13 Assassins (2010)

13 Assassins is a period movie set in the latter years of Feudal Japan. The era of the samurai is on the decline as peace reigns over the land. However, Lord Naritsugu has been abusing his power as the half brother of the shogun and has gone to pillage and rape women. Fearful of his power should he join the council, a senior government official Doi Toshitsura hires the samurai Shinzaemon to assassinate Naritsugu. This is after a woman who has suffered from Naritsugu's abuses was presented to him. The cruel lord cut her limbs and tongue and this caused her to live in misery and to request "Total Massacre".

Shinzaemon did not waste time to gather loyal and able samurai. Before departure, he had 11 under him. While in the forest, they rescued a man who claimed to be descended from a line of samurai. This man was to be the 13th member of the group.

To trap Naritsugu, Shinzaemon bribed the Owari clan to block the Kiso pass under its domain. This made Naritsugu to take another route which will lead to a small village where he and his men were trapped by the 13 assassins. Fighting ensued. One by one, the assassins fell until only Shinzaemon and his nephew were alive. Shinzaemon fought his erstwhile dojo sparring partner Hanbei who was loyal to Naritsugu while his nephew fought two other samurais. In the end, Shinzaemon killed Naritsugu and he himself was also killed by the latter's sword.

When the nephew went back to the destroyed village, he was surprised to find the 13th member still pretty much alive and can still jump up and down.

The movie ends saying that 23 years later, the shogunate fell thus the beginning of the Meiji Era.

This movie tells a lot about the relationship between leaders and their subjects. A leader is supposed to protect his subjects from harm and danger. If the leader instead abuses his power and rules with cruelty and oppression, he must be brought down. Another important thing in this movie is the unity and loyalty of a group and each person's cooperative effort for the achievement of a common goal. 

The Iron Lady (2011)

Meryl Streep was getting a lot of attention again when she got lots of awards for her portrayal of Margaret Thatcher in the film The Iron Lady (directed by Phyllida Llyod). She won Best Actress in the Golden Globes, British Academy Film Awards, and the Academy Awards.

The film narrates Thatcher's rise to power from a grocer's daughter to England's longest serving Prime Minister in the 20th century. When her would be husband Denis Thatcher asked her hand for marriage, she replied that she's not like the other girls, that she won't be confined to the domestic sphere and that she certainly does not want to just "wash teacups". Denis assured her that he won't be a hindrance to her ambitions and that this strongwilled character of hers is actually why he wanted to marry her.

So they did marry with Margaret getting involved in politics and eventually becoming the Prime Minister in a male-dominated sphere. Even so, she proceeded with her steadfast will and strong character. However, she paid a price for that power. She was alienated from her family. Her husband reprimanded her about being too carried away by ambitions while it is implicitly shown in the film that her relationship with her two children was not that well.

In her old age, she suffered from dementia. She had hallucinations of her already dead husband still living with her. In the end, she realizes that she has rejected what matters most in exchange for power--- her family.

This is a good movie that reminds us to think twice before pursuing an overly ambitious dream. This got me rethinking about what is important in life. Is it career, self-fulfillment, family, or what? When asked this question, it is easy to say that family comes first but in actuality this is not so. For instance, in my career of choice, my family cannot seem to understand why I want it. They cannot see that I find fulfillment in it. Because of this, we often argue about it, with me defending my right to choose my own path (since it's my life anyway) and this results to being a bit alienated since they all think the same.

Another important aspect in this film is leadership. A true leader does not decide all on his or her own, but listens to the people involved. A true leader does not do things in order to be popular but to create a better future. 

A Day in the Life of a Cochero

Last March 22, my friend and I roamed the streets of Binondo in search of a cochero. She needed it for a project whereas I saw it as an opportunity to once again ride a calesa and have a Manila tour.

We met Mang Toto and his horse Petra. Although it has a name of a female, Petra is actually a male. I even joked with Mang Toto and told him he should have named the horse Pietro.

Mang Toto has been earning a living as a cochero since 1980. He used to earn P500 before but due to the increase in the number of tricycles in downtown Manila, at present he earns P300 on average. This daily earning is too small considering he sends to school six children, two of which are still in grade school. On lucky days though, he earns more when tourists abound.

His daily routine involves leaving the stables located in Caloocan City at 9:00 am. He travels for half an hour to get to Binondo. Once there, he waits for customers. At 12nn, he eats his lunch. Sometimes he has packed lunch with him and other times, he eats at an affordable carinderia. At 3pm, he takes his merienda break. He goes home at 5pm.

Mang Toto mixes Petra's food: palay husk, water, and sapal (soybean pulp)

water with palay husk, clean water, and sapal

Mang Toto feeds Petra.

Curious about horseshoes, I asked him what he thinks about these. Is it painful for Petra? He answers no, and that the nails should come out to the other side of the hoof otherwise it can pierce the horse's flesh. How much does a horseshoe cost? P30 apiece without the nails. Does every foot have a horseshoe? No, only the front hooves have them. Does Petra eat carrots and sugarcubes? Mang Toto gives him honey instead, and says that Petra likes grass.

It was nice to know Mang Toto and Petra. I wish them all the best.

Nasan ka, Paraiso?

Nitong mga huling araw ay grabe ang init dito sa Metro Manila. Sa umaga ay halos masunog na ang balat ko lalo na sa pagitan ng a las dies at a las cuatro ng hapon. Nakakapaso. At kung anumang hangin ang meron ay mainit din. Kung kaya't hindi maiiwasan ang pagpapawis. Dahil dito ay dalawang bote ng tubig na ang dinadala ko, hindi tulad ng dati na iisa lang ay okay na.

At nitong mga huling araw ay madalas nasa balita ang SM dahil sa plano nitong magpalawak ng kanilang mall empire sa Baguio. Upang mangyari ang plano ay kinakailangan nilang ilipat ang mga puno sa ibang lugar. Mabuti na lamang at tumutol dito ang mga environmentalists kasama na rin ang mga mag-aaral. Dahil sa protestang ito ay iniutos ng korte na huwag ituloy ng SM ang pagrelocate sa mga puno.

Noong Disyembre lang ay nakita ng madla ang epekto ng pagkalbo ng ating mga bundok nang mag-iwan ng katakot-takot na kasawian ang bagyong Sendong sa Cagayan de Oro. Isa itong malaking leksyon para sa lahat na kailanma'y hindi maaaring ipagpalit ang natural na kapaligiran para lang sa sinsabi nilang "progreso" at "kaunlaran". Ang totoong kaunlaran ay hindi isinasakripisyo ang kalikasan bagkus ay pinprotektahan ito. Dahil sa laganap na exploitation ay ang mga taong inosente ang silang nagbabayad ng kanilang buhay habang ang mga may-ari ng mga korporasyong ito na nagsasanhi ng pagkawasak ng kapaligiran ay lalong yumayaman.

At ang lalong nakakainit pa ng ulo ay ang pagiging hipokrito ng SM. Tuwing Miyerkules ay hindi sila nagbibigay ng plastic bag sa mga mamimili sa Hypermarket o Supermarket. Bukod pa rito ay hinihikayat nila ang mamimili na gamitin ang kanilang eco bag o Green bag. At nitong nakalipas na taon lang ay nagpapalabas sila ng pelikula ni Al Gore na "The Inconvenient Truth". Kumbaga, ipinoproject nila ang image na sila ay pro-environment o maka-kalikasan. Pero sa totoo lang ay hindi naman talaga. Isa lang ang insidente sa Baguio sa maraming kasalanan ng SM sa kalikasan. Ang dapat ay maging mahigpit ang gobyerno sa pag-implementa ng mga batas.

Hindi maiiwasang muling tanungin ang sarili, Where is my paradise?. Lahat ng kalsada sa Metro Manila ay sementado. Kakaunti lang ang mga puno. Puro usok pa ng mga jeep at bus na parang kabute na sa dami sa mga daan samantalang karamihan ay bumibyahe nang halos walang pasahero. Nagiging isang malaking impyerno tuloy ang Metro Manila sa init at usok.

Nasaan ka, paraiso? Ang muling tanong ko.

Healing Heels?

After a disappointing event last month which led me to reflect on the stupidity of the heart and how reckless I have been in handling my emotions, it suddenly dawned on me to embark on a quest to womanhood. Whereas in the past I was reluctant to embrace my potential to be an adult female and even stubbornly declared that I AM NEVER GOING TO BE AN ADULT, recent events in my life seem to be dropping hints that I should eat my words and embrace the inevitability of growing up.

One of the projects I thought of was to change the way I dress. It is difficult for someone like me who's often commented to be a walking fashion disaster due to my preference for loud colors and eye-catching color combinations. People gasp and laugh at how I dress sometimes but I don't heed them because that's how I dress and nobody should tell me what to wear and what not to. Although yes, I do welcome comments provided they are constructive and not destructive.

Included in the project is to practice wearing heels. I have realized how much I look up to women who wear high heels and can walk effortlessly. Two favorite professors in college always wear a pair of pumps and mini skirt. One of them is around 50 while the other's nearing 30. Both of them are chubby. But whenever I see them in pumps and mini skirt, they look so sexy. It dawned on me that perhaps a pair of heels can lend one a bit of sexiness. Besides in social functions requiring formal wear (and of course heels) more often than not, I find myself an awkward duckling who can't seem to be at ease with walking. Not to mention the many episodes of almost tripping because I simply am not used to wearing heels.

I've read some stuffs on fashion in the newspapers and I've read that wedges are the perfect way to start. I already have one pair and last month, I bought another. This new pair I wore yesterday and it almost murdered my feet, but I did get home alright. People even remarked that I seem to be in pain everytime I take a step. Yes I was. It hurt like hell. And I know I must have looked silly and clumsy in it. But I have to learn. 

The process may be difficult and painful, but I won't stop until I can run in a pair of heels.

(BTW, I do know that maturity is not seen on the clothes we wear nor on how we look on the outside.)

Lanzhou Ramen

Last March 22, a friend and I went to Binondo to gather materials for her project. I was finally able to find Lanzhou Ramen with her. I've been looking for it but my search has been unfortunate. I can't seem to find the place when not accompanied by my parents. So last month when I tasted success, I told my friend that we have eat there.

the condiments but the best of these is the chili sauce

dried beef noodles (my family and I can't get enough of this)

 You have a choice when you order the noodles. You can either have it served in soup already or you may ask for the soup to be separated from the noodles. I like the separated one better. Besides it's easier that way when it comes to sharing. An order is big enough for 2-3 persons.

The herbs make the soup wonderful. Just the smell of it makes one's mouth water. The noodles are just the way I want them to be, a bit "elastic". The noodles are handpulled by the way, and I think it's what makes the noodles more delicious.

yummy kuchay dumplings at an affordable price

Re-imag(in)ing the Nation @ UP Asian Center

I was at the University of the Philippines Asian Center one day and I happened to bring my camera along so I took the opportunity to take photos of this exhibit.

Puerto Galera (March 4)

My friend and I woke up early with the hope of catching a majestic sunrise but we ended up being disappointed because the sky was all grayish blue and not even the rosy fingers of dawn were sighted.

Before lunchtime we headed to White Beach. Lots of wonderful eateries lining the beach.

We didn't eat here. The reason why I took a pic of this is because of the wrong grammar. It's supposed to be  "Las villas de la Natividad" because natividad is not masculine; it's feminine. (And yes, I can be a nitpicker at times.)



After lunch, my friend and I played again in the sand, while others bathed in the sea. I am so gonna miss the fine white sand.

Miru- my nickname when among my otaku friends

Miru ga iru :)

a ferry boat

Our departure time was supposed to be at 3pm but we left at 5pm. The ticketing system was awful.

Still, being able to go out of town even for two days was so worth it. I will surely miss the smell of the sea as well as the feel of the sand on my feet. Not to mention beach music and grilled squid.

Puerto Galera (March 3)

Last March 3-4, I was in Puerto Galera with a dear friend. Her Photojournalism class had a field trip and when talking about it one day in February, I asked her if I could tag along. I love field trips. But the honest truth is that I just need to get away from all the toxicity in the fast-paced urban life. I needed a break from all the stress heaped upon my system. And more importantly, I wanted to reward myself for a job well done since I was able to receive my grades for two required classes and this translated to my being eligible for graduation.

Since it was my first ever time to commute on a field trip, I was overly excited. My friend and I met at Philcoa at around 7am and we were in JAM Liner bus terminal at Kamuning by 7:30am, thirty minutes earlier than the appointed time. We left at 9:30 am after everyone was already in the terminal. The fare to Batangas port was P175.

After about two hours and a half, we were already in the Batangas port. We paid P280, including environment fee, for the ride.

 Since there was not much to do aside from looking out to the blue sea, I decided to just relax and take a nap. When I woke up, we were already on our way to White Beach. Wonderful sights greeted us. 

A lot of people got off at this point and then we resumed the trip to the other side of Puerto Galera to get to Villa Fernandez Resort. This resort is located at specifically at Palangan and is managed quite efficiently by owner whom we fondly call Papa Jers.

Villa Fernandez maximizes space by turning the sloping land on which it sits as an advantage.  The downside is that the steps of the stairs are too small.

We got there in the afternoon and made plans for the duration of our stay. The main reason for the trip is to go to the Malasimbo Festival. But then again, because of its P1000 entrance fee, some of us decided to just go to the beach and go on a food trip.

That afternoon, my friend and I took a dip at the pool located at the top part of Villa Fernandez. It was a tiring climb. We relaxed on the cool waters though truth be said, we weren't  too happy with a hose and a pole in the waters with us.

We ate a quick early dinner afterwards and then headed to the beach. Since my friend and I already took a bath, we decided to just stay on the beach and amuse ourselves in the sand. We also watched a couple of fire dancers. They were so cool and sexy!!!

The best part is when I monitor the movements of the moon. The swiftly travelling clouds created the illusion that the moon was the one travelling fast. It was like chasing after a lady love.

And here I am enjoying a cool night at the beach.

Later on, we bought some grilled squid from this kiosk. It was fun eating grilled squid on the sands. It felt like one of those camping nights I've had as an undergraduate.

Before heading back to the resort, we had pizza in this place. The pizza may not be that expensive but the beverages are. Imagine paying P30 for a can of fruit juice!

(This is a rather late post, mainly due to my busy schedule involving academics and work. Watch out for my next blog post about our second day in Puerto Galera!)