I’ve always believed that Christmas and New Year is synonymous to retrospection. To look back and reflect on the past year’s events is tradition to some and commencement to most. As for me it is not something I’ve actively done ever since I realized Santa isn’t real and that was ages ago. what can I say that revelation tore apart my well built Christmas spirit. Oh Santa, dear Santa, why weren’t you real. Asking that might be enlightening but I guess it won’t be answered, ever, because just like I just said Santa isn’t real. NOT. REAL.
Before I get hysterical and feed on my sad 10 year old Christmas memory I’ll take a quick deep breath and enjoy a spoonful of a pastel colour frosting. Ah, now that’s better.
In retrospect.
The Philippines
We, the Filipinos were tested harshly and hardly this year. Not that its something new. Despite the recurrence of tragedies, spun by nature or delivered by humans, we stayed strong and faithful that once again we will rise up and start again. The most recent tragedy that devastated Mindanao (where I reside) remains fresh as it happened close to this season. Watching early evening newscasts says that some families in the greatly affected areas like Cateel, still decided to celebrate Christmas, a feat not everyone who’ve been beaten and broken can do.
News that caught my attention:
January: Chief Justice Renato Corona’s Impeachment trial. ( The man never seemed to waver after all that and during all that.)
February: The 6.9 magnitude earthquake in Negros and Cebu.
July: Dolphy’s death. ( It was expected due to his deteriorating health BUT still sad due to his stellar and one of a kind comedic talent. No one can make anyone laugh as hard as Dolphy can, no matter how corny the joke is.)
August: DILG Secretary Jesse Robredo’s sudden death. ( I honestly don’t know ANYTHING about Sec. Robredo until his death hit the news.)
September: Cybercrime Prevention Act was officially signed into law by Pres. Benigno S. Aquino III. (Everyone’s still in discussion for this one.)
December:
Manny Pacquiao’s epic loss against Juan Manuel Marquez. ( Call it a lucky punch all you want Juan Manuel Marquez still CLEARLY won the match [and the fight]. No matter, Manny, you’re still a hero to the Filipinos.)
Typhoon Pablo devastates Mindanao.
Entertainment
Local Scene:
Walang Hanggan (TV)
A phenomenon. It lived up to its title. Endless. Infinity. A truly beautifully crafted drama series helmed by ABS-CBN and its perfect team of staff and actors. The Filipino viewing public do love stories centered on ill-fated lovers. This series made me fall deeply inlove with the actor playing Nathan, Paulo Avelino. Man, that boy is magnificent. Where has he been all this years? Yeah, I know he used to work exclusively for GMA 7. Anyways, he’s here (ABS-CBN) now and I am glad. Really glad.
No Other Woman (Film)(2011*, I know but I just really wanted to write something about it.)
This film started a trend. That one sentence says it all. I loved Ann Curtis in this film. It’s a typical story of a cheating husband who (I think) didn’t really struggle in making his choice between his wife and other woman. What I applaud is HOW the story was told and spun for the movie goers to enjoy and indulge in. Personally I was more interested in their dialogues. If you haven’t noticed it yet, the country is under the “one liner AND/OR witty comebacks” attack. Perhaps helmed by Jose Marie Viceral known widely as Vice Ganda.
The Mistress (Film)
Now this movie, I’ll choose-without skipping a beat- over No Other Woman. Five words and a comma. Bea Alonzo, John Lloyd Cruz. It’s no longer a surprise that Star Cinema makes worthwhile films. This one is no exception. Although I had an inkling that Bea Alonzo is the mistress of John Lloyd Cruz it didn’t stop me from watching the film more than once. Mr Ronaldo Valdez’s portrayal of a wealthy and lonely man who needed someone he can require to be there for him was subtly played. There is one thing that annoyed me though, that song that played during Bea and John Lloyd lovemaking scene was too loud. Take it figuratively and literally. Although the later might be due to the theatre’s sound system. Ah, the nuances. I specially loved the ending. I really did. Most of us wished that they could at least get together but I firmly believe that the ending fit the film and story perfectly.
Suddenly it’s Magic (Film)
Cupcakes and Mario Maurer? Count me in. A retelling of some sorts of the Hollywood film Notting Hill. Shot both in the Philippines and Thailand starring Erich Gonzales and Mario Maurer. Fine, the film may lack what i usually find compelling and smouldering in a film but hey, this is a commercial film. It was cute, cuddly, sweet (not because of the cupcakes) and refreshing. The movie delivered what it promised. And I loved it.
to be continued…
As for food, I learned and earned a lot this year. I’m looking forward to a more vibrant, delicious and delectable year ahead.
Happy Holidays.
Merry Christmas.
Maligayang Pasko.
