Cease Smoking Successfully

Smoking is addictive. Cigarettes contain nicotine that is highly engaging that once your system gets used to it, it becomes tough to get your hands off the stick. Some people can even consume a pack a day. Imagine how large the amount of nicotine that is absorbed by their bodies. They may not experience the troubling and debilitating effects of smoking right now but they will surely regret not controlling themselves from puffing when their systems eventually give in and become weak in their later years.

Smoking is a really barbaric enemy to our health since it doesn't only affect one part of our body. As it usually targets the heart and the lungs, our other important systems will be endangered once the said two vital organs are damaged. Plus, it contributes to the development of hypertension and cancers.

Question is, how do you quit smoking? Of course, there are various ways on how to cease this vice as long as one is disciplined, dedicated, and motivated. Here they are.

Movie Review: One Day by Lone Scherfig

The movie, One Day, starring Anne Hathaway and Jim Sturgess was a really touching yet shocking film that tackles the fight for true love and true friendship. It shows how enduring real romance can be and how it can keep the people involved going in life despite the difficulties they face.

Anne is playing the role of Emma, a writer who fell in love with a college friend, Dexter ( portrayed by JimSturgess), a tv host who ended up doing working in a buddy's restaurant after his career slowed down. 

Their story started when the two slept together one night after their college graduation. Since then, they agreed to meet each other every 15th day of July to see their progress in their individual lives.

Sporting a Tribal Look

Clothes designed with ethnic patterns are now a trend in fashion. With people living in an urbanized setting, to be able to wear such dresses, shirts, or any wardrobe with Indian-inspired shapes and lines makes one feel calm and relaxed despite the busy lifestyle. The tribal prints etched on a clothing’s fabric also make the whole look chic and edgy.

This fad, however, isn’t only true to tops or pants. One can sport a plain shirt and just pair it with a feather necklace or bunch of indigenous bracelets. For my part, I have bags with tribal patterns. These bags can help you pull off a hippie ensemble even if you just have a simple get-up.

Seafood Cravings at Aling Mahsya

Hypertension. This is what you get from eating too much pork or beef. Constantly devouring such may shoot your cholesterol levels up without your knowing. As a result, you may find yourself complaining about an aching head or neck. For the health conscious, seafood is the best alternative for the fatty food. It is savory, meaty, and could be cooked in various delicious ways just like pork and beef.

So when having dinner or lunch dates with your family, why not try restaurants that offer scrumptious seafood delights. Your grandparents may not even have to worry about forgetting their anti-hypertensive drugs at home.

Our family tried Aling Mahsya, one of the seafood paluto restaurants located at the Seaside Boulevard of SM Mall of Asia. We just let the waiters order our seafood of choice for half a kilo each from the nearby wet market to avoid the hassle of haggling with the vendors. But if you want to purchase the lowest price possible, then you could personally have deals with the sellers. The resto would then take care of all the cooking in accordance to the menu that you have chosen.

The food was satisfying down to the very last bite. I couldn't stop myself from chewing, munching, and digesting. After all, I don't have to stress about my heart being clogged up by unwanted fats and all.

This buttered shrimp is so juicy!!!

I think I love baked tahong more than baked talaba.

Calamares is just perfect for pulutan.

Aling Mahsya's Halaan Soup is very soothing and relaxing in the throat.

Book Review: Hope for the Flowers by Trina Paulus

In today's competitive era, some people would try to purposely step on someone else's foot to be on top. They don't care if they have already crossed boundaries, degrading others' self-worth and dignity. They do not realize that crab mentality isn't the key to success but rather, it is through truly knowing one's self and reaching goals without hurting others are what it take to be the best that you can be.

This is what I've learned from the book , "Hope for the Flowers" by Trina Paulus. The book is so simple that even a gradeschooler can easily grasp it. Truth is, it really looks like a children's book but no, it is for people from all ages and walks of life.

The book, actually a tale, has characters composed of a male and a female worm. The two were curious to know what's hidden up in the clouds since many other worms outdo each other just to get there. The one that will excite you in the story was how the female worm found herself transform into a beautiful butterfly.

The story is an easy read, and a creative one at that, since each page is actually composed of a short narration and simple yet witty conversations of the characters. At times, you'll pause for a moment and ponder on a character's line that has a significant connection with real life.

It is a book that spells hope, peace, and love. I totally like the flavor of love incorporated in the story especially as shown between the male and female worm.

With this very relaxing book, one can really read this on bed before entering dreamland. You'll sleep with hope, peace, and love in your heart.

Movie Review: The Help by Tate Taylor

Racism. This is the main issue addressed by the film, The Help, as a whole. Directed by Tate Taylor, the movie tells a story about a fresh college graduate named Eugenia “Skeeter” Phelan (played by Emma Stone) who is about to jumpstart her career as a writer by moving back to her hometown, determined to publish her own book. She chronicles about how the black women working as maids in their place were inhumanely treated by their white American households.

The movie gained a lot of recognition in the Academy Awards including Best Supporting Actress for Octavia Spencer and a nomination for Best Picture.

The film is witty in its interpretation of how some black Americans hesitantly fight for their rights and how some of them courageously face the insults of the white citizens. The serious but entertaining plot flows well and is easy to comprehend. The stories of the black maids who are being discriminated are presented in a way that you will empathize and feel for them.

I admire how the camera unpretentiously captures the sophisticated yet dramatic environment of the movie. The costumes are nicely tailored such that it realistically reflect the film’s era.

Almost all the characters have made an impact on me since each of them offers something unique and interesting on the table. Undeniably, the actors are effective in their performances as they honestly bring to life the qualities and actuations of their roles.

The Help is a must-see film since it helps us recall how big the problem of racism was at the past. It makes us realize how we must treat each other with love and respect regardless of our color, gender, or status in the society.

Sari-sari Store Frenzy

Putting up a sari-sari store is a good business idea when you are living in a barangay or a village. Residents would sometimes run out of basic supplies such as oil, gas, sugar, and condiments like soy sauce and vinegar. Filipinos also love to spend siesta time on tiangges, buying softdrinks with matching chips or bread.

However, maintaining a sari-sari store is no different in managing a huge business. The owner must make sure that credits are minimized or better yet discouraged because customers may take for granted their responsibility to pay. If your store doesn’t have the luxury to have a flowy supply of products, it is safe not to allow credits.

Owners must also properly account their capital and profit in order for them to ascertain that their store is really earning an income.

One problem of sari-sari stores is that its supplies are sometimes consumed by the owners’ relatives especially when they have kids who just take whatever they want out of the store such as chips, softdrinks, and candies. With this predicament, owners must account what their relatives have consumed for free or better yet just provide them with separate snacks that don’t belong to the store.

Set rules to be strictly followed by relatives and consumers so that your store can profit well and grow into a big one. Every peso counts here so purchase products that are proven to be in demand to the buyers. One can also maximize products in groceries that are sold in sale or those with freebies which you can actually sell as well.

Movie Review: Boy Pick-up

Nonsense pick-up lines. Gangster look. Pouty lips. Combine all these with the confident and gutsy attitude and what you get is the famous character in tv today – Boy Pick-up. Adding to his popularity is his new film, Boy Pick-up the Movie, which tells a bit of his life background.

The film showcases the improved acting chops of Solenn Heussaff who plays the love interest of Boy Pick-up ( played by actor and singer Ogie Alcasid). Betong and Maey of Survivor Philippines Celebrity Doubles Edition are also given supporting roles to reveal their comic antics on the big screen. Diego and Boy back-up (played by Eri Neeman) are two of my favorites as to making me laugh on my seat. They can actually pull off funny scenes effortlessly especially the act where they share a lollipop with one another. Yucks! Haha… LiliaCuntapay, the staple extra in horror films, is also given an important character as the mother of Boy Pick-up. She has delivered her short role truthfully.

The movie is entertaining and can tickle you with some of the intended senseless scenes but I can’t deny the fact that other parts are corny. I hope the film has emphasized or has given exposure to the pick-up battle scenes more since these parts are the ones the audience are looking forward to watching. The plot isn’t really strong or attributed with an in-depth twist but such weak point is concealed by good acting. Dennis Trillo is absorbed in his role as the angsty and revengeful Bagwis, the film’s antagonist . Pepe Smith is a natural as he plays “Master”, the trainor of Boy Pick-up. Of course, Ogie Alcasid has proven how talented he is as he brings to life the main character.

I like the cinematography of the film since it is packed with symbolisms which will make you think for a while with what they stand for. These symbolisms such as the toy duck blowing bubbles are incorporated to add weight to the personality of Boy Pick-up. Maybe, some scenes are intended to be senseless and exaggerated to reflect how idiosyncrasy can sometimes mean genius.

If you want a feel-good funny and entertaining film that would relieve your stress on a weekend, Boy Pick-up the Movie is the right choice. Take your chips with you, sit on a comfy chair, and enjoy Pinoy humor you sure will have a connection with. I know you can’t get Boy Pick-up but with his attitude and oomphy delivery, you’ll absolutely root for him.

My Top OPM Artists

Here is a list of my favorite OPM artists. I chose them because of the uniqueness and originality of their voices and how they honestly express their personality through their songs.

Rico Blanco- Though his voice sounds "sosyal", his songs are "makabayan" and well-written. He seems to have a peculiar accent when he sings his songs . He combines rock and soul in his voice, making his style even more distinctive from others. (Songs: Bangon, Your Universe)

Kitchie Nadal- Her voice is mature, sexy, and rockish but definitely has a different husky punch that sets her apart from other opm artists. Her upbeat songs also make me go LSS.(Songs: Bulong, Huwag na Huwag MongSasabihin, Same Ground)

Sharon Cuneta- Her voice is cute, simple, yet is not pushy when pulling off high notes. She sings from the heart and with emotions. When she expresses tagalong songs, the “pinoy” feel is apparently there. (Songs:Kung Tayo Ay Magkakalayo, Ngayon at Kailanman, Bituin Walang Ningning)

Regine Velasquez- Her high notes could seemingly break a glass but I loved it when she sings songs with a average notes because this is where you appreciate her angelic voice that could unexpectedly pull off wide ranges. I love hearing her voice in pop songs because you can just sing to the beat with her. (Songs: On The Wings of Love, Dadalhin, You Are My Song)

Barbie Almalbis- no-fuss voice yet very playful. She may not be your typical singer who can wow you with a voice that reaches Mt. Everest yet you cannot help but fall in love with her humble yet truly wonderful voice. (Songs: Just A Smile, Dahilan, Tabing Ilog)

Ney Dmac- adept with a shaky voice yet with volume and foundation. Yes, it’s shaky but definitely not pitchy. He can reach high notes with a bang. His voice is just oozing with determination and artistry. (Songs: Biglaan,Sige, Ligaw, Kaya Mo)

Bugoy Drilon- His voice is so suited to the RnB genre without him trying too hard. He makes “kulots” that are not irritating and off-beat. When you turn on the radio, you’ll immediately distinguish if it’s Bugoy Drilon who is singing. (Songs: Paano Na Kaya, Nang Dahil Sa Pag-ibig, Muli)

Ariel Rivera- Classic. I definitely associate ballad to Ariel Rivera. I guess balladeers of today’s generation look up to him as an inspiration. He has a manly, soulful voice that is perfect for romantic songs. (Songs: Sana KahitMinsan, Simple Lang, Narito Ako)

Gary Valenciano- His voice is just mind-blowing. He is not just imbued with the almost flawless techniques in singing- but he sings with a heart. The emotions in his songs truly transcend to the listeners. And yes, with his awesome moves, he is definitely the epitome of a total performer. (Songs: Sana Maulit Muli, Take Me Out of the Dark, Hataw Na, Kailangan Kita)

Chito Miranda of Parokya ni Edgar- His voice may sound “paos” but it can hypnotically make you sing with his quirky songs. He just enjoys singing that the passion shows in his performances. His songs aren’t hard to memorize since its rhythm can easily be followed by the listeners. (Songs: Mr. Suave, Harana, Mang Jose,Chikinini, The Ordertaker)

Bamboo- His voice seems westernized but the “Pinoy” vibe isn’t absent in his songs. He attacks songs as flexible as a bamboo. He just rocks! Enough said. (Songs: Halleluja, Tatsulok, Muli, Probinsyana)

Kyla- soulful yet really astonishing when she reaches the high notes. She keeps the RnB style whenever she belts out. She makes the most out of the rawness of her voice that she surprisingly turns her ordinary tones into extra-ordinary. (Songs: Beautiful Days, I Feel for You, Bring It On)

Christian Bautista- His voice is suited for operas yet just right for heart-warming ballads and musicals. His rhythms seem to flow like a peaceful river that you can’t help to just relax in his calming vocal sound. (Songs: The Way You Look at Me, Please Be Careful With My Heart)

Toni Gonzaga- You will definitely recognize it is Toni singing because of her full voice. Despite this, she manages to brave higher notes. She makes “kulots” sometimes to package her songs that she can call her own. (Songs: You Complete Me, Crazy For You, Catch Me I’m Falling)

Janno Gibbs- He is really my idol because he knows how to play with his voice without compromising the pitches. He can sing ballad soulfully but at the same time, pull of an RnB piece effectively. He can lower his voice in a very flexible manner but move to a falsetto in a very artistic way. His personality is just oozing out in his songs. Yeah, I’m a fan! (Songs: Fallin, Heart of Mine, Sana Dalawa Ang Puso Ko, Ipagpatawad Mo)

Away From Christmas

Christmas away from family is sad yet it is also the moment you realize how much you love and cherish them. It's the distance apart from them that makes you want to embrace them tightly and give them sweet kisses on the cheeks. It dawns on you how much you miss them and that there is indeed no place like home.

People tend to travel and find places they've never been to. It's because maybe, they wanted a different environment and experience new culture away from the comforts of their homes. They are also curious if they can see growth in them from other unfamiliar geographic locations. They are interested to learn new perspectives in life and see if they can get something significant from them. This may be hard since they decide to leave home where they grew up in. No mother will prepare his breakfast. No maid will wash her clothes. No one will clean his dishes and so on and so forth. They want to have a taste of independence in a different setting where they can sense fresh and new things.

Now that it's Christmas time, the longing of wanting to be with family heightens. Tears may fall from your eyes, reminiscing how happy and joyful it was to be with your loved ones. However, we can't deny the fact that someday, we may not see home amidst the jingles and parties happening around. All we can do is open our communication with them during this special day of Christ's birth. Through calling or greeting them is just one way of making you feel that distance from them can be as close as it can be.

Book Review: The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao by Junot Diaz

Junot Diaz’s novel, The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao, contains the historical accounts of Dominican Republic’s political scene under Trujillo’s regime and how it affected the lives of the main characters in present time.  We, the readers, are exposed into the evolving personalities not only of Oscar himself but also of his family.       

We basically follow the roller coaster experiences of Oscar Wao, a nerdy boy turned teacher and aspiring writer, and how he transitioned from adolescence to adulthood while struggling to come to terms with his own inner conflicts such as connecting with girls despite his unattractive attributes. We see how he adjusted in a family environment composed of a rebellious older sister, strict sickly mother, and an overprotective aunt. As we leaf through the pages, an Oscar who has a brand new perspective in life is unleashed.  We notice how he turned out to be a hopeless romantic who would do anything for love’s sake even if it means his death.    

Then we explore this question: Was the fuku (thought to be a curse passed on from one generation to another) incurred by Oscar’s family true? The author intricately discussed our main protagonist’s roots from his grandfather, a well-respected doctor who was viciously treated and died pathetically, to his mother who grew under an abusive foster parents before she found refuge in her caring aunt.     

Diaz narrated the story in various point of views which made the book fun and exciting to discover. In one chapter, we read through the mind and heart of Oscar and in another, we hear about personal sentiments straight from the voice of his college dorm mate whom he became close with. Other pages were written in third person and the author would sometimes insert his own comments and reactions towards certain scenes which appeared to me as strange yet amusing. 

I admire how Junot Diaz incorporated historical events in the lives of his characters, making them more realistic and easy to empathize with. I loved how he kept the fire burning throughout the story’s progression that putting the book off would be impossible.      

I learned how corruption in the government can dangerously affect the fundamental unit of society, the family. And when a family is broken, how can its members efficiently serve its community? Nowadays, monkey business is still rampant. With the officials’ dishonesty, rights of people from all walks of life are being violated and trampled.        

It’s up to us to believe if “fuku” really did exist. Maybe shit happens because we allow the bad to conquer and subdue us, leading us amidst an unfortunate turn of events. Or maybe because it is caused by selfish and contemptuous individuals who want others’ lives to become miserable. Nevertheless, It’s up to us on how we should carve our own destiny. The important thing is, we don’t easily give up when problems hit us.

Book Review: The White Tiger by Aravind Adiga

The book of Aravind Adiga entitled, The White Tiger, is  packed with eye-opening information on the positive and negative issues India has been facing  both in the past and present . Through the narration of Balram Halwai, the main character in the novel, I am as if brought to India and experience in the pages its culture, society, and religion.

Balram tackles so many serious topics such as how pitiful the plight of a servant’s life is in  his country, the widespread corruption taking place in the government, and poverty that leads a family to risk even their health, relationships, and security. Despite this,  the author writes the  plot, scenes, and the conversations in a quirky and comical way that will tickle you but at the same time drive you to feel deeply with the characters in the story.

The author brings out the mood, actuations, and behavior of Balram sufficiently and effectively. The turn over of events will surprise and entertain you so the book is definitely not a bore to read. Very truthful and tangible.

The writer presents how Balram, once a poor man, became a rich and successful entrepreneur. The social reality in his place is unleashed as you go along the story.  Injustices from home to politics are discussed through the impelling voice of Balram. You’ll notice how desperate Balram’s family  in finding solutions on how to combat poverty . The degrading effects of corruption such as the increasing gap between the powerful and the powerless are talked about.

Nevertheless, the writer also mentions how some parts of India are becoming progressive due to the new buildings being constructed as well as the rise of some  booming industries.

It always comes to a point that no matter how educated our leaders are or how successful businesses are in a country, those living in slums and sidewalks will have a low chance of a better future if the government steals the money of the masses.  This truth isn’t only seen in India but in other countries as well.

     

Balram is an epitome of a person who is deprived of his rights, dreams, and dignity. Due to the overwhelming degrading circumstances he and his family had experienced under the  oppressive officials of their community, he was able to think of the unthinkable – of something dangerous and grueling. His master, Ashok, to whom he drove for is a person who couldn’t fully stand up for his own convictions despite his good intentions. The plot leads us to the two being brainwashed by the darkness that encompasses them. They have allowed external dilemma to change what is clean and honest within their hearts.

     

The White Tiger isn’t confusing. It tells the story without going around the bush. As the whole novel is some kind of a letter to a famous leader in China, Premier Jiabao, it’s as if it is directed to you, the reader, as you leaf its pages. Each character is also unique and can deliver on its own. Each represents a certain group or caste to fluidly elaborate social entities in India.

     

The book is just worth contemplating on. It opens your mind to how one should fight for his beliefs if he certainly and conscientiously knows the right from bad, if he knows that his values cannot harm the lives of his fellowmen but rather, contribute to the wellness of his community. And yes, some people may climb the ladder by kicking others down but success is sweeter when you know that on your way up, you haven’t stepped on someone else’s foot.

Thoughts on the film, I Do Bidoo Bidoo

I watched the movie,  I DO BIDOO BIDOO, and  found it cool, very pinoy, and entertaining. Though I thought the musical’s storyline was so simple, the scoring, choreography, and the cinematography were totally amusing and creative.       

The two actors, Sam Concepcion (playing Rock Polotan) and Tippy Dos Santos (playing Tracy Fuentebella), on whom the story revolved were perfect for their roles since acting and singing wise, they were fantastic. Add to this the roster of respected personalities like Gary Valenciano, Zsa Zsa Padilla, Ogie Alcasid, and the ever funny, Eugene Domingo who all did great jobs in helping the movie attain quality entertainment.       

  

All the characters in the film were attributed with special numbers showcasing their brilliant theatrical skills.      The seemingly Romeo and Juliet plot was given a new flavour through its incorporation of Filipino values and culture. It presented the common predicaments Filipino families face such as the unshakeable social expectations that were difficult to bend.         

The movie featured the iconic music of APO Hiking Society arranged in various unique renditions. I personally liked the most the “namamanhikan” scene wherein the dancing, singing, and hilarious acting were rolled into one.         

Produced by TV 5, I Do Bidoo Bidoo, is written and directed by Chris Martinez.

The Mouse Wins

Whenever I hear the cat purr fiercely, I know it is up to something. It may have seen its prey- the agile mouse who runs to and fro the corners of our house. The mouse may be busy searching for its food right in the kitchen's vicinity yet it is clueless that the end of its life is just a minute away.

However, hearing the hungry grunt of the cat, the mouse will nervously hide to protect itself. It will do anything to guard its precious life from the claws of the wide-eyed cat patiently waiting for the right timing of attack. But then, the cat will grow weary of capturing the mouse who has been out of the former's sight for a long time. And the mouse will thankfully sigh since it has once again survived a day from its vicious enemy.

This isn't your typical Tom and Jerry story. Here, the mouse knew that it has no power to subdue the cat so it stayed in a safe corner where the cat couldn't reach it. Yes, the mouse was scared but it didn't also become so aggressive, assured, and proud that it could beat the cat. Its technique instead was to let the cat go tired of waiting until the purring animal gave up.

A Simple Travel

I want to travel. However, I'm not that rich to transport myself to some faraway land unknown to me. Yes, I dream of going to a tropical island surrounded with lush trees and carefree birds flying around. Or in Brazil and take a picture of me with the popular statue at Rio de Janiero as background. Or in Indonesia and experience the relaxing and invigorating ambiance of one-of-a-kind spas in Bali.

But hey, reality check please. I'm just a simple guy in the Philippines who can't afford such above-mentioned luxuries. I just go to places where circumstances of daily life lead me. May it be in the busy streets of our town or in the nearest beach that costs me a 10-peso entrance fee.  I just bike all the way to our neighboring municipalities and see the new things they offer my senses. There may be no big difference. Kiosks, a plaza, a church, and a city hall. Yet you'll be refreshed on the peculiar way they speak our vernacular. People there have similar language as ours yet the tone on how they enunciate it differ much.

Yes, traveling must not that expensive. People should just live by their means. To have a fun-filled getaway, there is no need to spend much because we can find brand new knowledge from the localities where we live. As long as we treasure every simple ride or walk to a fresh environment we've never been to, it makes us feel that we don't need many stamps in our passports just to gain wisdom through traveling. Appreciating what  our places can offer makes us proud and contented on the lanes, corners, and streets that we trudge on. Along with the various, interesting people it contains and the truth we get from them, indeed, there's no need for a plane or ship to learn more about life.