Autumn in February

Surrounded by fallen golden brown leaves makes believe, for a moment, that maybe autumn has already set in. The problem is that we only have two weather seasons here in our country, wet and dry. Now, snap back to reality.

MOVIE: Aguila (1980)

This is one of the best movies I've seen in Philippine cinema directed by Eddie Romero. I chanced upon this movie upon seeing Fernando Poe, Jr, famously known in my country as the "Action King", while channel surfing in Cinema One. Expecting an action movie, I started to watch the movie and was engrossed with the multi-generational story of one family. It turned out to be a drama role for one of the most beloved action figure in the history of Philippine cinema. Wonderful script, Great Acting. A story of passion, corruption, hope, redemption and fulfillment all in one movie.

A must-see for Philippine cinema lovers. Too bad, we don't make these types of movies anymore.

Making Art Out of Junk: Part II

Here are additional design made out of recycled Sprite bottles and other plastic junk. Them detail in the flowers and plants are wonderful. Great craftsmanship. The potential for artistry is only limited to the imagination of the artist.

Original Post:

Making Art Out of Junk

MOVIE: Andrew Lloyd Webber's Love Never Dies

This is said to be the sequel of the musical "Phantom of the Opera". This movie was filmed in the Melbourne production of the musical. I haven't finished viewing it yet. Hope it compares well with to the original.

It still features most of the central characters as the original such as The Phantom, Christine Daae, Raoul and Madame Giry. The original was set in Paris, France while this is in Coney Island, Brooklyn, New York.

BOOK: Tao of Pooh & Te of Piglet

“Rabbit's clever," said Pooh thoughtfully. 

"Yes," said Piglet, "Rabbit's clever." 

"And he has Brain." 

"Yes," said Piglet, "Rabbit has Brain." 

There was a long silence. 

"I suppose," said Pooh, "that that's why he never understands anything.”

Tao of Pooh was the first book I bought when I started college. I was always intrigued with the Chinese philosophy of "Taoism", and with the combination of Pooh in it made me want to buy it. The book was written beautifully and in a simple manner. Explaining the "way" by way of pooh and his actions. In this book, I encountered how complicated a simple subject would be and how easy a complicated subject be understood. This book makes you think and helps you formulate a path that you follow as a guiding principle of life. I learned a lot from this book and still keep some of its teaching with me until this day.

Te of Piglet is the sequel of the first book. I think I have to revisit it again one of these days to refresh my memories because the ideas that were embedded in my mind are those of Tao of Pooh.

Both books are written by Benjamin Hoff.

Overcoming Obstacles

A newly-hatched olive ridley sea turtle climbs over a shoe on its way to the ocean.
Spotted in Dahican Beach, City of Mati.

Wanting something is not enough. You must hunger for it. 
Your motivation must be absolutely compelling 
in order to overcome the obstacles 
that will invariably come your way.

Les Brown

Coming Soon... Grilled Fish

Fresh from the Sea

Making Art Out of Junk

This beautifully-crafted plastic flower came from an empty plastic bottle, similar to the one seen below 

Most of us see just, artists see something different, something beautiful.

Maybe,we should look at things in a new perspective.

Live for Tomorrow, Today

Note: A repost from an article I wrote in August 21, 2008 in a blog that I've discontinued.

With nothing to do last night, I wasted my time away watching an anime series on video until early the next morning until I could sleep. I’m still on the 19th episode of a 50 episode series. Being used to watching anime, I have encountered many ridiculous reasons, moral lessons or advises that the character or their mentors give. Oftentimes, they are silly and corny. However, the advice issued in that series became significant to me. It states that “Live today for tomorrow's smiles and have the courage to face your past”.

I prided myself with planning almost all of my actions, anticipating the possible repercussion or the lack thereof of my actions. They either succeed or fail. Nevertheless, I will still plan even if I feel that the results will be dire. Maybe my fault is too much planning and thinking of which resulted in my lack of action because if I can already see in my mind that it is not the right way. I will refrain from doing such act even if it outcome hasn’t been proven yet. The only one who can stop me, is me. And I’ve stopped myself a lot of times.

The quote became significant because I know planned too much, and I sometimes forget to live my life. With so many thoughts swirling in my mind, I have got to stop anticipating the results beforehand and start living my life. I have to face the challenge of the future today armed with my knowledge from the past and not let my past be a hindrance of my future. My past made me who I am today but it is I who will define my future.