Media 101

Stars are placed above us to light our path during the night. 

But stars living on earth are there to take photos with.

There is no way I would let go of a chance to take photos with the stars, especially those of my favorites. 

Call me "jologs," I don't care.

Whenever I have a camera on hand, thanks to my camera phone, I take one photo to another with my favorite TV and movie actors. I don't know but I love the feeling of being up close and personal with the people I see on the boob tube.

Seriously now, why do people, including me, struggle to take a photo with people they see on TV when in fact they are just human beings wrapped in gold and silver?

We are a TV driven country - media is the perfect word. What we do, what we wear, and what we know are mostly influenced by media. 

And maybe our fan instinct can be rooted to media. Maybe too much sensationalism of actors by media resulted to our hunger and thirst for TV and movie actors. 

But I think it's not just us, Filipinos, is it?

Correct me if I'm wrong, but I think people from other countries are also fanatics. 

It's human nature, I guess; just as how urinating and eating comes natural to us.

It all boils down to one thing - we will forever be faced with such issues as long as media continues to over sensationalize itself. I may be in the media industry, but it doesn't mean I agree with its tricks and magics. 

Holga equals Serena

I'm a big fan of photography - may it be digital or film.

Growing up in a digital world would sometimes dictate you to join the bandwagon. One click and you get the photo you always dream of.

But it's a whole lot different when it comes to film photography. You exert too much effort on setting your camera in accordance to what you want. 

Being a self-declared photographer, I prefer film over digital photography. 

I love the intense feeling whenever I trigger the shutter to open using my SLR. I love the long wait for your film to develop and as I take hold of it, it's ecstatic. 

I may sound vintage but I find self-fulfillment out my craft when I use film.

Period.

* * *

After a few months of wanting to own one, I now have my very own Holga. World, meet my Serena - my partner's anniversary gift for me. 

From this day on, watch out for our (my partner and I) photos using Serena.

Serena, by the way, is a Holga Multicolor 120 CFN lomo camera. It seems to be a toy camera. But never underestimate my Serena, it captures the "world through a plastic lens."

I can't hardly wait.

Guilty of charge

I found myself once again amid a pool of caffeine addicts in Starbucks.

Whether we like it or not, the Philippines is truly fast-becoming a land of aspirers who either drink coffee because they feel the need of being awake or simply because peer pressure pushes them to do so. 

We are caught in the middle of economic crises, but seeing a few number of people falling in line to buy a Venti Toffee Nut Frappuccino makes me wonder if the country is really under the aforementioned crises. 

We have always been a below-poverty line country. Since time immemorial, we have experienced recessions that take away our chance of progression and development. But what wonders me is the fact that we are a third world country yet Starbucks are sprouting everywhere like parasites and we, Filipinos, come rushing like hungry hyenas to buy a cup or two. 

Now I begin to ask, are we really a third world country?

I am guilty of charge. Honestly, I buy myself a cup of my favorite Iced Caramel Macchiato just to complete the required number of stickers to get myself that limited edition red Starbucks planner. I have been doing this since 2006, and up until now, I still am unaware of the reason behind my desire.

It's maybe because of its signature taste - that coffee blended with the perfect pinch of sweetness. 

It's also maybe because of the ambience - blame it to the cafe's romantic and relaxing breeze.

But on the other end, it's maybe because of its name that carries with it the glamour and class whenever you have it at hand.

Once in a while, whenever finances allow me to, I buy myself that expensive-than-gasoline cup of coffee along with my friends who are also big fans of the mermaid. Whenever I do so, I always sit in silence, thinking why I bought myself that one hundred and fifty pesos worth.

My one hundred and fifty pesos could have gone a long way than just a cup of coffee. But at the end of the day, I always go back to the green mermaid and buy myself another cup. 

Ironic.

Truth.

Ironic truth.

We are a population of fancy dwellers who cling on to what is in. 

We love to have what others have for the sake of being one with them.

We grow with what the Western culture dictates.

I don't show myself here unclean.

As I said, I am guilty.

But I know in time, we will grow weary of this.

I know...in time.

Twilight, revisited

BACK STORY:

I planned of reading the book first before watching the film.

So, I hope this quasi-review of the film would be enough

to surpass your expectations - assuming you have such to me.

SPOILERS ALERT! SPOILERS ALERT!

* * *

I am not really a big fan.

I am not Ms. Toni Tiu whose blog is really so TWILIGHT-ized (Sorry for citing you Ms.Toni =)).

Well, I read the book until the first time Bella dreamt of Edward.

And it was a different tingling feeling reading it for the very first time.

However, I couldn't compare it from Harry Potter since both have 

different plots, settings, and nature - though both female writers should

be acknowledged for such world-renowned masterpieces.

We know of vampires as those eerie fictional characters who bite necks

and suck blood. And in return, the one they bit would become a vampire.

A folklore that has long frightened me since childhood.

But reading the first few chapters of the book left in me an anticipation 

towards the thrilling and exciting relationship of a human and immortal.

Since schedule and finances didn't allow me to read and buy the book.

I decided to watch the film first, and read the book later.

* * *

After watching the film with my partner, it took time for me to

fully immerse myself with it. 

He was telling me that he didn't like it. I felt otherwise.

Its treatment was different with the usual Hollywood films I watch.

Maybe because it's low in budget, some didn't really liked the way

the director did it. But for me, it was a whole new Hollywood film experience - 

innovative would be the perfect word. It was like watching an independent film.

I just hope the director continue this through New Moon.

The cinematography was not even seamless, but it was appealing enough

for a vampire film. The director captured the action, rush, and romance

that the audience should feel while watching the film.

The screenplay made its way to my heart.

Hardwicke ensured that every line in every scene is memorable -

truly worth the long wait. She guaranteed that every word uttered would put

meaning to the true essence of the film.

I felt the rush especially on the baseball scene.

When Alice prophesied that the nomads were about to arrive,

I felt my blood racing through my veins as if I was part of 

the Cullen-Hale family. My heart even throbbed - believe me on this.

It was funny the first time I saw the vampires' make-up.

A spectator even commented, "Para silang nag-Chin Chan Soo,"

But I got used to it throughout the film.

Robert Pattinson was perfect as Edward Cullen. 

Maybe because while reading, I already imagined him to be Edward. 

While watching him the first time Bella sat beside him during their Biology class,

the agitation and anxiousness was really hilarious.

Kristen Stewart was a beautiful sight.

I admit, the acting was a bit awkward. It's as if it was her first time.

But the kissing scene was sensual in its most exquisite way.

And then I realized, I can't think of any Bella but Kristen.

I love how the director made the film a little funny.

Especially when Edward pretended to be sleeping while Bella

was on the hospital bed. Another remarkable scene was when Bella and 

Edward pretended to be quarreling. 

* * *

Twilight created a world for us, humans, that made me

wanting to be part of it. It eradicated the fear of vampires in me.

It made me want to jump like a vampire.

Look like a vampire.

Live for years like a vampire.

Eat like a vampire.

Run fast like a vampire.

Everything in me like a vampire.

Twilight is a great way to end the year.

A great way, indeed.

XOXO

Of course you know about Gossip Girl.

Who doesn't, right?

For those who don't, Gossip Girl is the latest hit of THE CW

featuring New York upper east side high school students 

caught in teenage issues - drugs, sex, homosexuality, 

alcohol, love and the list goes on.

Starred by the hottest actors and actresses such as

Blake Lively, Penn Badgley, Chace Crawford, and Leighton Meester.

To start, I really didn't have the interest with the series.

I thought, before, that it wouldn't match the success of 

Sex and the City, Grey's Anatomy, or Prison Break.

But one boring weekend, I was bedazzled by the series' unique

treatment matched with gorgeous actors that stirred my 

sleeping brain cells - stressed, at that.

Maybe because of the American youth culture,

you could hardly imagine how these high school students

experience problems that, in the Philippines, only adults do.

However, on the brighter side, this lured me more to finish the first season.

It was not at all bad; it was even better than I expected.

It may not be your Carrie Bradshaw or Michael Scowfield,

but it's your next big thing considering the young cast.

I love Leighton Meester's bitchy yet lovable

character as Blair Waldorf. With her attitude, you'll love to hate her,

yet hate to love her.

Serena Van Woodsen (Blake Lively) and Dan Humphrey's (Penn Badgley)

love affair adds spice to the series especially the latter's innocent yet

aggressive character - his intelligence and wit totally attracts me, and that was

so gay of me. The twists and turns of their TV relationship 

makes the series more interesting to watch. 

Chace Crawford, the cutie hunk next door, stars as Nate Archibald who's 

involved in a relationship with Blair but is in love with Serena. However, during 

the first season, his character ended as interesting as the others.

Chuck Bass (Ed Westwick), the richest of them all, contributes to

an even more interesting Gossip Girl first season. His playboy yet reliable 

character makes girls watching the series fall in love with him.

On second thought, maybe it's his wealth. I don't know.

And who would forget Gossip Girl?

The "god" of the series. She practically knows every little thing

that's happening around upper east side without revealing who

she really is - a well-thought and effective mnemonic device that

makes it more appealing to watch.

I should applaud the rest of the cast who are not just supporting

actors but totes up to my high expectations for the second season.

Kudos to Gossip Girl's first season success - though the second is

now running in the US. 

I cant wait to have a copy. Prepare the way Quiapo. =)

You know you love me.

XOXO,

Gossip Girl