WHALE RIDER the movie
Whale Rider is another magnificent movie from New Zealand. It was based from Witi Ihimaera's novel of the same name.
Like what I've been telling friends, New Zealand may not produce hundreds of films every year they sure make award-winning movies all the time.
Monday, January 12, 2004
Friday, January 02, 2004
Crying Ladies
It the story of three women who became paid mourners for a Chinese funeral. The main characters are Stella, an ex-convict; Doray, a former movie extra; Choleng, a volunteer and collector for a local charity; and Wilson the eldest son of the dead man and the one arranging the funeral.
These three ladies met as Stella was asked by Wilson to mourn for his dead father. Stella needed two other companions for this "gig" so she recruited the two other ladies.
The movie although centered around the funeral it tells the stories and struggles of the characters. Stella who was making ends meet and desperately searching for a stable jobe. She was about to lose her only son to her husband who is moving permanently to another city. Doray is trying to regain her former glory as "Rhoda Rivera" the "star" who tripped while the giants in "Darna and the Giants" destroyed their village. Choleng struggles to end her affair with the husband of her friend. Wilson wondering if loving her dad is worth it while his dad destroyed their family.
In the end they all had happy endings except for Stella who was not able to keep her son.
The movie is an original idea coming from a great mind. Who would have thought that a funeral would be a delightful journey?
TERM Rating: M - Memorable
It the story of three women who became paid mourners for a Chinese funeral. The main characters are Stella, an ex-convict; Doray, a former movie extra; Choleng, a volunteer and collector for a local charity; and Wilson the eldest son of the dead man and the one arranging the funeral.
These three ladies met as Stella was asked by Wilson to mourn for his dead father. Stella needed two other companions for this "gig" so she recruited the two other ladies.
The movie although centered around the funeral it tells the stories and struggles of the characters. Stella who was making ends meet and desperately searching for a stable jobe. She was about to lose her only son to her husband who is moving permanently to another city. Doray is trying to regain her former glory as "Rhoda Rivera" the "star" who tripped while the giants in "Darna and the Giants" destroyed their village. Choleng struggles to end her affair with the husband of her friend. Wilson wondering if loving her dad is worth it while his dad destroyed their family.
In the end they all had happy endings except for Stella who was not able to keep her son.
The movie is an original idea coming from a great mind. Who would have thought that a funeral would be a delightful journey?
TERM Rating: M - Memorable
Happy Holidays!!!
I have to confess that my favorite holiday or celebration throughout the year is the Lenten Season (including Holy Week). It is the only event that I can concentrate on prayer.
I remember last year were I attended mass from Holy Tuesday until the Saturday Vigil for Easter. I felt the true meaning of the season unlike the very much materialized and commercialized Christmas and New Year.
During Lent and Holy Week you only focus on God and doing more good. During Christmas you think about food, presents, parties, endless spending, etc.
I have to confess that my favorite holiday or celebration throughout the year is the Lenten Season (including Holy Week). It is the only event that I can concentrate on prayer.
I remember last year were I attended mass from Holy Tuesday until the Saturday Vigil for Easter. I felt the true meaning of the season unlike the very much materialized and commercialized Christmas and New Year.
During Lent and Holy Week you only focus on God and doing more good. During Christmas you think about food, presents, parties, endless spending, etc.
Tuesday, December 09, 2003
Well its been a long long time since I last updated my blog.
I'm back home. The first time I arrived I cannot breathe the air because it became too humid for me. Night time was so warm for me and feels like summertime or mid-day where I came from.
The legendary traffic jams are expected. The sheer number of cars in this part of the world may be equal to the number of people living there.
Although there are these inconveniences nothing beats going back.
Its been a great time for me. I've catched up with my friends.
They were actually surprised that I know many things that had happened when I came back. They said as if I did not leave at all. Thanks to the aid of modern information and communications technologies it easy to be updated.
I'm back home. The first time I arrived I cannot breathe the air because it became too humid for me. Night time was so warm for me and feels like summertime or mid-day where I came from.
The legendary traffic jams are expected. The sheer number of cars in this part of the world may be equal to the number of people living there.
Although there are these inconveniences nothing beats going back.
Its been a great time for me. I've catched up with my friends.
They were actually surprised that I know many things that had happened when I came back. They said as if I did not leave at all. Thanks to the aid of modern information and communications technologies it easy to be updated.
Sunday, November 23, 2003
Saturday, November 08, 2003
Runaway Jury
It is the trial of the centrury. A hunderd million dollar suit is filled against the gun industry. To what extent will both sides do to win their case? What if you had a chance to buy the jury?
This amazing movie included actors such as John Cusack, Gene Hackman and Dustin Hoffman. It had twists and turns that will excite you.
This movie taught me a lot about the jury system in the United States. I did not know that both sides can choose who will be a jury.
It is the trial of the centrury. A hunderd million dollar suit is filled against the gun industry. To what extent will both sides do to win their case? What if you had a chance to buy the jury?
This amazing movie included actors such as John Cusack, Gene Hackman and Dustin Hoffman. It had twists and turns that will excite you.
This movie taught me a lot about the jury system in the United States. I did not know that both sides can choose who will be a jury.
Saturday, November 01, 2003
About two Sundays ago I've seen the movie "Calendar Girls."
It was based an a true story of the 'alternative' nude calendar of the women of this small English town. The calendar was to fund a new relatives room for their local hospital in memory of Annie Clarke's husband. Instead of a usual calendar they decided to pose nude for thing. It showed their struggles, frustrations and triumph in making the calendar.
I must say that their poses for the calendar are very artistic.
It is a very heart warming and inspiring. Imagine me posing for nude ;-) (Sorry for making you lose your appetite.)
Helen Mirren played Chris Harper and Julie Walters played Annie Clarke.
It was based an a true story of the 'alternative' nude calendar of the women of this small English town. The calendar was to fund a new relatives room for their local hospital in memory of Annie Clarke's husband. Instead of a usual calendar they decided to pose nude for thing. It showed their struggles, frustrations and triumph in making the calendar.
I must say that their poses for the calendar are very artistic.
It is a very heart warming and inspiring. Imagine me posing for nude ;-) (Sorry for making you lose your appetite.)
Helen Mirren played Chris Harper and Julie Walters played Annie Clarke.
Wednesday, October 29, 2003
Offensive Brand
I was looking for some new fragrances and I've found out the local department store that they'll be selling FCUK® fragrances soon. (FCUK® is French Connection United Kingdom)
I searched for the website of this brand. I've found out this is an product from the French Connection Group plc in Britain. In the website it said there that it has different essences a different set for top, middle and bottom. I don't quite understand that. I think I have to wait until product launches here.
The following day I again looked for more information regarding this product. I have found out that there are a group of people who are against this brand.
According to a Christian group this brand is immoral. They say that the brand FCUK® is misleading and was meant to mean the word when C and U change places. (You know what I mean...) They say that one's brain is tricked to mean the other word. They also say the the tag line 'scent to bed' and that the marketing of this product to the youth is very immoral. This group and other like minded organizations are calling for a boycott for this product.
For more on this visit:
FCUK Fragrance
New York stores ban FCUK
Some Critics Take Issue With French Connection's Marketing
Target store chain void of common decency
(The FCUK® brand is the property of its respective owner/s.)
I was looking for some new fragrances and I've found out the local department store that they'll be selling FCUK® fragrances soon. (FCUK® is French Connection United Kingdom)
I searched for the website of this brand. I've found out this is an product from the French Connection Group plc in Britain. In the website it said there that it has different essences a different set for top, middle and bottom. I don't quite understand that. I think I have to wait until product launches here.
The following day I again looked for more information regarding this product. I have found out that there are a group of people who are against this brand.
According to a Christian group this brand is immoral. They say that the brand FCUK® is misleading and was meant to mean the word when C and U change places. (You know what I mean...) They say that one's brain is tricked to mean the other word. They also say the the tag line 'scent to bed' and that the marketing of this product to the youth is very immoral. This group and other like minded organizations are calling for a boycott for this product.
For more on this visit:
FCUK Fragrance
New York stores ban FCUK
Some Critics Take Issue With French Connection's Marketing
Target store chain void of common decency
(The FCUK® brand is the property of its respective owner/s.)
Sunday, October 26, 2003
Intolerable Cruelty
'No pre-nup! your exposed!'
I've seen this movie last Saturday. It stars Catherine Zeta-Jones and George Clooney.
It is a story of a renowned divorce lawyer who eventually fell in love with a woman who marries and divorces to get rich.
I think the characters were shallow and needed more development.
Its an E = entertaining.
'No pre-nup! your exposed!'
I've seen this movie last Saturday. It stars Catherine Zeta-Jones and George Clooney.
It is a story of a renowned divorce lawyer who eventually fell in love with a woman who marries and divorces to get rich.
I think the characters were shallow and needed more development.
Its an E = entertaining.
In Other Stories
Two presidents visited Australia and addressed their parliament recently. The first visitor was George W. Bush of the United States and Hu Jin Tao of China.
While Mr. Bush was giving a speach to the Australian Senate two senators heckled against him. The speaker reprimanded the senators and asked him and his coleague to step out of the chamber. Bush said he likes free speach. While Bush was leaving the chamber MPs of the ruling party formed a human barrier to 'protect' him. This barrier was made to prevent the heckling senator to hand out a letter from the wife of an Australian held by American forces who is believed to be a terrorist.
The following day it was Mr. Hu's turn to address the parliament. Before the Chinese leader entered the chamber the Chinese and Tibetan dissidents who were guests in the gallery were expelled from the hall.
Sources and full information available at: Nine Network Australia's Sunday and Australia's Hu's Hu
Two presidents visited Australia and addressed their parliament recently. The first visitor was George W. Bush of the United States and Hu Jin Tao of China.
While Mr. Bush was giving a speach to the Australian Senate two senators heckled against him. The speaker reprimanded the senators and asked him and his coleague to step out of the chamber. Bush said he likes free speach. While Bush was leaving the chamber MPs of the ruling party formed a human barrier to 'protect' him. This barrier was made to prevent the heckling senator to hand out a letter from the wife of an Australian held by American forces who is believed to be a terrorist.
The following day it was Mr. Hu's turn to address the parliament. Before the Chinese leader entered the chamber the Chinese and Tibetan dissidents who were guests in the gallery were expelled from the hall.
Sources and full information available at: Nine Network Australia's Sunday and Australia's Hu's Hu
Saturday, October 25, 2003
About two or three Fridays ago I tried to watch the Rugby World Cup inaugural on television being hosted by Australia. This is a definitely a good visual spectacular after all what is an inaugural for?
I tried to watch the game it was Australia against Argentina. I lasted from the anthems until after the game has started. I really do not get this game. I know that the objective is to get the football to the other side that is all. What happens next then? How do they get points?
I can't understand why some people can be so crazy for such a game.
I still watch the telecasts but only until the national anthems.
I tried to watch the game it was Australia against Argentina. I lasted from the anthems until after the game has started. I really do not get this game. I know that the objective is to get the football to the other side that is all. What happens next then? How do they get points?
I can't understand why some people can be so crazy for such a game.
I still watch the telecasts but only until the national anthems.
I have just bought a second hand PDA from a local auction site. I bought it to know what owning and having one was like. Owning having one is okay its not too fancy.
What I like the most is the ability to read e-books and offline web browsing. I have been reading a daily offline version of BBC News for almost a week now. Reading news this way is like reading the newspaper without paper. Since doing it I have read more news from the BBC site than ever before.
I have started to read e-books too. There is a lot of free sources of e-books available. These free sources are not pirated ones these are classics and other works whose copyright have expired. Free e-books are available at MemoWare and Pluckerbooks
What I like the most is the ability to read e-books and offline web browsing. I have been reading a daily offline version of BBC News for almost a week now. Reading news this way is like reading the newspaper without paper. Since doing it I have read more news from the BBC site than ever before.
I have started to read e-books too. There is a lot of free sources of e-books available. These free sources are not pirated ones these are classics and other works whose copyright have expired. Free e-books are available at MemoWare and Pluckerbooks
Monday, October 20, 2003
Lost!!!
Well not really lost...
Today it was hot.
While I was walking to the bus stop I saw the bus that I thought would go to the Westfield mall. I rode it and bought a day pass. After a while I realised that the bus went to a different road. I was actually going to the bay or the beach.
I am so silly. I was not thinking of what I was doing when I rode the bus.
I went down almost a section away from the last destination and I landed at the beach.
There were many people at the shore today. There were kids, more kids, teens, families, couples, etc. Wow, these people are doing some serious sun worshipping.
I did not walk around that location. I just waited for the next bus going back to the city. That was after 20 minutes.
Oh well everyone needs an unexpected detour.
Well not really lost...
Today it was hot.
While I was walking to the bus stop I saw the bus that I thought would go to the Westfield mall. I rode it and bought a day pass. After a while I realised that the bus went to a different road. I was actually going to the bay or the beach.
I am so silly. I was not thinking of what I was doing when I rode the bus.
I went down almost a section away from the last destination and I landed at the beach.
There were many people at the shore today. There were kids, more kids, teens, families, couples, etc. Wow, these people are doing some serious sun worshipping.
I did not walk around that location. I just waited for the next bus going back to the city. That was after 20 minutes.
Oh well everyone needs an unexpected detour.
The Wonders of Friendster
The wonders of modern technology. This Friendster website is a way for you to 'map' your 'connections.' I just has eight friends and now I have more than 100,000 people in my 'network.
I was surprised to find out that a former schoolmate have 'conncections' with my other friends who have not met.
Very interesting! It all relates to a book that a lecturer shared, 'The Tipping Point' where there are people who are hubs that connect other people to each other.
The wonders of modern technology. This Friendster website is a way for you to 'map' your 'connections.' I just has eight friends and now I have more than 100,000 people in my 'network.
I was surprised to find out that a former schoolmate have 'conncections' with my other friends who have not met.
Very interesting! It all relates to a book that a lecturer shared, 'The Tipping Point' where there are people who are hubs that connect other people to each other.
Saturday, October 18, 2003
The Perils of Overhauling Your PC
My PC has been needing a much needed ovehaul. It has been more than a year since I last reformated my computer. It has been crashing in the last five months. The Explorer icon of my browser has been changed to my previous ISP's logo ever since and it does not look good.
Now I am downloading the files and drivers I need to make my computer work again. The zip disk drivers that I am downloading now will take another 15 minutes.
Last night I spent two hours downloading Windows updates to the OS.
Now my computer seems to be running in full capacity.
My PC has been needing a much needed ovehaul. It has been more than a year since I last reformated my computer. It has been crashing in the last five months. The Explorer icon of my browser has been changed to my previous ISP's logo ever since and it does not look good.
Now I am downloading the files and drivers I need to make my computer work again. The zip disk drivers that I am downloading now will take another 15 minutes.
Last night I spent two hours downloading Windows updates to the OS.
Now my computer seems to be running in full capacity.
Sunday, October 12, 2003
The Chilean government portal is my most favorite government portal of all.
I love the logo of Chile. It has16 cubes forming a 3D-ish diamond. This is logo on all official websites and used by its embassy.
Below is the Chilean coat of arms or its 'escudo nacional.'
Before I die I'll visit Chile. I'll go to Santiago de Chile, Valparaiso, Rapa Nui and Patagonia/Tierra del Fuego (I think this is part of Argentina).
Chile has just signed a free trade agreement with the United States. Some consider Chile as a new member of NAFTA.
Its economy has been stable compared to Argentina, Brasil and Perú.
Reflections
(currently listening to: 'When I Grow Up by Mahinarangi Tocker)
When I was younger I wanted to be a virologist/immunologist. I was inspired by my AIDS study and the movie 'Outbreak.' I reached 8th year and my adviser helped me realise that its hard to be in the medical and professional careers. She said it takes 10 years to study say medicine and 10 years to be come fully 'established.' From then on I said I want to be a businessman.
Four years ago if I've not chosen the first option it would have been my second year until my masters in economics. Then I so wanted to be an economist.
I took the different path and I'm here at the edge of the world.
Don't get me wrong. I have no regrets. I'm just wondering how my life is so different from what I have planned it to be. Like what Des'ree and my good friend Klyfe said, 'life, oh life, oh life!'
(currently listening to: 'When I Grow Up by Mahinarangi Tocker)
When I was younger I wanted to be a virologist/immunologist. I was inspired by my AIDS study and the movie 'Outbreak.' I reached 8th year and my adviser helped me realise that its hard to be in the medical and professional careers. She said it takes 10 years to study say medicine and 10 years to be come fully 'established.' From then on I said I want to be a businessman.
Four years ago if I've not chosen the first option it would have been my second year until my masters in economics. Then I so wanted to be an economist.
I took the different path and I'm here at the edge of the world.
Don't get me wrong. I have no regrets. I'm just wondering how my life is so different from what I have planned it to be. Like what Des'ree and my good friend Klyfe said, 'life, oh life, oh life!'