in life?

Sometimes, we literally miss out the best things in life because of some other things, and it is always in the end wherein we realize that “we don’t know what we have until it is gone”. So much for the saying, but this movie proves this line.

Often, we forget to experience and enjoy what life is really all about and we blame others for it. Getting away with our problems will not help us solve them; it is in finding that courage deep within our hearts that we are able to make something better out of it.

Sukob

2006-09-09T08:34:00.000+08:00

"Sukob din ang kasal!"

I may have watched a couple of Filipino movies since the time I could ever remember, but one thing is for sure: I am not really fond of Filipino movies. I have always viewed them as something I would definitely not let myself be obsessed with, practically something that is really unaware of the “civilized” machines, gadgets, and effects they use in media in this world. My views, however, changed after I watched this film a few weeks back with my cousin in the big screen.

To tell you the truth, I was not really quite aware of what the movie is all about; my cousin just told me it was something about a wedding curse. Taking this into consideration, I found myself constantly inviting my cousin to watch this film with her as soon as possible. We did; and we were satisfied with its outcome.

I cannot say I hated how Kris Aquino acted or portrayed her role because I really do not, but maybe, she should just have given more. There was something in her face that made her acting so face and unreal, but I have not really looked and dealt on with it. Claudine Barretto, on the other hand, really did well and was quite amazing. She definitely carried the film.

Movie-wise, I would like to applaud for its effects, both sound and the visual. I, together with the people inside the theater, literally screamed throughout the whole movie, thanks to the sound effects. I am very proud with the improvement of the movie industry our country is going through right now, and this may just be its beginning, right?

The movie might get so confusing at the start, but it is always in the end that we learn something from it and can put its “mysteries” together.

Do not be fooled by the stereotypes in our generation; not all Filipino movies are dull and boring. This one is definitely worth watching, worth your money and time – big-time!

My Girl

2006-09-06T18:52:00.000+08:00

"Talkin' about my girl?"

I am not really into watching Asianovelas in my entire life except for the Meteor Garden mania, and I always see to myself that what I am watching is worth my time and energy, but I guess this Koreanovela really has something in it that hit me.

I managed to watch a couple episodes for the first few weeks; but that was it. It was not until my father was actually able to borrow a DVD set from his friend that I was able to understand the whole TV series. It was in Korean, though, and I am afraid to say that the subtitles were not so good. They were in English, yes, but they were not so credible. But then again, I was able to get on with it, and now I am done with the series!

It is not something to be ashamed of because after all, it is still a television show, right? I actually love the fact that a lot of people are watching it; I like it when I get to express my views and opinions with them by these kinds of things. I was greatly influenced by one of my friends, Bonggai, and now I am avidly watching it.

I personally think that it is better if you watch it in the Filipino-dubbed version, the one that has been shown in ABS-CBN a few weeks back. We Filipinos are very dramatic, and with our language in use, we are more likely to feel its mood and essence. I say that the series has some good old famous lines, probably more familiar than what you all think or hear, and indeed worth remembering.

I encourage everyone to see it if you have time, and more or less learn another side of the life we are currently living. The plot may be stereotypical but what the hey, it is still fun to watch, something that you will always definitely look forward to.

Is this the rise of the Koreanovela village? Not really, just expressing. :>

A Bend in the Road

2006-09-05T19:02:00.000+08:00

What can be achieved in unearthing the past?

After reading and rereading this book by Nicholas for more than a month now, I am proud to say that I am finally done reading it.

I beg to disagree if you find the book lousy and uninteresting because it is certainly not. Story-wise, it is a love story that is rooted from tragedy, at the same a story about forgiveness. I will not elaborate more about the plot as it is not the purpose of my media log; but rather tell you what I learned from it and how I can associate it with reality.

I have never been in love, but I can always say that I have always been hurt. This does not necessarily mean physically, but rather emotionally. A few people may know it, but this does not show how I really am being open about my feelings; I really just am not.

I have always seen life as a cycle of ups and downs, and this led me to the learning that “do not do unto others what you do not want others do unto you”. It is not enough that we hold a grudge and plan some revenge on others just because they did something wrong to us; help them be aware of what it is, and maybe you can both work it out. Hurting them back will not do you any good either; you will just keep on hurting yourself instead. You just have to forgive them, accept them for what they are and learn to move on.

Indeed, there is no such thing as forever. Everything has to come to an end. We cannot change this reality nor go against it, but we can always choose the path we are to take in this journey called “life”. And as the saying goes, “we will always gain some, yet lose some”. I firmly believe that God takes away when He has something better to give, and that is what life is really all about, now isn’t it? We should always keep the best, because after all, “true people stay when all the rest are gone”.

Introduction II: Ball.. rolling?

2006-09-04T20:33:00.000+08:00

After almost a month of an excited waiting and anticipating writing another Media Log entry, I am happy to say that I am back here, finally able to enjoy another quarter of sharing my ideas and thoughts with everyone about some certain media.

It has definitely been fun writing these things and putting your thoughts into words. Being so excited in doing it so, I already have written a couple of drafts here in my log over the “vacation”, and saved them for my future entries. Not much excited, eh?

In my next entries, you will read most of the media I have encountered these past few weeks, since most of them were already saved as drafts. I will also make an entry about my all-time favorite reality TV show, Survivor, as its premiere is already fast approaching. I most certainly am probably making a biased review about it, but I might as well keep it fair and say what I really have to say, regardless of it being my most favorite TV show.

And like what I have done during the previous quarter, I will write more often as I can. I only have left a couple of slots until I reach the maximum number of entries for a quarter, so let us not make this hard for everyone anymore..

Let us get the ball rolling!

Conclusion

2006-08-06T17:53:00.000+08:00

"And.. cut!"

After all my comments, criticisms, and maybe even compliments about the different kinds media I've encountered throughout the whole semester, I have a lot of things to say and blab about.

I have commented on three books, four movies, and quite a number of other media-related stuff -- all defining different moral lessons and messages about life, yet sharing and depicting them differently. Sex, for one, has always been sacred, always been something all of us should give importance to, yet we abuse it through our different delinquencies and satisfaction. And while some of us may say that we just have to accept the reality that almost everyone in this world is now involved with sex -- some being uneducated, I still want to emphasize the fact that there are still much younger people, even adults, who still don't have much knowledge about this; therefore, we should know our limits.

Throughout the course of time, I have practically enjoyed commenting on media. It is good to know and realize that people can really view the media differently, and with this, I say that we should always respect how others view and comment on them, no matter how wrong or right we think they are.

I have learned that it is not enough to literally judge a book by its cover, for we may always get the wrong idea and information; hence, we should still know how things go through the media world, and I guess seeing it for ourselves would really be of much help.

Indeed, not everything that we see being shown or aired on the television, billboards, radio, the movies, and the like are true; therefore, we should not let media run our lives because with this, we are becoming victims of media, unable to define the difference between reality and fantasy.

Appreciating and loving media is not bad; and as long as we are able to condition ourselves about how these things are being developed and created, everything is going to be fine. And with this, I am now ending my media log for this quarter.

Miss Universe 2006

2006-07-24T19:52:00.000+08:00

"Introducing.."

(from left to right) Miss Paraguay, Miss Puerto Rico, Miss USA, & Miss Philippines

Miss Bolivia! <3

Never in my whole life did I consider a modeling-talent show or a beauty pageant something I would always look forward to; something I know I would always love watching and be highly amazed about – not until today.

I was anxiously waiting for my Ninang Felia to finish doing her schoolwork (she’s a teacher) this morning so that we could already leave for Pirates of the Caribbean 2 when suddenly, my cousin Yana sent me a message through text.

We were actually both texting each other throughout the whole morning today because we were both subscribed to unlimited texting (okay, the power and influence of media!), and life has never been the same. She told me about this particular show currently being shown at Star World at that time, but since that channel wasn’t available in my Ninang’s place, I refused to let myself see it and just switched the channel back to Nickelodeon instead.

And who would have known I’m currently missing a big part of my life?!

Okay, no one. But I guess a couple of commercials made me change my mind, and I started switching channels again. I was literally shocked when I saw “Miss Universe 2006” also being shown in RPN that time (only it was delayed by a couple of minutes, though), and out of curiosity, I watched it instead.

Thanks to Yana, I now appreciate the “beauty” of “missology” shows. It’s not just about those hot, hot bodies and faces being shown and paraded throughout the whole course of the show, but also seeing life at its best through the representations of the different ambassadors worldwide. I actually wasn’t able to see Miss Philippines, but what the hey? The fact that she did win “Miss Photogenic” sure made me smile.

And oh, did I mention that Miss Bolivia and Miss Paraguay were both utterly amazing?!

This show, well it only happens once in a year, and watching it for me sure was worthwhile. (I even watched the replay this evening, thanks to RPN!)

Congratulations to Miss Puerto Rico, the winner of Miss Universe 2006! Your answer was great, man! Hope you could see and read this. ;-)

Pirates of The Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest

2006-07-24T19:22:00.000+08:00

Pintel: You know you can't read.

Ragetti: It's the Bible, you get credit for trying.

One great way of spending a day without classes is watching a movie – a day commonly defined as worriless, less stressing, and well, pretty much slow-paced and full of just pure fun. And to make things simpler, today is well, that day.

I spent my whole afternoon today with my Ninang Felia at SM, and I practically enjoyed every minute I consciously spent with her. (Ha! As usual, she was the one who paid for pretty much EVERYTHING, and I appreciate that.)

Okay, so we watched a movie, a movie so disappointing I can’t believe it even happened. A lot of “could have beens” are running through my mind right now; the movie itself could have been much, much better.

Johnny Depp and Orlando Bloom did come back (only they were hotter than ever), but still… this fact for me wasn’t enough. Yes, they were funny, and yes, they did play their roles well. But the question is: Was the movie worth it? I don’t know how other people see and understand what I’m trying to say, but my answer would most likely be a no.

They could’ve done something about the plot of the story, how it was delivered and produced, and made it something someone would actually be happy about watching it again and again. The movie ran longer than what I had expected, and everything just went from wrong to ridiculous.

The effects were unstable; some of the scenes in the sea looked as if they were only pasted there and the like, but all in all, I think the editors of the movie did great.

But on the lighter side, the movie had some good laughs; something I know would always look forward to watching, but I guess they should’ve just added more of that stuff.

And just like every other typical movie, a question was left hanging: Where did Jack Sparrow go?

Oh well, whatever the answer is, it looks like another chapter of the said trilogy is coming. I just hope it goes well.

Pirates of The Caribbean: The Curse of The Black Pearl

2006-07-20T20:18:00.000+08:00

Will Turner: You cheated.

Jack Sparrow: Pirate.

Pirates of the Caribbean… wait a minute, the second part? Hmm, nope, the answer would be a no. Ha! Well, not yet. (I’m going to watch the second chapter in a week or so.)

I was quite bored this afternoon, and being bored just makes me feel kind of unproductive (who would have known?), so I decided to watch a movie instead. Okay, watch a movie... again.

This one’s definitely one of the movies I randomly loved and liked throughout the years because of its good humor and well, story. I personally think that you don’t have to be “critic” enough to know and realize that this movie’s probably one of the most purely made films in history. Everything seemed so nice, so smooth, just so... relaxing.

There were a lot of twists, yes, but that doesn’t make the movie quite complicated because brains aren’t really that much required. Everything made sense, and the effects were superb! The scenes were without a doubt well shot, and they weren’t that much fancy. Johnny Depp made the movie even more exciting because based from how I see it, he really loved his role and had his heart carried on with it. With this in my mind, I instantly fell in love with the movie, and seeing it over and over again never leaves me bored and unsatisfied in my seat.

I just hope the sequel to this one’s good, too.

Oh, and pirates? They rock. :)

United 93: The Flight That Fought Back

2006-07-18T19:18:00.000+08:00

Thomas E. Burnett, Jr.: We have to do something, they are not going to land this plane.

One of the most horrific and tragic events that happened in our world history is the September 11 attack in the US, which without a doubt is highly remarkable and unforgettable.

And we just might ask ourselves: “Why do we have to relive the past if it has long been over? Can’t we just move on and get over it?” The answer would probably be a yes, but I don’t think you would want to miss this impressively made film being shown in theaters this season.

Though the dreadful events happened 5 years ago in an unexpected time and well, place, I personally think that this dreadful day is probably one of the most remembered moments of our lives, something one can never forget. And just like how you can’t forget the day, you can’t also forget this film.

Choosing a cast made of a couple of unknown and unfamiliar faces helps us feel the real meaning of the film; and that’s how one can relive this tragic day. It has been filmed through handheld cameras, and this technique added more impact to the story, making it more realistic and “dramatic”. There were only two settings; one of which was the plane itself, wherein everything in the story technically took place.

I literally did not have the chance to stand up from the seat where I was watching because of the suspense the movie held, and I would like to compliment the director of this film for that. The director himself indeed only retold all of these; we don’t even know how the event really happened, but I guess by trying to see and understand what the director is pointing out, we’d see that every scene of this movie is actually possible and might have been how it had really happened.

In the end, a special tribute was given to the “courageous” passengers of the United 93, revealing their names and identities. The movie made a lot of real sense, and everything became so heroic. Well, that’s the point; one of the morals of the film is making us realize how one can be a hero/heroine in each of his/her own ways. Yes, they were only normal citizens of the USA, but hey, they did make a change.

Yes, real heroes are hard to find, but seeing this film can more or less define what the word does actually mean.

This is one of the most important films ever been produced and made in the industry, and I encourage everyone to see it.

Superman Returns!

2006-07-17T22:27:00.000+08:00

Superman: [to Jason asleep in his bed] You will be different, sometimes you'll feel like an outcast, but you'll never be alone. You will make my strength your own. You will see my life through your eyes, as your life will be seen through mine. The son becomes the father and the father becomes the son.

(Woooo! My first movie review, I hope this goes well.)

I can’t say that I’m much of a movie critic because all the visual effects any good movie has to offer usually amaze me, but I guess seeing “Superman Returns” movie (not on the big screen, sorry) will make me a critic, after all.

I don’t know what went wrong with the movie; everything seemed so perfect from the start. I was actually in a great mood at that time (a perfect time for watching suspense movies), but somewhere along the line, all of my interest in the movie fell apart.

Or maybe I wasn’t really interested in the movie after all.

Some of my friends actually invited me a few weeks back to watch this movie but unfortunately, I wasn’t able to join them because of some other things I had in my mind, and well… I really wasn’t that much interested.

I don’t have something against superheroes; I do enjoy and love watching them. As a matter of fact, most of them do inspire me even in the most impossible ways. I am always amazed by how they do things in just a click of an eye, and they never fail to leave some questions running in my mind.

Maybe it was the plotting that really made the movie dull and boring, and it lacked the spark and thrill I’m always looking for in a movie. The characters, although they did well, still lacked some charisma and life. And even though in my opinion, the movie itself focused more on Superman’s love story, the movie still doesn’t have that “romantic tension”. I wasn’t even thrilled watching Brandon Routh and Kate Bosworth kiss and hug each other either; everything just felt so wrong.

And whatever happened to the great fighting scenes everyone else was looking forward to?

I haven’t seen any other Superman movies/series before, and I guess it will take a longer time before I’d decide to spend some hours of my time to watch one in the upcoming months.

Superman Returns? Not so super.

Where is the love?

2006-07-16T16:08:00.000+08:00

Where is The Love - The Black Eyed Peas

What's wrong with the world, mama / People livin' like they ain't got no mamas / I think the whole world addicted to the drama / Only attracted to things that'll bring you trauma / Overseas, yeah, we try to stop terrorism / But we still got terrorists here livin' / In the USA, the big CIA / The Bloods and The Crips and the KKK / But if you only have love for your own race / Then you only leave space to discriminate / And to discriminate only generates hate / And when you hate then you're bound to get irate, yeah / Madness is what you demonstrate / And that's exactly how anger works and operates / Man, you gotta have love just to set it straight / Take control of your mind and meditate / Let your soul gravitate to the love, y'all, y'all

People killin', people dyin' / Children hurt and you hear them cryin' / Can you practice what you preach / And would you turn the other cheek

Father, Father, Father help / us some guidance from above' / Cause people got me, got me questionin' / Where is the love (Love)

Where is the love (The love) / Where is the love (The love) / Where is the love / The love, the love

It just ain't the same, always unchanged / New days are strange, is the world insane / If love and peace is so strong / Why are there pieces of love that don't belong / Nations droppin' bombs / Chemical gasses fillin' lungs of little ones / With ongoin' sufferin' as the youth die / So ask yourself is the lovin' really gone / So I could ask myself really what is goin' wrong / In this world that we livin' in people keep on givin'in / Makin' wrong decisions, only visions of them dividends / Not respectin' each other, deny thy brother / A war is goin' on but the reason's undercover / The truth is kept secret, it's swept under the rug / If you never know truth then you never know love / Where's the love, y'all, come on (I don't know) / Where's the truth, y'all, come on (I don't know) / Where's the love, y'all

People killin', people dyin' / Children hurt and you hear them cryin' / Can you practice what you preach / And would you turn the other cheek

Father, Father, Father help / us some guidance from above' / Cause people got me, got me questionin' / Where is the love (Love)

Where is the love (The love) / Where is the love (The love) / Where is the love / The love, the love

I feel the weight of the world on my shoulder / As I'm gettin' older, y'all, people gets colder / Most of us only care about money makin' / Selfishness got us followin' our wrong direction / Wrong information always shown by the media / Negative images is the main criteria / Infecting the young minds faster than bacteria / Kids wanna act like what they see in the cinema / Yo', whatever happened to the values of humanity / Whatever happened to the fairness in equality / Instead in spreading love we spreading animosity / Lack of understanding, leading lives away from unity / That's the reason why sometimes I'm feelin' under / That's the reason why sometimes I'm feelin' down / There's no wonder why sometimes I'm feelin' under / Gotta keep my faith alive till love is found

People killin', people dyin' / Children hurt and you hear them cryin' / Can you practice what you preach / And would you turn the other cheek

Father, Father, Father help / us some guidance from above' / Cause people got me, got me questionin' / Where is the love (Love)

Where is the love (The love) / Where is the love (The love) / Where is the love / The love, the love

The love / The love / The love

******

"Love, while you are able to love."-- A. Frieligrath

It was after buying a birthday card for our Ninang Baby in Fully Booked in Gateway that we (my sister, Ate Joan, and I) heard this particular song Odyssey was playing, and it wasn’t just any song.

Beside Fully Booked is Odyssey, a music store that sells almost everything that you want to have regarding media. This store is probably one of the most highly influential stores ever put up in the business, and I’ve always loved visiting it to check out new albums, new artists, or new music in general. They specifically promote concerts that are to happen in our country in the future time, and today, together with The Pussycat Dolls, they were promoting The Black Eyed Peas.

Both artists are going to have their concerts held here in Manila next week, and as usual, all the needed advertisements were being made, and right at that particular moment, Odyssey was playing BEP’s “Where is The Love?”

I’ve always loved music, but listening to rap music usually annoys me. I still haven’t seen much of its use and importance because most of the time, rap music only cries out trash music, and I hate that kind of stuff; they just make no sense.

Not all rap songs may sound good for other people, but this song definitely has something to say. By simply reading its lyrics, we would all know that the song addresses problems of discrimination, war, selfishness, cruelty and more. This song may have been released a few years back, but the message it depicts still does hold something in our hearts.

The line “wrong information always shown by the media” particularly struck me, and since this review is for our Media Awareness subject, I decided to make a review about the song. I don’t see the point of arguing with what the line does actually say, but it’s true most of the time anyway. Media, just like the song, is highly infectious, and higher parental guidance and supervision is what is needed.

I think all of us will agree with its lyrics, and we may just ask ourselves the same question all the time. My friends, where is the love?

Will Stars Stop Smoking in the Movies?

2006-07-15T14:24:00.000+08:00

Report says more women worldwide smoking

By NANCY ZUCKERBROD, Associated Press Writer Thu Jul 13, 6:02 PM ET WASHINGTON - More women are lighting up cigarettes around the world even as the smoking rate declines for men, activists attending an anti-smoking conference said Thursday. http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20060713/ap_on_he_me/women_smokers_1

About 12 percent of women worldwide smoke, and that figure is expected to rise to 20 percent by 2025, according to a report by the International Network of Women Against Tobacco. The group relied on World Health Organization data.

About 48 percent of men smoke, but that number is expected to decline, according to the report released Thursday at a conference sponsored by the American Cancer Society.

Lorraine Greaves, project leader on the report, said tobacco company marketing is nudging up the female smoking rate in developing countries, much as it did in the U.S. in the 1960s and 1970s.

Greaves, executive director of the British Columbia Centre of Excellence for Women's Health, said billboard ads for cigarettes overseas often show attractive, modern-looking women smoking. Billboard ads are banned in the U.S. under a 1998 agreement between the sates and cigarette makers.

The report said ad campaigns geared toward women overseas have "served to change cultural beliefs about women and smoking," and it cited several countries where such shifts had occurred. For example, it noted that in Turkey, where it used to be "quite unacceptable for a woman to be seen with a cigarette," the rate of smoking among women is now similar to that of men.

Greaves and other women's health advocates noted that a World Health Organization treaty aimed at curtailing tobacco use contains measures designed to cut women's smoking rates, including calling for gender-specific strategies.

The United States has signed but not sent the treaty to the Senate for ratification. "Where is the good will?" Patricia Lambert, a legal adviser to the South African Ministry of Health asked, referring to the delay.

Also Thursday, World Health Organization officials said they intended to republish and distribute internationally a California study that cited a causal link between second hand smoke and breast cancer.

The U.S. Surgeon general has said there isn't enough evidence to conclude a causal link exists.

******

The believing we do something when we do nothing is the first illusion of tobacco. - Ralph Waldo Emerson

I was surfing the net this morning when I came across this pretty interesting headline from Yahoo! about smoking in relation with the entertainment business, specifically Hollywood actors. It was actually a video from Yahoo!, but I wasn't able to watch and view it because of some networking problems (the loading sign doesn't stop and end, it goes on and on.. and on), so I just decided to close the window, but still make something sensible out of it. And that is why, my friends, I am writing this.

The two photos I've posted above with this entry are the exact images I've seen in the site where the news came from, and in relation with that, I also posted an article. Both images depict the same message about smoking, and by just reading it, you would easily know what I mean. The article, on the other hand, stated the situation of the world today and the number of people smoking in it. And literally speaking, the number of women worldwide smoking today are without a doubt, increasing.

Most of us watch movies, and indeed, we are all so amazed by how different stories are formed through small ideas and imaginations. We tend to idolize these people we see on the big screen without knowing how they can affect our lives in so many little ways. So how does this relate with smoking, then?

Indeed, so many celebrities are seen puffing away on the big screen. And yes, the big question is: Is their smoking harmful to young viewers, or is it all a matter of character?

We may never know the answer, but actors putting an end in their smoking business can still help a lot if they push it through. It's not necessarily always true that "seeing is believing", because it's still up to us to decide if we will let the things we see affect our lives, and smoking is undeniably one of them.

So brothers (and sisters), are you ready to quit? :)

The Lovely Bones

2006-07-15T09:55:00.000+08:00

"Nothing is ever certain."

This line has been said for quite a number of times in the book, and I would like to agree with what Alice Sebold, the author of The Lovely Bones, has written and said. Though all of us may conclude differently in our little own perspectives, no one can really tell how a certain thing goes without proving it. And with this, I say that nothing is ever certain. Nothing.

Maybe I just wasn’t concentrating too much, or maybe I was just thinking of other things while reading it, but the message of the story for me still hasn’t really sunk in. Not yet. Mind you, the story’s not shallow, nor is it just like any other book, but I think the way it’s written made me lose my interest in reading it. Ha! And who told you I could write good enough?

Okay, so maybe it was just the momentum of the book, and how it was really narrated that made the difference. The book focused more on “heaven” and how it is to live and be there, but there was this scene in the book wherein I personally think is not really needed, somewhat unrelated, impossible, and superficial. (It’s heaveeeen, I know.. but still.) I haven’t heard much of her works though, but I think Alice Sebold writes well.

The Lovely Bones tells us about Susie Salmon, a fourteen-year-old girl who was raped and murdered on one snowy December day, and from heaven, she is able to see the people who touched her life in many different ways. She saw and witnessed how each of them has grown throughout the years, and learned that change is really inevitable. (Quite a phrase, huh?) I won’t narrate much of the story itself, but that’s how the story went. ;-)

I still recommend you to read the book, and maybe, just maybe, it will interest you. :) The book demands to be read in a quiet place, somewhere serene and peaceful, and somewhere you know you will be able to concentrate well.

The Five People You Meet In Heaven

2006-07-14T19:45:00.000+08:00

“All endings are also beginnings; we just don't know it at the time.”

Just a couple of days before I’ve read Eleven Minutes, I already got hold of the book The Five People You Meet In Heaven and was deeply touched by the story itself. I have to admit that I am extremely shocked by the transition of the lessons being elaborated in the books I’m reading these days, and reading Eleven Minutes after reading The Five People You Meet In Heaven is insane, now isn’t it?

The Five People You Meet In Heaven starts with Eddie, who dies in an unexpected and horrific accident at Ruby Pier when he rushes to save a girl from a crashing car of the “Freddy Free Fall” ride and loses his life instead. He wakes up in heaven, and later on learns that he must encounter five different persons from whom he will learn something about the meaning of his life.

Without going into the detailed parts of the story, I’ll say that it is a good read, very simple yet remarkable. I haven’t watched the movie though, but reading the book itself can really touch your inner life, may it be good or bad. And although the book, in my opinion, is not as touching and as deep as Albom’s first novel (Tuesdays With Morrie), Albom still has written yet another moving and uplifting book. Everyone in this world serves a purpose no matter how small that purpose might seem in other people’s eyes.

I do believe that everyone should take two hours out of the many hours we have on this earth to read this magnificent book, and be inspired. :)

Eleven Minutes

2006-07-09T16:55:00.000+08:00

"Love is a terrible thing that will make you suffer.."

Having known Paulo Coelho as a bestseller, a novel genius and all, I always knew he would come up with great, remarkable and satisfying books. So when Cza and I went to the library last Tuesday, I immediately told myself that I’d borrow one of Paulo Coelho’s works.

I was hoping I’d find one of his “greatest” and “most read” books in our school library, but with only a little time left before the bell; I borrowed “Eleven Minutes” instead.

After reading the first page of this book, unexplainable thoughts came into my mind. I thought of putting it down, returning it to the library as soon I reach the school grounds first thing on Wednesday morning, and well, simply getting rid of it. I, just for the sake of letting you all know, did not grow up in a “malicious world”. Or maybe I did, but not as much as how Paulo Coelho put sex into words in this book. I’ve always known how to put things on where they are, and this makes me realize how lucky I am. (bleh :p)

The story line of the book is about a prostitute named Maria, who somewhat does not know the reality of life and love, and as she grew up, became fascinated with sex, attracting several men whom she encounters in life. Okay, so maybe that was a little bit too fast, but that’s how the plot of the story went. (I can’t spoil you, you know..)

I am not really a big fan of Paulo Coelho, and not all of his books have pleased and entertained me, but I might as well say that this book is a good read, simple, and understandable. I finished reading it in 3 days, and I would like to clearly point it out that the book does not only tell us about sex and how it affects the majority of our lives, but finding the “inner light” each of us has always hidden in ourselves as well.

Introduction (a.k.a. "To Miss Platon")

2006-07-07T22:41:00.000+08:00

Welcome fellows and stangers! :)

What you are to read is highly insensitive, plainly unacceptable, and without a doubt, boring. Haha! No, but seriously, all of the things that are to be written in this blog are for my Media Awareness project, something we call a "media log". Here, you can find all of my insights and reactions about the different things I see, hear, watch, and view about media. And since I'm not a person who likes to write about "real" stuff all the time, I can't promise I'll write "good" stuff here. Mind you, I'm more on the dramatic side of life.. more on the sentimental, nostalgic, and everything that falls in between sadness and life's negativity, so I don't think I can be an optimistic writer all the time. I'll do my best in posting "good" stuff here, make sure that I'll write objective and creative insights, and not just cram and procrastinate until I reach the required number of entries! :)

Haha! Miss Platon ooooooooo..

Leave a comment if you feel that there's a need to do so. :)

And if you're now reading this part, I am sincerely thanking you for the time you've well, spent.. actually more on wasted, but hey!, thanks! ;-) You're probably just bored anyway. :)

Special Shoutouts to: Miss Platon, Pola, Mica, Karla, Bianca Alvaro, Cza, Razelle, Bonggai, Asher, Fabon, and to anyone who decides to read this! Gee, thanks! ;-)