Up, up and Away!

Power of dreams, believing in yourself, imagination, friendship—these are just some of the values that you can see and learn from the movie UP. I was not really that interested to watch this movie because of the impossibility to fly your whole house with the use of balloons (and maybe because it is so ‘childish’ film). However, when we were asked to watch the movie and make a paper about it, I was shocked how the movie caught my full attention.



The movie is about a man who fulfilled his wife’s dream. The story started with a young Carl Fredrickson meeting for a girl named Ellie. The common factor between these two kids is their love for adventure. Both idolize Charles Muntz, a great explorer of the South America. Eventually, Carl and Ellie’s mutual desires made them a couple. During their first years as a couple, both strived hard to make their dream of traveling the wilds of South America possible. However, as years passed and they have their own real concerns, they forgot about pursuing their adventure. When Ellie died, Carl became grumpy. He was mad at the people who wanted to demolish Ellie’s dream house. Because of that reason, Carl began thinking of following their dream adventure. He decided that he will tie his house with a hundreds (or maybe thousands) of balloons so that he can fly without any hassle (of riding a plane or climbing mountains). As Carl’s work for that dream went on, a knock from his door was heard. An 8- year old boy named Russell was trying to earn his last badge from his scout. It requires him to help an elderly, and by chance, he chose to help Mr. Fredrickson. Mr. Fredrickson was not in the mood in letting the little kid interfere his work; however, since accidentally brought the kid in his plan, he decided to keep the kid instead. Throughout the story, they built a friendship between each other. Other characters such as the talking dog, Dug and a mother bird named Kevin. They helped each other to escape from the cruelty of Charles Muntz.



The greatest scene for me, is the letting go of Carl to his (and Ellie’s) house. I cried (and screamed inside) when Carl put away their furniture inside the house. Even their favorite couch and Ellie’s picture were left just to save his new friend Russell.



This movie is indeed not only for kids, but also for adults. The values and lessons instilled in this movie are remarkable. It taught me to hold on to my dreams, and make wise discernments in life. Life is not about what you have achieved, it is about thinking and thanking the people who helped you achieved that goal. Also, we must not let our lives be tied with the past. Yes, our past is essential to our being, but being completely hung up on it is not so good. Russell showed Carl that he must move on and mingle with the present. This movie is a sure hit, not only in the charts but in most of its viewers hearts.

Light

“The longing for light is the longing for consciousness…”
-Carl Jung

Last Thursday, we had a very fun activity wherein we will answer the questions as fast as we can. There are several questions that were asked like what is the greatest gift that you received, the greatest advice that was given to you, and what are the positive and negative traits that you have. I thought that this activity will be easy because you just need to answer in a word or a phrase. On the contrary, this activity turned out to be a lot difficult than what I have expected. You have to dig deeper in your experiences to find out the “perfect” answer to each question.


What makes you feel safe? That is one of the most interesting questions during the activity. Suddenly, the word ‘light’ crossed my mind, and I decided to write ‘light’ as my answer to that question. Light in many cultures and religions mainly signifies a brand new start. For me, the two most important and chief meaning of light is it gives you the chance to see what you must/ like to see and the weightlessness of the term itself. I never sleep without a light. A simple light in a dark room tells me that I shall not fear. Light makes me feel safe whenever I sleep because it assures me that I can see everything that surrounds me.

When I underwent a psychological assessment when I was in high school, I learned the reason why I cannot sleep without light. I was a really naughty girl back then, my mother and sister who do not have the temperament to adjust with my behavior. They would usually lock me in our CR without leaving a light (the switch was outside). They would lock me up for about an hour (depending on what I did) while begging them to let me out. It was a very bad experience and since then, I cultivated phobia of darkness.

I think that you now know why I feel safe whenever there is light. It assures me that I am not locked up and that I can see everything around me. It lets me feel that I have control over my surroundings.

The Woman of All Trades

“I would rather die a meaningful death than to live a meaningless life.”
-Cory Aquino (1933-2009)

I never thought that I would be fascinated by former President Cory Aquino. I woke up August 1 expecting to watch my favorite morning shows. I was unaware of the death of Cory, and was quite startled by the flooding of interviews and past segments of Cory Aquino. When I saw my father, I asked him if Cory’s already dead. He confirmed my guess and added that she passed away 3:18 in the morning. I was half expecting that she will not survive this disease (knowing that she is already suffering stage 4 of cancer). We are not personally close, but I felt relief in behalf of her. She survived, not death, but the harshness of life. As I was watching ABS-CBN and GMA’s tribute to the demised president, I was shocked on the contribution that Cory gave to our country. I was not yet born during the People Power I (I was born in 1990) and did not experience the “freedom” that my parents felt. While watching, my parents reminisced during those hard times when Marcos was still reigning. They told me that they thought that that would be happening forever; until the revolution came. When Ninoy was assassinated (predicted to be the cronies of Marcos), people turned their eyes to that mourning woman beside the Ninoy’s body. She was mourning, yet she is visibly strong and determined. She became the symbol of strength.

Yes, Cory did not give Filipinos the tipping point of our economy and she did not make the greatest laws in the land, but she formed united hearts among us. She is the symbol of strength, of power, and of faith. And most importantly, she is a SHE. How many years, decades and centuries that women are regarded to be “decorations of men”? How many cases of harassment to women have not been given justice? And how many times women felt feeble and alone? Infinite is the answer. Then, there came a woman who gave voice to the country, and to women. She proved that women are humans, and that they are very capable of doing things far greater than what other “macho” type of men can do. She became an icon, a threat, and a hope for her friends and foes. She became the president. Other countries were astounded by her great determination and strength as a woman. The congress of United States of America turned their head to us and applauded our president (former) because of her extraordinary spirit to lead a “start-from-scratch” country.

Before Cory led our country to one of the most popular revolutions in the world, she was first the loving wife to Ninoy. There was this poem made by Ninoy (and Jose Mari Chan added the melody) entitled “I Have Fallen in Love with the Same Woman Three Times.” Here, Ninoy humanizes Cory. He describes Cory as a loving wife that he met, and fell in love with. She became his pillar of strength when he was sentenced to prison during the time of Marcos. She was always there to guide him as he unravels and fights the bad side of the world. On the other hand, he also described Cory as a mother was very caring and affectionate to their children.
Cory is indeed an inspiration to most of us. She showed the powers of prayer and faith. She revolted without blood. She used her special weapons of love and hope to fight the bad people who do injustice in the land. She is truly the woman of all trades—a mother, a Christian, a wife, a leader.

Being a Teacher

I suppose that after writing five journals about films and shows in the past, I (unconsciously) made an “avowal” that I will be writing more of those kinds. I have this weekly browsing of our DVDs and I happen to see a movie that I did not watch yet. It is a French film titled, Les Choristes (The Chorus), starring Gérard Jugnot and Jean-Baptiste Maunier.


Movie Poster: Les Choristes

The movie is about an appalling class, led by a very ‘deceiving’ student (Jean- Baptiste Maunier) who encounters a teacher (Gérard Jugnot) who brought out their own God-given talents. The movie started with the narrator (Pierre Morhange) going back to his hometown because of the sudden death of his mother. There he was surprised by a diary of his past teacher. He reminisced his experiences in his past life. He remembered the harsh system of the school for “difficult” boys, and how Clement Mathieu (Gérard Jugnot) knew how to deal with this kind of students. Mathieu believed in the saying that “Music can inspire even the most evil soul” and that led him to be the favorite of his class. Mathieu met characters that really challenged his beliefs in teaching. He fought with the selfish principal who ‘praises’ the saying “Action- Reaction”, stating that the teachers should react to these difficult boys’ evil actions immediately. However, Mathieu knew in his heart that these children have goodness deep within their souls. He learned how to uncover them: by making them stewards of music. He taught his class how to sing. He made them his own choir and disciplined them like how a father should discipline his children. He made wicked and dirty boys into angels. One of the children who made Mathieu a hard time was Pierre Morhange (Jean-Baptiste Maunier). He refused to be a good boy, even though it is against his true self. He chose to distance himself to music, even though it is his passion. The turn of his story was when Mathieu heard Pierre sing. He sounded like an angel (and he looked like an angel). Mathieu invited Pierre to sing in his choir, and fortunately Pierre accepted the invitation. Pierre, as a soloist, wowed many people with his beautiful singing voice. When they all made a move against the evil principal, they were sent out of the school and continued to follow their dreams.

The movie was really inspiring. After watching that, I began to look back my own, dear teachers who made a big mark on my life. According to Bob Ong’s book, ABNKKABSNPLAAko, “A teacher affects eternity; he can never tell where his influence stop.” It is true indeed that a successful person is made up of good teachers. And likewise, a vile person is made up of bad teachers. Many people nowadays see teaching as an ‘easy’ job, or as a ‘lesser-of-a-value’ job. Those beliefs are very incorrect! Teachers shaped the minds of Bill Gates, Barack Obama even Michael Jackson. They are all famous people who made a great mark in human history. This movie made stated saying more clear to myself. I can say that after watching this movie, I have not been more appreciative with my own teachers.:-)

The Thrilling Point

“You have bewitched me, body and soul, and I love…I love…I love you…”

It was raining really hard that night. I was waiting for something, something that I do not know. I was sitting by the window, occasionally glancing on the street where people pass by with their big umbrellas. How come they decided to walk with that weather? I saw faces, many faces. Faces passing in front of my eyes. Eyes that never dared to look at me, maybe because no one really cared. After several glances, I gradually invite my eyes to a man approaching our house. He was a man with an average body and height. He wears a blue polo shirt and black pants. On his right hand, he carries a bag, more like a ‘briefcase-like’ bag. And on his other hand, he carries a black plastic bag. I stared on that plastic bag for a very long time, maybe I was trying to do an “x-ray” of this possession. Captured by the bag’s mysterious impression, I failed to hear our door bell. Someone’s ringing it. I hastily approached the door, wondering who disturb my peculiar trance. I opened the door and saw this man who was wearing this blue polo shirt smiling at me. Oh, I realized who he is, he is my father. I was stunned with my complete “unawareness” of this man. He seemed to ignore my startling reaction, because he stayed smiling. He slowly gives me the plastic bag. I was wondering, “Is this for me?” I opened it. Mixed emotions flooded in m mind, heart, and soul. This is so nice! I’ve been waiting this time to come! I happily hugged my new prized possession—my CD of Pride and Prejudice.


I made this right after watching the film. :-)

Maybe that was too much for an introduction, but I can’t help it! I just want to write something that I feel in movies—the thrill. I am not sure if you are thrilled by my writing but I think you’ve got the idea, right? Anyway, I am just happy that I own a CD of Pride and Prejudice (2005, American version). I watched it long time ago and honestly, did not understand the concept of the movie (I was 15 back then and I was not a serious person). This movie gave me the “thrill.” Not your usual thrill of being frightened by a big hideous monster or the sound of a violin in E string while the white lady approaches. No, not like that. It is the feeling of an emotion arising from the depth of your soul. The new feeling that creeps all the way to your heart and head, and resides there forever. That is how it felt after watching Pride and Prejudice.

I think that Jane Austen is really ‘forward’ when it comes to the topic of women. Austen wrote a different woman; well, different from her period. She wrote Elizabeth Bennet as an opposite of most women during that time. She gave her a voice to transcend her message what and how women should act and be treated. On the other hand, Jane Austen did not fail to give her audiences their need for romance. She painted Mr. Darcy as a “dream boy” of every girl. Mr. Darcy gave me the ‘thrill’ during the scene where he admitted that he loves Lizzie. Their romance is unpredictable and really exhilarating. You can’t just get enough, like what an ad says.

Aside from the script, the movie will not be a complete success if the casting is not right. Matthew MacFadyen gave justice to the role of Mr. Darcy. He made remarkable lines lovelier with his voice and tone. On the other hand, Keira Knightly did an amazing performance as Elizabeth Bennett. She perfectly showed a ‘renewed’ woman, like what Jane Austen wrote. The other casts like Donald Sutherland, Rosamund Pike, and Brenda Blethyn also made fantastic job in internalizing their roles. In whole, the cast is good and they just made the whole movie a great film.

In life, we always hunt for the ‘thrill’. According to a book about marriages, one of the main reasons of the increasing number of failed (and failing) marriages is the loss of ‘thrill’ in the relationship. The ‘thrill’ is made up of the unpredictability of events, the surprising twists and turning of actions. Like what this movie (and I wish all movies) has, is the ‘thrill’ of being in love again, of renewing your connection to the world, and of being happy to show who you really are.

Miriam College’s statement versus CHED’s order

TheAH1N1 (also known as Swine Flu), has been a sound issue among schools. Since the breakout of the flu in schools, CHED asked the affected institutions to have a week suspension because of the increasing number of swine flu victims. Miriam College, who was reportedly claiming a “positive victim”, did not agree to CHED’s judgment. In one of the interviews broadcasted in GMA, Miriam College’s representative of Patricia Licuanan made a statement confirming their disagreement of the request. The representative firmly stated “Miriam students will surely not follow the advised quarantine; instead they will just be enjoying their ‘extra vacation’ going to malls and other public places where they would get the virus.” Miriam College also informed the media about their implementation of safety precautions against the flu pandemic, and does not need to quarantine all the students. The questions are: Is it right for the college not to follow the government’s orders? And, what kinds of safety precautions are being put into practice.

The Miriam College students have different opinions about the institution’s statement. Some students and even faculty members have been questioning these said “safety precautions.” They said that how could the use of a thermometer and several quarantines for selected students only, be a 100% protection for those who are not carrying the flu. This made students, faculty members and parents, into making blogs, writing petitions, and even rallying for the modification of the institution’s statement regarding the order of CHED. Still, Miriam College stands firm to their decision and made clear that the safety precautions will still be implemented and improved.

The Man Who Can't Be Moved

Note: This week is really tiring because of a lot of homework and projects, and I really need to treat myself for that.

My friend Cerina told me that she was already finished with Ghost Whisperer Season 4 (she only watched that season, hah!). She told me a twist that changed my life (figuratively), one of the characters died. Since I am an avid fan of Ghost Whisperer, I was really excited to watch this new season. I immediately ran to the nearest “DBD-DBD” store to buy the CD (I know it is against the law but I really need to watch it, and I because do not have money).

I watched it. Intently. Listening to every word of the characters, trying to predict the moment where Jim will die. Then, there it was. Shocking, depressing, and painful end.


Jim: You're more beautiful every time I see you. Melinda: You're awake. I love you. Jim: Mel, there's a thing that happened. Um... uh... it's called an embolism - it's a technical term and you don't need to know about it. Melinda: Let me go get you a doctor. Jim: No, please. Just look at me, right here. Please look at me, right now. Look, look at me right here. I want you to remember me this way. Please…

The End.

How frustrating is that?! Jim was a really good husband and person, why do they need to “end” him that way? However, though I am really furious, I think that the way he died (their situation and actions) made a stronger mark to their audience. It was really genuine and touching.

Jim always takes care of Melinda. He is very compassionate and caring, that’s why it it more difficult to “let him go.” When my friend and I had a chat (after I finished season 4 for two days), we shared our thought about our future (hopefully…please God) Jim. Together with our friends, we asked each other what are we going to do if our future husbands die (KNOCK ON WOOD 3x). Some of us said that they will re- marry and some did not answer the question (too frightened to answer). For me, if ever that will happen (KNOCK ON WOOD 3x again), I do not see myself marrying somebody else again. I think that true love comes only on one stroke. It can be repeated, but sometimes, it prefers not to recur. I always thought of the ratio, one man is to one woman; and this scene or series made me think that that theory might be true. That is why I will just “stick to one.”

Aside from my dreams of meeting my own Jim, this scene made me ponder on my own life, and on the people around me. I realized that life is short and you are the only person who can make your stay on this “grand hotel”, worthwhile. It is really nice if you can say to your friend that you are grateful for his or her existence in your life. It is good to tell your parents, siblings and (maybe) spouse and kids, I love you, once in a while. It is healthy to compliment other people who you are not familiar with. And it is always feels pleasant to let your enemies know that somehow, they changed some negative views in your life.

This may be a lame topic to discuss and connect with the reality of life; however, these shows are patterned to the true lives of the people who experienced it. Somehow, I made new discoveries and realizations with these kinds of TV shows.