Saturday photo

A candy for the eyes and the imagination...
...'so close, and yet so far'.

What?  

Has it been a full week now since my last post?  Hmm... what can I say, I'm getting better at this, ain't I? 😛 Used to take a full couple of months in between posts for me since... uhm, four years ago?  Has it been that long now?  Yep, four years ago when there was ample time to express one's self... four years ago when there was work-life balance. Hmm... feels like forever! 😣 

Speaking of work-life balance, I was really excited when I was called to a Planning-Workshop with peers.  No, I'm not a sucker for this sort of things... of course not, hello!  Every single second in my workplace is a 'planning-workshop' of sorts + action all at once. So, I do have my daily fix of this gig just because my workplace is all that challenging... and I do have a brilliant Team that makes the whole scene thoroughly delightful.  So, a very 'structured' gig is not really my cup of tea.  It's just that the venue was out-of-town, about three-hour drive from the City.  It was a lovely beach resort that I haven't seen in about twenty years.  I 'googled' it, and it wasn't anything I remembered from twenty years ago.  It was much more beautiful now, and that got me all excited!  😊

So, I joined the activity in good spirit... only to feel my excitement deflating and going south every second of the three-day gig.  I never even saw the sunset, and never got to dip my feet in the beach... just because we worked from 7:30 a.m. (yeah, even eating breakfast felt like 'a lot of work') to 8:00 p.m. (yep, dinner felt like work, too).  In the evening, I felt exhausted and brain-dead, that I just wanted to curl in bed and drown my 'sorrows' in music. 😫 Yeah, that definitely made me feel like a 'boring, buttoned-up principal' from the 'old school' rather than an 'innovative engineer' around really cool buddies who think outside-the-box and knew how to have fun... while hard at work.  

Well, I guess, there is a variety of things that make a variety of people tick.  Therefore, no point in bringing 'em together and insist on singular thought process... and still expect 'em to get many things done?  That is either 'brave' or 'naive'. 😐  To be fair, I don't really know what the 'formula' is, and I'm sure people tried so hard to be productive.  What I do know is that this particular formula does not work... not for me, anyway.  What can I say, the 'I-got-this-so-let-me-be' detached nature of millennials has caught up on me?  Then again, that's just me... and I'm not all that perfect.  So, I guess I'm the 'odd' one.  And yet, I feel like coaxing people to, "come on, now... it's the 21st century.  Outta the box now... it's really nice out here!  Come and see!" 😃

I'm probably just being cynical, sorry... so don't mind me.

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What I think

But, I think I know what happened there.  Someone was trying so hard to express their gratitude and affection to a squad that they built with blood, sweat, tears and a decade worth of energy, but were 'forced' by obstinate circumstances to leave behind their squad... just when the squad needed them the most.  Like the great 'general' that the squad leader is, the 'general' wanted to prepare the 'captains' to a fierce battle ahead.  More than that, the 'general' probably wanted to have the squad all for itself for a few days to assure them that they are ready for the battle, too... and to just bond, just share a heap of laughter over just-all-fun conversations.  But administrative 'facilities' do not allow even 'generals' to do this, so our 'general' opted for good ol' Planning-Workshop.  I think that all everyone in that Planning-Workshop really wanted to do was to just bond with the 'general', too!  'Cause ya know, there can't be a kick-ass captain without a kick-ass general!  Then again, in the first place... a 'squad' is not the same as a 'Team', y'see.  If you ask me, I prefer Team.  I do have one in my own workplace, and it's awesome!  So yeah, Punta Fuego was a classic case of 'the right people with the right feelings but in a mismatched circumstance'! 

The featured photo was one of the ONLY TWO photos I've taken in the three-day gig... and I'm a sucker for photos of beautiful sceneries!  Somehow, the beautiful sceneries were not enough to inspire creative juices to flow.  What a shame!  My fault entirely, I must admit... although I did enjoy a 30-minute dip in the infinity pool. And even that, did not inspire 'proper documentation' through photos.  But, yeah, there were two or three (maybe four, even five, actually) kindred spirits that made the whole 'ordeal' bearable though, God bless them! 😇

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What I wish

Do you know what's fun?  Well, it's the Graham Norton Show!  That episode with Dan Stevens after Matthew Crawley's demise in Downton Abbey was hilarious (well, most parts, anyway), so was that episode with Benedict Cumberbatch, Eddie Redmayne and Bryan Cranston; and that episode with Hugh Jackman, Michael Fassbender and James McAvoy.  But this here (below) is, I believe, one of the very best episodes.  You're welcome!  😎

    Graham to Hugh: "It's an odd look for a man, but you carried it off."

    Hugh to Graham:  "...so, I brought my favorite wooly jumper, but not my red 'lippy',
                                which I left at home."

    Bill: "Lippy?" (laughter)

    Hugh to Bill : "Yeah, 'lippy', what's that mean in America?"

    Bill to Hugh:  "I dunno!" (laughter)

    Matt to Graham: "I think that the key to my performance (in "Behind the Candelabra")
                              is I borrowed Hugh's 'lippy'."
    Graham to Matt:  "It gets around."
    Matt to Graham:  "And I was actually asked to wear wooly jumper in every single scene."

    Hugh to Graham: (sounding disgruntled) "How many guests have walked out of the show?"

Maaan, comedic banter at its best... such good time, indeed!  See, Punta Fuego could've been this fun! 😎😊

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About the photo:  Taken from the reception hall of the lovely Club Punta Fuego in Nasugbu, Batangas, Philippines. 

Video credit:  Thanks, YouTube, for the video link.

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Saturday photo

"Put 'em in the wash.  They'll be grand."

I have been wondering about Ireland, dreaming a bit about Ireland... and how I gave up an opportunity to live there for at least a couple of years to... well, to respond to a 'loud call'.  

I chanced upon this 2010 film, "Leap Year", on YouTube, which involved Ireland.  It really had very little to offer, aside from the beautiful Irish countryside that served as a backdrop in almost the whole film.  Just the same, it was a really cute rom-com... most of it was because of the excellent performances of the very talented Amy Adams (Anna Brady from Boston), who happens to be one my favorite actresses, and that 'beautiful Brit', Matthew Goode (Declan O'Callaghan from Dingle, Ireland).  Of course, their characters started out on wrong foot, clashing like two wrecking balls in the beginning (don't they always?)... but Adams and Goode are so good they didn't really overdo it.  Therefore, Anna and Declan's conflicting personalities: Miss Organized-even-in-romance and Mr. Romantic-actually-but-cheated-on-before-therefore-skeptical-of-love, around which the movie revolved didn't come across too much as tired-and-old corny story, etc., etc.  

Somehow, Adams's tenacity in acting and Goode's cool take on Declan found a way to bring some freshness to an age-old plot, that it felt worthwhile to be taking some 100 minutes from my rare "me time" to watch the film.  I particularly loved the expression on Anna's face when, after leaving Declan who fell asleep on a bench while waiting for her bus to Dublin, to get coffee and bus tickets for the two of them, and Declan waking up disappointed thinking that Anna has gone on board the leaving bus without saying goodbye, she beamed at the thought that maybe, just maybe, he cared about her.  

"Declan: You're joking me.

Anna: You can deduct the coffee from my bill. (smiles)

Declan: Deduct away.  Don't forget to add on for a new pair of shoes... pukey. (smiles)"

It was beautifully acted by both actors. It's either that, or I was just too stressed out that I was totally back to being 16 years old again!  I suspect it's the former.  Perhaps, that's really all that the film was aimed at... to bring some respite to 'tired souls'.  And ya know what, it was right on target!

The film had many little surprises here and there.  As if the cute performances of Adams and Goode were not enough, when things were really looking a bit warm and 'grand' between Anna and Declan, and I was really 'warming up' to the characters as they quite obviously were falling for each other, the makers of the film snuck in with a Neil Young classic, "Only Love Can Break Your Heart", interpreted by Gwyneth Herbert...

  🎶 "When you were young and on your own

How did it feel to be alone?

I was always thinking of games that I was playing

Trying to make the best of my time.

But only love can break your heart..." 🎵

*sigh*  Uhm, wow... speaking of 'tired souls', I felt like I just 'died' and went up to heaven. What a song!  How so melancholy, how sweet, how true... how beautiful, indeed!  To me, that 'nailed' it.  I officially love this film... never mind that I'm seven years late.

So, yeah, "Leap Year" was one 'grand' a-tumbler-of-popcorn-worthy rom-com! :)

My Rating:  Good "me time" material.  Go for it!

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Photo credit:  Thanks, YouTube, for the screen shot and the video link.

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Saturday night music...

...because it's been another action-packed week that I missed 'Friday Night Music'.
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by PAM


Felt like I was 'running around' all week, and my fingers have been 'flying' on my keyboard - beating real and self-imposed deadlines.  So, need to slow down.  For some reason, I've been humming this song in my head...

"I wanna be with you, there's nothing more to say

there's nothing else I want more than to feel this way..." 

That sounds really good, doesn't it?  Just one girl simply singing about a boy in a beautifully-lit dance studio... in an overall feel-good sorta way.  No shocking violence nor exasperating visuals in sex-insinuating scenes that are so prevalent in music videos these days.  Of course, Mandy Moore's lip gloss is 'so nineties' and she seemed to try a bit too hard to look as 'sultry' as Cristina Aguilera in this video... but, boy, I didn't realize how slim and long-limbed MM actually was!  I've always had that straight-from-the-monastery picture of her in a "Walk to Remember" (2002) in my head... and she obviously gained some weight when she starred in "Chasing Liberty" (2004) where we first took notice of that beautiful Brit Matthew Goode. :)

And, speaking of "A Walk to Remember", this song comes to mind, too...

"In places no one will find all your feelings so deep inside

It was there that I realized that forever was in your eyes

the moment I saw you cry."

And who can forget this song from the same film? 

"And I lift my hands and pray to be only yours...

I know now you're my only hope."

Uhm, yeah... wasn't that all so very different from the music videos as we know these days?  It's amazing how it all changed so drastically in just one decade!  Ah, 'change'... the 'much abused' word that should mean 'hope... a step forward - for the better'.  It has now become a theme for promoting personal agenda, a propaganda to justify deviation from what is right, a rebellion against order by people who are simply bored out of their thick (empty) skulls!

Ah, but wait... this is supposed to be an evening of 'feel-good' stuff, hopeful stuff, good stuff.  So, yeah... what about ending with something from one of my favorite bands, "The World I know" by Collective Soul?

"Has all the kindness gone?

Hope still lingers on."

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Video credit:  Thanks, YouTube, for the video links.

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Obama cares...

...to sing about 'the shape of you'!
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by PAM


I know, I know, the past few posts were grim.  OK, so let me make it up to you (assuming we have a 'you' here, that is) with this, and see if it doesn't crack you up like it did me...

"Come on, now, follow my lead...
I'm in love with the shape of you..."

Hahaha.... oh, gosh!  Now, isn't that fun?  So hilarious!  

But, really, seriously... what if, the great "Presidential Lecturer" himself really tried singing "Shape of you"?  I'd wager he'd do really great.  Are we ever going to find out?  Ah, gosh... I wish we'd see the day when Pres. Barack Obama really gets the pop singing going, seriously!

OK, I wish I had more time here... but I gotta go.  'Daily grind', ya know... whatever.

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Video credit:  Thanks, YouTube, for the video link.

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'Pictures, pictures.'..

...and more 'pictures'!
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by PAM


I saw this 2012 'chick flick' on Star Movies called, "The Vow", just now.  It featured Rachel McAdams and Channing Tatum in a sort of predictable plot that, to be fair, had a few quite touching moments.  

The happily married couple, Paige (McAdams) and Leo (Tatum), met a vehicular accident.  This caused Paige to suffer brain trauma, resulting in her losing a few years of her memory, including how her life with Leo began and came about.  For some reason, she remembered her past before Leo, including a past relationship.  This caused her to reunite with her rich family, which she deserted before meeting Leo because of her father's infidelity in which he cheated on her mother with Paige's closest friend. But even this, Paige did not remember.  Leo had never met Paige's family before the accident, and meeting them made him realize how different Paige's old life was compared with the one she lived with him.  Rather than imposing himself to her, being her husband, Leo respected Paige's request for space as she traced her way back to her life with him before the accident.  He tried to remind Paige of their love instead - by courting her all over again, which warmed Paige's heart as she was drawn to him naturally.  I admit, that's sweet. 💖  All the time he was spending in making her fall all over again took a toll on Leo's financially precarious new business though.  Paige's rich father, who wanted to take advantage of her condition to win her back, offered to save the business if Leo divorced Paige.  Leo resisted, but then when Paige started to feel frustrated by how she was unable to recall her life with Leo, moving closer to her family and farther away from Leo, he let her go by agreeing to the divorce.

Paige picked up the pieces, starting from what she can recall from old life with her rich family, including her old plan to study Law with prodding from her father.  But, it did not work because she kept gravitating to her real interest, which was art - the same thing that led her to Leo, who was into music production and owned a recording studio.  Later, when her best friend approached her to apologize for her affair with Paige's father that caused Paige to turn her back on her family in the past, she was shocked.  She questioned her family on how they used her loss of memory to regain her favor.  The same is true with her previous boyfriend, who used her loss of memory of her marriage to Leo and her memory of their previous relationship to his advantage.  Realizing how she is being gently manipulated, Paige turned him down all over again. 

And then she realized Leo's patience and sincerity in helping her find her way back to her life - in her own terms.  As she started to miss Leo's presence in her life, she found 'the marriage vow' that she wrote in her wedding with Leo.  She realized his love to her... and she fell in love all over again.

The End.

I think there was very little chemistry between McAdams and Tatum.  And, Tatum was doing 'his acting thing' again - the emotion not reaching his eyes.  And because the eyes are the windows to the soul, that deprived the audience from looking into Leo's soul.  The grief, the love, the frustration, the excitement, the joy - they simply lacked depth in Tatum's portrayal of Leo... although he seemed to try.  It's a good thing that he is really good looking, 😅 otherwise, it would have been unbearable to watch. But McAdams... ah, she's great - as usual! 👏  She always brings the character she plays to life.  She is awesome like that.  However, in spite of McAdams' beautiful portrayal of Paige's character, the movie is not all that great.  The best that I'd probably remember about it is hearing The Cure sing "Pictures of You" while the credits rolled.  Oy! 💓

"Remembering you standing quiet in the rain

as I ran to your heart to be near...

Looking so long at these pictures of you

but I never hold on to your heart."

My goodness, what a song!  How melancholy, but, man, so beautiful!  They don't make songs this beautiful anymore these days. But then, even in those good old days of brilliance in music, The Cure was truly exceptional.  So, yeah... past, pictures, memories.  🎵"There is nothing in the world that I ever wanted more." 🎶 And you wish you'd just drown in them for a moment... drown in the beauty of it all rather than stare at this present ugliness, this imposing monstrosity called 'reality'.  

Then again, aren't we responsible of our own 'reality'?  In that case, I choose to move on from this ugliness.  WELCOME, HAPPINESS!

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Video credit:  Thanks, YouTube, for the video link.

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Feeling low...

...but not feeling lowly, thank God!
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by PAM


There are things in this life that are simply beyond our control.  Many people make their choices based on what they see... as far as their eyes can see, without making an effort to peek at what their hearts do see.  Love is blind, true love  is... and it should be.  And yet, unwise judgment stems from blinded and muted heart as well. Many people listen to their own counsel, no matter how skewed this is and with all the hallmarks of narrow mindedness; or to a saccharin-sweet tongue's twisted counsel, rather than to what the signs of times scream at their ears.  And many people say what others wish to hear rather that what others ought to

Moving on to a 'place' where one can grow and flourish.

hear...to placate themselves, to win others' good favor regardless of what is on the line.  In these situations, trying to do what is right is tremendously difficult.  It is like finding a little mustard seed in a thick tangle of hay - a futile effort, indeed.  Therefore, rather than insisting to look at things from a pair of pink-tinted spectacles, it's best to be pragmatic sometimes.  To shield one from devastating disappointment, it's best to take things with a grain of salt... take a step back and let God work His miracle to 'untangle' things.  

In the meantime, life should not stop, the 'tangle' should not stop one from continuing to grow and flourish... somewhere else - away from the restricting trap of the 'tangle'... especially when one's own rope is free, and not a part of the incredible 'tangle' of malice and lies, nauseating falsities from shameless band of flatterers, unscrupulous actions to fulfill one's ambitions, and shocking acts of selfishness. Yes, observing how these things evolve to a great tangle of mess can make one feel really low in spirit... but one has a choice - always: to join the lowly tangle, or to move on and find a fertile ground where one's seeds of good intentions can grow and flourish to mighty trees with generous leaves of cooling shade, a respite for tired souls... including one's own tired soul. 

I have a choice... and I am moving on. 

May the good Lord guide and protect those who choose to steer clear of the 'tangle'.

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Photo credit:  This is a photo of one little part of Burnham Park in Baguio City, Philippines, taken from the balcony of a hotel room across the park.

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Friday night music...

...to get back to the 'zone'.
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by PAM


Oh, boy, where did all the days go?  February went by in a snap! Well, at least, that's how it felt like.  One day, it was February and I was struggling to pack enough reasons to board the plane back to Manila from Italy...  the next day, it's March!  Naturally, in between, I had to damp a huge amount of energy into each day.  Now, I'm just trying to keep flu at an arm's length... with just enough success to stay 'alive' and keep working.

Music... I need music!  That sound that takes one to another dimension... to let the soul wander somewhere peaceful and beautiful... somewhere where the imagination is not limited by the barriers of the sad realities around.  I think  they call it "La, la land" these days.  But the allure of the 'land' is the sound... the songs, the emotion that they evoke, the soothing 'balm' that they bring to the soul... and the exhausted senses.  And now that I wish to be in that land, this song comes to mind...

"Whenever I'm alone with you, you make me feel like I am home again

Whenever I'm alone with you, you make me feel like I am whole again...

However far away

I will always love you..."

It's a Robert Smith  'masterpiece', performed with his band, The Cure... recorded in the '80s.  It was so beautiful then... and it's beautiful now.  It feels like taking a nap in the middle of a chaotic day, and having a lovely dream.

And, imagine waking up from the dream with an Adele cover...

Ah, isn't that sweet?

But a music tripping for me is not complete without the sound of a big fave of mine, the Style Council...

"I could run away, but I'd rather stay

in the warmth of your smile lighting up my day...

you're the best thing that ever happened to me or my world..."

My goodness, too beautiful!  This never gets old for me - ever!  And Paul Weller will always be my go-to love song vocalist.  He is so talented... and his talent doesn't fade all that much with age.

Alright, I think I'm feeling a bit better now.  Let's pick up the tempo, and take it up a bit then...

"Up in Memphis the music is like a heat wave...

...black velvet in the little boy's smile."

This is another song that never gets old for me.  Alannah Myles' s voice is too awesome... so worthy of singing a song dedicated to 'the King'.  That kind of kicked adrenaline pump up a notch.  Too much energy dissipation there.  So, let's slow down a bit with this...

"May I never miss the thrill of being near you...

...yes, I know what I feel to be right...

no more lonely nights, never be another...

...you're my guiding light."

Hmmm... okay, I think got my fix of "la la land" now.

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Video credit:  Thanks, YouTube, for the video links.

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An awesome experience...

...of faith, history and culture.
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by PAM


It's been truly grueling four years and two months!  Yes, I'm still counting.

In the past few months I've been 'running on empty'... and the inspiration was seeping out of my slightly 'broken' heart.  'Broken' because I realized that none of the hard work mattered to most.  Many people have their own agenda and personal motivations, and the workplace is just a 'spring board' to lift themselves up to reach their own personal prize.  They have no qualms about picking the fruits of other people's hard labor, claiming the credit for ideas that are not theirs, and over-stretching the patience of those who indulge their ego-fattening whims.  It's disappointing because, in this profession, one would think that it would be devoid of anything as nauseating as being self-centered and should be filled only with selflessness - in scholarly pursuits, in leading the young towards knowledge, and in mentoring younger colleagues who wish sincerely to do the former two.

I've always thought that, with good intentions and good example in leadership, such unscrupulous behavior can be quashed... but I've been discovering that some people are simply made of stuff that is completely beyond anyone's good influence. While I know I shouldn't let myself be affected by such people, I can't help but be overburdened

Just when the place was all so frozen out, I chose to go and visit.
That's alright, "because the cold doesn't bother me, anyway"!

with a heavily disappointed heart... that breaks a little, making inspiration seep out slowly, until it felt like I'm running out of inspiration.  I know that inspiration comes from one's own convictions and faith, and that it should not depend on anyone else's actions.  Inspiration is a choice - I believe that.  Therefore, I chose to 're-fill'.  

So before I completely ran out of 'inspiration fuel', I finally mustered the courage and strength to 'let everything go' for a bit... to visit a place that my heart so longed to visit for so many years now.  And, now, is the best time to finally visit it... when inspiration is running out, and it has to be replenished - in a way that is most dramatic and drastic.  Therefore, I flew out, and visited a place teeming with inspiration: the Vatican City... and well, Italy itself.

To begin my 'harvest' of inspiration, I decided to take a walk along the 'corridors' of the rich history of the Roman Catholic Church, I decided to visit the Vatican Museums first.  

An incredible collection... awesome in its breadth and depth.

I was prepared to be awed, but I wasn't prepared to be so overwhelmed!  Now, more than ten days later, I was still trying to understand what 'hit' me.  It was quite impossible to fully comprehend... all that passion, all that commitment in perfecting one's gift in order to make a masterpiece of such timeless value that is worth offering to God.  They are all so very overwhelming!  I thought I was giving it my all - every single bit of what I have.  And yet, there I was, with a dearth of offering in my hands... so insignificant, so very modest and scant.  I felt utterly small... and yet, so inspired, especially in the midst of all that stunning work by Michaelangelo Buonarroti in the Sistine Chapel... the mastery, the intellectual prowess that was so apparent in how he showed the depth of God's wisdom through his artistry, the knowledge of the Bible that was quite beyond most men, and the faith that was nothing else but moving.  It was an overwhelming experience to be engulfed in such beauty, such 'calm intensity'.

As a real pilgrim, I proceeded to the St. Peter's Basilica... not knowing what to expect after a day of being awed in the Vatican Museums.  I prepared to be amazed, but I was sure that amazement is too shallow an emotion for such an experience.  

A deep breath, a sigh... and an incoherent prayer.

Indeed, there was no word to describe the experience.  Therefore, I shall not attempt to describe it here.  Suffice it to say that I'm glad I set this as a goal this year, and that I am overjoyed that God answered my prayer to be in the Vatican, especially at this point in time when all I need is to be closest to the most vivid manifestation of one's faith in God.

I was looking for inspiration... I found it.  Now, I just need to figure out where this leads me, and where such inspiration can be of best use - for God's greater glory.  Therefore, the 'journey' continues.

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Acknowledgement:  Thanks, YouTube, for allowing me to use your video creator in making the two videos here.

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Saturday photo

The Pietà

It has always been a dream of mine to see this Michaelangelo Bounarroti masterpiece, the Pietà.  Many beautiful things were written about it, many words of admiration and awe were said about it over the many years that it has been featured in the St. Peter's Basilica at the Vatican City.  And yet, when one lays an eye on it for the very first time, like I did, none of the words spoken and written about it seems to match the majesty of its awesomeness and the obvious passion that drove Michaelangelo to create it.  Suddenly, there is a greater meaning in one's Catholic faith... just when one had decided that the skies, the oceans and the vast space will never ever hold the great mystery of this beautiful faith.

I am glad that God has gifted me with this opportunity to see the Pieta - when my eyes and all my senses are still intact to attempt due appreciation.  Of course, the attempt failed as the masterpiece is beyond just appreciation nor admiration.  Indeed, it is an artistic manifestation of the mystery of faith... and so beautiful beyond words, too.

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If one's great...

...one's really great.  And it's great!

#Federer through to the quarterfinals! #AusOpen pic.twitter.com/Trk7Oto2q9

— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 22, 2017

This is great...  Roger Federer is great!  

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Video credit:  Thanks, Twitter and @AustralianOpen, for the video share.

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