so stew me v2.0

In time for my country's 110th Independence celebration this month, Rogue Magazine came out with a State of the Nation Issue. As in months past (they've had issues on Cinema, Boracay, and Rock music), the magazine attempted to present Filipino culture in a whole new light - fresh, unabashed, and uncompromising.

I was not shocked at all seeing model Joey Mead clad in nothing but body paint. Depicting the Philippine Flag, I thought her wardrobe was very...Rogue. If it's any indication, the magazine's slogan is 'Lifestyles on the Edge' so what the heck.  

As a Filipino in the now, I found it to be cool. Way better than seeing the Philippine Flag interpreted as a gown or an athletic jacket - something that's not so mainstream. Nothing you'll see in a tacky souvenir programme. For that alone, I thought it was a proclamation of nationalism that appealed to me. (To be nationalist, as journalist Sydney Harris put it, is to be "proud of his country no matter what it does.") 

Just last week however, the magazine received flak from nationalists (of tradition) for misusing the national symbol and violating certain codes of use for the flag. They demanded for a pull out of all remaining issues from the stands.  

Having this magazine and that definition in mind, I'd rather put Joey Mead on my desktop than a picture of a windblown flag - doves flying - on my bedroom wall and still be proud to be Filipino.

You could say that I am what I read - a deviating, disobedient renegade for not following the norm and adhering to age-old tradition - but it does not erase the fact that I am proud of my nationality despite every bad thing I could say about my country. If for the traditionals, this magazine was a total desecration of what our forefathers fought and died for, I do not share the same thought. I am more comfortable thinking that the cover of the magazine is a symbolism of our evolution as a people in a world that tells us to never forget our roots. That's my kind of revolution.

Do I belong to a new breed of misunderstood nationalists? I do.

Show us something that's been on your mind a lot.

In the realm of material things, I've been eyeing two kinds of shoes to replace my old stuff.

I need a pair of chelsea boots in brown. (If I could get them from Prada, that'd be nirvana.)

I was really never the bloody-sharp-deadly-weapon shoes kind of person. Nor am I the cowboy or S&M footwear fiend. Doesn't go well with my philosophy, I guess. Am fine and comfortable with the slight pointed-ness of this design. (Of course, I will never go back to the square toe.)

Chelseas are the farthest I could probably go in terms of high-top leather shoes. I have a pair in black and they've been everywhere already. It's time to give them a sabbatical.

And overall, I am a white shoes kind of person. Those whom I've chatted with about shoes have probably heard me say that 'white shoes give me a sense of balance.' They really do.

These Paul Smiths are beautiful.

Me likey.

 

It is mine.

Show us your favorite font.
Submitted by [this is connie].

Ambrosia is fast becoming a favorite.

(Pic courtesy of http://www.urbanfonts.com)

If Carl Jung and David Keirsey had Facebook accounts, I'd probably Superpoke them and add them up for knowing me too well.

I took this quiz a few months ago to determine my temperament and distinct personality and this was the result:

I wasn't surprised at all to find out that I am an ENFP - the extraverted, intuitive type who is definitely heart over mind. It's true how I'm this 'heart' person even at work and I've seen how that has complemented my former bosses' 'mind' personalities.

I fall under the 'Visionary' temperament and am in the same league as mentors, confidantes, and dreamers.

NFs are introspective, intuitive and highly idealistic. They are subjective, compassionate "feeler" people that desire to contribute goodness and meaning to the lives of others. They are effective at doing this through their nurturing, insightful and encouraging nature. NFs despise conflict. They will do everything they can to make sure their loved ones get along with each other and are happy. NFs are imaginitive, creatively inclined and passionate about their choice causes.

Processed further, (I am a trainer, so excuse my jargon) I am aptly marketed as the 'Advocate'. And what stuff am I made of?

ENFPs are introspective, values-oriented, inspiring, social and extremely expressive. They actively send their thoughts and ideas out into the world as a way to bring attention to what they feel to be important, which often has to do with ethics and current events. ENFPs are natural advocates, attracting people to themselves and their cause with excellent people skills, warmth, energy and positivity. ENFPs are described as creative, resourceful, assertive, spontaneous, life-loving, charismatic, passionate and experimental.

My personality type also recommends the following professions: Art Director, Artist, Consultant, Designer, Diplomat, Human Resources, Journalist, Merchandise Planner, Musician, Newscaster, Project Manager, Public Relations, Teacher, Trainer, and Writer. --> roles I've played at one point or another!

That's me!

If you want to find out your own personality, check out http://www.mypersonality.info

I love Baz Luhrmann for three reasons: Sunscreen, Moulin Rouge, and the Chanel No. 5 TVC. Reason 1, for capturing the most important truths in life, and the second and third, for selling a dream.

So imagine my surprise and dismay when I recently saw two ads here in Manila that attempted to reference Luhrmann's genius. Unfortunately, it was all too literal and came out very disappointing.

The original: The Moulin Rouge-inspired Chanel No. 5 ad starring Nicole Kidman and Rodrigo Santoro.

Copycat 1: 'Confessions' TVC for Casino Femme

Check out the flying headlines, the media chase, and the lead character wearing a gown with an ambitious train.

Copycat 2: 'Gala' TVC for Fitrum

Notice the red carpet buzz and the lead character's lariat with the product's logo as pendant.

What do you guys think?

I dare not question the creativity of our local advertising industry, though I'm honestly disappointed at how the attempts to replicate the magnificence of Luhrmann's original ad resulted in poor imitations. Fortunately, the Chanel market is not the same as those of the hygiene and health products. I'm confident the intended audience did not even notice.

I just find it sad.

If you had to write your autobiography in 6 words, what would you write?
Submitted by mitzie.

I wrote.

I loved.

I lived.

 

Preview's latest issue is out!

Starlets in Prada!

Florals galore!

Be fashionable and save the world at once!

Grab grab!

(Can't wait for the ball!!!!!)

And as of this entry, I'm back to my Mondrian template.

Oh, and here's a hi-res version of the full cover pic.

Cobwebs!!!! *shaking them off*

I miss writing. I miss romanticizing the mundane, exercising my brain, and surprising myself with my own wisdom. (Not to say I'm wise.)

Things haven't been at their usual pace lately, especially that Russel is in the US and he left his to-do list with me. It's all going F-A-A-A-A-S-S-S-T! On top of that, I'm heading a class that's running high on imagination, learning how to use a tool that's not running on the trainee PCs. For my trainees' patience and understanding, I'm thankful. (To be fair to our IT folks, they were able to finally install the needed programs on the computers. The sad part is we're on our last two days already.)

I'm glad that I've been given the chance to pseudo manage my team these days. The experience has allowed me to see where I am as a leader and to see whatever big picture there is. Sometimes, when you're stuck in the classroom, you forget that there are some things that are equally of urgent nature. Like making sure promotions are processed on time, or a co-worker's travel voucher is approved, or that he doesn't arrive at his destination without a hotel room. Or to convince someone to jump ship and cross our borders.

It weirds me out sometimes how I need to be a coach of sorts. Or at a simpler level, someone who talks to co-workers and asks how they are at a professional level. I mean, I do that a lot in the pantry, which is non-bearing but has an impact just the same. I am hardly confrontational; I'd be more of the closet bitch who'd try to keep to myself or a select few, or I'd rather hurl a half-meant joke to get my point across.

The many hats I have to wear. Am I doing a good job at it? I hope I am. Certainly, I wouldn't be able to please everybody, but on the Likert scale, I'd give myself a 'Somewhat Happy.'  But that's just me thinking. (I know I could do better and be happier with my results.)

Oh and there are gonna be major movements at work - around me and with me. Will update you soon!

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Haven't had the chance to go out this month. Save for Liv's homecoming, I'd spend most Saturday nights waking up from a ten-hour nap (!) and sleeping again until I wake up on a Sunday afternoon. I miss going out. I miss having the drive and energy to do an all-nighter and coming home unconscious.

What's good about my weekend routine this month though is the chance to catch up on films I never went to the cinema for.

(My awake cycles during weekends are spent in dark and dusty DVD bazaars.)

Shit, I cried while watching Ratatouille. The last time a cartoon made me cry was when I watched a Care Bears movie. Can definitely relate to the 'Anyone Can Cook' part. And Remy must have read The Secret. Smart rat.

The Darjeeling Limited. I bow before Wes Anderson. Love love love Owen Wilson and Adrien Brody. Jason Schwartzman, too. Oh, long live daddy issues! It's true this review I read. That the movie is Tenenbaums-meets-Lost In Translation.

Owen played the anal, bossy first-born son bit really well. And Adrien's persistence with the prescription lenses was well, uhm, cute. Jason, who I never knew co-wrote the film until I saw the credits, was nonchalantly cool in Hotel Chevalier.

And the wardrobe and luggage were fabuloso. I want one of those JLW bags. (Heard they auctioned them off.) Them boys ditching them for the train ride in the final scene was a good lesson shaking in off the past and throwing, erm, excess baggage.

Across the Universe was fine...only because of the Beatles. I loved lesbian cheerleader Prudence's take on I Wanna Hold Your Hand, and Salma Hayek's nurse dance.

Overall though, watching the movie was a like being unwillingly spoon-fed. Didn’t quite like how the movie was too literal. I'm fine with names like Jude and Lucy, or the Liverpool-New York connection, but not with how the music was used as the script in certain parts.

That scene where Jude's Ivy League-druggie-war vet friend strategically screams the Hey Jude scream part upon seeing Jude at the port pisses me off everytime I remember it.

That would've worked if it were onstage. Or if the movie came out first before the songs, but that's a totally stupid idea.

=================

So. June promises to be as exciting and eventful. 

I kick off my 'life' calendar with Martin Bautista's show at Philippine Fashion Week. Kid's got lots of talent. Funny thing with him: we used to be officemates, but never really communicated until after he left. We just were too shy to initiate contact. We both agree. (Right, Martin.? lol) I've been asking him to do menswear. Hope he gives in.

Here's his work as featured on the May Marie Claire cover:

Then there's the farewell run of Avenue Q mid-month. Will watch with the DBK. When I was in New York a few years back, I didn't have the time to watch a musical on my own and now regret not having seen this. Glad that B'ley was able to score us tickets for here in Manila. (I mean, where else? Ha.) Heard that we're receving free umbrellas as part of the advanced purchase. (Not part of Avenue's safe sex advocacy, though.)

===============

Good that David Cook won. I was an 'Archuletan' previously but somehow lost interest. Must be because of that annoying 'omigod-i'm-about-to-cry look' in his face everytime Simon adores him. And no, I wasn't glued to the TV the whole time Idol ran. Thank God for youtube.

The only regular thing I get to watch on TV is the early edition news. In Filipino. Is this a sign of growing older? (I can talk for hours about the presidential candidates appearing on derma and skin whitening product billboards.)

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More to come! Need to sleep.

The only recognizable American zip code is back on TV.

Geez, memories of West Beverly Hills High, the Peach Pit, and all the pre-Melrose Place backstabbing and bitch-slapping abound. It's so bad it's good!

Could you imagine Hilary Swank coming from this hell hole? And Shannon Doherty of course! How about the graduation episode where Tori Spelling almost never graduated? And how about Luke 'the-lines-on-my-forehead-are sexy' Perry. Hahaha.

Here's the OBB from the pilot sequence eons ago...

A cast pic from one of them seasons...

And the teaser for the fall premiere...

Checked out the news and read that Jennie Garth will reprise her role of Kelly Taylor - this time, as a guidance counselor for West Beverly High! Can't wait for her to dispense good advice.

Spinoff Cast Pic...

Let's see who pulls off a Shannon and leaves the show first!