broken lines (collection 37)

Her subtle eyes makes me stare more,
As I obscure myself from any other lore..
Focusing to her, with such lightness and happiness.
Her simplicity captivates me,  attracts awareness..

Thy we have same likeness of dark themes, aspects..
We have same such quiet, yet serious look and prospects,
Although she has fewer words to say or speak but louder actions.
Attracts my whole being into her kind of silent motions..

Despite that less time we spent together, I've never crave this much.
Just to be with her, walking, talking, listening music together, as such.
More than that, the feeling now burning inside, I've felt it again..
I can sense that vision of being with her, brings so much gain.

Gain in my life..
Gain to love...

Eiga Sai 2013

(pato 1)

Ano ba, bitin!! hehe Well, I can only give 2 flicks that I was able to watch. Ituloy na lang sa August at UP film center, again! hehe By the way, mukhang masaya nga manood sa Shang for film fest, like last year sa France film fest. It's free, cozy and good screens. Problem, ayun mahaba pila to watch another free flick. Dahil dun, di ko napanood yun gusto ko! Ergh.. 

About her brother - Very dramatic story, how touching that the lead character, Ginko still helps her worthless, bothersome young brother until death. Sad it is but has a good story. I like the performances of the lead actress, her brother in the story despite that bothersome character, but deep inside just looking for love of a family. Of course, don't forget, Yu Aoi! The main reason I watched this film. She just don't age. hehe Grabe, ang ganda talaga niya. Magaling din naman yun role niya. Oh, kala niyo ganda lang ha. 

Rinco's Restaurant - Parang ang nawawala lang. hehe Eto naman, di siya nagsasalita kasi natrauma sa love, ayun dahil magaling maluto, Noriko built a restaurant which caters at least one customer lang. Of course, don't forget her eccentric mother and some friends. It's a weird fun story and despite yun ayoko ang di nagsasalita na character dahil sa trauma, natuwa naman ako. Of course, don't forget, Kou Shibasaki!! The Mitsuko chick in Battle Royale 1, which is my second fave character sa film. Akalain mo she became old but still looks like Mitsuko in a lighter and fun note. Wow.. Got to see her in Ronin 47!

Sa UP nga lang ako hahabol, I hope may sumama or better makapanood ng marami. 

pato 2 soon! =)

Relieved

Noong sinabi sa kin ng Doc yesterday na there's no need to worry after that minor operation. I can say, I'm so much relieved at masaya. Praise God indeed that tuloy ang buhay and continue to be better. 

Even before that first colonoscopy, I was thinking a lot.. Talagang marami. I can say, if there is a chance to have better result eh optimistic ako. But when there is a bigger chance of somewhat failure or bad to happen, eh nagiging pessimist ako. Thinking a lot plans and most of all, keeping me motivated, whatever happens. More praying and talking to him. 

It's really hard to deal in this ordeal.. Di pa kasama kung paano ang preparation for a colonoscopy. Great thing I won't do it until next 6 years. hehe Yun castor oil na yun, grabe, that's the most yucky med I drunk for now. Grabe, kahit ilang tubig na iniinom ko, yun after taste it's just worse. Yuck! hahaha Pero mura naman. However yun recently na ininom ko kahit mahal, kakaaddict! Matamis kasi. hehe I haven't thought na laxative yun. So there, and yes, more water, soft diet and a lot of mami. hehe

Great thing talaga, I've become more conscious in my health for the past 2-3 years. Kahit maexcercise  pa ko and going into healthy living eh narealize ko na still need to check up with the Doc, para mamonitor lang ang health and improve more sa healthy living. Lalo na ngayon, a lot of stress and activities na mararanasan ko at yes, I'm getting older.

I thought nga na magpaadmit with that colonoscopy and polypectomy (weird and funny term) to get more rest pero mabuti na din sa bahay. Bitin ang LOA! Bawi na lang ako next time. hehe

Lesson learned is really of course, excercise and stuff pero yun, balance and healthy diet. Even Mom eh medyo ingat na sa niluluto niya. More veggies, high fiber diet, fruits din and less meat. Kung pwede vegan na ko pero matagal ko pa ata kaya yun. Kahit Dukan diet eh mas lalong effective but not now. Budget wise. hehe 

I want to thank of course, God.. For giving me this relief at longer life as long I continue that being healthy at walang inom for the longest time! Thank you for the love. Jesus for the healing and forgiveness.. Mukhang ready to serve na. hahaha Family of course, parents na laging nandiyan even Dad is quite afraid. hehe Mom na sinamahan ako kahit may ubo siya. Siblings na understanding and supportive at sabon na din. hahaha Friends who prayed and gave some words of motivation and optimism. Sa aking TL na sobrang masikaso, pasensya na TL sa mababang score this month! Bawi ako next month. hehe Saka although sayang ang opening for a different position, ayoko bumagsak dahil sa daming iniisip. Alam na ni TL yun. 

Sa team na kahit wala ako nagperform pa din! Ayos na talaga to. Sana tuloy tuloy lang. hehe 

For now, great thing di naman nakaapekto lahat while in this state of hysteria or worriness. 

Now, I can sleep.. Continue what I'm doing..

Enjoy Life! =)

unplanned 48

I don't know what to see.. Pretty unprepared to be exact.

A filler to what I should write tomorrow but mabuti na yun keep that creative side of me steady. 
It's raining and cold, alone but sitting here, staring at this wide computer of mine and just relieved. Wala pa yun biopsy report but I hope it's not really serious. 

This July is kinda confusing, work is tight pero ok lang, I mean kahit pressure sa target o medyo nagkakasakit na ko, eh at the end of the day, pahinga lang at tulog, ok na. But there were days I'm not really at myself. 

Worry creep me over at ayun, medyo nakaapekto. Sana nga nakaconfine na lang ako para pahinga, pero mabuti pala hindi, kasi wala naman magbabantay sa akin. hehe 

LeBron all of the sudden eh nagpakita na sa tin, at kinain lang naman niya si Pingris, so di naman kagulat gulat, pero sana bumalik ulit siya for a bigger event or how about the whole Miami team. 
UST having manpower problems, sana yun laban against UP at ADMU eh ipanalo na nila, para kampante sa number 2. Ibigay niyo yun number 1 sa FEU, lintek na Romeo, biglang gumaling at ok na ok siya sa kin ha. At least di bumebenta di kagaya yun isang team mate niya. Ang tanong talaga, ano ang nakain niya? Hmmmmm. hehe

After weeks of setting up this computer, I'm relieved at ready na to get this going. Sana makaVL pa ko for plans for the remaining months of the year, kaso mukhang gagawin ko na lang siya after work. Besides, di naman lagi paOT. Tama naman po, pwede pahinga din after work. 

Noong naglaro ako ng battle realms, anak ng tinapa, hirap ako. Paano, parang dekada na ata di ako naglalaro. Hahaha Yun pa lang nainstall kong games, warcraft at battle realms. If everything is in place, dagdagan natin ng NBA at fighting games. At siyempre ang pinakaimportante sa lahat, magpractice na ng SAP habang nagiipon pa ko ng budget at aral na naman na lintek na accounting crap. 

Good news, next month ay less errands for any checkup, meaning wala na pabalik balik masyado sa clinic kasi yun pala ang cause kung bakit yun ibang ginagawa ko eh nadelay na. Kabahan ka ba naman di ba. Sana normal excercise eh mastart na. Eiga Sai at around end of August sa UP! Ok na sa Shang, kaso grabe naman ang mga tao, hay, iba talaga paglibre. hehe 

Bad news, well may new LOB kami work out at ang AHT ko eh parang nesting, ang taas. Ang hihirap pa. Bwiset! hehe Pero importante, same sked, same normal life, same call free work. 
Makakaadjust naman ako.

Ah, sana naman kahit mag number 3 yun Gilas ok na. Kaya naman di ba? Sayang si Belga, dapat nasama siya o kahit Abueva, kaso hay ang liit ng line up natin. Sa bilis daw babawi, I don't think so.
Natatawa na lang ako sa sarili, I took a seminar about personalities, eh tumama yun isang quality ng personality ko. Slow to change. Grabe, kahit anong pilit ko parang ang bagal ko pa din. Pero at least, nagbabago di ba. 

I miss one close friend of mine, it's been years when she hasn't contact me.. Malapit pa naman ang birthday niya. How is she? Hay.. Sayang pa naman yun pinagsamahan namin, more than a decade, yes, it's longer than CRAP. hehe I don't know where or how to reach her.

I was able to transfer files, but sad to say some DVD files ko eh di na mabasa, ulit na naman sa paghahanap! Mabuti na lang kaunti lang yun may topak. hehe

Next month, since medyo kaunti ang errands, it's about learning ha, learning some new and inspiring things. Interesting.. =)

While enjoying the sounds and emptiness of rain.. I miss another person..
The spaced out moments with her. I guess, she's very busy.. Damn busy.

Worth waiting for her. =)

Feels good to have someone you have the same wavelength. Rocking wavelength..

She's fine anyway.

I'm fine too.

classics: The Shining

One of the films that I thought it will be pure gore or thriller horror film, changed me. Changed my perspective of the horror genre. No one could do it like my favorite director, Stanley Kubrick! 

While transferring a lot of files, I mean a lot, I want to watch a film while doing this boring transfer. I just picked a random film, and I picked this. Despite watched the second half already before, meaning I did not start the film.. After watching the whole flick, I was still shocked, kinda chilled my nerves and  I slept right away! 

Great thing I did not get any please, sleepless nights. One thing that bothered me a bit or well, let's just forgive Kubrick for it was a scene involving those twins or sisters killed. I mean it shows blood or those twins but it's just flashes of it. I'm interested what really happened to that family who also done the same job and ended in a bad way, but well.. No trace of them. But that's fine, it added the complexity of this epic horror flick. Another thing, well that's the worst opening letters or graphics used in his films. I mean colored letters? Come on, with that great musical score and tracking shot in that opening credits, he can just simply used ah black and white opening. Not that one. But well, forgivable, forget it!

I watched the documentary of the making of this film, I was simply amazed how Kubrick really want a perfect shot every scene, even the simpliest of scenes. He's really a perfectionist. 

I love first, the screenplay for this film.. I don't know how much influence of the Stephen King's book used for this film but I thought it's a total adaptation, I am surprised that it was not. Great screenplay, dialogue which was fit for each character.  Even those scenes that only involve dialogue, I love it like how the chef talking to Danny. Or even the bartender talking to Jack.. How about that scene which Jack is frustrated while talking to Wendy for the progress of writing? That is kinda dramatic. A lot of emotions involved.  Of course, can you believe that the huff puff script which Jack said before smashing the door was adlib? That is sheer talent. 

Another thing, great actors, even those extras really fit their parts. Well, the film focuses on 3 main characters, Wendy the very simpliest of moms you see on screen and quite unlucky but loving wife as well. Danny, a weird kid with a crazy imaginary friend but loving kid. Jack, a hard working Dad but at the same time or we don't know, a psychotic dude who just got disturbed. I think late Heath patterned his joker role not only with Alex Delarge but I see more into Jack Torrance psychotic state. But anyhow, damn Jack this role indeed seems iconic for Jack Nicholson. Second best? Shelley Duvall  as Wendy, I really pity her character and she delivered it great. Sad thing at the first, you can just feel sorry for her but great thing, she's alive. Danny, wow, that kid is talented at any way, I can't believe he was 9 at that time or I don't know how old but wow.. I thought, the sixth sense kid done better, but gotta watch what this kid done in the film. All the characters done a marvelous job, like Dick and Lloyd, who well my guess is right, doctor Tyrell in Blade Runner. hehe

Great element in this film, music! Sound as well! I can't forget that scene that Jack was transforming into someone mad then the music gives you the chills then cuts out! Wow, I was kinda scared even there is no like ghost or gore or scary look.. Damn.. There were a lot of the same scenes. I love  that old scene in the bar, very cozy scene, with little use of music. The pulsating climax at the end, won't be that thrilling without the great score. I can't believe that Kubrick was inspired by David Lynch through Eraserhead.. I thought it's vice versa but oh well, it's still Kubrick has ears for great music and sound score.

Lastly, I've give the big chunk of credit to Stanley.. He not only made this film looked great as he was a photographer/cinematographer already, but also how he paced this film. How he generate an experience getting you involve in this madness, and left you out still thinking about the film. The spillage of blood, the tracking shots, the effects, and everything he did for this film simply not only worked but it fit perfectly. Which until now, I haven't seen a horror movie like this, there were some but that was still old school. Nothing yet in new school of film.  I hope Stanley was able to do more this kind of horror flick.

After watching this film, I kept on wondering.. I loved this film like other Kubrick's films, a lot of open questions running in your head with a lot of possible reasons or logic can happened or already happened. Like Jack's psycho alter ego might be existed since 1920's. Or we know the hotel is haunted but does it really affected Jack or even Danny. Does Tony, Danny's imaginary friend, a ghost in the hotel? Danny, have psycho powers but does he really have one? Did Jack really die? A lot of fun questions can be put in this film but unfortunately, we can all do is guess.

But for me, one question is answered for sure, the title has a meaning in the film. I hope I also have Shining.

Please not seeing the dead people. =)

Here's Johnny!!!!!!!!!!

flashbacks: HWK

Siyempre kung may seatwork, may Homework! Actually sa lahat ng pinagagawa from skul, eto ang pinakakakatamad gawin. hehe Kasi naman uuwi ka na lang, may papagawa pa sayo! Bad trip.. Pero for me, eto yun maraming ako natutunan at diskarte sa pagaaral. Bakit marami? Una sa lahat, dito mo malalaman kung masipag ka or hindi. Kasi dito mo makikita kung talagang kaya mo gumawa sa sarili mo, lalo na sa assignment. Pwede din humingi ng tulong like sa family or friends pero iba yun aasa ka sa kanila para gumawa ng homework! hahaha

Well, siguro dito nadevelop yun pagiging pala aral ko, I still remember nung may tutor pa ko, si Tidad, naku kahit brownout at kandila lang ang ilaw namin, ginagawa namin yun assignment at di lang yun, may kasamang palo pa! hehe Old skul teaching yet it worked for me. Yun takot siguro sa palo eh nagpaintindi sa kin na magaral ng mabuti.

Isa pang natutunan ko sa HWK eh resourcefulness.. Bakit? Well, back in those days na dial up ang internet, actually di pa sikat ang internet.. Library lang ang sandigan for answers! Bago ako umuwi, tatakbo ako sa library to find answers sa HWK, at paxerox na din. We did have yun encyclopedia but antique collection na lang siya. hehe Actually malaking tulong yun dati lalo na pag sa science homeworks, yun na. Kaya siguro ngayon, matiyaga ako magbasa kasi dati pa lang, naku kailangan magbasa at maghanap ng tamang answer sa libro. 

HWK also does help with your creativity. May mga HWK that entails you to be creative lalo na kung english or pilipino subjects.. Yun gagawa ka ng mga tula, essay, research paper, at magpractice ka ng speech, magtula, even acting or worse singing and dancing. Siyempre ayaw mo magpahuli sa recitation bukas kaya todo practice kahit mapahiya, at least may assignment di ba? Naku ayoko yun bring this and that for tomorrow tapos ang hirap naman hanapin. Pagagalitan ka pa pag late mo na nasabi sa family kasi sarado na yun tindahan o palengke para doon. Naku yun ang ayokong task or homework. Dapat ang deadline kasi di agad agad bukas! Tignan mo ngayon, ganun na halos sa lahat ng skuls. Buenas ng mga bata. hehe

Isa pa at eto yun nagbibigay saya pag gumagawa ng homework eh ang pinaka malaking natutulong sa lahat.. Katamaran! Cramming! Ningas Kugon at ang famous phrase na tsaka na yan, matagal pa yan.. Pagdating ng pasahan, feel the rush! hehe Naku, it's a must not only in GS or HS but also in your whole skul life. Ang sarap ng cramming kahit nga sa work, ugali din kaya yan. Yun na ang tinatawag na pumepetiks.. hehe Well ang attribute na to, thanks sa HWK at nadevelop. Paano naman kasi, kung di naman advance yun homework, lahat naman ng subject sabay sabay magassignment, kaya ba gawin agad agad? hehe Hay..

At ang pinakafave ko natutunan sa HWK. At ang pinaka effective way lalo na pag all else fails matapos ang assignment, or HWK at minsan pero delikado sa mga project. Kopyahan bago ang pasahan.. Mainit init pa talaga!!! Last time ko nakakita niyan, ehem great example, tax assignment, nakalimutan may assignment, humingi lang ng yellow pad, humiram na ng assignment ko.. Kumopya, at pagdating ng prof, sakto ha.. Tapos na! hehe Abogado na siya ngayon. hehe Grabe at marami din instances, noong HS lalo na sa math.. Mahahalata mo nagkokopyahan na eh masyado maaga ang mga classmates mo lalo na yun notorious sa late.. Akalain mo nauna pa sayo pumasok! Yun pala, kokopya lang kasi. Walang mga sagot. hehe Well nung college mas organized, grupo grupo ang kopyahan, pag medyo mali yun sagot, kuha sa iba. Mantakin mo pumasa kami ng accounting ng ganun? hehe Pero infairness without this technique, I've known more yun mga kaklase ko, at most of my close friends. Kilala na nila kung sino sila. =)

Well, HWK activities indeed develop students, through skills, strategy, creativity and social aspect. Really, it's evident as it was shown above.

Right? 

Pacific Rim

Of all the summer movies, at first glimpse, this I thought was the weakest. I mean at the first glimpse or teasers, I don't know it's just a cliche of anime and they just made up like into Mecha versus Godzilla... I was not impressed.. But like Man of Steel, as more trailers coming in and I noticed that the effects were not only impressive but quite fit to the story. 

After almost 2 and a half hours of absolute sheer gigantic fighting between robots and machine, I love this film. I don't care about what others say, I just love the film. Not only a bit of originality, but how it was presented, second best this summer. 

A lot of skeptics like me especially in my office that have the same first impression but after they watched it, I mean they changed sides. Funny isn't it? Ironic may sounds but yeah sometimes you just need to try the film. That was said in Dredd last year, in the end, one of the best films last year. 

Despite second best, well there were flaws. First, screenplay was kinda weak, I mean for that long running time, I hope they inserted some back story, especially with the general, or with Mako or even the pilots, or how aobut the other jaegars who fought first.. The montage for the first scenes were good but I wanted more of that. Dialogue kinda lacking except for the general, and I thought Mako's dialogue were lip sync or dubbed but as the movie goes on, it was not. Dialogue was simple, except when fighting and yeah just simple. Confusing parts, such as why that monster chasing the doctor did not really eat or kill him. Well, another part as much the sword came very handy, I hope they place that way before in the end. Geez.. I love Ron Perlman especially his role, but to think of it, his character seems to be not needed in the film, especially he did not do anything until the end. 

Of all the countries who have the last Jaegars, why Japan is not there? At least they should have better looking Jaegars. Lastly, well.. For seven years fighting those monsters, they haven't thought flying Jaegars, especially when you have a nuclear reactor at their side. 

Well, I forgive those flaws.. Forget it anyway, I still enjoyed the film. First of all, I love how Del Toro assembled his cast. Not an all star cast but they did there roles correctly. I love the role of Raleigh, General, hmmm Mako of course, ah Hannibal despite he did not do something productive, pilots of Jaegars, even yeah those chinese ones and the ever intelligent scientists. They all fit together even they are not really brought light to the film but they kinda helped the film. 

Del Toro's direction was superb, I mean I haven't seen afraid of the dark and wolfman, but all his films were good, 2 hellboys and Pan's labyrinth. What I love in his direction, his details of the film, from massive set until the smallest props, he got all that shooting in a scene. Making his films always interesting and enjoyable, a good balance between visuals and dialogue. The screenplay is good despite it's quite simple and a lot of references which I'll list them down here. The screenplay worked at least to fit with the film. Explained every technicalities from the Kaiju, the decision of UN, how Jaegars work especially why in pair of pilots, and a lot more. Yes, I feel, I won't be surprised if there will be no sequel for this one, unless they thought of prequel or I don't know how they will pull up for a sequel. 

 Lastly, the biggest factor why this film is successful or it's worth watching, the VFX, Sound effects and production design, Jaegars and monsters. Another flaw, I hope there was a big fight in a morning setting. hehe But anyhow, compare this to Transformers? I'll choose this over that because the sound effects and visuals were just right and not confusing like Transformers or Transformers 2 and 3. One part of the film I was just cheering for that Jaegar to kill that bastard. hehe I was laughing as well, the Jaegar from China,  good looks, great weapon and strategy, poor quality.. Made in China! hahaha

That's how enjoyable I am watching this flick. I love how they presented the big fight scenes, or even those dream sequences, the funny experiment of the doctors, and the massive stage for the base of Jaegars and the cities involved in the fights. I feel sorry for Hong Kong.  I love also scenes showing the men proportionate to the Jaegar and how the Jaegar works. The anime feel of having mecha's or monster put in the big screen at last! Made it right with this one. I'm wondering when it comes of anime, US films are getting inspiration from anime and translate into something different works, not really adapting them. This year, like Man of Steel from Dragonball, last year was Chronicle from Akira for some big parts, and now this.. It's good.. At least it works. I mean Japan Cinema doing anime/manga adaptations recently and it's better if they do it their own. 

I hope I've seen this at Imax. Damn, I wish I had that money when I watched this. Man of Steel was above in this film due to a great casting, better screenplay and well, that's Superman. For this one, for the effects? It's better than Man of Steel. By the way, great thing in this film, the best parts were not shown in the trailers, so really better see this,I believe this one is better in IMAX. 

Well, 2 films left that I'm waiting for this summer are Kick Ass 2 and another scifi sort of anime style film, Elysium. Let's see if they will get the title of best film for this summer.

Almost forgot, anime references for this film. I maybe right or wrong but the way I see it, the creators of pacific rim really watched a lot of anime.

Gundam - Judging the feet of the Jaegar, it looks like a mobile suit. hehe It's just bigger than usual Mobile Suit, I hope this can be remade as a film by a big US studio, the screenplay for this one, easy to westernize.

Hero robots such as Voltes V, Getta Robo, Grandizer or whatever - the sequence which the head of Jaegar is going to it's body. Of course, no special space ship or flying saucer but it's just well they have that sequence. And yes, even the sword weapon. They made it like the logical design but well it's cool to have a special move to show the sword.  I has smiling that Jaegars can fly, thanks to the big choppers.  Robots versus Monsters or robot monsters.

Godzilla, Gamera or other original Kaijus - Well, no explanation needed for that. 

Ultraman - Man versus Kaiju or monster. 

Evangelion - Jaegars needs to have the psyche of both pilots sync with the robot, like in  EVA, of course this one, Jaegars need 2 pilots. No Angels sorry. or even Rei. 

Mazinger Z - The rocket punch of Jaegar which the only differnce, the punch doesn't go off from the arm, just a strong punch. And that move of the Jaegar from the breast which is like Breast of Fire. I hope they have a female Jaegar and copy andromeda, breast missile! hehe 

Robot Jox - I don't know if somebody remember this 90's film about big robots fighting in a low budget crap. hehe But well, it's the first one. At those days.

Lastly, I just realized while drinking a melon shake. 

Gunbuster - The last part of Pacific Rim, sorry for the spoiler. This OVA is all about an alien race trying to invade earth, but we have a big robot named Gunbuster. Piloted by 2 chicks, and at the last episode of it, to finish the alien warship whatever, as they exhausted all weapons, they used the atomic heart of Gunbuster to blast the alien warship off. They survived of course but it took time to get back on Earth. This one well instead of atomic heart, they sacrificed the robot because of the atomic/nuke reactor. Just a thought. 

Attack on Titans - When people discontinued Jaegar, we used walls to stop Kaiju, well that's the topic for this anime, almost the same. hehe It's just big dudes instead of monsters.

I can't wait to have this in blu ray copy.. I don't care if it's a big file. Well, it will be worth for the wait. 

What if really, monsters just show up in the pacific and what if indeed they invade us? Are we going to us that rusty warship to fight them? Or that new warship we just bought which it doesn't look like one?

I think we just need to run away.. Or we have robots right? According to the PS one game, Front Mission 3! hehe

In our dreams.

Man of Steel

First teaser trailers were kinda told myself I won't watch this superman flick, it's like a polished Superman one or so, with just better casting.

However, after watching the later trailers before coming out, It gave me another feeling that I should give this film a shot! How about as a birthday treat to CRAP?

I did, with CRAP and all I can say, one of the top movies of the year. Simple as that.. Geez, there is that movie experience I felt I'm satisfied, it combined that emotional core at the first and fun, excitement at the second part of the film until the end. CRAP indeed enjoyed watching the film.

Let's discuss first what parts made it well, hindered to be a really great film or let's say a match against Avengers. Only two minor flaws, for me, the destruction sequences at earth. Although it looked great, I mean seems like it's real but while Superman and Zod fighting, no lives are lost in that sequence. Only buildings, gas trucks by Lex Luthor which he's not showing yet, and people running away but that's it. Wow, meaning all people was able to escape that monstrous collapsing buildings? That's impossible but yeah forget it. 

Another thing is the first part was very slow. Very slow, although it has a lot of action because of the events in krypton but other than that, well it's forgivable, let it pass. But I love that pace especially when you're developing a character. 

This film although Nolan did not direct it, I felt the first part was Nolan's part, but when the action sequences shows up especially that high octance last parts, that's Zack Snyder's part. Which the result is a great comic book film of the summer. Action film as well if you want to call it.

Despite that very slow first half, especially with those scenes how the old Clark Kent helps people, which I hope they could just trim in one scene, like that tanker scene... I love the opening scenes in Krypton, it's like Star Wars! But well, the planet comes to an end, I loved how Russell Crowe not only his acting for being Jor-El but also he's fit to play one. I watched the Man of the Iron Fist and I don't know how he became slim after that big fat lawmen in that kung fu film. But he's amazing even he became a hologram/ghost figure, his mere voice is such a fit for the role. 

Don't forget Kevin Costner, I mean after a string of bad films, this one, he's indeed back! Great role for him, playing a really great father to Clark, although I was sad when he died.. But he knew what to do, that's why that scene worked. I love how he guide Clark and what it means to be human especially for those who you care for. 

As for Michael Shannon, I know more people doesn't like his acting or it's like not fit for him. I give him credit for being in that role. Come on, physically and emotionally charged character like Zod needs to have at least a capable actor. Shannon delivered that part effortlessly, although there are some who can do it better than him but I'm fine with his performance. Other characters or actors done their part, especially Lawrence Fishburne which is quite a scary boss. hehe But what stands out in those minor characters are the soldier lieutenant who at first doesn't believe with superheroes, but in the end, he sacrificed his life so the hero can fulfill his mission. That pesky General who well, even he's irritating until the end,  he's just following orders. Lastly, that lady who fought superman at the middle, damn, that chick is not only strong but beautiful as well. She only spoke some lines but oh well, she's damn beautiful especially in that black suit of hers. 

Amy Adams delivered not really a great performance but I like her as Lois Lane, she indeed played a role of an agressive journalist. She's kinda lucky that she survived but yeah, maybe her sweetness and romantic side will show in the sequel. But I like as how she delivered the role and better partner for superman. Despite her age? She looks still young. Don't forget Diane Lane, a very patient mom that really loves her son. She has funny lines as well. But she's fit for the role. 

Henry Cavill, this dude is mismanaged by his agent. I mean if this film was shown first besides immortals and that film with bruce willis, he'll be known by now better. I mean those mentioned films above well, did not really help him to boost his status, it only helped by this film. The reason? He's fit for superman! Despite less dialogue for him, I think it's the least for all the superman flicks, I'm not sure but I'll check it in the future. His physically qualified, clever looks especially in that interview scene and how he acted that he wants to improve as superman. Meaning, I love that first scene when he starts to fly, he falls down and still trying to improve. I love how he shown superman not only the strongest of heroes but also as Clark Kent, who has heart to save people and has weaknesses. 

This film also delivered great sound effects from the explosions and destruction of building, even that flying sequences, damn you can hear them all! Putting yourself at the edge of your seat. 

Don't expect that famous musical score of Superman, but they did a great job of doing it's new version, more fit to the theme of this film. Editing shown as seemless, transporting to those young Clark to the present Clark or even that Krypton part. Action sequences, one of the best in recent years. This summer really emphasizes action sequences, like Fast Six. 

I described that second part, like Dragonball.. hehe Without fireballs or that famous goku move, well, it shows that way. Without the teleporting action, the fight scenes were neatly delivered unlike if Nolan directed those scenes, it will be quite messy. The flying sequences, the first act in Krypton and indeed that first fight of Superman against Zod's army was fantastic. Don't forget that final fight, wow. It's damn worth queuing up early and sitting for 2 hours plus.

Screenplay is good, not great because of it's slow pace at the start but the dialogue is great for the first part, except those at the last parts. I love how they explained why Superman or even General Zod or any krypton citizen are strong in Earth. Very logical and clever. I love why there is an explanation how Clark fits in the society, wayback school days you see.. I think they focused so much in the action scenes which I hope they dig deeper in the origin of superman, but for this length and big, that's enough. If not, it will be like Watchmen, might reach 3 hours. Geez..

Lastly, the combination of Nolan as a producer/screenwriter with Goyer and Snyder as the director. A great combination! Nolan's weakness is really action scenes which Snyder delivered, filling that gap in a fantastic way. Snyder weakness is the screenplay and yeah still screenplay which Nolan and Goyer filled it effortlessly. Wow, I hope they'll do it again if not here or other comic book films, I want to see them do original work.. That will be interesting.

I asked CRAP, which is better from other Snyder's flicks. Doc said it's still Watchmen, Sir says actually I did not ask him.. hehe The chef said Watchmen, 300 are way better. I could have agreed more. But that's not bad, I mean nobody wants to do Watchmen, even Alan Moore curse any person touches his work, Snyder did it not only the right way but in a great way.. For 300, everybody was caught off guard how it shown greatly, as a man film. Brave man film or Macho film but yeah it's a great work. Then this one, it's really one of his best and one of the best comic book adapations, but of course I might go with Superman 1. I'm not sure yet.

Snyder is better when he has someone working with him, than well.. Doing his own work. Subject taken like that owl film and oh God, that Sucker Punch.

At least, I was not tricked in this one. 

I saw Man of Steel.

PreView

Everything happened so fast, I forgot to even write here. This July, I only wish two things. Getting just two things.


A lot of rest and time for myself. 

A successful operation for that small polyp in my intestine. Kung tama ba ang spelling ko sa polyp. hehe 

Normal to ponder what if I mean, kung yun na mga huling araw ko... Paano ko kaya maeenjoy ang natitirang araw ako. 

Still working my arse out..

Still doing some chores or errands and getting scolded at the same time.

Still doing things that I hope I won't be doing anyway.. 

Still trying to be good as you can be but felt time is not enough. 

Mabuti na lang, di naman serious ang polyp na yun, I hope once removed, no more damn worries. hehe God gave me some extension for this life. Thank God. Oh, Jesus. =)

Yun lang for this month, I will not really worry sa stats ko, or other errands at mga ibang chores. Second eh, yun, pahinga naman. Yun VL ko last June parang alang kwenta kasi napacolonoscopy ako at marami din ginagawa kasi alam na, birthday month. 

At this month, grabe, marami din pala ang may happy birthday.. I should really keep my calendar for those celebrants. Close friends. 

Work seems more hectic this month. For the first two weeks, I'm been rendering so much OT ha.. Pathetic tong mga queue na to. Pero ok lang, dagdag kita. hehe Kung calls to, naku uunahan ko na umuwi at di magpakita sa TL kung OT. hehe


I'm enjoying this new iron maiden of mine. 7 years worth the wait.. Wow, the power it has now, the screen so clear and yeah.. It's like a new baby.. I'm starting to grow with it. =) 10 times better than the old one. 

Of course, I still want to thank that old computer. Hmmmm Sobrang gamit na gamit, eh bumibigay na pero pwede pa naman. Sila Kuya Allan na bahala dun. hehe Or even Dad. 

This month pala, sinasabi ko na pala, I'm sorry my writing might be sloppy a bit. At may posts na di masyado maayos.. hehe Well, I'll still do my outmost best para maayos ang mga sulat ko for this month. 

Sana makita ko man lang si LBJ. hehe Mabuti at pupunta siya dito, mabuti pa siya pumunta, si MJ di pa. 

Akalain mo nananalo pa ang UST kahit walang matinong point guard!!! hehe Grabe na to.. Anyway, Go USTe!!!!!

Oh, yeah, I should have all my ports are USB 3.0 capable!!!! Iba talaga pre, 4.0 GB almost 5-6 mins lang ang transfer.. Damn. 

What else, siguro eto lang muna.. I hope those simple wishes will come true this month. Please..


Thanks for a longer life. Thanks for another chance. 

By the way, I'm start missing her.. A new one. =)

Ring! Ring!

(side effects)

All things has an exchange or a price. Everything today has that kind of interaction. For an example, you buy an ice cream, it's either you bought it to get you cold or you love the flavor. How about buying an electronic load, in the cheapest price,  you can call or send a text but well it depends how much you bought for the load. It doesn't last long. 

That's the same in this industry, which indeed when you come in, you should pay the price or at least somewhat weird exchange. Before we get into like great things you can have or experience in this industry.. 

Let's go first into not so good things. 

First of all, Health! They always say, Health is wealth? Here in this industry, it is not only your wealth, this will be your foundation, this will be your meter if you can still work, and indeed, if you are ready to give your life into this!

I know, all kinds of work has some kind of health hazard. Normal to any kind of work. Even a bank teller when working for a very long time at the same position, eye vision will change out of counting money.. hehe But in this industry, what can I say.. Hmmmm Before I did work in a normal job going into this work but I never experienced those different side effects when I started working in this industry. Let's see what happened to me while working in this industry, in each health aspect...


Physically I can say I became tired even faster or let's say I've become more impatient sometimes. Although I'm still very patient at things but in this industry, for 5 years of taking calls, it put some stress in my throat and voice. I've never experienced having not only a hoarse voice but a pain in my throat so tight that I can't even eat properly, due to painful swallow. I experienced pharyngitis if got that spelling right twice. Never experienced that in my childhood years, or even in HS or college. hehe Meaning I put so much stress in my voice and throat. I don't want to let that happen to me again. My advice to regular agents, check up your ENT every 6 months. 

Yes, even your ears plays a important role.. Not only to avoid a markdown in active listening but also sometimes, I know I'm quite deaf but due maybe for the longest time I'm taking calls, being somewhat deaf moment happens. It's not only I'm spacing out, sometimes I did not hear what that person said at one point. I ask that person to repeat what he/she said like in a call.. Geez, great thing, nothing really happened to my ear for the longest time.

I still get markdown in active listening. Ears are important especially in this type of job, definitely at the point of listening to the customer and having a connection to the customer.

You don't have to worry about your nose in this job, unless you have allergies. hehe

In this industry, I knew somebody who gave up working here due to high stress, run out of voice, high blood or other health complications. It seems this is a very demanding job. But it doesn't mean stress is the only contributor for this sudden health change.

But it doesn't mean, you can't have a health living out of it. You can live healthy lifestyle, but it doesn't only need planning or scheduling, but sheer will as well. I tried especially in those night shift days, but well, it did not work out. The reason?

Second thing, culture and environment.. Every industry has its own culture or even in a small business like mine, my culture is always sell and happy at work. hehe I don't know if I was able to do that when I used to have a business before, but I use to remember I always do my best to have that kind of culture from my workers, or for myself, or even my suppliers, but also to my customers. Environment, it's quite a boring one due to the fact that there were a lot of time idle, no customers or waiting for a sale, you cannot make it fast unless you have high sales or extra cash to invest for the business..

Here at this industry the culture, is very diversed, meaning you'll work and meet not only a lot of people, but also work with them. There is old timers, near retirement age, or working with someone at your same age, or these days, youth, young as they just finished HS. You'll work with straight people, people from LGBT definitely, person who into old school kind of pace or work style, how about person working with new school techniques, performers who aim high, scoundrels at work, slackers and jokers. They are some who are quiet but taking calls in a great way..Or some who are really into this call center industry, very talkative and sociable. hehe You'll work with singles, hot single moms. hahahahaha Single dads, persons who pretending to be single but they are either in a relationship, engaged or worse, married. You'll work with the liberated, the religious, free wheelers, go getters, power trippers, power mongers, morons, maniacs, suckers and a lot more. So please, don't be culture shock because from agent up to Site Director, you'll meet a lot of these people. Well, don't forget peer pressure, you might not be drinking or smoking before. In this industry, you'll learn first hand with uptrainings. Culture here is mostly about numbers, or let's say performance based. I know all the companies are like that, but in this industry especially if you're working with a client, they have the first and last say whether you fit for the job or not. Firing at will is not suprising, especially these days. I don't why it became like that these days, but it's the signs of the times. That doesn't include the all kinds of customers you'll have to deal with from a very lovely customer up to the customer that you want to dig a grave for him/her because of stupidity, arrogance and all other bad attitude you can think of.. Don't forget you have a client/company that you represent, you need to deal with them as well.

Environment here, hmmmm the fastest I know is the stock market business environment because of the stock prices movement means a lot to the people who there. The second I know fastest is in this industry, it's like today you have a job, tomorrow, you'll be finding a new one, especially with the financial meltdown happened years back, well... Companies come and go.. Go away from one BPO company and going to the next or worse, we'll put ours here. Leaving a trail of unemployed agents. 

Of all those factors I discussed, it did not really affect me but for it affected a lot more to others who are working in this industry. Some bad effects I should say. First bad effect is peer pressure which well, I became somewhat alcoholic here.. hehe But I was able to stop that for now. Fooling around the job is another thing I learned. Especially when we're taking calls? Do you think we are kinda honest all the time? You got it wrong! You'll learn the tricks and trades how to get away from customers! hehe

When it comes to affairs or relationships, because of the somewhat liberated culture here, I'm quite relieved that I was not into trouble when it comes to that. Thanks to Him.. hehe But unfortunately, others seem follow what they feel of love. Despite their partners are not single anymore, worse, has a family.. Better yet before going into that kind of relationship, please know the person first. Well, there is one center that when this kind of illicit affair blown out of proportion, one was killed or I don't know maybe that agent is alive, was shot in the station. Sad but it's true. Or these days, HIV.. Well, it's not really a widespread but due to the liberation you feel in this industry, this one is alarming and it may become like big in the future.

There are a lot more bad effects with this fast paced culture and environment but the one which is very alarming is when it comes to business decisions.. These past years, there are a lot of cases that due to competitiveness or business costing, we need to pull out the LOB, Department, Team or worse, close the damn site. It's gruesome isn't? That's a norm in this industry especially for those 3rd party providers. Oops, I forgot, in house centers also quite doing the norm as the last resort. It's sad to hear but it's damn true. You can raise this as a complaint to DOLE, NLRC, or any gov't agency due to the trend but nothing will happen. As long you have a job in the same company but in a different LOB or a toxic department, no case to be heard. It's your choice, stay in hell or resign, find heaven in a different company. 

Ah I forgot, the fast paced environment is so quick, the things you know now.. Next months or worse due to updates, it's different anymore. Due to business changes, trainings or updates from the client itself or even the tools you use. You lost track of time and sometimes, dumbfounded due to new process or roles of your work, sometimes, they just add work to your shoulders. More stress!!

Another factor that it may affect you when working here.. Financial management. Of course, the best thing working in this industry is you're paid great, well above.. I'll discuss that later. But when working in this industry, you'll spend more as well. You need food, a lot food. If you think eating at lunch will be enough for the whole day's work.. Think again, eat more to make you awake for the rest of the shift. How about taking a cab going to work, worse going home as well because you're tired of walking and riding whatever going home. That's a lot of money need to spend.. Geez. Seriously, you will spend a lot, because of course, you earn big, you spend big.. You spend to things that you really don't need. I will be surprised that not anyone agent who used to have a credit card, maxed out and did not pay it. Or a worker who applied for a mobile phone postpaid plan who maxed out the plan, did not pay for some months and escaped. Bad debts, bad financial management. It happened to me and I know a lot of agents or workers had the same problem before. Now these days, it's hard to apply for a credit card when you're working in this industry or apply for a postpaid line which when they heard BPO or call center company, they outright deny you. But these days, I think postpaid applications now are quite easy but still weird. All expenses even drinking out and all liabilities or vices, excesses should be moderated. I wish I was able to handle it properly but it was too late. I hope you'll do that too. hehe

The last factor that I really hate or really affected me, social life. A big sacrifice. Of course, naturally, working at night espeically 9 hours straight, reversing your body clock is bad for your health, especially to pregnant women. That is bad as well in your relationships with your family, friends, and even other people that close to you. I missed a lot of gatherings, celebrations, occassions, going to church, or even dates! Simply because you can't file a leave due to manpower count by workforce or TL or OM declined request due to attendance qualifier crap or first come first serve basis.. Example, now is July, then agents apply already for leaves for October or November, if they got lucky, December! As long you plot in advance, it's fine.. Geez. Another thing, like the usual routine, you wish talking your family but can't. You're sleeping, they are awake. When you're awake and going to work, they are having a good night sleep. What also I hate, your friends just had a hang out, they told you that we wish you were here, we had a great time, that really pissed me of. It happened to me a lot of times, lost times with my family, friends.. Especially in those night shift years.


Before you work in this industry, think first with all these difficult conditions, are you ready to sacrifice and work through them? As for me, I can endure them all except for the fact that you will not able to spend more time to your family, friends or even persons close to you. Especially if your schedule is damn pathetic, the routine you'll do for the rest of the year or worse in your stay as a regular agent is eat, work, sleep.. But if you really need a change of scenary, earn big bucks and so forth.. Keep your eyes closed and work here..

In the short term, indeed it's worth to work here but if you want to have it long term, ah I suggest get promoted or find a regular shift high paying work or at least same pay you get but in a normal time. I feel that relationship with the people close to you is way important than working your butt's off in the very odd hours of the day. 

Don't worry, not all are bad working in a BPO/call center industry. There are fun, happy, great or let's say satisfying things you can enjoy working here. 

But for now, as long you haven't seen them yet, or know anything good or it's not yet showing here..

Question is, are you ready for this job? Right now!