Chocolates

When everything goes wrong, keep calm and eat chocolates.

Cagbalete Island

This small island near the Pacific Ocean is truly a haven for those who want to escape the craziness of the city life.

Happiness

For the world is your playground, when you are a kid

Flowers

When the world turns its back on you, turn your back to the world.

CASARORO FALLS

This crowning jewel of Valencia City is the most photographed body of water in the quaint province of Negros Oriental.

Thursday, June 17

And Because I Love The Great Lourd. :)


Lourd de Veyra:
Words and Phrases a Real Man Must Never Use
By Lourd de Veyra | Published: March 26, 2010

Pls click here for the original entry.









For original article, click here. By Lourd de Veyra | Published: March 26, 2010







Because, in the end, words are all we have, said one very, very dead poet. Last year, the editors of the online incarnation of the world’s most subliminally gay magazine, FHM, asked me to list down words and phrases that a real man must avoid. Here is an expanded version of that.










“BONGGA”—Increasingly becoming the most evil phrase invented in recent linguistic memory. Two syllables with the greatest damage to masculinity.








“ONE MARGARITA, PLEASE”—Nothing corrodes at the heart of manliness than a silly cocktail glass with salt around the rim and a sickeningly bright liquid that resembles diluted urine and bearing almost zero traces of alcohol.






“CUTE NG BAG MO”—Or just about anything that involves the word cute together with any piece of fashion-related accessory. Shameful minus points for familiarity with French and Italian labels and the words “fake eyelashes.”






I’M ON A DIET—This, along with “no rice,” “diet Coke,” “brown rice,” and that crime against all logic and decency, “vegetarian chicharon.”






CARBS—What, afraid you won’t get your own giant Bench underwear billboard on Edsa?






WORKOUT TAYO, DUDE—If brotherhood is truly global, then we must have the decency to avoid inflicting on fellow members of the species such frightening words.






“ROBERT PATTINSON”—Interchangeable with “Edward Cullen.” The fact that we are even familiar with him is indicative of the cracks in our fortress of manhood. Minus 50 macho points for any man who can provide spirited discourse on the Twilight series.






SPA—When the correct term should be “massage parlor.”






SALON—There was a time when the world turned on its tranquil axis and men got haircuts from barbers—in barbershops. It was a time of harmony and peace: rusty scissors and murderously sharp straight razors were used, and talcum powder, rubbing alcohol, warm towels, and an assortment of mysterious burning liniments were slapped on napes, necks, and faces. There were no such things as “creative directors,” “senior stylists,” “shampoo and blowdry,” and other silliness.






“BORA”—Ugly, lazy contraction of that noisy, overcrowded island with uglier reggae music and Starbucks. Takes on more emasculating levels when the “R” is not rolled.






“HINDI KAYA NG POWERS KO”—Nothings screams “Darna!” with more passion and silver glitters.






“GREEN TEA MOCHA FRAP WITH EXTRA CINAMMON”—God designed the male species specifically to avoid the consumption of overpriced drinks with pointlessly intricate ziggurats of whipped cream and chocolate.






“THINGIE”—Is it the insufferably cute sound? Or do you say to yourself, “There goes a sensible human being?”





“FAVE”—Sometimes, attempts at terseness tend to misfire.






“INTERIOR DESIGN”—Le Corbusier chairs? Mediterranean walls? Minimalism? Vintage decoupage screens? Mark Hampton? Muji storage shelves? Why, the cave is our natural habitat–and Orocan its only sensible furniture.






“TOTE”—Used in a sentence: “I tote I saw a pussy–not pussy cat. Just pussy.”






“LET’S PARTY!”—Manly men will get drunk, stoned, laid, beat the crap out of each other, swim in vomit, tossed unconscious into a cab, and wake up in a strange sidewalk somewhere in Montalban. But they will never, ever fucking party.






GOSSIP GIRL—Self-explanatory.


Monday, June 14

Immortality Discovered?



So I was backreading in my tumblr account and came  across this post about scientists finally discovering the first (and perhaps the only) animal that can outdo death. Say hello to the turritopsis nutricula,  a specie of jellyfish native to the Carribean Waters. 



It is the only animal that is said to have discovered "the fountain of youth". It can turn back the hands of time and undergo the same life cycle over and over again. Below is an illustration of its life cycle. 



Isn't it great? To read the full article, click here

Friday, June 11

Dumaguete is ♥: The Trip from Manila to Dumaguete


Last April, after five long years worth of struggling, sleepless nights, stress, confusion and procrastination, I was finally able to get a bachelor's degree from the premier university of the Philippines, University of the Philippines-Diliman. Climbing the stage with my father and hearing Professor Naval calling out my name and the honors I received (I'm Cum Laude, baby!),I was really in cloud nine...but that is for another entry so I'll leave it at that. :)




I was planning my long-awaited vacation back to my hometown since the last quarter of 2010. It is like a reward for me for finishing the degree and proving to my dad that I can hand him my diploma as I promised. That is why, I booked a round trip ticket for two as early as February of this year in order to avail the cheapest price offered by a domestic airline in the Philippines (which name I would not post because they are not paying me for an advertisement) 

I would have gone back to my hometown earlier but unfortunately, the Philippine Elections was scheduled on the 10th of May so I had to stay here in Manila coz I am a registered voter here. (This also includes a LOOOOONG story so I will not mention it here, I'll just make another article for it)

Come May 12, I woke up very early (I actually was not able to sleep the night before because of pure excitement) and prepared for our departure. We left our house at around 4:45am because our flight was scheduled at 6:50am. I was quite surprised because it was my first time to go to the NAIA Terminal 3 and can I just say that the facility was really impressive, except perhaps for the efficiency of the staff in the airline's check-in  counter there who, not once but twice, allowed people behind me to get in front of the line. It actually pissed me off because I had to stand in line for almost an hour before finally being able to check in.

The security was thorough and although it was really much of a hassle, it was quite commendable because the personnel are trying to do their best to stop threats to security in the airport. We arrived at the gate just in time for boarding. The plane left as soon as everybody were seated. It was, I think, the fastest boarding I have ever experienced in my entire life and that is something I am quite happy about the new airport. The flight took  one hour and twenty minutes at most. (It actually arrived ahead of schedule.)

While the aircraft was flying, I was able to take pictures of the islands below, thanks to the awesome lens of my newly bought Nokia5630 :).


 Here are some of the pictures I took while we were on the plane. 


This was taken twenty minutes after we took off so I assume it is somewhere in Mindoro or Panay or something like that, I am really bad at geography. 





I took this picture after the captain announced that we are approaching the Sibulan Airport. Probably this is somewhere in Occidental Negros or Cebu. Can I just say that that river or lake is quite beautiful? :))


Somewhere in Cebu. 




Flying over the beautiful island of Negros.





I have no idea where this is but it sure is beautiful. 


Ten minutes before touch down. The clouds look like cotton candies (di ba?)

When the captain announced that we are arriving ahead of schedule, my heart was jumping up and down. I was so excited because I wanted to go to Negros so badly for the past couple of years. I have not seen my brother for two years and I was wondering how he looked like already, now that he's grown up and all. That is not all. I have a lot of reasons why I love going back to Dumaguete. The so-called City of the Gentle People is the only place I feel like home. Dumaguetenos exude the warmth that no one else in the Philippines can give off, well at least, in my opinion. Problems fade when I am in Negros. I only get to spend my time laughing with the people I love the most, sharing adventures with them as well as interesting stories about simple living, love and friendship. 

When the plane touched down at the Sibulan Airport, it took all the strength in me to restrain myself from jumping out of the airplane because the excitement in my heart was really overflowing. The moment that I finally breathe the fresh Negrense air, my heart gave me a tiny jolt and right there and then, I felt that I was finally home.


*****************************************************

I will post a series of my adventures in Oriental Negros for the next couple of days. I am not really good in writing so forgive my blog. T_T

50 Ways to Annoy Your Teacher



Okay, So I found this one on my Facebook page and was really really entertained. Give it a try. I wish I could. LOL.







THE FOLLOWING MAY RESULT IN SUSPENSION,DETENTION AND ANYTHING ELSE THAT ENDS WITH -ION-

1. Walk into the classroom like a super spy. (keep your back on the walls as you walk, point your finger up like a gun, look around with shifty eyes, hum the mission impossible theme, etc.)

2.After everything your teacher says, ask why continuously.

3.If your teacher is yelling at a classmate, wait for them to finish their tantrum then ask DOES SOMEBODY NEED A HUG very loudly.

4. If your teacher starts blowing up at you for saying that, simply reply, wow I can tell you're a blast at parties?

5. Sit in a corner and wait for everyone to stare at you. When they do, grab your head and scream THE LIGHT! MAKE IT STOP! ARGH IT BURNS!!!!

6. Flick pieces of paper around the class.

7. When your teacher tells you to stop, cross your arms and say, Your racist against paper aren't you.

8. Don't do your Homework.

9. When your teacher asks you why you didn?t do your homework say I dropped it while beating up this guy for saying you're the worst teacher ever. then sit there and smile sweetly.

10. When you have a supply teacher, wait for them to write their name on the board. Then when they say hello my name it Mr./Mrs (insert name here), you stand up and say PROVE IT!

11. When your teacher asks why you were late say, My goldfish died. Then burst into tears.

12.When handing in your homework, write this paper will self-destruct in 5 seconds at the bottom.

13.When you leave the class bow and say, May the force be with you, young one.

14. When the teacher turns the light off, start singing opera as loud as you can. When they turn the light back on, look around pretending to be confused.

15. Whisper to the person next to you. When the teacher comes up behind you, scream OMG GET AWAY! RAPE! RAPE! RAPE!!!!!!!!!!!!

16. Walk into class dancing the Macarena.

17. Tell your teacher you heard the other teachers talking about him/her in the staff room

18. Raise your hand and say I totally agree after everything your teacher says

19. Spend the whole lesson trying to lick your elbow

20. Speak in French.

21. Come late to class in a Spider-Man costume; say there was a disturbance

22. When they tell someone to turn around have everyone in class do it as well

23. The homework's due now Oh, give me a minute then.

24. Hand in an essay where every word is mispelled.

25. Run in the room screaming, THE WORLD IS GOING TO END!

26. When the teacher asks you why you are late, say, the queen is never late, everyone else is simply early.

27. When a teacher asks you a question, say, I'm sorry, the brain you tried to reach has been disconnected, please leave me alone or try again later, thank you.

28. When the teacher turns on the overhead projector, scream AAH MY EYES!!

29. Tell yourself knock knock jokes, then laugh loads.

30. Hide under your desk and yell THE SKY IS FALLING!

31. When someone knocks on the door, shout OH NO, THEY?RE COMING FOR ME!

32. Bring in a year 7 and says he's your new pet.

33. In your technology lesson, when the teacher asks you what you are making, say a nuclear bomb.





34, when your teacher asks you a question just stare at them.

35. Constantly talk to yourself in a low voice.

36. Purposely fall off your chair and make a big scene about it.

37. If you're playing a really boring game, make a big deal if you win.

38. Glue all their scissors together.

39. Make paperclip jewelery. E.g. necklaces, earrings etc

40. Pull out one strand of someone's hair and yell DNA!

41. Wear a sticker or a badge that says I am retarded(some people may be affended by this, if you are sorry)

42. Talk to a pen.

43. Put your hand up in a test and wait for your teacher to come over. When they whisper what?s wrong, yell NO I WON?T SNOG YOU!

44. Yell LIAR! to everything they say.

45. Smile. All the time.

46. Draw a tiny black spot on your arm. Make it bigger everyday. Look at it and say, It's spreading, IT'S SPREADING!

47. When a supply teacher is taking the register, say everyone is missing. Then, if they ask who you are, say Your worst Nightmare

48. When you know the answer, bounce up and down a go OOOHH I KNOW THIS

49. When a teacher calls on you say, I forgot

50. If you have to blow your nose in class, blow your nose to the tune of your favourite song.
















Tuesday, June 8

BEYOND ORIENTAL LIMITS: Characterizing Gender Roles in Contemporary Asian Melodramas

%3Cdiv+dir%3D%22ltr%22+style%3D%22text-align%3A+left%3B%22+trbidi%3D%22on%22%3E%0D%0A%3Cdiv+class%3D%22MsoNormal%22+style%3D%22line-height%3A+200%25%3B+text-align%3A+center%3B%22%3E%0D%0A%3Cdiv+style%3D%22text-align%3A+auto%3B%22%3E%0D%0A%3Cspan+class%3D%22Apple-style-span%22+style%3D%22line-height%3A+normal%3B%22%3E%3Cspan+class%3D%22Apple-style-span%22+style%3D%22line-height%3A+32px%3B%22%3E%3Cspan+class%3D%22Apple-style-span%22+style%3D%22line-height%3A+normal%3B%22%3E%0D%0A%3C%2Fspan%3E%3C%2Fspan%3E%3C%2Fspan%3E%3C%2Fdiv%3E%0D%0A%3C%2Fdiv%3E%0D%0A%3Cdiv+class%3D%22MsoNormal%22+style%3D%22line-height%3A+200%25%3B+text-align%3A+left%3B%22%3E%0D%0A%3Cspan+class%3D%22Apple-style-span%22+style%3D%22font-family%3A+%27Times+New+Roman%27%2C+serif%3B%22%3E%3Cb%3E%3Cspan+class%3D%22Apple-style-span%22+style%3D%22font-family%3A+Arial%3B+font-size%3A+small%3B%22%3E%3Cspan+class%3D%22Apple-style-span%22+style%3D%22font-size%3A+13px%3B+font-weight%3A+normal%3B+line-height%3A+normal%3B%22%3E*I+was+browsing+through+my+files+and+saw+the+term+paper+I+wrote+for+my+film+class.+%3A%29+It%27s+15+pages+long.+I+am+going+to+delete+the+file+already+so+I%27ll+save+a+copy+of+it+here+in+my+blog.%26nbsp%3B%3C%2Fspan%3E%3C%2Fspan%3E%3C%2Fb%3E%3C%2Fspan%3E%3C%2Fdiv%3E%0D%0A%0D%0A%3Cdiv+class%3D%22MsoNormal%22+style%3D%22line-height%3A+200%25%3B+text-align%3A+justify%3B%22%3E%0D%0A%3Cspan+style%3D%22font-family%3A+%27Times+New+Roman%27%2C+serif%3B+font-size%3A+11.5pt%3B+line-height%3A+200%25%3B%22%3E%26nbsp%3B%26nbsp%3B%26nbsp%3B%26nbsp%3B%26nbsp%3B%26nbsp%3B%26nbsp%3B%26nbsp%3B%26nbsp%3B%26nbsp%3B%26nbsp%3B+The+Asian+region+is+probably+one+of+the+most+influential+regions+in+the+world%2C+not+only+because+of+the+economic+relevance+of+the+country+that+it+consists+but+also+because+of+the+wide+array+of+cultures+that+are+distinct+from+one+another+which+can+aptly+represent+both+ends+of+the+spectrum.+Asian+culture+is+commonly+represented+in+mainstream+media+especially+in+films+and+news.+Various+products+and+masterpieces+have+been+released%2C+focusing+on+Asian+tradition+and+values+and+some+of+these+portray+%26nbsp%3Bthe+sexual+inequality+among+men+and+women+in+Asia.%3C%2Fspan%3E%3C%2Fdiv%3E%0D%0A%3Cdiv+class%3D%22MsoNormal%22+style%3D%22line-height%3A+200%25%3B+text-align%3A+justify%3B%22%3E%0D%0A%3Cspan+style%3D%22font-family%3A+%27Times+New+Roman%27%2C+serif%3B+font-size%3A+11.5pt%3B+line-height%3A+200%25%3B%22%3E%26nbsp%3B%26nbsp%3B%26nbsp%3B%26nbsp%3B%26nbsp%3B%26nbsp%3B%26nbsp%3B%26nbsp%3B%26nbsp%3B%26nbsp%3B%26nbsp%3B+The+purpose+of+this+paper+is+to+examine+the+stereotyping+of+gender+roles+in+contemporary+films+about+the+East+Asian+culture.+Two+movies+will+be+discussed+side+by+side+to+show+the+similarities+and+differences+of+East+Asian+gender+roles+in+the+perspective+of+Asian+filmmakers+and+their+Western+counterparts.+This+paper+tries+to+argue+that+certain+films+lose+the+value+of+the+messages+it+tries+to+convey+by+simply+adjusting+the+aspects+for+marketability+and+popularity+in+the+box+office.+Moreover%2C+most+films+contain+stereotypes+of+the+male+and+female+images+perpetuated+by+the+existing+social+norms.+Most+of+these+stereotypes+revolve+around+male+supremacy+and+reduction+of+women+as+an+object+of+sexuality+and+fetish+to+satisfy+men.+It+is%2C+however%2C+understood+that+this+paper+cannot+be+generalized+because+it+only+uses+two+films+for+comparison+namely+Raise+the+Red+Lantern+%281991%29+and+Memoirs+of+a+Geisha+%282005%29%3C%2Fspan%3E%3C%2Fdiv%3E%0D%0A%3Cdiv+class%3D%22MsoNormal%22+style%3D%22line-height%3A+200%25%3B+text-align%3A+justify%3B%22%3E%0D%0A%3Cb+style%3D%22mso-bidi-font-weight%3A+normal%3B%22%3E%3Cspan+style%3D%22font-family%3A+%27Times+New+Roman%27%2C+serif%3B+font-size%3A+12pt%3B+line-height%3A+200%25%3B%22%3ERaise+the+Red+Lantern%3A+Sexuality+and+the+Locus+of+Power%3C%2Fspan%3E%3C%2Fb%3E%3C%2Fdiv%3E%0D%0A%3Cspan+class%3D%22Apple-style-span%22+style%3D%22line-height%3A+32px%3B%22%3E%3Cspan+class%3D%22Apple-style-span%22+style%3D%22line-height%3A+normal%3B%22%3E%0D%0A%3C%2Fspan%3E%3C%2Fspan%3E%0D%0A%3Cdiv+class%3D%22MsoNormal%22+style%3D%22line-height%3A+200%25%3B+text-align%3A+justify%3B%22%3E%0D%0A%3Ca+href%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fwww.sunacho.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2010%2F01%2F51WI%2BLTj5PL._SS500_.jpg%22+imageanchor%3D%221%22+style%3D%22clear%3A+left%3B+float%3A+left%3B+margin-bottom%3A+1em%3B+margin-right%3A+1em%3B%22%3E%3Cimg+border%3D%220%22+height%3D%22320%22+src%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fwww.sunacho.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2010%2F01%2F51WI%2BLTj5PL._SS500_.jpg%22+width%3D%22320%22+%2F%3E%3C%2Fa%3E%3Cb+style%3D%22mso-bidi-font-weight%3A+normal%3B%22%3E%3Cspan+style%3D%22font-family%3A+%27Times+New+Roman%27%2C+serif%3B+font-size%3A+12pt%3B+line-height%3A+200%25%3B%22%3E%26nbsp%3B%26nbsp%3B%26nbsp%3B%26nbsp%3B%26nbsp%3B%26nbsp%3B%26nbsp%3B%26nbsp%3B%26nbsp%3B%26nbsp%3B%26nbsp%3B+%3C%2Fspan%3E%3C%2Fb%3E%3Cspan+style%3D%22font-family%3A+%27Times+New+Roman%27%2C+serif%3B+font-size%3A+12pt%3B+line-height%3A+200%25%3B%22%3E%3Cb%3ERaise+the+Red+Lantern%3C%2Fb%3E+is+a+brilliant+masterpiece+of+the+internationally-acclaimed+Chinese+director+Zhang+Yimou.+This+1991+film%2C+starring+Gong+Li+as+the+young+and+determined+Song+Lian%2C+was+based+on+a+novel+written+by+Su+Tong+entitled+%3Ci+style%3D%22mso-bidi-font-style%3A+normal%3B%22%3EWives+and+Concubines%3C%2Fi%3E.+Set+in+1920%E2%80%99s+Northern+China%2C+Raise+the+Red+Lantern+was+about+the+life+of+Song+Lian%2C+a+college+student+who+was+married+off+to+a+rich+man+who+belonged+to+the+Chen+family+after+her+father+died+and+left+them+in+debt.+With+hopes+before+of+making+a+better+future+for+herself+with+the+use+of+education%2C+Song+Lian+finds+herself+trapped+in+the+confines%26nbsp%3B+of+the+house%2C+where+tradition+and+familial+rules+reigned+and+where+her+education+was+definitely+out+of+place%26nbsp%3B+because+all+the+things+happening+around+her+contradicted+everything+that+she+acquired+from+school.+%3Cb+style%3D%22mso-bidi-font-weight%3A+normal%3B%22%3E%3Co%3Ap%3E%3C%2Fo%3Ap%3E%3C%2Fb%3E%3C%2Fspan%3E%3C%2Fdiv%3E%0D%0A%0D%0A%3Cdiv+class%3D%22MsoNormal%22+style%3D%22line-height%3A+200%25%3B+text-align%3A+justify%3B%22%3E%0D%0A%3Ca+href%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fcinematorium.files.wordpress.com%2F2009%2F01%2Fraise-the-red-lantern.jpg%22+imageanchor%3D%221%22+style%3D%22clear%3A+right%3B+float%3A+right%3B+margin-bottom%3A+1em%3B+margin-left%3A+1em%3B%22%3E%3Cimg+border%3D%220%22+height%3D%22221%22+src%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fcinematorium.files.wordpress.com%2F2009%2F01%2Fraise-the-red-lantern.jpg%22+width%3D%22400%22+%2F%3E%3C%2Fa%3E%3Cspan+style%3D%22font-family%3A+%27Times+New+Roman%27%2C+serif%3B+font-size%3A+12pt%3B+line-height%3A+200%25%3B%22%3E%26nbsp%3B%26nbsp%3B%26nbsp%3B%26nbsp%3B%26nbsp%3B%26nbsp%3B%26nbsp%3B%26nbsp%3B%26nbsp%3B%26nbsp%3B%26nbsp%3B+The+plot+thickens+as+Song+Lian+discovers+how+putrid+the+existing+system+in+the+house+is+and+realizes+the+complicated+web+of+suspicions+and+deceit+this+system+creates+among+the+four+wives%2C+who+are+each+competing+for%26nbsp%3B+the+%E2%80%9Cmaster%E2%80%99s+%E2%80%9D+attention+and+favour.+She+finds+out+that+no+one+can+be+trusted+because+each+and+every+one+of+the+wives+has+no+other+motive+than+to+compete+for+the+%3Ci+style%3D%22mso-bidi-font-style%3A+normal%3B%22%3Ered+lanterns%3C%2Fi%3E+which+symbolized+the+seat+of+power+and+control+in+the+house.+Joining+in+the+competition%2C+Song+Lian+feigns+pregnancy+in+the+hope+of+receiving+the+master%E2%80%99s+full+attention+while+cunningly+plotting+to+make+her+non-existent+pregnancy+come+into+actuality.+This+act+however+was+thwarted+when+her+personal+maid%2C+who+was+secretly+in+love+with+the+Master+Chen+and+was+in+league+with+the+Second+Mistress%2C+finds+her+bloody+clothing+and+tells+on+her.%3C%2Fspan%3E%0D%0A%3Cspan+style%3D%22font-family%3A+%27Times+New+Roman%27%2C+serif%3B+font-size%3A+12pt%3B+line-height%3A+200%25%3B%22%3E%3C%2Fspan%3E%0D%0A%3Ca+href%3D%22%22+name%3D%22more%22%3E%3C%2Fa%3E%3Cspan+style%3D%22font-family%3A+%27Times+New+Roman%27%2C+serif%3B+font-size%3A+12pt%3B+line-height%3A+200%25%3B%22%3E+%3Co%3Ap%3E%3C%2Fo%3Ap%3E%3C%2Fspan%3E%3C%2Fdiv%3E%0D%0A%0D%0A%3Cdiv+class%3D%22MsoNormal%22+style%3D%22line-height%3A+200%25%3B+text-align%3A+justify%3B%22%3E%0D%0A%3Cspan+style%3D%22font-family%3A+%27Times+New+Roman%27%2C+serif%3B+font-size%3A+12pt%3B+line-height%3A+200%25%3B%22%3E%26nbsp%3B%26nbsp%3B+%26nbsp%3B+%26nbsp%3B+%26nbsp%3B+%26nbsp%3BAs+the+story+progresses%2C+we+see+how+Song+Lian+transformed+from+an+idealistic+and+hopeful+university+student+to+a+woman+suffocating+from+the+rules+she+had+to+follow%2C+seeing+the+competition+between+the+wives+as+a+shallow+endeavour+that+is+really+irrelevant+to+the+essence+of+her+existence.+She+withdraws+herself+from+the+rest+of+the+world%2C+settles+in+solitude+and+refused+to+do+anything+anymore+to+gain+the+master%E2%80%99s+favour.+She+gets+drunk+one+night+and+blurts+out+about+the+illicit+love+affair+between+the+Third+Mistress+and+the+family+doctor.+The+scheming+Second+Mistress+hears+about+this+and+immediately+runs+to+tell+the+Master+Chen.+Based+on+family+tradition%2C+the+Third+Mistress+had+to+be+murdered+in+a+small+room+atop+the+house.+Song+Lian+witnesses+this+and+is+extremely+shaken+and+traumatized+because+of+what+happened.+The+movie+ends+in+a+scene+where+the+newly-arrived+Fifth+Wife+sees+Song+Lian+wearing+her+student+clothes+and+wandering+aimlessly+in+her+quarter%2C+apparently+losing+her+sanity.+%3Co%3Ap%3E%3C%2Fo%3Ap%3E%3C%2Fspan%3E%3C%2Fdiv%3E%0D%0A%0D%0A%3Cdiv+class%3D%22MsoNormal%22+style%3D%22line-height%3A+200%25%3B+text-align%3A+justify%3B%22%3E%0D%0A%3Cspan+style%3D%22font-family%3A+%27Times+New+Roman%27%2C+serif%3B+font-size%3A+12pt%3B+line-height%3A+200%25%3B%22%3E%26nbsp%3B%26nbsp%3B%3Ciframe+align%3D%22left%22+frameborder%3D%220%22+marginheight%3D%220%22+marginwidth%3D%220%22+scrolling%3D%22no%22+src%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Frcm.amazon.com%2Fe%2Fcm%3Ft%3Drandomen-20%26amp%3Bo%3D1%26amp%3Bp%3D8%26amp%3Bl%3Dbpl%26amp%3Basins%3D0060596333%26amp%3Bfc1%3D000000%26amp%3BI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2Fgroups%2Fn6%2FFBUEI4ZDQR%2F045-capt5.jpg%22+width%3D%22400%22+%2F%3E%3C%2Fa%3E%3Cspan+style%3D%22font-family%3A+%27Times+New+Roman%27%2C+serif%3B+font-size%3A+12pt%3B+line-height%3A+200%25%3B%22%3E%26nbsp%3B%26nbsp%3B%26nbsp%3B%26nbsp%3B%26nbsp%3B%26nbsp%3B%26nbsp%3B%26nbsp%3B%26nbsp%3B%26nbsp%3B%26nbsp%3B+The+film+showed+several+critique+of+the+existing+norms+in+the+Chinese+society%2C+more+specifically+the+oppressive+Confucian+tradition.+According+to+Neo+%282004%29%2C+Yimou+brilliantly+uses+the+Confucian%2Ffeminist+matrix+in+the+film+which+%E2%80%9C%3Ci+style%3D%22mso-bidi-font-style%3A+normal%3B%22%3Ehighlights+the+ineffectualness+and+oppressiveness+of+the+Chinese+Confucian+System%3C%2Fi%3E%E2%80%9D.+Confucianism%2C+which+is+a+patriarchal+ideology%2C+emphasizes+on+rigid+class+and+gender+delineation%2C+heavy+priority+on+male+heir+and+importance+of+traditions+and+customs.+In+Confucian+tradition%2C+women+are+treated+as+objects+and+are+not+free+to+make+the+major+choices+in+their+life.+They+are+used+simply+to+satisfy+the+sexual+appetite+of+men+and+provide+a+vessel+for+a+male+heir.+Therefore%2C+%3Ci+style%3D%22mso-bidi-font-style%3A+normal%3B%22%3E%E2%80%9Cwhen+women+gain+their+identity+and+stations+in+life+from+this+oppressive+structure%2C+they+in+turn%2C+gain+satisfaction+from+enforcing+these+customs+and+rules+on+less+powerful+women%E2%80%9D+%3C%2Fi%3E%28Neo%2C+2004%29%3Co%3Ap%3E%3C%2Fo%3Ap%3E%3C%2Fspan%3E%3C%2Fdiv%3E%0D%0A%3Cspan+class%3D%22Apple-style-span%22+style%3D%22line-height%3A+32px%3B%22%3E%3Cspan+class%3D%22Apple-style-span%22+style%3D%22line-height%3A+normal%3B%22%3E%0D%0A%3C%2Fspan%3E%3C%2Fspan%3E%0D%0A%3Cdiv+class%3D%22MsoNormal%22+style%3D%22line-height%3A+200%25%3B+text-align%3A+justify%3B%22%3E%0D%0A%3Ca+href%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Farchive.sensesofcinema.com%2Fimages%2F04%2Fcteq%2Fraise_red_lantern.jpg%22+imageanchor%3D%221%22+style%3D%22clear%3A+left%3B+float%3A+left%3B+margin-bottom%3A+1em%3B+margin-right%3A+1em%3B%22%3E%3Cimg+border%3D%220%22+height%3D%22306%22+src%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Farchive.sensesofcinema.com%2Fimages%2F04%2Fcteq%2Fraise_red_lantern.jpg%22+width%3D%22400%22+%2F%3E%3C%2Fa%3E%3Cspan+style%3D%22font-family%3A+%27Times+New+Roman%27%2C+serif%3B+font-size%3A+12pt%3B+line-height%3A+200%25%3B%22%3E%26nbsp%3B%26nbsp%3B+%26nbsp%3B+%26nbsp%3B+Several+objects+in+the+film+showed+male+supremacy+in+the+Chinese+Culture.+The+foot+massage+was+utilized+as+a+fetish+for+both+the+patriarch+and+the+wives.Thematically%2C+it+was+a+symbol+of+power+and+privileged%2C+given+to+the+woman+because+the+master+chose+to+spend+the+night+with+her.+%26nbsp%3B%3Cspan+class%3D%22apple-style-span%22%3E%3Cspan+style%3D%22color%3A+black%3B%22%3EAs+Neo+%282004%29+points+out%2C+the+woman+is+paradoxically+the+mechanism+by+which+the+man+achieves+phallic+wholeness%2C+from+and+through+which+he+derives+pleasure%3B+yet+at+the+same+time+renouncing+it.+The+number+of+wives+was+also+another+form+of+fetish+for+the+man+as+a+greater+affirmation+of+his+masculinity.+The+affair+of+the+Third+Wife+served+as+a+threat+to+the+existing+patriarchal+system+because+she+%E2%80%9Cassumes+the+%E2%80%98phallic%E2%80%99+power+that+men+enjoyed+and+should+therefore+be+removed+or+executed.+Fetishes+were+rooted+from+a+fear+of+castration+and+the+execution+of+the+%E2%80%9Cthreat%E2%80%9D+represented+the+ultimate+form+of+castration+in+the+society.+The+foot+also+represented+another+aspect+of+male+dominance+because+of+the+undeniable+metonymic+relationship+between+the+foot+and+sexuality+in+Chinese+Culture.+It+has+always+been+believed+that+a+smaller+foot+is+correlated+to+a+smaller+vagina%2C+which+is+in+turn+better+for+men.+Foot-binding+among+rich+women+were+done+to+keep+them+idle+and+controlled+by+men.%26nbsp%3B+The+foot+massage+served+as+a+symbol+for+the+foot-binding+tradition.+It+was+seen+less+as+a+reward+for+women+because+it+greater+serves+the+interest+of+the+Master+Chen+by+being+a+type+of+%E2%80%9Cforeplay%E2%80%9D+for+the+vagina+as+a+%E2%80%9Creceptacle+for+the+penis%E2%80%9D.+%28Fong%2C+1995%3A16%29+%3Co%3Ap%3E%3C%2Fo%3Ap%3E%3C%2Fspan%3E%3C%2Fspan%3E%3C%2Fspan%3E%3C%2Fdiv%3E%0D%0A%0D%0A%3Cdiv+class%3D%22MsoNormal%22+style%3D%22line-height%3A+200%25%3B+text-align%3A+justify%3B%22%3E%0D%0A%3Cspan+class%3D%22apple-style-span%22%3E%3Cspan+style%3D%22color%3A+black%3B+font-family%3A+%27Times+New+Roman%27%2C+serif%3B+font-size%3A+12pt%3B+line-height%3A+200%25%3B%22%3E%26nbsp%3B%26nbsp%3B%26nbsp%3B%26nbsp%3B%26nbsp%3B%3Ciframe+align%3D%22left%22+frameborder%3D%220%22+marginheight%3D%220%22+marginwidth%3D%220%22+scrolling%3D%22no%22+src%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Frcm.amazon.com%2Fe%2Fcm%3Ft%3Drandomen-20%26amp%3Bo%3D1%26amp%3Bp%3D8%26amp%3Bl%3Dbpl%26amp%3Basins%3D0060596333%26amp%3Bfc1%3D000000%26amp%3BIS2%3D1%26amp%3Blt1%3D_blank%26amp%3Bm%3Damazon%26amp%3Blc1%3D0000FF%26amp%3Bbc1%3D000000%26amp%3Bbg1%3DFFFFFF%26amp%3Bf%3Difr%22+style%3D%22align%3A+left%3B+height%3A+245px%3B+padding-right%3A+10px%3B+padding-top%3A+5px%3B+width%3A+131px%3B%22%3E%3C%2Fiframe%3E%26nbsp%3B%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out+things+that+should+be+done+to+stop+to+unjust+patriarchal+society+that+is+prevalent+in+Chinese+society.+It+stirs+the+audience%E2%80%99s+emotions+and+was+true+to+Chinese+culture+in+every+aspect%2C+never+going+astray+to+traditional+beliefs+and+practices+while+at+the+same+time+criticizing+the+said+practices+for+socialization+and+political+purposes.+It+had+what+%3Ci+style%3D%22mso-bidi-font-style%3A+normal%3B%22%3EMemoirs+%3C%2Fi%3Elacked%3A+connection+to+the+audience.+It+was+slow-paced+and+yet+captivating.%3C%2Fdiv%3E%0D%0A%3Cdiv+style%3D%22line-height%3A+200%25%3B+margin-bottom%3A+6.0pt%3B+margin-left%3A+0in%3B+margin-right%3A+0in%3B+margin-top%3A+4.8pt%3B+text-align%3A+justify%3B%22%3E%0D%0A%26nbsp%3B%3Ciframe+align%3D%22left%22+frameborder%3D%220%22+marginheight%3D%220%22+marginwidth%3D%220%22+scrolling%3D%22no%22+src%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Frcm.amazon.com%2Fe%2Fcm%3Ft%3Drandomen-20%26amp%3Bo%3D1%26amp%3Bp%3D8%26amp%3Bl%3Dbpl%26amp%3Basins%3DB000TGJ808%26amp%3Bfc1%3D000000%26amp%3BIS2%3D1%26amp%3Blt1%3D_blank%26amp%3Bm%3Damazon%26amp%3Blc1%3D0000FF%26amp%3Bbc1%3D000000%26amp%3Bbg1%3DFFFFFF%26amp%3Bf%3Difr%22+style%3D%22align%3A+left%3B+height%3A+245px%3B+padding-right%3A+10px%3B+padding-top%3A+5px%3B+width%3A+131px%3B%22%3E%3C%2Fiframe%3E%26nbsp%3B%26nbsp%3B%26nbsp%3B%26nbsp%3B%26nbsp%3B%26nbsp%3B%26nbsp%3B%26nbsp%3B%26nbsp%3B%26nbsp%3B+On+the+symbolis%3Ciframe+align%3D%22left%22+frameborder%3D%220%22+marginheight%3D%220%22+marginwidth%3D%220%22+scrolling%3D%22no%22+src%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Frcm.amazon.com%2Fe%2Fcm%3Ft%3Drandomen-20%26amp%3Bo%3D1%26amp%3Bp%3D8%26amp%3Bl%3Dbpl%26amp%3Basins%3DB000PMFS6O%26amp%3Bfc1%3D000000%26amp%3BIS2%3D1%26amp%3Blt1%3D_blank%26amp%3Bm%3Damazon%26amp%3Blc1%3D0000FF%26amp%3Bbc1%3D000000%26amp%3Bbg1%3DFFFFFF%26amp%3Bf%3Difr%22+style%3D%22align%3A+left%3B+height%3A+245px%3B+padding-right%3A+10px%3B+padding-top%3A+5px%3B+width%3A+131px%3B%22%3E%3C%2Fiframe%3Ems+used%2C+both+films+have+similarities+in+portraying+the+gender+stereotypes+in+society.+Both+showed+a+social+hierarchy+where+men+are+at+the+top+and+women+are+subjugated%2C+controlled+and+required+to+wait+on+men.+Similar+to+Memoirs%2C+Raise+the+Red+Lantern+focused+on+the+female+as+a+sexual+object+to+satisfy+men%E2%80%99s+thirst.+Both+characters+were+moved+by+men%3A%26nbsp%3B+Sayuri+inspired+to+get+the+Chairman%E2%80%99s+attention+and+favour+%28as+well+as+every+other+man%29+while+Song+Lian+motivated+to+get+Master+Chen%E2%80%99s+attention+to+gain+the+privileges+that+chosen+wives+are+entitled+to.+Sayuri+and+Song+Lian+represented+the+subdued+female+while+Master+Chen+and+the+Chairman+represented+the+%E2%80%9Calphamale%E2%80%9D%2C+in+control+of+the+situation.%3C%2Fdiv%3E%0D%0A%3Cdiv+style%3D%22line-height%3A+200%25%3B+margin-bottom%3A+6.0pt%3B+margin-left%3A+0in%3B+margin-right%3A+0in%3B+margin-top%3A+4.8pt%3B+text-align%3A+justify%3B%22%3E%0D%0A%26nbsp%3B%26nbsp%3B%26nbsp%3B%26nbsp%3B%26nbsp%3B%26nbsp%3B%26nbsp%3B%26nbsp%3B%26nbsp%3B%26nbsp%3B%26nbsp%3B+More+similarities+in+this+gender-related+power+struggle+can+be+pointed+out+in+the+movies.+Both+showed+the+battle+of+supremacy+among+and+between+the+sexes.+In+the+case+of+Raise+the+Red+Lantern%2C+the+wives+try+to+win+the+master%E2%80%99s+favour%2C+thereby+acquiring+relative+%E2%80%9Cpower%E2%80%9D+from+him.+The+wives+aim+to+produce+a+male+heir+to+be+in+control+of+the+situation.+This+is+similar+to+the+geisha%E2%80%99s%2C+working+hard+to+earn+the+favour+of+their+customers.+Sayuri+worked+so+hard+to+get+the+attention+of+Nobu%2C+which+was+just+a+means+to+reach+her+end%3A+getting+in+touch+and+spending+the+rest+of+her+life+with+the+Chairman.+Geisha%E2%80%99s+have+to+remain+pure+and+desirable+because+their+value+is+determined+by+the+male+customers+that+book+them.+Similarly%2C+in+Raise+the+Red+Lantern+and+Memoirs%2C+power+struggle+between+the+female+%26nbsp%3Bcharacters+was+present%3B+the+competition+and+games+of+deceit+by+the+four+wives+and+the+competition+between+Sayuri+and+Hatsumomo%2C+respectively.+In+both+cases%2C+each+character+tries+to+rise+above+the+other+in+a+need+to+pronounce+their+position+in+the+hierarchy+of+power+distribution+in+their+environment.+They+were+pitted+against+one+another+but+still+at+the+very+end%2C+the+female+image+submits+to+the+male%2C+showing+how+the+former+is+subsumed+in+a+larger+order+where+the+latter+reigns+and+the+former+resigns.%3C%2Fdiv%3E%0D%0A%3Cdiv+style%3D%22line-height%3A+200%25%3B+margin-bottom%3A+6.0pt%3B+margin-left%3A+0in%3B+margin-right%3A+0in%3B+margin-top%3A+4.8pt%3B+text-align%3A+justify%3B%22%3E%0D%0A%26nbsp%3B%26nbsp%3B%26nbsp%3B%26nbsp%3B%26nbsp%3B%26nbsp%3B%26nbsp%3B%26nbsp%3B%26nbsp%3B%26nbsp%3B%26nbsp%3B+One+issue+needed+to+be+pointed+out+is+the+importance+of+language+in+the+film.+Most+people+argue+that+genuineness+of+a+film+lies+on+the+medium+it+used+to+convey+the+messages.+Others+claim+that+the+fault+of+Memoirs+was+the+use+of+English+instead+of+Japanese.+They+said+that+it+was+detrimental+to+the+effectiveness+of+the+movie+because+it+made+it+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Monday, June 7

Dumaguete is ♥: Adventure #2 Lutoban, Siaton

This is my second post about my Negros trip in 2011. After visiting the beautiful paradise that is Nasig-id, I was itching to travel again and explore the hidden wonders of my hometown. Being stuck in Manila for a good 3 years took a toll on me and I was itching to walk and have a change of scenery. With the suggestion of my uncle/godfather, we decided to go to Lutoban. 

Now let me tell you something first about Lutoban. Lutoban is actually a name of a barangay in Zamboanguita, Negros Oriental. Our destination is actually the place where a lake and the sea both meet. I don't know what it is called because I'm bobo about those jargons but when I asked good Mr. Google and  Ms. Wikipedia, the closest they could come up to is a lagoon or an estuary My uncle was singing praises about it so imagine my excitement when he said that it was close to the Antulang Beach Resort. If you don't know what or where Antulang is, it's just the five-star resort where Ryan Agoncillo proposed to Juday. Imagine that?! But aside from that, Antulang is a famous destination for foreign nationals who visit Negros because it boasts of it's beautiful coastline and rock formation and it's a pretty good location if you want to dive. :) Get to know more about Antulang, click here

Here are some of the pictures from Antulang that I got from the net. No, I have never been there. Ang mahal kaya. Dollars ang usapan teh. The pictures are NOT mine and are posted for information purposes only. 

Ong gondo-gondo!

Beautiful infinity pool. 





Together with my Tatay, my uncles and the rest of my cousins, we went for a drive to Lutoban (which is about 45-60 minutes away from our house). Ryan, Eldrick and myself decided to ride the motorcycle while the rest of our company rode the ever-handy tricycle of my uncle/Ninong. It was an adventure for me because a.) I have never seen a lagoon/estuary before and b.) I'll go there riding a habal-habal! 

We left at noon (ang jinit! swear!) and drove our way to the rock-strewn path towards the far-flung barangay that is our destination. I could not help admiring the sceneries as we pass by. I have never seen so many trees and fields before and what fascinated me more was that I could see horses roaming freely by the side of the road! I took pictures of them using my handy-dandy phone, Aleckses. Below are some of the shots. 

Me and Ryan. 
Eldrick behind the lens. 

A view of the beach.
It was low-tide then so we could see some fishermen standing at the middle of the sea, the water knee-high. 

The road to Lutoban



Can you see the horses? 

After a very bumpy ride, we arrived at the house of my Ninong's in-laws. I thought that was where we were supposed to go so I was so surprised when I realized that the beach was far from where we were. I asked my Ninong where we were supposed to go swimming and he smiled at me and pointed at the back of the house.  I run thinking that the beach was near their backyard and my jaw-dropped when I saw that we are way too far from our destination. The house was on top of a freaking hill and the lagoon was way below it. I asked my Ninong how we were going to get there. He shrugged and said, "Lalakad tayo mamaya." (We are going to trek later.)  
While we were resting, my cousins and I decided to wander off and check out the places near the backyard. We saw a trail and followed it and we were able to see a part of the estuary/lagoon. We didn't dip though go the water was too murky. I thought this was the place where we were supposed to swim so imagine my disappointment when I saw how dirty it was. All that heat and trouble of going there for nothing?! 


      

Jen and Sherry checking out the estuary

     
Some watery-hole near the bank.

 
Look at that dirty water and the small mangroves on the bank. 

I told my Ninong that the place seems to be really dirty and it doesn't seem fit for swimming. He laughed at me and told me that the dirty bank was not where we'll go swimming. He pointed at a bank far from the hill and said, "Dun tayo pupunta."
Now to give you a perspective of how far that place is, I'll post a picture. 
You see the other side of the bank, (look at the upper right corner where there are trees and sand), that's where we were going.










A starfish we saw at the beach. 

The mangrove trail










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