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Rating: ★★ Category: Books Genre: Other Author: Jeff Kinney *sigh* It was quite an entertaining read. But I was missing something. I guess I was looking for a better resolution of Greg and Rowley's friendship. But it shouldn't stop you from buying the book. It tells of Greg's adventures in that interesting stage of change-- puberty.

I have encountered this poem time and time again.  First, when I heard the music version on the radio.  It was being read and the chorus was sung.  Then around early high school, my mother asked me to search for the poem.  She asked my Tito Lito to make a poster out of it so she can read it everyday.  Time and time again, I find myself reading the poem.  The chorus of the music version playing in my mind.  But nothing beats the written word and how it inspires one to be better... to become a better person. Without further ado, here is the poem, written in 1927 (if I am not mistaken), by Max Ehrmann (I am sure many of you didn't know who wrote it, hehe)... It still moves me the way others were moved by the beautiful words and the truth that lies in each and every line. DESIDERATA Go placidly amid the noise and haste, and remember what peace there may be in silence. As far as possible without surrender be on good terms with all persons. Speak yo...

Rating: ★ Category: Movies Genre: Independent Buenavista literally means pleasant view. But sad to say, the movie didn't live up to its title. This is the second indie film directed by Lino Tanada that I have seen, the first was his film adaptation of Orlando Nadres' Hanggang Dito Na Lamang at Maraming Salamat. I had no expectations that this would be as grand as Peque Gallaga's Oro, Plata, Mata since it's an indie. But the opening scene reminded me of Oro so much so that I know I am going to be somewhat disappointed with the film. And I was right. Granted that this is an indie film and is financially-challenged, it could've been tightened further in terms of pacing. Editing seemed to be a major problem here. It became so obvious that they were using just one videocam. Story could have been scripted in such a way that you won't get the feeling that you're watching a soap opera or listening to a radio drama (goodness!! how many times do you...

I never thought that it would come to this... me not having a regular work anymore... me freelancing... at this stage in my life, who'd have thought that I'd go freelancing for the second time?  The first time was when I was in between jobs (it's the time after I resigned from Caballero Worldwide Partners and before I got into Digitel) and had to reconnect with people who'd give me work.  I think I was a consultant for Commerce Advertising that time and another small agency in Binondo (I think it was ESP Advertising).  There were other writing jobs for me as well.  Freelancing that time was financially rewarding.  But the security isn't there.  I mean, the usual perks that one gets when he's a regular employee, like health coverage, bonuses, etc.  I guess that's the price I have to pay by going freelance.  I did it before.  But I was so much younger then.  And I knew that God took care of me for two years while I was doing freelance...

I had this unusual craving for halo-halo.  So I indulged myself last Friday to Chowking's halo-halo.  And a lot of good memories came flooding back. One of which was when I was still with One Manila.  Occasionally, Ms. Bing would treat us to a halo-halo when the heat got the better of us all.  It was either Razon's or Chowking.  But she prefers Razon's.  She'd do the rounds in the office and ask who'd want halo-halo because she's treating.  Unanimously, all of us would say yes.  That was one bonding time for all of us.  Truly unforgettable.  And I am truly grateful that there were moments like that in One Manila.  Back when we were all a big, happy family.  Despite the issues we had, all of it vanished when the crunchy ice, leche flan, milk, pinipig, sago, langka and all those native fruits begin sliding down our throats.  It was one of those moments we really looked forward to.  When I left One Manila for EQ...

Rating: ★★★★ Category: Music Genre: Other Artist: Original London Cast Recording Recently bought this double cd from Fully Booked and transferred it all to my iPod so I can assess if this is a worthy sequel. Composed by Andrew Lloyd Webber (of course) with lyrics by Glenn Slater, this is one cast recording that is truly a joy to listen to. The magnificence of the the orchestra abound! Especially the strings! This is a far cry from the thrill and suspense of the Phantom of the Opera London Cast Recording. I think 95% of the material is totally new and the remaining is a nod to the original material. Ramin Karimloo plays the Phantom, a worthy successor to Michael Crawford. Although he sometimes sounds like Michael Ball. Sierra Boggess is Christine, originally played by Sarah Brightman. I still prefer Brightman though. The 2-cd recording is a treat as it tells the whole story as if you're listening to the radio, complete with sound effects! I got the same experien...

In a world where every day is a sunny day, you'll find Sesame Street .  But there is a place where reality kicks in and every day isn't as sunny as you thought it was.  It's a place called Avenue Q . Co nceived by Robert Lopez and Jeff Marx who also wrote the music and lyrics, Avenue Q evidently drew its inspiration from Sesame Street . With characters like Nicky and Rod--that's Ernie and Bert for you with a twist of course, and Trekkie Monster--Cookie Monster rip-off, but this time he's not addicted to cookies but to something else.  We also get to meet characters like Kate Monster, Lucy the Slut, The Bad Idea Bears, and human ones like Christmas Eve, Brian and Gary Coleman! So when I read that Atlantis Productions will stage Avenue Q for the fifth time, I really had to watch it (my best friend and I caught the 2nd-to-the-last playdate).  Aside from the good word-of-mouth reviews I got from friends who have seen it, my curiosity was piqued and I wanted to see...