The Close(Not really)-But-No-Cigar Speech
This year, this blog was nominated at the Philippine Blog Awards for the Best Hobby & Recreation Blog category. Yes, just one nomination and I didn’t even get to be a Finalist. Well, I have to admit I wasn’t being my usual blogger self these past two turbulent weeks and I sort of forgot that I had to consistently keep the quality just to have a fighting chance to be on the short list.
Nonetheless, I still would like to thank a few people who made this blog a joy to write:
- to my brother, Ralph, who literally bugged me to start a blog. He really believed that I shouldn’t waste my love for writing and I’m glad I listened.
- to my good friend MJ, for being one of my biggest fans! (and for nominating me as well!)
- to my Mom for patiently waiting me to finish every time.
- to the Philippine Cubers Association for letting me lurk on every competition and not kicking me out of the venue.
- to all the Pinoy Cubers whom I got some of the puzzles I feature from time-to-time.
- YouTube cubers: badmephisto, frk17, ErikLimeback, Pestvic, Thrawst and more for providing kick-ass tutorials to the noobs that we are.
- to the rest of my family who doesn’t even know and read what I’m writing about. =P
- the Philippine Blog Awards 2009 organizers, for their tireless efforts of uplifting the Pinoy blogging community.
- the actual Finalists who made it this year, I salute you guys!
- And of course,to all my readers. Yes, to the three of you reading this right now. Thank you!
I must say I had a pretty good run this year and I sincerely hope I can be a much better writer for you guys (and gals). Reading back from my very first posts, I must say, I’m gearing towards the right direction of making bigger and better write-ups. I may not be as funny as hell as those other guys, nor the best in taking the most breath-taking photos but I’m aiming to grab those awards next year! So watch out!
Once again, kudos to all the Filipino bloggers and see you again next season! A better and hopefully a year more of posts from a cuber’s point-of-view.
Thank you!
Breaking News: Gluttony in the Palace
Disclaimer: This is a work of fiction and any resemblance to actual people is purely coincidental. So don’t sue me.
Since the 1 Million Peso/ $ 20K Dinner scandal that involved our dear President Gloria Macapagal – Arroyo and his uhmmm… “loyal” Cabinet members, both local and foreign paparazzi have scrambled to get rare evidence of the President during at least one of the four reported meals.
However, due to the tight security and media blackout the Malacanang Palace has enforced, all efforts have proven to be futile.
Wait! We have breaking news!
Our sources have confirmed that a local paparazzi stumbled upon a secret in the Palace. Reports say that the photojournalist asked to be excused to go to the Men’s Room, and got into the President’s Executive Dining Suite instead! He was arrested by the Palace Guards and was sentenced to be hanged the following morning. (That was fast justice!) He was alert enough to take a photo of the gruesome scene and somehow managed to smuggle it out of his detention cell a.k.a. gas chamber.
Let’s have a moment of silence before we take a peek on what this brave soul has uncovered…
What the F—————!
Tell me what you think!
The Hangover
SUMMARY:
Two days before the wedding, the four men in the wedding party – Doug, Doug’s two best buddies Phil Wenneck and Stu Price, and Tracy’s brother Alan Garner – hop into Tracy’s father’s beloved Mercedes convertible for a 24-hour stag party to Las Vegas. The morning after their arrival in Las Vegas, they awaken in their hotel suite each with the worst hangover. None remembers what happened in the past twelve or so hours. The suite is in shambles. And certain things are in the suite that shouldn’t be, and certain things that should be in the suite are missing. However they are on a race for time as if they can’t find Doug in the next few hours, they are going to have to explain to Tracy why they are not yet back in Los Angeles. And even worse, they may not find Doug at all before the wedding. -imdb.com
COMMENTS:
I got the chance to see this movie yesterday at the new Cineplex of Ali Mall in Cubao because there was a very big gap between my two interviews. The first one was finished at roughly around 10:20 AM and I was endorsed for final interview at 4:30PM. What the heck am I going to do with 6 full unplanned hours? I spent the next 30 minutes walking around the Eastwood City in Libis and contarary to popular belief, it was boring as hell (during daytime?). Though the place is a “Cyberhub” and was surrounded by high-rise condo units, there was nothing entertaining you could do. (No, I don’t have ridiculous amounts of money to burn at expensive coffeeshops. Sorry.) Darn.
Suddenly, I found myself back in Cubao, right around noon and saw the poster of The Hangover. Awesome!
Rubik’s Cube: 26 years and still going
These ads from DDB New Zealand for Rubik’s Cube are awesome! Although these were originally released last year to comemorate this momentous event for the most famous toy in the world, I still think it deserves a second look.
Check out the amazing attention to detail in these pictures: the long uncut toenails, classic fashion, and the surroundings! Genius!
Stainless Longganisa
Kung gusto mong maging manunulat,
magsulat ka.
Simple.
Stainless Longganisa, the fifth book in Bob Ong’s collection, is by far my personal favorite.
First printed in December 2005, Bob Ong relates to his readers the very first time he holds a pencil, his writing influences and the process of writing his four previous books. He also tells us how he chose to become a writer, whether it was decided to be his destiny or just by sheer accident, it’s up to you to find out!
The “White Book“, in my opinion, is the closest to ABNKKBSNPLAko?!. (Arguably, the best in his series yet.) It has the same wit, humor, and cohesiveness as his very first work/masterpiece; but written mostly for aspiring writers.
Hari ka ng mundo habang nagsusulat. Akala mo nakasalalay sa mga isinusulat mo ang ikot ng mga planeta.
Don’t despair, for this book is written for anyone who aspires to be something and not just exclusively for writers. By reading this book, you could finally see his insights, share his experiences, and humanity. You can also learn a lot about the books he has written, with some random facts and explanations.
Highly recommended for everyone dreaming of being somebody and certainly a must-read for all Bob Ong fans. I don’t recommend this to be the first book you read in the series since you’ll probably get confused what he’s talking about most of the time. On the other hand though, it just might strike your curiousity to read all of his books as well! Now that’s what I call a Win-Win situation. ^_^
Bob Ong is the bomb!
Tell me what you think!
MacArthur
“Merong matigas, merong malambot;
Merong tuwid, merong kulot.
Merong buo, merong durog;
At merong mga taong hindi basta-basta lumulubog.”
Four friends define what friendship really is, despite all the grime and dirt of poverty…
Jim, Noel, Cyrus, and Amadeus “Denver” Kantuyan a.k.a. Voltron star in Bob Ong’s sixth book, MacArthur.
Released around May 2008, this modern day drama is set in the middle of an unnamed Metro Manila slum, surrounded by drugs, violence, poverty, and even death. Dysfunctional families, broken dreams, and false hopes also plague our protagonists as they face everyday adversities.
It might strike some readers that this piece is very, very different from your typical Bob Ong. The whole experience is like being trapped inside a Maalaala Mo Kaya set. It was very dramatic, even serious in some parts, which clearly shows the author’s diversity as a writer.
“Dalawang dekada ka lang mag-aaral. Kung di mo pagtitiyagaan, anak, limang dekada ng kahirapan ang kapalit. Sobrang lugi.
Kung alam lang yan ng mga kabataan, sa pananaw ko e walang gugustuhing umiwas sa eskwela.”
-Mang Justo pg.86
Of course, this book is not exempted from Bob Ong’s wit and humor. Though some might find some jokes and remarks quite offensive in nature, the crude (and rude) nature of these words actually capture the authenticity of everyday conversations usually heard in low socio-economic areas in our country.
This almost-a-hundred-page-book bravely bares the truth and harsh realities of life, the daily hardships a lower-class family deals with and how they stick together as one. i salute the author for creating a no holds-barred novel; a book that refletcs the real “us”; a book that is worth every penny. Read the “Red Book” by Bob Ong, and see if you are a “MacArthur” yourself.
Bob Ong rocks!
Tell me what you think!
Kapitan Sino
“Ang Pinakabagong Superhero Noon.
Mas Matibay Pa sa Orig.
Sa mas Mahabang Panahon.”
Here comes Kapitan Sino…
Rogelio Manglicmot stars as “Kapitan Sino” in the 7th offering by the famed Pinoy author, Bob Ong. Later in life, he finds out that he has unique superpowers (the power of electricity) and decides to put his “talents” to good use. With a little help from his childhood friends Bok-bok and Tessa, he fights crime wearing a silver body suit, an alien(?) helmet and good ol’ Chucks. However, he later finds out that all the superhero stuff isn’t all that cracked up to be.
Released around mid-May 2009, I find this piece to be very entertaining (and much better than MacArthur!) and a real page-turner. It has everything: action, drama, suspense, comedy (of course!) and even a love story! The funny references from the 70’s and 80’s like defunct television shows, favorite chichirya, famous singers and songs, etc. will certainly leave a smile on your face. Though sometimes, there’s too much detail in a single page and not as finely executed compared to similar pages in other chapters in this book.
As expected from Bob Ong, every chapter reflects images of daily life including: poverty, struggles, street descriptions, politics, etc. He’s obviously talented in capturing the essence of the Filipino culture and conveys it in the most entertaining way possible. From gossiping neighbors, stupid law enforcement, corruption, and political propagandas on the streets, this “Silver Book” has it all.
Here’s are some quotes I really loved from Kapitan Sino:
“Maraming tao dito ang mas malungkot pa sa taong nakatira sa buwan. Saka hindi naman kailangan ng maraming tao para makabuo ng mundo e. Minsan, isang tao lang ang kasama mo, buo na ang mundong kailangan mo habambuhay.”
-Rogelio
And,
“Hindi alam ng mga nakakakita kung kelan sila bulag.”
-Tessa (when she asked Rogelio the difference between a blind person and a seeing one)
(Both quotes can be found on pages 97-108, the chapter where Rogelio and Tessa are alone on the roof of a church, star-gazing.)
Towards the end of this book, the author will make you realize that we do not need superheroes to save us. Instead, we just need to do what we can and must do in order for us to save us from ourselves.
May it be against giant gorillas and robots, and even man-made monsters; this masterpiece is surely a great addition to any book collection. (Or even a great first book if you’re planning to start one.) Now, get your lazy ass moving and grab a copy of this book. I guarantee that you’ll love this one!
Now, where’d did I leave silver body suit and helmet ?
Kapitan Sino Rocks!
Komikero’s One Word Video Collaboration
About four weeks ago, Komikero a.k.a. Mr. Gerry Alanguilan sent me a message via YouTube:
I just saw this video which I thought was just awesome in a strange way. It’s entitled “One Word That Describes You”. I thought I’d do a video response to that one, but I would like to ask your help in doing it. I imagine a video with short 3 to 5 second clips each of my You Tube pals saying nothing but just ONE WORD which they feel describes themselves. I’ve never initiated any video collab on You Tube before but I thought I’d do it this one time because I’m really inspired by the idea. If you wish to join, I’d love to have you!
What did I say? I agreed, of course!
This is literally just hot off YouTube, published about 36 minutes ago at the time of writing this post. Good thing I checked my Twitter account! (more…)
Star Wars fun!
Here are awesome photos from Chris Veigh featured in this previous post. This pictures were taken from his Flickr Account, with more absurd and quirky situations featuring his Star Wars figures. Check it out!
Life without war.
Be careful whenever you enter the room!
Maybe they'll fall for our dance routine!
I know! I'm sorry!
Tell me what you think!
Star Wars and Chipmunks
www.telegraph.co.uk featured some of Chris Veigh’s work regarding photos of Star Wars figures and chipmunks. And yes, you read it right! Chipmunks.
In 2005 Chris befriended a female he later named Buddy after she was accidentally trapped in his dad’s garden shed. “It took a while until she totally trusted me,” said Chris. “But patience and a lot of almond offerings eventually paid off”
“Once I got close to them I realised I could pretty much do anything and they didn’t bat an eye-lid,” he explained.
“I’m not sure where the idea came from but I had plenty of Star Wars figures and I thought I could probably get one to sit on their backs without them caring. It all started from there,” he said.
Bakit Mahal Ko ang Pilipinas at Pagiging Pilipino
Hindi ito dahil sa Adobo, dirty ice cream, taho, o hopia sa Quiapo.
Hindi rin dahil na nanakawan ako ng Game Boy at Nokia 3310 sa lansangan o dahil maraming tarantado sa bansang ito.
Lalong-lalo na hindi dahil wala akong mahagilap na trabaho kahit na ako’y isang gwapong henyo… (ehem.)
Mahal ko ang bansang ito dahil isa akong Pilipino.
Marami nang tanyag na banyaga at kapwa natin Pilipino ang nagsulat at pumuna sa ating bansa at ating pagka-Pilipino. Mayroon na ring mga lumabas sa telebisyon, nalathala sa mga pahayagan, at kumalat sa internet ukol sa mga pintas sa dumi ng ating lahi. May ilang libro na ring sumubok pukawin ang ating kamalayan upang magising sa katotohanan na kailangan na ng pagbabago.
Oo. Marami na tayong pagkakamali bilang isang lahi. Marami nang nangamatay dahil sa pagmamahal sa ating bayan, at para kanino?
Para sa mga pulitikong umuubos ng mga salapi ng mga mahihirap?
Para sa mga kawani ng gobyerno na nangungupit at nanlalamang ng kapwa Pilipino?
Para sa mga presidente na puro na lamang pangako na uunahin ang bayan bago ang sariling interes?
Hindi.
Para ito sa ating bayan at sa mga mamamayan na handang magbago para sa hinaharap.
Kung ating iisipin, puro na lamang negatibo ang nalalahad sa mga nakaraang nabasa mo tungkol sa Pilipinas at mga Pilipino. Nakakahiya, nakaka-inis, nakakapikon, nakakatawa, masakit at kadalasan ay totoo.
Gusto kong sanang baguhin iyon.
Bakit hindi tayo tumutok kung saan natin mas maipagmamalaki ang ating lahi? Kung saan wala tayong pag-iimbot sa kapwa? Kung saan wala tayong sisisihin na ibang tao, kahit katabi o kaharap mo na ito?
Kasi ang alam ko, mahal ko ang pagiging Pilipino dahil:
- Tayo lamang ang bansang may national cuisine na toyo, suka at baboy lamang ang kailangan, ay naglalaway na ang ating mga kapit-bahay.
- Tayo lamang ang lahi na nasalanta na ng bagyo, nagiba na ang paligid at kahit parang katapusan na ng mundo ay nakukuha pang sumagot kapag binabati ng “Magandang araw po!” ng “Magandang araw rin.” habang tayo’y nakangiti.
- Tayo lamang ang lahi na tinitiis ang lahat na ibato sa atin ng buhay: bagyo, tiwaling pulitiko, tsimosong kapit-bahay, sunog, demolisyon ng MMDA, pagkamatay at isama mo na rin ang mga aswang at zombies sa pelikula. Iisa ang ating tugon: Sisiw.
- Handa tayo sa lahat ng bagay: mawalan ng kuryente ng isang linggo, bahain ng ilang taon at maging ang kabaligtaran nito: kawalan ng tubig sa gripo.
- Kahit na nasa 5’5″ lang ang ating average height, nangangarap pa rin tayong maging susunod na Michael Jordan, Lebron James at Kobe Bryant. Maging flight stewardess at modelo sa Paris naman para sa ating mga kababaihan! Kasi, ang mga Pilipino, MATAAS MANGARAP.
Marami pa akong maisasambit na dapat iarangal sa ating lahi at MAS marami pang di mabilang na pamimintas. Pero kalimutan na natin ang masamang imahe ng ating bansa! Nabasa na natin lahat yan, narinig, pinagdiskusyunan, at kung anu-ano pa. May nagbago ba?
…
May pag-asa pa tayo.
Naniniwala ako dito kahit na ikaw mismo ay hindi.
Kailangan lang natin hubarin ang imahe ng isang Pilipinas na puro bahid ng kawalan ng pag-asa at kung anu-ano pa.
Kailangan lang natin magkaisa at huwag pagtawanan ang pagkakamali ng iba.
(Sinusubukan lang niyang mag-Ingles. Turuan mo siya. Huwag mo siya ipahiya. Napagdaanan mo iyan at hindi porke’t nagtatrabaho ka na sa isang call center ay dapat ka nang magmalaki. Tandaan mo: Pilipino ka pa rin.)
Kailangan lang natin mamulat sa katotohanan na kahit pa sino ang iluklok natin sa pusisyon, walang magbabago sa sistema. Kailangan mag-umpisa ito sa SARILI natin. Kung wala kang tiwala sa sarili mo na hindi mo kayang maging patas sa iyong kapwa nang walang panlalamang, talaga ngang wala ng pag-asa… IKAW! Huwag mo kami idamay! (Anlakas mong magreklamo ukol sa gobyerno pero sarili mo ay hindi mo nga mabago.)
Hindi lang iisang tao ang nagpapatakbo ng ating gobyerno.
Lahat tayo, kasali rito.
…
Tanungin mo ngayon ang sarili mo, “Bakit mahal ko ang pagiging Pilipino at ang bansang ito?“
Kung mahal mong tunay ang Pilipinas at ang pagiging Pilipino, ipamahagi mo ito sa iyong mga kaibigan. Dagdagan mo ang mga halimbawa kung bakit dapat ikarangal ang ating lahi. Ipaglaban mong hindi ka basta-basta!
Ipagmalaki mo na isa kang PILIPINO at simulan ang pagbabago .
Bakit naisulat mo ang ganito?
Nabigla ako sa aking napanood kagabi. Isang dating misyonaryong mormon na mas matatas pa managalog kesa sa mga Fil-Am nating mga kababayan, ang mahal na mahal ang ating bansa. Nakakalungkot dahil mas Pilipino pa siya sa kanyang Filipinang napangasawa! Pero labis akong natuwa dahil may mga tao palang mas ikinararangal ang ating bansa kahit na hindi siya dito nagmula.
Iboto ang iyong kapwa Pilipino!
Tell me what you think!
PBA0946s9o40
Ang Alamat ng Gubat
Ang Alamat ng Gubat was certainly a surprise for first-time readers and Bob Ong fans alike. The fourth book in the series is very different from the first three books: it’s fiction! (with matching pictures!)
The Orange Book revolves around Tong, a heroic “Talangka” in search of the mystical “Puso ng Saging” to cure his ailing father, the King. Don’t be fooled even though there’s colored illustration every other page making it look like a storybook, there are symbols hidden in every character, situation and conversation. That’s where the fun begins!
Try to realize or decipher what or who “Leon“, the jungle, or even what the “Puso ng Saging” really means.
Is risking your life for a treasure really worth it or is it just another fool’s errand? Who is the real king?
These are some of the questions presented by the author.Definitely a thumbs-up or rather two paws-up for this one. A good addition to any collection. It challenges readers to be a hero in their own way, even how twisted or evil the “gubat” they are living in might be.
Ang Paboritong Libro ni Hudas
Ang Paboritong Libro ni Hudas is the third installment in Bob Ong‘s book series. This time, the controversial author known for writing in conversational Filipino is back in his form and this was much better than his previous one.
The Black Book (again, according to his fans) is more cohesive (writing-wise) and more enjoyable. Written in a conversation type style, the whole book looks like a really, really long script between him and <._.> !
It was career suicide, according to his fifth book Stainless Longganisa. Covering topics about politics, showbiz,history and everyday life, which, according to him, should never be uttered in casual conversation. (How much more in printed book form!)
Ang Paboritong Libro ni Hudas is enjoyable at first and gets tiresome towards the end. (The opposite with Bakit Baligtad Magbasa ng Libro ang mga Pilipino.) The script type form was obviously a mistake but that’s how the author “obviously” wants us to see.
Nevertheless, this book is a must-have for any Bob Ong fanatic but definitely a weird one for a first-timer. (Which happened to me three Christmases ago!) Read it at your own risk…
Bob Ong Trivia
Let’s have a short commercial before proceeding to the next review.
Dilaw ang Bakit Baliktad Magbasa ng Libro ang mga Pilipino? dahil spoof sana ng “For Dummies” book series ang cover nito. Pero nag-evolve ang konsepto kalaunan hanggang sa nagmukha na lang itong…um, dilaw na libro.-
Hindi alam ni BO kung paano naging orange ang “orange book”. Nabasa n’ya na lang sa Internet na orange daw ang susunod n’yang libro. Tinanong n’ya ang publisher kung ano ang pwedeng gamiting kulay; ang sagot: orange. Tinanong n’ya ang mga kaibigan kung ano sa tingin nila ang susunod na kulay; ang sagot: orange. Pinagawa n’ya ang artist ng cover na hindi orange para lang pabulaanan ang lahat. Nang makita n’yang blue ang langit sa cover, ibinalik nya ito sa artist para papalitan ng kulay na mas “nagbabadya ng panganib”. Ibinalik ito sa kanya ng artist sa kulay na red orange. Nangyari ang lahat ng ito dahil sa prediksyon ng isang tao na nagsabing orange daw ang ikaapat na libro ni BO.
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Itim na libro lang dapat ang Paboritong Libro ni Hudas, walang titulo sa harap ng cover. Pero napilitang magdagdag ng label ang publisher dahil sa utos ng bookstore.
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Sa Chowtime Na! sa IBC 13 narinig ni BO ang kantang “You Touch My Trala La”. May dance contest pa.
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Nang lumabas na magkasukat ang una at ikatlong libro, hiniling ni BO sa publisher na paliitin na rin ang ikalawang libro. ‘Yan ang alamat ng dalawang size nito. (Magkakaroon pa ng 3rd edition. Kasinlaki naman ng SIM ng cell phone.)
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Galing sa mga mambabasa ang nickname ng mga libro: Green book ang ABNKKBSNPLAko?! (book1); Yellow book angBakit Baliktad Magbasa ng Libro ang mga Pilipino? (book2); Black book ang Paboritong Libro ni Hudas (book3); Orange book ang Alamat ng Gubat (book4); at White book ang Stainless Longganisa (book5).
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Isinulat ang draft ng unang libro sa higit limang klase ng scratch paper na may iba’t-ibang hugis at laki. Beri propesyunal.
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Hindi ballpen ang tinutukoy na “Stainless Longganisa”. Wala itong ibang kahulugan bukod sa nabanggit sa libro. Pinilit iwasan ni BO ang kulay pula o silver sa cover para hindi maisipan ng mambabasa na may kinalaman ang nasabing titulo sa materyal na stainless o sa pagkaing longganisa.
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Peksman! Talagang sina Dan Brown at JK Rowling ang nagsabi ng review na nasa likuran ng ikalimang libro.
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Ipinasa ni BO sa editor ang unang libro bilang “ABNKKBSNPLAko!?” pero naipasa ito ng editor sa publisher bilang “ABNKKBSNPLAko?!”. (Spot the difference.)
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“Tong! Tong! Tong!” ang orihinal na pamagat ng ikaapat na libro. Ginawang Alamat ng Gubat para sa mas malinaw na mensahe tungkol sa mundong ginagalawan hindi lang ni Tong, kundi ng lahat ng mga hayop sa kwento.
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Ang ikaapat ng libro ay resulta ng madugong royal rumble na kinasasangkutan ng writer, illustrator, at layout artist na may kanya-kanyang creative (o destructive) differences. Napilitan lang silang magkasundo noon dahil magpa-Pasko na.
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Isinulat ni BO ang ikalawang libro at ilan pang mga tula habang nasa piitan s’ya noong taong 1962 hanggang 2001. (Halata bang nauubusan na tayo ng trivia?)
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Kyut si Bob Ong.
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Ang ABNKKBSNPLAko?! ay gumamit ng font na kung tawagin ay Kidfont. Hindi ‘yon Comic Sans!
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Nabuo ang Alamat ng Gubat hango sa inspirasyon ng Mongolian Barbecue The Movie. Panoorin mo bago ka mamatay.
ABNKKBSNPLAko?!
ABNKKBSNPLAko?! : Mga Kuwentong Chalk ni Bob Ong a.k.a The Green Book (ayon sa mga fans) is the first book written by the enigmatic Pinoy author, Bob Ong. Originally pulished in February 2001, talks about his childhood experiences: from his very first day at school, up to his delinquent College days.
Meant to cross-over from his now defunct bobongpinoy.com site, which contained mostly criticisms about the Filipino Culturehe calls “mga kuwentong barbero“, he chose to write about himself first before anyone else (according to his fifth book). Thus, a classic was born.
Any Bob Ong fanatic will attest that this is his most enjoyable and best book ever. Writing about learning how to count from one-to-ten; reminiscing student-made school games like: SOS, Spin-A-Win, F.L.A.M.E.S, etc. ; and eventually being a teacher himself, is very entertaining and really is a page-truner.
It will also make you realize how valuable (and expensive) education really is and make you appreciate how lucky (and fun) it is being a student.
trekkies are beaming in my front yard right now
To serve my purpose as a loyal Storm trooper to the Empire, these propaganda materials has been confiscated throughout the Inner and Outer Rims. We warn all those who still possess such contraband and you shall be dealt with with extreme prejudice.
For now, here are some examples why you should remain loyal to our cause.
What's new? No originality. Bleh...
It seems that our sources were telling the truth...
This does not mean you won Vulcan!
We already knew that. lol!
You call that a salute?
We absolutely forbid these horrid merchandise!
By the way, we would like to thank our sponsor:
Fanboys- Movie Review
FANBOYS (2009)
(rated: PG-13 for pervasive crude and sexual material, language and drug content)
(1 hr, 30 min)
Starring: Sam Huntington, Chris Marquette, Dan Fogler,
Jay Baruchel, Kristen Bell, David Denman,
Christopher McDonald, Seth Rogen, Danny Trejo,
Ethan Suplee, Will Forte, Craig Robinson,
Danny McBride, and several cameos I don’t want to spoil !!!
Director: Kyle Newman
Genre: Comedy/Adventure/Road Trip
SYNOPSIS:
It’s the Halloween party they’ve all been waiting for, to have fun with friends and hang out with fellow Star Wars fans and partners in crime. However, events take a turn when one of their bunch who long ago outgrew his old gang and took on adult responsibilities is suddenly in their midst again. Reconnecting is not easy. But soon, Eric, Windows, Hutch and Zoe realize that Linus will not live long enough to experience what’s been on their minds for ages: The long-awaited theatrical release of Star Wars – Episode I, which is still several months away. Linus once again suggests to his friends what he’s been scheming since fifth grade: Breaking into Skywalker Ranch, this time to steal a print of the movie. Crazy, right? But it might be the only way for Linus to see the movie before he dies. So as insane as it sounds, they take Hutch’s van and embark on a mission to drive across half the country to the Ranch.
COMMENTS:
Before you read any further, let me remind you that this movie was made by fanboys for fanboys. So I really guess, based on bad reviews made by “non-fanboys” of this movie; non-Star Wars or even a “non-geek-anything” will find the movie uhmmmm…. rather, old or boring even. I warn you, you may not (I repeat: YOU MAY NOT) get the inside jokes, random Star Wars and TV references used and funny geek reactions the actors are portraying in this movie.
But if you are… let’s rock!
Though the genre of this movie for telling this kind of story is so cliche, it worked for me. You may still find yourself guessing what would happen next! Of course, your best guess would be another ridiculous situation after another. But this movie took it to the limit and made me laugh my heart out! (NO, I won’t be giving out spoilers.) Let’s just say, how much are you willing to pay for a HUNDRED DOLLAR glass of water? Now, that’s the question! (Maybe the most appropriate question would be: How do you get out of it with your clothes still on?!) Was that a spoiler??! You will forget what you just read…. (with matching Jedi hand gesture)
We were laughing our heads-off last night when we were watching this and even my mom loved it! (My mom uhmmm…. doesn’t like geeky stuff much.. and she was laughing!) Yes, even with Dan Fogler‘s constant humping (yes, humping) of his co-male stars, the movie wasn’t vulgar at all. There was no nudity and the constant jokes about fanboys being eternal virgins throughout the film was hilarious. The one-liners and “Star Wars” references will keep you laughing and so will the references to movies like “Top Gun”, “Dirty Dancing”, “THX 1138?,” and “Back to the Future” and TV shows like “Alf”, “Night Court”, “G.I. Joe” and “Scooby Doo”.
Hordes of Star Trek fans were also featured in the movie and it was entertaining how they dealt with invading Star Wars fans on their home turf. (Kirk’s future birthplace!) They even attended a Trek-Kon, risking their dignity (?) as hardcore fans just to obtain top secret information about the Skywalker Ranch from William Shatner himself!
There were lots of cameos in the movie, so make sure you keep your eyes peeled! I also loved the droid on top of their van! Was that R2-D2?!
Rent it.
Why just rent it? I guess it won’t be released mainstream because of the nature of the film.
(It was only on Limited Release in the States.)
It’s a great movie for you and your friends, especially if you’re a Star Wars fan (or even not)!
Arm Wrestlers and Falling Boxes
Here’s avideo of one of the many fun, fun, fun events during the recently concluded KomiKon Summer Fiesta 2009, held at the UP Bahay ng Alumni. For this contest, the emcees called in 8 male participants for the Arm Wrestling Competition. The prize? Free tickets to the best theme park in the Philippines: Enchanted Kingdom!
aLpmobs and charmz kept on bugging me to join! But hell! If it wasn’t for my still healing arm injury, I’m I would’ve kicked their ass! Just kidding. The injury part is true though… T_T
And yes, the part about the guy giving something to the pretty emcee just before he left was true! The girl was actually surprised about it and it was apparently obvious by her reaction. Too bad I wasn’t able to film it! It would’ve been priceless!
About the falling box title, I bet this would never happen to anyone else in the universe. Ever.
Here’s what happened:
I was walking along the street to quickly get to the Jeepney stop near our place. Apparently, two huge Garbage trucks were in the way so obviously, I tried avoiding them. The smell! LOL!
Passing by the first truck was no problem, just walking along it’s right side. Since the next truck was just to the right of the one I just passed, I naturally veered toward the left. Just as I passed the huge stinking (literally) hatch, just after a couple of steps…
A huge flat screen tv carton box fell.
It was just like this, only stinkier.
And I thought my life was so boring… ^_^
Bob Ong on his new book, “Kapitan Sino”
<.-.> Para sa kapakanan ng mga mambabasa mong naghintay sa bagong libro, pwede mo bang sabihin sa amin kung tungkol saan ang Paboritong Libro ni Hudas?
<BO> Kapitan Sino?
<.-.> Ah, oo, Kapitan Sino pala. Hehe. Ang ganda-ganda kasi ng Paboritong Libro ni Hudas. Yon ang paborito ko sa mga libro mo e. Hindi dahil sa nandoon ako, pero marami talagang nagsasabi na maganda yung Paboritong–
<BO> Ahem, um, ang Kapitan Sino ay tungkol kay Rogelio Manglicmot na nakilala ng mga tao bilang isang superhero sa katauhan ni Kapitan Sino.
<.-.> Ang haba ng pangalan! Para sakin mas gusto ko pa rin yung mga isinulat mong tauhan na five characters lang ang pangalan, yung simple lang, yung parang puro punctuation mark lang….
<BO> Ah, magugustuhan mo si Bok-bok, kasi may punctuation mark din ang pangalan nya!
<.-.> Sino naman yun?
<BO> Kaibigan ni Rogelio. Marami kang makikilala sa mundo ni Kapitan Sino.
<.-.> Pati si Tesla?
<BO> Si Tessa. Pero tama ka, dahil kinuha ko ang pangalan nya kay Nikola Tesla. Isa sa pinakamagaling, kundi man ang pinakamagaling, na electrical engineer sa kasaysayan, pero kaawa-awang naagawan ng maraming imbensyon.
<.-.> Hindi ba si Tessa ang nagpatagal ng ika-pitong libro?
<BO> Nagkakahiyaan kasi sila ni Rogelio. Nahirapan tuloy akong magsulat ng
kwentuhan nila. Yung iba ngang usapan, hindi na nila ipinasulat sa akin.
<.-.> Kaya ba isang buong araw kang nakinig ng mga senti?
<BO> Hehehe. Higit pa. Paulit-ulit-ulit akong nakinig ng mga love song, kasama na yung kanta ni Carole King, nang ilang linggo habang isinusulat ang tagpo nila. Pilit din akong nanood ng romantic movies pandagdag inspirasyon, at nagpaturo sa romance novel writer na dating miyembro ng Bobong Pinoy YahooGroup. Ewan kung pasado na ang gawa ko.
<.-.> Totoo bang lumang superhero si Kapitan Sino?
<BO> Hindi. Sya ang pinakabagong superhero…noon.
<.-.> 80’s? Ibinalik mo ba ang oras sa Dekada Otsenta?
<BO> Oo, kaya mas akma ang kwento sa mga 27 years old pataas. Baka merong mga hindi gaanong maintindihang detalye ang mga mas batang mambabasa. Makakatulong kung meron silang mapagtatanungang matanda.
<.-.> Hmmm… mukhang interesante itong ika-walong libro.
<BO> Ika-pito. Pero tama ka ulit, dahil may mauuna pa dapat akong libro dito, kundi lang nakiusap si Mayor na paunahin ko na sila.
<.-.> May Mayor? Matatapatan ba nito ang dami ng celebrity sa Paboritong Libro ni Hudas?
<BO> Tinutukoy mo ba sila Donita Rose, Marvin Agustin, at Tootsie Guevarra na nasa ikatlong libro? Ikinalulungkot ko, pero mas hitik at nag-uumapaw sa mga celebrity ang Kapitan Sino.
<.-.> Pero hindi mo maitatangging ako ang pinakasikat mong celebrity dahil lumabas ako sa dalawang libro!
<BO> Tama. Lumabas ka sa itim at puting libro. Pero may iba pa kong tauhan na lumabas din ulit dito sa Kapitan Sino.
<.-.> Huh?! Hindi mo ko pinasasaya sa mga sagot mo, Bob Ong! At bakit ako magkaka-interes kay Kapitan Sino kung nung 80’s pa ang adventure nya?
<BO> Kung itatanong mo yan pagkatapos magbasa, hindi mo naintindihan ang libro.
<.-.> Saan ba ko kukuha ng kopya?
<BO> Unti-unti na pong nagkakaroon ngayon ang mga paborito nyong eatery o sari-sari store. Kung wala pa, baka naubusan lang kayo. Subukan nyo ulit sa ibang araw.
<.-.> Magkano ba?
<BO> 75 pesos lang po…kung panahon ni Cory Aquino! Pero dahil 2009 na, P175.00 po ang isa.
<.-.> Matagal-tagal bago nasundan ang Macarthur.
<BO> Ito ang pinakamatagal na agwat ng pagsusulat ko. Pero natapos din ang libro, salamat sa inspirasyon mula sa mga mambabasang tagapagpalakas ng loob at umaasang laging masusundan pa ang huling librong nabasa nila. Dahil sa simpleng hiling nila na laging masabihan kagad kung may bago na silang mababasa kaya ginagamit na naman kita ngayon para sa official announcement.
<.-.> Sanay na ko. Alam ko kailangan mo ng celebrity endorser para sa Kapitan Sino. Idagdag mo na lang sa talent fee ko yung t-shirt ng officialuse.net.
<BO> Punta ka sa Komikon sa UP sa Sabado, May 16.
http://visprintpub.blogspot.com/ Meron doong mga t-shirt ni Bob Ong. Mura lang dahil hindi ka na magbabayad ng shipping fee. Pagkakataon mo na!
<.-.> Aba, talagang double-purpose ang patalastas ah! May Swine Flu ka pa sa lagay na yan.
<BO> Sipon lang.
<.-.> Sa susunod mong libro wag kang gagawa ng announcement pag may sipon ka, kasi lalong kumo-corny.
<BO> Sige, susubukan ko. Salamat.
Kapitan Sino is Out!
THERE IS SOMETHING STRANGE IN YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD
Naunahan na naman ang mga pulis sa pagtugis sa mga holdaper ng isang jewelry shop. Bago noon, may iba na ring nakahuli sa isang carnaper; sumaklolo sa mga taong nasa itaas ng nasusunog na building; nagligtas sa sanggol na hinostage ng ama; tumulong para makatawid sa kalsada ang isang matanda; tumiklo sa mga miyembro ng Akyat-Bahay; sumagip sa mag-anak na tinangay ng tubig-baha; nag-landing nang maayos sa isang Boeing 747 na nasiraan ng engine; at nagpasabog sa isang higanteng robot. Pero sino ang taong ‘yon? Maililigtas nya ba sila Aling Baby? At ano nga ba talaga ang sabon ng mga artista?
KAPITAN SINO
Ang pinakabagong superhero noon.
Mas matibay pa sa orig.
Sa mas mahabang panahon.
KAPITAN SINO
ni Bob Ong
ISBN: 978-9710-54501-8
168 pages, paperback
Filipiniana, FICTION
Suggested Retail Price: P175.00
According to reports however, it is only available at Powerbooks and Pandayan bookshop branches at the time of writing.
Dear Bob Ong
DISCLAIMER:
According to Visprint Publications, this post is not an authentic article made by Bob Ong.
Dear Mr. Bob Ong,
Matagal ko na pong nililigawan itong ramp model na stage actress na nakilala ko recently sa isang party. Nasisiraan na ako ng bait. Pag nakilala mo siya, tiyak matutunaw ang utak mo sa kakaisip sa kanya.
Hingi lang po ako ng advice. Paano ko po siya mapapaibig? Bibigyan ko ba siya ng tula ? Haharanahin ko ba siya? Roses? Kalachuchi? Chocnut at sampaguita?
In lab na po ako. Ano po ang gagawin ko? Is she the one.
Lubos na gumagalang,
– Bartolome –
– ANG REPLY –
Dear Bartolome,
Hindi ka talaga sasagutin niyang nililigawan mo. Napaka-old school kasi ng mga tactics mo. Wala nang gumagawa ng ganyan. Sa panahon ngayon, lahat ng bagay, nagtaas na. Nagtaas na ang gasolina, nagtaas na ang presyo ng bigas at mga bilihin, nagtaas na ang pamasahe, at lalong nagtaas na rin ng standards ang mga babae. Hindi na uubra yang siopao at kalachuci mo. Lalo na yung huli mong binigay, hopia at santan. Ano ba pare? Ano’ng era ka ba pinanganak?
Pero don’t worry. It’s not too late. May pag-asa ka pa.. Hindi pa naman siya kinakasal at di pa niya sinasagot yung crush niya na basketball player. Kahit lamang siya ng sampung paligo sa’yo, daanin mo sa utak at creativity. Dahil aminin na natin, iyon na lang talaga ang pag-asa mo. Heto, bibigyan kita ng mga simple, tried and tested na mga regalo para di siya mapurga sa hopia at siomai. Sundin mo ‘to, tiyak na lalaglag ang bagang niya sa’yo. Mga medyo more than your usual regalong panligaw:
1. Bili ka ng century tuna. Ilagay mo sa isang napakalaking box-yung sinlaki ng TV o kaya box ng desktop PC mo. Tapos balutan mo ng magarang pambalot.. Kuntsabahin mo na yung teacher niya sa Calculus. Sa gitna ng klase, bigla kang kumatok sa classroom. Pero dapat, incognito ka. Magsuot ka ng LBC jacket, magshades, at magsuot ng surgical mask. Pagpasok mo sa classroom, iabot mo yung box sa teacher, at papirmahin mo ng acknowledgement receipt. Tapos pabuksan mo in front of everyone. Tignan mong mabuti ang reaction sa mukha niya.
Later during the day, pag tinanong niya kung bakit Century Tuna ang binigay mo, iikot mo yung lata at ituro mo yung sign na “Omega 8.” Pag tinanong niya kung ano yung Omega 8, sabihin mo: “because you’re good for my heart.”
2. Mangolekta ka ng isang dosenang hanger na libre mong nakukuha tuwing nagpapa-dry clean ka. Tapos, sa bawat hanger, isulat mo: “I miss hanging out with you.”
3. Instead of roses, kuha ka ng tissue paper sa banyo ng school mo. Gawin mong tissue paper roses. Gawa ka ng isang dosena. Pag-abot mo, sabihin mo, “Ganito kalinis ang pag-ibig ko sa’yo.”
4. Bili ka ng tetra pack ng mantikang Minola. Tapos bilugan mo yung “with Omega 8.” Hindi na siya magtatanong kung bakit.
5. Bigyan mo ng ice cream cone. Dapat cone lang at walang ice cream. Pag hinanap niya yung ice cream, sabihin mo, “natunaw na kakatitig sa’yo.”
6. Bili ka ng sandosenang box ng crayola. Kolektahin mo lahat ng black. Lagay mo sa isang box ng crayola. Sa likod, isulat mo: “Walang kulay ang buhay kung wala ka.”
7. Bigyan mo siya ng mumurahing bumbilya. Alam mo na siguro by this time kung ano ang isasagot pag tinanong niya kung bakit. (para sa mga hindi maka-“gets”, kapag tinanong ka, ang sagot mo ay, “sapagkat, ikaw lamang ang tanging ilaw at liwanag sa buhay ko”, o kaya naman ay, “you light up my life”…
8. I-text mo siya ng: “Hindi tayo tao, hindi tayo hayop, hindi tayo halaman. Bagay tayo. Bagay!”
9. Bigyan mo siya ng calling card ng MMDA. Sa likod, isulat mo “para pag nagkabanggaan ang puso natin.”
10. Padalhan mo ng Happy Meal pero huwag mong ibibigay yung libreng laruan. Paghinanap niya, sabihin mo: “Ako yung freebie, at ikaw yung meal na nagpapahappy sa’kin.”
11. Sunugin ang kanyang bahay at padalhan ng hallmark card: “aanhin mo pa ang bahay mo, kung matagal ka nang nakatira sa puso ko”
12. Pagatapos sunugin ang kanyang bahay, padalhan siya ng isang box ng posporo, Guitar brand. unahan ang kanyang galit at sabihin, “ayan ang posporo na ginamit ko sa pagsunog ng iyong bahay, match na tayo”
13. Sa kalagitnaan ng isang malupit na bagyo, pasalubungan sya ng “salbabida”, wag payong, o mainit na mami. Pag nagtanong bakit? ang isagot mo ay ” ayaw kong malunod ka sa pag mamahal ko.”
14. Pag pumayag na siyang makipagdate, dalhin mo siya sa canteen at huwag bibitawan ang kamay. Pag tinanong niya kung bakit, ituro mo yun sign na “don’t leave your valuables unattended”
Handang tumulong lagi,
-Bob Ong-
Pokka, and our new cat.
Here are some photos I took within the past few days that doesn’t seem to fit any particular theme. There should’ve been more, but the other phone I used is malfunctioning and I couldn’t retrieve the rest, despite all my hacking skills combined.
The newest addition to our ever-growing number of pets: Pot-pot!
My newest favorite drink in the whole universe: Pokka Milk Coffee!
Exhausted just after a few solves.
Ave. of 10 Solves = 25.20 Seconds
Yep! Naisipan ko nang orasan muli ang aking sarili sapagkat nalalapit na ang Rizal Open 2009, ngunit ako’y nagdadalawang isip pa kung ako ay sasali. Bakit kamo? Sapagkat kung ako man ay sasali sa isang kompetisyon, gagawin ko lamang iyon sa isang kundisyon: upang manalo. Ngunit kung alam mo na mayroon isang labing-dalawang taong gulang na bata na lalampaso sa’yo at marami pang iba, bakit pa? Oo, sabi nila, para masubukan ko lang daw.
Heller?! Marami pang kompetisyon ang mangyayari sa hinaharap. Marami pa akong pagdadaanan.
Marami pa akong kakaining bigas. (sana dinorado. ^_^)
Pero makulit talaga itong utak ko at naisipan kong magpraktis ng dalawang araw (Oo, dalawang araw lang.) na katumbas ng mga 100 solbs (mukha lang madami, pero hindi!) kada araw, at ito ang kinalabasan:
24.92
25.92
25.71
27.17
24.64
24.69
25.88
25.98
22.27—> ito na ang aking PB (Personal Best) ^_^ Magbunyi!
24.88
———
25.20 segundong Average (di ko lam Tagalog ng Average eh..)
Oo, ang dating average ko ay 26 something ngunit mas masaya na ako ngayon sapagkat consistent na ang oras sa magkakadikit na 24 at 25 seconds.
Paumanhin sa mga mambabasa kong banyaga at purong lingguaheng Pilipino lamang ang aking panunulat ngayon, sapagkat napakasarap nang aking pakiramdam at wala na ang aking dinadaing na migraine mula pa kagabi…
Bow.
FanboyChronicles Again!
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Karamel.Lens 
Bakit Baligtad Magbasa ng Libro ang mga Pilipino
The Yellow Book (by his fans) is noticeably more thicker than the rest of the series at 200+ pages, is a collection of write-ups about the Philippines and Filipinos; commentaries from prominent people; and even a bunch of forwarded e-mails! Most fans will tell you that this is his one of his worst if not the worst work yet because it’s just a “compilation of forwarded e-mails.”
Yes, I agree with them, but for a totally different reason. They fail to realize that the author wants us to see how the world percieves us and not how they judge us.Filipinos by nature are very proud of their culture and heritage (or lack of it) and hate being criticized about it. Sadly, it’s what this book is all about.
What I dislike about this book however is how loose the book was written. With the loads of material included, the transition was very poor from one chapter to another. You’re lauging at how “jologs” you are from an online test at one point, and hating the guts of a foreigner writing about his sentiments about the Philippines. Yes, it’s that incohesive.
Reading very long, forwarded material in my e-mail is tiresome. I know many of you agree with me on this and it also holds true in this book. Material that wasn’t very entertaining, educational nor does not contribute to the books cohesiveness should’ve been left out. Trying to finish the book was agonizing even for me and adding comments at the end of each could’ve made it more “interesting” at least.
Certainly not the best book to start with within the series, because you might feel cheated as a reader at the amount of re-published work contained in the book.
Seeing the heart of this book was well at the end, so make sure you finish! then ask yourself: Do I still want to be a Filipino?
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June 6, 2009 | Categories: Books | Tags: ABNKKBSNPLAKO?!, Alamat ng Gubat, Bakit Baligtad Magbasa ng Libro ang mga Pilipino, bob, bob ong, book review, chika, collection, comments, delayed by iamryanm, Filipino, for, funny, haha, interview, jokes, Kapitan Sino, kulit, letter, lovers, MacArthur, news, ong, philippine, pinoy, release, Stainless Longganisa, summary | 1 Comment