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Showing posts with label #laidbacktuesday. Show all posts
Showing posts with label #laidbacktuesday. Show all posts

Wednesday, December 21, 2016

MOVIES THAT MAY MOTIVATE THE WRITER IN YOU

Blogging had been my hobby since 2006. As how performers are naturally extroverts, I balance myself through writing. I dance for 30 minutes in the parade, day and night (a total of 1 hour) so when I write, it's like time for myself. In between parades, I write; when I get inspired, I write; when I experience something new, I write; and this I confess, I am guilty of cheating on my husband with writing. When I can't sleep, I climb down the bed to write. Most of the time, this happens during the unholy hours of between 3am to 5am. Probably the stillness of these hours contribute to the creative side of my brain. And when this occurs, I take advantage of the drive. But there's always a time that I would run out of ideas. Whenever that happens, I feed myself with ideas by reading books, going for a run or, spending time watching reruns. This line of films, specifically, remind me of why I wanted to be a writer. For you guys who are seeking inspiration to make it thru the writer's block, I hope these movies could benefit you as much as it did me.

1. SEX AND THE CITY

As a woman, there are avenues that I may just treat superficially interesting but are somehow necessary for everyday thriving.  Let me see, there's the lipstick, the heels, and the little black dress.

Sex is a basic need according to Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs Indeed, there's a lot to learn about people's expectations around it. This movie wraps up the series of 6 seasons that talked about sex without filter, at least as how Carrie Bradshaw (the fictional journalist played by Jessica Parker) and three of her best friends' opinions go. These four are portray of the typical group of ladies where catching up is of essence. They exchange gossips, views and experiences; stories about their careers and relationships then, they encourage themselves to remain elegant despite any situation, good or bad. And that is of the utmost inspiration that gets me. The writing style used in here was blunt, informative, entertaining, and hilarious. Just like in the series, there's no part in the movie that was dragging nor boring. Like come on! Who wouldn't want to have her lifestyle and influence to begin with?

The lessons and consequences that result from each of their decisions gave color to this movie. Let's admit it, women have a lot of drama, period! But we know how to channel it out. I think this is my cue to quote, "...after all, shopping is therapy!" And oh yes, friends count too. It's important that you're surrounded with allies. People that will push you up and not hold you down.

This movie encourages me to embrace the real Kyte without owing anybody explanation. It reminds me to love myself above all else. How is this necessary? Publishing posts out in the public eye is making yourself available for criticism. There will come a time that your post will be insulted and if you're not in sync with your mind set, you might take it too personal. This thought becomes my springboard into getting pumped up with writing. The truth? I let it play in the background when I'm alone at home, not necessarily watching it 100% but the dialogue had helped me to include interesting lines in my own writing. Just try it.

2. JULIE AND JULIA

This movie brought out the foodie in me. Julie "blogs" about cooking all 524 recipes of Julia Child's 726 page Mastering the Art of French Cooking Cookbook in the movie. I thought I was insane with how I wanted to write every time but when I saw this movie, it made me realise that it's ok to go on with my blog; that I'm more sane than Julie because she aimed to finish cooking and writing about all these recipes in just 1 year. She ultimately finished doing so successfully. Because I learned that anything could be possible, my mini food business was born and I had put a segment in my blog with the hashtag, #wineanddinewednesday.


It's amazing to know that Julie is one of the first blog-to-book achievers by simply focusing on one niche. Julie works as a receiver of calls from September 11 attack victims which had burnt her out that she had to look for something to take her mind off of it that's why she decided to start a blog.

I'm still sticking with a wide niche writing about lifestyle but writing about food specifically is so enjoyable that I watch this movie to check out specific words that the food critics had used. And for the record, Meryl Streep is my most favourite actress. She alone inspires me deeply.

3. FREEDOM WRITERS


Just as when the kids of Woodrow Wilson High School had almost given up on their future, a young enthusiastic teacher in the name of Erin Gruwell, comes with an unshakeable drive in doing her job, and then later on, making a change in their lives. After learning that these High School students fear losing their lives more than plunking high school, because of being in gangs, they were given something that they may have a chance to relate to, The Diary of Ann Franklin.

Co-teachers opposed on every intervention Gruwell had presented the kids but in the end, her efforts got recognised by the department chair and had a full permission to take the kids into field trips and full support in doing projects outside school. One of these projects involved all of her students journals to be put together to be a book to serve as their remembrance that they made progress. The students themselves got involved in the publishing process and this had become their channel into letting their background be understood.

Later on, they realized the importance of how each of their stories could inspire other people and whether it will be read or not, it's a reminder to them of surpassing a dark time of their lives knowing that they were there. And that they chose to make a difference.

I dream to get published someday to inspire other people and I will make it happen. This movie fed the dream in a very special way.

4. SHAKESPEARE IN LOVE

The greatest force in this world is love. It is greater than the human will, any form of hunger and every bit of hell just to break free. It can shake any ground, last as long as time and heal feuds of families that run for generations.

William Shakespeare, the most famous playwright, had written and shown this in theatres revealing his muse in creating "Romeo and Juliet", the greatest love story ever told. And in the movie, Shakespeare in Love, it gave out a message that despite all odds, love moves you into doing something risky but in the end beautiful.

A couple of reasons how this 7-Academy winner inspire me in writing. One, this is the first play written with a tragedy for an ending. William Shakespeare believed in making the audience tick. Even the queen herself who much preferred comedy took this leap from William as likeable. So this helps me in trusting what I write that as long as the intention to be true, somehow, somewhere, somebody would be benefiting from it. I just have to believe it. William Shakespeare wasn't rattled in disobeying the queen's wishes. He didn't care if he didn't abide. He remained himself and his work resulted to 3 beautiful things. He ended up being honoured by the queen, he gave women the chance to be recognised more than just being domesticated (because back then women didn't have the right, by law, to be on stage) and most of all, he became immortal thru his literary works.

Secondly, after watching this movie, I told myself I wanted to be a writer. But my family made me finish a different course. Remember, knowing what you want to do is already an achievement. To make long story short, it called me on the side to still pursue this passion secretly... on my own I suppose, by just simply writing when I can, however I can. Nobody knew I was writing so much until I started to self-publish thru my blog. On the day of this writing, I am 3 modules away from getting my diploma from British Council in Professional Freelance Journalism. Not quite of a Shakespearean course but I believe in what it holds for me. Moral of the story, once you know what you want to do, do it. Never waste a second not pursuing it. 

5. THE HELP

What if you could help out the oppressed through your writing? Do you think you have a story that needs to be told? If you think that the only way to put a stop on something that's happening horribly is by writing a book about it, would you do it? Well, a young aspiring journalist, Eugeena "Skeeter" Phelan did.

In the story, Skeeter had just graduated and had return home in Jackson Mississippi where almost all white families had black maids for help. She learns how these families mistreat them and asks for all the maids to cooperate in her project to expose such acts of racism. Aibileen, the helper closest to her and who she ultimately dedicates this work to, became emotionally attached to the project as it allows her to find closure with her son's death years before so she had decided to put a stand against unacceptable living arrangements and dispensable status.

This movie made me realise that you have to be ready for what you ask for. Skeeter wanted to be a writer and she had the opportunity to tell a story but not her own. Opportunity may come in different forms but I am humbled to be reminded that the intention of what you are writing are far greater than getting known for it. There are some stories that may come to you in a very dim light, something that may involve critical information, sensitive issues and personal stories: be careful when dealing with all of them. The Help taught me how to be mindful of these aspects and it keeps me grounded as a writer.

6. SPOTLIGHT

This movie, another one based on a true story, tells about 4 reporters, who aimed to abolish molestation of children by priests in Boston. Upon researching about the sensitive issue, they unexpectedly stumbled into information at a large scale. Apparently, the legislative body itself was protecting this scandal from going public. 


As a writer, this movie helps me to commit to all of what I publish. It served as my guideline in treating "research" importantly, how to apply principles in conducting interviews and how to exercise the extent of information I would want my readers to get. How to write in a sort of way that they will think for themselves, how to give out something but not totally so that they are learning from you and at the same time they are learning from their own reactions and emotions stirred by a concept, an idea or a story.

7. THE GREAT GATSBY

Writing is a form of art that had become a way for people to open up to the intangible universe. Emotions that are too extreme for public eye always finds a journal and for some people, this becomes a refuge. Surprisingly, doing so gives you a sense of relief, ease and satisfaction when you let go of everything thru writing. That being said, it is great therapy for some.... or at least for Nick Carraway, the narrator of the novel, "The Great Gatsby".


Disillusioned of the fictional lavish Eastern Egg lifestyle, he learns about his unimaginably rich neighbour, Jay Gatsby, to be in love with his cousin, Daisy Buchanan who's married to Tom, a former college friend. Tom has a mistress on the side and the plot revolves around these characters but the main help I get from this movie is that, Nick's therapist asks him to write down about the root of his frustration and anger, Jay Gatsby. As he did, he was able to let go of the event that led to another, revealing the painful truth that Jay just used him to get to Daisy. And sometimes, putting ourselves in Nick's shoes, it helps us in getting over something painful in our lives when we write down the real story. If you fear somebody will read it, you can always burn it.

8. MEMOIRS OF A GEISHA

The world is a big place. People may come from different cultures. People may belong in different boundaries. People's experiences may differ. Take note though that each of us are heroes of our own lives. Each thriving moment is an opportunity to unleash the unlimited power we have lingering deep within us, the human spirit. And no matter what challenge we are facing in our lives, the human spirit is the weapon we all have in common.

Memoirs of a Geisha is a story about finding love and fighting for it despite the limitation that comes with what is expected of a geisha. Beyond that, it's a historical narrative of how geishas are the highest form of Japanese art that most of the females that train for this start as early as 3-5 years old. It's not academic excellence they aim but being capable in playing the instruments and doing traditional dance. In today's modern English, the most fitting word that may describe a geisha would be "performing artist" or "artist" though there is no counterpart in the west for a geisha.

I love going over the book and the film each time because of the precise description of a geisha's training opening the reader to a visual world thru the weaved words of this book. Because it is based on true history, it is such a mystery how Japan practices this in the name of honour and arts. Usually, it's just an expertise on chivalry and being in the army that we could say honour may be earned and on the other hand, arts are more of a let-go product of laid back introverts who got inspired by just about anything. But in being a geisha, it's unfathomable but surreal that the two had been infused together.

This story being told in first person kind of gives me a feeling that every memory is fresh to the narrator as she revisits her journey of being a geisha. And having that thought in my mind encourages me to keep record of not only the good things in my life but to also keep record of the bad things because this is what human nature is all about. I also have this great fear of losing my memory that's why I write to my daughter about my life as a gift when she reaches 18 years old. As a form of legacy, I leave no secrets. Because honesty may help her learn a thing or two.


9. THE SECRET WINDOW

One of the most disturbing movies I've ever seen and one of the very rare books that was portrayed good in theatres, The Secret Window, starred by Johnny Depp was a story of a writer who had delusional episodes while he wrote about a novel as he copes up from a divorce. Altogether, writing had actually led him to doing something he never imagined he would be doing.

This movie is quite morbid but I had included this for my motivation because there are a lot of times that I am getting immersed too much on what I am working at that it almost becomes unhealthy. The characters you may be working on may alter your thought process leaving you with difficulties distinguishing fantasy from reality. I DON'T WANT TO BE LOST IN MY OWN STORY. Nor I don't want to lose my mind because of utter obsession. This movie encourages me to build a map or a plan for my story despite the fact that I'm a big time pantser. All writers are also warned of the consequence of plagiarism in this movie.

10. WITH HONORS

I believe in the beauty of consequence, serendipity, accidents and process whenever I write. Most of the time, researching on a certain topic leaves me in awe with the branches of learning that I get opened up to from just one thing to read about. This movie is an oldie but it talks a lot about things that we ignore when we are too engrossed in achieving our goal. We forget that taking a walk is important, talking to people may give us refreshing ideas and most of all, building relationships should be given time.

Monty Kessler lost his thesis to a homeless guy who demanded for Monty to do something for him in return such as providing food, allowing him to take a bath in his apartment, basically ending up staying in his house most of the time. He will only get one page at a time as Monty gets it done. Fast forward, the homeless guy imparts education to Monty that is not learned in school. He talks about life, how misfortune could creep in and how being alone is where you would never want to be.

This movie helps me understand that not everything is text book and my writing would be more effective if it has heart in it. Graduating as a nurse, I was trained to be precise, I understand that I'm dealing with life and I can't afford to make a mistake. It reflects in what I write. I am all structure and format but it lacks emotions and experience. In a writing workshop I've attended, we were asked to write about the first time we fell in love. When I was asked to read it out aloud, the mentor said, she didn't feel much heart from what I wrote. I watched this and related to Monty and got educated once again.

11. AWAKENINGS


I included this movie for my inspiration line up to be reminded that I need to trust research papers, check out how medical studies were conducted and to develop the skill of forming a conclusion.

Awakenings is a story about a neurologist who longed to give a solution to catatonic conditions of psych patients in a local hospital in New York. Discovering the beneficial effects of L-Dopa to patients who survived encephalitis lethargica, those with Parkinson's Disease, and those who did not move at all for more than a decade, the fictionalised Dr. Malcolm Sayer wrote down progress after progress after progress until one day, his patients just went back to not moving at all. He was devastated but the awakenings that his patients have had during that year, immensely thought him how to let go of something he thought he had.


One of my dreams is to write a book that would talk about how humans learn in response to different kind of stimuli and not just through classroom setting alone. I believe people are complex that they shouldn't be expected to be taught in the same manner, same amount of time and in uniform balance. Each individual should learn at their own pace. Sad to say, today's educational system is becoming obsolete. Maybe my book can create awareness once it gets published. Awakenings inspires me not to hesitate in making this happen.

12. HOW TO LOSE A GUY IN 10 DAYS

Another job that I would truly love to have is to work in a magazine. Because of that, my blog was patterned after it. I love inspiring women, particularly moms. I love being able to share something that I have experienced for the first time that other women may find applicable to their lives. And some of these posts are entitled the same way this movie is patterned to:

a "how-to".

Nowadays, it's more known as DIYs which I feature every Monday in here, www.kytedalino.blogspot.com. Hence the hash tag #DIYMonday.

I love the unexpected turn of events for Andie Anderson writing in her how-to column about losing a guy in 10 days. When she was out with friends to start with the assignment, she lands on Benjamin Barry's project as well, convincing a client that he could win a lady's heart in 10 days. If he wins, the client decides on entrusting a multi-million dollar advertisement deal to him. The irony builds up the plot and Andie comes up with a touching story to write in her column mentioning about the nasty consequences that may arise when you play with people's emotions.

Andie Anderson learns in each process that she had worked on in writing the "how-to" column. And for the last article that she wrote, she realized and learned how to value herself as a writer by quitting her current job and going for news editor.

13. MARLEY AND ME


To those who haven't seen this movie, Marley and Me is a hilarious comedy drama that features John and Jenny Grogan who are guess what! Writers!

It started with their budding life. As marriage both brings out the best in them, the worse would have been under control until Marley steps in. This box office hit reminds me to write about funny stories too if I get a chance. Life is made up of serious yet silly moments that is worth having a record of because the little things actually count as the most memorable ones.

This movie also clearly shows the two kinds of a writer: a planner and a pantser. You may be both.



Wednesday, November 30, 2016

IS TRADITIONAL SCHOOLING KILLING OUR INNATE CREATIVITY?

There was one time I observed my daughter closely for a whole hour while she was playing with her little kitchenette. For her not to feel conscious, I played along by asking her to cook for me. To my surprise, at the age of 2, she somehow memorised demo videos on how to use Play Doh Kitchen pack that she was speaking some lines to me from it as she tinkered with the plastic utensils and turning on the toy stove. This made me curious how is that possible? Probably because of repetition, she had somehow got it.

I noticed that she is inclined to love music. It's natural for people who love music to remember something thru it. Even the intro jingle of the Mr. Bean cartoons at the age of two? She loves dancing to it that she asks me to hum it for her. Until she did it on her own. Probably because my husband and I are performers, and we ourselves are music lovers, she can easily adapt to the tempo and she sings the lyrics in her own special way. With some words spoken clearly, communication with her starts to get very smooth. Most of the time she says it how she hears it. And it's usually right. I just know her that I get what she says even though it just sounds like that word while to some people, it could be a jargon.

Because of that, I thought to myself, what is the effect of traditional schooling to this massive energy? What if I will immerse her to doing what she loves to do instead of putting her in a classroom like everybody else? Somebody had told me about the beauty of homeschooling. So, in addition to the traditional educational system, time going to and from school will be spent making her an expert on something else at an early stage besides the expected curriculum for her age bracket. Just like what she wants to do, for example singing? or swimming? or origami? I'm sure there are advantages and disadvantages. Socially, maybe there could be a way for interaction to happen but I know the dynamics of group projects may be challenged. Though, in a classroom, there are students that may get the lesson earlier than the others. But they are situations where they are forced to wait for the others to get it before "all" of them could move on to another topic. Homeschooling will actually make use of this extra time by moving on according to her individual progress. More time maybe spent learning something else.

But, what if there's a total turn about on what we have gone familiar with? What if instead of finishing primary and secondary school, to get into college, we put our kids to doing what they want to do spot on and give her 8 years on, for example, acting. I don't think she'd be needing more than 8 years to learn the fundamentals. So, you may find that they like swimming, give it another 2 years. They want to learn computer, an intense 5 year learning about it may suffice. I guess what we're looking at, is an expert of these 3 things at the age of 15.



What is my point?

My point funnels to the fact that the educational system we use up until now tend to make us "all the same". Which in the future would actually be hindering the much needed creativity. With the fast paced technology and the power of the internet, information will be within arm's reach, communication to Timbukto will be possible whenever you need to do so and there's no point in sitting down in the classroom to study history because the student will just answer the teacher, "Ma'am, let me google that for you." The only way to defy this is to hail individuality but the school system is so old that it creates followers and not leaders.

In January 2015, the top 3 most researched topics are: free porn, language translator and maps. In July of the same year, it changed into: movies and music (entertainment), programming and blogging. Now, 2016, google's most researched topics were about the Paris attacks, Trump and Hillary's presidency campaign and the last is 'how to be rich'. This can all be checked out in www.searchenginewatch.com, www.seattleorganicseo.com and www.seigemedia.com.

These are trends that changed massively every 6 months. This shows that people continuously learn important things that can be done using the internet. But most of the school systems that is used up until now don't include financial education, proper usage of the internet and the creative arts as much as the other subjects. As far as trends go, almost everything had undergone huge changes. Henry Ford transformed a horse carriage into a car using horsepower, Steve Jobs had innovated Alexandar Graham Bell's telephone into an iPhone and lastly, Walt Disney had turned his dream park for his daughters into a dream park for everybody. What do they all have in common? They were creative, they did what they wanted to do and all of these energy were not from the classroom. Alexander Graham Bell had an active mind despite performing poor academically. He was homeschooled until he was 11 years old and he invented so many more but the telephone was the most popular. Steve Jobs was interested more in working in the garage with a friend to build a computer after dropping out from school. After getting hold of how the iPhone works, we are all different in terms of consuming, communicating and connecting. Walt Disney was fired from the newspaper job he got for lacking ideas and now, Disneyland are surrounded with imagineers, putting imagination, design and engineering altogether for its business to keep on expanding to satisfy its guests.

To wrap up my post, allow me to share this eye opener. And please let me know if you agree with me that our generation needs an upgraded educational system.


Related posts:

1. WHY PHILIPPINE OFW'S GOT THE POWER TO REBUILD ITS ECONOMY THRU FINANCIAL EDUCATION - Know how much of the world's population is illiterate when it comes to handling money.

2. THE THIRTY MAJOR CAUSES OF FAILURE, HOW MANY OF THESE ARE HOLDING YOU BACK - So many people are fixated to the idea, not to make a mistake. But sometimes, mistakes are needed because it means you're learning something new. Don't let it discourage you.

3. BE FREE! - By embracing yourself and avoiding being a people pleaser, you become free.

Monday, October 10, 2016

HALLOWEEN MOVIES THAT YOUR KIDS WILL SURELY ENJOY

Hey beautiful mamas out there!!! Halloween fright nights are here and is it just me, but gone are the days that you are thinking of what to wear but it turned more into a question for your kid that goes: "What will you be?"

Well this season is not just for the meaningless dress up and role playing but here is also a good opportunity to teach the little ones how characters turned into villains. Have a cuddle time with your kid or have them invite their friends over for a movie night as you give them a different spooky experience thru this fun scary movies and halloween treats after.

1. HOTEL TRANSYLVANIA 1 & 2


Loaded with fun characters and awesome songs, this is a hit to introduce to your kids to give a lighter label to Dracula, Frankenstein and Big Foot. The story revolves around a female teenaged vampire in search of a new adventure apart from being a nightly creature. She meets a mortal that gives the whole Transylvannians a scream and a scare ironically for having their norms defied as soon as the mortal decides to stay. As the movie goes, you would realise that Dad's voice is familiarly Adam Sandler's and Mavis, the vampire daughter to be Selena Gomez's.

2. MONSTER HOUSE


This may be too much for the young ones so do stay with them for the entire duration of the movie. But as far as animation goes, it teaches youngsters not to take their parents for granted as far as giving advice is concerned. Obedience, respect and an outpouring lesson about trespassing can be learned from this movie. It could teach them courage and bravery on top of a realisation that we should never let our fears rule over us and why telling a lie is wrong.

3. MALEFICENT


Not only kids enjoy this one but the adults as well as it gives understanding of how Maleficent really is in the beginning. She has kindness, true love and gentleness that was unexpected of her this entire time and that's what made this movie beyond interesting. Get to know the real her as you enjoy the popcorn and the couch.

4. ANGRY BIRDS



With the same misconception, the angry birds aren't naturally angry. They had a reason. This movie is funny from the beginning 'til the end. So many viewers even treat this as a tear jerker for its touching ending yet the good thing remains, how they turned out to be villainous with their anger. Protective instinct, camaraderie and pureness of intentions can be highlighted in a young one's mind thru this box office movie.

5. THE NIGHTMARE BEFORE CHRISTMAS


So many think Jack Skellington is a villain. The movie shows that you tend to be seen as such when you are in a different world. But that's not the case. All of us are special in our own unique ways. We maybe misunderstood in the beginning but awareness is the key into knowing who we truly are to accept our gifts and individuality.

Tim Burton and his spectacular creativity, direction and ideas had made this movie possible. That being said, ignite the kids' intellect by making them realise their own special abilities and gifts. Encourage them after the movie to stay unique and to embrace what makes them different.

6. CASPER

This is an oldie right here but it still is the cutest movie. The first time I saw this, I wanted to have a scientific laboratory of my own and a big house full of fun rooms. This is a story about a dad moving into a haunted house with his daughter. They didn't know this at first so they got scared initially but in the end, they became friends with them. Know how that happened by sitting in with the 7 year olds and up!

7. CORALINE


This is a movie about a little girl who never got satisfied with what she had. She defied all her parents advice and had become a rebel without cause. Until she wandered into a world where she thought she'd be happy in but is actually the opposite of what she has at the present. As she finds out that she misses her real parents, real room and real life, does she still have time to recover it still or will she be trapped forever in the creepy world she had invented in her mind. Find out with your young gang how Coraline survives the challenge.

Related posts:

1. HALLOWEEN 2016 IN HONG KONG DISNEYLAND

2. LOOK UP - A blog post featuring a youtube video that deeply touches the disturbance android phones had done in building relationships.

3. BOX OFFICE CHRISTMAS LIST - Watch this familiar natural phenomenon of giving birth in water.

Monday, August 29, 2016

PHIL D MUSIC

From time to time, I get a privilege to interview inspirational people to feature here in my site. Alongside the intention of sharing how phenomenal human race could be, I also aim to envelope these inspirational stories with my love for life. Hence, "Why I Value Life" had been more than a blog site for me.


For the first time, here in kytedalino.blogspot.com, I have invited Phil to feature PhilDMusic to tell us something about his first music video entitled "Colors". As I get to know this person, I am moved to bits of how I slowly see the kind of committed creativity he puts in making this happen. Here is the 3 part video documenting his love for life, his respect for the craft and passion for making a difference.










I will be fully indebted to all of you if you'd leave a comment or two. I hope you enjoyed watching this and again, all of these were made and done to inspire...

Related posts:
1. ELA LISONDRA - read a Filipina's story that graced Miss Saigon cast alongside Ariel Reonal, Rachelle Ann Go and many more.
2. ENTREPRENEURSHIP - the sole calling of a person is to create. Check out these people who had paved the way of creating something and then earning from doing what they love to do.
3. FLOI WYCOCO a.k.a. MR. INVESTOR - hear how a Mr. Spendor turned into becoming Mr. Investor with an advocacy to share financial literacy to Filipino overseas workers all over the globe.

Credits to my videographer: Joel Garcia for the copyrighted video.

Reminder:

These videos should not be in anyway copied or reposted without the permission of the writer, the artist and the videographer. It may be shared only in the name of inspiration and not to be used for personal gain.

Monday, July 04, 2016

SUMMER 2016 PLAYLIST


Hearing this line up just triggers that dynamic youthful soul Summer owns in you.
Dancing to these makes sweating looks sexy and sizzling hot.
Attend a class, jam, and make the junk boat trips alive with these selections.

1. "Work" from Home by Fifth Harmony ft. Ty Dolla $
is definitely is in my playlist.
It feels good listening to it and doing those HIIT exercises to this tune helps a lot.
Fifth Harmony bodies are inspiring and they make "work" sound manageable!
You want your man satisfied, turn this up
and complete those squats!



2. Becky G's "Can't Stop Dancing"
is an oldie as this official music video came out in December 2014.
But, this song is making me feel, summer is here officially.
Listen to it and tell me if I'm mistaken.




3. "Ain't Your Mama" of Jennifer Lopez
speaks for a lot of women who had gone Stepford!
This summer, remain untamed and sing this to that abusive man of yours.
He needs to be told to wake up!
Be bold!



4. "Me Too" of Meghan Trainor
is a tamer version of saying,"Bow down bitch!".
She basically talks about her life in this song
with a cool upbeat that you may want to put on while you do that long drive.
Released around May 2016, I'd say this is the school ender alright and is a Summer starter.


5. This hit prepares a long night with its cute tunes and vibe.
It warms up the dance floor, eases casual eye contacts in the club
and may just be the right kicker for your round of shots with friends.
Could there be any hotter than
Calvin Harris' and Rihanna's tandem for "This Is What You Came For"?



6. Dimitri Vegas & Like Mike, Steve Aoki &
Ummet Ozean for "Melody" - Radio Mix.
The mix that you may need to liven up a crossfit workout of the day routine
at the box. Turn this jam up to get you driven to do an extra set of burps.
And don't be surprised if a beach party plays this one because this is great party music.



7. The piano makes a strong impression in
"One Dance" of Drake (ft. Wiz Khalifa and Kyla).
It got a unique vibe, a sexy feel and it captures its listeners quickly.
Drake's voice is like no other that it blends well to the summer beats.
As you listen, you'll just find your hips swinging to this sooner than you'd expect.


8. "KILL 'EM WITH KINDNESS" says Selena Gomez
is a feel good music to listen to when you hike, jog
and just doing a "me" time alone at home since it works so many ways:
it relaxes, it is influential and is surprisingly motivating.
It has a subliminal message of "be the better you."


9. Justin Bieber's "COMPANY"
starts with a shot overlooking Santorini, Greece.
Wow! And the yacht shots actually say a lot about the serenity,
the waves and the good times that only happens during Summer.
Enjoy!


Do comment below to complete this list up until 10 songs
to be added to my playlist. You might have something good
that I should include in mine. Have a great summer y'all!
Peace!

Related posts:

1. MY CROSSFIT EXPERIENCE AT FITNESS ACADEMY HK - this mama had gone for a trial class and it felt uplifting. This may be the best place to use this playlist into too as you work up a sweat.

2. BUBBLE SOCCER - a hilarious idea that can make you remember this summer like no other.

3. A REMINDER TO PARENTS - to be a child themselves all over again.

Friday, March 18, 2016

50 SHADES THE MUSICAL PARODY IN MANILA

It is truly rejuvenating to inhale other people's talent in when you are on a break. As a performing artist, I see to it that from time to time, I allow myself to be part of the audience. It gives me a refreshed approach on my usual routines and attacks.

While in Manila for an audition, I took the liberty of seeing one of the most sought after production from the humorous writer/producer, Emily Dorezas. While 50 Shades The Musical Parody is not authorised to be connected at all to the writer, E.L. James' novel, "50 Shades of Grey", in any way, it does give its audience an impact of how influential it had become in general. From its lines that is distinct to the book's storyline, to the indigenous reaction of every woman who reads it, was portrayed confidently.

I have been a long time fan of:
Loi Martinez, who played as Christian Grey
and I was in awe with how talented and skilled
Brennha Wahl is as she played Anastasia Steele.
(both were colleagues from the happiest place on Earth)
"50 Shades the Musical Parody" opens the show somehow from the reader's point of view. Three friends are keeping attuned to how far each of them have been reading the book. Society had become jittery once they had gotten hold of the mystery of the book when it first got released. Until everybody knows what it's about and then it became all of a sudden, embarrassing to be seen reading  it in public.

Some parts got magnified and everything was almost kept the same about the story, except that it was given a huge twist. Instead of a beautiful Grey as described in the book, the show had produced an opposing being: stout, no way sexy, exaggeratedly allergic to getting held and wears a disturbing wrestling unitard in going to the gym. LOL with that alone. While Anastasia was played to be ridiculously stupid and naively virgin, the combination of both humorous roles were superb. Supported by a talented cast, I felt like I was in the most high end comedy bar.

us former Whiplash dancers,
with my idol, Ms. Bituin Escalante
I am amazed with my colleague Kimberly Ann Mendoza who called the show that night. A shoutout to her, as a budding stage manager for allowing us to indulge in this show taking photos with almost everybody. I was able to keep in touch with a long time idol, Miss Bituin Escalante whom I have looked up to since I was in grade school. A versatile singer, performer and theatre actress. It was such an honour to have shared a stage with her once when I was still with Whiplash during my younger years.

On top of that, these performers were definitely aimed to please the audience with its funny and catchy lines, sans the lyrics of the song, "I have a hole inside of me." Yet they were true to their talent. Their belting skills raised me some goosebumps and Isaac Saleh's chaine turns left me in awe as it all looks serious yet funny. The irony is just but crisp as the script.

Overall, I recommend that you watch it for its last night, Mar. 20 at the RCBC Theatre in Makati. Except if you find obscene sense of humor quite not your thing, a good laugh may serve you well. It was everything that I got from this 2 hour production. And it was worth going home to Manila for it!

Congratulations to the cast of 50 Shades The Musical Parody
together with a budding stage manager, Kimberly Ann Mendoza.
Special shoutout to colleagues, Loi Martinez, Brenna Wahl, Isaac Saleh and Miss Bituin Escalante,
"Good job and keep it up!"

Related posts:
1. SIGNED, A 32 YEAR OLD - Watch this sweet video of what each age group advises another in terms of living life to the fullest. It's interesting to hear out what each of us has to say.
2. WORKSHOPS AND AUDITIONS THIS MARCH - Attend a free financial seminar, learn from an avante grade photographer and try your luck in getting to the West End.
3. TAKE CONTROL OF YOUR LIFE - Love TED talks? This could help you out in making it from Point A to Point B in terms of your goals in life.

Saturday, December 26, 2015

BOX OFFICE CHRISTMAS LIST

Believe it or not, your couch has a potential of giving you the most awesome time during the holidays. Besides the usual hot chocolate shared with unending guests coming over, your body somehow shouts for a "me" time that could relax on a movie or two. But of course, we don't want to take away the feeling of Christmas so let's get into a winter journey with this list of my personal favourites:

1. THE NIGHTMARE BEFORE CHRISTMAS


Tim Burton truly is weird with all of his directions but that's what made this movie tick. Probably because he did create the story and produced the idea but it was actually passed to a trusted colleague, Henry Salick, for the entire direction. Tim Burton was busy back then with Batman Returns, hence, he had to let it go.

It truly is one-of-a-kind of animation that one minute of the movie had to be shot for a week. The set are made up of miniature mock ups and Disney had to fight for Jack Skellington to have eyes. The contrast between the joy CHRISTMAS brings versus the fear that Halloween surfaces were an interesting combination. If you haven't watched this movie, it is worth your time so do see it.

2. HOME ALONE


One of them classics that is truly enjoyable for the whole family. Though I'm still bothered of how Macaulay had turned out now, he was still so cute back then.

3. SERENDIPITY

In 2001, this word didn't have that much impact even though it denotes highly of how chances and fate could stir it up for you. Now, it had given fame to restaurants located in New York and Las Vegas (I had to eat in there). So the movie is about John Cusack and Kate Beckinsale met at Bloomingdale's to start off picking up a Christmas gift. Of course I won't spoil the whole story for you but what I'm trying to get at is, a gift, no matter how small or big has a purpose. Give it wholeheartedly, give it fully. You don't have an idea what comes back to you just for the universe to reciprocate that gesture.

Here's one of the many songs the movie had made popular.




4. CASTAWAY

It's not entirely about Christmas but the breaking point was during the holidays. A FEDEX Executive had been assigned to deliver in Malaysia during a storm. His plane crashes over the Pacific Ocean and was washed ashore a deserted island. A desperate attempt to get united with his loved ones made this movie a memorable one.

A message to all, time is important.

Tell that person you love her, grab that opportunity, help when you can. Never hold back because you don't know that it could be the last chance you may have.

Watch how Tom Hanks had shrunk from being huge at the beginning. He didn't have much to say in the entire film but he had lost 55lbs with a strict diet and a regular exercise regime in 4 months to resume shooting as he impersonates the real castaway. This film was based on a true story.

5. THE HOLIDAY

This is such a cool story in terms of the character's jobs, their houses and it is a star-studded film. Each and everyone of us longs for a good holiday and believe me, you deserve it. So check out how these two, a workaholic and a hopeless romantic, had switched lives to plan theirs.


6. THE FAMILY MAN

I never get tired of watching this movie. Besides the fact that Nicolas Cage is a natural, this movie sends out a very meaningful question, "What If?" See how the very rich Jack Campbell had a glimpse of the real gems in life.



7. LOVE ACTUALLY


This story is about 6 ordinary couples that mirror ordinary lives where we are most likely in. Amazingly, when I watched this, it made me aware of how we unexpectedly affect somebody. And what's more intimidating to know is that how "greatly" we affect them. We touch lives of people unexpectedly but sometimes, we create such huge ripple, we actually makes a change happen. And may I remind you that one of the strongest forces is love. You're lucky to be able to give it and to receive it.

Related posts:

1. FOR OUR OWN GOOD - If you don't like anything FICTION, this is about a 2-hour documentary busting some controversies in the Western countries.

2. 15 CELEBRITIES WHO ARE SMART WITH THEIR MONEY - You'll be surprised how the most dorky looking ones are actually the smartest.

3. 10 CHRISTMAS GIFT IDEAS - This may be written last 2014 but the list may still serve you well to avoid desperate times of not knowing what to give that special someone.



Monday, December 21, 2015

TAKE CONTROL OF YOUR LIFE

Though there maybe some things that we cannot control, we have the capacity to make things happen and I have learned that God qualifies us to do so. What we don't know is how to actually make the first step.


As the holidays are coming upon us,
chew on this video's message as well as
you chew that melts-in-your-mouth-not-in-your-hands turkey roast.



Related posts:

1. PARADIGM SHIFT - How a huge change had given me a different way of looking at 3 concepts: TIME, SAVINGS & COMPOUNDING.

2. TEST YOUR FINANCIAL FITNESS - Do you know what you are worth today if you would die?

3. 15 THINGS TO GIVE UP - Letting go sometimes is the answer in reducing weight on our shoulders. The question is: what are the things you should let go of?

Saturday, December 05, 2015

MY ADVOCACY FOR A FINANCIALLY LITERATE SOCIETY

Settling had made me sit aback and realise life's complexities. Right now, decisions are not done just for the sake of what I want or what fits in my schedule. My spouse and my daughter are the primary considerations for all the decisions I have to make.

Realizations, shifts in how I think and enlightenment that took time to seep in my mind is becoming clearer as ever. I am reminded of my purpose when my daughter giggles right in front of me. My drive comes from my spouse often when I hear him vent out about how he had a tired day because of a promise to be strong when he gets weak. All of these are symptoms of a family woman. And like how I always convince myself at the end of the day, I tell to myself, "I am a grown up."

Being a grown up entitles you to many things. With that much responsibility that it expects from you, life still needs to be perceived simply. Challenges will always be there but you should never think that others had not gone that road. One's experience may be different with the other but dealing with a life changing situation may have been dealt by somebody in a certain way. That being said, let me share to you how I came about a calling to an advocacy.

It's just this year that all of it started.

My old time best friends and I have our own family to rear and slowly, we fused into one thinking about how to make the most out of our productive years. We recently had that much time to rethink our 401(k)'s. We are aware that we are employed by the same company for nearly 10 years. So, when there was a random invitation to whoever needs understanding in terms of percentage allocation for the investment we put out on it every month, we went for it. Fast forward, we became interested in becoming financially literate.

As we start investing outside Hong Kong's compulsory one, Fidelity, we became aware of stocks, maturity dates, importance of insurances, compounding interest, retirement and many more. And one investment tool aids somebody into saving a certain amount faithfully, every month for 3 years, allowing it to earn a fixed 5% each month. Imagine if that money would be allowed to reach a maturity date of 20 years without getting withdrawn, it'd be earning millions. So, a paradigm shift happened to me giving this a thought that if I had started investing 8 years ago the time I left my hometown to work as an overseas worker, I would have a million at least in 12 years to start a business or something. I could actually retire at 44 if I would want to. Because I came here to Hong Kong when I was 24.


The catch is, I just knew of it now. So I just started 4 months ago. But then again, it is still good. Because if I wasn't able to do something before, the next best thing for me to focus on is that, I can still do something about it NOW. In addition, my friends and I had pleaded to sharing to the best of our ability, for FREE, the necessary information for all youngsters coming in and working here with us to know the importance of SAVING MONEY, INVESTING AND REINVESTING, the 3 Basic Laws of Money.

Starting to spread the mission in our humble home.
Here is what Melody Hobson had to say for I dream of doing the same thing in our own little way here in Hong Kong. We gather an intimate group and share basic knowledge for further financially literate society. Check out the website: www.spearheadmission.com and support us by sharing it to whoever needs it in any way.



Related posts:
1. PARADIGM SHIFT - 3 universal concepts that had happened in our pursuit of a financially literate society
2. CASHFLOW - everybody needs to wake up at some point, playing this may do the work for you.
3. HOW FINANCIALLY FIT ARE YOU - a simple test to take to know if you are in the right track in supporting yourself financially.http://www.spearheadmission.com


Monday, August 24, 2015

Signed, a 32 year old

Dear 20 year olds and above,

Right before you graduate, know that time is the most essential commodity ever known to man. Give it to the ones who deserve it, give it to yourself when you need it and establish a legacy over it. Once you get to achieve all these, being timeless is not impossible. Nobody is exempted from dying but you were born with a purpose.

Make it happen.

Signed,
a 32 year old



Related Posts:

1. PARADIGM SHIFT - 3 of the greatest lessons I've learned as I turn 30+ !
2. THIRTY MAJOR CAUSES OF FAILURE, HOW MANY OF THESE ARE HOLDING YOU BACK? - Now, you get the chance to be aware on what you should actually avoid as you pursue your dreams.
3. 15 THINGS TO GIVE UP - Giving up is never my option but life taught me why I had to because of these 15 things/reasons.

Tuesday, July 07, 2015

CELEBRITY STUDDED SESAME STREET VIDEOS

One of the beautiful things internet can do is that it makes virtual lessons handy. When you're a working mom, it's a continuous challenge to juggle responsibilities at work and at home altogether. There's no indication as to who is better, a mom that works or a mom that stays home because let's face it, it's not about "us". But it's about the kids that we raise. And from a working mom's perspective, I find these educational Sesame Street videos handy and lively, as far as animation and element of music is concerned. Not just that, I enjoy watching them myself without that much guilt of not putting too much effort when it comes to teaching my daughter. We both love sitting down together as our special way of bonding, singing along with these celebrities as they put fun stuff to learn in their craft. Here are some of both I and my daughter's favourites.

1. ALICIA KEYS with Elmo - If I haven't mentioned before, I love the soulful attack of her music. I'm surprised that when I played this to my daughter, she literally stopped what she was doing and made time to listen to her voice. Like mom, like daughter I guess.


2. INDIA ARIE  with Elmo - I feel blissful whenever I hear India Arie sing and so does my little one as she plays with ABC notes with Elmo. I find that her clothes are colorful too so both the senses of hearing and vision, there she captures.



3. FEIST singing thru from number 1 to 4 - My daughter seems to have a special ear for a good voice. Here's another favourite of hers as Feist's voice doesn't just soothe the blues but also makes monsters seem cute. Hahaha!


4. USHER - singing ABC's this way will surely make mornings with your little ones revved up just like how my mornings are with my little ball of energy. The power of repetition should never be underestimated for my daughter somewhat does some of the moves of USHER in this video now that she's able to walk on her own. You may also find it benefiting for an early morning workout starter. Let's dance it all out with this next video!




5. JASON MRAZ - My daughter is also fond of hearing the guitar strings since I play the guitar to her whenever I can. So, this is a video where she truly appreciates the song by clapping on her own, along with the kids at the end. I love how this song encourages kids to play outside thru its lyrics as people nowadays are just hooked to gadgets forgetting how to have fun by interacting with others.



6. BRUNO MARS - In addition to the playlist you currently might be putting up for your kid, don't forget to include this empowering song by a much younger looking Bruno Mars. My baby girl learned to do head-turning because of this video. It looks so funny at first. One of the most precious moments I have in my mind about her.



7. ED SHEERAN - as a rising star, Ed Sheeran is known for a unique work. See how he sings about the difference about schooling and staying home. My daughter and I anticipates the part where they all sing, "at ho-ho-Uh-oh-oh-o-o-ohme we go! to schoo-u-u-u-ool, we go!!!!" We love it!


8. JANELLE MONAE - singing the "Power of Yet" with kids makes my daughter swing from left to right because she thinks their moves and second voicing sound cool. I believe she literally jumps to the beat this video exudes when played. I honestly just knew of Janelle here. And then I realized her songs are actually unique as well. Truly an artist!



9. WILL.I.AM - one of the youngest artists to ever establish himself independently. He is beyond talented and he is beyond what he seems to be. As his name says, this song is all about embracing an individual's uniqueness.



10. MICHAEL BUBLE - It is imperative to have alternative mellow music in your playlist to keep everything in balance. Kids are like sponges so, it's good to expose them to a variety of music for them to learn the different moods each music suggests. Establishing a perspective is important and for them to determine preferences, it's good for them to know all kinds of music.


I hope you'll have fun with your kids watching these videos. It's an amazing feeling to see how my daughter grows and develops, learning and embracing the alphabet, some numerics, and some other information as I play this continuously almost every day. She is able to appreciate, join and play all at the same time. On the other hand, I get to finish chores, I get to write and I get to enjoy myself as well, watching these with her.



Related posts:
1. 10 THINGS YOU OUGHT TO KNOW ABOUT THE WHOLE SHENANIGAN - my list of experiences as I carry and give birth to my half-Samoan baby. THESE ARE WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW THAT ARE NOT IN THE BOOK.

2. BABY SHOWER TIDBITS - here are some of the things we did when I had a baby shower that you may find useful in your own.

3. BLAST FROM THE PAST - are you an 80's baby. Check some of the stuff we grew up with that may never be enjoyed by today's generation.