Top 20 Cities I’m Dying to Visit (Part 2)

DEAR GOD,

Forgive me for being fickle. I changed it to Top 20 cities (from 17) to break the ties. There would’ve been 3 cities sharing the fifth spot but I reckoned it’s silly so I broke ‘em. Hehe. It’s your fault! Why did you have to make this world so beautiful, anyway? And why did you have to make me such an ambitious, discontent, sad person?

God, I’m telling you, I’m not going to heaven before I’m done with all these cities, aright? Oh, I’m sure you want me in heaven. Hell won’t accept me. They’re not ready for a new ruler yet. Hahaha.

If you haven’t seen the first half of this list, click here. Anyway, moving on…

8. MADRID, Spain*

“There has to be a Spanish city,” I demanded from myself. I was thinking Barcelona initially. But suddenly, Penelope Cruz Jose Rizal showed up somewhere on my mind, and I changed it to Madrid.

I’m soooo in love with Rizal. Had he been alive, I would’ve stalked him. Really.

I just want to go to the places he had been — the universities where he studied at, the streets he walked, the room he started writing Noli Me Tangere in, the places he frequented… I saw on TV that there is actually a “Walk with Rizal” tour in Madrid. I am so gonna sign up for that someday. Someday. <cue: Nina – Someday>

*For my great grandmother and the rest of the Zaragoza clan.

7. AMSTERDAM, The Netherlands

If I were a city, I would have to be Amsterdam. Not because it’s beautiful (but why not? haha) but because it is often dubbed “the most socially liberal city in the world.” The Netherlands stands for everything I value and fight for. Social liberalism. Freedom. Tolerance. Choice.

If ever I get married, it’ll be here in Amsterdam. The keyword there is “if.”

6. WARSAW, Poland

Warsaw is the most destructed city after World War II. (Manila, second.) That said, wouldn’t it be nice to see how much Poland has resurrected from ashes?

The truth is, what I really want to visit isn’t in Warsaw. It’s south of the capital, near Krakow. AUSCHWITZ. I want to be there. In the middle of the concentration camps. Be haunted by the gloomy atmosphere. Be awed by the silence left from the suffering that once was there. Be moved to tears by how humanity fell yet again.

Auschwitz is a constant reminder that we are fragile as a species. And that too often in history, power has corrupted many of us and has forced the others to extinction, which makes us almost no different from other animals. And that’s just sad.

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Define Euphoria

National List of Passers
2007 FOREIGN SERVICE OFFICER WRITTEN EXAMINATIONS
Held 19-21 December 2007 (Released: 29 August 2008)
Department of Foreign Affairs – Philippines

Gaaawd. Just when I start envying my friends (especially Bebs) for reaching new heights in their careers, something like this comes my way.

From a thousand examinees, now we’re down to 58. (Yeah, the mortality rate in FSO Exam makes us all go suicidal.) I didn’t expect this. I absolutely hoped for it but not expected. I mean, come on, the questions were like:

• Formulate an ECONOMIC policy for the Philippine Embassy in Paris and back it up with a theoretical framework. (I didn’t have any Economics classes in college, thank you very much.)
• Trace the history of the Middle East from the Mesopotamian Era up to the present. (What?! Are you frakkin’ serious? I’m a FILM graduate!)

And there were almost 30 questions. Maybe what they needed was a thesis dissertation prepared within half a day. It was the craziest three days of my life. And knowing I failed to follow some test instructions, I really did not expect anything. In fact, I ALMOST GAVE UP ON IT.

Now, there’s just one more round left. Another 3-day exam. Just one more. I’m gonna need a tuxedo. Haha.

Dahil dyan, magpapa-cheeseburger ako! Burger! Burger!

I am sooo gonna become a diplomat.

Top 20 Cities I’m Dying to Visit (Part 1)

DEAR GOD,

Let’s be clear. You are not gonna take my life back until I’m done enjoying the cities listed below. You hold your end of the rope and I promise to be good less evil. I swear, aright? Some of my reasons are pretty lame. But I’m sure you’ll understand. Thanks, Papa God. You’re the best.

20. VENICE, Italy

It was my first time to touch an encyclopaedia volume and the first picture I saw was that of Venice and the gondolas swaying on its flooded streets. I was 7 years old. Right then, I told myself that I just had to visit Venice. You see, I was born ambitious a romantic

But really, I won’t visit Venice alone. Someone has to go there with me. And it’s not gonna be my mother.

19. FLORENCE, Italy

I have no idea what’s in Florence and I’m too lazy to research right now. But three of my friends who have embarked on a European tour have been raving about it. Ahem Ayn ahem Tey ahem Rico ahem. So I don’t know, but since they love it so much, I might as well see for myself.

18. RIO DE JANEIRO, Brazil

I think Mardi Gras is such a fun event and no one celebrates this in a more grandiose and more astonishing manner than the Brazilians.

I’m not a Christian but it wouldn’t hurt to be face-to-face with Jesus Christ the Redeemer, would it? After all, it’s crazy enormous. Crazy enormous.

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Hahada Laang: Batangan Tagalog

Status: My room aircon is busted. Waaah. Ang init.
Music: Best Days – Graham Colton

“Hahada laang.”

This was what I told my new housemates in UP Diliman when they asked me where I was going. They laughed their guts out. I didn’t know why. But I laughed with them. Pretended I was getting the joke I didn’t even realise I cracked.

I added, “Bakit? Gusto nyo sumama?”

And they laughed even harder. Way harder. I was a college freshman. And I was straight then. This was why I made a sort of “joker” impression on my housemates even though most of the time, I was as serious as hell. And the only humour I knew was sarcastic.

“Hada” in Batangas, or at least in Lemery, means “to take a walk.” Hihikap. Gagala. Maglalakad-lakad. It took me almost two years to finally figure out that “hada,” in gay lingo, actually means to go out and look for potential sexcapades. I didn’t know.

When I tell people I’m a Batangueno, they are usually shocked. Their first reaction is always to ask me “How come you don’t have the accent?” I never had that accent. I can fake it but I never had it. We don’t have it in the family. But fellow Batanguenos and even those who hailed from other Southern Tagalog provinces easily trace my Batangan roots when I start talking. I may not have the accent, but my diction — ah, my diction — is as Batangan as it can get.

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Walang Tawiran: Nakamamatay*

Status: Coz I try and try to walk away, but I know this crush ain’t goin’ away…
Music: Crush – David Archuleta

*Don’t cross: Deadly.

Another short conversation with a friend over Yahoo Messenger.

Yoshke: Done reading?
Robin: Aye aye. Sweet. Mushy.
Yoshke: Should I say “Thanks?”
Robin: lol. How come all your short, short, short stories are about friends falling in love?
Yoshke: NOT ALL. Just the ones I post on my blog.
Robin: Tell me, are you in love with a friend?
Yoshke: No.
Robin: Don’t tell me it’s me.
Yoshke: Whoah, is it just me or it really turned windy here in cyberspace?
Robin: Windy in cyberspace? You’re crazy.
Yoshke: And you’re presumptuous! Assuming much?
Robin: So why the fascination?
Yoshke: I just love writing about it but it doesn’t mean I’m in that predicament.
Robin: You’re in love with a friend. Who is it?
Yoshke: I am not.
Robin: Do I know him?
Yoshke: I am not in love with anyone.
Robin: One of your college friends? Office friends?
Yoshke: I will never be in love with a friend. I can’t be.
Robin: Oh, it’s one of those little rules you impose on yourself.
Yoshke: Yeah. And you know, when I like someone, I tell him right off.
Robin: Whore.
Yoshke: I meant, I don’t befriend someone just because I like him. Because once the friendship is drawn, there’s no crossing the line for me.
Robin: What if he’s the one to cross the line?  /:]
Yoshke: A speeding truck will run him over. =))
Robin: lol
Yoshke: You see, next to family, I value friendships the most. And I don’t wanna screw it up just so I could be in a romantic relationship when I can just fall in love with someone else with which there’s no friendship to screw up.
Robin: Man, you ARE in love with a friend.
Yoshke: I am not! And I’m signing out if you say it again.
Robin: You’re in love with a friend.

I am not. Never have been. Never will be. I SWEAR.

…

Top 10 Most Notorious Serial Killers

In any known culture, murder is considered a heinous crime. This is because human life is valued more than anything else in the world. Throughout history, however, we have seen countless serial killers and mass murderers rise and spread terror. They are often seen as heartless monsters who are incapable of seeing life as sacred.

Many of these serial killers commit murders one after another because of a mental illness or pure hatred and rage. Whatever their reasons are, they still manage to keep the attention of the public on them and mark their names on history. Here are the top 10 most notorious serial killers of all time.

Warning: graphic language and gruesome pictures below.

10. THE PIOUS MONSTER

Real name: Gilles de Rais (France)
Murder count: 80 to 600

Often dubbed as the precursor to the modern serial killer, Gilles de Rais of France was a nobleman and a military captain in the army led by St. Joan of Arc. He was convicted of raping, torturing and killing dozens (or hundreds) of young children, mostly boys between six to 18. Although he preferred boys, if circumstances required, he would make do with girls.

Surviving accounts narrate how Rais would lure young boys with blond hair and blue eyes to his residences. Then, he would sexually molest, torture and mutilate the poor kids. Most of the time, he would ejaculate over the body of the dying victim. He was not alone. He had accomplices helping him set up the heads of these kids so that they could judge who among these kids was the fairest.

Most of the bodies were burnt or buried and until now, the exact number of his victims is still unknown. However, it is placed between 80 and 200. Some think that it may even be as high as 600.

9. THE KILLER CLOWN

Real name: John Wayne Gacy (Chicago, Illinois, US, 1972 – 1978)
Murder count: more than 29

We know that clowns bring fun and joy to children. Well, one clown decided to prove us wrong. He brought terror, instead. Move over, JOKER. Hehe.

John Wayne Gacy is one of the most notorious killers in the history of America. He has two jobs. By day he was a respected member of the community and a business owner who loved to entertain children as Pogo the Clown.

But at night, he was a serial murderer, cruising the streets looking for teenage boys to torture and murder. Once he had the young men at his suburban home, he would show them a magic trick using handcuffs. However, there was no magic trick. With the boys already handcuffed, he would sexually assault them all he could. Then, the brutal torture and murder followed.

For six years, the bodies of his victims stacked up in the crawlspace of his home. Due to lack of space, he was forced to throw his next victims into the Des Plaines River.

He was finally caught when he let his last victim escape after a night of horrendous torture. When the police searched his house, they found 29 bodies piled up under the patio floor and in the crawlspace. In 1980, he was sentenced to death. In 1994, he was executed.

8. THE GAY SLASHER

Real name: Andrew Phillip Cunanan (US, 1996-1997)
Murder count: 5

Andrew Cunanan murdered only five people but he was very infamous all over the world. This Filipino-American serial killer was listed on the Ten Most Wanted Fugitives of the FBI.

Cunanan always visited gay neighbourhoods in San Diego, San Francisco and Los Angeles. Many of those he met described him as articulate, intelligent and charming. He was also said to have extreme sexual tastes and sadomasochistic inclination. Most of all, he was also very handsome. And he put this asset of his to evil use.

Unlike most serial killers who pick up their victims in the streets, Cunanan eyed the rich and the famous. Yes, he killed only five people but these people were SOME people. And he managed to kill them in a three-month cross country trip. His first victim was a former US Naval Officer, Jeffrey Trail. Architect David Madson came next. The next to meet his demise in Cunanan’s hands was Lee Miglin, a real estate developer. He then killed William Reese, a cemetery caretaker, for his truck. And his fifth and final victim — Gianni Versace, a billionaire fashion designer. Because Cunanan was reported to be working as a prostitute, the media speculated that four of his victims were actually his clients.

There was a national manhunt for Cunanan. Before being captured, however, he committed suicide in a Miami houseboat.

Andrew Cunanan after the suicide

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Let’s Kill ‘Em All!
Top 18 Most Annoying Types of People (Part 2)

I originally wrote this part for crunkish.com, an amazing website that we put up. Hehe. Anyway, Let’s continue with the bashing. Hihi. If you missed the first half, click here. But first, a disclaimer: I’m actually guilty of being one (or maybe two or more) of these. Go figure. Haha.

10. THE SPAMMERS

I don’t know why I chose this picture, haha. (Hey, he looks like spam personified, hahaha.) Spammers are those who flood your inbox with e-mails telling 10-year old boys how to apply for a mortgage and encouraging straight women to enlarge their male genitalia. Spams fill up your inbox that it can be so hard to find which messages are real. Now, that’s really annoying. I know they’re just doing their jobs but oh well, their jobs SUCK.

And then there are trolls. They are those who purposely start a heated argument in online forums by flamebaiting. These attention-seekers would do all sorts of things to create discussion chaos by attacking other posters on a forum without listening to what they have to say. Even when they know they are wrong, they still insist just for the purpose of ruining the peaceful, smooth flow of opinions.

How to deal: A spam-blocker is enough to avoid spammers. When it comes to trolls, the best thing to do is ignore them and not reply to their posts.

9. THE KNOW-IT-ALLS

We understand that some people are just so knowledgeable that they sure know something wherever you lead the conversation to. Yes, we certainly understand that. What is annoying is when these people start to act like they know everything — as in EVERYTHING.

Have you ever had a a classmate who always has an answer to almost anything your teacher asks? What is more irritating is when he answers even those that are rhetorical. (Wahaha, sounds like my Broad Comm classmates, hihi).

Know-it-alls think that they know everything there is in the world and that they are always right. Most of the time, they also assume that everything they know are things that other people haven’t heard of. Another pesky habit they have is they cut you off in the middle of the conversation and they will be the ones who would start talking about the same topic as if you aren’t credible enough. What’s up with that?

How to deal: When in an argument with a know-it-all, never tell him that he’s wrong. Instead, say that you disagree and explain why. Enumerate your reasons and back them up with evidence that can be verified. Do all these in your most polite way.

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TV Rundown 2008 | Drama

Writing a review of a movie is very different from that of a TV series. Yes, both the technique and the entertainment value must be considered. When reviewing a film, a huge fraction of my judgement is based on how solid the story is. When it comes to TV programmes, I usually ask myself how engaging the episodes are.

Anyway, here are the programmes I started and finished watching since June this year.

Kyle XY | Seasons 1-2
Genre: Sci-Fi, Family Drama; Creators: Eric Bress, J. Mackye Gruber
Stars: Matt Dallas, Marguerite MacIntyre, Bruce Thomas, April Matson, Jean-Luc Bilodeau

HEARTWARMING. I must admit that the only reason I decided to watch this was Matt Dallas. He’s hot and I love him. And when the show opened with Matt Dallas nude and sweaty in the middle of the forest, I knew I made the right decision. Haha. But Kyle XY is more than Matt’s hotness.

Most of my friends didn’t like this show because there isn’t anything novel about the premise. Although I agree with them, I still think that this is a pretty good show. I was expecting a sci-fi with lots of fight scenes but it is actually a family drama. It may not be as cool as other sci-fi/fantasy shows but it is a very effective family drama with solid characters and moving narrative turns.

And yeah, Matt Dallas is just so hot. Both seasons: 4.0

…

Prison Break | Seasons 1-3
Genre: Action, Thriller; Creators: Paul Scheuring
Stars: Dominic Purcell, Wentworth Miller, Amaury Nolasco, Sarah Wayne Callies

INGENIOUS. Looking at the poster, Prison Break did not appeal to me in any way. That’s why I only started watching this year even though my friends had been raving about it as early as my last year in college. The only reason I decided to watch it was because there was nothing else to watch. I didn’t know what the series was about and I didn’t find Wentworth Miller attractive. But when I read the synopsis on the back cover, I was blown away. And that was the start of my addiction.

Prison Break manages to keep its audiences hooked even though the story takes place within the boundaries of a prison. I mean, come on, it could’ve been boring. But Michael’s character assures that nothing is predictable inside. The characters are all driven and motivated, and their relationships to one another make it even more exciting. More riveting than the concept is the execution. It’s well-shot, well-edited and well-directed. The only problem I had with the first season was that I knew they couldn’t successfully break out until the season finale and I was getting really — as in REALLY — impatient, which, I believe, was what the creators wanted audiences to feel in the first place. 5.0

On with Season 2. Still exciting. Still engrossing. Seeing the brothers together in the outside world was somewhat refreshing. (And now, I’m rhyming. Haha.) Alexander Mahone is one very interesting character and I think, together with Michael, he kept the series together. If I was being impatient the previous season, this time I was sooo tired for the characters. I just wanted them to stop running. And they have been making stupid decisions (like Michael trying to kick T-Bag back into gaol). But then again, everything is justified. 4.5

And then, there’s Season 3. And everything went downhill. The problem with Season 3 is that it actually feels like Season 1 all over again. The only difference is that Michael is less smart and Lincoln is a bit smarter, and that it is set in Panama. Although it’s far from boring, the ingenuity is absent here. Nevertheless, I still can’t wait for the next season. 4.0

…

Heroes | Season 2
Genre: Sci-Fi, Action, Thriller; Created by: Tim Kring
Stars: Milo Ventimiglia, Ali Larter

BOOORING. I’m having a huge problem with Heroes. It seems like the only adjective I can think of to describe it is “interesting.” That’s it. Other than that, nothing. The show, like what Bebs said, is boring. (Oh wait, that’s another adjective, haha.)

But I don’t get the hype. I don’t know what this show tries to be. The narrative is loose and weak. Maybe because there are too many characters. (But I’ve seen many ensemble-type shows that aren’t boring. Lost, for example.)

And because I didn’t really like this season or the entire series, allow me to just quote cellblocknutter of TV.com:

I can’t help but think the idea for it was ripped from The 4400… Whilst in this day and age very few shows can truly be called original, and most shows can be accused of this, Heroes doesn’t really do anything beyond being glamourous. Heroes is easy to like because it plays its safe; everything it does is tried and tested. It has cherry picked the successful elements of many recent popular American TV shows….

…This show feels as if it was made by a bunch of businessmen in a boardroom thinking how best to make money, rather than some talented person who had such a good story and idea worth sharing with the world, and being realised as best as possible. This is another show where you find yourself watching 45 minutes in which it spends about 15 minutes telling you something you don’t want to know, 5 minutes repeating old news, and 10 minutes doing absolutely nothing.

I don’t agree that it’s ripped from The 4400. But if you think about it, The 4400 actually has a much better and more interesting premise. Although my review wouldn’t have been that harsh, it’s kinda close to it. Hehe. Anyway, should have watched X-Men reruns instead. 2.5

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How My Friends See Me:
Twisted Impressions

Last week at the apartment…

Glenn: Do you have a copy of the first three seasons of House?
Yoshke: The first two are with Dohna. You’re addicted, aren’t ye?
Glenn: Yeah. (He paused a bit and then continued talking.) Every time I see Dr. House, I am reminded of you. No offence meant.
Yoshke: None taken. Haha. May I know why?
Glenn: You’re both sarcastic.
Yoshke: Damn, I thought you’d say we’re both brilliant. Hahaha.

Laughter. Silence.

Yoshke: But, you know, it takes wit to be sarcastic. So I’ll take that. Haha.

…

Last year in Robin’s car, on the way to Tagaytay.

Robin: You should make a career out of that.
Yoshke: Out of what?
Robin: Humiliating people.
Yoshke: I don’t humiliate people!
Robin: You just told me that all it would take was just one queer push and I would turn gay instantly.
Yoshke: But I always tell you that.
Robin: Not over dinner. In front of my entire family.
Yoshke: Aright, forgive my occasional lack of tact.
Robin: You meant to say it. You enjoy humiliating me.
Yoshke: Well, it only matters if you think I’m right. And I’m not. (pause) Right?
Robin: Of course not. I can’t believe we’re talking about this.
Yoshke: Er, aright, I’m sorry.
Robin: Don’t say sorry unless you mean it.
Yoshke: I mean it.
Robin: Friendly tip: don’t make a career out of this.
Yoshke: Out of what?
Robin: Acting sincere. You suck at it.

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7 Missed Calls

Note: Blogger’s original work. Don’t plagiarise. To those who would dare, as Ayn says it, may the wrath of heaven and earth fall upon you. This is fiction. Please see legal and ethical reminders on the sidebar. Thanks very much.

7 missed calls.

When I saw this flashed on my cellphone screen this morning, I knew my day would end this way. In a walk along this road connecting the college to Commonwealth Avenue. With you.

It’d been a while.

“How have you been?” Your voice was a bit shaky. If I didn’t know you better, I’d say you were nervous.

“Great,” I answered with a slice across my lower face. “And you? How’s London?”

“Well, it’s still London.” A slight laughter went through your lips.

And then, silence. I tried to come up with something to say to keep the conversation flowing but I couldn’t. I just felt I didn’t know you anymore. After two years of being away, I felt like nothing was ever the same with you.

You rebooted the conversation. “I want to tell you something.”

“Go ahead.”

You paused. Seemed hesitant to say it. “I’m leaving again. Next week. For good.”

“For Brisbane, I know. For what it’s worth, Australia is nearer than UK.”

“Yeah.”

And then, there was silence again. We were walking much more slowly than usual. I felt like I didn’t want to reach the end of this road.

“I want to tell you something.”

“You already told me.”

We reached the end of the road.

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