Popcorn Moments : Love, love, love

For those are high in the love month - get a dose of these films that will make you in a cheesy corny mode. Listed are my all-time favorite romantic films that i viewed tirelessly.

It is a series of love stories from different people - A bachelor Prime Minister fell for his new staff; a jilted writer fell for his maid; an artist fell in love with his bestfriend's bride; a little boy fell in love with little girl and become a rock drummer; ageing rockstar craving for a huge comeback; married boss attracted to his seductive secretary; pornstars too shy to reach the 1st base and a loveless Brit nerd wanted to have a girlfriend.

One of the funniest and endearing films I have seen that would make you laugh and cry at the same time.

After receiving divorce papers, Will Hayes (Ryan Reynolds) learns that his 11-year-old daughter, Maya (Abigail Breslin) has just been taught sex education at school. Torn for her parents' divorce and determined to know how her parents met; Will improvised his life story in a form of puzzle - names changed so that Maya must figure out which of the three women is her mother. At Clinton's presidential campaign, Will left his college sweetheart Emily (Elizabeth Banks) to go to New York. Where he met his second love, April (Isla Fisher) at the campaign office. Then his third love Summer (Rachel Weisz) a journalist who writes for the 'New Yorker' magazine. Maya begins to understand that love is not so simple, but she is able to put all the pieces of his three love stories together and solves the puzzle.

Rich-Harvard law student-jock Oliver Barrett IV (Ryan O'Neal) meets poor-Radcliffe music student Jennifer Cavelleri (Ali MacGraw) , fell in love, got married and struggled life without financial aid from Oliver's aristocratic father. Their happiness is short-lived when they discovered that Jenny could not have a baby because she's terminally ill. Inevitably, Jenny dies...leaving Oliver with their happy memories.

Definitely a classic tear-jerker. I've seen this movie in a premier late night shows of a local channel in my late teens. I just couldn't forget what Oliver said to his father after discovering Jenny's death - "Love means never having to say you're sorry" (which happens to be the movie's signature tagline)... Um...tissue paper please...

After getting fired for suddenly having moral scruples, Jerry Maguire (Tom Cruise), starts his new life with pretty agency accountant Dorothy (Renee Zellweger) and egomaniac client (Cuba Gooding Jr.). Along the way of his personal journey, he's forced to face his life choices that leads to true sense of friendship and love.

Loved their snappy dialogues, heart-touching scenes and comedic episodes. C'mon, who would have forgot those lines we copy in spoof shows or movies? - "You...you complete me" ..."Shut up ...shut up..You had me at hello"

Young and lovely, Amelie Poulain (Audrey Tautou) was brought up by eccentric couple, that limited her to the outside world. Later, she embarks in kind-hearted jokes and schemes to all people around her to give a bit of happiness that her life lacked. Returning an old tin filled with childhood knickknacks to an old man she never knew. Playing a matchmaker to a hypochondriac and a jilted lover. Sending her father's garden gnome overseas. Fabricating an old love-letter to her heart-broken neighbor. Playing a cat-and-mouse-game to a man whom she never met and fell in love with.

The first French film I viewed with laughter and wonder. Filled with vibrant flashbacks. An inventive fairytale narrated with humor and quirks.

On the opening night of his successful play, young playwright Richard Collier (Christopher Reeves) was approached by an elderly woman saying to him "Come back to me" and gave him an old pocket watch. Years later, he discovered that the beautiful actress, Elisse McKenna (Jane Seymour) in the picture that he's so obsessed with and the old lady who gave him the pocket watch is the same person. Through self-hypnosis, he wills himself in 1912 to find her. They fell in love, though Richard is not sure if he can remain in her "time" to be with Elise.

Raved by my mates during our teens. This old-fashioned, charming, romantic drama seals our believe of having "The One". (It couldn't be any cheesier )

Second World War, in a deserted Italian monastery. A horribly scarred and amnesiac mapmaker, known first as "The English Patient" (Ralph Fiennes) is being devotedly taken care of by Hana (Juliette Binoche) an Allied nurse. Forcing himself to heal, physically and emotionally - he unwillingly subjected himself to his life's flashbacks. His life as a geographer and his intense illicit affair with his colleague's wife Katherine (Kristin Scott Thomas), which brought about his present situation. Tension rises as Caravaggio (Willem Dafoe) seeks shelter, a spy suspected his true identity and Hana torn between Indian sapper Kip (Naveen Andrews) the man she fell in love with and Almasy (Fiennes) the man she's emotionally attracted with.

Based on the best-selling novel of Michael Ondaatje, garnered 9 Oscar Awards including Best Picture. Corny as it may sounds, I became a fan instantly of Mr.Fiennes in this movie.

10 Things I Love About You

     Yeah, it's another love story. Definitely not the opposite of Julia Styles' 10 Things I Hate About You. Just simple reasons why I love having gay friends.  No, I'm not suffering from Will-and-Grace syndrome. My sincere salute to all gay guys!

1. You make us laugh.
With your "special brand" of humor, there's no dull moment with you.

2. You are loyal.
Just like my other galpals, you are my certified ally when times get rough with my career, family and love.

3. You are my shoulder to cry on.

Haven't I told you that it's so nice to lean on your firm and not-so-muscled shoulders? Especially when I'm feeling really down. Geez! Not to mention that you won't get any "ideas" if I cling to you for a moment.

4. You and I love and hate the same things.
Whether it's the hot guy we just passed by or the ridiculously "in" bag displayed at the mall; we surely love and hate almost the same things, granted that we are two different beings.

5. You are good listener.
You surely don't multi-task when I need you to listen to me. You don't care if it's a juicy gossip, bright idea, serious problem or silly theatrical account on how my day screwed up.

6. You are honest.

You tell me right away that I look good in skinny jeans or my new haircut sucks. You say if I need to straighten up my life. You could be sarcastic or gentle at times, because you said "It's all because of love and I want you to shine like a star".

7. You gave tips how to figure a guy out.

Well, you're partly a guy or used to be, so you know what makes them tick. Not to mention, we both like them. You warned me not to see them through rose-colored glasses so as not to cloud my judgement. You're also my sometime fairy godmother (in drag).

8. You are silver-tongued.

You definitely have a way with words. You know when to speak up or to keep quiet. You always say the right things at the right time. Did I mention to you that you so good in haggling or flirting ?

9. You are not affected to female charms.

Okay, I could have the fun of a male companionship with you, without the awkward male-female attraction. Though, granted that you could possibly be hot. Isn't cool to have hot (gay)friend and not worry that I'm taken advantage of or the other way around. I mean I could have a sincere friendship with you without the worries of turning it into romance.

10.You love and care more than 100%
It's because you also have the female's nurturing instinct. You give your unconditional love and care to your family and friends. Sometimes, you sacrifice things you love and need to show your love for them, which at times this is the cause why some people take advantage of you.

My Lip Treats

        My addiction to lip glosses/balms started in my mid teens, because I just grew tired of having cracked and dried lips, which can very difficult and embarrassing. From then, I was one of those girls who couldn't care less; where and when I put on my gloss/balm : when I'm riding in a jeep, taxi or train, when I'm walking in the street or office halls, after office breaks - morning, noon and night. Listed are my favorite lip glosses or lip balms that have been tried and tested :

1. Avon Lip Balm - Cherry and Bubblegum flavor - It was such a hit when I was in college... right now the Bubblegum flavor is already phased-out, though they still have the Cherry flavor.

2. Vaseline Lip Therapy (Cherry) - It's flavored petroleum jelly, that doesn't give "white ring" to the lips. Makes lips really soft and smooth. A great primer before putting on a lipstick, though it doesn't have any hint of color. I prefer this apply it in my lips before sleeping :)

3. Victoria Secret's Beauty Rush Lip Gloss (Lotta Colada & Cherry Bomb) - It's quite sticky but has Mineral oil that moisturizes the lips. With slight color and shimmer that add volume, perfect for the night-outs.

4. Nivea Caregloss and Shine (Lovely Red) - No greasy feeling, long lasting-moisture, non-sticky. Enriched with Vit. E and shea butter. Nice pigment that add color to the lips...and of course, I love its tasty fragrance of raspberry.

5. Maybelline Lipgloss (Raspberry Pudding) - Yeah, it's sticky. But for me it's my substitute for lipstick because of it's great color that suited to my morena skin. Makes my lips naturally soft. Certified fan of this flavor.

6. Body Shop's Born Lippy (Strawberry) - Love the color and fruity flavor. Packed with moisturizers. Leaves lips soft, smooth and kissable.

7. Blistex Liptone Lipbalm - Compliments the natural color of your lips. With SPF 15. Love it's vanilla flavor. With vitamins and moisturizers that keeps the lips moist and soft.

8. Revlon's Super Lustrous Lipgloss (Pearl Plum) - Glossy formula that has a sheer coloring and moisturizers. A sure treat for the lips. A great substitute for lipstick. Believe it or not, the color and moisture stays, after hours in the sun and water. I used this when my family and I went swimming in the beach.

Christmas Holidays - Pinoy-style!

You are a certified Filipino if you have done and observed (even ignored) the following at Christmas holidays :

1. On or before December 1, most of us already have a Christmas tree and "parol" (Christmas lantern) decorated at home.

2. Cram for the last hours, doing : gift shopping/wrapping, house cleaning/decorating, menu planning and food buying.

3. Says "patawad" (forgive) to Christmas carolers, upon hearing the first sentence of Christmas song - it simply means I don't have few pennies to spare. Ouch!

4. Hear the Midnight Mass or "Simbang Gabi" in the wee hours of the morning from Dec16-24, with family or friends. Most religiously followed this Filipino tradition...albeit, some stole few minutes of sleep.

5. Realize that clients, bosses and colleagues (some friends and relatives too) are amazingly, amusingly and miraculously bit sweeter or kinder than the usual, when dealt with.

6. Have weekly exchange gifts of small and quirky little "somethings", such as "something long and hard" or "something that you use with your hand"; before the Company's Christmas party.

7. Overuse credit cards to take advantage of Christmas sale in different stores and malls.

8. Haggle more often or learn to haggle ...especially to those people who don't do as such pre-Christmas season.

9. Tend to forgive and to forget (not totally) people who pissed us off for the past few days or weeks...simply because it's Christmas.

10. Note that fruits have become extra abundant ! Though some are not in season yet...
they become astonishingly available in the market....be local or imported!

11. Use firecrackers during New Years eve...as influenced by the Chinese tradition that it helps to keep away the bad vibes of the old year.

12. Ignore and accept sudden price increase or overpricing most of the goods in the market, particularly fresh, produce and canned goods...with or without national/global financial crisis.

13. Forget all kinds of diet regimen...to indulge all the decadent foods that we sometimes eat and drink rarely in a year.

14. Plan for a big family reunion, going to provinces to celebrate holidays with family and relatives.

15. Make an effort that food/menu served on the table are extra special, particularly during "Noche Buena" (Christmas Eve) and "Media Noche" (New Year's Eve)...despite
the financial or economic constraints.

*** Actually, here are just few things that we practiced and observed every Christmas holidays in our country. Though some Pinoys still do such even when they're overseas. Some are good and some are bad or not-so-bad, simply because that's how we really are and how we accept things. Nevertheless, we never fail to realize and accept that Christmas is surely the best time of the year. Time, when we feel richest...because of the perks and bonuses; we feel ottest...because of hours in the salon and dresses for the party; we feel most sociable...because we get to see long lost friends, family and relatives; we feel most generous...because we always make sure that people close in our heart have a gift or even token to show how we love and appreciate them.....and the list goes on.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to All!!!

War Is Over (If you want it!)

Merry Christmas Everyone!!!
Be Christian or non-Christian....
I wanted to share this very touching video to all of you...
Kindly click the link below.



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s8jw-ifqwkM

Close Call

It's been more than a week since I had my brush with Death; wherein I luckily and blessedly eluded.

My brother left for school when he forgot to lock the door. While I, busy with folding our clothes upstairs; did not bother to come down to check the door.

Less than five minutes, after my brother left...I felt a presence in our home...I thought it's my parents who went to Divisoria to buy some stuff for our home. Strangely, I realized that if they are really here...they would have called me, but they didn't. So I decided, to went down to check. As I took my first step down, I found a dark and tall man at the foot of the stairs. He's about to make his way up. Gasping, I asked him who he is and what is he doing in our house. He didn't answer. Instead, he ran. Realizing that he's a thief. I screamed my head off, calling the attention of my neighbors. I even shouted "help" and "magnanakaw" (burglar/thief).

As I reached the foot of the stairs, while him, at our front door near our dining area; he pulled a gun from his clutchbag. Then he pointed the gun at me....roughly with a distance of 4-5 meters away from me. Instantly, I stopped screaming...held my breath...and waited for the gunshot. My God! I simply stand in there and waited for the worst thing to happen...my death. I stared at him. After 3-5 seconds he went out. After few moments, I started screaming again. But I have difficulty of doing so, I felt my heart beating fast in my throat. Letting myself out of our house to see where he went. At this time, my 10 year old neighbor asked me what happened, I simply told him that a man who tried to break-in our home.

Despite of my warning, he went out to check. After a minute, he returned and told me that the guy rode alone in a motorcycle, registered plate numbers were covered. I went back at home to check if something's missing. Fortunately, there was none. It's a good thing that my parents valuables are locked in our cabinets which they usually carry the key with them. By this time, two of my neighbors asked what happened. Then I relayed what exactly happened. One speculated that this thief might have been checking our compound, days before he tried to break in at unholy hour; wherein most of the people are at their offices or school or simply at home taking siesta. Others said that the guy wouldn't dare to break in alone if he's not armed. They say I'm so lucky to elude such trouble. I waited for my parents to break the news and to recieve a lecture, much to my chagrin.

Strange...because all that happened I didn't cried nor resorted to hysterics (which I normally do). But there's a nagging realization and restlessness that can't be put to rest. I suddenly craved to be hugged to ease my nerves. Just a couple of hours, after what happened...my 3 year old neighbor, Kyle was playing with his toy car in front of our home (which he always does). I went to him and asked for a hug, which he did fondly and obligingly . No questions asked, which made me feel better.

Funny....thinking that if I died that day I wouldn't be able to hug li'l Kyle...plans, dreams, wishes and goals that could not accomplish or attain. It made me realize how I took life for granted...I could have been shot with almost negligible chance of survival. It's not yet my time...like what my friends said. But if it is...it would have been such a waste...for I wasn't prepared to die. So I guess, this will take back my drive for life that has been dampened in these past few years.

Another thing, to all people out there...this serves as a warning to be more cautious and alert with our surroundings. Always check the doors if it's locked before you leave the home. Never leave any valuables in places where it can easily be seen by visitors or passersby. Never, ever dare to go after an armed crook who just attempted to hurt or steal you.

I went to church to give thanks to Almighty God for keeping me safe and giving me another chance to live my life as He wanted me to. The lesson learned from this case could have been so costly. I have to prove yet how deserving I am to have this Second Life. I must have done something really good in my 30 years, that He appreciated...Thanks again, God!

Cheers to Second Life!

Final Goodbye

Suddenly reality knocked me out.

This is more wrong than right, I would never be a man's other woman...even if, for me he's "the one". With it, alarm bells rang in my ears...I pushed him but he won't stop, until I stopped responding and held myself stiff...he relented. Stopping for a moment, gasping for breath...he kissed my ear, then hugged me tightly; and murmured that I'm the one for him...It took him years that cost his arranged marriage and forced fatherhood to realize it. It's okay, I said to him, for I too, took me years to understand the reason why I can't have real connection with other men...because to me, he's "the one". I built him up so much in my mind and heart...that I never gave other men a chance to love me as I loved him. I think I have always known that, yet I preferred not to pursue it because it's downright unconventional. Besides, I'm so afraid of loosing the profound, real friendship that we have.

Summoning tons of my guts, I bravely asked him to stay...even for a while...before he left for good. He agreed. As we walked past the gate, passed the door, he reached for me and put my head in his chest, while buried his nose into my hair. My whole being quivered with anticipation. Then the inevitable happened.


(To be continued)