LA MJ memorial

Watched the LA Michael Jackson memorial on CNN broadcast to our third world shores live.

Not really an MJ fan. I acknowledge that he’s a musical genius and there probably be no one like him. He’s up there with Elvis, the Beatles and will be immortalized like James Dean, Marilyn Monroe and Princess Diana.

What caught my attention was when John Mayer performed a guitar version of “Human Nature.” That was freaking awesome. I love you John!

And then Brooke Shields gave a very moving eulogy. Hers was the best. It told of a friendship of two child stars who shared the experience of being in the spotlight at such a young age. And it gave a glimpse into their bittersweet lives. What price, childhood? If they had a choice, would they have chosen that path for themselves.

MJ’s daughter, Paris, spoke. Maybe the kid will inherit dad’s limelight?

The icing on the cake for me, though, was Larry King reporting live from inside Staples Center. That one was for the books. Who would have thought that we would see the day when Larry King reports live to the studio? His funeral comparison of MJ was that of Frank Sinatra. Telling reference for Mr. King.

Friend from LA told me there were protesters outside Staples carrying signs reminding people of the shall we say bad side of MJ. To each his own, I guess.

Madame Imelda and Tita Cory

A friend of mine sent me a great column by Rina Jimenez-David on Madame Imelda (Marcos) and Tita Cory (Aquino).

There is no greater contrast than how these two public women lived their lives. Interestingly enough, both women held my attention at one point or another.

I remember reading biographies on Imelda at my high school library. I don’t remember what biographies I specifically read. I’d have to do a more exhaustive search some other time. But I remember reading about the poor little rich girl who did not have what her richer relatives did growing up but who tried to make up for it when she had the means to.

Imelda’s is a fascinating story that has not dropped its interest value even until now. This woman has changed history, for the better or worse, depending on whose side you’re on. And until now, well into her old age, she still continues to spout flighty whimsy and continues to make waves.

Tita Cory, on the other hand, I read about her in the newspapers growing up. I read all about the Edsa Revolution, how her presidency progressed, in the just-starting to be free media that happened when I was in grade school.

I had said to myself, I admire this woman and would want to meet her someday. Alas, I haven’t had the chance. My mom has a photo with Cory, taken during one of the events that she attended as a member of an international civic organization. We were talking about the photo recently and she told me that it was taken in Hong Kong during a convention.

She walked up to Cory after her speech despite the tight security and angled her way so she could have a photo taken. The body guards were about to swoop in on her but Tita Cory was just calm and composed and very gracious, saying something to the effect of it’s alright, she just wants a photo. I’ll scan the photo the next chance I get when I’m home.

I do not admire Imelda in any way. I detest what she stands for and the fact that she has managed to not be held accountable for her actions. I especially am amazed at her self-denial of not owning up to anything that she may have done and declaring her innocence consistently.

I dislike her penchant for the overly dramatic and excess.

I remember going to a tour of Malacanang when I was in high school, the first proper museum of sorts tour that I would ever have, the start of many thereafter in different places, and just staring in awe at the canopied beds fit for a queen, the endless row of perfume bottles, the heaps of luxurious clothes, and the shoes. Oh, the rows and rows of Size 8 1/2 shoes. All that while people were starting to be skin and bones in the country where she governed.

Up to now, Imelda’s statements in the press and her actions elicit wonder, not in a good way. Why did she say that? How can she say that? And then, you just shake your head in amazement at the bubble she has wrapped herself in.

Tita Cory is obviously not perfect. She has her flaws too and it also brings to mind the idea that some things she could have done better. But if Imelda is consistent in her excess and lavishness, Tita Cory is consistent in her zeal and her ideals, no matter what these might be. She said she wouldn’t seek a second term and she didn’t. And she pledged that and fulfilled her pledge during the time when word of honor from a politician mattered in a new democracy.

Even the showbiz-ness of Kris Aquino has not, in my opinion, gotten to Tita Cory. Although, I must admit, I have cringed quite a few times when I’ve seen her interviews on The Buzz or her hobnobbing with the denizens of the glitzy world.

I’m sad that she’s sick now. Truly. I wish she weren’t. I wish she’d get well.

Going back to Jimenez’s column. she sums it up pretty well:

In the news recently were twin stories on Imelda and Cory. The former President had taken a turn for the worse, but her family assured that she had begun to eat though her condition remained “delicate.” It also happened to be Imelda’s birthday, and a still sharp-looking Meldy paused long enough from her “party” with the urban poor to say she was praying for Cory.

It’s enough to give you pause, to reflect on the vagaries of fate and destiny, image and character, and the still-unresolved dispute of what makes for better iconic status: terno or callado.

In public life, one can go for dazzling the masses, blinding them with glamour, bling and boyfriends. Or one can take the opposite route, underwhelming with simplicity, yet winning with sincerity and courage.

Madame Imelda can still walk into a room and silence it by her mere presence. But Tita Cory can move a nation.

Roger Federer vs Andy Roddick

I so want Roddick to win. I so wnat Roddick to win!

So far, he has a fighting chance, more than initially imagined.

Serve up more aces!

Ah, celebrities: Dingdong, Piolo and Mareng Winnie

Was in Manila for less than 24 hours on two separate occasions and it was as star-filled as it could get, without me intentionally seeking out the stars.

Saw Dingdong Dantes at the PAL domestic airport. I thought I was dreaming. Close to 36 hours sleep-deprived (What can I do? I keep doctor’s hours? Haha), napping on the cold, metal lounge bench at the pre-departure area, when I look up and see this hunky guy in a red shirt.

“This guy is really, really cute,” was the thought racing through my foggy brain, before it did a double take to register that he was cute for a reason. He was Dingdong Dantes.

Wasn’t cute enough to induce me to make a spectacle and chase after him and have a photo though. I
can only remember doing that with two local actors. One was Gabby Concepcion when I was in third grade. I still have that photo and yes, he was that handsome. The second actor was Edu Manzano. My former boss and him were really good friends and when they ran into each other in Greenbelt with me in tow, I had to ask her, “Ma’am can we have a photo with Edu?”

She was incredulous of course. Once upon a time, my job afforded me occasional brushes with celebrities. The only celeb she ever saw me get excited about was Cecile Licad. So the Edu request came from left field.

But Edu, for me, is the entire package. Gorgeousness, sly wit, humor, class. But yes, seems I’m afflicted with a preference for the oldies.

So Dingdong Dantes was with another hunky looking guy at PAL. But I only had goo goo eyes for Dingdong. If I do see him again, maybe I’ll come up to him for the sake of having a photo to post on Facebook and making people jealous.

Yesterday, while having a marathon of lunch meetings with old friends at Greenbelt 5, there was some sort of commotion going on. They were filming something at the mall and one of my friends was complaining that they were impinging on people’s malling freedoms. After all, it was a high-end mall on a Friday afternoon when there were sales going on everywhere.

As we were leaving the resto, who do we run into, just an arm’s length away? It was Piolo Pascual. It is a given that Piolo is handsome, but he was sadly lacking a pizazz, a charisma and confidence about him that Dingdong naturally had. Also, the first thing that came to mind was, boy, is he short. Or at least he looked it.

He did cause a ruckus, with people whipping out their cellphones, cameras, and one woman holding a handycam. Haha. Still did not compel me enough to approach said celebrity and ask for a photo.

My friend and I were complaining about how the set-up with the cameras was impinging on our desire to stroll the mall freely. She added, “See, it’s just Piolo. But if it’s Jericho Rosales, it’ll probably be a different story.”

Preferences made clear. So universe, please let me meet Jericho next time (again, as have seen him also in Greenbelt before). And please let me have the chance to have a photo with him so my friend can die with envy. Mwahaha.

When I finally got to the PAL terminal again, I was dragging my bag on its merry way when I run into Solita “Winnie” Monsod. Now, the two actors did not incite my boring little heart to beat faster, but when I saw Winnie, I seriously so wanted to have a photo with her.

I have read her columns on the Inquirer, watched her on Debate. At that time, I did not have an idea of whether her economic advice was good or sound. I just thought that she was a cool lady who had her thing together and was having a decent media career.

It goes to show the degree of nerdness that I have. I would probably forfeit the chance to meet Brad Pitt if it meant that Anthony Bourdain will bring me around during his travels and I get to share a meal with him (Paging any crew member of “No Reservations.” I’m going on record saying this.). But I draw the line with George Clooney. Now, George, I’d like to meet.

So I nixed the photo op with Winnie. Just decided to spend the next eternity waiting to get on yet another plane and almost nearly missing it because I was so engrossed in doing nothing.

Pinoy entertainment news

Just watched Hayden Kho’s Profile interview with one of my favorite journalists, Che Che Lazaro, on ABS CBN.

Realized that his therapist, Dr. Eppy Gochangco, used to be a college professor of mine in psychology. If I remember correctly, he was our thesis adviser.

Anyhoo, great interview by Che Che. Hayden revealed that he was molested when he was 7 years old by a stranger. They said that this could have had an impact on his relationships and on his compulsion to record his sexcapades.

Do I believe him? Too hard to tell. All I know from what I’ve read and seen of him is that he is very charming and charismatic and very good looking. He speaks well and is smart.

I believe what he says in that he had fame too much too soon and he felt that his life was not his own especially after he had gotten involved with Dr. Belo. In my opinion, she should never have had a relationship with him. It was bound for failure and how things ended between them was really a big bomb.

Someone I know said he only revealed the molestation part to gain sympathy.

In other news, I watched Korina Sanchez and Mar Roxas on Bandila talking about their plans to go to Hong Kong and eat adobo with the Pinoys there. WTF. Korina, I’m sorry to say, comes across as very insincere. And the whole thing smacks of politicking. I guess there’s no use trying to keep a lid on one’s political intentions especially if you’re getting free media coverage.

On a sadder note, Cory Aquino is in the hospital and things are not looking too great. If there was one political leader I wanted to meet, shake hands with and have a photo with, it would be Cory. I’ve wanted to meet her since I was 10 years old. I’ve met Philippine presidents and done interviews with them one on one. But Cory still remains an elusive dream and I guess will continue to be so for me. Sigh.

I hope she gets well soon.

Spring Cleaning: All about bags

I’m in the middle of spring cleaning, organizing my closet at home. I decided to take a break and surf the net and write here instead of getting things organized right away.

It takes me a while to get stuff together. I wish I could just throw everything into a pile, but I end up analyzing which things to keep or throw away. And I end up remembering the times associated with certain things.

Foremost on my organizing are my hand bags. I didn’t know I had so many, mostly from my stint in the U.S., where I became addicted to them. Before that, I was a shoe girl, but I have to say now it’s almost 50-50. And sometimes, if made to choose between a bag and a pair of shoes, I’d most probably go for the bag. My shoe options have become limited as I need to wear a comfortable pair so I won’t experience pain in my heel so I guess that has cramped my style big time.

Before you get the impression that I collect designer hand bags or spend serious money on them, I don’t. Most of the branded bags I have I bought off eBay, mostly previously owned Coach bags and Kate Spades. The Coach bags have proven to be a not so good investment as the leather does not store well and now have cracks. Or the ones I bought were not really that new to begin with so it looks worse for wear. I’m keeping them anyway. Someday, if I have more time or money and if I know that I’m staying in one place for an extended period, I’ll have them repaired.

The Kate Spades, though, I still use regularly now. Some I’ve even brought with me during my new travels. They’re quite sturdy and require low maintenance, just a quick wipe with a wet or dry cloth depending on the material. It doesn’t matter if they get wet.

They are also quite classic, goes well with almost everything. The only Kate Spade I have, store-bought, which I don’t use often, is the Checkers Tic Tac Toe shopper/picnic bag. The material is canvass and quite prone to stains that’s why I’ve decided to store it until I have the luxury of leading a less active lifestyle.

Of all my bags, my favorite designer bag, store bought, is a Betsey Johnson overlarge gold bag. I use it wherever I travel and it can fit in pretty much anything and everything. The design is also quite unusual for me. I always prefer the understated, classic styles, especially in bags I buy from the store, but I fell in love with this one even if it was flashy, for some weird reason.

Other bags I collect are the souvenir bags you can get whichever country you go and wherever you visit, the museum bags, eco bags, supermarket bags, bookstore bags. Most of these I got when I was in New York. They have the most interesting and coolest bag designs for this kind. I have totes from MOMA, the Met, Steward Leonards the grocery store, Target, Trader Joes and The Strand, among others. Even if I’m not from Harvard and most probably will not go there, I bought myself a tote. Will use it to channel my dream school when I need the encouragement some day.

The bag purchases were back then. I rarely buy any bags now. The last one was a black, plain Peddered bag, which took me one month and numerous store trips before I decided I had to have it. And just as well, as it was 30 percent off.

And here concludes my bag entry. Have to muster enough strength to finish all this rearranging.

Blind Dating, Table for Three Please

Two movies last week, all in one night when I had a horrible bout of insomnia: “Table for Three” with Brandon Routh, Jennifer Morrison, Sophia Bush and Jesse Bradford and “Blind Dating” with Chris Pine.

“Table for Three”

Summary from Rottentomatoes:

Synopsis: Scott (Brandon Routh, SUPERMAN RETURNS) is on the rebound and looking for a roommate in this wacky romantic comedy. When he meets Ryan (Jesse Bradford) and Mary (Sophia Bush), he finds a seemingly… Scott (Brandon Routh, SUPERMAN RETURNS) is on the rebound and looking for a roommate in this wacky romantic comedy. When he meets Ryan (Jesse Bradford) and Mary (Sophia Bush), he finds a seemingly perfect couple to share his apartment and mend his wounded ego. Unfortunately for him, the well-meaning couple turns out to want to control his life just as he meets the girl of his dreams

Brandon Routh is the only actor I’ve seen on screen who can look absolutely drop dead gorgeous and absolutely ugly when he srunches his face up. Is this a sign of good acting?

Jennifer was like how she is as Cameron in House. If she wants to distance herself from her House character, she should try harder.

Sophia and Jesse were a weird couple and the acting of the two was bad.

If Brandon’s character really lived in LA, would you actually believe that a good looking guy like him who wasn’t so bad personality-wise had no friends whatsoever that he needed to hang out with his roommates all the time? Or that they needed to invite only old and homeless people to fill up his birthday party Whatevs.

My recommendations is don’t watch the movie if you have to pay big bucks for it. Only when you have nothing better to do.

“Blind Dating”

Now, “Blind Dating” is a different thing all together. I picked it up because I had just watched “Star Trek” recently and I saw the movie had Chris Pine in it.

Summary from Wikipedia:

A charming young blind man (Pine) signs up for a dangerous experimental procedure: brain surgery that may give him partial vision. While taking tests he falls hard for the lovely Indian nurse (Jay), but she has been promised in an arranged marriage — a promise she feels she cannot break without dishonoring her family. But when the man’s brain surgery goes unexpectedly awry, the crisis effects a reunion between the two young lovers.

It made $67,000 in the box office, which is sad.

The reviews on this movie are mixed. But I say it’s worth a watch. Chris Pine is adorable. The guy has acting chops. While watching him, I couldn’t keep on thinking that physically, he’s a cross between Rob Lowe and Brad Pitt.

The movie has a plot to speak of although parts of it leave much to be desired.

For example, if the therapist was someone who took her clothes off, even if she was Jane Seymour, wouldn’t you file charges?

Also, the family of Leeza (Anjali Jay) was dead set on marrying her off to another Indian guy. Don’t tell me there would have been more resistance when a blind Caucasian dude walks in their restaurant during her engagement party and declares his love for her?

The experiment part of making him see was also too unbelievable. But I guess the writers wanted to be more poetic in that he had seen everyone else except the love of his love during the phase when he could see in black and white.

But worth a watch and has some heart-warming parts.

Last Chance Harvey

“There are no more chances Harvey.”

“Last Chance Harvey” starts auspiciously enough, with jingle man Harvey (Dustin Hoffman) playing a sonata favored by Koreanovela series on the piano. This is interspersed with Emma Thompson’s character visiting her mother and gives one the illusion that they are in the same building but aren’t. If you’ve seen “The Holiday” countless times as I have, you’d notice the uncanny similarity between the opening sequence here and Jack Black playing his heart out scoring a movie scene.

I began writing this review almost two months ago but realized I didn’t post it. I don’t think I’ll say much about the movie any more.

To watch or not to watch? Hmmm. If you’re a Dustin Hoffman and Emma Thomson fan, you should make an effort. The movie has its moments, especially if you believe that there is somebody out there for everyone no matter how old you are.

If you’re not a fan, you can skip the film.

True Blood

I was about to write this sentimental post about missing the feeling of invincibility when you are young. But whadaheck. My blog isn’t mostly sentimental. It’s a crazy mish mash of stuff, but rarely this is what I feel sort of thing.

So I wrote an entry instead about the HBO series True Blood starring Anna Paquin. The series is produced by Alan Ball of the Six Feet Under Fame and based on a book series the Sookie Stackhouse Chronicles (I think. Didn’t bother to google this because google is all weird on my computer).

Watched Season One. Finished it in less than a week.

Did I like it?  Though I finished the season, can’t say I’m a fan. Sure, it’s edgy, with the sex scenes and the serial killer angle and the vampire politics side to things.

But there’s a plethora of vampire series out there. I’d say I like the short-lived Moonlight better, even if that was a bit cheesy compared to the edgy True Blood.

I read the recap of Season 2 Ep 1 on TV Guide. Hmmm. Don’t think I’ll watch it any longer unless I don’t have anything else to watch.

Conass

And yes, the time is nigh again for the favorite hobby of our elected trapos: the constitutional assembly to change the constitution.

Why are they doing it now?

Presidential elections are next year. Arroyo cannot run again under current law.

It has been mentioned in news articles that the congressmen were reportedly told that they couldn’t get more pork barrel funds if they did not vote in favor of Conass.

There has been a merger of Lakas and Kampi and they now form the majority in the House. So they don’t care about the Senate being heard now because they have the numbers.

Strangely enough, the author of the Conass bill doesn’t want to have anything to do with it:

Camarines Sur Rep. Luis Villafuerte, former president of the now defunct Kampi, authored Resolution 1109.

Last May 18, he withdrew authorship of and support for his con-ass measure, saying, “We’re just wasting the nation’s time (on Cha-cha).”

He vowed to oppose any and all Cha-cha proposals during the 14th Congress. However, at the start of session yesterday, Villafuerte told reporters that he would just keep his peace.

Despite Villafuerte’s decision to have nothing to do with his own resolution, Nograles and his colleagues voted to pursue it.

Villafuerte later opted not to join the merged Lakas-Kampi.

Interesting is the theory posited that they will ask for a parliamentary form of government. GMA will run for Congress and once elected, will be prime minister.

Let’s wait and see what happens. Guess the Hayden Kho-Katrina Halili news cycle is now over.