Shotgun Pose

My last week’s classes had been one of my bests in my three years teaching English to my Korean students. This is because South Korea was having a successful run in the games in the Winter Olympics in Canada. They are raking medals and have a decent rank in the over-all standing. They are winning in several events, but nothing compares the excitement and pride that burst within them when Yu Na Kim took the gold and shattered her own world record in figure skating.

Internet news claimed that Koreans are not expecting a gold medal from Yu Na, they actually demands it from her. Considering her victory in the recent Olympics and World Championships and her long-time rivalry with the Japanese figure skater, this is understandable. But what my student told me is that they just want her to do her best, and as long as she gave it all, they will already be happy. I think this resonated to Yu Na as she performed gracefully and flawlessly in the ice. Cyberspace also insisted that her financial future depends on this, as she might lose all her lucrative sponsors should she fail. Though when she played the daring and flirtatious Bond girl to the hilt in her short program, one can say she is actually having fun nailing her jumps, perfecting her spins, amazingly gliding in the rink. Her tears and smile in her final routine was the culmination of her hard work, dedication and passion to her sports and was ultimately rewarded with the gold medal.

My students can’t help but rave, admire and praise her. When asked about what they can say about her performance, they used all positive adjectives from the dictionary. A male student of mine even described her as his ‘dream girl’. And when I inquired from another one what was her favorite part of her show, she said that it was Yu Na’s ‘shotgun pose’. And I also asked what was their reaction after her routine; one said that she screamed in joy with her family.

Yu Na showed that nothing is impossible if you will believe in yourself. Through perseverance, you can conquer the world stage. In her triumph, she inspired many of my students to stop at nothing until they can communicate in good English. In her victory she reminded me that I could also get the best out of my students, encourage them to speak their minds and feelings.

Spark.Ignite.Revolt

It was a delight to read the sequel of the Hunger Games trilogy, Catching Fire. It has the searing romance, non-stop excitement and unpredictable adventures of the first book. These elements of the story created a more complicated love triangle that is Katniss-Peeta-Gale; a darker, more sinister bloodbath in the Hunger Games and the gripping unraveling about the rebellion spreading in Panem.

Katniss already made her choice between his childhood friend and her partner in the Hunger Games. She chose Gale. Right after the cameras packed up, Katniss was free to pursue her real love. One really felt how much they missed each other as she waited for him in their favorite spot and he longingly hug and kissed her. Peeta was devastated, but he refused to act ‘so wounded’ because of his good nature and his love for Katniss. What makes it more complex is that even though Katniss and Gale already have an understanding; she still cares for Peeta deeply, comforted by his mere presence, shares a special connection with him and is even willing sacrifice her life for him. So who would she end up with in the finale? Gale will be broken hearted but I think Katniss is really meant to be with Peeta.

The Capitol, wanting to remind the restless people that they can crush even the strongest, threw the former champions in the past Hunger Games to fight it until death again. There are alliances and foes, traps and tactics, death and bravery. Katniss and the rest of the tributes discovered that the arena has glitches and it is not impossible to destroy and get away from it alive. It is like a clock, each time, which is represented by a lightning, corresponds a danger for the tributes. With their team work and careful planning, Katniss had a clear shot to send her arrow to the ‘weakspot’ of the arena causing destruction, their eventual escape and the needed spark to ignite an all-out rebellion. But the Capitol captured some of their comrades, including Peeta, and it was revealed that District 12 was no more.

Katniss represents the woes of the citizens of Panem. She and her family were oppressed and starved because of the tyranny and injustice of the Capitol. And because of her defiance, valor and success in the previous Hunger Games, she became the reluctant beacon of hope for the people. To show her talent and fury to the Gamekeepers, she made a dummy, named it as the former head of the Hunger Games who was executed because he let her live, tie a rope around his neck and hangs it. Even Peeta, painted Rue with beautiful flowers on her head that caused them to make history in the game receiving zero from the Gamekeepers. Cinna and the rest of the Prep team also had their moments, understanding what Katniss represents; he dressed her up in a wedding dress for her interview and instructed her to twirl. She followed him, she was engulfed in smoke and her dress was turned into a mockingjay. When Katniss was about to part with Cinna, she saw him mobbed and beaten by the Peacekeepers. Even the former champions showed their unity when they held hands which caused confusion to the people of the Capitol, anger to President Snow and inspiration to the citizens in the brink of a war. Instead of suppressing uprising by displaying their control and power through the Hunger Games, they fanned the fire and let it spread throughout the country.

The last book of the Hunger Games trilogy will be available this September. The finale will hopefully even surpass the first two books. Katniss will make a difficult decision and a heart will be shattered, she will try to lead but not without doubts and distrusts. And it will be a struggle; with sacrifices, tears and death before she can take a shot again to victory.

Shun, Shag or Marry

Cosmopolitan Philippines featured a fun quiz for their February issue. They grouped several hunks into eight groups and in each you have to choose someone who you like to marry, to just do or who simply icks you out.

Game 1
Shun: Zanjoe Marudo (He is yet to show his acting prowess.)
Shag: Piolo Pascual (The rumor about him being gay will never die.)
Marry: Robert Pattinson
Why?: Robert Pattison is the alter-ego of Edward Cullen. And Edward Cullen is the product of the literary masterpiece of Stephanie Meyer. Edward is romantic, conservative and loyal. He also has a supportive and loving family who will welcome me with open arms. I will also not mind spending the whole eternity with this bloody gorgeous vampire.

Game 2
Shun: Dingdong Dantes (Marian Rivera will shout at me with fury: ‘Tinatarantado mo ko ha!’)
Shag: Chace Crawford (He is ridiculously good-looking in Gossip Girls it should be illegal.)
Marry: Manny Pacquiao
Why???: Manny Pacquiao is a world class boxing hero. He is admired, feared and envied worldwide. He is the classic rag-to-riches story through his hard work and perseverance. His name is a legacy and his money means security. The scandals that he had with a sexy actress can’t overshadow his hefty bank account and venerable name.

Game 3
Shun: Ashton Kutcher (He twitters too much.)
Shag: Brad Pitt (He left his former wife for Angelina Jolie which is unforgivable, not even for the cuteness of Shiloh)
Marry: George Clooney
Why not? He is the ultimate bachelor. He had been with a string of beautiful women but still refused to be tied down. It will be great to make this actor finally surrender his bachelorhood and wait for me at the end of the church aisle. With his lined face and white hair, it is really the time for him to say ‘I do’ to ‘The One’. Even though I think that he will be even become more handsome and finer as an actor as he ages.

Game 4
Shun: Patrick Dempsey (I am not really into Mr. Mc Dreamy of Grey’s Anatomy)
Shag: Dennis Trillo (The allusion in his Cosmo Centerfold was hot.)
Marry: Aga Mulach
Why?: I grew up watching the bedimpled Aga Mulach on TV or on silver screen. I really like him in his character as Doc Aga in channel 2’s comedy sitcom ‘Oki, Doki, Doc.’ I fell inlove with him in his movies with Aiko Melendez, Lea Salonga and Mikee Cojuanco. And seeing him as a husband to Charlene Gonzales and a father to his twins, I think that he is also a true family man.

Game 5
Shun: Jon Avila (He wore a super baduy superhero costume.)
Shag: Taylor Lautner (He will never be good enough for Bells.)
Marry: Ely Buendia
Why?: Ely Buendia is the epitome of cool. He is a talented and mysterious rock star. His hits with the Eraserheads are the theme songs of my high school days. I live in the 90’s, he and his band gave meaning, color, definition and distinctiveness in this important era of my life. Music is powerful and unforgettable, and so is Ely Buendia. After a duet with him of ‘Kapag umuulan at kapiling ka….’ and him singing ‘With A Smile’ for me, while stroking my hair and looking straight into my eyes, I can rest in peace wearing my Vera Wang gown.

Game 6
Shun: Derek Ramsey (Angelica P.is indeed his match.)
Shag: Gerard Butler (This is Sparta!)
Marry: Vhong Navarro
Why: Vhong is funny and a great dancer. It would be great to be with someone who can make me laugh. His crazy song and dance numbers with the rest of the Kanto Boys of ASAP were hilarious. He also has great moves on the dance floor. I think that there will never be a dull moment with this guy. Laughter and dancing will really make a great love story that might just end in a ‘happily ever after’.

Game 7
Shun: Shia LaBeouf (No one can hold a candle for Megan Fox)
Shag: Jericho Rosales (He showed his vulnerability after his break-up with Heart E.)
Marry: Barrack Obama
Why?: It would be great to be Michelle Obama for a day. Wearing her fashionable sheaths, having two beautiful daughters, living in the White House, jetsetting in Air Force One, having the opportunity to make a change in the world and of course, being married to an honest, respectable and intelligent husband. I won’t also mind doing the fist bump and being called ‘My Rock’ by Barry.

Game 8
Shun: Jake Cuenca (He is a so-so actor.)
Shag: Gerald Anderson (He is meant to be with Kim Chiu.)
Marry: Vic Sotto
Why?: Since I started to learn how to watch TV, I already know Vic Sotto of Eat Bulaga. He can get away with any joke may it be funny or corny. His ‘distinguished gentleman’ appeal is one of a kind. He has this irresistible charm and ‘suplado’ persona that can melt a girl’s heart.

Two of a Kind

My friend and favorite writer, Cherie a.k.a. Sonia Francesca often quotes Bob Ong. I was intrigue by the funny, witty and unapologetic banters of this Filipino writer. His words are often slap on one’s face to awaken you to face the truth. He also makes metaphors that will just make you scratch your head. His choice of words is often the easiest to understand by his audience. He even admitted that he doesn’t care much about grammar usage. I think that is the beauty with his literature. It is raw, original and entertaining.

I was privileged to read two of his books, Ang Paboritong Libro ni Hudas at Stainless Longganisa. Both books had been really a pleasure to read. I felt like the author was my long time friend because we shared a lot in common. We both had an exciting but awkward school life; we liked Batibot and sentai and both were heavily influenced by media and pop culture. He proved in his books that these supposed trivial and fleeting things gave spice to life and adds color and uniqueness to one’s character.

Amidst the apparent random thoughts, the seriousness of Bob Ong was also evident in his books. Like me, he is also frustrated in the seemingly hopeless case of our country politically, economically and socially. But there is also the ‘never-die-spirit’ that through our unified efforts, our beloved nation will soar into a brighter future.

Admittedly, I did not realize that each chapter of Ang Paboritong Libro ni Hudas represented the seven deadly sins. But in Stainless Longganisa, I think I understood it more because it tackled the writing career of Bob Ong. I see myself as writer, not prolific but to the very least, decent. I studied Journalism in college and I have three unpublished manuscripts. Yes I am a frustrated writer. And that will propel me more to write entries in this blog. Bob Ong taught me that you don’t have to be Shakespeare to have the right to have your own ‘nagtataeng ballpen’.

Friendship Tales

I had a friend who after the graduation ceremony in college did not bother to show her face anymore. She just disappeared, like thin smoke. At first we tried to contact her. We were worried that there was something wrong that is why she doesn’t attend our gatherings. We were really concerned about her. But she did not even have the decency to talk to us. It is as if our closeness during college times was all fluke. All along, she can just turn her back to us, shrug her shoulders, walk away and never look back. After several years, she made her existence known. Though no one was interested with her come back. Did she think that we would just welcome her with open arms? What she did is unforgivable since she did not really explain herself and offered an apology. She betrayed and abandoned us. It was so much better with out her, why will we welcome her back?

I had another friend who I sincerely thought would be my lifelong friend. I trusted her and treated her like a sister. Then in one blink of an eye, we fell apart. With just one innocent question, she got mad at me. She did not even let me try to speak to her. I attempted several times to approach her, but she just ignored me. Until I also gave up, I can’t bear anymore that she won’t even acknowledge me. I can’t help but think that she won’t miss me much because she finally had a boyfriend. So what if I will be out of her life as long as there is a guy with him. She doesn’t need me anymore. And I am not bitter at all. The truth is, I understand her. There is no space for me in her life. And that is okay with me. We see each other almost everyday, but things will never be the same between us again.

Looking back, I also nearly lost my good friend, Melissa. I used to be a bad friend. I always show up late and even don’t show up at all. She was so annoyed at me that she stopped talking to me on the phone or dismissed me coldly. I knew I deserved that. But I don’t want to lose her. So I apologized and promised that I will become a better friend. She accepted me. And I am happy that she celebrated her 20something birthday with me. We had been friends since high school and I intend to keep that until this lifetime and beyond.