Intermission

Yes, RAM signing off and some things as well. hehe I'll stop at the 10th post, bitin ng lima due to a lot things to do, emergencies does happen in our miserable lives. But we should go on and live life. =)

Ah, bawi na lang ako sa Feb lalo na pag ok na tong mga gagawin ko for this week. One week, full of suspense and thriller. I wish I am George Smiley. hehe Very perplexed despite of what's happening around him.

Ah, by the way, thanks for 24/7 for the opportunity, lalo na sa FS and RAM, it was fun experience.. Lalo na sa RAM na sana tumagal pa kaso yun talaga.

Thanks for the shop, it's been a while, helping me a lot, it was a long time and well.. Good luck in the new journey. hehe

Sana, maging maayos ang lahat for this coming week, I hope I am able to fix this and finish it as well.

Yes, after all of this raucus.. I can get all the rest that I need. Yes, enjoy.. Less stress and focus on the things I want to do. Naks.. See you..

On the month of hearts!

It's a better path to choose for now, start all over again...

Not Showing: Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy

Definitely, utterly, in my dreams that this film will show here. Of course, who will watch a pure conversational spy thriller and yes, even my Dad will fall asleep about this film. Geez, or how about the audiences here? They might use this film as a after shift sleeping time. They will never appreciate about it.

When I'm real spy, and got old.. I want to be George Smiley. =) Composed, one faced great spy. One of the best spy characters I saw in movies.. For some time, of all time..

British Intelligence having problems around 1960's -1970's especially with their latest mission at Budapest as one british spy was caught and dead. The head of the team, was fired including dear George because of the mishap. Control was the head of the intelligence, which it is called the Circus. Of course you have, Alleline, Esterhase, Bland, Haydon as the other spies in the circus which of course not fired. After Control died, the other higher official wants to make action on what Control is guessing, there is a mole, a double spy on the top of the circus. Meaning the other 4 spies, one of them, is a mole.

Even fired and retired, as a dear friend to Control, George still started the mission with the help of Peter, and Ricky Tarr, the other spy who was ordered by another spy to get the name of the mole. There is another one, the one who got shot at the start, name is Jim. At the course the story, secrets are revealed especially with the mission of Alleline of project witchcraft which provides top secret and accurate Soviet information which George don't believe can be gotten easily without the help of the mole.

Then, as it turns out, with the great skill that George has and great support he got from Peter and Ricky, one by one, they were able to reveal who the mole is. As suprise, Jim is still alive and well, so because of his lead, George was able to reach the double spy, of course with the help of Esterhase which well, quite worried about getting jailed again.

At the end, it was Haydon who betrayed the intelligence and he was the one who is helping the Soviet attache' to get British intelligence and in exchange for the gold Soviet intelligence.. Maybe the goal is top the US but at least, they are on a safe side of the war if that happens. Sorry I gave the spoiler right away. =)

Well, let me say, although it is categorized as a drama, thriller film, you might wonder, if this is a spy film, there should be action. Like explosions, car chases and sort of. Sorry, this film is not. With only around 5 gunshots, and some punches, a shots of dead men. That's it, so if you're looking for action or gore, this is not the film for you.

And yes, since it is more on talking, shouting and angry voice, russian voice, this might get you to sleep. Less emotions shown here, so yeah, you might call a bad film.

Although with those specific flaws, but come on. When you have a great screenplay, a great assembly of actors, editing a top notch and yes, great 60's look, and director.. You'll have a great film.

Screenplay is great, I mean I haven't read the book but I think I'm going to buy one. =) To compress that complicated story in 2 hours, you're gotta be kidding me!!! The pace is great, dialogue although not easy to understand because of the accent and yes the complications of the story, it was delivered fantastic. No long explanations, just right for the scene and some of it straight to the point, so it was set up nice for the film. It only shows great emotions and confusion and the pace to guess what will happen, and who is the traitor. Indeed, it was quite an intellectual ride.

Editing yes, like the part which Jim is still alive because at the start, after his first scene, you'll forget him but all of the sudden, he's still alive. And the flashbacks are great, as it helps for George to cover the truth and the mole of course. The editing of course also helped to really check every scene maybe you'll know the mole already, but no success. You need to watch it until the end.

Actors, as 60's or 70's it was, the suit's and setting of it, really capture that time and shown it to the viewer as it was. And for others may not like old times, but for me, I did like it and never got bored with it. The great assembly of actors, really brought this film to became famous. When you have Firth, Strong, ammmm the other spies as well, Toby was great for his role as well. Even the russian chick who unfortunately got killed and short role. Tom Hardy was great in his role as the spy informer, I checked imdb and it should be Michael Fassbender, but dropped out due to xmen. That was a good move for Mike because with that role, hmmmm he's great acting prowess is so much for that role. Tom is enough. Benedict well has a weird last name but also delivered well, I'm quite sad that he is doing the dirty job for George. John Hurt also delivered a great performance, the Control manages for a few scenes of his hatred and yes, the felt that there is a mole in the circus. Very great supporting cast, and they all delivered well.

Lastly, of course, Gary Oldman. At last, a role which shows, I think, his name fit for the movie. An old spy who is called out to finish a mission. Gladly in the end, he was very happy even it's not showing in his face. What I like about him in this movie? Which I think we're the same. Whether it's already chaos or calm, he only shows around 2 faces. His facial expression is kinda neutral, you don't know he is dumb, or tired or even happy. But he still gets the job done and very well mannered. Remember, he is a spy, and quite suprised, did not pull any single punch. Great role for him, I wish him luck to win this oscars in a tight battle. But well, George is very composed in any situation. Like how he is talking and yes, very smart. He's cool with that quite big glasses. =)

The director is if you watched the let the right one in, the original of let me in, whether it's thriller or scary shit, he's damn good, I hope, he'll make more of his movies. Maybe I hope, he'll try original screenplay not the one he wrote but an original one for the movies.

It's one for keeps and I guess, the only spy movie which doesn't involve great gadgets, cars.. Beautiful women.. or perhaps, M.

"I'm retired, and you fired me..." George answered when asked if he can still do the job.

Underworld: Awakening

Yes, I can't believe this Underworld series will go fourth. Fourth film. The third, although it has Martin Sheen and Rhona Mitra, it did not sell for me. Maybe because of the shift of the main plot to the beginning of the their war. I miss Kate Beckinsale perhaps.

I was watching the review of this one at spill.com and I kinda agree with them, although this film, well second to the my fave underworld film, the second one. However, this one is not very distant to that film.

Simply as it goes, for a film starts when Seline is fighting for their lives as humans discovered the existence of both vampires and lycans, they go for total eradication of both races. Seline with Michael the hybrid dude trying to escape from cops but unfortunately, they were captured.. 12 years later, Seline woke up from being frozen and escape the facility. She discovered as well, that she has a daughter, named subject 2. She was helped by a vampire I forgot the name of the dude, brought in one of the surviving coverns and of course because of the importance of her hybrid daughter, the head of the covern rejected Seline and wants them out. Too late as the lycans suddenly appeared, ambushed them and got subject 2. Seline found out that the facility who imprisoned her is managed by a lycan. Lycans want to have the parts of her daughter so they can be a superior race. Although the biggest dude there, the big lycan is already superior, maybe they want also to become hybrid.

Seline ambushed the facility with the help of the cop who is chasing her and yeah, after a bloody fight, Mom and daughter team was able to finish off the lycans there. The problem is, Michael still alive but escaped from the facility and nowhere to be found. Cut!

Story wise, like spill.com says well it was well presented because it did show at the start of the film. A short gist of what's going and then shows the present time. However, for me, since I like this vampire, werevolves plot than others, I hope they kinda explained some events before this happen. Like well, some plot holes of the story. For instance, how the lycans were able to escape from annihilation, I know the doctor has the highest position there but I think someone is higher than him to allow the research. How the heck Seline gave birth to subject 2, and if it's 12 years later, meaning at the time of her capture, she was almost 9 months pregnant? =) And well, the last part, oh well.. I mean, cliffhangers are better if they are meant to really ask for more, but for this one. Damn, I ask for more.

Scott Speedman will be surely missed in this movie, maybe it's intended at that way. Another problem is yeah, the shortest underworld movie in the series. Although there are a lot of action and great fight scenes than the other movies like the first and third one but well, yeah.. Damn short.

Ok, first to be commended for this one are the actors. I can't believe Stephen Rea pull off a good job of being a villain. A geek doctor to become a strong Lycan. How about that giant lycan, wow, how they pull off that kind of effects from a small dude to a big one. Scary! But well acted as well, I did not know who that lycan is, until the final scenes are shown. Great suprise there. Michael Ealy well, good support from him, and his father as well, although I thought the film will drag at that place but it only shown like 2 scenes only and finished. The black cop who I thought will be a villain became a great help in the end, of course, he doesn't have any powers, but good support though. The daughter, wow, if she's that stronger at that age, how about when she enters 20's? Like spill.com says, scary than the samara in the wrong. Well, she can just rip off anyone. That's how strong she is, but great performance though for being human and yes a hybrid monster.

Kate Beckinsale is great in this film, although she has less dramatic scenes, but well, more action scenes. I think this is the film in the series that she done a lot of fighting, kicking ass and kill of course. I hope, she will not stick in this kind of genre or series, because she's a good actress.. Perhaps hmmmm make a film about world war 2, not pearl harbor, or other flicks perhaps. Just to rise up her mileage as an actress. Action wise, very very impressive.

Gore factor here, is over the top. Better I guess for the other 3 flicks.

Well, I hope in the next underworld, Martin Sheen is back. Just joking, fans of the series, will miss Scott, so I hope he will reprise his role in the next one. And yes, there should be a sequel, same action packed one but please make it longer, like add around 10-20 mins of the film.

Damn I thought we see a lot of Kate in this one, but I hate that ice mist. hahahahaha

However, she is damn gorgeous in that tight black suit. Enough said.

unplanned 32

At this moment, well.. What can I say.. I'm following yun new habit ko which will be revealed later. =)

Damn, classified ads these days are worthless.. Parang mas ok pa yun nakuha kong referral from friends than looking sa dyaryo. How about online? It's better. O baka sa season lang to.. I hate looking well, those same companies who needs more CSR's. Graduate na ko sa ganyan. Time for a change. Like Rheg says, claim the new job. =)

This rate now is quite slow, and I have things to start all over again. Time is coming to end some things. Important things to be exact pero for now.. May iba pa ko kailangan tapusin.. Pagbayarin din.

At this time being, well, for sure, I pray na once things are done.. It's a new beginning up ahead. I don't know yet what will be, but one thing is for sure, it is a new one.

I pray that sana naman, with many scenarios might happen, he chose already that one path. Delay gratification is the one I try to learn, outmost patience.. I'm a patient person, very patient but for this time, maybe I need a longer patience. Geez.

For now, siguro, I wait more.. More than I thought for. More than I feel for.

For now, all I can do, is pray.. For the good.

Surprisingly, I watched many new films these past weeks, Sherlock 2 well, it's action packed but I felt mas ok yun una. Not a bad film, it's just it has more holes than the first one. Kahapon eh, Underworld which suprised me, short yet full of great action, it's just again, more holes than Sherlock 2. hahaha Labo no.. Pero yun, sayang yun underworld 4, but it's the second best sa series. I still like yun 2nd underworld. The best.

I feel, somewhat relaxed but sad. Although not that bad, just well.. I want to finish this up na lang. That's life for you..

Good things, will come to an end. Suddenly.

Great things, will last forever..

Well, for now.. Prepare to pack up some things. =(

Kung Ako'y Isang

(Architect)

I admit that I have no talent in drawing, even stick drawings or sa scratch paper. I have no talent or kahit ah bigay na lang from Dad. As you see, my dad is an Architect tapos nagkatalent naman sila Kuya Allan, magdrowing. Ate Aila, well none pero siguro sa management. Kuya Alpro, almost kasi magaling sa drawing, architecture and drafting.. Siya nga gumawa ng drafting project ko nun HS eh. hehe

Algerro, well, I can't say ano nakuha niya from Dad, hmmmm.

Checking the brand new house ni Ate, I admit that Dad still has the talent despite his condition. At sana matapos na siya as earliest as possible, so well Dad can rest.. But compare it to other companies, the big ones who build condo's or communities, sorry di na village ang tawag today. Community. Wow. Instead na suburban kasi parang di naman lahat ng community or village eh parang US suburban style.

The designs now are well great at Dad is updated to those kind of designs. Whether minimalist, zen type, or spanish type, even well, italian type of design, eh yun, the usual designs that architects used.

By the way, architects can only design the outside of your house, not the inside, that's where ID comes in. Interior Designer. Although Dad can do also ID, or even engineering because of his vast experience as a builder before, eh kaya naman niya lahat. Pero naiingit talaga ako when it comes of designing houses.

I never saw him drawing from scratch pero yun mga finished products niya. Astounding.. I can't believe he can really draw, and well, it's better than AutoCAD although more efficient kasi yun CAD. Even he did not study autoCAD, important is, his skill of designing is damn great. Whether luma o bago, kaya niya gawin.

For me, kung namana ko talaga yun talent niya or kung natrain ako like him. I'll go more sa modern style. Although siyempre some clients won't always go modern. I like yun not really extravagant designs which are very detailed and tedious. Geez. Yun simple lang dating but kinda futuristic. Less details pero yun dating ba parang wala masyadong arte. Parang yun ang gusto kong edge.

Tapos, yun mag auto CAD din, kasi I only saw it once pero sobrang nakakatulong siya ha. Lalo na pag deadlines na, and you need to show rough drafts in an instant, then use CAD. Unlike well, dating style, ng bili ng illustration board, draw the project, hits and misses included, color it and tadah!!! That's your presentation, pag may changes, gawa ulit. Tedious part comes in and yes.. AutoCAD na nga lang. At least, pag may changes, nakasave sa computer, then edit lang. Tapos na. hehe

Then siyempre, ang pinakaayoko sa lahat eh gumawa ng plate. Dun ako nababad trip dati, at kahit naiisip ko siya ngayon, sobrang nakakabaliw those HS times. Big oslo, then mga staedler na lapis and rulers na napakamahal at Tsquare.. Ayun, the only subject I failed in HS for one quarter. Drafting. 73! hehe

If I was able to focus nun GS and HS, siguro di mangyayari yun. Pero pagnagfocus ako at nadevelop yun skill, malamang, puro onion paper, at oslo paper ang lamang ng kwarto ko ngayon. Saka napakalaking table para sa drafting. Yun nga lang, parang gumagawa ako ng plate everyday. Very detailed, no room for error at higit sa lahat, bawal ang pasma na kamay! =)

I prefer yun onion or basta wag yun oslo paper. Although pag sa contruction na, tracing paper na gamit, no more dreaded oslo paper. hehe Siyempre ang love kong black pointer pen ata yun, basta pang drafting. Auto CAD ata parang pwede yun, pero ang sure ko, sa blueprint, pwede sa AutoCAD.

I'll put more on light and dark colors sa design, like black ang white. Pero siyempre di naman pwede buong bahay mo, dalawa lang ang kulay. hehe So malamang magdagdag pa ng ibang colors, pero wag na yun ibang kulay na parang ihirap ibagay sa main colors. That will happen, malamang pag may children titira sa bahay. Babies for example. Bright colors sa room, live and coloful style, tapos pag labas, goth style. hahaha Natakot siguro yun mga bata.

But anyway, I know it's frustrating but well, I accept my weakness naman sa drawing and penmanship. Even Dad will say hanggang ngayon, I still have poor handwriting. Never improve.

That's fine, imagine ko kaya kung kasing galing ko din sila. Malamang, mas magaling pa din sila sa kin, especially Dad. =)

However, at least, I can challenge him sa designing ng bahay.. hahaha

I hope if I'll have my own house, he will design and fix my house.. =)

Even I know how to do it.. Iba na yun master. hehe

Manila Kingpin:The Asiong Salonga Story

When I saw yun trailer nito sa TV lang, sabi ko, iba to sa ibang entries in MMFF. I read na din sa news sites, and pep.ph as well, it shows in black and white. Wow, edi panoorin na tin. hehe Although may mga balita na dati na sobrang gulo ang nangyari dito from almost not including this in the MMFF and yes, after reediting and reshooting some scenes which mukhang ginawa nga, eh Direk Tikoy wants to discredit him making the film. Geez.. Gulo talaga di ba?

Well, vindication comes sweeter when they swept, got most of the awards sa MMFF. I became more curious like always, edi panoorin ko na nga.. hehe Nah, this is not the first time nanood ako ng tagalog na magisa, last time was Zombadings, which well, sulit to the max sa katatawanan. Classic indeed. For this one, another classic kahit maraming edit at yes, dialogue din.

Ok, lagi naman una ang panget.. hehe Pero dun muna tayo sa simple gist. Of course, Asiong as shown was a successful gang leader, kingpin as the newspaper says. From natorture siya nun una, tapos lumaki ang grupo niya kasi sa tulong binibigay niya sa tao. Proteksyon kung baga. Pero siyempre yun ibang gang leader eh lalong nagalit, like yun kanyang nemesis na si Totoy Golem at yun iba, eh di nila matibag si Asiong. Siyempre, nakulong naman si Asiong, dalawang beses kasi sa gulo at mga kalokohan ginawa niya. Nakalaya naman siya kasi sa pabor na ginawa niya para sa Liberal party. Pero, talagang malas, natraydor siya ni Erning, after ng binyag, ayun todas si Asiong.

Pero yun grupo naman niya, nakaganti kina Totoy Golem na nanggulat sa libing ni Asiong, kasama yun kapatid niyang mabait na pulis ha. hehe Tapos ang story at yes, pinakita naman kung paano si Asiong bilang asawa, kapatid, kaibigan, at anak sa mga taong nakapaligid sa kanya. He died at the age of 28. Run of luck.

Un na! hehe Masasabi ko na iba to sa lahat ng action films na nagawa na dati. The usual plot of revenge then in the end, huhulihin ng pulis. O isang basag ulo na nakabangga ng malaki na tao tapos in the end, nakabawi siya.. Usual cycle of action films, different in presentation. Tuwing nakikita ko sa cinema one or even viva cinema, dati, laging ganun yun action flick, naiba lang yun artista and leading lady, or worse, nagpapalit lang ng contrabida. They even bring foreign actors with the same lame plot or flick. hehe Unlike FPJ pero most of his films, parang ganun din. The king talaga.

Anyway, for this flick ang panget eh first, since Asiong was just 28 years old, sana di na lang si ER yun leading man. No offense but well, CG won't really change yun mukha niya or built. It came to the surprise at the end, kasi kala ko mga 40 si Asiong at that time, eh di pala. Pero at least kamukha niya. hahaha Pero yun nga sana ibang actors, like Baron na pwede singkitan na lang siya di ba. Second, yes, although it's a great film, halatang may edit and may tinanggal.. Usual cuts medyo halata saka yun, tone down yun action scenes, especially the last part. I know kaya niya siguro ginawa yun eh para kasi sa SM, for R13 rating.. For many to watch the film, the audience kung baga. Feeling ko nga, like yun mga mura, kaunti lang, sa original cut, or director's cut, malamang napakaraming mura at siyempre, more bloody. hehe Saka malamang na din sa bawi ng budget ng film, mabuti nga showing pa siya ngayon sa SM. Malamang kaunti na lang yun loss niya dito. Damn, dapat papanoorin ko ulit sa Glorietta kasi di mute yun mga dialogue, kaso di na ko umabot. hahaha

Yun lang naman ang mga panget na side for the film.

Now, siyempre ang kinaganda ng film is yes, a different action pinoy flick. May usual elements like leading lady, contrabida pero yun iba elements, di na usual.. Like going for black and white. I mean, I haven't seen a present black and white action flick. Although dati mayrun malamang, pero yun straight bloody action flick, eto pa lang ata sa pinas film history. hehe Maganda yun gamit nun black and white sa film, together with the detailed setting ng tondo, from the cars, costumes at scenery. Although sa pagsanjan lang yun, kasi sabi na din ni mommy. hehe Galing..

Action scenes, way above than other pinoy action flicks, well.. Medyo style hard boiled ha. Hahaha Chow yun Fat si ER, ha.. Kala niyo di ko napansin yun.. Slow motion, lots of guns and blood as well. Maganda yun fight scenes, not the usual sapakan na lang.. Blood? Marami. hehe From first until the final action scene, geez, daming dugo, di halatang CG ha. At malamang dun napunta yun budget, CG and the slow motion effect. Siguro sa lumang baril na din. hehe Gusto ko yun action scene dun na nasa simbahan, yun barilan nila ni Joko tapos nag hard boiled na may kasamang higa at baril. Matrix na. hehe Galing nun.. May fave scene? Kahit kami ni Sherwin, my officemate said, yun paano napatay si Asiong, graphic na slow motion, grabe yun. Talagang pinakita yun tama nun baril hanggang baso. Yikes..

Lastly, hmmmmm a great action flick should have great acting and dialogue. Although sub par or kaunti lang yun scenes eh at least todo bigay. hehe Kahit di great acting, tamang acting lang. Like Valerie perhaps. hahaha Kaunti lang scene niya dun eh ok naman siya. Even yun ibang babae ni Asiong pwede na. Si Jay makulit yun character niya, lagi niya sinasabi ok lang yan, protektado ka sa kin. hehe Pero well deserve role, short role. Yun mga kalaban ni Asiong, talagang contra bida. From Ronnie, Joko, yun isa nakalimutan ko name, pero yun natodas sa kalesa.. hehe Roi na din galing, yun nga lang malas sa una, buenas naman sa huli, kasi di siya namatay. hehe At ang pinakamatindi, John Regala, akalain mo yun typical talaga na gang leader.. Tapos nanggulo pa sa huli, yun ang kontrabida, yun nga lang sabog ang ulo. hehe Pero tama, panalo nga siya.. Walang patawad.

Other cast went right din, kahit si Dante Rivero, ok dun. Yun usual na magulang na role, Robert at Perla, tapos yun gang ni Asiong, ok sila, Dennis, yun kamaganak ata ni ER yun isa, Yul, Ketchup makulit ang comedy saka yun ginawa niya sa huli ang kulit. hehe Ah, Ping din, at Amay ha.. Pero siyempre stand out si Baron, sa huli, aahas din pala siya, ayun malas din siya sa huli. hehe Pero magaling yun ginawa niya, lalo na yun nagtransform siya na traidor kay Asiong.

The important roles, first is yun kapatid ni Asiong na sobrang balance yun take niya as a pulis at yun siyempre kapatid ka ni Asiong, pero sa huli, mahal niya talaga si Asiong.. Nakabawi sila. Galing ni Ipe, kaso minsan nakakatawa din siya lalo pag nagraid siya ng mga criminal, laging natatakasan. hehe Carla well, I'm not into like her as an actress kasi maganda lang siya pero after watching this film, ok naman siya.. Maganda siya sa black and white ha at yun mga suot niya bumagay sa kanya. So, I hope it's more of her beautiful looks in her next films.

For ER, well, I mean, kahit the age is not really for the role, pero acting wise, iba yun binigay niya other those action flicks. Gusto ko yun part na loyal talaga siya sa liberal eh tinakot niya yun nagpunta na nacional na kandidato. hehe Saka yun nasa kulungan siya, maamong tupa siya ha. Even the torture scene, hirap siya dun.. The reason why he did not win against Dong? The part na masasabi ko nagkulang siya is, well, nabasa na letter na patay na nanay niya. Yun hagulgol niya na iyak, yun nagstand out but yun iyak mismo parang wala. Talagang nahirapan siya dun. Sayang.. Well, bumawi naman siya dun sa libingan pero kulang pa. Although di ko pa nakita yun kay Dingdong, eh yun siguro kaya natalo siya. Pero marami pa naman award giving bodies baka dun makabawi siya. hehe

Yes, Direk Tikoy done a marvelous job of the film, although na edit, pero kala ko puro period films lang siya, walang contemporary or other genre. Pero eto, ayos na, halatang nainspire sa action films not only sa US, but other art action flicks from other countries. Magtayo ka pa naman ng Cinemanila di ba. hehe Galing.. Sana magkaayos sila ni ER.. Please. =)

Well, this one is for keeps and I hope, all other outfits will follow suit sa ginawa niya. Although mahirap kasi malaking capital yun pero pag laging may ganito na action flick, malamang, in the end, kikita lahat, trending kung baga. Remember, CG and yun other effects dito malamang mahal, not including if its true, they need a thai dude to choreograph the fight scenes, pero that's the only way to make action pinoy films great, why not di ba?

I hope yun kay Cesar, maganda din, not because nandun si Sam. hehehe good luck. At least, we don't make films anymore who looks like a b movie rushed film. Please...

Please, kung may director's cut.. Ilabas na din.

"Iputok mo na Erning, wag mo ng patagalin pa." Bang!!!!!!!!! Patay si Asiong. =(

Not Showing: Margin Call

Financial Crisis in the US really made waves around the globe. Bad waves perhaps... Until now, although the US is recovering, but sad news to Euro, some countries there are getting down as well due to well, financial crisis.

A risk management company is cutting some people due to costs, then the remaining brokers still doing their jobs. Selling stocks, credit papers and investments as well. After one risk analyst manager discovered the real status of the company, he passed it to a newcomer to confirm the truth and he did. All hell breaks lose.. From the team who discovered this big problem, up to the senior management, they decided to let all assets sell in a market for a small price but worthless already.

That's it for 98 minutes of pure intellectual movie. Great thing, I am a business administration graduate so I was able to understand the movie. Great thing as well, I watched the docu Inside Job. I love how the cast was ensembled for this movie. From Stanley Tucci, Kevin Spacey, Zachary Quinto, other dude I don't know the name, Paul Bettany, Simon Baker, Jeremy Irons and yes, Demi Moore.

The only letdown of the film? Yes, very business story like Wall Street, so not everybody will really understand. A corporate story with has some complex factors. That's all, maybe that's the reason why it was not shown here. Geez..

Anyway, I love the plot and dialogue for this movie. The simplicity of the production design and setting, quite realistic and it's like well one of the companies got bankrupt or sold out to banks. Well executed film.

I love like I said the cast, and they done their roles in a great way. Every character made a mark for the film. Yes, even Demi Moore, her character was unlucky even she made everything to bail out the company. How about Jeremy Irons who is well, as he says, 2 ways to survive the industry, be smart or cheat. I think he made both.

Zachary, the other dude, Paul made great the roles believable. Damn for Paul, he should stop doing Legion or Priest stuff and do this kind of movies, quite drama or thriller. He's a good actor. Zachary made also a great mark for this film, suprisingly he is the producer as well. Kevin Spacey, is well, Kevin Spacey, great actor and delivered the stand out performance, especially in the last scenes of the film. Effortless. Simon well, he's character really did not make any difference but well, he delivered as well good one. How about Stanley, even he only shows up for 3 scenes, and quite lucky as well. Very intelligent actor.

Put them together you have a great film. Although of course, it runs only in the office and no special effects or very dramatic or tearjerker scenes, but the depth of the film, it shows how the company works and yes, they'll do anything to survive even sacrificing a lot. No caring, or thoughfulness.. Even losing a lot for more gain.. It is a sad truth that this happened in the peak of financial crisis, I mean, by the looks of the film, they just sensed it and started this trouble.

I'm still guessing which company they portrayed but oh well, it is a perfect portrait for a disaster of a very risky company, company stood for a lot years, strong.. At the end, they became worthless but able to escape the endless pit..

"Today's sale, my loss is your gain"

Jobe

As I walk towards sa shop, of course, marami ako madadaanan na fastfood resto. Let's see what's the difference of these restaurants, Burger King, Jollibee, then yun malapit sa supermart, Chowking, Mang Inasal, and KFC. Nah, it's not the difference or cuisine of the food. The only difference? Siyempre, KFC lang ang di under sa Jollibee's ownership. Others, yes, even Burger King, under the umbrella of Jollibee..

Jobe? Short for jollibee. hehe As I call that bumbling bee mascot.. Ah not that former player of ADMU with that weird last name. hehe

Anyway, it is sad that kahit sa Food Industry, there is a monster that munches every restaurant that he sees. Like for example, Mang Inasal.. I don't know why the change of heart last year.. Because the resto has the potential na maging sobrang threat, with Chic-boy of course. hehe Pero yeah, with never ending expansion and great marketing at well, inasal barbeque, mukhang kakayanin yun Jollibee. Jollibee made some foods to at least fight yun inasal like chicken barbeque na napakapanget naman, di nagwork. Even the chickenjoy won't do so much as well..

Even Chowking and Greenwich can't stop yun inasal's menu..

The last option they did, well, buy the 70% stock of inasal's corporation and aha, sa kanila na ang Mang Inasal. Mautak din ang may ari nun Mang Inasal, he became rich which he can keep it for a lifetime. hehe Damn lucky.. Natawa na lang ako sa statement niya na they believed in Jollibee's vision, geez.. Vision of getting all of those small fast food restaurants, and under one control? Grabe, it's scary... Siguro yun big industries, like Telco, Power, pwede mag monopoly or oli kasi naman malaki ang capital and it's not easy to set it up. Entrep is not possible and easy for big industries.

Unlike siyempre sa foods, anybody can set up, kahit si Kuya nga nakaset up siya dati, although di nagwork ng matagal. Ibig ko sabihin, there is entrep spirit na possible.. Kaso etong si Jollibee eh talagang determined to get all kinds of food business. One reason I can think bakit sila nag ganun? At the time they listed themselves sa PSE, and of course, you cannot rely so much at your yum burgers and chickenjoy to raise capital. It may take forever. hehe

Like other big companies, especially ones listed sa stock exchange, you need to be creative on how to raise capital. Since pagkain sila, and they know how to run a food business, yun na.. Buy and buy ng mga small companies.. From Mang Jose ata yun pangalan, Red Ribbon, Chowking, Greenwich, even Cafe France and lastly, and recently.. Most shocking.. Burger King. Damn..

Like I said before, pag may hawak nila, expect yun quality and service, di balance. Burger King before, siyempre sila nagsimula nun unli drinks and kahit medyo mahal, diyos ko naman, mas masarap naman kumain dun even in almost all burger menu.. Although kagabi, wala pang jollibee effect yun BK.. Pero yes, masarap pa din. Sulit kahit mahal. hehe Pagtiyagaan ko na lang yun, kaysa sa champ.

For me, nakakatakot ginagawa nila, but they can't be stop, kahit sa China, they get some fast food restaurants na din.. Nakakatakot kasi kahit I mean, they help a lot sa economy pero yun entrep spirit in the food industry, parang mawawala. No other restaurants will definitely expand lalo kung nakaabang si Jollibee. hehe Especially they are not thinking of new ideas na. Mabuti pa yun fine dining restaurants steady lang pero natatakot din, malay mo, natrip din ni Jollibee ang fine dining industry, bili na. hahaha

They can't be stop, even our government, however, I hope, they will stop doing it kasi wala nang chance yun iba na gusto magtayo ng sariling fast food.. Although franchising is possible, pero well, if you want to be different and cater a different market, at salo lahat ng kita, eh mas mabuti magtayo ng sariling shop.

I just ate earlier sa jollibee, well, I enjoyed yun spag nila at yun bland yum nila. Without this figures or other factors, I can say, Jollibee alone is ok to me, pwedeng pagtiyagaan. Ganun talaga sa capitalism style of business environment.

Bumbling bee needs to get big!

flashbacks: running scared from Dogs

Napagusapan namin ni Dad, that before yes, can you believe I almost played golf? Almost kasi dati when Dad is really healthy and not busy of sorts, may time kami mag golf. Mostly, in VMMC kasi may golf course dun and driving range. Me, as a kid who just do what Dad's doing, eh sunod naman ako ng sunod. I have a driver then hampas lang ng hampas. Mas gusto ko yun sa driving range kasi palo lang ng palo.

Unlike in the course, well, kaya pala ako sinasama ni Daddy was to become his caddy. And worse, pulot boy. hehe Although I am rewarded with a sumptuous meal after a long and tiring session. Oh dear..

Napagusapan namin na before, when lagi kami pumupunta Laguna, there was a time that we went to a certain place na malawak and practiced golf.. Dad went clueless and forgot about it.

Actually it's not about the golf, it's about this..

When I saw that black big dog downstairs, geez, I am scared, so scared.. Trembling perhaps.. Tapos may mga tuta, and toy dogs din, na makulit, lalo na yun ngatngat ng ngatngat.. Tama ba spelling? hehe Basta when it comes to Dogs, I am afraid and sometimes, I hate it. Kasi naman sa Project 7, dati, yun panahon pa nila whitie at puti, yes, mag nanay ata, grabe ang dalang insect ata yun o kuto tapos pasok sa bahay.. Then, kinakati ako.. I know my skin is very sensitive until now, pero grabe dati, di lang lamok ang kumakagat sa kin, pati yun lice ng aso.. I think that's why I end up having a lot of scars, pantal, kaya ayun, galis din.. Mabuti wala naman ngayon. Kagat ng lamok na lang. hehe

Ako pa nagpapakain ng aso dati, at yes, it is such a chore and sore.. Lalo na pagbalik mo ng morning, di pala nila gusto yun niluto mo.. At nagkakalat pa.. Errghhhhhhhh.. Kakainis.

Anyway, put them together, how? This was where Dad forgot this event.

That day, nun nasa Laguna kami, ayun punta kami dito sa place na yun, I think somewhere Pagsanjan ata o Los Ba�os ata, basta malawak siyang place with a hall.. When we went there, of course, usual practice of golf. Swinging, positioning, then me, the lowly caddy just getting the balls all around the place...

Suddenly, Dad got tired at ako naman, as a young boy it is, hyper pa, and went away to a place.. Like a firefly roaming around. Nung naglalakad na ko palayo, then, yeah, may nakita ako mga aso. Although they don't look scary kasi nakahilata lang sila, around 4 of them, ako naman, tinitigan ko sila.. Bad move for a person who doesn't know about dogs. Don't stare them longer, and they will ayun tahol.. Growl and barking.. It scared the shit out of me, and grumbling, but ayun I still stared pero takot na.

Tapos, ayun na, another move you don't want to do with dogs, run when they growl.. Takbo na ko bigla, tapos siyempre, habol naman sila.. I was screaming my lungs out for help but my Dad did not hear me, but I am still running.. I was shouting even my Mom's name even wala naman siya dun.. When I looked back, they became 7-8 of them.. I was losing my breath kasi siyempre I was running full pace pero siyempre mapapagod ka.. Then one dog bit my behind, at ayun medyo bumagal ako at thank God, my Dad saw me tapos may kasama siya lalaki parang caretaker ng place, winasiwas niya yun mga aso..

Me? I was shocked, drained, traumatized, breathless and helpless.. Siyempre, pinagalitan din ako ni Dad pero tinulungan naman niya ako and we went home.. I was worried kasi nakakagat ako behind, pero nun nakita ko, mabuti yun short ko makapal kaya wala naman ako sugat. Eh naworry din ako because of rabies..

From that time, medyo tanga talaga ako, titigan yun aso tapos lakad o takbong mabilis.. hehe Pero di nagtagal, ako ok naman ako sa aso na.. Wag silang titigan at be steady, or best way, just leave them alone.. They can bark or growl all day. I don't care..

Now, yeah, I'm still afraid of dogs pero ok lang.. Not hate or trembling anymore, parang ayoko ko lang magkapet na aso. Mahirap eh at expensive.. Saka yes, focus of taking care of them, dahil, mamatay sila.. Especially if you feed them chocolates. hehe

Anyway, now.. We have many dogs here and yes, I'll just stay here at my room. =) But sometimes, I love looking at them, especially those small and cute ones.. But please, not that big one.. huhuhuhu........... But that big one is damn kind, like me. =)

PreView

As many things will happen this month.. It will start a different chapter of my life. Surprisingly at the first week, well.. It's quite productive. Half-reached perhaps on certain things.

Half solved in some problems at ayun, yun iba nakaset na.. Giving some things that are important yet not very productive for me. Di ko pa nakikita ang mga reactions nila but it will come naman. Pero yun iba naplano ko na, thank God, mukhang tuloy na. hehe

It's more on emotions that come from them, and di ko pa maisip kung ano mangyayari.. Malamang sad but well, that's part of life. As I prefer sa mga gagawin ko for the next month, medyo di naman ako stress for this month. Less work, more on decisions and preparations talaga.

I know it was already sad for some months already, pero time to move on at yes, time to change. Change is inevitable. All of the sudden, that's quite fast..

Well, I can't spoil naman, pero yeah, just read this one, the previous post and great news.. Some plans came early than expected. hehe

At the end of this month, I can say mas masaya naman siya from last year, but I can't tell right away kasi may mga hinihintay pa ko. Higit sa lahat yun mga promises na din. Pag pumasok na yun, ok na.. Mukhang mahal ko ang January this year. hehe

All I can spit out is, I'll be giving up some things.. Just dropping some load, and get some loads that will really help me this time. Lighter loads will definitely help. Indeed.

Oh yes, what a way to start the year. Guess what, yeah, mukhang ok naman siya. hehe What a way to know that info.

Read the end of this month, all those holes will be filled. =)