Eiga Sai 2011

It's Philippines- Japanese Friendship month again :) It only means one thing.. JAPANESE FILM FESTIVAL!!! Last year I was introduced to Eiga Sai  and I was able to watch Tokyo Tower: My mom and me sometimes dad and I really cried a bucket of tears, the whole auditorium actually produced a lot of sniffing too. Anyway, now it is back and I'm so happy I'm just a few skip and hop away from Shangrila Plaza. I really encourage you to watch this year's movies, below is an overview and schedules each day from July 1-10, 2011 for the Manila showing. Source : clickthecity.com

Eiga Sai flyer

Departure is one of the featured films this year, I was able to watch this
 already last year but I think it is worth watching again :)

SHANG CINEPLEX CINEMA 4:

JULY 1 (Friday) 
Opening Night by Invitation at Cinema 2 
Departures (131 mins ) 7:00 PM 

JULY 2 (Saturday) 
The Chef of South Polar (125 mins) 1:00 PM 
Departures (131 mins ) 4:00 PM 
The Summit: A Chronicle of Stones (139 mins) 7:00 PM 

JULY 3 (Sunday) 
Summer Days with Coo (1:38 mins) 1:00 PM 
The Summit: A Chronicle of Stones (139 mins) 4:00 PM 
The Chef of South Polar (125 mins) 7:00 PM 

JULY 4 (Monday) 
Yunagi City, Sakura Country (118 mins) 1:00 PM 
Villon’s Wife (114 mins) 4:00 PM 
Climber’s High (145 mins) 7:00 PM 

JULY 5 (Tuesday) 
Your Friend (125 mins) 1:00 PM 
One Million Yen Girl (121 mins) 4:00 PM 
Feel the Wind (133 mins) 7:00 PM 

JULY 6 (Wednesday) 
One Million Yen Girl (121 mins) 1:00 PM 
Climber’s High (145 mins) 4:00 PM 
The Summit: A Chronicle of Stones (139 mins) 7:00 PM 

JULY 7 (Thursday) 
Feel the Wind (133 mins) 1:00 PM 
Climber’s High (145 mins) 4:00 PM 
Your Friend (125 mins) 7:00 PM 

JULY 8 (Friday) 
Your Friend (125 mins) 1:00 PM 
Yunagi City, Sakura Country (118 mins) 4:00 PM 
Departures (131 mins) 7:00 PM 

JULY 9 (Saturday) 
Departures (131 mins) 1:00 PM 
One Million Yen Girl (121 mins) 4:00 PM 
Villon’s Wife (114 mins) 7:00 PM 

JULY 10 (Sunday) 
Summer Days with Coo (1:38 mins)  1:00 PM 
Feel the Wind (133 mins) 4:00 PM 
The Chef of South Polar (125 mins) 7:00 PM 


Here's an article from Japan Foundation,Manila :

Philippines-Japan Friendship Month Opens on July 1 with Eiga Sai—The Japanese Film Festival An exquisite Japanese cinematic masterpiece at all levels—visual, aural, emotional, spiritual, awaits Eiga Sai fanatics this July featuring Departures, winner of the 81st Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film in 2009. The Eiga Sai opens on July 1 (Friday) at the Shang Cineplex Cinema 2, Shangri-La Plaza, EDSA, Mandaluyong City as a kick-off event of the month-long festivity. Departures takes a bizarre and unique subject with heartwarming scenes and outstanding acting performances by Masahiro Motoki, who played the role of Daigo Kobayashi, an aspiring cellist who eventually takes the job of an encoffinner, sending the deceased body off to final departure with dignity. He coveted the Best Actor awards (32nd Japan Academy Prize in 2008 and Kinema Junpo Awards in 2009) for his role in the film complimenting the brilliant mind of its acclaimed director Yojiro Takita. The film festival officially reels off with an invitational screening and special performance of Mr. Renato Lucas, the principal cellist of the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra together with pianist—Ms. Naomi Sison, at 7:00 P.M. at the Atrium Plaza, Shangri-la Plaza. “Eiga Sai,” which literally means ‘film festival’ now on its 13th year is organized by the Japan Foundation, Manila together with the Embassy of Japan, The Shangri-La Plaza Corporation, UP Film Institute and supported by Lyric Piano, and ClickTheCity.com. All films will be shown with English subtitles. Admission is free. Screening venues are at the Shang Cineplex Cinema 4 (July 1 to 10), Gaisano Grand Citimall, Davao (July 22 to 24), Ayala Center Cinema 4, Cebu (August 2 to 7) and UP Film Institute (August 17 to 20). For detailed screening schedules and inquiries, please access the Japan Foundation, Manila website: www.jfmo.org.ph or call the JFM telephone numbers (+632) 811-6155 to 58

FRENCH FILM FESTIVAL 2011

Welkam vack Sweet ( hiatus mode kase)

I was introduced to French Film Festival last year, it was unfortunate that I was just able to watch one film. This year I still have until Sunday to stress my eyes in watching french films ( I just can't believe it's for free as always hihihi's)  since I'm just a stone's throw away from Shangrila Mall. I might probably practice watching movies alone from now on. Anyway, here goes the remaining schedule for this year's French Film Festival :


JUNE 16 
1:30 p.m. - Le dernier des fous 
4:00 p.m. - La Tête de Maman 
6:30 p.m. - Joueuse 
9:00 p.m. - Le Marquis 

JUNE 17 
1:30 p.m. - Elle s'appelle Sabine 
4:00 p.m. - Adèle Blanc Sec 
6:30 p.m. - Le dernier des fous 
9:00 p.m. - 7 ans 

JUNE 18 
1:30 p.m. - Arthur et la Vengeance de Maltazard 
4:00 p.m. - Mademoiselle 
6:30 p.m. - Sans toit ni Loi 
9:00 p.m. - Un Poison Violent 

JUNE 19 
1:30 p.m. - A nos amours 
4:00 p.m. - La Tête de Maman 
6:30 p.m. - Dans les cordes 
9:00 p.m. - Tree of Life 

NOTE: Admissions are free, tickets are issued one hour before screening. Schedules are subject to change without prior notice


UP NEXT THIS JULY : JAPANESE FILM FESTIVAL!!!!

Where is Canada?

I  love my country - The Philippines. I always will.

 Just a lil slice of history, I actually gave up  the US Embassy  terminated my pending US petition ( well due to non-appearance at an interview hahaha -OK I can explain that!) and that really made my dad frustrated and sad since he is living in Los Angeles for like 20 years and expected me to join him there. I even finished 2 college degrees  and currently ( with an expired license though and to hell with the long lines during renewal :P) a registered nurse but  it  never again crossed my mind  to pursue  a related job abroad.

All because I dreamt of growing old here in the Philippines, I even believe I can get filthy rich even if I do not leave the country  - we have equal opportunities- we just need to find the right vehicle and I am so relieved to have found mine.

But things happen. I realized we can just control our life to a certain extent...in my case, love knocked and I let it in ( cheesy isnt it? hehehe ) and my neatly piled plans came crashing down on my face.So what's the deal? Where is this crap blog leading to? hahaha...I just stumbled upon two fascinating information about a place I never imagined that could possibly be my second home ( Sorry Singapore it's not you anymore)

Where?

*drumroll please- give me some Justin Bieber or Celine Dion song* 

VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA, CANADA  - at the Lower Mainland to be exact

Hmmmm....It never interest me before you know but it is pretty amazing that this country is really something worth considering since I read two articles about it. Let's go check this out :

1. TOP 1 - WORLD'S MOST LIVABLE CITIES 2011 ( click here for the article)

Based on a combination of environment, health care, culture and infrastructure, Vancouver topped the list of the world's most liveable cities for the fifth straight year, according to a new report

Vancouver, BC Canada courtesy of Getty images

cityscape courtesy of vancouver.ca

2. TOP 1 - WORLD'S FRIENDLIEST COUNTRY 2011 is still CANADA
( needs some proof? here you go) - seriously I was looking for the Philippines on the top 10 list but I was unsuccessful.

---
So, most livable and friendliest country ... what else should I consider? A lot! But at least these two are decision boosters already :)

More interesting facts include the beautiful cherry blossoms during Spring - As one popular quote says : "There is no stranger under the cherry tree" - Issa. 

courtesy of www.vcbf.ca ( Vancouver Cherry Blossom Festival)

Citizens are being encouraged to use bicycles for Vancouver's Greenest city initiative - great, I never learned to ride a bike! *loser* but maybe this is the opportunity I needed *harhar*. Another thing,  my distribution  business is global so I can still continue it there. Oh and yes, traffic is not that bad on this side of the world!  hehehe...

Hmmm... now I am starting to appreciate things related to this country :) Besides it is a natural beauty and cosmopolitan flair rolled into one! A yoga near the ocean or at Stanley Park wouldn't do any harm.

I guess I have few more things left on my  tick box.

I always love change. Change is good. Hey, I wont be leaving for Canada yet ( a vacation next year would be great) but yes I will continue to pray wherever God will lead me, one thing is for sure.. I will surely go where my heart  is.

I might need to get used of being called a Vancouverites, start cheering for Canucks but errr I will still be a Lakers Fan :P



Share a sunshine,
Sweet

CHERRY BLOSSOMS OF LOVE

Shallow Happiness. I fell in love with cherry blossoms when my 4th year high school teacher asked our class to write a haiku with cherry blossoms as the subject.

I longed for it just like a longed for true love (wapak!).

I even dreamt of sitting underneath its tree and just seize the moment but I wasn't bold enough back then, I don't usually go after my dreams until now that I have so many compelling whys.

Anyway, I thought Japan is the only answer but apparently Palawan even have their own blossoms ( balayong) and of course Vancouver ( said to be also famous for its thousands of sakuras lining many streets and parks). Someone so dear was kind enough to capture the beautiful cherry blossoms for me ( Thanks love^_^), my heart is just filled with simple joy so I wanna share this with you my friends :)

Im no poet but ganun talaga, nagiging makata ka pag masaya :P so bear with my short, amateur poem i wrote on each picture hehehe...

SWEET SAKURA

You finally came after the lonely winter

A majestic scene that can last forever

Your sheer beauty they say is fleeting

How can you keep my heart beating?

Your pink petals dance with the wind

Oh the way you sway is just splendid

I can just stare in awe for a time

 Is it selfish to wish you were mine?

Surrogate, that’s how I used other trees

To satisfy my longing for your breeze

There are red and yellow

But nothing compares to you my fellow

Yes, I have never seen you yet

Still my heart won’t fret

Japan, Korea,  or  even in Canada

Sakura, peot kkot or cherry blossoms

 I will surely see you soon 

Oh and one last thing

I shall bring a boy with me

We will sit underneath your tree

Enthralled by his smile and big round eyes, so lovely

 I know you will both enchant me truly

Fulfill my dream of Hanami

* oh, that hands.. I'm longing to hold thy hands 

I AM MOVIE ( we all have to watch this movie)

WE ALL HAVE TO SEE THIS MOVIE! With what's happening globally right now we may ask "What's wrong with our world and what can we do about it?" Tom Shadyac is a popular director ( e.g. Bruce Almighty) who met a cycling accident and emerged as a changed man.This is really something worth watching, hopefully it will be shown here in PI..puhlease!

http://iamthedoc.com/

MANILA SPEED DATING MARCH 25, 2011

If you haven't experienced it yet, then NOW is that time :) If you know friends who would love to join feel free to share this blog. Thanks and stay in love!

GAME SET MATCH!

Tired of the bars, being set up by friends and family, or just plain tired of being alone? If that's a yes, then it's time to get up! Join in the game and find your perfect match! 

What is Speed Dating?

Speed dating is an organized form of matchmaking that focuses on meeting a lot of people in a short period of time. Most speed dating events include short (five to ten minutes) 'dates' where one speed dating participant will meet with another for a face-to-face conversation about anything under the sun.  After the allotted time, a signal is given and everyone makes a note as to whether or not they'd like to meet their 'date' again before moving on to the next participant.

Open to all Males and Females, 23-38 yrs old
LIMITED SLOTS AVAILABLE! 
Like us on Facebook! http://www.facebook.com/pages/Speed-Date-411/183273765049440?sk=info#

Event Fee: Php 700.00 (includes food, drinks, and giveaways)
Venue: Wheatberry Bakery & Cafe, 2nd flr Function Room
(84 Scout Castor cor. Scout Tuazon, Quezon City, Manila, Philippines)
When: Friday, March 25, 2011; 8:00-10:00PM

To register, please feel free to contact the Speed Date 411 Secretariat at:
• speeddate411@yahoo.com
• Globe: 0917-8979338
• Sun: 0922-8887859

This event is brought to you by Speed Date 411

GOD'S BEST and my love affair with nature

Upon reading the article below ( in italized), I was once reminded that everything should be entrusted to Him :D I have this disease of worrying much of the future but God is so brilliant ( that's an understatement, I guess) that He knows His plan for me. Last Sunday's bible reading was a perfect reminder that we must prioritize God  : Matthew 6:33-34

Your heavenly Father knows that you need them all.

But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness,

and all these things will be given you besides.

Do not worry about tomorrow; tomorrow will take care of itself

I have been blessed, really. I know you are too, even if there are some aspects in your life that's kinda in chaos right now, blessings are still coming in. We all wanted to be a good steward of the gifts and blessings that the Lord  lend us, I hope we will be able to do that!  ^_^

GOD'S BEST

Everyone longs to give themselves completely to someone, to have a deep relationship with another, to be loved thoroughly and exclusively.

But to His child, the Lord says: "No, not until you are satisfied, fulfilled, and content with being loved by Me; with giving yourself totally and unreservedly to Me to have an intensely personal relationship with Me alone, discovering that only in Me is your satisfaction to be found.

Only then will you be capable of the most perfect relationship that I have planned for you. "I want you to stop planning, stop wishing, and allow Me to give you the most thrilling plan existing... one that you cannot imagine (Proverbs 3:5-6).

I want you to have the best. Please allow Me to bring it to you. "You just keep watching Me. Keep experiencing the satisfaction that I am. Keep listening and learning the things that I tell you. Just waiting-that's all.

"Don't be anxious. Don't worry. Don't look around at all the things others have gotten or that I have given them. Don't look at all the things you think you want. Just keep looking up to Me. "And then, when I know you are ready, I'll surprise you with a love far wonderful than any you would dream of. You see, I'm working at this moment to have you both ready at the same time. Until you are satisfied exclusively with Me, and the life I've given you, you won't be able to experience the love that exemplifies your relationship with Me.

"Dear one, I want you to have this most wonderful love, I want you to see in the flesh a picture of your relationship with Me, and to enjoy materially and concretely the everlasting union of beauty, perfection, and love that I offer you with myself. "Know that I love you utterly. Be satisfied in Me."

Author Unknown

----

Which reminded me also of a perfect gift He gave me when I was on my first solo back packing trip in Marinduque :

Palad Island is somewhere near  Maniwaya Island ,Marinduque and it  comes out only during low tide and hide itself during high tide. Locals said that it has been raining for days in Marinduque but God manifested His awesomeness again when I was in this majestic place. We sailed at around 6AM - the water is calm and the sunlight is saying hello with a big smile, lo and behold the Palad Island showed itself. Am i Lucky that day? I dont think so.. Im blessed! :)

My Marinduque escapade is long overdue T_T I know I'll find time soon to finish my blog and share this revelry with nature!

PEACEFUL
Lovely Palad Island

6:00AM Perfect Sunrise at the Sta. Cruz , Marinduque Port

riding my hired sailboat, the journey began!

PERSEVERANCE
locals already sailing for the day's work

PATIENCE
one fine morning in Maniwaya Island

MARCH MANTRA

Yes, I will be moving to a new home in the metro ( mixed emotions)  ^_^

RANDOM THOUGHTS #1

If ever..

If ever I'll have to leave everything including being a wedding host and move to a foreign country, what work would I choose to do aside from my global business?

- NURSE? 
- WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER? ü
- WEDDING VIDEOGRAPHER? ü

from http://www.shift.jp.org/en/archives/2009/08/zara_wood.html

hehehehe.nangangarap lang ^_^ why not poknat! LOL

MALAYONG PAG-IBIG? PWEDE BA?

Or what we normally know as LONG DISTANCE RELATIONSHIP

In the industry that I am in (weddings) I meet a lot of couples who are in a Long Distance relationship ( LDR). You know, I admire them, really. How in the world can they maintain a genuine relationship amidst the thousands of miles that separate them ( they must be insane!) Below are some examples of the engaged couples I’ve come to know :

1.       The girl is working as a nurse in the US and the guy is working in teh Middle East ( they need to decide who will leave his/her work to migrate to the partner’s country after they get married)

2.       The couple got married and the girl stays here in the Philippines while the guy goes back abroad or vice versa ( we’ll they at least have a plan to be together, I think I’ve met 4 couples who are in this situation

3.       A brief introduction, dated and have to go back to their respective countries and committed to LDR

4.       Been together for 10 years or so but someone has to go abroad to earn moola for their wedding and their future

And the list goes on, different scenarios but same situation – Long Distance Love. That s why seeing them tying-the-knot and staying committed to each other sends shivers to my spine.

I remembered a friend once asked me “Do you see yourself in a LDR?” I firmly said NO. Even if I see fairytales that happened I am not a big fan of such. Why?

1. My primary love language is Quality time ( here, check out the test yourself so you will know your love language)

2. My second primary love language is Physical Touch

3.  What’s the sense if your partner can’t accompany you on important occasions, pig out in the best resto, watch the latest chick-flick movies, hold hands or rub your back when you cry? It even kills me if I will see other couples HHMPSSP ( Holding hands may pa sway-sway pa!)

4. Been to several local LDR and it did not work for me, there was even this relationship that seems to be an LDR but we are just a city apart (hahaha) and this will lead to my reason no. 5

5. Im a little bit paranoid with LDR (based from my experience)

6. I heart Philippines ( opening door to LDR would mean migrating to another country- let’s look at the futuristic bright side here OK?)

7. I JUST DONT WANT IT

And I tell you, I can enumerate more reasons why it won’t work for me. I bet a lot of you my friends would agree with me!

BUT what if, lemme imagine, one fateful day as I am walking on the road of life and bump into this AMAZING ( when I say amazing, REALLY REALLY AMAZING) human being. Someone you would even want to turn into a gremlin so he can reproduce more good amazing human beings. The sad thing is, it is yelling in front of me, loud and clear, that he freakin lives on the other side of the planet ( insert deafening SIGH here)

Would I change my mind?

Would I give it a fighting chance?

Would I succumb to the fact that it will take away my primary love language?

Would I give in to the once despised kind of relationship?

Would it even work for me or would this be another collision?

(now running around while whipping my hair back and forth – my act of gaga for thinking about the best possible answer if I am on that situation)

There is only one way to find out… DIVE IN!

Even if I am against LDR, If that human being is one great guy, I know I will give it a try because I will never ever find out. The WHAT Ifs will be haunting me and the REGRETS will drown me to death.

We always have a choice, I can choose to find something comfortable ( why do we have to make things complicated, ayt?) but just like any aspect of my life, I always fight a good fight even if time is of the essence  ( hehehe) it is still healthy to experience a new kind of thing. Love is always new.

An amazing guy once told me “Sometimes, things ( and I believe he was pertaining to magical, beautiful and godly things) happen and you can’t justify it. Sometimes you just know it” Well, if that’s the case I’ll make believe that LDR can unfold a magical tale.

Better use the mind but do not ignore the heart – guard it even for pain is inevitable.  Maybe if some of you had a bad experience with LDR, I empathize. Believe that a better love is on its way. If you are on a current LDR state, I wish you nothing but a love so true (filled with trust and faithfulness) and that one day you will be on each other’s arms forever( naks!- of course you don’t see your LDR to go on for 50 years right? That’s crazy man!)

Prove them wrong, love knows no distance. I don’t know the success rate of LDR but I think it takes two mature and understanding individuals to make it work. Couple it with prayer and the strong belief that you both will make it work. It always takes two to tango!

and sabi nga nila "Pag gusto may paraan, pag ayaw madaming dahilan" Classic! :P

Now, I have to go. I need to dive :)

pictures courtesy of google