Jersey Boys - A Review

Jersey boys is about the music and the lives of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons. More noted with the songs, "Can't Take My Eyes Off You" (Yes, that same song that Heath Ledger sang and danced in Ten Things I Hate About You) and "Big Girls Don't Cry" (the song used in a baby shampoo commercial a long time ago, not that Fergie song).

The play was somewhat new to me. It was a narration type where the characters (or in this case, the members of the band) had a hand in telling the story. At first I didn't understand it but as it went on, it became clearer. Their story happened from the year they were formed until they became Rock n' Roll hall of famers. It revolved around the struggles in a music group including family break-ups and financial problems. I guess with fame and success, an enriching personal life is not part of the picture. But what I admire most in the story is the loyalty and friendship showed by Frankie to his groupmates. Once fame and success is achieved, it is very hard for someone to look back to his humble beginnings and I think Frankie was able to do that. His personal life may not have been good as his career was taking off, he was able to make up for it. Or at least tried to. As he was renewing his relationship with his daughter, she suddenly died. But his love and dedication for what he does, did not falter him.

Overall, I liked the play. One thing that prevented me to really enjoy it was my seatmate. She was not at her best that night, with her coat draped over the seat, I could not help but notice the smell. Grabe, ang baho! Gave me headache all through out the show. Malas lang. But the show should have been good. Just that.

image courtesy of http://blog.cleveland.com/popmusic_impact/2008/06/large_fourseason0608.jpg

Happy 60!

Just wanted to greet my dad a happy 60th birthday. Though he's miles away I just want to thank him and wish him the best.

Happy birthday, Papa. I may not be the greatest person to show affection but I know you know that I love you. See you when I get back.

One Week - The Review

"To strive, to seek, to find and not to yield."

-From the movie, One Week

This was posted in the credits of One Week staring Joshua Jackson. It is about an English teacher diagnosed with cancer who buys a motorcycle and travels westward, from Toronto til Vancouver, in search for the meaning of his life. In this movie, Ben was portrayed by Joshua Jackson, whom was known in the movie Mighty Ducks and the hit tv series Dawson's Creek.

The movie started as Ben was being told by the doctor that he has cancer, so aggressive that he doesn't any have much time left to live. As he goes home, a narrative tells how he was as a child until at present, how he has given up things he thought he was good at when people had criticized and belittled his abilities. With only little left, he buys a motorcycle and starts to embark on a journey as he searches for the meaning of his life.

On his pursuit westward, he has met people along the way whom had given him a different perspective in life and made him realize the value of the people he had left behind: his family and his fiancee. He eventually came home and faced his family, armed with renewed strength and hope. The movie ended with him, writing and publishing a novel about his journey.

The movie was inspiring. Although, the format was a little different for me. There was some narration throughout the movie which tells us what Ben or some other character was thinking. It tells us to never give up on what we believe in or enjoy to do and gives us a perspective that each and every person that we meet may have a contribution to what could happen to us today or tomorrow. One thing that I didn't like though is its ridicule to the crucifix (Christ was shown in one cross, one hand doing a dirty finger). I'm sure Catholics who had watched this would surely be offended (I know one, who did).

This movie is not something I would be raving about. Although it has a good message, I don't think it would create such an impact in the box office. Maybe it would, in some way, since it's a Canadian movie supposedly featuring the Canadian scenery. Good thing we watched this movie on a Tuesday night, tickets were cheaper by 50%.

images courtesy of http://media.podhoster.com/mongrel/images/one-week-podcast.jpg

One Final Hurrah!

One big shout out and salute to Francis M. His remains were cremated and placed beside his parents this morning. He will be surely missed. His passion in creativity particularly in music and photography, and his patriotism will always be an inspiration to me.

Mabuhay ka Francis!

Image courtesy of http://bdeleon.files.wordpress.com/2008/04/img_2828.jpg

The Story of the Sweater

I saw that sweater about a month or so in Esprit. Back then it was around $90.00. Considering how stingy I am, I waited until the price would go down to about 30-50% from its original price. On one of our numerous trips to the mall, I pointed my adorable sweater to my aunt. She liked it as well. Too much I guess that on our trip to the mall today, she bought it for her own pleasure. I was frustrated and mad but I couldn't do anything about it. I couldn't even show my frustration. To compensate, I bought a $15 sweater which was a good buy.

But I still feel bad. I really liked that sweater.

Ang hirap talaga pag wala kang pera.

Condolences

Just wanted to express my condolences to the loved ones of the late Francis Magalona. I don't know him personally but I am shocked and saddened by his demise. He died in the hospital fighting leukemia. I watched in you tube how his friends and co-workers in Eat Bulaga fight back the tears as they face their viewers announcing his death yesterday noon. News reports that the Saturday edition of the show will be dedicated to their long-time friend.

Coincidentally, the latest three fallen Canadian soldiers killed in a road side bombing in Afghanistan came home to their native country. A motorcade was set in what they call the Highway of Heroes. Passing by on one of the routes, I saw a group of people lined up and gathered, awaiting for the motorcade to pass by so that they can wave the Canadian flag as a final salute and farewell.

Four men. All died in battle. All of them showed bravery and strength of character amidst the pain and the struggle of war. The family and friends of these fallen men are truly fortunate that they have known each one of them. I know that God has already a room reserved for them in heaven. I pray that their loved ones inherit their strength to carry on with their lives without them.

Frustrated with Grey

This is the second week of reruns for Grey's Anatomy. I don't get it. They've got me hanging on some of the "mini" plots they've stirred up for this season. Not fair. I don't know what's happening. Maybe it's just on a break or something. I'm not even hearing any news on the show being axed or what.

Anyway, calling Shonda Rhimes or whoever the writers of this show are. What happened to my favorite show?

First Three Days

This week I started on my new job at St. Elizabeth's Center. So far so good. I'm liking it. I know I can stay on this company. People were generally nice. The atmosphere was relatively pleasant and andaming Pinoy!!!!! Hehehehe. One of the Pinoy's told me that all of them started as part-timers, just as long as you stay and there's an opportunity, they consider internal candidates for permanent positions.

Haaay... Sana nga. Sana nga. Kung ako lang ang masusunod i-permanent ko na yung sarili ko dun! Hehehehe.