• Serenity

    August 23, 2024
    Life & Love

    I often describe the pandemic as the hardest stage of my life, filled with lows and pains. Yet, in hindsight, it was also a time when I felt closest to God, largely due to the uncertainties that came with it.

    For the first time in years, I experienced a slower pace of life.

    I remember my son picking up a caterpillar and placing it in a jar. Weeks later, it transformed into a butterfly, and I was overjoyed to see it! We had a small lemon tree where butterflies often visited. We placed the new butterfly on one of the leaves and watched as it interacted with the others.

    During the lockdown, I also took many photos of the moon. I’ve always been captivated by the moon’s beauty, but seeing it in a quiet, still neighborhood felt different.

    One night, as I lay in bed, I wished to see a falling star—and a few minutes later, I saw one! If simply wishing to see it was already a wish come true, then I felt incredibly lucky that night.

    I’ll never forget the day I saw the largest and brightest rainbow of the year. I watched it until the wind slowly faded its colors away.

    These small moments brought me joy when I thought I couldn’t go on. Now, whenever I feel down or disappointed, I remind myself of the times when I managed to pull through.

  • Lost Friend

    August 22, 2024
    Life & Love

    I often wonder to myself and ask,
    What became of you, what’s behind this mask?
    It’s been so long since we’ve exchanged a word,
    Time flies so fast, it’s almost absurd.

    I think now, if I’d given you more time,
    Or the attention you needed in your climb,
    For what you faced was more than I knew,
    Then one day, you just withdrew.

    Believe it or not, I searched far and wide,
    And believe it or not, I felt what you tried to hide,
    The sadness, the weight of deep despair,
    We both carried burdens, we both were ensnared.

    But when I found strength, I looked again,
    Though I seemed crazy, asking in vain,
    Elusive were answers, where did you go?
    To this day, it’s a mystery I still don’t know.

    One night in a dream, you came to me,
    You looked the same as you used to be,
    And I, as I am, in this present day,
    We talked, caught up as if all was okay.

    “I’m doing fine, don’t worry, my friend,
    Whatever happened, don’t let guilt descend.”
    I don’t know if joy or sorrow I felt,
    For even in dreams, the pain was dealt.

    Wherever you are, remember this truth,
    I’m still your friend, from now to our youth,
    Life’s lows don’t last, the highs will shine through,
    And a time of triumph will come to you.

  • Badla on Netflix

    August 21, 2024
    That’s Entertainment

    Badla, a gripping Indian thriller, weaves a complex narrative of deceit, greed, and the relentless pursuit of justice. At the center of the story is Naina Sethi, a successful businesswoman whose life unravels after she is accused of murdering her lover, Arjun. Naina’s character, played by the talented Taapsee Pannu, is driven by greed and ambition. Her desire to maintain her affluent lifestyle leads her down a dark path, where she is willing to manipulate and betray those closest to her, including the man she claimed to love.

    Naina’s unfaithfulness is central to the plot, as her affair with Arjun not only shatters her personal life but also triggers a chain of events that culminates in a murder. Her infidelity is not just a betrayal of her husband, but it also reflects her disloyalty to her own moral compass. As the story unfolds, Naina’s web of lies begins to tighten around her, leading the audience to question her every move.

    Amidst this chaos, the film introduces two powerful parental figures, both on a quest for justice for their dead sons. Rani Kaur, Arjun’s mother, epitomizes a mother’s unwavering love and determination. Her son’s death is not just a personal loss but a call to action. Rani’s pursuit of justice becomes a central theme in Badla, highlighting the lengths a mother will go to ensure that her child’s death is avenged.

    Similarly, Nirmal Kaushik, portrayed by Amitabh Bachchan, embodies the figure of a father who will stop at nothing to get justice for his son. His calculated and relentless pursuit of the truth makes him a formidable adversary in this game of deceit.

    Badla masterfully explores these themes, delivering a narrative that is both suspenseful and emotionally charged, leaving viewers questioning the true cost of greed and betrayal.

  • Yulo Drama

    August 15, 2024
    Life & Love

    Carlos Yulo is perhaps the most talked-about athlete of his generation due to the personal dramas surrounding his life. The latest controversy involves his father, Mark Andrew Yulo, who was reportedly part of the crowd cheering for Carlos’s homecoming. Some critics have argued that Mark’s presence at the parade was embarrassing for Carlos, adding to the ongoing family drama.

    The family’s issues reportedly began years ago when Angelica Yulo allegedly used Carlos’s incentive money for personal reasons. The details of their agreement are unclear, so it’s difficult to determine whether there was a misuse of funds or if Carlos consented to his mother’s use of the money.

    Another point of contention involves Carlos’s girlfriend, who some family members believed was negatively influencing him. The exact reasons for their discontent with Carlos’s girlfriend are not fully known, so it’s best to respect their privacy on this matter.

    Angelica has also faced criticism for publicly praising a Japanese athlete while seemingly disregarding Carlos’s achievements in the same Olympics. Her previous posts suggest a lack of acknowledgment of Carlos as part of the family, adding to the perception of a strained relationship.

    It’s uncertain how deep the rift between Carlos and his family runs, but as a mother, Angelica might have been more considerate of how her public statements could impact Carlos and his supporters. Perhaps she underestimated Carlos’s achievements, including winning two gold medals, and overlooked the fact that he is the son she raised and supported in his early athletic years.

    Carlos’s choice to prioritize his relationship with Chloe over his family could be seen as a coping mechanism. Having trained intensely since a young age, Carlos experienced a life of monotony that Chloe might have disrupted with new perspectives and love. It’s not uncommon for people to prioritize romantic relationships over familial expectations. With Chloe and his Olympic success, Carlos might feel fulfilled and content, making reconciliation with his family seem less urgent at the moment.

    If Carlos truly wanted to share his success with his family, such as by inviting his father to Malacañang, it wouldn’t have been difficult to extend the invitation. The absence of such gestures might indicate that Carlos is not yet ready to mend the strained family ties.

    The Yulo family appears to have missed the opportunity to share in Carlos’s historic achievements, which could have been a significant moment for them. Instead of focusing on past conflicts and public disputes, it would be more beneficial for them to support and celebrate their other promising children. By letting go of past grievances and focusing on family unity, they might find a way to appreciate each other’s successes and reconnect. In private moments of reflection, they may remember the close-knit family they once were and seek to heal the rift that has come between them.

  • Baby Reindeer (Netflix)

    April 28, 2024
    That’s Entertainment

    Warning: Spoilers ahead!

    I just finished watching ‘Baby Reindeer’ on Netflix. The show is inspired by comedian Richard Gadd’s real-life experience with a stalker and how it affected his relationships.

    In the series, Donny Dunn, a struggling comedian, works at a pub to make ends meet and lives in his ex-girlfriend’s mother’s house. His life takes a turn when he meets Martha, a seemingly depressed stranger with grandiose stories. Donny becomes intrigued, but their friendship quickly becomes one-sided as Martha hints at wanting more.

    Instead of confronting Martha, Donny engages in a cat-and-mouse game with her. He despises her stalking behavior yet finds himself missing her when she’s not around. Despite Martha’s problematic behavior, Donny fails to recognize his own need for help and healing.

    Early in his career, Donny lacks confidence and connections. He finds a mentor in writing who later rapes him during a drug-induced session. Rather than reporting the assault, Donny lets his offender go free, trapping himself in an emotional and mental prison.

    Some may wonder why Donny didn’t seek justice, but his actions reflect a common pattern of fear and power dynamics in situations of exploitation. Donny’s low self-esteem makes him vulnerable to Martha’s attention, which fuels his ego.

    If we will do a Philippine adaptation, I think that the following actors can pull it off.

    1. Carlo Aquino as Donny Dunn.

    2. Vivoree Esclito as Keeley

    3. Kevin Balot as Teri

    4. Jay Manalo as Darien

    5. Shamaine Buencamino as Keeley’s Mom

    6. Agot Isidro and John Arcilla as Donny’s parents

  • Exploring Baguio

    March 29, 2024
    Travel

    A young student fell in love with the place and made it as a subject of his school report.

    Note: Photos taken from the web. Information on the places visited can be found online as well.

    baguio Download
  • A Very Good Girl (Netflix)

    December 28, 2023
    That’s Entertainment

    I viewed “A Very Good Girl” on Netflix, a tale of revenge by Mercy, an entry-level marketing assistant fired by “Mother” for not meeting expectations. Mercy’s transformation into Philo, infiltrating high society, unfolds next.

    Philo’s make-believe world reflects the reality of a justice system indifferent to cases unless involving the rich. Reporting Mother as Mercy is futile; none would touch such a powerful woman.

    The film conveys people’s niceness in mutual benefit, echoing “birds of a feather flock together.” Mercy, aware of casualties in her revenge, must betray her friend as Philo to earn Mother’s trust.

    Instead of gaining trust, Philo is blindsided about Mother’s plans, leading to a fatal showdown. The unpredictable ending feels hanging.

    Kathryn Bernardo excels as Mercy but is uncomfortable as Philo. Alessandra de Rossi might have carried both characters effortlessly. Dolly de Leon is perfect; supporting actors like Jake Ejercito, Angel Aquino, Donna Cariaga, and Chie Filomeno are good.

    Despite box office success and Kathryn’s transition to mature roles, my overall impression is 3 out of 5 stars, even though I enjoyed it.

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