TGIF

It's Friday again, and I'm very happy to say that I had a nice week so far.

Some of the "good" things I can think of is passing my Filipino and Biology exams, which I'm very, very proud of, as I'm not good at all in Filipino and Biology's been giving me a hard time this semester. 

Then, I got my very first Editor's Choice Award in Teen Ink for my Life of Pi movie review this Tuesday. It became #1 on the day it was published online, and #4 the next day. 

Another good for this week is, getting to interview award-winning journalist Sandra Aguinaldo of  GMA. She was kind enough to let us interview her, despite her extremely busy schedule. She even gave us a tiny GMA tour! 

The exchange booth of AIESEC UST also kicked off this week, and I'm proud to say that on the day I was around, our local committee was able to get 193 people to sign up for an orientation seminar. We currently have a total of 369 sign-ups. That's a lot of people, and a lot of potential exchange participants! 

And finally, today marks the start of my long weekend. 

Sweetness :)

♥Andz

At the End of the Day

Funny how I've visited a number of famous landmarks and monuments overseas, but never been to some of the most important ones in my own country, like - as much as I hate to admit - Rizal Park, or Luneta, or if you're really ancient, you probably still call it Bagumbayan.

Honestly, I have no idea why I've never been to the place before. Sure, I've passed by it a few times in the past, but I've never actually set my foot on the historic grounds of the park. Ever. 

So today, for we finished our exams pretty early (8 am., to be exact), and the malls won't open until a few hours later, I asked Milky - a friend of mine whom you can call Meilkuiazjuh, if you dare - to accompany me to Rizal Park to let time pass before we head to the mall to watch Les Miserables. A stranger in her own land as well, she obliged.

We enjoyed our time in Rizal Park. The weather was lovely, with the cloudy sky and cool breeze, and there were loads of people everywhere; most of them grade school kids on field trips. As we took a stroll around, kalesas (horse carriages) passed by, bubbles blown by kids floated and popped in the air, and people from all walks of life just came and went. It was beautiful.

Of course, we looked for the exact spot, where our national hero was executed by a firing squad (it's quite hidden, and you have to pay a certain fee for admission), took loads of photos, and paid our respects to Rizal's monument.

Our Rizal Course professor would be proud.

We then headed to the mall to finally watch Les Miserables. It has been a long wait, especially to us, Filipinos, as the film didn't open in our theatres until last Wednesday, because of the annual Metro Manila Film Festival held every December.

Man, it was really good! Your whole body just tells you how amazing the film is. Goosebumps rise on your skin. Tears well and eventually fall from your puffy eyes. Your mouth hangs open in awe and astonishment. And your heart beats in a different rhythm with every scene. 

I especially loved Anne Hathaway's heart-wrenching version of "I Dreamed a Dream" and Samantha Barks' emotionally-charged rendition of "On My Own".

After the film, we went window shopping, browsed through books and clothes. And at the end of the day, we sat by the Manila Bay with the colours of sunset painted in the horizon.

♥Andz

Film Review: Life of Pi

The first time I came across the spine of Yann Martel's award-winning novel "Life of Pi", the title made no sense to me at all. Of course, I knew what pi is. It's the ratio of the circumference of a circle to its diameter equal to 3.14, but I saw no plausible connection between life and the mathematical constant at all.

"What a curious title for a book," I even thought, and carried on with whatever I was doing back then. Little did I know that such an oddly-named novel would be adapted into one of the best films I will see a few years later.

Pi - Piscine Molitor Patel (Irrfan Khan) - is a man of many faiths. Born a Hindu, he later finds interest in Catholicism and Islam, practising the three religions altogether. And as though being a follower of three different religious sects isn't enough, he also gives lectures in Kabbalah at the university.

As a boy, Pi had always been taunted at because of his name, which his parents got from a swimming pool in France. He was an intelligent, inquisitive, and spirited young lad, who lived in a government-supported zoo ran by his family in Pondicherry, India. 

But the rustic life he lives is about to change when his father decides to migrate to Canada and sell their animals in the hopes of giving his family a better future - much to Pi's dismay. Together with the zoo animals they acquired through the years, the Patel family (consisting of the now 16 year-old Pi (Suraj Sharma), his father, mother, and older brother) boards a Japanese freighter, but their journey is cut short when the ship meets a thunderstorm, and Pi becomes the only survivor.

Adrift on a lifeboat in the Pacific Ocean, Pi realises that he is not the only one who managed to escape the ship, but a few of his family's most-prized zoo animals - a zebra, an orangutan  a spotted hyena, and a Bengal tiger named Richard Parker - survived as well.

But as the law of nature and nutrition goes, the hyena goes for the kill to fill its hungry stomach, and the zebra and orangutan fall as its preys. However, the link of the food chain doesn't end there, and Richard Parker finishes the hyena off and its previous victims.

Afraid that the last meal the tiger will have would be a skinny vegetarian boy, Pi finds a way to tame and keep his feline company satisfied, while living one day at a time.

Deemed as impossible to film, you can say that Life of Pi is a movie miracle. With the perfect fusion of Academy Award-winner Ang Lee's directing, top-of-the-line CGI animation, and impeccable acting from newcomer Suraj Sharma, this film defies all odds, and becomes an instant favourite amongst moviegoers.

Now, I don't think I'll be flipping through the pages of the book soon enough (even if I want to), but the movie gave me an idea of what to expect from the best-seller that sold over seven million copies, since its publication in 2001.

Life of Pi gives a new definition to faith and survival. It doesn't have the melodrama of a corny religious film, nor the stuck-in-the-middle-of-nowhere feel of a cheap movie about a tragedy survivor. The different faiths incorporated in the story create an environment free of religious bias.

The movie also explores the many wonders of nature, which were all astonishing to see. From bioluminescent waters and thousands of flying fish to a sea of meerkats in a carnivorous island, Life of Pi gives its audience a different perspective of the world.

Having said that, Life of Pi is simply a treat to the eyes. Whether watched in 3D or not, it's what viewers, who have long been waiting for some movie magic, are looking for. It has the most vivid colours of a Walt Disney fairytale and the advanced animation technology similar-to-but-maybe-better than Avatar. In its two-hour plus running time, I couldn't help but marvel at every scenery captured and created by the talented crew of the film.

Moreover, the man behind the miracle, director Ang Lee tackled the story with great ingenuity, and his superb directing is reflected in the movie. I've seen his films before, which were all brilliant. But I must say, none of them compares with Life of Pi - a true oeuvre of a silver screen virtuoso.

And, what's an extraordinary film without an extraordinary protagonist? Erm, human protagonist in this case...

Sure, everybody loved the majestic Richard Parker - a creation of CGI animators from the US, Canada, India, and Malaysia (it took 15 artists to perfect his fur), but big screen newbie Suraj Sharma is the real deal!

A college student in New Delhi, Sharma never thought that he would win the most-coveted role of Pi, beating over 3,000 hopefuls, including his brother, who asked his company to the audition, bribing him with a Subway sandwich in the process. As a joke, Sharma said in a TV guesting, "Well, I went in for Subway and walked out with Pi."

But his lack of knowledge in the world of acting didn't stop him from playing the character expected of him. To be fit for the role, Sharma learned how to swim, trained to have a better posture, gained 13 kilos for the beginning of the movie, and later worked his way to lose 14 for the ocean scenes. If that's not enough dedication to you, I don't know what is.

Perhaps, his rawness helped Sharma deliver Pi naturally. It was all in there, the pain, the happiness, and everything in between. His acting was comparable to that of a pro's, ruling out amateurism. Through Pi, he has truly proven that he is someone worth watching out for.

Since its release in November 21, 2012, Life of Pi has already raked in various awards and nominations, including a Golden Globe win for Best Original Score by Mychael Danna (they lost in the Best Motion Picture - Drama Category to Argo, and Ang Lee was an inch shy from winning Best Director, which was bagged by Ben Affleck for Argo), and 11 nominations for this year's Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Director.

But awards won't measure nor define the mastery of this film at all. With golden statues or not, Life of Pi is a winner in its own.


♥Andz

Book Review: Skin Deep

Touching and at times philosophical, E.M. Crane's debut young adult novel, Skin Deep, is one of those books that will make you pause for a moment, take a step back, and ponder on the life you have chosen to live.

Andrea Anderson never thought that she could be something more. In the social hierarchy, she is a Nothing. For her, if all the world's a stage, she's sitting somewhere in the audience. But the way she sees things changes when she accepts a job as an assistant of Honora Menapace, a reclusive neighbour, who falls ill and needs someone to tend her garden, finish her pottery, and feed her Saint Bernard, Zena.

Her new job seems easy enough, but as things take an unexpected turn, villains become heroes, what used to be light becomes dark, and what she used to find ugly is now too beautiful for words.

This tastefully-written novel is not the usual young adult story with the pretty girls, the jocks, and the nerds playing the characters they're expected to. 

Skin Deep is a novel with an immense appreciation for nature and the arts, and above all, it is a great break-free from the themes of most YA novels today, specifically teenage apathy and stereotyping. Crane also has the skill of painting the perfect picture for the reader's senses to explore. With her very detailed descriptions, one would actually feel as though they're a part of the story itself.

Skin Deep is a 270-page journey of self-discovery with Andrea that you won't soon forget.

♥Andz

BIG Thanks + New Illustrations

I've got a few new illustrations that I want to show you today. But before that, I would like to thank everyone who read and liked and shared my previous article "7 Things You May Not Know About UST Growling Tigers Team Captain Jeric Fortuna". 

It was a pleasure getting to interview him, and I did enjoy writing the article, so I'm really, really thankful and happy that you guys liked it.

This whole article thing may not be a big deal to most of you, and you might even say, "Oh, Andy's being too dramatic again." But I'm not being dramatic at all! It's not everyday that I get such response from my readers, which is why I'm this ecstatic and grateful to all of you!

And as though all the awesome feedback I was getting wasn't enough, my stats rocketed sky high! On the average, I usually get 50-70 views everyday (a very sorry count for two a two-year-old blog), but the past few days were simply insane! I wouldn't state how much traffic I got, but it was really mad and unbelievable. Again, THANK YOU!!!

***

As for the illustrations, I tried drawing (and printing) hands with the use of mixed media. From colour pencils to ink to watercolour to nail lacquer!

Check em out :)

♥Andz

7 Things You May Not Know About UST Growling Tigers Team Captain Jeric Fortuna

With his established popularity in the University of Santo Tomas (UST) and in the national collegiate basketball scene, it is easy to say that this Growling Tiger is the envy of many university hoops fan boys, who lack the stellar b-ball skills. It is also easy to assume that with his boy-next-door good looks and charm, he could easily pass as any girl’s dreamboy.

But beyond his passion to play ball and his incessantly-growing female following, Jeric Fortuna, team captain and point guard of the UST Growling Tigers, is just Jeric – a young man he, himself, likes to describe as “shy-type”, who I found extremely laid back and down-to-earth.

***

It was half past two in the afternoon, and the café was overflowing with student patrons, who just came from their respective morning class parties, wishing to get a desirable dose of caffeine before partying all night long in UST’s annual grand Christmas celebration, the Paskuhan.

The scent of freshly-brewed coffee hung in the air, as Jeric Fortuna gave us that familiar coy smile of his and shook our hands, while we - a group of amateur journalists - introduced ourselves.

Clad in a black shirt and cargo shorts, the 5'7" Fortuna easily dissolved the need for formality. His relaxed aura pacified the tension looming in our heads, keeping us, pretty much, at ease all throughout the interview.

One

"Nagbasa ako ng Harry Potter books."

Jeric Fortuna isn't much of a bookworm, but just like most of the kids from the Potter generation, the 21-year-old point guard of Blackwater in PBA D-League has read about the well-loved boy wizard. And although he didn't finish the whole series (he confessed that he only read Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone and Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, adding "hindi sa ayaw ko"), the first two HP books remain as the only novels he has read - so far, that is.

Two

"Mahilig ako sa math."

While a lot of students take time to curse the subject, #7 revealed that he loves Mathematics! And when asked if there's a particular branch of Maths that he likes most, he said, "Trigonometry".

Three

"Nung bata ako, gusto ko talagang maging pilot."

Reminiscing his early aspirations, the former De La Salle Zobel Junior Archer standout said that becoming a pilot was a childhood dream of his. But as it seems, the stars have a different plan for this graduating Marketing Management major. 

His short-term goal is to be drafted, and play in the professional league, which is the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA). But the Jeric he pictures 20 years from now is a man with a family - wife and kids. "Basta, successful and happy."

Four

"Chocolate" (smiles)

This Tiger loves to sink his teeth into... SWEETS! Yup, Jeric Fortuna is one big sweet tooth. "Mahilig ako sa sweets eh," he admitted. "Kahit sabihin kong hindi na 'ko kakain ulit [ng sweets], pag nand'yan na, wala na." 

Jeric loves sweets so much that if all drinking fountains could dispense another liquid in addition to water he wouldn't mind drinking chocolate. 

But when it comes to his favourite food, Jeric has the Yen for Japanese dishes. He's a big fan of Japanese food, especially salmon sashimi.

Girls, take note.

Five

"In the afternoon, kahit wala sa hitsura [ko ang nagsisimba], dadaan ako sa church for a short prayer."

Jeric's typical day starts at seven in the morning, when he attends his thesis class, which ends at around 11. He then eats lunch with his team mates and a does bit of "tambay sa dorm", before heading for basketball practise, which usually runs from 1 to 4 in the afternoon. And in the evening, he gets his homework done. (Fan girl screaming and endless photo-ops not included.)

But despite his jam-packed schedule, the busy captain still finds time to pray and thank God for all the blessings he has received. He drops by the Santisimo Rosario Parish Church (better known as the UST Chapel) regularly to say a prayer of thanks.

Six

"Bading pala, noh?"

When asked who his man crush is, the very manly-looking Jeric jokingly said, "marami eh," but he named That 70's Show famed actor Ashton Kutcher as his biggest man crush.

Seven

"Yun talaga tumatak sa isip ko."

A really bad stomach ache got this fierce Tiger red on the face way back in his first grade.

"Masakit tiyan ko nun, tapos... alam nyo na," the Southville International School alumnus smiled shyly as he recounted his worst embarrassing moment. "Light green pa naman yung shorts, [tapos] nakita nung classmates ko. Yun talaga yung tumatak sa isip ko."










3 pm. Several cups of coffee served later, Jeric had been pulled out from the interview thrice by a couple of fans who wish to have a picture taken with their idol or to simply have a piece of paper signed. He kindly obliged every request.

"Stay humble" That's what this jock keeps in his mind when it comes to dealing with all the attention he gets, which he still finds flattering.

"Yung iba, biglang hahalik, pero di mo naman pwedeng layuan, kasi baka..." the university heartthrob shrugged and left the statement unfinished, but obviously, by what he meant, he didn't want to hurt his fans' feelings.

His weirdest fan encounter? "Merong isa, nagpagawa ng voice mail, tapos ginawang alarm. Parang, 'Umaga na, gumising ka na'," he said in a tone which would surely make that fangirl dream even more, instead of waking up.

And if you're wondering where the gifts - specifically, edible tokens - fans give him go, "Tinetesting ko muna sa kanya," he said, pointing his finger at fellow Growling Tiger, Kim Lo, who was being interviewed by another group from our class nearby. "Kung OK naman [at walang nangyaring masama], kakainin ko rin." he laughed.

***

Before bidding UST goodbye to embark on another whirlwind of a basketball adventure, Jeric Fortuna humbly thanks everyone who moulded him into the UST Growling Tigers team captain we know today. He is especially grateful to the university that has supported him all through his five-year stay.

"Sobrang flatter[ed] and thankful ako, dahil very supportive ang UST," he said. "Tumaas talaga level ng support ng Thomasians this year." he added, referring to the yellow pride boost of the UST community during his final year.

It is difficult to deny that many Thomasians are saddened about the soon departure of this dedicated team player, but the university’s basketball team will surely be in good hands with its incoming team captain and current co-captain, Jeric Teng, whom Fortuna is very much confident with.

"Pinapakita niyang he works hard - even after practise, he does extra. He's also very vocal [about our flaws]. Tinitignan niya talaga yung team. And at the same time, he's a good example [to his team mates]."

Jeric also expressed his sincerest gratitude to UST Growling Tigers coach, Pido Jarencio, who gave him the opportunity to play college basketball. "Malaki ang pasasalamat ko kay Coach Pido."

And, if there is one thing he wants the Thomasians to remember him for after he leaves, the graduating team captain said that he wants the Thomasian community to see that, "I did my best."

Well, by taking UST all the way to the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) finals, and  helping the university bag her first Philippine Collegiate Championships League (PCCL) crown last year, indeed, this Tiger has proven to all of us that he has done his best.


PHOTOS Ranberg Abu and Janelle Cosino


♥Andz

Music Thursday

It's been a while since we last had Music Thursday, and my playlist has grown since then! I discovered new songs I liked, and now love. 

Tonight, I've got some Steve Moakler, Chris August, and Phoenix for you! If you visited my Facebook page a few times before, you must've seen the links I posted, redirecting you to the YouTube videos of these wonderful artists. 

They've got really good and catchy songs with nice lyrics you'll surely love.

♫ Enjoy 

Play You Down

By Steve Moakler

Hesitate

By Steve Moakler

Wide Open

By Steve Moakler

Cinderella

By Steve Moakler

Don't Have To Think Twice

By Steve Moakler

Run 

By Steve Moakler

Stranger

By Chris August

Kind of Alone

By Chris August

1901

By Phoenix

Lisztomania

By Phoenix

*This is the first Phoenix song I got to hear, and I instantly loved it! But the problem was, I didn't know who sang it, never mind its title. Thanks to Birdy's cover of 1901, I found this :)

Top Photo twenty21onecreative

♥Andz

Smile, It's 2013 :)

A fresh start is what everybody needs - whether they had a good or bad past year, it doesn't matter. Beginnings are always nice. They give you the chance to be better; to be the someone you wish to be.

Happy new year, my dear readers!

It's been a wonderful, wonderful 2012 with you all, and I'm wishing that 2013 would be the same, if not better. 

I had a lovely start of this year - nothing grand nor too simple, but lovely. 

To celebrate the new year, mama, papa, and I headed to Bautista, Pangasinan (the hometown of my pa) yesterday. We ate with some distant relatives, visited the graves of my grand aunts and some other family members, and just said hello to the ancient house we all miss. We then drove to Bocaue, Bulacan to visit my grand dad and our relatives who live within the area. We had lunch, and reached out the gifts we failed to give last Christmas. 

As of writing this post, I just arrived in Laguna, and I'm a bit exhausted. Well, who wouldn't be exhausted after travelling from the northern to the southern part of Luzon? 

Anyway, here are some snaps I took during our trip with my mobile's crappy but trusty camera...

♥Andz