a record of thoughts

It is undeniable that we live in a material world. Possession fuels mankind. Possession causes reactions within the system. Unconditional relationship is somewhat a form of possession because binding oneself to another is a form of ownership. The most obvious form of possession would be financial — monetary, real assets, etc. It has become a lifetime struggle for a person to possess financial stability which is an impossible feat. It is impossible because just like what Puff Daddy & Ma$e rhymed, “Mo money, mo problem.” Man has no sense of satisfaction.

Possession is the root of all problems. Then man would dream of wealth, now man dreams of a simple life. The latter would be as much of a struggle as the former. It would be most rewarding if one lives a simple life, but that means liberty from society and that is not an easy thing to do. Since man is naturally possessive, stripping himself of all possessions would lead him to succumb to despair.

Freedom from the grasp of the possessive nature of man is the second phase towards detachment. There are two ways to achieve the feat: wealth and surrender. Wealth and self-control would be a great combination into dissing society. The effect would be paradoxical, but effective. It is not an easy task to be wealthy or have self-control. Either one is a task that takes a lifetime to master.

The easiest  way to muster the hurdle of the second phase would be a surrender. That is to surrender oneself from being possessive. That is, furthermore, to totally abstain from possessing. Not even meditation is accepted because it still leaves a fingerprint of possession. Hermitage would be the perfect example. It is not impossible to relocate oneself to an utterly remote location that has fertile land. There the hermit can cultivate, grow and create only the necessities.

Attaining a simple life is hypocrisy because in reality, one can only live a simple life after he accumulates wealth. One may say that their lifestyle is average and thus simple. That is a lie because one works not to maintain, but to gain.

I was so happy when I found this film (with English subtitle) at a torrent tracker. Early this morning, I watched this Korean movie and I wasn’t particularly pleased. I already expected the movie to be dark, so that didn’t bother me. What bothered me the most was the language. Joe Odagiri spoke Japanese and the rest Korean and for some reason, all characters can understand each other. It seemed to me that production gave up on the language barrier and totally ignored it hoping the audience can make themselves understand. Uhmmm… not me!

The particular symbolism used weren’t too familiar to me which is the other shortcoming on my behalf. A few touches of gothic humor gave me a few shortlived laughters. Odagiri’s acting, however, was brilliant. Especially the part when he almost went crazy, it was superb. Both actors did not fail my expectations in their craft. Lee Ran was a perfect character for Lee Na Young.

If not for the acting prowess of Odagiri and Lee, I would have trashed the film. It was artisitc, but filled with loopholes and unrealism.

The South Trip (Set 2)

140 Photos

The South Trip (Set 1)

87 Photos

INTRODUCTION

Before December begins, I should have used all my vacation days from work. It was the last two weeks of November. Usually, I spend my vacation in the overseas, but this year, I opted for a domestic trip with Frances.

I did not plan the trip ahead of time like I usually do things. Planning a trip most of the time does not work for me because things happen in between. I’ve been irking to go south this time, especially to Texas. It has been in the back of my head. Only financial burden and fear was pinning me down. That’s another thing why I don’t plan my trips; I get over the fear. So during the weekend when I picked up Frances from the airport (she came from Las Vegas, but originally from Vancouver, BC) I was thinking about the trip while driving. From there, I decided to do it. Face the music later. (more…)

I’m so excited for this Korean film to come out on torrent (oopps!) Starring the two of my most favored actors — Joe O-dagiri (Shinobi) and Lee Na Young (Somebody Special), I have to see the film. The big screen release is early October, so a subtitled DVD quality should be out early next year. This will be another tear-jerker and depressing movie, but it’s the substance that matters including the excellent acting that I will be expecting from the two. This will be the second O-dagiri piece I’ll be seeing and it’s been a while since Lee made a project. If you want to know why I’m expecting the best of this, check the stream below.

The other night I was watching Nuts Entertainment on GMA PinoyTV and Senator Francis Joseph “Chiz” Escudero was the guest in the Balakubak segment. One question was whether he’d consider running in the presidential election in 2010. As usual, Chiz gave an intelligent answer whereas he said that he’s only thirty-nine years old so he won’t comment on such, but he hinted that he would be forty by the election day. Unlike the United States which requires a 35-year-old limit, the Philippines requires that its President is at least forty. Escudero has been considered to be one of the candidates in 2010, and so thoughts amassed. (more…)

Today I had a tiny luxury to watch Pinoy Dream Academy 2‘s performance night. I’ve seen their contestants scholars a few days back because the network seems to be injecting every little bit of segments from the 24-hour affairs within the academy. That means I see their faces everytime I pass through the channel. I may sound bias and I believe I may be, but the Idols are better than the scholars.

The Idols have variations when it comes to talent and style; the scholars don’t. It’s boring when you see a singing contest and all contestants have the same style of music. That’s why I like the Pinoy Idol. However, I like Cristina “Cris” Pastor a lot. That’s the only thing I like about PDA2.

I can’t sleep if I didn’t write something about this film. This film is one of the two best examples (the other being the “Thank For Smoking”) to tell the world that some things cannot be controlled however one tries to because these things are designed to be that way. There is no moral ground surrounding them.

If you don’t know what I’m talking about, the movie is about a man who lobbies weapons to warring parties. When he was caught by an FBI, he was immediately released because “he is needed by the government.” If you are so naive about the world, war is caused during peaceful times to create a balance. There will always be war. Peace is a pipe dream. War does not have an antonym. It’s the reality.