Theatre: Rak of Aegis

No, this is not a parody of a Tom Cruise-starrer film. This original musical play has an identity of rock on its own. I got the chance to watch it, thanks to the complimentary ticket of a dear friend.

The band Aegis has been a part of Filipino culture since they started making hits. Actually, I realized that more after I watched the play - so many karaoke stations and pirated music stores have played the songs of Aegis. With their distinct husky voice and "birit" notes, the band was able to create their signature sound and was able to penetrate the masses.

It is not uncommon to create musical plays based on the songs of a band. Mamma Mia! was based on the music Swedish group Abba. Locally, Sa Wakas was based on the songs of Sugarfree. Iconic as the Aegis is, much is expected from a musical based on their songs.

The first thing that will catch your attention when you enter PETA theatre is the unique set design.

There is an actual floodwater in the middle of the stage full with makeshift slum houses. There's a boat, patterened to commonly seen mode of transportation in perennially flooded areas such as Malabon, attached to a dolly trail to traverse across the waters. A set of screens hang in the middle that goes up and down. The screens have been utilized fully in the play as part of the story. Since the theatre is very intimate, the set was perfect. From afar, it really resembles the slums in Malabon and Navotas. When I learned who designed it, it was no surprise that it was Mio Infante. It was a fresh take on set designing, making the set an actor on its own right.

The story takes place in a flooded slum neighborhood of Brgy. Venecia (inspired by the architectural layout of Venice) whose main livelihood is making shoes. I believe the story is based on the Typhoon Ondoy situation in Marikina. Aileen (played by Aicelle Santos) dreams of rising into fame via Internet. She made one by singing in the midst of the flood. As she rises to fame, the flood became an attraction and paradoxically the thing that can get the barangay out of their poor situation. Brgy. Capt. Mary Jane (played by Kailila Aguilos) quipped the irony in the line "Ang salbabida nating baha, lumulubog na."

The story was very close to the hearts of the people. Laudable was the script by Liza Magtoto, the tone of which is resembling the masses, which again is the most relatable segment for the Aegis band. There's a lot of references to pop culture, but then again it's the language the masses speak. The jokes were obvious and spoonfed but the acting and delivery made it funnier as well. The only thing maybe is that it came as a common Filipino ending where suddenly, everyone's happy. But again, if you're speaking the language of the masses, that's the way to go.

There was never a dull moment in the play. The ensemble acting of the cast kept up the show always energized, may it be a dramatic or comedic scene. They made it very natural that you can almost see the real situation it was patterned to. For me, Kailila Aguilos stood out as the Brgy. Captain. She knows her nuances and has the singing voice closest to that of Aegis. She alternates for Isay Alvarez. Aicelle Santos came to me as a surprise. She became better in acting, very quick and natural. Another scene stealer is the actor that played Tolits. He really studied the role and his quips were the funniest. Vocally, the mother role, Mercy (which coincidentally is the name of one of the members of Aegis) stood out with her aria-like solo. The ensemble had their own moments which contributed to the life of the play.


The musical disrupted the mainstream of musical play. The usuals are full non-repetitive songs with lavish production numbers and grand endings. The music in Rak of Aegis was arranged like the sing-alongs at home or in the neighborhood. The songs were reprised in some parts with changed lyrics. And most of the endings is not the usual high note bang. They were arranged to be solemn when needed. My favorite of the songs was the arrangement for "Gumising na tayo". Aegis made a number of hit songs yet very limited. The writer and the music arranger played with it by using the limited and applicable songs and rounding them up around the play. Although, Aegis is known for their high notes and rock songs. I was hoping to hear more of that.

I also liked the witty pre-show announcements tailor-fit to the play. It made me try not to sing-along or I would have to sing Halik two octaves higher. Also, it's a musical play not a karaoke. :)

Overall, it's not actually a miss-half-of-your-life experience yet it's a show worth your time and dime. Go catch them until March 9.

Film: Saving Mr. Banks & August: Osage County

I know. I know. It's a little late for this review but since the road to Oscars has started, it's nice to catch all the nominees before Ellen DeGeneres and the Academy award them.

Saving Mr. Banks is not actually nominated for Oscars but I'm a big fan of films with historical accounts and English actors. While watching it, I realized why it was snubbed by the award bodies. The whole storyline is intertwined with two timelines: P.L.Travers's (author of Mary Poppins) travel to Hollywood as she goes through the process of birthing the film adaptation of her children's book and her chilhood memory of her father. The way the film was edited is to make the two stories merge as one justifies the other. The flashback scenes are treated the same which I think was very bold. Although, this I think is a weak point from critics' standpoint. The flow of the story may seem to be a bit confusing. The only part I think it worked is in Travers Goff's (P.L. Travers/Helen's father) bank speech which is also Mr. Banks's recitation in the book (and turned into a song for the Mary Poppins film).

Production design and Make-up were laudable for keeping the film in its time, from cars to Disneyland and for making the characters look as close to real thing as possible. Cinematography offered some fresh shots like the pears in the pool but the entire film was presented like any other film.

Tom Hanks made a good impression as Walt Disney. The ensemble contributed to conflicts. But for me, laudable were Paul Giamatti (as Ralph the chauffeur) and Emma Thompson (as P.L.Travers). Paul was sincere and a good support. Emma has been one of my favorites. I can say this is not her best but her portrayal is excellent. She knows how to take the scene.

Another part I like is when they played the original records of P.L.Travers's conversation with Sherman brothers and the screenwriter in the ending credits.

The film stood by the truth of the events, although some were inferred. But this restricted excitement to build up in the film. The best point of the film was when Walt Disney flew to England to talk with P.L.Travers again and revealed why he thinks the author is very stingy about her book. Mary Poppins's story is loosely based on her life and that Mr. Banks is based on her own father, Travers Goff. She took his name as her penname.

If you are a writer or fascinated by one, this film would be of your interest. Nevertheless, the film is worth your time and dime.

August: Osage County is Meryl Streep's comeback to big screen after Iron Lady. I'm particularly excited about this because of, well, Meryl Streep. The story is based on a play about a mother who lost her husband and had her family - 3 daughters, sister and their respective families - come back home to find him, only to find out that he killed himself. It's a dark dramedy that revolves around how the family managed their conflicts and started to learn about each other's lives after the death of Beverly Weston (the father played bg Sam Shepard).

Cinematography again was ordinary. The positive thing maybe was there's not much panning, although it's been done before. The film's strengths are the screenplay and acting. The script was so natural and fluid. Nothing was forced. Yet, in its simplicity, the script continuously surprised me. Meryl and Julia Roberts are nominated for Best Actress and Best Supporting Actress, respectively at Oscars and Golden Globes, although they both lost at the latter. Nevertheless, my admiration for Meryl Streep grew with this film. She knows how to use nuances and no matter what emotion, she can keep the character and accent. She played very well Violet Weston. Julia, as her daughter Barbara, took her highlights as well, especially the catfish and the final argument scenes. But from the way I see it, it's a collective acting prowess from the ensemble that made it very life-like. Personally, Julianne Nicholson, as the shy youngest daughter of Violet, Abby and Abigail Breslin, as Barbara's 14-year old daughter, Jean took my attention.

The long scene at the funeral dinner was my highlight. The seemingly bipolar monologue of Meryl, the build up of conflict between her and Julia, the spurs of comedic parts - it's a rollercoaster of scenes that was natural and easy to follow. Actually, the whole film is a rollercoaster worth your time and dime.

The film's deep so if you're sure you can follow things like this, go ahead.

Prediction: Meryl and Julia will not win at the Oscars. Meryl just won last year and Julia is in strict competition.

Disney's Twilight

ThrowbackThursday... This time, an article...


Sige, sabihin na nating apat na taon na, ilang araw na lang naman. Apat na taon. Wow. Ang tagal na pala. Hindi ko aakalain na tatagal nang ganito ang pagmamahal ko sa kanya. Nag-umpisa lang naman kasi sa biruan. Tanong siya nang tanong kung para kanino yung sinusulat kong kanta. Noong una, tinatago ko lang sa pangalang “someone special”, uso kasi yun eh. Hanggang minsan, sa kulit niya, niloko ko na lang siya na para sa kanya yun. Hindi ko alam na sarili ko lang pala ang pinaniwala kong niloko ko siya.

Hindi siya yung tipong exceptional ang ganda, yung tipong lahat magkakandarapa. Noong una nga hindi ko siya napansin hanggang sa ipakilala siya sakin. Ewan ko, nakakainis kasi. Alam mo yung feeling na unang beses mo pa lang siyang makita, tapos gusto mo na ulit siyang makita. Nakakainis yun. May babago sa pananaw mo, sa habits mo, sa buhay mo kahit kakakilala mo pa lang sa kanya. Simple nga lang siya, pero iba na nung nagkaharap kami. Iba yung feeling ng unang titigan, unang ngitian. Ibang-iba. Ewan ko, marami na rin kasi akong tinitigan at nginitian, pero unang beses lang na sa mata pa lang, mayroon na akong nararamdamang iba.

Medyo pahirapan pa na mag-initiate ng usapan. Siyempre, gusto ko na siyang maging ka-close. Pag nagtagal ako sa pasulyap-sulyap stage, stalker na ang labas ko nun. Ang dami kong topics na ni-rehearse. Nag-research na ko ng K-pop kahit ayoko ng musika ng mga singkit kasi gusto niya noon. Ni-rush kong basahin ang Twilight series kasi paborito niya yun (at iba pang libro). Marami pa kong inisip na topics: acads, cartoons, Disney characters (kahit si Mickey Mouse lang kilala ko), movies ni Jackie Chan (na salamat at hindi pala kailangan ng subtitles), TV shows, TV personalities, pati TV; lahat ng pwedeng pag-usapan, lahat ng bagay na interesante siya. Nakakainis talaga. Binabago niya buhay ko. Mas pinili ko pang basahin si Stephanie Meyer at mainggit sa mga bampirang nagkakainlaban kaysa makipagbonding kay Leithold at sa mga mukhang uod na integrals. Ngayon ko lang nga naisip, bakit kaya hindi ako tumakas noong una palang kung alam kong ang laki ng magiging epekto sakin nito? Pati unang bati kailangang planuhin, siyempre “first impression lasts”. Saka kung hindi engaging ang first line ko, masisira lahat ng ni-rehearse ko. Simpleng “Hi” lang ba o “Hi! Nagkakilala na tayo, remember? Busy ka ba? Gusto ko lang kasing pagtawanan yung kalandian ni Bella sa paghalik niya kay Jacob” Pero mas matindi pa sa stage fright ang kalaban mo kapag nakita mo na siya. Nang makita ko siyang nakangiti, blangko lahat. Wala na lahat ang mga prinsesa sa fairy tales, nakalimutan ko na kung ilang sequels mayroon ang Rush Hour at kung ilan talaga ang Super Junior. Wala. Kung hindi pa siya nag-“hi”, hindi pa ako magkakalakas ng loob bumati. Ayun, buti na lang open siya at nagsimula na siyang magkuwento. Nagagamit ko paminsan-minsan ang ni-review ko (walang tinginan sa notes yan ha) pero madalas, napapatingin lang ako at napapatawa. Buti may baon akong konting humor. Swak. Minsan, ang babaw na lang ng pinag-uusapan namin pero ang sarap pa rin ng pakiramdam na kausap siya. Ang bilis ng oras. Heto na naman, kakausap niyo lang, gusto mo na naman siyang maka-usap. Whew! Nakakainis, binabago na talaga nito ang sistema ko. Yung nakasanayan kong maagang pag-uwi o mag-isang pagkain ng lunch, na-misplace ko na yata…for good.

Parang umaayon naman sakin ang tadhana. Naging close kami. Ok sige, super close. Masasabi kong may parte ng buhay ko na binago ng pagdating niya, pati ang damdamin ko. Hay, akala ko di ko na mararamdaman ito. Ilang taon na rin naman akong nabubuhay ng wala niyan. Yun talaga yung nakakainis, kabago-bago niyang darating, babaguhin niya ang buhay ko na nakasanayan ko mula ipinanganak. At ang mas nakakainis, gusto ko yung pagbabago. Official na: in-love ako. Kung love at first sight ito o kung sa second man, ewan ko. Sa dalas ng moments namin, nahulog na ko sa di dapat kahulugan.

Tulad ng first line, pahirapan umamin sa nararamdaman. Pero hindi katulad ng first conversation, hindi ko maeexpect na sagipin niya ako sa usapang ito. Hindi ko siyempre maririnig sa kanya na “May sasabihin ka? Mahal mo ko no?” Sa akin lang nakasalalay at sa tapang ng loob ko kung malalaman ba niya ang nararamdaman ko para sa kanya. Siyempre, mahirap umamin. Paano kung hindi ka pala niya gusto o kung may gusto siyang iba? Kaya diyan pumapasok ang taktika ng pagiging close. Isang beses tinanong ko siya kung ano bang ideal guy niya. Mapasa ko lang 90% ng standards nito, tataas ang tsansa ko, lalakas ang loob kong sabihin. Pero nabuking yata ako nang i-challenge ko yung isa sa mga qualifications niya. Pano ba naman? Ok na eh, halos lahat ng sinasabi niya, mayroon ako. Height, sense of humor, intellect at mga vague traits na loyal, mabait at trustworthy. Tapos sabi niya, dapat mestiso at mas matanda ang edad sa kanya. Naman! Hayun, debate ang resulta. Hindi naman ako ganon kaitim, pero hindi ako mestiso. At mas matanda siya sa akin ng ilang buwan. “Bakit kailangan mas matanda? Kapag ba mas matanda, matured na? Hindi naman nasusukat ang maturity sa edad ha. Saka bakit kailangan sa kulay nakabase ang pagtingin. Kulay lang naman yun eh. Wala namang kinalaman yun sa kapasidad ng tao eh.” Ayun yata ang kabayaran ng gustong maka-perfect. Nasasagot ng “Ideal nga eh! Ideal lang. Bakit ang defensive mo? Haha”

Hindi pa doon natapos ang “fishing” ko. Ewan ko sa nasa mid-20s, pero sa mga teenagers, uso si “friend”. May problema ang “friend” ko. Pwede mo bang tulungan ang “friend” ko. Naaawa ako sa situation ng “friend” ko. Ako nahihirapan para sa “friend” ko. At dahil mabenta at feeling ko magagamit ko siya, pinakilala ko sa kanya ang “friend” ko. The usual pa rin. Nahihirapan na ang “friend” ko. May gusto kasi ang “friend” ko sa “friend” niya. Hindi alam ng “friend” ko kung aaminin ba niya kasi baka magkagalit siya ng “friend” niya. This way, malalaman ko reaksiyon niya kung sakaling aminin ko na. Pero kinabahan ako sa sagot niya. Kahit hindi pa raw aminin ng “friend” ko sa “friend” niya, mararamdaman yun ng “friend” niya, pero walang masama kung aminin ng “friend” ko. Yes! Wala na yata akong ibang sagot na hihilingin pa. Bukod siyempre sa “oo” na matagal pa bago niya pwede isagot.

Kinalaunan, inamin ko din. Pagkatapos na ito ng dedication ng kanta ko sa kanya. Alam na daw niya. Sa mga pahaging ko na “Ang ganda mo ngayon” o “Buti na lang nandito ka” o sa mga simpleng sulyap, ngiti, akbay, hawak ng kamay, nahulaan niyang ang “friend” ko at ako ay iisa. Tuluyan nang nagbago ang lahat. Hindi na ako naiinis. Naninibago, oo. Iba na talaga ang lahat. Natuto na akong makuntento sa pagtingin lang sa kanya. Alam ko na rin ang pakiramdam ng saya na hindi mababaw tulad ng nararamdaman natin kapag may nagpapatawang kaibigan. Ito yung saya at kilig na hindi kailangan ng halakhak o talon. Kakuntentuhan na may ilang tulo ng luha ng kaligayahan sa tuwing kasama siya – yan ang pagbabago sa emosyon ko.

Lalo pa kaming naging malapit sa isa’t isa. Tuloy ang araw-araw na palitan ng text, sabay na kain ng lunch o dinner, o simpleng kuwentuhan – all these brought us closer, brought me deeper in love. Gagamitin ko na ang mabentang phrase na sinasabi sa DZMM tuwing gabi – “Mahal na mahal ko na siya, Dr. Love” Kung dati, wala akong paki kahit kanino. Ngayon, hindi ako mapakali kapag hindi pa siya nagtetext kung nakauwi na siyang ligtas, o kung kumain na ba siya. Iba ang feeling kapag nakikita ko siyang malungkot. Ibang pagkatao ko na ang nabuo. In a span of few months, I’ve changed a lot. And it’s mostly because of her. Ang kapal ng mukha, darating sa buhay ko para baguhin ang buhay ko nakasanayan ko sa mahabang panahon.

Minahal ko siya. Ginawa ko ang lahat ng kaya ko para mapanatili siyang masaya dahil doon lang din ako sumasaya. Ipinakita at ipinaramdam ko sa kanya na dahil sa pagbabagong ginawa niya sa akin, kailangan niyang magdusa sa pagmamahal at atensiyong ibinibigay ko. Kulang na lang, buhay ko ang ialay ko para sa kanya. Or so I thought.

Nagkaproblema siya sa puso. Kailangan niya ng madaliang heart transplant. Mahaba pa ang pila para sa mga patay na pwedeng pagkuhaan ng puso. Hindi rin naman pwede ang puso sa lugawan for obvious and corny reasons. Diagnosed na naman ako noon ng colon cancer so sabi ko, “I’ve lived up my life already”. Ang cancer siguro ang daan para sabihin sa akin na natagpuan ko na ang hinahanap ko. Nakita ko na naman ang purpose ko sa mundo, at itong desisyon na ito ay parte ng purpose na iyon. Naranasan ko na namang maging masaya nang mahalin ko siya at sa tingin ko, sapat na iyon na dahilan upang masabing tapos na. Sapat ng dahilan ang mahal ko siya upang dugtungan ang buhay niya sa pamamagitan ng sa akin.

Di ba? Apat na taon na. Apat na taon na simula ng baguhin niya ang buhay ko. Hindi na ako naiinis. Tatlong taon nang tumitibok ang puso ko para sa kanya. Mas maganda siguro ang ending kung kinagat na lang ako ni Bella at naging immortal na rin ako. Hindi ko na nahintay ang “oo” niya. Sana din, nang nagising siya, hindi siya nagalit sa “paglayo” ko. At marami pang sana. Hindi ko alam kung ilan pang apat na taon o ilan pang habambuhay tatagal ang nararamdaman ko para sa kanya. Dati, wala sa bokubularyo ko ang “forevermore”. Ganoon lang talaga siguro kapag nagmamahal ka, magbabago ang lahat sa buhay mo nang hindi mo inaasahan.

Advising the Advisers

I have a friend who just recently broke up with her boyfriend. And although this is the intro of my article, this is not for those who are seeking answers why someone left someone for someone or will he/she come back. I’ll be blunt. I’m not a fan of cry-babies. Yes, you can be hurt or angry but the manifestation of which depends on your logical comprehension.

So I’m not a good advice giver. But many tell me I am and many friends became my ‘sukis’ whenever they have depressing problems. I repeat: I do not give good advices. I don’t even give advices. But many would want to talk their depression out with me.

I don’t give advices because I believe nobody knows the best next step better than the person involved. Personally, I just can’t tolerate people who nurse their emotions and let everyone know their situation. Whenever friends come crying or shouting with anger, I joke around as if I don’t care. More so when they ask me what they should do next. How in the world would I know? I can’t feel your feelings. I can’t think your thoughts. Yes, I will stay. Try to have a normal atmosphere as possible, even joke around or be pseudo-angry whenever the unfortunate incident will be brought up again. But never will you hear me say positive things like “It’s ok” and give advices. I can’t stand the fact that I have to relive the moment with you when the reason you came to me is to think logically. I’ll bitch if you’ll “overbitch” about your problem. There’s a fine line between mourning and overacting and it’s called attention seeking. Yes, I’m apathetically sympathetic.

For a more selfish reason, I don’t give advices so I won’t take blame when they go wrong. Sometimes, people love to do that. Because of human nature of fault avoidance, we hold someone liable even for our own actions. People translate it to increasing confidence. I call it cowardice. Decide on your own. Stick to it and defend. What if the advice giver is not available? Would your world stop turning? It’s also cheating, asking someone to think of your next actions. How would you learn? The optimistic point of that unfortunate incident happening is for you to learn from that mistake. How would you if you would ask for their right answer even if the question hasn't been asked?

I don’t give advices because I acknowledge the fact that I don’t know better. In the first place, maybe the friend just needed someone who will listen. That I can do. But I have an extra service.

So as an advice to advice givers: don’t give advices. What I do is listen. But, after the ample mourning or anger has passed, I will challenge his/her position. This is what I call response. Yes, it’s harsh but people love it. I love it because it is effective. But it has to be done carefully. There has to be vigilance on nonverbals and verbals and the reaction must be flexible. I haven’t noticed a particular formula for this because I believe you must know the person more than as fancy acquaintances or callers in a radio show.

As the more logical person, I view the situation unbiased and logically. The person, being in the situation, has biases and emotion upsurges that make him/her blind to some aspects of the situation. So I don’t advise. I show him/her the logical situation. I tell him/her what he/she misses because of the biases he/she has. In a way, I talk to him/her without sounding that I’m smarter or I know better. It’s more of, “Yes, that’s how you feel, but look at it this way.”

With this, his/her logic is slowly restored, making him/her fit to judge the situation and decide for the next steps him/herself. He/she got no one to blame but less are the chances that his/her decision will be wrong.

This is a very tricky business. To master it is like a small percentage of practicing psychiatry or psychology (pardon for not being able to distinguish). So don’t talk, just listen and respond. Very good. Very much appropriate to say now to my friend.

Black Oblation

Fact: Kristel Tejada's death is tragic.

But digging deeper, the blame's practically on her and her family. I'm not saying that the institution (University of the Philippines) and the government have no blame to take. God knows how students of the university have been long struggling to afford the "free education" - the right of every student. But there could have been a number of alternative endings to this story that would no need a tragic death.

But first, UP has to admit that as a state university, it has been implementing a system that is sometimes not friendly to the state's interests. With its current price per unit, many have been clamoring that a full-priced tuition is almost the same with other private universities. Education is a right, especially in public-run institutions. And even the education in UP is regarded with high quality, that doesn't necessarily say that you have to pay a premium for the high quality education. The student has already proven her worth to earn that: by passing the entrance exam and by being an eligible student of the university.

I believe in a stringent process for student selection. But once the student has proven his/her eligibility, the university must now treat him/her as an asset, a future leader-servant of the country, and thus, must take necessary actions to support his/her stay in the said institution. Private schools have different stories; part of proving eligibility is payment of tuition fees. In public schools, such as UP, quality education is paid by the country to educate its youth for a better hope for the future.

Why can't the university be lax with payment? After all, the entire education of the student is right under their noses. You don't have to force the student to file a leave just because he/she can't pay. It should've been understood that he/she can't pay because he/she can't. And part of this is hoping that with this education, he/she can change his/her life to alleviate his/her status that he/she may be able to pay the cost of living, not only tuition fees.

As an alumnus of the university, I condemn this system. I once had a problem with payment and I did all what I can do just to come up with the money and meet the deadline. It's like pay first before you study. That shouldn't be the case. Education is government's obligation to those who are eligible. What the student is paying for should be the services not related to educating the student itself (miscellaneous fees, lab and library access, diploma and grade forms, etc.) and thus, nonpayment of which must merit denial of those services. But not education per se. You don't say to a person that you can't enrich your knowledge because you can't pay for it.

Kristel's death became an eye-opener; the tuition payment system will now be reviewed. But should that be necessary? Many rallies and movements have been shouting for this a long time ago, and for a very long period. Why these shouting voices be only heard after the silence of one?

But again, on the other hand, there could have been solutions to this problem that may have prevented Kristel taking her own life. The system, however crude, has been in place for the longest time and many have been fighting and struggling against this system. But somehow, people manage. Maybe not financially, but at least, taking one's life has been the least course of action considered.

I'm saddened when I hear people doubting that there could've been a reason beyond the tuition fee problem that made Kristel take her life. But let's face it, it's a possibility. And how would the family, especially the parents, look after this event? They could have done more. People around Kristel could have done more. The fact that the predicament resulted to her death means that people involved hadn't done enough. Why did she have to resort to silver cleaner when problems like these should be discussed? How did she had the idea that taking her life would end the problems? Why was no one there?

I can't take Kristel as a heroine like many would say. A hero dies for ideals he/she believes. Although, it's saddening that she passed away. What's frustrating is people in the government hired by the country are ignoring the country's cries, not putting forward it's interests. What is less than 10,000 to millions spent on recurring road projects for elections?

Kristel's case may have taught the government and UP a thing or two but it should also be a lesson to students, and families in general. Life is precious and hopelessness is too cheap to pay with it.

Supreme succession and Sweetness saga

Two news pieces have caught my attention these past few days.

Pope Benedict XVI (Joseph Ratzinger) has shocked the Catholic church by his decision to resign. Many rumors have circled around and of course, I have my favorites.

But first, the resignation. It's been centuries since the last resignation in the papacy has happened. Many are now wondering how relevant is this resignation in the modern times. Resignations as Supreme Pontiff are usually due to scandals where the pope is involved; sexual assaults, funds, hidden facts to name a few. But with PBXVI's resignation, no scandal has been declared, or at least outside the Vatican. If I may borrow Adele's song, rumor has it that a church official inside the Vatican who's very close to the pope had been leaking the secrets of the City of God. So to save the church from further leakage, the pope decided to leave the post.

Another one talks about power play in the College of Cardinals and someone plots somebody to be the pope. But with the secrecy of the conclave, this is actually quite funny. 

The only reason we have is illness - something severe that rendered him impossible to continue the task of papacy. But I saw him deliver his last mass, his last address, he was even able to give out a motu proprio to expedite the conclave; I'd say he looks like he still has a sound mind to perform the duties of being a pope. There's a running joke that papacy is a job to heaven because as a pope, you either leave the post when you die or you die. Resignation was not a choice unless the premise is scandalous.

I'm not saying that he can't resign or he's just feigning an illness. I think, what I'm trying to say is, I believe, as long as you have a sound mind, the Catholic Church needs you to lead them.

My friend asked me, "Is the Pope still relevant?" The obvious answer is yes but the logical answer is no. With the resignation, people may look again at the church as just an edifice led by one single elected cardinal. Where is the divine intervention? Yes, popes get replaced and it should be expected. But wouldn't the Catholic faith be stronger if the pope didn't resign? Popes, through divine intervention and majority of the college, is tasked to restore Catholic faith - the same faith teaching us to just trust God's plans.

Yes, the pope is relevant. To the Catholic church. To those who believe. But faith is not constant and doesn't manifest itself. How can the faith come across to those who now thinks papacy is presidency based in Vatican City?

And what does this lead to? Papabiles have been campaigned by their own locals. Candidate assessments and background checks. The most secretive election saw its primer before they locked the doors.

On a lighter note, I heard someone took note that PBXVI is from Germany, the same country where Adolf Hitler, who had a thing for Jews and wants them eliminated, led and fought the most devastating war in history, the same country almost everyone hated. Just like America having its first black president - from a race not even allowed to vote decades ago. Ironic? I'd say world overhaul.

I found this picture of the three popes. It's as if this was destined to be.

Still, habemus papam! Pope Francis!

On a sweeter topic, Candy Crush has long been bothering me. I saw my friends play this with their iPads and I thought it was just another Bejweled game - you know, matching same colors and eliminating the board. I tried it once, for fun, and man, I got hooked. I see everyone in Facebook playing the game (some even had the nerve to ask for lives) and people who have mobile phones/tablets hooked on their devices. And I became one of them.

How Candy Crush differs is this: first, it has move limits that make you want to throw your device if you haven't done the task with few moves remaining. It also has different tasks per level like clear jellies or bring down the fruits (which I'm currently frustrated at). It's cute and I believe in Facebook, there's a competitive leaderboard that makes you competitive with your friends as ever.

Maybe it will be just like any game that shot through fame then got forgotten. But at least, we tasted the sweetness of this game in our time.

Yun na yun?

A little tribute to our graduating peeps there! Congratulations for putting up years of sleepless nights and sleepful classes and being part of the unemployment rate. :D Here's an article I wrote back when I graduated.

Yun na yun? I mean, after all those hype and excitement upon entering UP, ganun na lang yun matatapos? OK, sige alam ko nang wala sa farm ang cash cows at decision trees.  Natutunan ko rin na ang consumer insight is an ‘insightful pain’ statement worded by the group of marketing students put in the target market’s mouth. Hindi lahat ng nasa journal ay accounting transactions, yung iba for formality lang. Hindi na rin ako naghahanap ng seven sigma. Pwedeng makagawa ng case analysis or feasib ng overnight pero kung matino kang estudyante, di mo gagawin. At depende sa gusto mong indifference curve ang optimal solution. At pwedeng maraming optimal solutions. At pwede ring wala. At pwede ring mag-imbento pag wala. At marami pang pwedeng bagay akong natutunan. Pero ganun na yun? Matatapos ang UP life ko nang ganoon lang?

Octoberian ako, okay? 6^th year ko na! I believe that quality education takes time, so I’m taking my time. :D First year ko pa lang naman, alam ko nang madedelay ako. Ikaw ba naman ang magkaroon ng mga profs sa first sem na parang may sinumpaang tungkulin na magbagsak ng estudyante. Pagpasok ko noon sa first class ko, di ko kaagad napansin yung prof – parang kaedad lang namin. Ang sweet ngumiti. Akala ko ok na. Tapos bumanat ng, “Alin sa nakaraan ang uulitin mo?” Daig pa namin ang prayer vigil nang maglabas siya ng class list at inisa-isa kami. Bawat recitation, kalevel ng police interrogation with brutality at aabot ka sa Korte Suprema kakaexplain. “Kung di ninyo kayang panindigan ang sagot niyo, kung di niyo kayang ibigay ang gusto ko, di kayo bagay dito,” while doing a dramatic exit. Kaya next meeting, binigay ko ang gusto niya – dropping form. Dagdag mo pa diyan yung isa ko pang prof na may linyang: “Mabuhay! Welcome to *bleep**bleep* class. I’m Ms. *bleep**bleep* (although gusto ko na talagang banggitin sa inis) and I will be teaching you for this sem. To pass my class, all you have to do is – mabuhay!” Binigay ko rin ang gusto niya – dropping form. Samahan mo pa ng prof ko sa Philo na parang may sapak sa ulo. Every meeting, kuktsain niya kaming magdrop, tatakutin  kami sa hirap ng subject, sa baba ng grade. At matatawa kapag next meeting, pakonti kami ng pakonti. Parang batang nagco-countdown para sa Pasko. “O diba, mas madali magturo pag konti.”

Isa pa sa factor ng pagkadelay ko ay ang pagkahilig ko sa PE. I’m proud to say na may 7 PEs ako! Yes 7! Pito! Dala na rin to ng impluwensiya ng tatay ko. Nung naglilista ako ng subjects nung first year ko, kailangan daw ng PE. Tinanong ko siya sa pag-aakalang mas maga-guide niya ako sa aking pag-aaral. Sundin ko raw yung curriculum: kung PE1 e di yun ang una. Tapos PE2 naman tapusin. And so on. Tuwang-tuwa ako sa tatay ko; feeling ko napakaintelektwal ng sagot niya. Kaya nagtataka ako na may mga batchmates akong nagbabasketball, badminton or walking for fitness. Samantalang ako nagsusukat ng timbang, tangkad at taba. Nung next sem na, namroblema ulit ako, sobrang dami naman ng PE2! May sinasabi ang tatay ko tungkol sa alphabetical order at multi-PE per sem para maubos ko raw lahat pero di ko na masyadong naintindihan. Na-amaze ako sa PE na Bird Watching! Sabihin mo! Saang eskwelahan sa Pilipinas ang may PE na Bird Watching? Sino kaya ang unang MVP ng Bird Watching? May foul din ba dun or penalty? At sino ang nagtuturo ng Bird Watching? Promise! Kung may kaisa-isang moment sa UP life ko na hindi ko ipagpapalit, iyon ang mga panahong pinapanood ko ang limang maya na natutulog nang mahimbing.

Hindi lang yan! Marami pang dahilan. Sama mo ang CRS na kung susundin ko ang prescribed curriculum, naka-apat na presidente at dalawampu’t apat na bolahang SONA na ang nadaanan ko bago ako masabitan ng sablay – suggestion ni CRS: 3 units per sem. Or isama mo pa ang isa pang papansing acronym na ESF. Minsan na nga lang kami magkakasundo ni CRS, babawiin pa ng ESF! Malay ko bang may powers siyang i-purge ang enlisted class ko kapag di ko siya pinansin. Kaya ayun, bagsak sa usual underloading. Hindi sa tamad akong pumila sa prerog ha. Uhm, kasi…ayun nga, quality education takes time. Saka para focused talaga ako. Oo, promise! Focused ako!

Nadidivide nga lang ng orgs. :D Willingly divided ang attention ko. Ang saya kasi, lalo na nung magkakasama pa kami ng batchmates ko sa major org namin. Parang kalevel ng pot session ng mga adik, ng deklarasyon na walang klase (na isa sa mga dahilan kung bakit nadelay ako, nawawala ang flow of thought ko sa isang class), kalevel ng isang religious group sa Quirino Grandstand na nagbabaligtad ng payong para saluhin ang grasya – sobrang saya.

Sige, minsan choice ko na rin ang magpadelay. Pero minsan lang! As in once lang! Gusto ko kasi gawin lahat ng sinasabi nilang “UP qualifier tasks”. Yung tipong kapag di mo pa nagagawa, di ka talaga taga-UP. So nagtry ako ng isaw sa tapat ng IC. Akala ko ok na, hindi pa rin daw sabi nung higher batch sa akin. Dapat daw Mang Larry’s. Eh malay ko bang parang pila ng kare-kare tuwing linggo ang tinitindang bituka ni Mang Larry. Tapos gabi ka na makakakain. Sana inulam mo na lang. Nandiyan yung Lantern Parade, UP Fair, manood ng Cheerdance Competition, manood ng Oblation run, magparticipate sa Oblation run, kumain sa treehouse (na puno na lang ngayon), magjogging sa acad oval para makapagpapicture kay Piolo Pascual, magwalk out sa class, magrally, magpanggap na nagrarally para sa incentives, magcut ng class, magpapirma sa kaklase sa attendance para di mapansin na nagcut, at maraming marami pang iba. Yung ibang “you-missed-half-of-your-life” experiences na sinasabi nila para maging legit UP student ka ay hindi ko na nagawa. Masyadong marami. Kulang ang MRR ko. At marami na akong utang na lives kay kamatayan dahil diyan sa mga yan.

Marami naman akong matatawag na UP memorable experiences. Yung mga memories na may tatak UP. Pero parang may kulang talaga. Siguro yung fact na magmamartsa ako sa harap ni Oble na hindi batchmates ko ang kasabay ko. Pero, at least, natapos ko na rin. Di nga lang on time, di nga lang March, pero mas fresh ako kaysa sa mga kasabay kong magmamartsa na parang in-overnight ang thesis makapagmartsa lang kinabukasan sa graduation. May time magpahinga. :D At sa wakas, kahit anong sabihin nila, may tatak UP ako!