Pulse

New at EDSA Shangri-La Hotel

noreply@blogger.com (Em Dy) — Sat, 06 Sep 2008 13:41:00 +0000

Since I noticed the construction/renovation of what used to be shops beside the side entrance of EDSA Shangri-La Hotel, I've been looking forward to what it would become. Hints pointed to something about food and so I wished for a restaurant cum coffee shop serving dishes similar to the Lobby Lounge. I also wished that it be open for breakfast so that we can try it after Sunday mass.

On my way to the mall, I noticed that the area has been opened and that the three shops occupying it have started operations.

Laundry Services. This did not catch my attention as much as the other two which is why I'd forgotten to even check what its name is.

Fully Booked. Yes, finally a branch in the Ortigas area. This one occupies two floors and while they're still fixing the books in the second floor, the ground floor is well-stocked including all 4 books of the Twilight series.

CAFE. My wish came true but not quite. This outlet is actually a coffee shop. Beverages for sale include coffee, tea, juices, colas. There is a wide selection of cakes, pastries and breads. Cold sandwiches are also available. I had the Ham and Cheese Tortilla Wrap with Blue Cheese Dip (PHP 150). It was good especially when dipped in blue cheese. Yummy! The iced tea lacked flavor though and I had to ask for sugar. They told me that they'd forgotten to serve me the sugar syrup. It was okay after I put in some syrup. They open at 7 AM. Tables seating 2-4 people each are available outside.

I had less than an hour to spare to look around and eat so I think I'm coming back to explore the bookstore some more. As for the coffee shop, I did tell them that I wish they have more to offer, like pizza and pasta. But the wrap and dip are enough reasons to be back.

International Cuisine

noreply@blogger.com (Em Dy) — Fri, 05 Sep 2008 07:19:00 +0000

I've said this many times before in this blog. My family has a Chinese food addiction, the oldies especially. When we eat out or meet, the deal maker is usually a promised meal at a Chinese restaurant. When I eat out, I prefer Japanese food. I also like Italian, American and Mediterranean. I'm not fond at all of spicy food, hence I don't usually go for Indian or Thai. Although Filipino food has its charm, I prefer not to eat it when dining out as it can easily be prepared at home.

Other than your own, which international cuisine is a favorite and why?

You can even tell me your favorite dish. Share.

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This is my 6th entry to Aloha Friday.

One Step Closer to the Dream

noreply@blogger.com (Em Dy) — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 10:41:00 +0000

Remember the My Dream Home group writing project which I joined over at A Cabin Full of Log Homes? Jake has just announced the lucky winner and I'm it.

He's sending me two books: Natural Remodeling for the Not-So-Green House: Bringing Your Home into Harmony with Nature and Green by Design. According to Jake, both books are geared toward green direction. I looked up both books at Amazon and they seem very interesting. I'm sure they'd come in handy once I start building my dream home.

That makes me one step closer to the dream. Thanks, Jake.

I Love the Smell

noreply@blogger.com (Em Dy) — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 12:13:00 +0000

of new books, freshly laundered clothes, freshly baked bread, home cooked meals, newly shampooed hair, cinnamon, baby cologne, items out of a balikbayan box, popcorn, peppermint, sampaguita, fruity and floral scents.

What about you?

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This post is for Denim & Silk.

Smother

noreply@blogger.com (Em Dy) — Tue, 02 Sep 2008 13:35:00 +0000

The premise is simple enough. Mother drives son crazy. It's easy to relate to as we've all experienced that at one time or another. Or vice versa; we drive our parents crazy too.

But the makers of Smother decide to complicate things and throw in several subplots. A wife with a baby making agenda. An unwelcome guest. A would be screenwriter. Marital trouble. An interfering mother in law. Weird bosses. Dogs. Instead of these elements coming together in support of the theme, the movie felt like gags strung together. Maybe if they could just have stuck to the main theme, it would have been bearable.

Yet this movie has big name stars. Diane Keaton. Liv Tyler. One wonders how they could have made a bad choice of material.

Now, about Diane Keaton. I loved her in Something's Gotta Give. I've never seen Annie Hall but it was the defining moment of her career, even winning her an Oscar. But she has a tendency to overdramatize her roles, this one included. Her characterization was just too much. Plus this role is nothing new to her, having portrayed a similar one in Because I Said So.

I wish I can say something good about the movie but the only nice thing that happened in today's screening was the trailer of Nights of Rodanthe starring Diane Lane and Richard Gere. I'm so watching that. I've seen them in Unfaithful and they make a great pair.

smother, movie, diane keaton, liv tyler

Photo from this site.

Treadmill x 60 minutes x 343 calories

Movie Locations

noreply@blogger.com (Em Dy) — Mon, 01 Sep 2008 13:23:00 +0000

On the way home, I passed a billboard of the Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants 2. It shows the lead actresses with a backdrop of Santorini. Greece, because of it being picturesque, has been seen in a number of films lately. And many other movies have chosen exotic or significant locales to film their shoots.

Greece. Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants. Mamma Mia. For the First Time.

Hawaii. Along Came Polly. 50 First Dates. Jurassic Park. Tears of the Sun. From Here to Eternity.

New York. An Affair to Remember. Love Affair. Spiderman. Sex and the City. Godzilla.

Ireland. P.S. I Love You.

New Zealand. Lord of the Rings.

Of course, some of these movies lead the audience to believe that they were shot elsewhere. But you don't have to look far to know the actual location. Just stay long enough to see the end credits.

Can you add some more to my list?

movie, location

September Shopfest Philippines 2008

noreply@blogger.com (Em Dy) — Sun, 31 Aug 2008 11:53:00 +0000

Yesterday, at the mall, I was surprised to see a poster announcing September Shopfest Philippines 2008, a shopping festival involving multiple malls. It is organized by the Department of Tourism and promises discounts in your favorite stores up to 70%.

I wonder if it will attract as many tourists as The Great Singapore Sale or the Hong Kong Shopping Festival. Or if it will draw the tourists away from Greenhills or Carriedo and into the malls. The few medical tourists I've spoken to swear by those places.

The fest starts tomorrow. Let's see what happens.

september shopfest philippines 2008

Image from this site.

For the First Time

noreply@blogger.com (Em Dy) — Sat, 30 Aug 2008 12:30:00 +0000

I didn't know that my friend Zara is a closet KC Concepcion fan. She does not watch as much movies as I do but volunteered to be my movie companion yesterday. This morning, she called to check what time we were watching the movie. When I told her the time and what time we were to meet, she was worried that we might run out of tickets. I assured her I'll reserve. While before, she would make it to the cinema almost at screening time, she was 30 minutes early for our date and even got to the mall ahead of me. The reason, For the First Time starring KC Concepcion and Richard Gutierrez.

While I avoid reading reviews or listening to friends' comments before I've actually seen the movie, Zara read the Inquirer's less than stellar review of the film yet that didn't stop her from going.

Here's what I think. During the first half of the movie, I felt like watching two love stories unfold, that of the leads and their sidekicks, with the latter providing comic relief. This, however, deviated attention from the real story. While it drew laughs, some of the scenes felt like fillers as they were not crucial to the story. In fact, some of Candy Pangilinan's scenes could have been cut and it would not have affected the movie at all.

Technically, the editing was lousy. There were gaps and jumps. Some scenes were poorly lit and out of focus.

Although they make an attractive pair, the chemistry between Richard and KC was not as potent as that of Richard and Marian Rivera in My Best Friend's Girlfriend. But that's just my opinion.

As for KC, I think she did alright in her first movie appearance. It would have been better though if she was given a much lighter material so her radiance will shine through. Her character had so much angst that it was quite tiring to watch. Her scenes, however, with Philip Salvador were quite moving as conflicts with parents and children always seem to draw emotion.

Even before her birth, KC was already a celebrity. However, I think, having two celebrity parents has advantages and disadvantages. Of course, she had it easy. Before she got into the business, she was already a household name. Endorsements and others came right after. The disadvantages, of course, are that everyone expects her to surpass or at least equal her parents' abilities and to be better than her contemporaries. I say, let's give her time to shine. After all, Sharon Cuneta did not become the Megastar in one day.

And because both of the movie's stars are endorsers, the products they support were prominently seen in the movie. The bit about Sony was alright and was well placed. However, the Garnier ad was too in-your-face. No subtlety there at all.

The real star of the movie is Santorini, where a significant portion of the movie was shot. Both Zara and I dream of going there someday. Me to take pictures as the place is really picturesque. And she would only be too happy to pose for me.

So the verdict? I think KC did fine, although not outstanding. Let's give her a break. After all, this is her first time.

for the first time, kc concepcion, richard gutierrez

Photo from this site.

Travel Tips

noreply@blogger.com (Em Dy) — Fri, 29 Aug 2008 12:32:00 +0000

I love to travel and when I do, it's usually a well-researched affair. By that I mean I check travel guides, read magazines, ask friends. The net is also one source of information for me from travel packing tips to photography. I've also been reading blogs with posts about places I've never been to before. A visitor only gets a glimpse of the city and its culture when he travels. The locals definitely know more.

This brings us to today's question: What would you recommend to a first time visitor about your city or country?

The answer is entirely up to you. Food perhaps or maybe an attraction? And don't forget to tell us what city it is.

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This is my 5th contribution to Aloha Friday.

travel, aloha friday

Chaikofi Xpresso

noreply@blogger.com (Em Dy) — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 14:28:00 +0000

It was my first time at The Block today. What struck me was the selection of restaurants, a number of them not available in my usual haunt. I took my time walking around seeing what those I haven't tried before have to offer before the design of Chaikofi beckoned me inside.

Although it occupies but a small area next to the cinemas, one can say that the owners really put a lot of thought into its design. The interiors are done in black, brown and yellow. The limited space is used to the fullest without compromising the comfort of the diner. There are number of choices for seats, stools, couches and chairs.

What attracted me too to the place were the tarpaulins in its periphery highlighting their special deals. They promised affordable meals which even come with free iced tea.

I had the Cheezy Beef Bollem (PHP 155), 5 golf ball sized meatballs on a bed of rice smothered by a creamy sauce with a hint of rosemary. It was served piping hot. The styling was beautiful. The photo shows the dish in its untouched state. No, I did not eat the rice that seems to be missing. The presentation was really like that.

The free drink that came with the dish, however, was not to my liking. It tasted differently from the usual iced tea. When I asked the server why that was so, she said that it was actually Lemon Mint tea. That explained it. I'm not having it again unless it's free.

My impression was that Chaikofi is a franchise of a global brand but it is actually home grown. I'm glad I discovered it today.

chaikofi xpresso, the block

Treadmill x 60 minutes x 341 calories

Death Race

noreply@blogger.com (Em Dy) — Wed, 27 Aug 2008 12:29:00 +0000

When I lined up to get my ticket for Death Race, the girl at the ticket counter reminded me of its classification: R-13. I didn't know that and thought this couldn't be worse than The Dark Knight. I'd seen the trailer and it seemed like a regular action movie.

Death Race takes us to 2012, a time where lawlessness prevails, prisons are full and run by private corporations who make money by making prisoners fight against themselves to the death in exchange for freedom. They broadcast it live and viewers watch the telecast for a fee.

As for the classification, I think the review board had the movie spot on. There is plenty of violence and rage. This movie's definitely not for children.

What I thought of during the movie was the writer's vision of the future. Will there come a time that we are too callous that fighting to the death becomes entertaining? And that we consider lives other than our own as expendable? Is it imminent or even possible? 2012 is just a few years away, after all.

I don't think we're quite there yet. Or even close. And we don't really have to be. I think there's hope for a more peaceful future.

What do you think?

death race, jason statham

Photo from this site.

The Filipino Breakfast

noreply@blogger.com (Em Dy) — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 14:11:00 +0000

A typical Filipino breakfast is composed of fried rice or sinangag, eggs or itlog and a viand or ulam. The meal is named after the combination. In photo is tapsilog, a meal comprising of tapa, sinangag and itlog. There are limitless variations: cornsilog, longsilog, tocilog to name a few.

This meal is most often missed when traveling abroad and breakfast choices are limited.

Personally, my favorite items to go with rice and egg are tapa, longganisa, bacon and SPAM. I don't care much for corned beef or daing.

What about you? What's your favorite -silog?

filipino breakfast, sinangag, itlog, tapsilog

Treadmill x 45 minutes x 267 calories
Stationary bike x 15 minutes x 64 calories

Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince Teaser

noreply@blogger.com (Em Dy) — Mon, 25 Aug 2008 10:50:00 +0000

One of the perks of watching Star Wars: The Clone Wars was seeing the teaser of Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince for the first time. It was good, really good and it left me yearning for more. After all, of the books, Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince is perhaps my favorite of the series. Tough luck then that I have to wait until July next year to see the movie and not this November as originally planned.

Warner Brothers has decided to postpone the showing of the movie, much to the chagrin of Harry Potter fans. Me, included. Others are petitioning the studio to revert back to the original schedule yet others are calling for a boycott of the movie when it shows. Rumors about the postponement abound. Some say the studio just want more money. Others think they're running away from Twilight. Still, there are those who'd like to believe that the studio does not want the showing to coincide with Daniel Radcliffe's stint in Equus, a controversial play which deals with nudity, etc.

I personally think that the studio should revert back to the November schedule. After all, that's what's been promised the public. The only reason the film should not be shown in November is because it's not ready yet. But there is no evidence to say that much. I don't see why it should run away from Twilight. I think Harry Potter has a bigger fan base and moviegoers who like both would most likely watch both and not choose one over the other. Lastly, I think the viewing public is mature enough to separate Daniel Radcliffe, the actor from the character Harry Potter.

Whether it's shown in November or July, I don't think I would be able to stay away. I'd think I'll watch it still.

Now about the teaser, it lived up to its word. I was teased wanting more. And as if to add insult to injury, the teaser shown in the Philippines bore the date November 2008. At least, the teaser showing in the website's been updated to say July. Isn't that enough teasing? Why show the trailer when we have to wait a long time?

harry potter and the half-blood prince, warner brothers, daniel radcliffe, twilight, equus

2nd International Silent Film Festival

noreply@blogger.com (Em Dy) — Sun, 24 Aug 2008 12:00:00 +0000

The 2nd International Silent Film Festival is happening on August 26 to September 8 at the Shangri-La Plaza. It is jointly sponsored by Goethe-Institut, Instituto Cervantes, Japan Foundation and the embassies of the Czech Republic, France and Italy.

The films are classics and would definitely be interesting to watch, to say the least. Some will be accompanied by original music; the others with the original score. Some screenings charge a minimal fee of PHP 75 while others are free admission. Check out the schedules and film details here.

I'm not sure if I'm watching but thought that maybe serious film enthusiasts visiting this blog might. After all, this is a rare opportunity to see classic films from other countries.

2nd international silent film festival, shangri-la plaza, movies

Photo from this site.

Star Wars: The Clone Wars

noreply@blogger.com (Em Dy) — Sat, 23 Aug 2008 13:43:00 +0000

I was a child when Star Wars started and I saw it become a phenomenon. The series gained more fans when new episodes were shown starting 1999.

Fanatics (and there are legions of them) would tell you what they like best about the franchise. What I remember most about my personal experience with the series is my fascination with Han Solo played by Harrison Ford. I am hardly a fanatic but just an avid movie goer.

What struck me when I bought my ticket for Star Wars: The Clone Wars was that the movie did not seem popular. There were more available seats than reserved seats. This was still evident when the movie started. I reasoned that maybe the poor box office draw is secondary to the long weekend. But then again, this is just the opening weekend so it should be doing good. And WALL-E opened too on a long weekend but did very well. Apparently, Star Wars fanatics stayed away.

Did they make the right decision? I think they did. The movie was interesting enough but could have served its purpose on the small screen. I found myself bored and sleepy. As the major conflicts in the story have all been settled in the 6 movies which preceded it, Star Wars: The Clone Wars felt like an excuse to profit from the franchise as the movie is set in the time before Anakin crossed to the dark side. Although the animation is good, it pales in comparison to the live action of the previous movies and what made Star Wars the benchmark of sci-fi movies then. I felt that this animated feature trivialized the entire franchise.

That said, I wonder if Star Wars fanatics share my views.

star wars, star wars: the clone wars, movie, animation

Photo from this site.

Movie Merchandise

noreply@blogger.com (Em Dy) — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 04:31:00 +0000

I saw the tumbler before the movie even opened. I made a mental note to buy it when I watch the movie. But its cost was almost equal to the cost of a tumbler of popcorn so I passed. I figured the drink would taste just the same in a regular container.

That's just me though. I'm not that into movie merchandise unless they come with a Happy Meal. Others collect them. When I like the movie, I buy either the DVD or the book.

Do you buy movie merchandise?

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This post is my 4th contribution to Aloha Friday.

movie merchandise

Street Food

noreply@blogger.com (Em Dy) — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 14:13:00 +0000

Zara and I had contrasting mornings. I barely had things to do as my schedule suddenly cleared because of a no show. Hers, on the other hand, was busy. While I had a leisurely brunch which extended to 1 PM, she had to hurry out to catch a bite before her next appointment.

I thought she came for the donuts. But apparently not. She finished two servings of squid rings drenched in vinegar on her own. She did offer me some but I was too full.

This got me thinking about street food in general. I'm wary of getting Hepatitis A or something and so don't eat as much street food as others would. I don't have any fondness for isaw and the like. I haven't tried them at all. But I do love street bought taho, nilagang mani, pritong mani and pork barbecue.

What about you? What's your favorite street food?

My Dream Home

noreply@blogger.com (Em Dy) — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 12:00:00 +0000

Is at the foot of the mountains with a view of the beach or the ocean. The latter is but a short distance away where I can walk barefoot when I feel like it or just sit still to watch the waves or the sun go down.

Is surrounded by greenery. There are huge trees where I can sit in its shade and read a book or have a picnic. Blooms abound giving the area a magical feel and a flowery scent.

Is equipped with a state-of-the-art security system. Safety is my priority.

Is Wi-Fi ready. I'd like to be online all the time.

Is a one-floor property. I'd like to be able to enjoy all of it even when I'm old and gray.

Has a deck or veranda. Where I can do some entertaining. A barbecue party perhaps? A swing would also be a good idea.

Has huge glass windows which open up to let the breeze in when it's hot. And a window seat where I can sit and read a book or watch the rain. Yet with hotel-type curtains to keep the glare out when I'm having a migraine attack or when I just want to pretend it's still nighttime.

Has living and dining areas with comfortable furniture with soft cushions. I don't want formal furniture. I want one where I can rest my back.

Has a huge kitchen where I can learn how to cook. Pots and pans hanging from the ceiling. A center counter for the wannabe chef with an oven and grill. A 2-door refrigerator. A well-stocked pantry. A breakfast nook.

Has a den which doubles as a home office and entertainment center. Walls stocked with books, CDs and DVDs. A huge plasma TV with Surround sound. A desk with the latest computer system and the biggest monitor.

Has wonderful bedrooms. Comfortable beds. A walk-in closet. Its own toilet and bath with a tub and glass-enclosed shower.

Is clutter free. I'm a sporadic declutterer so a dream home is a good place to start. Out with the old.

Is shared with the people who matter most to me.

I can dream, can't I?

What about you? What's your dream home?

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This post is my entry to the My Dream Home group writing project at A Cabin Full of Log Homes.

my dream home, group writing project, a cabin full of log homes

Potato Chips

noreply@blogger.com (Em Dy) — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 15:59:00 +0000

Potato Chips. My all-time favorite junk food.

I prefer it over corn chips or cheese curls.

In the past, they were not as readily available or had as much varieties like today. Pringles then could only be bought in big supermarkets and PX outlets. I remember it was one of the items in my Christmas list. Locally, there used to be Carol-Ann's potato chips available in cheese and barbecue varieties. It was a favorite until it was no longer available. Jack 'n Jill later produced their own brand of potato chips which we loved pairing with Coke; my favorite then being the Bacon and Cheese variety. But that too was phased out. And then I got introduced to Lay's and Ruffles and I was hooked. The expense, fortunately, moderated my consumption as they were a lot more expensive than local brands. And then I came across Legend Potato Chips which were really good and not at all expensive. My friends thought so too.

It used to be that we had a steady supply at home but I told Mom NOT to buy chips anymore because according to a diet book I read, "Thou shalt not buy what thou should not eat". Following this rule was very difficult when I was in the US. There were more varieties of Lay's and Ruffles there and some available only for a limited time. Truth be told, I missed the bus twice because I couldn't decide at Walmart. Even then, I couldn't say no to temptation and went home to where I was staying with a bag or two.

Nowadays, I try to avoid buying junk food but when I slip and do, I buy the small pack instead of the big one. I also read the labels and buy one with less salt and calories. We occasionally receive Lay's and Ruffles from friends but I'd learned not to attack and just to save them for a special occasion.

I still find it difficult sometimes to avoid it especially when it comes with the meal. Like the potato chips served with sandwiches at Cibo. It tasted so good that I ordered it on its own. But I think I have more self-control now, I ended up bringing most of it home.

What about you? Are you a junkie?

potato chips, junk food

The Twilight Series

noreply@blogger.com (Em Dy) — Mon, 18 Aug 2008 15:59:00 +0000

I learned about the Twilight Series from one of my favorite bloggers, Toni. As it was about vampires, I was not the least bit interested. Secondly, I was not about to start another addiction. Especially since I'm not yet over Harry Potter. Thirdly, I didn't want any more books, considering the expense and the eventual clutter.

But the hype around the release of Breaking Dawn was enough to pique my interest. I chanced upon a copy of Twilight at Powerbooks and read the first chapter. It was interesting but not enough to make me buy it. When I finally decided to get one, it was sold out. The other books in the series were available but the first book was crucial. It was either going to make me a convert or turn into clutter. And then Breaking Dawn was released and my Plurk friends who were so into the series didn't like it at all. That effectively dampened my interest though I was still curious.

And then last Saturday, I saw all 4 books of the series at National Bookstore. And they were all in paperback. I had imagined the latest one to just be available hardbound. I wasn't able to resist anymore. After all, the timing was just right. The long weekend has started.

And 48 hours later, I can describe my experience in one word.

B-I-T-T-E-N.

By the twilight bug that is.

I've finished the first two books and now starting on the third. I would have to read them again as I glossed over some of the narrative to get to the end. That said, I'm with Team Edward.

What about you?

stephanie meyer, twilight, breaking dawn, new moon, eclipse

Photos from this site.

Presto

noreply@blogger.com (Em Dy) — Sun, 17 Aug 2008 08:00:00 +0000

Traditional to all Pixar animated features is the short which precedes the main event. In WALL-E, the short film is Presto, a story of a magician and his rabbit.

The magician is at the top of his game, performing in big venues to large audiences. However, he has forgotten to show kindness to his rabbit; even denying the latter of basic needs. The latter gets fed up, refuses to work for the magician and gets even. Both sides hit each other back and forth until it becomes a life and death situation. Realizing that, one offers a hand which the other graciously accepts. All's well that ends well.

The same image was also underscored in Harry Potter regarding the relationship of wizards and house elves. I think this is a common scenario too in real life; both at the office or at home. But it doesn't have to be. We must treat others as partners or equals.

What bothered me, however, while watching the short is the amount of time given to getting even. Children might consider an eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth acceptable behavior. In this instance, parents should guide their children that revenge is never right.

Photo from this site.

WALL-E

noreply@blogger.com (Em Dy) — Sat, 16 Aug 2008 13:43:00 +0000

Like all Pixar feature presentations, WALL-E is a masterpiece in animation and storytelling. The latter is particularly true here as most of the movie is without dialogue. Yet the animators were able to get the message across. And boy, there were plenty of lessons here.

Our trash pollutes the earth. It may one day outstrip us. We must learn to reduce, reuse, recycle.

We are collectors. Although WALL-E manages trash, he is, in fact, a victim of the collecting bug. We must only collect what is necessary.

One cannot live alone. No man is an island. Everyone seeks companionship.

Physical inactivity is dangerous to our health. It promotes obesity which in turn leads to other health consequences.

Gadgets may make us antisocial. Being hooked to these electronic devices may make us miss life as it passes us by. Take time to smell the flowers.

Bad things happen when good people do nothing. We must speak up to defend our rights.

There is a huge difference between surviving and living. Why live a hundred years and not live life to the fullest? Which is more important: quantity or quality of life?

Renew. All things are possible. One can always start over.

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This post is my contribution to the August Movie Madness of Daily Mish Mash.

wall-e, pixar, animation, movie

Photo from this site.

Treadmill x 47 minutes x 265 calories

Breaking the Chain

noreply@blogger.com (Em Dy) — Fri, 15 Aug 2008 12:51:00 +0000

My friend Endapea sent me this text message last night.

God is giving you 600 million angels to take care of you.
Share them with 9 close to your heart.
You will have good news in 10 minutes.

She ended it by saying, "Nagtry ako. Totoo (I tried it. It's true.)"

Truth to tell, I didn't bother reading it all as I was already sleeping when the message came in. But this afternoon while going over my inbox to do some housekeeping, I came across it and thought about chain letters in general.

While this chain letter predicts good fortune to the believer, others are not as kind. They even go to the extent of predicting misfortune and bad luck.

I've never been a believer, whether the message came through snail mail, email or text messaging. Chain letters were popular at some time while we were in high school. This did not escape the attention of our religion teacher who told us that we shouldn't put our faith in those. And my practice since has simply been to ignore such letters.

What do you think of chain letters?

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This is my 3rd contribution to Aloha Friday.

chain letters, aloha friday

Words and Then Some

noreply@blogger.com (Em Dy) — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 15:59:00 +0000

Emboldened by Shai's post titled What Does Your Blog Say About You? , I tried Wordle for myself to check how Pulse would fare. Here's what my words say about me.

Shai ended her post by saying that the word cloud generated by Wordle does not quite match what she made by hand called Words of Life. She said that maybe she should start realigning her blog to the latter. I don't think she needs to do that as I think she's on the right track. It's Wordle that got her all wrong. Well, not entirely. There's definitely more to S Studio by Shai Coggins than meets Wordle's eye. And for the same reason, there's more to Pulse than meets the eye.

Why do I think so? Reading through Pulse's own word cloud, I noticed that the words belong to only my most recent posts. And so it's not entirely accurate.

Case in point: Affair. The only time I talked about it was in reference to the movie. And that was maybe one or two posts except that I mentioned the word several times in one.

But Wordle did get my preference for movies and dining right. That I'm not going to argue with.

Don't let Wordle define you or restrict you. It may be useful as a guide about your recent blogging experience but your blog history speaks volumes about you.

Image from this site.

wordle

You Don't Mess with the Zohan

noreply@blogger.com (Em Dy) — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 08:06:00 +0000

When S4 learned that I was planning to watch You Don't Mess with the Zohan, she asked me not to because it was vulgar.

I did anyway because I had 3 hours to waste. And I think S4 is absolutely right. The movie is indeed vulgar from start to finish. However, as the movie progressed, the shock somehow wore off. This movie, although hailed as very funny by some quarters, failed to elicit laughs where I watched.

I've seen other Adam Sandler films before (and so has S4) and they were okay. Case in point: 50 First Dates. I feel that Adam Sandler has done and could do better. This movie is a career setback. I hope his next starrer would be better inspired. The only nice thing about the movie is Adam Sandler's new hairstyle. It looks good on him.

Two of my three hours were indeed wasted. I should have just sat at a restaurant and read Twilight.

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Photo from this site.