Credit: Star Cinema Multiply site

But after 5 minutes of pondering, I know I was wasting my time. This was a notch lower than One More Chance. Nothing new and very formulaic.

I’m guilty of loving John Lloyd too much that even knowing beforehand that I won’t find anything mind-blowing about this film or jaw-dropping on how each actors will portray their character, I went with Dettie to watch the film after the work.

John Lloyd is really good at acting. But that was a given, right? Especially if you’re given these stereotyped characters to portray for years already. Heck, he’s a master for this type of character. But as Simon Cowell puts it on AI contestants, “you’re playing safe”.

Bea is too pretty in this film. That when she scrunches up her face when crying, I can’t help but go, “oooh, turning ugly now? Can’t you cry without scrunching your face?”

I find Maricar really good. The breathless saying of “Are you breaking up with me?” Applause, applause! And the other supporting characters are also good. But Maricar was stunning.

My problem with the film is that John Lloyd’s character has no balls. If not for the brother of his girlfriend who wants to marry someone he’s with for only 3 months, he does not realize that love could happen in an instant and you don’t need years to fall and be in love. If not for Sid Lucero’s character meeting on Feb 24, he won’t get his hopes up and go to the meeting place. Although I get it that they did not meet there and ended up meeting at the house, maybe to tell the viewers, “See, it’s the right time. Kung uukol, bubukol.”

Good thing about this film is that John Lloyd’s face is always showing up at the screen so I got my money’s worth.

And why can’t I find a good poster picture for the series? It’s something networks should work on. Okay, I know there’s such a thing with IPR that I can’t Save-As the poster picture on GMA7 website but still, they could put a watermark of their station and its theirs. So enough rambling, let’s start this.

I was excited for this show because at least, it’s a “new” story for shows on GMA7. I never watched any TV series locally and go for KDramas instead because all we have here in the country are REMAKES, REMAKES and REMAKES.

So I waited for the pilot episode and never read any synopsis of the story. Which is fortunate for GMA because if I read the synopsis long before the pilot, I would not have watched this show. Before giving my thoughts, here’s the synopsis:

Diva tells the story of Sam (Regine Velasquez) and her group of friends who want to make it big sa music industry. Martin (TJ Trinidad) is a gifted musician who composes great music, na siya namang nako-compliment ng lyricist na si Gary (Mark Anthony Fernandez) who writes well. Rounding out their merry group is Barbra (Jaya), ang best friend ni Sam who compensates for her lack of musicality by becoming the group’s booker/manager.

Fresh from college, the four have banded together in their quest to become big names in the music industry. At agad rin naman silang napansin dahil sa ganda ng boses ni Sam. But there’s a problem–the executives who signed them don’t think Papin has the right look para sumikat. Enter Lady (Rufa Mae Quinto) and Tiffany (Glaiza de Castro).

Si Lady ang magiging mukha ng kanilang group, with Martin, to become a popular acoustic duo. Ang kaso, ganda lang ang meron si Lady. Sam still continues to sing for the duo, albeit only as a ghost singer for Lady. Si Tiffany naman ang pinsan at alalay ni Lady na fiercely loyal dito, kahit na lagi siyang inaapi nito.

There will come a point na hindi na matitiis ni Sam si Lady. She goes through a makeover and emerges as the new singing sensation: Melody.

Magkikitang muli sina Melody at Tiffany. Nang Makita ang pagpupursige ni Tiffany na sumikat, Melody decides to help her out and turns her into a star. Pero dahil sa pagsikat ni Tiffany, magiging competitor pa siya ni Melody!

Can Melody retain her crown as the Ultimate Diva or mapapalitan ba siya ng sariling protege? Ano ang mangyayari once people find out that Sam and Melody are one and the same? Ano ang magiging reaksyon ni Martin when he finds out that Barbra and Gary knew Melody’s secret all along?

200 Pounds Beauty much? With the ghost singer and makeover. I know there’s a local movie or a movie that has its protege going against the trainer but I forgot the title.

Is this a remake? No, not really. But not original much too. And I also don’t like themes or plot dealing with “Ugly Duckling who was maltreated then becomes the Beautiful Swan who is now the Star”. But I’ll be talking about this a little later.

So going to the pilot episode (when I’m still unaware of the synopsis), it was a fabulous pilot episode. I like how the awards ceremony was not Araneta-Coliseum-ish-fabulous but at least, it has budget and real showbiz stars. It was a flashback so by the time I’m watching Regine as Melody (beautiful swan), I was in disbelief that her character indeed went to a makeover to reach this far.

I love the cameos. Sabado Boys drinking while singing while Ms. Gloria (Melody’s mom) and Mr. Buboy (Melody’s dad) were working to produce her.

I love the fast pace of the story. By the first episode, Regine has gone from an infant, to a child who has not utter a word since birth but upon hearing music, she began singing “Thank you for the music lalalala”, then to a teenager then to Regine.

I love how it lives up to its title Kantaserye. In every 3 or 4 minutes (okay, this is exaggerated but you get the gist), they are singing a song. I am just worried that they might not be consistent about this. That by the time we are in the episodes for next week, there are only one to two songs per week.

In all honesty, I was conjuring this entry on my mind last night and it was filled with positive thoughts. But now, upon reading the synopsis, my belief that GMA7 is the best (Yes, I am a Kapuso) is now beginning to shatter. Nevertheless, I don’t think I’ll ever be a Kapamilya so that might be something good.

What I hate about the show is that the characters and the theme is not original. Maybe it was too much to ask for originality but then, do away with those stereotyped characters. I believe the setting is province. And I am a probinsiyana myself. Was an ugly person being bullied that much? I don’t think I ever experienced seeing one. Or if she was indeed bullied, she was feisty enough to fight back.

So you see what I’m getting at. My problem with the character is being such a weak one. And maybe it’s because of her family that she was one especially her mother. She was too weak that she ended-up as a ghost singer and then resorting to makeover to become a star and to end the abuse of those around her.

I’ve got so many things to say but my disappointment at the synopsis is getting me so mad. You’ve got such good actor with the script? I really don’t know.

So will I still watch it? Yes, I believe so. Maybe because I want to give it the benefit of the doubt and prove the disbelieving me that maybe the script is so good and the synopsis isn’t and that the actors could do so well even if the script is so bad. I just hope they’ll be consistent with the song productions.

And I’m so excited for TJ Trinidad. He’s the only one I’ve been rooting for in this production.

Soooooo…

For 2010 and beyond, I will read books and review them here on my WP. As much as I can. As intensively as I can.

For 2010 and beyond, I will watch movies (on theater or on DVD copy) and review them here on my WP. As much as I can. As intensively as I can.

For 2010 and beyond, I will go places. Literally and figuratively.

For 2010 and beyond, I will act responsibly and maturely at work. No more sour-graping, no more devil-may-care attitude, lessen the whining and focus on more on doing.

For 2010 and beyond, I will chase my fangirl dreams.

For 2010 and beyond, I will be in a romantic relationship. And with this, I must forget some of the standards I made of a partner especially those related to my obsession with KPop stars.

For 2010 and beyond, I will spend ample time with myself and my loved ones.

I believe that the important thing for a human being is to be happy in his stay in this bleak world. And for Hangeng, who would never think twice on donating his own earnings for the less fortunate ones, this case is not merely an issue of money and greed. It never is. This is an issue of finding justice and equality and yes, happiness. To be able to do what you want to do and to receive what you’re worth.

For now, until Hangeng himself release his statements, I will pray that this will be for the betterment of himself and the group as well. Until then, I’m keeping the faith and I3elieve!

cr:kyuranger@soompi

I thought Sorry Sorry, It’s You and Super Girl MVs can’t get any better. In other words, Super Junior can’t be portrayed better than how they were shown or how they performed in those MVs.

But, the Sorry Sorry Answer MV. Awesomeness at a whole new level. I’m dead.

credit: sment youtube channel

Even without english subs, it gripped my heart like crazy. These men, if I was around the place where they are, I would have fainted with a heavenly smile plastered on my face.

The black concept was just fitting, it was perfect for the whole tone of the music and video.

Comments on every member:

• Siwon must stop flaunting his body. Because the abs were toned down, not macho-man-competition-ish, I paused the video looking intently. And that is something for someone who’s never a fan of Siwon’s muscled body.
• Heechul with a Macbook. Not playing games but working. And biting his lips. Woah.
• Donghae waiting at the bench. I’m comiiiiing! LOL. And his dancing and rapping (sans the autotune or whatever it is they do making the voice sound electronic and not their real voice): hands down!
• Leeteuk lying on the couch. Never liked (as in like like) Leader because of his queasy voice that could compete with mine. But his image lying down makes an adult woman like me think some evil thoughts.
• Shindong in this video made me forget he’s an MC for a kid show. He’s older grown-up brother.
• Sungmin with his piano. He was my 3rd crush but then his Super Junior Happy image stuck on me so well that I completely forgot he could be this sexy. But no, Kyu remains 3rd still. No worries, Sungmin. This is the manliest I’ve ever seen you and am proud.
• Hankyung and his luxury car. Don’t mind riding with you. And Father SM, it’s time to give the boys this type of cars under their name and not under your company. Daesang!!!
• Ryeowook is my least favorite among the members because his voice sounds like a girl. Nevertheless, Ryeowook and/with books are just my cup of tea.
• Eunhyuk dancing. As always. His rapping is getting better and better. And he’s getting more handsome in my eyes every minute of the video.
• Yesung sipping a cup of coffee. And showing some skin. ftw. Am getting dizzier because of too much osm.
• Kyuhyun got too much exposure because of his lines that he does not have any individual scene. But his singing shots were enough. Lost my soul because his voice melted it away.
• Champagne-drinking party of the boys. Too classy. And I love it so much.
• Kangin was shown at the end. I bet he had individual scenes but because of the scandal, they did not include it, imo. But I hope next year, we’ll have him back. ‘Cause I’m hoping for a more mature man who learned his lessons well.
• And No Kibum. Was expecting it. But still believing and hoping, someday, I could see him with his brothers.

Too much Siwon and Heechul (aside from the SJ KRY) in this video but I’m not complaining. Love it too much, love them too much it pains me.

And as I always say, yes, I am such a fangirl. ^_^

these all
those all
i don’t think they care about us
the same way we do

reciprocity is overrated
giving more, taking less
taking more, giving less

too chaotic to move
so stay still
and let everyone wonder
why you’re unfazed
until everyone’s staring at you
world has finally gone to a stop
then you make the move

12.09.09.
생일 축하합니다
최 민호!

I should have been there
Not here
Not dabbling my thoughts
Just so I could feel better

But would I feel better?
No, not in the near future.

It will haunt me. Always.
Even if everybody gets over this,
I won’t.
I have a feeling I won’t.

We were shown with music videos during the whole waiting time. So here’s a summary of what was shown (No SJ ∏.∏ ) in random order because you can’t make a very excited fangirl memorize everything in sequence:

1. Ring Ding Dong by SHINee : Everyone was squealing like there’s no tomorrow. Even those who had just stepped inside. And yes, I am guilty too. Maybe because we’ve been holding our breath while entering that you just have to let it all out in a fangirly manner. And many were also cheering for Taemin when he comes out on the screen because he was not able to come due to Swine Flu.
2. I Don’t Care by 2ne1 : And yes, we still love the Pambansang Krung Krung. Or in my case, I really don’t like her to begin with but I super like her co-members. So many squealed by the beginning and then when members were shown individually but not so much compared to other MVs that followed.
3. Kiss by Sandara Park : Yes, she has her own single. And the MV is also a beer advertisement. Of course, this got the fangirls in the theater excited because by the time that Lee Minho (Gu Jun Pyo of BOF, yuhuh, he was in the MV sharing a kiss with Sandara) appeared, all BOF and Minho fans lost their sanity.
4. Are You A Good Girl? by DBSK/TVXQ : The whole theater got wild mainly because of mixed emotions from fangirls, especially the fans of the group. Those who were my lunchmates screamed so well especially when their favorites were shown. If I’m not mistaken, the one with the most number of squeals was Changmin. But I guess, they are loved so well by fans even here in the country. Because despite the distracting and disappointing video for them performing at a recent show (clearly showing some Red-Sea-ish separation of mems), Filipino Cassiopeia (as well as the rest of the world) will always keep the faith.  ^.^
5. Gara Gara Go by Big Bang : This one is another hit. Just like Are You A Good Girl, it received squeals from beginning to end. Most squeals were for Seungri, Taeyang and TOP based from what my ears had taken. So Teddy, I think there’s not much competition for GD.
6. La Cha Ta by f(x) : Ito ang medyo hindi kinaya ng fangirl spirit ko. By the start of the song, there were squeals. But there were fanchants as if f(x) was performing live. For other MVs, people were just following songs and screaming but for this one, it’s as if the fanclub prepared for this moment. Thus, the fanchant. Most squeals: Sulli and Amber. I expected Amber.

The showing of these MVs was something I love about the concert. Fangirls are just the same. And the feeling of having this community in your own country and sharing squeals with them even if you don’t know each other was so special for me.

National Anthem of both countries. Korea’s national anthem was skipping and then went to a stop and some fangirls were like giggling and they were shushed by the SHINee World Philippines members. Buti nga. In the first place, there’s nothing funny for them to giggle.

After this, the program officially started with VJ Isak and Luis doing the opening/welcome remarks. It was like watching Pops in Seoul live. VJ Isak is consistent which was really good. And Luis is as usual, his kenkoy self.

It was said in the Programme that Tinikling was going to be performed by Teatro Miguel but it was not Tinikling but different folk dances that were performed. Which I guess was performed well and showcased the variety of which we’ll be proud to show to the world.

Next were messages from the Ambassador of Korea to the Philippines and a representative of Hon. Romulo, DFA Secretary. The ambassador was cool in the sense that he was discussing the history of the friendship and the similarities the two nations have, using some Tagalog phrases or words. While the DFA’s message was I think more directed to the Korean embassy per se, talking of plans between the friendly relations of both nations. Which is cool also, if you’re interested on these stuffs. Me included on the interested ones.

Before the next performance, VJ Isak said that there’s a video message from those who cannot come to today’s event. Of course, a fangirl was expecting that the those were the Korean groups who cannot come to perform. So everyone was readying their camera, and then the first one shown was a Korean (whoops, forgot the name) government official. Okay, not a Korean group but maybe the next one? Next one is Philippine ambassador to Korea. And so the video was not greetings from Korean group. But there was Andre Kim (oh hai there, Mr. Kim). Although from the video, I was glad to know that there was an Assistant Professor who’s a Filipina teaching at SNU. Woah. XD

Next is performance of a group of young Filipinos (mostly girls with only one boy) performing Korean songs. Though there were some folk dances at the start, they ended up dancing mostly to the tune of SHINee’s songs, SNSD’s songs and one U-Kiss’ song. But before that Avii (a Filipina) together with 5-6 females (her back-up dancers) sang and danced to Nobody. The performances were good and these were able to make the people squeal and sing-along to the songs.

After this was a performance from a Korean boy, 13 years-old Yang Sang Heon. He sang Anak by Freddie Aguilar. His accent was really good that you won’t think that it’s a Korean boy, who has stayed in the Philippines for a year and a half only, singing. But Luis, being so maldito, asked him in malalim na Tagalog if he could understand conversations in Filipino, and he was just like, “What, sorry?” ^.^

Next up is our very own Brownman Revival. They played three songs. And it was enjoying especially Lintik. Also, the lead singer got down from the stage and went near mostly Korean women present. As expected, they were really good especially those who played the instruments.

After the performance, there’s a break before the second part. I went to the restroom with my two new co-fangirls. By the time we went back, we could already here squeals. Video messages from different groups were being shown. I missed some. This time, SNSD was shown and there were loud squeals from fangirls AND fanboys. Why no SuJu?

When the second part started which basically comprises the performances of the three Korean artists, the excitement was so intense already.

Mighty Mouth was first and as expected, they were great. Smile was their first song. MV on the screen was shown which I guess is not that of a good thing because there are many Korean celebrities doing cameo on the MV and the attention of fangirls were there and not to the duo. Most squeals I heard were for Lee Seunggi and 2am. But for the next song, Energy, fangirls are singing the Energy part and the TWO WENT DOWN FROM THE STAGE!!! It was a happy moment, everyone is standing and dancing/singing to the song while recording the memory of that event (be grateful for the two hands we have). During the interview part, Sang Choo (the one with the bigger body) said that Filipinas are no. 1 but I doubt the sincerity. Haha.

After them was Winterplay, Korean Jazz Group. It’s lovely to listen to them while drinking wine (feeling cultured, haha). First song was Billie Jean (yes, by MJ). And as I have again expected, watching live performances on youtube and listening to their songs, they are soooo amazing. Hae-Won’s vocal always calms me together with their music. I was wishing for Songs of Colored Love to be played but Gypsy Girl was also a great song. And they’d be releasing their album here next year!

After Gypsy Girl which was the last performance, everybody clapped so loud. I was really clapping for a great performance from Winterplay but you could feel that the clapping and squealing from most are brought by mixed awe/admiration of Winterplay and excitement that next performance would be of SHINee. Like, “shetshetshet, SHINee na ang sunod. aaaaaaaaaaaaaah!!!” LOL.

They were introduced first by showing some Ring Ding Dong MV screencaps/clips. And the fangirls’ reaction was: aaaaaaaah! – pause for a second – aaaaaaaaah!!! – pause for a second – aaaaaaaaah!!! – pause for a second. And this was just continuous. As long as there’s a new screencap/clips from MV shown, we screamed and squealed. Pucha, screencaps/clips pa lang ito friends. Haha.

Then it turned dark. And we saw four boys from the right side of the stage going to the center. SUPER SQUEAL. And then lights were on. SUPER SQUEAL. For 30 seconds-1minute that the SHINee boys had to check their earplugs.

And aaaaaaaaaaaaaah!!! Ang gwapooooooooo nilang lahat! Haha. Especially Minho and Onew. Sorry, my bias shows.

First performance: Stand By Me (BOF OST). Minho sang Taemin’s line. ^^ Of course, what could you expect from the Best Rookie/Newcomer of 2008? You can’t expect anything less than that. Onew’s voice cracked up a bit but it was fine because I think he can’t hear himself well because all throughout the songs, fangirls can’t stop squealing. *hugs Onew and raises my umbrella for rotten tomatoes and eggs thrown by other fangirls* Jonghyun was his usual made-of-awesome-vocals and I’m glad he’s back to being healthy. Key is cute and surprisingly, looking at him makes my heart flutters for reasons I can’t fathom. I don’t like like him in SHINee because I can’t beat his being diva. But when I saw him personally, there’s just something about him (long lost brother? lukso ng dugo? haha). And Minho. *wooo, breathe in, breathe out, wooooo* If Key surprisingly made my heart flutter, Minho made the whole world stop. No, it’s not like the scene wherein there’s only me and him in the theater because the squeals of every fan there made it impossible na mag-moment. But seeing him that close and LIVE is just heavenly. And since they are singing a non-dance song, it was nice to take pictures. Haha.

Second Performance: Juliette. Dance song. My battery is already draining and there’s still no break/interview to change it so I decided just to take pictures which was okay for me because it won’t be fun to record them and watch them from the screen camera. ‘Te, live na o. Sayang ang chance. So I enjoyed the Juliette performance and it was flawless except for a member missing. Get well soon, Taemin.

Interview. Changed batteries. But missed the personal talent of Minho and Onew (wails!). But I was able to record Jonghyun’s and Key’s. So happiness. Actually, can’t understand much about what they’re saying because 1) in Korean and 2)too many squeals with some even calling out their favorite’s name.

Third and last performance: Ring Ding Dong. I knew I just had to record this. After Replay, this is the next most loved promoted single for me. I did not like A.M.I.G.O. or Juliette much. But this one just blew me off when I first heard it. Words won’t give any justice so I’ll just upload the video soon.

Some might say they’re not that energetic. This is not in terms of performance because they were freaking amazing but in terms of like waving to the fans and the like. But here’s what I think: 1)Onew’s cracking up might be a big deal to Father SM and he might have some serious butt-slapping when they get back (SM Ent. values perfection way way too much, fudge you Father SM); 2) First time in the Philippines and up to their performance, they can’t get over the fact that they have so many fans already here, who’re even at the airport before midnight just to see them and in front of them are those with SHAWOL shirts; 3) Thus, they were quite embarrassed that they have to give back and not accept fangifts prepared by the fans because of the protocol being followed (and those were many gifts I saw); 4) The language barrier. They can’t even goof around because we might not understand them. Case in point: Onew doing modeling instead of performing/saying something that would show Onew’s condition.

In any case, it’s quarter to 2am. Concert was finished by 8pm. Almost 5 hours passed already but I still can’t get over the fact that I was able to saw my second loved group perform live in my country. Some fangirls cried while they were performing but I kept my composure. Not because I did not feel anything but because I was too excited documenting the event and ogling at them that I did not find the time to be emotional. I also realized tonight that Super Junior will always remain the most-loved and I’ll be forever (if there’s such a thing)   obsessed with them because just the mere thought of seeing them perform live like that will make me cry and tear-up.

Thank you, dear God, that I was able to watch this concert.

And yes, I am such a fangirl.

Before the announcement of who’s going to perform on this Friendship Day Concert, I have already thought that it was SHINee. So at that time, I decided that I’ll do whatever it takes (thinking of the price range I’m willing to shell out) to watch this.

And when the performers were finally announced to the public as well as the date and venue of the concert, I was willing to camp-out at CCP just so I could watch this. But it was not made easy (can’t blame them though *though i’m feeling good since I was able to watch the concert haha*) by the organizers because the ticket will be done by electronic raffle so you need to sign-up.

I had the feeling I was not going to be drawn. It was because I never won any raffle contest or even a bingo game in my life (okay, I have won some bingo games but those were easy patterns and no bet involved). So when I saw the 360 winners out of 8000+ who signed-up, I was kind of expecting that I won’t win but still gloomy at the same time.  I was even pouting and sighing from disbelief at my cubicle that Det caught me and asked me what’s wrong.

And so while watching MAMA 2009, I was sad (for not winning) and quite excited (for the MAMA) at the same time. Then by Tuesday, I saw someone posted that they have tickets and asking who wants it from a blogsite. Of course, I emailed her once and tell her my interest. But unfortunately, many already professed so we have to bid monetarily. It was quite pricey but the thought of me missing the concert has gotten my sanity so I bid so high that by noontime, I was the highest bidder. I thought I would get the ticket by Wednesday but the girl told me there was someone who bid higher than me. So there goes my hope down in the drain.

Come Thursday, my heart has finally accepted albeit with sadness that I won’t be able to go for today’s concert. Though I asked my sister to ask her classmates who’re sure to be going if they still know where I can get tickets, I already am without hope. Fortunately, I had to attend a client meeting so I was distracted (lol, work was a mere distraction). But by 10:30am, my sister’s classmate texted me asking if I still do not have tickets and she’ll find ways for me to have one. This got me so excited so I was so pumped-up during the client meeting with just a bit perkiness involved. By noon after we got back to the office from the meeting, she texted me that she gave my ticket to my sister.

YEEEEEEEEESSSSSSS!!!

I may not be rich. But I’m proud of such good connections that a day before the concert, everything just fell into place. And yes, thank you God!

So the whole afternoon was spent working while listening to my Winterplay album and some Mighty Mouth because I already know SHINee by heart. I need some refreshers to the other two Korean performers. LOL. Yes, I did buy the ticket even if it was originally for free but it was cheap compared to the Super Junior albums I order abroad.

I decided to take a leave today and then go to work tomorrow for the missed working day. I arrived at CCP by 9:30-10:00am. And yes, the concert is still by 5pm but we have been given temporary tickets that we need to surrender by 12noon for the real one. It was tiring but you could smell fangirls and fanboys’ excitement in the air. And people are discussing You’re Beautiful ep 15 so I was not bored although I hate that I was able to get some spoilers even when I don’t want to listen. But it was cool. I was just too excited.

I was a social butterfly. I don’t know anyone initially except for my sister’s classmate who are with other friends (hers and my sister whom I don’t know). So I get to know the Miriam girls and the friend of the Miriam girls who are my age and fangirls I can relate to. Except that they spend bucks attending concerts outside the country. But they’re not the typical rich fangirls who boasts around that they were able to do this because they have money. They were so coooool and they’re going all the way for these groups because they love them. If only I have the money and the guts to spend it the way they do. So yes, we had lunch at MOA around 1:30pm because they gave out the tickets late already.

By 4:00pm, we were back at CCP because we need to. And everyone was squealing by the right side of the balcony (outside) because SHINee’s practicing and during breaks, the boys would take a peek on what’s happening outside so the fangirls are on the rage. Each member’s fanclub are even doing chants of the name of the members.

By this time, excitement has multiplied already for several times since the morning that even if you step on the shoes of someone, they would not mind it because their only concern is to get into the theater already. There are lines formed already for those who have tickets. But there was a long line for those who are still waiting for the chance to be given free tickets.

15 minutes before 5:00pm or few minutes earlier than this (I’m just estimating, I don’t have the time to look at my watch because I was too excited to think clearly). We were able to enter the theater.

But this month, I felt that I don’t know much already about the whole world except for my own country and Korea. Proof is my mediaplayer here in my PC (office). It’s full of new releases and fave songs from Korean artists I like and not-yet like. So I decided to get my Eraserheads albums, Sugarfree albums and other artists (Hungry Young Poets, Barbie’s Cradle, South Border, Smokey Mountain, Freestyle, Gloc 9) from my external hard drive for a dose of OPM I’ve been missing so much.

And now, I’m loving what I’m listening in the past few days. Yes, Korea may have talented (in terms of performing) idol groups who are eye-candies but Filipinos are still better on composing songs (imo, i am biased, yes). Cases in point are the aforementioned Pinoy artists.

So after reading some fantastic blogs of people I really look up to, here are the things I realized I’m missing out because of spending too much time online and must get back to the habit of doing at present:

1. Reading books. And this entails going to bookstores which I found out that my body (including my brain) sorely misses. From Powerbooks to National Bookstore to bookstore/book sales at UP Diliman. Though I’m reading one right now, I don’t even memorize the title. Just that it has Backwards in the title. It’s just my put-me-to-sleep-book although I’m on first few pages so I can’t judge how good it is yet.
2. Going to events. Like concerts, free international film festivals, plays or even free workshops/marathon race. Nights are spend on drinking and catching-up sessions with friends and this is what I’ve been considering as event the past few months. Also, the last festival I went to is Korean Food Festival (without proper food given out, just ricecakes which tastes amazing) but it’s Korean-related and fueled at first by my fangirl feelings, but in the end, I also have the want to immerse in their culture.
3. Visiting and spending time in the library. Being a working girl who has to work from Mondays to Saturdays has its downside. And this is one of them. I can’t even apply for an alumni ID at UPD for an access at the library. Or even going to Quezon City Hall Public Library just to smell old books which excites me like a kid in the candystore.
4. Visiting places. No, I don’t need to go out-of-town for this one. It’s time-consuming and costly and I can’t afford that because it’s Christmas time already. Just some places to visit like this cheap resto where there’s really good food, Baywalk for more feeling-emotional-walking-by-the-bay drama. Though I always feel good going to Cubao Expo. And I’m glad my house is just nearby.
5. Take some lesson. I’m interested on taking ballet lessons again. Beats me why. Maybe just the thought brings memories of my childhood and I miss being a child who does not care about making money or always working on preserving self-respect. Or any dancing lessons. Or French language lessons. Actually, if I don’t need to go to Benguet or Zamboanga, I’m interested on learning how to weave.

These are just some of those things I want to do again. Or some things I want to try. And no, I’m not waiting for next year and make these as resolutions. Because I don’t even believe on New Year’s resolutions in the first place. Must.Start.Now.