Asiance Magazine blogs

Bridge Of Sighs

testguy — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 03:00:18 +0000

The sun don't shine
The moon don't move the tides,
to wash me clean

Sun don't shine
The moon don't move the tides,
to wash me clean

Why so unforgiving and why so cold
Been a long time crossing Bridge of Sighs

Cold wind blows
The Gods look down in anger,
on this poor child

Cold wind blows
And Gods look down in anger,
on this poor child

Why so unforgiving and why so cold
Been a long time crossing Bridge of Sighs

Barack and I share the same B-Day

jaymie — Tue, 05 Aug 2008 06:09:30 +0000

I'm not saying that I'm a Democrat but I do think it's cool that I share the same birthday as Barack Obama, possibly the next President of the United States. We were even close to being born on the same minute....years apart obviously! :)

Lip Formula for Angelina Jolie

filteany — Mon, 04 Aug 2008 15:28:18 +0000

It is a cyclone ride since I took a break from teaching. From the unrestricted number of sleeping hours I get and the Kate Moss size financial budget, I have learned to brace myself for more to come. There are moments that I would smile like a Care Bear because of the abundance of love from my family and friends; then there are times that I sulk like a wombat because of impending bills. Yesterday, I decided to hang out in 14th Street to see the fashion must have’s for Spring. However, the ridiculous prices sent me packing to Barnes and Noble wherein for three hours, I read four books. I must agree that being on a cash diet lets you do great feats such as reading to tame the grumbling hungry stomach.

The One Who Got Away

filteany — Mon, 04 Aug 2008 15:27:10 +0000

In your life, you will meet a lot of people. Ones with whom you shared something special, ones who will always mean something. There’ s the one your first kissed, the one you first loved, the one you first made love to, the one you put on a pedestal, the one you’re with…and the one that got away.

Who is this, the one that got away? I guess it’s the perfect person with whom everything was great everything was perfect but the timing was just wrong. There was no fault in the person, there was no flaw in the chemistry but the cards don’t fall the right way, I suppose.

Confessions of an Academy Award Winning Drama Queen

filteany — Mon, 04 Aug 2008 15:25:43 +0000

Do you ever get that feeling that you are so alone that you can hear damn well your heartbeat?

Do you ever feel that the world has designated a special nook for you that no one can see or notice?

Do you ever think that you’re cursed with inevitable unfortunate things to last a lifetime?

Do you conclude that no one can and never will understand how you really feel inside?

Do you tend to rationalize that every occurrence in your life is a matter and cause and effect?

Do you flourish and wallow at the same time in any emotion that you seem fit for the day?

Homeward Bound to An Avenue of Rich Filipino Culture and Excellence

filteany — Mon, 04 Aug 2008 15:23:03 +0000

On the 6 train, I was deep in my thoughts on what I should capture in the Philippines’ Independence celebration. I was contemplating on what is essential to me as a Filipino who chose to work in the Big Apple. Do I deserve to make a video about it knowing I have been out of touch with my culture for a long time? Would I sound credible to talk about Filipino customs that I do not observe regularly? Why do I have doubts that I feel like a lost "Pinay"; stranger to the heritage I was born and raised with when I decided to live in another country?

I was at Madison Avenue with my reliable director. While he was recording parts of the parade of Filipinos proudly waving the flag, I was at the back too shy to even talk to my fellow countrymen. I heard them speak in my native tongue which was an irony to my lips laden already with the New York "Twalk". It was indicative that the day would be hopeless for me. Suddenly, my Hispanic Director called me to go in front to catch a better view of the parade. In truth, I was shaking like a leaf unknowing what I would feel upon being so close to proud Filipinos. Then it hit me like a boomerang! I am here, I am a Filipino! I may have been absent in so many celebrations, I may have more friends from other races now, I may have been speaking English more yet I made it a point to come here – to this Avenue that is being graced by my rich Filipino Culture. I have returned HOME.

Dear Kitty Cat

filteany — Mon, 04 Aug 2008 15:21:11 +0000

June 12, 2008

Dear Kitty Cat,

Today I walked on the Brooklyn Bridge. A crazy thought just popped in my head; urged me to "travel" from Manhattan to Brooklyn. The scorching heat did not bother me since my forehead was already crisp from last weekend’s events. I stopped in the middle of bridge to catch my breath and to buy that $2 water from a guy with gray eyes. We had small talk and I suggested that he moved his spot closer to Manhattan since the other vendor sold out all his water bottles. Kitty, it is nice to exchange pleasantries with people you exactly don’t know. There’s a very slim possibility that I will see that man again.

Irks and the Callousness of Woman Having A Bad Hair Day

filteany — Mon, 04 Aug 2008 15:19:49 +0000

This writer is generally nice. On most days, she feels the joy of breathing, the exuberant touch of a loved one and watching the changes as the world twirls on its axis. Most of her interactions with people are pleasant and she can be very humorous at times. During these times, she could compose the sweetest sonnets and write about the rainbows and the chirping bluebirds. Laughter envelops her and she smiles to show that dimple on her left cheek.

However, this writer can be very irritable. A simple issue can trigger her temper and anyone who crosses her path can bear witness to that distinct pout and scowling face. She blames the irks that she meets when she goes for her regular walks around Manhattan. The extent of her callousness stretch to her own writings. She would write the darkest, most sinister and depressing piece and still feel alright. When this happens, this woman is really having a bad hair day.

Foamy, Soapy Suds of Soap Operas, Telenovelas, Chinovelas, Fantaseries and Tsinelas

filteany — Mon, 04 Aug 2008 15:13:17 +0000

I was born into a country that is a certified soap opera fanatic. From drama series from America, Mexico, Spain and Korea- we stayed glued to the tube. Our days are incomplete when we missed the next episode and the world defies gravity especially during the grand finale. My grandmother who forgets that I do not drive our white car anymore can retell with 100 percent accuracy the recent events from her favorite afternoon soap. I cannot blame her- soap operas were created to whisk us away from reality to fantasy/ perfect/ love conquers all realm for a mere half hour. Who does not dream of being a simple person with secret magical powers; a woman scorned then found happiness by forgiving the man of her dreams or perhaps a man having it all after horrendous tortures in the hands of his enemy? Each one of us wants to affiliate ourselves with these characters and experience the enigma and resolution of our travails. However, as much as these television shows bring short-term joy, there would always be a wake up call for us that we live in an imperfect world. We have bills, difficult bosses, box- type apartments and tough neighborhoods. I am one of thousands who gravitate to intriguing dramas yet I always think that most of the scenes are impossible and extreme that it bends the realms of reality.

The Dark Knight

edmungmoy — Tue, 29 Jul 2008 22:06:19 +0000

I finally got around to seeing The Dark Knight over the weekend.

And wow... the film looks nothing like the previous Batman movies.

In fact, it looks more like a Michael Mann movie.

The Chicago location gave Gotham a much more realistic city atmosphere than we've become accustomed to seeing in the previous Batman movies.

And when I read that one of director Christopher Nolan's biggest influences for the film's style was the movie Heat, which starred Al Pacino and Robert Deniro, I wasn't surprised.

Anyone viewing the two movies will immediately see this in the cinematography and editing styles. There's even a nod to Heat with the cameo appearance of William Fichtner as a Bank Manager during the opening robbery sequence.

In fact, if The Dark Knight wasn't a superhero movie, I'd swear it was a crime drama along the lines of Heat, Thief, Miami Vice or Collateral. From the use of the color blue as a motif to the glass window offices, penthouses and buildings of Gotham's inhabitants, the film just felt like a Michael Mann crime drama.

Heath Ledger's performance was excellent. It was dark, brooding and scary. I can see how he may have fallen into a depression after dwelling in the mind of such a psychopathic character.

As usual, there were some fun supporting character turns from Morgan Freeman and Micheal Caine, as well as a more nuanced performance from Gary Oldman, who I can't help but think looks like The Simpson's neighbor Ned Flanders when I see him wearing that mustache and glasses.

Christian Bale, Aaron Eckhart and Maggie Gyllenhaal also turned in first-rate performances that could easily have translated into more conventional crime drama movies.

The Dark Knight's grim and tragic sensibilities also gave it a totally different viewpoint than your standard superhero flick. Whether this is good or bad depends on the viewer.

Now, don't get me wrong. I loved the film. I'm a huge Michael Mann fan. And I applaud Nolan for a job well done.

I'm even convinced this is a better approach than the comic cartoon versions turned in previously starring Clooney, Kilmer, et al.

But all of this does bring up the question: Is this going to be a trend we can expect to see more of in American superhero action films?

Rainforest World Music Festival 2008

edmungmoy — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 16:25:10 +0000

Opening night was disrupted by several hours of continuous tropical rain pouring down on the festival. The main stage area was a mud pit by night's end.

However, the Malay band Akasha performed to an enthusiastic crowd, rain or no rain.

You can catch part of Akasha's performance on Youtube. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QXIapuXViZU

Rainforest World Music Festival

edmungmoy — Fri, 11 Jul 2008 05:26:13 +0000

Tonight is the big show.

I'm here in Sarawack, Malaysia for the Kuching Rainforest World Music Festival.

Today we visited a wildlife refuge near Padawan.

Pictures coming soon.

Selamat pagi

edmungmoy — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 00:26:53 +0000

Selamat pagi.

Good morning from Kuching, Malaysia.

I just arrived after flying from L.A. yesterday. After nearly 20 Hours riding in planes, shuttles and buses, I am in Kuching for the Sarwack Rainforest World Music Festival.

The festival starts on Friday July 11, 2008. I will post pictures and blog reports soon.

Terima kasih.

Thank you for reading my blog.

Peace.

funny sports

JenniferMistretta — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 07:48:37 +0000

sports video

jaymie — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 07:22:40 +0000

Great video! Go Mylin

JenniferMistretta — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 06:50:51 +0000

good video

Thu, 03 Jul 2008 05:47:10 +0000

I like this video of Mylin

JenniferMistretta — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 13:21:45 +0000

Read my blog!

teresawu — Thu, 15 May 2008 14:41:17 +0000

Here: www.teresawu.wordpress.com

Great song! Live

jaymie — Tue, 06 May 2008 06:24:16 +0000

Yay! White T-Pain!

jaymie — Sun, 27 Apr 2008 07:05:19 +0000

This video cracks me up!

Just had to add this! :)

jaymie — Sun, 06 Apr 2008 04:41:57 +0000

HSUS MySpace Page | Stop Puppy Mills Website

Taipei

ShannonLin — Thu, 21 Feb 2008 00:27:25 +0000

Hi everyone!

I have just returned from Taipei, where my father's relatives all live. It was amazing! I had been there before three times but it is really great to see the culture after 9 years of being away! As for things to do:

It has a plethera of nightmarkets to buy fun goods and food as well as nice Japanese department stores like Takashimaya and Shin Kong Mitsukashi! The food is so original as it is a subtropical climate. One of my favorite things is a fruit called "lemboo" which is like a water apple, crispy and tastes like a pomegranite apple in my opinion. Guava juice is served in most of the restaurants and I had a great meal that had a whole ptcher of kiwi juice to accompany it! If you like savory snacks Taipei would thrill you, there are constant snack foods available in the nightmarkets such as fried goods with meat, or tofu and noodles with egg, etc. If you like bubble tea it was invented in Taiwan! And it costs only a dollar there, with so many flavors. The amazing thing about the passion fruit and other kinds of bubble teas is it is made with real fruit but still has the bubbles!

Finally, Denver Doe!

jaymie — Mon, 18 Feb 2008 06:07:31 +0000

Join the Dogster community

Dog's Eye View

PrincessLia — Tue, 12 Feb 2008 14:23:42 +0000

Everything falls apart,
Then I get to try to put it back together
Everything falls apart,
And you can count on that like you can count on bad,
bad weather again

- Dog's Eye View, Everything Falls Apart

Just a couple of weeks ago, I received an SMS from a good friend that her puppy had died -- her 4-month old puppy that she had just adopted not too long before that. Anyone who says that I'm completely detached and devoid from the animal world is not lying. But for some reason, that message I got pinched the ends of my heart strings and I found myself getting a bit more despondent than I had anticipated.

Jell-O Shots

PrincessLia — Tue, 12 Feb 2008 14:22:47 +0000

Ever observed how Jell-O behaves? You shake the plate that it's on and it just wiggles endlessly without moving an inch. That about sums up how I view my life to be right now -- stuck! Though I am going through the motions of life and it seems to be going right along with me, I feel that I'm not getting anywhere at all. A part of me wants to move, but another part of me just wants to stay put and enjoy the ride (or whatever I can take from it).

All my life I have been trained to always look forward -- to see the bigger picture and to think long-term. And all my life, that's exactly what I have been doing. And it's quite exhausting, not to mention disheartening when things don't go your way. I find that looking far ahead only strains my neck and makes me lose sight of the present in its entirety. How am I supposed to enjoy the future when I can't even enjoy the present?

Adopt a homeless animal

jaymie — Sat, 09 Feb 2008 02:00:21 +0000

This is where I adopted my two babies

Wikang Sinilangan (Mother Tongue)

PrincessLia — Sun, 13 Jan 2008 12:46:05 +0000

These days, all one must do is to blink and it's already twenty six years later. More conservatively, I blinked and then I found myself already in the middle of the first month of 2008. Regardless whether or not you're having fun, time certainly flies with engines roaring at full speed.

My time flew on a positive note, fortunately. My slight hiatus allowed me to end my 2007 completely in the midst of family, friends and loved ones -- surrounded by the holiday ambience. It's not exactly something that happens everyday (not even every year) so rest assured, it has been one hell of a month. I was almost sad to see it end, especially boarding the airplane back to Singapore the day after New Years. However, I knew that I have a lot to look forward to in 2008. I'm not exactly sure what they are but I'd like to say that I have enough faith to know that there's got to be *something* good about 2008.

New to Asiance

csenon — Wed, 09 Jan 2008 17:30:16 +0000

I'm new to this website, but so far it is pretty interesting. The articles are good as well.

I am originally from Seattle, WA, went to college for music in Tacoma, WA... but moved to Atlanta to do music. My band is Senona... a rock band with me as the lead singer. I guess I can use this website to post updates for my band in 2008. Whoever is reading this- say hello, drop a comment and let me know what is going on in your side of the world.

Lots of love from ATL,

Chrys Senon.

Karma - The Great Equalizer

PrincessLia — Mon, 26 Nov 2007 23:48:31 +0000

If there is anything that I desperately hope is true, it isn't God. Rather, the concept of karma. Many of us believe in it perhaps as a way to console ourselves with regards to unfortunate situation that are beyond our control. On the other hand, it only makes sense to subscribe to it because it seems to be the universal balance keeper.

Karma. What is karma?

According to the dictionary, it is "the cosmic principle according to which each person is rewarded or punished in one incarnation according to that person's deeds in the previous incarnation."

Karma, it seems, stems largely from religious principles and dogmas (Hindus, help me out here?). It involves living a fair life in order to bid for a better one in the next. Though it seems to refer to reincarnation and such, the more modern concept of it conveys the same theme as the Bible's Golden Rule -- "Do unto others what you want to be done unto you." Similar, yes?

The universe has its own mechanism where it imposes natural balance upon itself. There is the good and the bad, black and white, heaven and hell -- the yin ang yang of life. It is said that for every misdeed that we commit, it will come back to bite off our behinds at an aggravated degree. There is justice and there is fairness.

I cannot seem to agree more.

If it were up to me, I would like to be the one to inflict justice in my own life. I wish that I can have matters in my own hands whenever I get wronged or taken advantage of. However, life isn't as rosy as such. I don't think it's entirely possible to think clearly -- more so think of justice -- when one is ridden in rage and anger over an incident. Various people deal with obnoxious emotions differently and these people also act differently in certain situations. It will be an unfair system if people lived in my ideal world. Most importantly, who are we to decide what kind of justice the wrongdoer must receive?

To believe in karma is to award the divine with the task of maintaining moral equilibrium on earth -- or in the universe. Believing in it allows me to pick myself up after a messy fall, to dust my hands quickly against each other, and still hold my head up high with a smirk. It comforts me greatly knowing that I need not lift a finger in order for some people to experience the vileness that they inflict on others. It is all taken cared of.

Karma keeps us humble. Knowing and acknowledging its power keeps us in check because ultimately, our actions are a reflection of ourselves.

There have been many occassions that I have been duped and toyed with -- in all aspects of the words. And just like everyone else, as I would presume, I wish nothing short of misery and pain for those people who have engineered the scenario, no matter how big or small. I can be completely high strung and vengeful (as a matter of fact, isn't that part of being a Scorio? *wink*) and my emotions can get the best of me sometimes. If I act upon any of them, I will probably end up doing something I would regret for eternity (I already have some regrets as it is). My only option is to leave it to the professionals -- to those up there controlling the karma switchboard.

Unfortunately, patience is greatly needed in this whole karma game. It isn't up to us when the shit will hit the fan for the other side. We only see the smaller picture, but karma sees the larger one and will know where it will hurt the most for them. We can do nothing but wait until that moment emerges -- and one can only hope that he or she will be present to witness this sweetest thing called revenge.

We are not entitled to play God. We are not God. Even if someone doesn't believe in God or any kind of god, it is still not up to him or her to take control and ensure that justice will be served for every fault held against them. If we follow the karmic school of thought, doing so will only entail a bigger blow against one's self in the form of higher karma. It's one vicious circle that we wouldn't want to get trapped in.

God has given man free will. Whether or not someone decides to choose evil rather than good is his or her choice entirely. However, the consequences can be pretty dire and there really is no way of knowing when the ax will fall. That, I believe, is God's greatest disclaimer.

Whilst we wait for all the pieces of the universe to all fall into place, we can always resort to swearing, yeah? It's harmless and it's therapeutic. Then we sit back and enjoy the ride.

And if you're anything like me, I would be hoping the worst for that person.

(I can so totally feel the gates of hell opening up for me now)