Wednesday, August 31, 2005
Joanneisms: Of Barbie and Of Fashion
Remember a couple of weeks ago, I wrote about interviewing Joanne Zapanta-Andrada, for my Journalism class. I've already submitted the piece I wrote, and I'll wait first to get my grade before I decide whether I should post the article or not. But I really want to, because it's such a nice interview.
Anyway, while writing the article, I was just still so impressed and inspired by the interview, that instead of just submitting a typewritten article, Hunski and I layed it out with photos and colors to make it look like it came from a magazine. I know I didn't need to do it, but I feel that I owe it to Joanne to do my best in the article.
Right now, I'd like to share some of the really interesting and notable quotes from the interview I had with Joanne.
On Barbie:
"My favorite toy was a Raggedy Ann. Barbie is extremely dangerous for children, I must say. It’s like candy. You know it’s bad for you, you know you can get addicted to it until adulthood, but you do it anyway. It deforms, it changes your views of how a woman should be. It really does, and I did a paper on that. I did an article on how Barbie can really screw up a child, a girl.
I’m forty already and yet at the back of your mind, you have to kind of look like Barbie but let’s face it. First of all, we’re not Caucasian. And in reality, if you put Barbie’s figure into real life, those are unnatural proportions. The poor girl can’t even stand. She’ll have to crawl. Because her waistline is eighteen, or something like that. It’s ridiculous.
So yes, Barbie was there. I loved her at childhood, but right now she’s a potentially dangerous character. If I had a child, I know she’ll end up with one but I would have to caution her big time."
On Raggedy Ann:
"And if you think about it, wasn’t that a better toy? I think it was a better doll, because she is less threatening. She is not beautiful in an aesthetic sense, but then because of all the love you put in it, then she does become beautiful. And that’s the thing that is easily missed out in fashion. With all the concentration into what should and shouldn’t be the ideal, we lose sight of what truly is beautiful in the world in a deeper and a more profound sense."
On Style and Fashion:
"It should never overwhelm you. If you make it the end all, be all then you’re just a slave to it, isn’t it? So it should be your personality that manifests itself physically, and not the other way around, you try to create a personality that isn’t yours based on certain clothes. It should never be that way. I am not a slave to fashion. And I tell women that.
You should not be a slave to fashion."
There you go. Tell me if that didn't give you some wisdom.
Remember a couple of weeks ago, I wrote about interviewing Joanne Zapanta-Andrada, for my Journalism class. I've already submitted the piece I wrote, and I'll wait first to get my grade before I decide whether I should post the article or not. But I really want to, because it's such a nice interview.
Anyway, while writing the article, I was just still so impressed and inspired by the interview, that instead of just submitting a typewritten article, Hunski and I layed it out with photos and colors to make it look like it came from a magazine. I know I didn't need to do it, but I feel that I owe it to Joanne to do my best in the article.
Right now, I'd like to share some of the really interesting and notable quotes from the interview I had with Joanne.
On Barbie:
"My favorite toy was a Raggedy Ann. Barbie is extremely dangerous for children, I must say. It’s like candy. You know it’s bad for you, you know you can get addicted to it until adulthood, but you do it anyway. It deforms, it changes your views of how a woman should be. It really does, and I did a paper on that. I did an article on how Barbie can really screw up a child, a girl.
I’m forty already and yet at the back of your mind, you have to kind of look like Barbie but let’s face it. First of all, we’re not Caucasian. And in reality, if you put Barbie’s figure into real life, those are unnatural proportions. The poor girl can’t even stand. She’ll have to crawl. Because her waistline is eighteen, or something like that. It’s ridiculous.
So yes, Barbie was there. I loved her at childhood, but right now she’s a potentially dangerous character. If I had a child, I know she’ll end up with one but I would have to caution her big time."
On Raggedy Ann:
"And if you think about it, wasn’t that a better toy? I think it was a better doll, because she is less threatening. She is not beautiful in an aesthetic sense, but then because of all the love you put in it, then she does become beautiful. And that’s the thing that is easily missed out in fashion. With all the concentration into what should and shouldn’t be the ideal, we lose sight of what truly is beautiful in the world in a deeper and a more profound sense."
On Style and Fashion:
"It should never overwhelm you. If you make it the end all, be all then you’re just a slave to it, isn’t it? So it should be your personality that manifests itself physically, and not the other way around, you try to create a personality that isn’t yours based on certain clothes. It should never be that way. I am not a slave to fashion. And I tell women that.
You should not be a slave to fashion."
There you go. Tell me if that didn't give you some wisdom.
Monday, August 29, 2005
Tali Weekend
On the Way to Batangas
Yummy Dinner After a Two-Hour Trip
The View and the Pool
The Beach
The Gang
Weekend, as I have mentioned in my previous blog entry, has been spent at the vacation house of Vince's family in Tali, Batangas.
We left on Saturday, around four in the afternoon, and reached Tali by past seven. The house was so beautiful and comfy, that I'm sure we were all glad to be there to spend the supposedly long weekend.
After resting a bit, we prepared dinner. Our menu that night included garden salad, fettuccine alfredo, and your usual pasta with tomato sauce. After dinner, we all hung out at the pool. It was really enjoyable. We were all just having silly conversations, reminiscing the past few years, and talking about "stuff." Haha! Of course, our companions for the conversation were Mr. Gilbey's and Mr. J&B. Haha!
We were having so much fun, and I think too much alcohol (yaiks!), that we barely notice the time go by. Suki, Rupert, Hunski and I were the first ones to retire at two a.m. Rupert and I had two. We were the "casualties" for the night. Hahaha!
The following day, I was the first to wake up at a very early seven a.m. Argh! And I thought that I would be waking up by midday already. Augh! Since I couldn't get back to sleep, I tiptoed my way to the bathroom, took a bath, changed into fresh clothes and went out of the room. I proceeded to the balcony and just took in the fantastic view of the sea. It was most relaxing. Well, it would have been more relaxing had I not had a bad hangover. Augh!!!
About an hour or two later, Suki, Nick and Hunski all got up and since we were all feeling hungry already, we decided to start making breakfast. We all made cheese, tomato, bell pepper, onion omellettes, paired with rice and toast, plus coffee (for the hangover). It was such a nice breakfast. You had some view of the faraway sea, that made the whole breakfast even more nicer.
In the afternoon, we received news that the government took back its decision to have Monday as a holiday. It was such a bummer! We had to go home that night. But before leaving, we got to go to the beach, and then some of the boys went cliff diving. I would have, had I known how to swim. And then after that, we all went back to Vince's house and hung out at the pool once more and enjoyed what was left of our vacation.
By seven, we left Tali and headed back to Manila. We had a brief stopover at Tagaytay for dinner. It was the perfect way to end our weekend getaway. After dinner, we all bid each other goodbye, since we would be taking different routes. Minutes after we left, Richard calls and invites everyone to a round of mahjong at his house. Hahaha! I guess everyone still had a high energy level, and not that tired yet, so all we could say was, "Go for it!"
At Richard's house, we met up with Edsel, Jigs and Vince II. While the others played mahjong, others just watched television, while others just chatted. By one, I knew it was time to go home. My eyes were all droopy, Hunski was losing the game already, Edsel was already drunk after two (or was it three?!) glasses of vodka, and everyone was just getting tired and sleepy.
So we all called it a night, bid each other a real goodbye, and then headed home.
On the Way to Batangas
Yummy Dinner After a Two-Hour Trip
The View and the Pool
The Beach
The Gang
Weekend, as I have mentioned in my previous blog entry, has been spent at the vacation house of Vince's family in Tali, Batangas.
We left on Saturday, around four in the afternoon, and reached Tali by past seven. The house was so beautiful and comfy, that I'm sure we were all glad to be there to spend the supposedly long weekend.
After resting a bit, we prepared dinner. Our menu that night included garden salad, fettuccine alfredo, and your usual pasta with tomato sauce. After dinner, we all hung out at the pool. It was really enjoyable. We were all just having silly conversations, reminiscing the past few years, and talking about "stuff." Haha! Of course, our companions for the conversation were Mr. Gilbey's and Mr. J&B. Haha!
We were having so much fun, and I think too much alcohol (yaiks!), that we barely notice the time go by. Suki, Rupert, Hunski and I were the first ones to retire at two a.m. Rupert and I had two. We were the "casualties" for the night. Hahaha!
The following day, I was the first to wake up at a very early seven a.m. Argh! And I thought that I would be waking up by midday already. Augh! Since I couldn't get back to sleep, I tiptoed my way to the bathroom, took a bath, changed into fresh clothes and went out of the room. I proceeded to the balcony and just took in the fantastic view of the sea. It was most relaxing. Well, it would have been more relaxing had I not had a bad hangover. Augh!!!
About an hour or two later, Suki, Nick and Hunski all got up and since we were all feeling hungry already, we decided to start making breakfast. We all made cheese, tomato, bell pepper, onion omellettes, paired with rice and toast, plus coffee (for the hangover). It was such a nice breakfast. You had some view of the faraway sea, that made the whole breakfast even more nicer.
In the afternoon, we received news that the government took back its decision to have Monday as a holiday. It was such a bummer! We had to go home that night. But before leaving, we got to go to the beach, and then some of the boys went cliff diving. I would have, had I known how to swim. And then after that, we all went back to Vince's house and hung out at the pool once more and enjoyed what was left of our vacation.
By seven, we left Tali and headed back to Manila. We had a brief stopover at Tagaytay for dinner. It was the perfect way to end our weekend getaway. After dinner, we all bid each other goodbye, since we would be taking different routes. Minutes after we left, Richard calls and invites everyone to a round of mahjong at his house. Hahaha! I guess everyone still had a high energy level, and not that tired yet, so all we could say was, "Go for it!"
At Richard's house, we met up with Edsel, Jigs and Vince II. While the others played mahjong, others just watched television, while others just chatted. By one, I knew it was time to go home. My eyes were all droopy, Hunski was losing the game already, Edsel was already drunk after two (or was it three?!) glasses of vodka, and everyone was just getting tired and sleepy.
So we all called it a night, bid each other a real goodbye, and then headed home.
Friday, August 26, 2005
Gone for the Weekend
It's a long weekend!!! Wooohoooo!
Tomorrow afternoon, I'm heading to Tali, Batangas with the gang. That's Suki, Richie, Vince, Nick, Richard, Edmar, Rupert, Richmond, Hunski and me. It'll just be a weekend of some drinking, swimming, bonding, and taking a break once more from the noise and pollution of Manila.
Augh! I can't wait!
It's a long weekend!!! Wooohoooo!
Tomorrow afternoon, I'm heading to Tali, Batangas with the gang. That's Suki, Richie, Vince, Nick, Richard, Edmar, Rupert, Richmond, Hunski and me. It'll just be a weekend of some drinking, swimming, bonding, and taking a break once more from the noise and pollution of Manila.
Augh! I can't wait!
Thursday, August 25, 2005
Coming This September
It's true.
Vogue will be releasing US Men's Vogue come September, with George Clooney on the cover (as you can see.) Vogue L'Uomo and Vogue Hommes International have been in circulation for more than two decades now. I wonder why it is only now that US Vogue thought of releasing a men's Vogue.
Anyway, the Editor-in-Chief is Jay Fielden, who was the Arts Editor of Vogue for six years. Many of the contributors are also Vogue staff, according to news reports. The staff though will be composed of 12 members, nine of which are men. How many are gay and straight? I dunno.
But of course, US Vogue Editrix, Anna Wintour, will provide her guidance as the Editorial Director. As expected, Anna Wintour has played a very big role in the birth of US Men's Vogue - from selecting the editor to wanting Mario Testino as an exclusive Vogue photographer.
Fielden says, "“Obviously it’s important that [Men’s Vogue] has the fingerprint of Vogue, and that’s a very big part, the roster of photographers." Photographers would include Annie Leibovitz and Mario Testino.
The target audience of the magazine is very clear - Men older ethan 35, earning more than $100,000 a year. Fielden says of the intended Men's Vogue reader, "This is not a reader who is interested to know about the latest purple sandals to come down the runway. This is a guy who is much more tuned into what a good suit can convey. And a good coat. And solid shoes. And you know, there’s a recognition on our part as editors that being well-dressed can get you through the door, but to go beyond that requires polish of a more lasting kind."
On the other hand, Thomas A. Florio, the publisher, says, "When people ask me, 'Who is this magazine for?' I say, 'Well, did you ever wonder who are the guys on the arms of the women who read Vogue?'"
The maiden issue will release 400,000 copies on newstands, and read this: an additional 200,000 copies will be sent to chosen Conde Nast subscribers. The circulation initially will be four issues a year. The content will include fashion, architecture, art, food and home. The release of this new member of the Conde Nast family has been receiving various reactions. Some are saying that it may be a threat to GQ and Vanity Fair, in terms of readers and ad sales. US Men's Vogue has 161 ad pages, twice the number of what was targeted.
Vouge has already produced a successful American spin-off in 2003 - Teen Vogue. But would it be as successful with Men's Vogue? Also, I guess the other big question gay and straight Vogue male readers would be asking is, "Is US Men's Vogue a fashion magazine?" Well, sorry to disappoint you but based on what I have read, US Men's Vogue will be positioned more as a lifestyle magazine and not as a fashion magazine. So if you're after the fashion, you might think that V Man is still the mag to read.
Also notice how huge the word "Men's" is splattered over the word "Vogue." Clearly, another concern of this magazine is whether men would want to be seen in public reading Vogue, a magazine that has been associated with women and fashion for the past 100 years.
News reports also say this might just be the start. Reports say that Anna Wintour might is also planning to launch another magazine titled Vogue Living, which will deal with travel, home, architecture, and apparel.
It's true.
Vogue will be releasing US Men's Vogue come September, with George Clooney on the cover (as you can see.) Vogue L'Uomo and Vogue Hommes International have been in circulation for more than two decades now. I wonder why it is only now that US Vogue thought of releasing a men's Vogue.
Anyway, the Editor-in-Chief is Jay Fielden, who was the Arts Editor of Vogue for six years. Many of the contributors are also Vogue staff, according to news reports. The staff though will be composed of 12 members, nine of which are men. How many are gay and straight? I dunno.
But of course, US Vogue Editrix, Anna Wintour, will provide her guidance as the Editorial Director. As expected, Anna Wintour has played a very big role in the birth of US Men's Vogue - from selecting the editor to wanting Mario Testino as an exclusive Vogue photographer.
Fielden says, "“Obviously it’s important that [Men’s Vogue] has the fingerprint of Vogue, and that’s a very big part, the roster of photographers." Photographers would include Annie Leibovitz and Mario Testino.
The target audience of the magazine is very clear - Men older ethan 35, earning more than $100,000 a year. Fielden says of the intended Men's Vogue reader, "This is not a reader who is interested to know about the latest purple sandals to come down the runway. This is a guy who is much more tuned into what a good suit can convey. And a good coat. And solid shoes. And you know, there’s a recognition on our part as editors that being well-dressed can get you through the door, but to go beyond that requires polish of a more lasting kind."
On the other hand, Thomas A. Florio, the publisher, says, "When people ask me, 'Who is this magazine for?' I say, 'Well, did you ever wonder who are the guys on the arms of the women who read Vogue?'"
The maiden issue will release 400,000 copies on newstands, and read this: an additional 200,000 copies will be sent to chosen Conde Nast subscribers. The circulation initially will be four issues a year. The content will include fashion, architecture, art, food and home. The release of this new member of the Conde Nast family has been receiving various reactions. Some are saying that it may be a threat to GQ and Vanity Fair, in terms of readers and ad sales. US Men's Vogue has 161 ad pages, twice the number of what was targeted.
Vouge has already produced a successful American spin-off in 2003 - Teen Vogue. But would it be as successful with Men's Vogue? Also, I guess the other big question gay and straight Vogue male readers would be asking is, "Is US Men's Vogue a fashion magazine?" Well, sorry to disappoint you but based on what I have read, US Men's Vogue will be positioned more as a lifestyle magazine and not as a fashion magazine. So if you're after the fashion, you might think that V Man is still the mag to read.
Also notice how huge the word "Men's" is splattered over the word "Vogue." Clearly, another concern of this magazine is whether men would want to be seen in public reading Vogue, a magazine that has been associated with women and fashion for the past 100 years.
News reports also say this might just be the start. Reports say that Anna Wintour might is also planning to launch another magazine titled Vogue Living, which will deal with travel, home, architecture, and apparel.
Tuesday, August 23, 2005
Lovers in Paris...Haha
As I have mentioned in an entry some weeks ago, Richie and Suki went to Paris to attend the wedding of Suki's sister. Suki's boss, Raymund and his partner, Gerry joined them as well. From Paris, the couplets went to Brussels and Amsterdam as well.
Richie and Suki arrived last Monday morning, and even though I think they probably have jet lag, I asked - maybe, forced...haha - them to meet up. So we met in the evening at Podium, together with Hunski, Ivan, Frances, Jigs and Vince.
It was so great seeing Richie and Suki again, and I just loved, loved, loved the stories and the photos. Haha!
For pasalubong, they gave us Camembert cheese, French chocolate, French porn (not for me, okay?), truffle oil, and Vogue Italia (definitely for me). Hahaha!
Here are some photos from their trip. There was one photo of Richie that I wanted to post, but chose not to after he expressed some concerns. Hehe! What's the photo? Connect the following words - Richie, Oprah, Hermes, Avenue Montaigne. Hahaha!
Some Building in Brussels
I forgot the name of the building, but anyway, Richie took a lot of photos of all these nice structures in Paris and Belgium. Very nice photos! A little National Geographic-ish. Of course, I love it being the National Geographic fan that I am.
Homomonument
From what I read, this marker is the world's foremost public memorials for the lesbians and gay men who were imprisoned, violated, or executed druing World War II.
While this was erected originally to symbolize the persecution of gays and lesbians under the Nazi period, the symbolism of the monument has evolved to include the general persecution and oppression experienced by the LGBT community across the world.
Homo Moment
If there was a Homomonument during the trip, there were also a lot of homo moments, I'm sure. Haha! For example, this photo was taken at Napoleon's house. And nope, that's not a French model or a celebrity. It's one of the attendants at the museum, who just happened to look like he stepped out of the pages of Vogue Homme. Haha!
Icon Towers and Paris's Tower
If Paris has the Eiffel Tower, then Icon has also its own towers. Of course, Richie and Suki are just two of the four towers of Icon. Hahaha!
Wine and Cheese
A party Hunski and Chari would have really loved. Those cheeses and winde looked all so, so yummy!
Arc D' Triomphe
The mandatory photo of Arc D' Triomphe. Apparently, no trip to Paris would be complete without it.
Dior
Chanel
John Galliano
Haha! And of course, no trip to Paris would also be complete without going to Avenue Montaigne. Awwww! Richie and Suki were so thoughtful to have taken photos of all these shops from Armani to Zegna.
Paris
Is this a Raymund Isaac? Nope, it's a Richie Villarin. Woo woo woo!
And there you have it. It was so difficult to choose which photos to post because they are just all so, so beautiful.
Richie and Suki, I'm glad you two are back.
As I have mentioned in an entry some weeks ago, Richie and Suki went to Paris to attend the wedding of Suki's sister. Suki's boss, Raymund and his partner, Gerry joined them as well. From Paris, the couplets went to Brussels and Amsterdam as well.
Richie and Suki arrived last Monday morning, and even though I think they probably have jet lag, I asked - maybe, forced...haha - them to meet up. So we met in the evening at Podium, together with Hunski, Ivan, Frances, Jigs and Vince.
It was so great seeing Richie and Suki again, and I just loved, loved, loved the stories and the photos. Haha!
For pasalubong, they gave us Camembert cheese, French chocolate, French porn (not for me, okay?), truffle oil, and Vogue Italia (definitely for me). Hahaha!
Here are some photos from their trip. There was one photo of Richie that I wanted to post, but chose not to after he expressed some concerns. Hehe! What's the photo? Connect the following words - Richie, Oprah, Hermes, Avenue Montaigne. Hahaha!
Some Building in Brussels
I forgot the name of the building, but anyway, Richie took a lot of photos of all these nice structures in Paris and Belgium. Very nice photos! A little National Geographic-ish. Of course, I love it being the National Geographic fan that I am.
Homomonument
From what I read, this marker is the world's foremost public memorials for the lesbians and gay men who were imprisoned, violated, or executed druing World War II.
While this was erected originally to symbolize the persecution of gays and lesbians under the Nazi period, the symbolism of the monument has evolved to include the general persecution and oppression experienced by the LGBT community across the world.
Homo Moment
If there was a Homomonument during the trip, there were also a lot of homo moments, I'm sure. Haha! For example, this photo was taken at Napoleon's house. And nope, that's not a French model or a celebrity. It's one of the attendants at the museum, who just happened to look like he stepped out of the pages of Vogue Homme. Haha!
Icon Towers and Paris's Tower
If Paris has the Eiffel Tower, then Icon has also its own towers. Of course, Richie and Suki are just two of the four towers of Icon. Hahaha!
Wine and Cheese
A party Hunski and Chari would have really loved. Those cheeses and winde looked all so, so yummy!
Arc D' Triomphe
The mandatory photo of Arc D' Triomphe. Apparently, no trip to Paris would be complete without it.
Dior
Chanel
John Galliano
Haha! And of course, no trip to Paris would also be complete without going to Avenue Montaigne. Awwww! Richie and Suki were so thoughtful to have taken photos of all these shops from Armani to Zegna.
Paris
Is this a Raymund Isaac? Nope, it's a Richie Villarin. Woo woo woo!
And there you have it. It was so difficult to choose which photos to post because they are just all so, so beautiful.
Richie and Suki, I'm glad you two are back.
Monday, August 22, 2005
MidTerm Exam!!!
I have a midterm exam for my Education class in about two hours.
I thought the exam wouldn't push through anymore, but obviously, my teacher decided that we would still have it. Augh!!!
The coverage of the exams would be learning theories. If you're an Educ or Psych major, then you would probably know Skinner, Watson, Piaget, Vygotsky, Bandura, Bronfrenbrenner, Gagne, among others.
Augh!!! I really don't like memorizing the concepts and ideas of these people, but I guess I have no choice. Well, the main reason why I'm not really enjoying studying for this exam is because I've been reading on communication and media theories too for the past week (in preparation fo the compre), and we're talking about A LOT of theories. Augh!!!
So yesterday, at the birthday party of Hunski's three year old nephew, I got to review the learning concepts and ideas a little by observing Hunski's nephew and niece. I tried to identify which concepts of which theorist are applicable to Hunski's nephew and niece. Eeek! That doesn't mean I'm a behaviorist okay? If I were to classify myself in terms of educational theories, I would have to say that I'm a cognitivist constructivist.
Augh!!! I hope I'm not speaking in tongues. Hehe! I just want to finish the exam.
I have a midterm exam for my Education class in about two hours.
I thought the exam wouldn't push through anymore, but obviously, my teacher decided that we would still have it. Augh!!!
The coverage of the exams would be learning theories. If you're an Educ or Psych major, then you would probably know Skinner, Watson, Piaget, Vygotsky, Bandura, Bronfrenbrenner, Gagne, among others.
Augh!!! I really don't like memorizing the concepts and ideas of these people, but I guess I have no choice. Well, the main reason why I'm not really enjoying studying for this exam is because I've been reading on communication and media theories too for the past week (in preparation fo the compre), and we're talking about A LOT of theories. Augh!!!
So yesterday, at the birthday party of Hunski's three year old nephew, I got to review the learning concepts and ideas a little by observing Hunski's nephew and niece. I tried to identify which concepts of which theorist are applicable to Hunski's nephew and niece. Eeek! That doesn't mean I'm a behaviorist okay? If I were to classify myself in terms of educational theories, I would have to say that I'm a cognitivist constructivist.
Augh!!! I hope I'm not speaking in tongues. Hehe! I just want to finish the exam.
Saturday, August 20, 2005
What Did I Tell You?
September 2005 US, UK and China Vogue
What did I tell you? US Vogue just keeps on breaking its record in terms of ad pages.
Thomas A. Florio, publisher of Vogue, said in an interview with NY Times, "We're having a very, very good year."
You really are, Mr. Florio.
Whereas the September 2004 US Vogue had newarly 651 ad pages, the September 2005 US Vogue issue, which hit the newsstands abroad on August 16, carried a whopping 691 ad pages. Gawd! Can you imagine how many Icon magazines that ad revenue can print? Haha!
Click here to read a related article "The Cover Models May Not Be Fatter, but the Issues Are."
P.S. Notice the maiden issue cover of Vogue China. Originally, reports said that Gisele will be the cover. How come I see Gemma Ward?
September 2005 US, UK and China Vogue
What did I tell you? US Vogue just keeps on breaking its record in terms of ad pages.
Thomas A. Florio, publisher of Vogue, said in an interview with NY Times, "We're having a very, very good year."
You really are, Mr. Florio.
Whereas the September 2004 US Vogue had newarly 651 ad pages, the September 2005 US Vogue issue, which hit the newsstands abroad on August 16, carried a whopping 691 ad pages. Gawd! Can you imagine how many Icon magazines that ad revenue can print? Haha!
Click here to read a related article "The Cover Models May Not Be Fatter, but the Issues Are."
P.S. Notice the maiden issue cover of Vogue China. Originally, reports said that Gisele will be the cover. How come I see Gemma Ward?
Friday, August 19, 2005
Stars, Stones and Meditations...Among Other Things
For the past few weeks, my Mom and her business partner Tita Tess, have been spending their Thursday nights attending meditation sessions somewhere in Makati.
She told me this one morning over breakfast.
She didn't tell me in detail how the session goes, but what she says that she enjoys it because someone facilitates the session. I forgot the name of the guy. The sessions are also free, although everyone may donate whenever they want to.
Apparently, meditation is the latest activity my Mom is getting into. Before (and until now, actually), it was feng shui. Oh wait, before feng shui, it was guardian angels. After feng shui, it was star reading or something. She would go to this Chinese temple in Quezon City, and the monk or master would be reading the position of the stars and planets and would give recommendations on what she ought to do. And then, she also got into these gems and stones thing. She started buying various kinds of stones and made them into bracelets. I think she also told me that she's going to a numerologist.
But I'm sure that at the moment, it's meditation. Usually, I just let my Mom get into these activities - superstitious or not-so-superstitious. If she enjoys it, then let her enjoy. And she even has followers (read: her sisters and her older nieces).
However, she was telling me that the meditation sessions have helped her. I'm like, "Yeah, okay." And then she told me that the daughter of Tita Tess also went to the guy who facilitates the meditation sessions and had a consultation. Tita Tess's daughter was having a little issue with her career, and she wanted to consult whether she should take the immediate job being offered to her. The meditation guy tells her to wait because something bigger was coming to her. Tita Tess's daughter takes the guy's advice and guess what? A better career opportunity did arrive.
I'm not really one who believes in feng shui or fortune tellers or tarot cards. I dunno. I still firmly believe in prayer, and the intercessions of the Holy Mother, angels and saints. But lately, I've been feeling that the Big Guy up there has been to busy with other matters, and I'm starting to run a little low on this virtue called hope.
Because of this, I'm contemplating whether I should give this meditation guy a try. It wouldn't probably hurt, would it?
For the past few weeks, my Mom and her business partner Tita Tess, have been spending their Thursday nights attending meditation sessions somewhere in Makati.
She told me this one morning over breakfast.
She didn't tell me in detail how the session goes, but what she says that she enjoys it because someone facilitates the session. I forgot the name of the guy. The sessions are also free, although everyone may donate whenever they want to.
Apparently, meditation is the latest activity my Mom is getting into. Before (and until now, actually), it was feng shui. Oh wait, before feng shui, it was guardian angels. After feng shui, it was star reading or something. She would go to this Chinese temple in Quezon City, and the monk or master would be reading the position of the stars and planets and would give recommendations on what she ought to do. And then, she also got into these gems and stones thing. She started buying various kinds of stones and made them into bracelets. I think she also told me that she's going to a numerologist.
But I'm sure that at the moment, it's meditation. Usually, I just let my Mom get into these activities - superstitious or not-so-superstitious. If she enjoys it, then let her enjoy. And she even has followers (read: her sisters and her older nieces).
However, she was telling me that the meditation sessions have helped her. I'm like, "Yeah, okay." And then she told me that the daughter of Tita Tess also went to the guy who facilitates the meditation sessions and had a consultation. Tita Tess's daughter was having a little issue with her career, and she wanted to consult whether she should take the immediate job being offered to her. The meditation guy tells her to wait because something bigger was coming to her. Tita Tess's daughter takes the guy's advice and guess what? A better career opportunity did arrive.
I'm not really one who believes in feng shui or fortune tellers or tarot cards. I dunno. I still firmly believe in prayer, and the intercessions of the Holy Mother, angels and saints. But lately, I've been feeling that the Big Guy up there has been to busy with other matters, and I'm starting to run a little low on this virtue called hope.
Because of this, I'm contemplating whether I should give this meditation guy a try. It wouldn't probably hurt, would it?
Wednesday, August 17, 2005
News: Madonna Falls Off Her Horse
Madonna fell off a horse at her country estate while she was celebrating her 47th birthday. That's what news reports are saying.
Because of the fall, she suffered several bones - cracked ribs, a broken collar bone and a broken hand.
The good news is that a spokeswoman from the hospital where she was brought to has confirmed that Mrs. Richie has already been discharged and may continue her recovery from the accident at home.
Madonna fell off a horse at her country estate while she was celebrating her 47th birthday. That's what news reports are saying.
Because of the fall, she suffered several bones - cracked ribs, a broken collar bone and a broken hand.
The good news is that a spokeswoman from the hospital where she was brought to has confirmed that Mrs. Richie has already been discharged and may continue her recovery from the accident at home.
Monday, August 15, 2005
A Longer Sunday...
My Sunday was uneventful, that is until eight in the evening when Jigs called me up, inviting me and Hunski to a movie with him, new friend Vince U., good friend Vince R. who's in town for a vacation, and the Vince R's friend, Divo.
Originally, our plan was to meet up at Podium around nine to catch the last screening of Bewitched for the evening. But since none of us could make it to Podium at nine, the venue was moved to Eastwood in Libis. Hunski and I arrived at Eastwood around nine. We decided to walk around the mall for awhile, and then we met up with the others an hour and a half later.
Bewitched was a so-so movie. What I did like about it was Nicole Kidman. Although the movie itself may not have been that spectacular, Nicole's acting was superb. If I'm not mistaken, the last movie she made was The Interpreter. Her flexibility as an actress is clearly seen in Bewitched. From a serious character in The Interpreter to a lighter, comedic role in Bewitched, all I can say is she's good, she's really good.
The movie ended a little before one in the morning. From the cinema, we went to Coffee Bean to have coffee. It was about to close when we got there, so we just bought our drinks and stayed at the seats outside the cafe. The six of us were just talking about all sorts of things - Vince's work on board the luxury cruise ship, memories of growing up in the eighties, and too bad, for a scaredy cat like me, ghosts. All the shops have already closed, and only a few lights were left open. Hahaha! We were having such a good time that we just stayed outside the coffee shop until four in the morning.
Vince R. and Divo went ahead, while Jigs, Vince U., Hunski and I headed to a nearby restaurant that has breakfast buffet for only P80(!!!). So we satisfied ourselves with fried rice, eggs, tapa, arroz caldo, pancakes, chicken adobo, and palitaw. Hahaha! We're hungry. And then we continued our conversation - this time about issues about being gay. It was really fun, and I had a really good time. Suki and Richie, wish you guys could have joined us.
We left the restaurant at five in the morning! Haha! I didn't expect the night to last that long, but it was so much worth it. Hoping we could do it again soon.
My Sunday was uneventful, that is until eight in the evening when Jigs called me up, inviting me and Hunski to a movie with him, new friend Vince U., good friend Vince R. who's in town for a vacation, and the Vince R's friend, Divo.
Originally, our plan was to meet up at Podium around nine to catch the last screening of Bewitched for the evening. But since none of us could make it to Podium at nine, the venue was moved to Eastwood in Libis. Hunski and I arrived at Eastwood around nine. We decided to walk around the mall for awhile, and then we met up with the others an hour and a half later.
Bewitched was a so-so movie. What I did like about it was Nicole Kidman. Although the movie itself may not have been that spectacular, Nicole's acting was superb. If I'm not mistaken, the last movie she made was The Interpreter. Her flexibility as an actress is clearly seen in Bewitched. From a serious character in The Interpreter to a lighter, comedic role in Bewitched, all I can say is she's good, she's really good.
The movie ended a little before one in the morning. From the cinema, we went to Coffee Bean to have coffee. It was about to close when we got there, so we just bought our drinks and stayed at the seats outside the cafe. The six of us were just talking about all sorts of things - Vince's work on board the luxury cruise ship, memories of growing up in the eighties, and too bad, for a scaredy cat like me, ghosts. All the shops have already closed, and only a few lights were left open. Hahaha! We were having such a good time that we just stayed outside the coffee shop until four in the morning.
Vince R. and Divo went ahead, while Jigs, Vince U., Hunski and I headed to a nearby restaurant that has breakfast buffet for only P80(!!!). So we satisfied ourselves with fried rice, eggs, tapa, arroz caldo, pancakes, chicken adobo, and palitaw. Hahaha! We're hungry. And then we continued our conversation - this time about issues about being gay. It was really fun, and I had a really good time. Suki and Richie, wish you guys could have joined us.
We left the restaurant at five in the morning! Haha! I didn't expect the night to last that long, but it was so much worth it. Hoping we could do it again soon.
Sunday, August 14, 2005
The President's Stylist...
Feeling Oprah...Haha
The Stylist and The Graduate Student
I've been meeting very impressive women. Yesterday was Ma'am Teret and Teacher Dedet. Today I got to talk to another equally impressive and brilliant woman, the woman who styles the country's President - Ms. Joanne Zapanta-Andrada.
But before that, I had to go to class in the morning. We had a critique of the news stories we wrote and I don't think I did so well in it. I have been exposed to feature writing, business writing and academic writing that it was difficult for me to do some journalism writing. My professor, who is a veteran journalist and again, another impressive woman, basically told me that I had to learn the ways of writing that I am accustomed to because journalism writing is very different. Sigh. That was a bit of a downer, but I know she's just trying to help me.
After class, I went back to Hunski's house. I went through my questions again for my interview. I just had to check that all that I wanted to know was in my questionnaire. A little after two p.m., Hunski and I started getting ready to leave. My interview was at 5 p.m., but the thing is we were in Quezon City and the interview was in faraway Ayala Alabang, so we really had to leave early.
Surprisingly, the drive to Alabang was fast. We got there in about an hour, and since we were still an hour early. We hung out at Alabang Town Center and met up with Roy. The conversation with Roy was starting to get more interesting, but then I looked at my watch and it was already twenty minutes before five. So we had to cut our chat short. Augh!!!
From Alabang Town Center, Hunski and I, being not very familiar with the area, made a wrong turn and headed for the wrong gate to the village. We had to make another turn, but the traffic was a little bad. Yaiks! And then the number of cars entering the village was also quite long. Another yaiks! When we got through security, the other problem was looking for the house.
Apparently, Ayala Alabang is very huge that even if the guard told us to just go straight, taking that straight drive took about forever. I looked at my clock, and it was already ten past five. Oh no! If there's one thing I really hate, it's being late. I just hoped that the person I was going to meet was still busy with her photo shoot.
When Hunski and I finally found the house, another problem happened. Hunski's car window wouldn't roll up. Talk about Murphy's law big time! Hunski finally asked me to go ahead and told me he'll just follow. So I got down the car and made my way to the house's gate. It was such a huge, beautiful home.
I opened the front door, and as I stepped inside. There were about four people, and I said, "Hi. I'm looking for Joanne."
This tall, beautiful lady, in a pristine spaghetti strap blouse paired with blue jeans, and gorgeous necklace, then approaches me, shakes my hand and says, "I'm Joanne." She was having a photo shoot with another friend, but she was so accommodating and asked me nicely if I could wait for a little while. Man, I would have waited even for an hour if I had to. While I sat on the plush couch at the living room, I went through my questions again. To my relief, Hunski showed up and sat beside me.
After a couple of minutes, she goes back into the living room, sits down beside me and we immediately start the interview. Out topic of conversation ranged from how she started in the industry, to becoming the President's stylist, to dressing up the President, to styling an embattled President, and to the other personas of Joanne Zapanta. I was so impressed with her answers to my questions, whether the question was about the factors to consider when selecting the President's wardrobe or what her thoughts on the Barbie doll is ("Barbie is a very dangerous toy.", this wonderful woman just didn't stop from impressing me.
Sadly, the interview ended quicker than I thought it would be. I guess you really don't see the minutes go so fast when you're having such a good time. After the interview, Hunski and I gave her the strawberry cheesecake we baked, and she accepted it so graciously. She was so sweet, thanking Hunski and me for the cheesecake.
I wish I can put the transcription of the interview her, but I haven't had the time to sit and transcribe it yet. Nor have I had the time yet to start writing the personality profile on her. But I'll definitely try my best to make it a good piece. I'm just so inspired by Joanne. I could probably post the piece I will write about this wonderful, wonderful woman when I get it back from my professor.
You can catch Joanne in her Uptown/Downtown column for the Philippine Star or through her blog.
Special thanks to Cat Juan, who helped me get the interview with Joanne. And of course, thanks to my Hunski, who helped me with this school project every step of the way.
Feeling Oprah...Haha
The Stylist and The Graduate Student
I've been meeting very impressive women. Yesterday was Ma'am Teret and Teacher Dedet. Today I got to talk to another equally impressive and brilliant woman, the woman who styles the country's President - Ms. Joanne Zapanta-Andrada.
But before that, I had to go to class in the morning. We had a critique of the news stories we wrote and I don't think I did so well in it. I have been exposed to feature writing, business writing and academic writing that it was difficult for me to do some journalism writing. My professor, who is a veteran journalist and again, another impressive woman, basically told me that I had to learn the ways of writing that I am accustomed to because journalism writing is very different. Sigh. That was a bit of a downer, but I know she's just trying to help me.
After class, I went back to Hunski's house. I went through my questions again for my interview. I just had to check that all that I wanted to know was in my questionnaire. A little after two p.m., Hunski and I started getting ready to leave. My interview was at 5 p.m., but the thing is we were in Quezon City and the interview was in faraway Ayala Alabang, so we really had to leave early.
Surprisingly, the drive to Alabang was fast. We got there in about an hour, and since we were still an hour early. We hung out at Alabang Town Center and met up with Roy. The conversation with Roy was starting to get more interesting, but then I looked at my watch and it was already twenty minutes before five. So we had to cut our chat short. Augh!!!
From Alabang Town Center, Hunski and I, being not very familiar with the area, made a wrong turn and headed for the wrong gate to the village. We had to make another turn, but the traffic was a little bad. Yaiks! And then the number of cars entering the village was also quite long. Another yaiks! When we got through security, the other problem was looking for the house.
Apparently, Ayala Alabang is very huge that even if the guard told us to just go straight, taking that straight drive took about forever. I looked at my clock, and it was already ten past five. Oh no! If there's one thing I really hate, it's being late. I just hoped that the person I was going to meet was still busy with her photo shoot.
When Hunski and I finally found the house, another problem happened. Hunski's car window wouldn't roll up. Talk about Murphy's law big time! Hunski finally asked me to go ahead and told me he'll just follow. So I got down the car and made my way to the house's gate. It was such a huge, beautiful home.
I opened the front door, and as I stepped inside. There were about four people, and I said, "Hi. I'm looking for Joanne."
This tall, beautiful lady, in a pristine spaghetti strap blouse paired with blue jeans, and gorgeous necklace, then approaches me, shakes my hand and says, "I'm Joanne." She was having a photo shoot with another friend, but she was so accommodating and asked me nicely if I could wait for a little while. Man, I would have waited even for an hour if I had to. While I sat on the plush couch at the living room, I went through my questions again. To my relief, Hunski showed up and sat beside me.
After a couple of minutes, she goes back into the living room, sits down beside me and we immediately start the interview. Out topic of conversation ranged from how she started in the industry, to becoming the President's stylist, to dressing up the President, to styling an embattled President, and to the other personas of Joanne Zapanta. I was so impressed with her answers to my questions, whether the question was about the factors to consider when selecting the President's wardrobe or what her thoughts on the Barbie doll is ("Barbie is a very dangerous toy.", this wonderful woman just didn't stop from impressing me.
Sadly, the interview ended quicker than I thought it would be. I guess you really don't see the minutes go so fast when you're having such a good time. After the interview, Hunski and I gave her the strawberry cheesecake we baked, and she accepted it so graciously. She was so sweet, thanking Hunski and me for the cheesecake.
I wish I can put the transcription of the interview her, but I haven't had the time to sit and transcribe it yet. Nor have I had the time yet to start writing the personality profile on her. But I'll definitely try my best to make it a good piece. I'm just so inspired by Joanne. I could probably post the piece I will write about this wonderful, wonderful woman when I get it back from my professor.
You can catch Joanne in her Uptown/Downtown column for the Philippine Star or through her blog.
Special thanks to Cat Juan, who helped me get the interview with Joanne. And of course, thanks to my Hunski, who helped me with this school project every step of the way.
Friday, August 12, 2005
Long Friday...
Though the comprehensive exams is still two months away, I already begun reviewing for it last Tuesday. I've begun rereading my notes and books everyday.
Augh! If you can only see how thick the papers and the books that I have to read through!!! I need to review the communication theories and communication research methods and applications. The research methods are much easier to study the communication theories. The latter encompasses so much that I really have to read through the books and notes once more to understand these theories again. My favorite theories are the Critical Theories - Gramsci, Feminist Theory and Queer Theory. What I'm having difficulty with are Structuralism, Poststructuralism and Semiotics. Argh! They're just too complicated. Augh!!! Haha!
Anyway, today I didn't review that much. I felt I needed to take a break and there were other two more important things to do today.
First, I had to get up around six in the morning. Jean asked me to go with her in her meeting with two wonderful educators from the UP Integrated School - Dr. Teret de Villa and Prof. Dedet Vargas. I met them when I was working with Pahinungod, since they're both Pahinungod volunteers. I also interviewed them for my journalism paper and I was just impressed even more after the interview. Their thoughts on education are just so progressive that you would be wishing all our teachers were like them. In fact, you would also want to become a teacher after talking to them.
Jean and I met with them to discuss the training program of the Teachers Development Program that Pahinungod will conduct this October in the province of Marinduque. I handled the Teachers Development Program before, so that was the reason why Jean invited me to go with her. Plus the fact that I did go to Marinduque with her to meet with the people from the local Department of Education office.
Pahinungod activities - or any volunteer activities, for this matter - are always such a joyful thing for me. There is really something about voluntarism that makes me want to do it whenever I could.
Moving on, the second thing that I had to do today was to bake with Hunski. He and I made white choco chip and walnut cookies, and a strawberry cheesecake. The cookies were "Thank You" gifts for Roy, Pam and Cat. Roy lent me his video recorder for my journalism class, and it has helped make my report better. Pam, on the other hand, helped me get in touch with Cat. Cat helped me get an interview with her friend, and I owe Cat so much for that. The strawberry cheesecake iss for Cat's friend whom I will interview tomorrow.
I'll let you know who this person is tomorrow. I'm SO excited to meet her, but at the same time I'm really nervous. I dunno why.
After baking, Hunski and I did some Icon work. We went to Suki's house to fix the magazines which the distributor will pick up tomorrow. We also delivered some magazines to Frederick in Makati. The man ordered more than 50 copies of the current issue of Icon magazine!!! Thank you very much, Frederick!!!
Then we went to my house where I got some clothes, since I was spending the night at Hunski's. It's almost twelve midnight now, and I have to get some sleep.
If today was a long day, tomorrow would be much more longer.
Though the comprehensive exams is still two months away, I already begun reviewing for it last Tuesday. I've begun rereading my notes and books everyday.
Augh! If you can only see how thick the papers and the books that I have to read through!!! I need to review the communication theories and communication research methods and applications. The research methods are much easier to study the communication theories. The latter encompasses so much that I really have to read through the books and notes once more to understand these theories again. My favorite theories are the Critical Theories - Gramsci, Feminist Theory and Queer Theory. What I'm having difficulty with are Structuralism, Poststructuralism and Semiotics. Argh! They're just too complicated. Augh!!! Haha!
Anyway, today I didn't review that much. I felt I needed to take a break and there were other two more important things to do today.
First, I had to get up around six in the morning. Jean asked me to go with her in her meeting with two wonderful educators from the UP Integrated School - Dr. Teret de Villa and Prof. Dedet Vargas. I met them when I was working with Pahinungod, since they're both Pahinungod volunteers. I also interviewed them for my journalism paper and I was just impressed even more after the interview. Their thoughts on education are just so progressive that you would be wishing all our teachers were like them. In fact, you would also want to become a teacher after talking to them.
Jean and I met with them to discuss the training program of the Teachers Development Program that Pahinungod will conduct this October in the province of Marinduque. I handled the Teachers Development Program before, so that was the reason why Jean invited me to go with her. Plus the fact that I did go to Marinduque with her to meet with the people from the local Department of Education office.
Pahinungod activities - or any volunteer activities, for this matter - are always such a joyful thing for me. There is really something about voluntarism that makes me want to do it whenever I could.
Moving on, the second thing that I had to do today was to bake with Hunski. He and I made white choco chip and walnut cookies, and a strawberry cheesecake. The cookies were "Thank You" gifts for Roy, Pam and Cat. Roy lent me his video recorder for my journalism class, and it has helped make my report better. Pam, on the other hand, helped me get in touch with Cat. Cat helped me get an interview with her friend, and I owe Cat so much for that. The strawberry cheesecake iss for Cat's friend whom I will interview tomorrow.
I'll let you know who this person is tomorrow. I'm SO excited to meet her, but at the same time I'm really nervous. I dunno why.
After baking, Hunski and I did some Icon work. We went to Suki's house to fix the magazines which the distributor will pick up tomorrow. We also delivered some magazines to Frederick in Makati. The man ordered more than 50 copies of the current issue of Icon magazine!!! Thank you very much, Frederick!!!
Then we went to my house where I got some clothes, since I was spending the night at Hunski's. It's almost twelve midnight now, and I have to get some sleep.
If today was a long day, tomorrow would be much more longer.
Thursday, August 11, 2005
The Great Raid Which Was Not So Great...
Yesterday afternoon, Hunski and I met up and we did something we haven’t done for the longest time…
We watched a movie! And you thought it was something else, you naughty thing.
We were at Gateway, and we met up so I can give him Icon stuff. Then I ask him to treat me to a movie. Hahaha! There weren’t any good movies to watch and our choices were limited to Bewitched, The Island, and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. Movie addict, Zand Man, told me Bewitched wasn’t good (even if it was Nicole Kidman…Huhuhu!) Hunski wasn’t feeling up for The Island (even if it was Scarlett Johannson…Huhuhu!) and I wasn’t up for Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (I’m scared of him. Dunno why. He scares me the same way as clowns do.)
So we ended up watching – The Great Raid – which didn’t turn out to be that great, at least for me.
I’ve been hearing so much fuss about this movie in the last few days in local newspapers, mainly because local actor Cesar Montano was starring in the movie along with Benjamin Bratt, James Franco, Joseph Fiennes and Connie Nielsen.
Cesar Montano plays the role of guerrilla leader Capt. Juan Pajota, while Bratt, Franco and Fiennes play the role of the brains behind the rescue mission of American POWs in a Japanese camp in Cabanatuan, a province north of Manila.
Local newspapers had this writeup – “While Capt. Prince was the brains and Lt. Col. Mucci the sheer force behind the Cabanatuan rescue mission, it was guerilla leader Capt. Juan Pajota who was able to bring the rescue plan to reality. Capt. Pajota knew the land, had the trust of local villagers and commanded the local guerilla forces. He came up with the idea of evacuating the weak and sick POWs on water buffalo carts, and he and his men held Japanese forces off a bridge will the men of Mucci and Prince rescued the POWs.”
So I had this slight expectation that this movie will be about Filipinos and how they have helped American forces set their POWs free. It should have occurred to me that such a big movie company as Miramax wouldn’t spend such a big budget - $80M - just so Filipinos may be the heroes.
I should have known better.
The role of Capt. Juan Pajota in the movie was so minor. It took so long before he actually appeared. And when he was already part of the situation, the role and the scenes that he had were so very little and very minor. Heck, you wouldn’t even see Cesar Montano’s name in the end credits along with the lead characters, despite the fact that he supposedly had a major role in the rescue operation.
At the end of the movie, I was just so annoyed at the treatment of the film.
If you’re planning to watch this movie because you think that Filipinos will be in the spotlight, then I suggest you leave that expectation at the door of the cinema. This is just another war movie.
The only thing I liked about the movie was the setting and the production design. I’m impressed with how the old Manila was reconstructed and resurrected. Even the tranvia that was quite similar to the one in San Francisco was in the movie. The other thing I liked about it, which I read in some reviews was another bad thing about the movie, was the love angle between Connie Nielsen and Joseph Fiennes. There’s just something about love in a time of war that makes it more appealing to the audience.
But that’s just about it.
Yesterday afternoon, Hunski and I met up and we did something we haven’t done for the longest time…
We watched a movie! And you thought it was something else, you naughty thing.
We were at Gateway, and we met up so I can give him Icon stuff. Then I ask him to treat me to a movie. Hahaha! There weren’t any good movies to watch and our choices were limited to Bewitched, The Island, and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. Movie addict, Zand Man, told me Bewitched wasn’t good (even if it was Nicole Kidman…Huhuhu!) Hunski wasn’t feeling up for The Island (even if it was Scarlett Johannson…Huhuhu!) and I wasn’t up for Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (I’m scared of him. Dunno why. He scares me the same way as clowns do.)
So we ended up watching – The Great Raid – which didn’t turn out to be that great, at least for me.
I’ve been hearing so much fuss about this movie in the last few days in local newspapers, mainly because local actor Cesar Montano was starring in the movie along with Benjamin Bratt, James Franco, Joseph Fiennes and Connie Nielsen.
Cesar Montano plays the role of guerrilla leader Capt. Juan Pajota, while Bratt, Franco and Fiennes play the role of the brains behind the rescue mission of American POWs in a Japanese camp in Cabanatuan, a province north of Manila.
Local newspapers had this writeup – “While Capt. Prince was the brains and Lt. Col. Mucci the sheer force behind the Cabanatuan rescue mission, it was guerilla leader Capt. Juan Pajota who was able to bring the rescue plan to reality. Capt. Pajota knew the land, had the trust of local villagers and commanded the local guerilla forces. He came up with the idea of evacuating the weak and sick POWs on water buffalo carts, and he and his men held Japanese forces off a bridge will the men of Mucci and Prince rescued the POWs.”
So I had this slight expectation that this movie will be about Filipinos and how they have helped American forces set their POWs free. It should have occurred to me that such a big movie company as Miramax wouldn’t spend such a big budget - $80M - just so Filipinos may be the heroes.
I should have known better.
The role of Capt. Juan Pajota in the movie was so minor. It took so long before he actually appeared. And when he was already part of the situation, the role and the scenes that he had were so very little and very minor. Heck, you wouldn’t even see Cesar Montano’s name in the end credits along with the lead characters, despite the fact that he supposedly had a major role in the rescue operation.
At the end of the movie, I was just so annoyed at the treatment of the film.
If you’re planning to watch this movie because you think that Filipinos will be in the spotlight, then I suggest you leave that expectation at the door of the cinema. This is just another war movie.
The only thing I liked about the movie was the setting and the production design. I’m impressed with how the old Manila was reconstructed and resurrected. Even the tranvia that was quite similar to the one in San Francisco was in the movie. The other thing I liked about it, which I read in some reviews was another bad thing about the movie, was the love angle between Connie Nielsen and Joseph Fiennes. There’s just something about love in a time of war that makes it more appealing to the audience.
But that’s just about it.
Tuesday, August 09, 2005
I C E Campaign
I don't like forwarded emails, and I usually delete them but here's one email that I found very important and should be worth forwarding to everyone.
This would be useful to do especially following the disaster in London . .
The East Anglian Ambulance Service in the UK has launched a national "In Case of Emergency (ICE)" campaign with the support of Falklands war hero Simon Weston. In events such as 9-11, the London bombings and in other disasters and accidents, emergency response teams have found that celphones usually remain operable, even though their owners are (God forbid) dead or have been rendered unconscious.
Celphones are sometimes the only means of communicating with next of kin, but there is no quick, standardized way for emergency staff to find out who to call, out of the many names entered.
The idea is that you store the word " I C E " in your mobile phone address book, and against it, enter the number of the person you would want to be contacted "In Case of Emergency". For more than one contact name, you could use ICE1, ICE2, ICE3, etc. or group them in your address book entry.
In an emergency situation, ambulance and hospital staff will then be able to quickly find out who your next of kin are and be able to contact them.
It's so simple that everyone can do it! Please forward this to everybody in your address book; it won't take too many 'forwards' before everybody will know about this, and if enough of us adopt this, it can become a global standard.
It really could save your life, or put a loved one's mind at rest.
I don't like forwarded emails, and I usually delete them but here's one email that I found very important and should be worth forwarding to everyone.
This would be useful to do especially following the disaster in London . .
The East Anglian Ambulance Service in the UK has launched a national "In Case of Emergency (ICE)" campaign with the support of Falklands war hero Simon Weston. In events such as 9-11, the London bombings and in other disasters and accidents, emergency response teams have found that celphones usually remain operable, even though their owners are (God forbid) dead or have been rendered unconscious.
Celphones are sometimes the only means of communicating with next of kin, but there is no quick, standardized way for emergency staff to find out who to call, out of the many names entered.
The idea is that you store the word " I C E " in your mobile phone address book, and against it, enter the number of the person you would want to be contacted "In Case of Emergency". For more than one contact name, you could use ICE1, ICE2, ICE3, etc. or group them in your address book entry.
In an emergency situation, ambulance and hospital staff will then be able to quickly find out who your next of kin are and be able to contact them.
It's so simple that everyone can do it! Please forward this to everybody in your address book; it won't take too many 'forwards' before everybody will know about this, and if enough of us adopt this, it can become a global standard.
It really could save your life, or put a loved one's mind at rest.
Monday, August 08, 2005
It's the Queen's Birthday...
Party to the Queen's music this Friday and Saturday.
MADONNA: THE EARLY YEARS
The Welcome Party
Friday, August 12, 2005
Music by: Bam del Valle
MADONNATHON 2: UNLEASH THE BEAST WITHIN
Saturday, August 13, 2005
Music by: Kevin Ruiz
Come and celebrate her birthday.
Party to the Queen's music this Friday and Saturday.
MADONNA: THE EARLY YEARS
The Welcome Party
Friday, August 12, 2005
Music by: Bam del Valle
MADONNATHON 2: UNLEASH THE BEAST WITHIN
Saturday, August 13, 2005
Music by: Kevin Ruiz
Come and celebrate her birthday.
Saturday, August 06, 2005
Frederick's Thursday Club
The Cast: Frederick Peralta, Melo Esguerra, Vince Uy, Jigs Mayuga, Suki Salvador, Richie Villarin, Xochi Mapua and, Angelo Morales
The Venue: Frederick Peralta's Cozy Manila Home
The Menu: Adobong Pusit, Rellenong Bangus, Pork Embutido. Tomato & Mushroom Quiche by Xochi Mapua and, Strawberry Cheesecake by Angelo Morales & Xochi Mapua
The Drink: Merlot, Merlot and More Merlot
The Topics: Musicals, Fashion, Vogue, Magazines, Paris, Men, Pan de Sal, Sailors.
When Richie and I delivered Frederick's copy of Icon last week, he mentioned during our brief chat that he used to host a dinner for his friends every Thursday at his home. He called the group the Thursday Club. The group, composed of fellow fashion designers, media people, friends, among others - would just have dinner at Frederick's place, and they would just chat and chat and chat not noticing the hours go by.
Last night, the Thursday Club was composed of Richie Villarin, Suki Salvador, Xochi Mapua and Me (Icon's Power Four...Haha!), Vince Uy (Preview's Power Creative Director), Jig Mayuga (Shu Uemura's newest weapon), Melo Esguerra (GMA 7's Brains behind OUT!), and of course, Frederick Peralta aka the GodMother.
I sound like I'm describing a gay Mafia meeting.
And what was the gay Mafia talking about?
Every bit of stereotyped homo topic you can think of. One moment we're talking about the Brent issue of Icon (thanks from all of us to those who bought), then we'll be talking about Preview (don't worry Summit people, your power CD didn't divulge anything we don't know yet), then the topic naturally drifts to other magazines. From the differences of the Vogue international editions to the current issue of US Vogue that has Madonna on the cover to why Summit brought Marie Claire to the country and its implications. Then the topic would drift to fashion and Frederick shared with us his great fashion moments from winning this and that award to getting to watch a haute couture show of John Galliano for Christian Dior in Paris (Augh!!! I'm SO, SO envious!) to what gay spots to see in Paris and Amsterdam and Spain, where Suki and Richie will be flying to this weekend (Augh! How come Hunski and I are always left behind by this couple?! Hahaha! Kidding.)
Before we knew it, it was past eleven already. After thanking Frederick for being such a fantastic host, we had to bid everyone good night since everyone had something to do early the following morning.
The evening was really great. The food was great. The people were great. The conversations were great. Personally, it was such a good break for me from all the pressure I've been going through because of my Journalism assignment.
We should definitely have more dinners like that.
The Cast: Frederick Peralta, Melo Esguerra, Vince Uy, Jigs Mayuga, Suki Salvador, Richie Villarin, Xochi Mapua and, Angelo Morales
The Venue: Frederick Peralta's Cozy Manila Home
The Menu: Adobong Pusit, Rellenong Bangus, Pork Embutido. Tomato & Mushroom Quiche by Xochi Mapua and, Strawberry Cheesecake by Angelo Morales & Xochi Mapua
The Drink: Merlot, Merlot and More Merlot
The Topics: Musicals, Fashion, Vogue, Magazines, Paris, Men, Pan de Sal, Sailors.
When Richie and I delivered Frederick's copy of Icon last week, he mentioned during our brief chat that he used to host a dinner for his friends every Thursday at his home. He called the group the Thursday Club. The group, composed of fellow fashion designers, media people, friends, among others - would just have dinner at Frederick's place, and they would just chat and chat and chat not noticing the hours go by.
Last night, the Thursday Club was composed of Richie Villarin, Suki Salvador, Xochi Mapua and Me (Icon's Power Four...Haha!), Vince Uy (Preview's Power Creative Director), Jig Mayuga (Shu Uemura's newest weapon), Melo Esguerra (GMA 7's Brains behind OUT!), and of course, Frederick Peralta aka the GodMother.
I sound like I'm describing a gay Mafia meeting.
And what was the gay Mafia talking about?
Every bit of stereotyped homo topic you can think of. One moment we're talking about the Brent issue of Icon (thanks from all of us to those who bought), then we'll be talking about Preview (don't worry Summit people, your power CD didn't divulge anything we don't know yet), then the topic naturally drifts to other magazines. From the differences of the Vogue international editions to the current issue of US Vogue that has Madonna on the cover to why Summit brought Marie Claire to the country and its implications. Then the topic would drift to fashion and Frederick shared with us his great fashion moments from winning this and that award to getting to watch a haute couture show of John Galliano for Christian Dior in Paris (Augh!!! I'm SO, SO envious!) to what gay spots to see in Paris and Amsterdam and Spain, where Suki and Richie will be flying to this weekend (Augh! How come Hunski and I are always left behind by this couple?! Hahaha! Kidding.)
Before we knew it, it was past eleven already. After thanking Frederick for being such a fantastic host, we had to bid everyone good night since everyone had something to do early the following morning.
The evening was really great. The food was great. The people were great. The conversations were great. Personally, it was such a good break for me from all the pressure I've been going through because of my Journalism assignment.
We should definitely have more dinners like that.
Thursday, August 04, 2005
My Respect Just Went a Notch Higher for Them...
Taking a journalism class this semester has been more than what I expected it to be.
Every class session, I learn more and more things about the way broadsheets produce news, the steps to avoid a libel case, more technical stuff.
In fact, because of my journalism class, I drove Suki really nuts when after a one session, I told Suki that three or five words needed to be added to a small newsbit in the latest issue of Icon. It wouldn't have been a big issue, except in this case, the layout of the whole issue was already finished. But I had to defend my move, "Better for us to be hassled now, than to be hassled later on with a libel case."
But so far, the biggest learning experience is being able to get a feel of what it feels like to be a journalist.
Our assignment for the week is to develop a second lead story based on the recent State of the Nation Address delivered by Pres. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo. We are required to interview at least three credible sources for the news story. By credible, I refer to those people in certain positions who practicing journalists would really approach when they write the news for the broadsheet. We were given a week to write the news story.
It sounds easy, right? I thought so too but boy, was I so, so wrong.
Okay, first day of working on the news story I chose, I decided to go to this agency to do some research. The agency accommodated me so I was really happy. I got to look at different reports of the agency, and that was really helpful until... someone saw me copying the names of people from the training report. The person who caught me immediately asked why I was copying the names of those people. I told the person I want to interview these people for further information. And all of a sudden, the person started getting defensive and suspicious of me.
The weird thing about this whole situation was that I was looking at a public document, and that the information I copied is and should be really available to researchers.
Alright, my first day didn't really go well. I had difficulty sleeping in the evening because of that incident. Once my sort of cover as a researcher got blown, I immediately confessed. I swear I cannot be Sidney Bristow.
Second day, I decided to go to another agency related to the first agency. When I told the people at the second agency my reason for the interview, the people I was talking to immediately became suspicious and defensive. They were asking me, "Why do you want to interview them? What's your purpose?" I almost wanted to tell them, "Why are you guys being so defensive? Are you hiding something?"
Aside from that, the bureaucracy was also such a problem. The people I wanted and needed to talk to weren't there. When they asked for a letter from me why I want to interview these people, I almost gave them the letter I prepared but chose not to when I was informed that I had to wait for three days before I get any response. Three days!!! Ack! It was so, so frustrating. So I chose not to give my letter and left the agency.
I went to another agency related to the first two agencies. I needed to talk to these agencies to get their side, and thus be able to come up with a fair and balanced news story. With the third agency, I got to interview someone but before giving me the interview, I was given a lecture on getting permissions from the first two agencies, and all that bureaucracy crap again. Just so I can have the interview already, I just said, "Yes. I'm sorry."
At the end of the interview, I was really happy because I already got one interview. From the third agency, I went to another office where I can get an interview. The people from that office immediately granted me permission to interview him. I went to three more other offices and immediately I was given instant interviews again. No letters. No bureaucratic crap.
If there is one thing I have learned from this whole assignment, it would be that "Journalism is such a difficult field. And that one really has to be brave, courageous, determined, and passionate to be able to survive, literally and figuratively, in this field."
So to all responsible journalists and aspiring journalists, I've just had more respect for you. I now understand how difficult it is to be in your shoes. I don't really know if I'd like to wear those shoes.
Unless, of course it's fashion journalism. Then bring out those Prada loafers.
Taking a journalism class this semester has been more than what I expected it to be.
Every class session, I learn more and more things about the way broadsheets produce news, the steps to avoid a libel case, more technical stuff.
In fact, because of my journalism class, I drove Suki really nuts when after a one session, I told Suki that three or five words needed to be added to a small newsbit in the latest issue of Icon. It wouldn't have been a big issue, except in this case, the layout of the whole issue was already finished. But I had to defend my move, "Better for us to be hassled now, than to be hassled later on with a libel case."
But so far, the biggest learning experience is being able to get a feel of what it feels like to be a journalist.
Our assignment for the week is to develop a second lead story based on the recent State of the Nation Address delivered by Pres. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo. We are required to interview at least three credible sources for the news story. By credible, I refer to those people in certain positions who practicing journalists would really approach when they write the news for the broadsheet. We were given a week to write the news story.
It sounds easy, right? I thought so too but boy, was I so, so wrong.
Okay, first day of working on the news story I chose, I decided to go to this agency to do some research. The agency accommodated me so I was really happy. I got to look at different reports of the agency, and that was really helpful until... someone saw me copying the names of people from the training report. The person who caught me immediately asked why I was copying the names of those people. I told the person I want to interview these people for further information. And all of a sudden, the person started getting defensive and suspicious of me.
The weird thing about this whole situation was that I was looking at a public document, and that the information I copied is and should be really available to researchers.
Alright, my first day didn't really go well. I had difficulty sleeping in the evening because of that incident. Once my sort of cover as a researcher got blown, I immediately confessed. I swear I cannot be Sidney Bristow.
Second day, I decided to go to another agency related to the first agency. When I told the people at the second agency my reason for the interview, the people I was talking to immediately became suspicious and defensive. They were asking me, "Why do you want to interview them? What's your purpose?" I almost wanted to tell them, "Why are you guys being so defensive? Are you hiding something?"
Aside from that, the bureaucracy was also such a problem. The people I wanted and needed to talk to weren't there. When they asked for a letter from me why I want to interview these people, I almost gave them the letter I prepared but chose not to when I was informed that I had to wait for three days before I get any response. Three days!!! Ack! It was so, so frustrating. So I chose not to give my letter and left the agency.
I went to another agency related to the first two agencies. I needed to talk to these agencies to get their side, and thus be able to come up with a fair and balanced news story. With the third agency, I got to interview someone but before giving me the interview, I was given a lecture on getting permissions from the first two agencies, and all that bureaucracy crap again. Just so I can have the interview already, I just said, "Yes. I'm sorry."
At the end of the interview, I was really happy because I already got one interview. From the third agency, I went to another office where I can get an interview. The people from that office immediately granted me permission to interview him. I went to three more other offices and immediately I was given instant interviews again. No letters. No bureaucratic crap.
If there is one thing I have learned from this whole assignment, it would be that "Journalism is such a difficult field. And that one really has to be brave, courageous, determined, and passionate to be able to survive, literally and figuratively, in this field."
So to all responsible journalists and aspiring journalists, I've just had more respect for you. I now understand how difficult it is to be in your shoes. I don't really know if I'd like to wear those shoes.
Unless, of course it's fashion journalism. Then bring out those Prada loafers.
Wednesday, August 03, 2005
China, Here Comes the Vogue
Vogue China EIC Angelica Cheung with Designer Rick Owens, Photo via Style.com
This September, a new international Vogue edition will be launched.
Vogue China.
Yes, a party for Vogue China was held in Paris during the Haute Couture week. The editor-in-chief will be Angelica Cheung. And I read somewhere that the covergirl of the maiden issue will be Brazilian bombshell, one of the women I'd switch for - Gisele Bundchen.
Can you imagine how big the circulation of Vogue China will be?
If US Vogue is at 1.25 million(!!!), what would be Vogue China's? 500 Million!!!
Hahaha!
Here are some tidbits about China:
Text messages sent last year 218 B
Smokers 350M
Cell owners 300M
Retail Sales 600B
For sure, the launch of Vogue China will rake in a lot of money for Conde Nast.
Will there ever be a Philippine Vogue?
Vogue China EIC Angelica Cheung with Designer Rick Owens, Photo via Style.com
This September, a new international Vogue edition will be launched.
Vogue China.
Yes, a party for Vogue China was held in Paris during the Haute Couture week. The editor-in-chief will be Angelica Cheung. And I read somewhere that the covergirl of the maiden issue will be Brazilian bombshell, one of the women I'd switch for - Gisele Bundchen.
Can you imagine how big the circulation of Vogue China will be?
If US Vogue is at 1.25 million(!!!), what would be Vogue China's? 500 Million!!!
Hahaha!
Here are some tidbits about China:
Text messages sent last year 218 B
Smokers 350M
Cell owners 300M
Retail Sales 600B
For sure, the launch of Vogue China will rake in a lot of money for Conde Nast.
Will there ever be a Philippine Vogue?
Tuesday, August 02, 2005
Magazine Lovers Would Like To Know...
Anne Leibovitz for April 2005 US Vogue
I read this somewhere.
Women's Fashion Magazine lovers, you might be interested in these info.
Ladies and I assume, very few gentlemen, here are the covers of the September issue of our favorite magazines.
Magazine/ Covergirl/Photographer:
Allure Mariah Carey by Michael Thompson
Cosmopolitan Scarlett Johansson by Cliff Watts
Elle Jennifer Lopez by Gilles Bensimon
Glamour Jennifer Connelly by Patrick Demarchelier
Harper’s Bazaar Demi Moore by Alexi Lubomirski
In Style Jennifer Garner by Sante D’Orazio
Jane Hilary Duff by Matt Jones
Marie Claire Reese Witherspoon by Matthew Rolston
Vanity Fair Paris Hilton by Mario Testino
Vogue Sarah Jessica Parker by Annie Leibovitz
W Kirsten Dunst by Michael Thompson
Of course, the one I'm SO excited about is US Vogue. Sarah Jessica Parker. Shot by Anne Leibovitz. The work of this photographer has been amazing, amazing. I know there are better photographers, but her work for Vogue just stands out compared to the other photographers of US Vogue.
I'm also really excited about the September issue of US Vogue because I want to know if it'll be as huge as the September issue last year - 837 friggin pages of fashion, the biggest so far for US Vogue!
That one sold for 750 pesos!!!
And even if I really wanted to get it, I had to muster so much courage to wait for the prices to drop. I just felt that 750 pesos was too much to pay for, even for Vogue.
My waiting paid off when several weeks later, I got to buy the issue at half the price.
Anne Leibovitz for April 2005 US Vogue
I read this somewhere.
Women's Fashion Magazine lovers, you might be interested in these info.
Ladies and I assume, very few gentlemen, here are the covers of the September issue of our favorite magazines.
Magazine/ Covergirl/Photographer:
Allure Mariah Carey by Michael Thompson
Cosmopolitan Scarlett Johansson by Cliff Watts
Elle Jennifer Lopez by Gilles Bensimon
Glamour Jennifer Connelly by Patrick Demarchelier
Harper’s Bazaar Demi Moore by Alexi Lubomirski
In Style Jennifer Garner by Sante D’Orazio
Jane Hilary Duff by Matt Jones
Marie Claire Reese Witherspoon by Matthew Rolston
Vanity Fair Paris Hilton by Mario Testino
Vogue Sarah Jessica Parker by Annie Leibovitz
W Kirsten Dunst by Michael Thompson
Of course, the one I'm SO excited about is US Vogue. Sarah Jessica Parker. Shot by Anne Leibovitz. The work of this photographer has been amazing, amazing. I know there are better photographers, but her work for Vogue just stands out compared to the other photographers of US Vogue.
I'm also really excited about the September issue of US Vogue because I want to know if it'll be as huge as the September issue last year - 837 friggin pages of fashion, the biggest so far for US Vogue!
That one sold for 750 pesos!!!
And even if I really wanted to get it, I had to muster so much courage to wait for the prices to drop. I just felt that 750 pesos was too much to pay for, even for Vogue.
My waiting paid off when several weeks later, I got to buy the issue at half the price.
