Thursday, January 15, 2009

Four Studes Busted for Blogging

One benefit of blogging is that it serves as an avenue for the author's random rants, raves, thoughts and frustrations. Thru it, we can freely express almost everything that we want to say. Sadly, some poeple may have seemed to enjoy this freedom beyond their limits.

Lats night's late news said that four students from Quezon City Science High School got a 10-day suspension after criticizing their school's administration, especially thier principal. Taking the asssault too seriously, the mocked head mistress gave the students what she thinks they deserve.

Just a thought: I just noticed that, ironically, science high school students are in fact the ones who get involved in those explosive 'crimes'. Remember the mercurious nitrate poisoning in Philippine Science High School? Also, in my case, 6 of my batchmates from Marikina Science High School almost got expelled in our SENIOR YEAR after breaking certain laws. Interesting.

Going back, I completely understand the side of the offenders. I mean, we live in a society where freedom of expression is highly valued. Especially if you have the gift if the pen, you feel like you could easily express whatever's on your mind. And with the students' age where angst is overwhelming, doing somehting like what they did is not uncommon.

In fact, I also made an entry here expressing my rage and disappointment towards one of my professors. However, I did it with extreme cautiousness, refusing to name-drop at all. It's not that I'm scared that she'd read it ( I doubt that she reads blogs), but it's more of still respecting her as a person. It's enough for me to release the demon inside me without hurting anyone.

Still, it's a different story. But then again, we must remember: Indeed, writing is a freedom. But freedom IS responsibility.

Monday, January 12, 2009

American Idol 8: On Expectations and Addiction

Has it been a year already? A mere two months had lapsed since the two Davids (Archuleta and Cook) released their respective febut albums and here's America's and probably the world's favorite talent show again, spearheading the search for the next big thing. Now get ready to be idolized.


This 8th season of American Idol is definitely a must-see. Last season is unquestionably the most succsessful season of the show, with most of the finalists potential and deserving winners. Had Brooke White auditioned in season 6, she could have won that thing (Love you Brooke!). And Ramielle Malubay could fave eclipsed the achievement of Jasmine Trias in season 3. Ha! Such a bias. But anyway, with David Cook raising the bar several notches up, much is expected to this year's would-be finalists.

A lot of changes will be seen as well.
First is the addition of Kara DioGuardi as a fourth judge. So what impact will she bring on the show? If three is a crowd, then will four be pandemonium? There will be no 'Idol Gives Back' due to the continuing economic crisis. There will be 36 semi-finalists instead of 24. And the Wild Card round returns. And probably the most anticipated of all is, what would be Paula's new blunder? Well, let's just watch to that.

P.S.


I hate it. I've been LSS-ed by David Cook's version of 'Always Be My Baby' for more than a month and now that the 'Idol' mania is looming in the horizon again, I can;t help but be LSS-ed again. Talk about addiction. Sigh.

Saturday, January 10, 2009

'Para Kay B' -- Better Than 'Twilight'?

I never thought that I'd sink my teeth into love stories. THat was before I found the Twilight series, and apparently, my new fancy for this genre won't end there. And now my latest kick -- 'Para Kay B (O Kung Papaano Dinevastate ng Pag-ibig ang 4 out of 5 Sa Atin)'.

Created by no less than The Ricky Lee (the man behind the immortal lines from equally immortal Filipino movies such as 'Himala' and 'Anak'), 'Para Kay B' is not your ordinary love story. Written in an unconventional manner, it covers the stories of five different women, all trapped in the vile intricacies of love. All stories are different, and by the end, all will turn out to be interconnected to each other. And all stories part of the bigger picture, the main story behind the stories. Confused? Ask Ricky Lee. Only a genius knows how to do it. If you can't, just purchase the book. P250 is nothing compared to this literary master work.

Here is a story of sheer substance, going beyond the boundaries of chick-flick mushiness. The characters here are so real, you'd feel like they're right in front you, like they're persons you actually know. The spontaneity and colloquialism of the language and the sensitivity of the scenarios plus Lee's fresh style simply make this read irresistible.

'Para Kay B' will make you laugh hard, raise your eyebrows, shed a painful tear and most importantly, fall in love. Yikes!