LIFE IS LIKE AN ONION: You peel it off one layer at a time, and sometimes you weep.

It’s just so you
To leave me breaking
My heart and mind clashing
In every breath I take,
I am aching

It’s just so you
To show what could be
That I flourish in you,
You flourish in me
Converging in sweet melody

It’s just so you
To take it away after a taste
Moving then turning back a head
To look back with mocking stare
That take the light out of me

It’s just so you
To be so kind… and then so cruel
And push me aside in a corner
With my thoughts and control
Trembling in a duel

It’s just so you
To drink me all up dry
Till uttered reasons fade into a sigh
Then… without blinking an eye,
You disappear into footsteps resounding
The stabbing, wrenching clout
Of midair goodbye

It's your eyes… or something with your smile
But then, there's something about your touch too
Or is it… the nearness of you… like an unconscious
gravitational pull... towards me

Your eyes say a lot of things
They say you understand
They say you care
They say I'm accepted

And your smile… it says you're amused
It says I'm silly, and confused
It says you're glad to see me

Your touch… it says you want me
It says I can stay with you
It begs me to be with you

Your nearness… it says you can't resist me
It says you can be who you are with me
It says I understand you

But your words shatter it all.

Sabongero is nothing like James Bond.

It's not The Matrix.  Not even Ella Enchanted.  It's isn't a rollercoaster ride.

But it's got its own approach to blow your mind away.

Sabongero... is one of those movies I wish I had written.

It has a simple plot, and yet... the writer did something to it to make it "matter."

Sabongero is the very epitome of "Don't judge a book by it's cover."  I mean, to us, it may sound like a typical Bisaya movie on gambling and yet... it's something else... it focuses on the people we are.  The protagonist (played by Patrick Abing)  could be anyone... a neighbor, a classmate, a close friend, a coworker... he could even be us.  We all have this certain gambler in us (we may not necessarily be sabongeros).  We gamble on some things, we make choices.  To me, the movie isn't just about the thin line between ambition and obsession... it's also about the decisions we make and the reasons behind it.  People who don't know us or even those close to us might simply see what we are doing as useless and a waste of time... but to us, it's something else....  We unconsciously sacrifice the way people see us.  To the sabongero, what is seemingly a selfish, temporary escape from the harsh realities of this world might actually be a way out... a plane ticket out of poverty.

I used to see sabong as another hobby that you have to spend on.  But this movie showed a kinder side. A sabongero isn't always boisterous or ill-mannered.  A sabongero could even be a good father or at least trying to be a good father. 

I would like to comment on the technical side of things yet, I need to watch the film again to be able to do so.  Anyway, I didn't expect Patrick to act like that... naive in his own way, secretly desperate.  There are lots of adjectives to come up for his acting but I'll just sum it up with this: he may not be a seasoned actor, but he, and those others with him, made it credible.  There's a certain crudeness that I just couldn't put into words that made it more reachable... it wasn't like I was watching from a dream.  If I remember it right, I agree with Janice Perez when she said that she'd never had the same satisfaction... the way she had in working with non-seasoned actors.  For movies like hers, it's kind of better to use new people.  A seasoned actor has the tendency to take too much space, makes the other elements kind of superficial.  People could end up liking the actor instead of the movie, or would even think that the movie was a success because of the actor when in fact, it's a group effort.

The presentation or should I say camera angles also intensified the casts' acting, showed what they were thinking even without narration.  See the "diaper scene".

And, despite what other people may say, for me the ending was an elegant twist. 

Sabongero might not be the greatest movie of all time, but it's something you would remember for a long... long... time.

For more details on the movie, visit:

http://sabongeromovie.multiply.com/

Student 1: Hey you there. Very bad this (mentions name). Very what's that what's that you.

Student 2: What?

Student 1: Very what's that what's that.

(Teacher passes.)

Student 1: Miss! Very bad this (mentions name).

Teacher: Why?

Student 1: He like that like that the (mentions object).

Teacher: (patiently smiles) What like that like that?

Louisians! 

Tehihihi! Kakamiss!

Beat this!



Flexibility:





Presenting... the cats who know how to rock in one of my fave music:



Kaning iringa pasimple lang...

moment of truth - FM Static

Here we are, in the best years of our lives.
With no way of knowing,
When the wheel stop spinning cause we don't
Know where we're going
And here we are, on the best day of our lives.
And it's a go, lets make it last, so cheers you
All to that, 'cause this moment's never comin' back

I used to know her brother, but I never
Knew I loved her, 'till the day she laid her eyes on me.
Now I'm jumpin' up and down,
She's the only one around, and she means
Every little thing to me.

I've got your picture in my wallet, and your
Phone number to call it, and I miss you more,
Whenever I think about you,. I've got
Your mixed tape in my Walkman, been so
Long since we've been talkin' and in a few
More days, we'll both hook up, forever and ever

And here I am, on the west coast of
America and I've been tryin' to think for weeks of
All the ways to ask you, And now
I've brought you to the place, Where I've
Poured my heart out, a million times, for a million
Reasons, To offer it to you
I used to know her brother, but I never
Knew I loved her, 'till the day she laid her
Eyes on me. Now I'm jumpin' up and down,
She's the only one around, and she means
Every little thing to me

I've got your picture in my wallet, and your
Phone number to call it, and I miss you more,
Whenever I think about you,. I've got
Your mixed tape in my Walkman, been so
Long since we've been talkin' and in a few
More days, we'll both hook up, forever and ever

I used to know her brother, but I never
Knew I loved her, 'till the day she laid her
Eyes on me. Now I'm jumpin' up and down,
She's the only one around, and she means
Every little thing to me

I've got your picture in my wallet, and your
Phone number to call it, and I miss you more,
Whenever I think about you,. I've got
Your mixed tape in my Walkman, been so
Long since we've been talkin' and in a few
More days, we'll both hook up, forever and ever

Rules: It's harder than it looks! Copy to your own note, erase my answers, enter yours, and tag 10 people. Use the first letter of your name to answer each of the following questions. They have to be real . . . nothing made up! If the person before you had the same first initial, you must use different answers. You cannot use any word twice and you can't use your name for the boy/girl name question.

Have Fun!

1. What is your name:

Sheryl

2. A four letter word:

Slip

3. A boy's name:

Steven Strait (haha! micrush!)

4. A girl's name:

Sandara Park (ugh!)
Sandra Bullock (weee... idol!)
Susan J. Frank

5. An occupation:

Scientist (char)

6. A colour:

S... uh..uh.. silver?
salmon
scarlet
sky blue

7. Something you wear:

slippers

8. A food:

spaghetti (sbaked)  =P 
sushi
steamed rice
(stop meh! food na sad!!! hehehe)


9. Something found in the bathroom:

Soap

10. A place:

...smallville?

Suez canal?
SSS (hahaha)

Spain

11. A reason for being late:

Sleeping

12. Something you shout:

Stoooooooooop!

13. A movie title:

Schindler's List
Shakespeare In Love
Shrek

14. Something you drink:

soda

15. A musical group:

Shakira (hahaha)

Solid Harmony (kahinumdum pa mo ani?)

16. An animal:

Swan

17. A street name:

Salinas Drive

18. A type of car:

sports car (yung reyd!)

19. The title of a song:

Sleeps with butterflies

smooth
sway
smooth criminal  

gi-enumerate na nako... i can't help it!

Once you have opened this e-mail, there is no turning back.  Read your sign, then forward it  with your zodiac sign and label on the subject line. Try ignoring or changing it, and the first thing you'll notice is having a horrible day starting tomorrow morning - and it only gets worse from there.

CAPRICORN The Go-Getter (Dec 22 - Jan 19)
Patient and wise. Practical and rigid. Ambitious. Tends to be Good-looking. Humorous and funny. Can be a bit shy and reserved. Often pessimistic. Capricorns tend to act before they think and can be Unfriendly at times. Hold grudges. Like competition. Get what they want. 20 years of good luck if you forward.

AQUARIUS - The Sweetheart (Jan 20 - Feb 18)
Optimistic and honest. Sweet personality. Very independent. Inventive and intelligent. Friendly and loyal. Can seem unemotional. Can be a bit rebellious. Very stubborn, but original and unique. Attractive on the inside and out. Eccentric personality. 11 years of luck if you forward.

PISCES - The Dreamer (Feb 19 - Mar 20)
Generous, kind, and thoughtful. Very creative and imaginative. May become secretive and vague. Sensitive. Don't like details. Dreamy and unrealistic. Sympathetic and loving. Kind. Unselfish. Good kisser. Beautiful. 8 years of good luck if you forward.

ARIES - The Daredevil (Mar 21 - April 19)
Energetic. Adventurous and spontaneous. Confident and enthusiastic. Fun. Loves a challenge. EXTREMELY impatient. Sometimes selfish. Short fuse. (Easily angered.) Lively, passionate, and sharp wit Outgoing. Lose interest quickly - easily bored. Egoti stical. Courageous and assertive. Tends to be physical and athletic. 16 years of good luck if you forward.

TAURUS - The Enduring One (April 20 - May 20)
Charming but aggressive. Can come off as boring, but they are not. Hard workers. Warm-hearted. Strong, has endurance. Solid beings who are stable and secure in their ways. Not looking for shortcuts. Take pride in their beauty. Patient and reliable. Make great friends and give good advice. Loving and kind. Loves hard -- passionate. Expresses themselves emotionally. Prone to ferocious temper-tantrums. Determined. Indulges themselves often. Very generous. 12 years of good Luck if you forward

GEMINI - The Chatterbox (May 21 - June 20)
Smart and witty. Outgoing , very chatty. Lively, energetic. Adaptable but needs to express them selves. Argumentative and outspoken. Like change. Versatile. Busy, sometimes nervous and tense. Gossips. May seem superficial or inconsistent. Beautiful physically and mentally. 5 years of bad luck if you do not forward.

CANCER - The Protector (June 21 - July 22)
Moody, emotional. May be shy. Very loving and caring. Pretty/handsome Excellent partners for life. Protective. Inventive and imaginative. Cautious. Touchy-feely kind of person. Needs love from others. Easily hurt, but sympathetic. 16 years of bad luck if you do not forward.

LEO - The Boss (July 23 - Aug 22)
Very organized. Need order in their lives - like being in control. Like boundaries. Tend to take over everything. Bossy. Like to help Others. Social and outgoing. Extroverted. Generous, warm-hearted. Sensitive. Creative energy. Full of themselves. Loving. Doing the right thing is important to Leos. Attractive. 13 years of bad luck if you do not forward.

VIRGO - The Perfectionist (Aug 23 - Sept 22)
Dominant In relationships. Conservative. Always wants the last word. Argumentative. Worries. Very smart. Dislikes noise and chaos. Eager. Hardworking. Loyal. Beautiful. Easy to talk to. Hard to please. Harsh. Practical and very fussy. Often shy. Pessimistic. 7 years of bad luck if you do not forward.

LIBRA - The Harmonizer (Sept 23 - Oct 22)
Nice to everyone they meet. Can't make up their mind. Have own unique appeal. Creative, energetic, and very social. Hates to be alone. Peaceful, generous. Very loving and beautiful. Flirtatious. Give in too easily. Procrastinators. Very gullible. 9 years of bad luck if you do not forward.

SCORPIO - The Intense One (Oct 23 - Nov 21)
Very energetic. Intelligent. Can be jealous and/or possessive. Hardworking. Great kisser. Can become obsessive or secretive. Holds grudges. Attractive. Determined. Loves being in long Relationships. Talkative. Romantic. Can be self-centered at times. Passionate and Emotional. 4 years of bad luck if you do not forward.

SAGITTARIUS - The Happy-Go-Lucky One (Nov 22 - Dec 21)
Good-natured optimist. Doesn't want to grow up (Peter Pan Syndrome). Indulges self. Boastful. Likes luxuries and gambling. Social and outgoing. Doesn't like responsibilities. Often fantasizes. Impatient. Fun to be around. Having lots of friends. Flirtatious. Doesn't like rules. Sometimes hypocritical. Dislikes being confined - tight spaces or even tight clothes. Doesn't like being doubted. Beautiful inside and out 4 years of bad luck if you do not forward

Send away!!
~ Ready, set, go!
1-3 people = 1 minute of luck
4-7 people = 1 hour of luck
8-12 people = 1 day of luck
13-17 People = 1 week of luck
18-22 people = 1 month of luck
23-27 people = 3 Months of luck
28-32 people = 7 months of luck
33-37 people = 1 year of luck

I had a great time! 

I spent the night with my college close friends -- East, Malou, and Toni!  It's really been ages since we got together... only one person was missing -- Shielo.  I miss her already.  Anyway, she and Toni would be here in March, so here's to hoping for a reunion.

Toni... hilarious as ever.  Such a teaser!  She's gotten worse over the years.  She came to Cebu with her family and boy friend for a quick vacation -- three days, I guess.  Tomorrow, she and her folks would return to Butuan.

The original plan was, Malou and I were supposed to meet at 3:00 p.m. to visit The Gorrordo Museum and upload the pictures from her cam.  At around 9:00 a.m. on Jan. 31, she told me to move it to 4:30 p.m. because we would be meeting East and Toni at 5:00 p.m.  I arrived in Ayala at 5:00 p.m. because I overslept.  I fell asleep at almost noon due to headache and woke up at around 2:00 p.m., slept again, and then woke up at 3:30 p.m.  It only took me 30 minutes to change... however, I rode the wrong jeepney (because I wasn't wearing my glasses) and ended up getting off near the Mandaue City public market.  From there I rode a 20B jeepney and then realized I forgot to eat lunch.  My stomach was grumbling.

In Ayala, East introduced me to her co-workers at Sykes -- Andrew and... I forgot the other one.  Drats!  I was too hungry to focus.  Malou was already there.   I bought spinach/alugbati something and shark fins (siomai) from Dimsum.  The shark fins siomai unfortunately has shrimp in it.

Then Toni, more beautiful than ever, finally arrived with her two younger brothers and boy friend Ipe (a police officer).  A few minutes after, Clark (East's bf) arrived.  They decided that we dine at AA's Barbecue Grill (I dunno if I remembered the name right... heard it right, or read it right).  Our table was flourished with barbecued squid (ugh!), chicken, and pork; soup with seashells; iced tea; and talks and talks of reminiscence, how-are-yous, and business.  We even had our picture taken.

Gosh!  It seemed so long ago since we last marched out of USJ-R's shelter.  We are Masscom graduates -- Malou and I are journalism majors, while Toni, East, and Shielo are broadcast majors. 

I looked enviously at Toni's USJ-R black shirt with gold print.  She had been in USJ-R and even saw Sir Teoddie Dumam-ag (our Sir Nube during our college years).  I have to include that black shirt in my list of must-haves.

Malou, Toni, East, Shielo, and I belonged to the good girl classification back in college.  We were achievers, at least they were (I was a little bit above normal).  Toni, East, Shielo, and I -- we were nicknamed "palahubog na mga DL."  We had crazy days... lost of crazy days.  We always had fun even though only Toni was quite blessed financially.  But our kind of fun was never expensive.  We were just... plainly wacky.  We enjoyed what we had back then, and the things we did... we always did them with a bang.  We were quite a handful.

I would never forget the things we did together... even the time I made Toni cry, or watched a single tear from East's eyes fall down because we called her "Insensitive".  Toni even teasingly dedicated the "Insensitive" song to her, a song which, I always asked East to play on air every time I would visit her at DYAR, USJ-R's campus radio station.  Among my favorite memories was the time that Toni dragged me into DYAR from my Effcom (Effective Communication) class and made me sit right next to her as her partner for the evening because her real partner wasn't around.  And I... I so desperately wanted to have a try at the deejaying thingy but just didn't have the words to say.  And there I was... literally in front of the mike.  Before Toni went on air, I kept mumbling, "I don't know what to say."  And then began to speak like a normal, likable human being when the red "ON AIR" above DYAR's door flashed.  "It's ten minutes down to seven, and you're listening to... eighty-seven point five Air-Rhethoric Radio... we play, we inform.  That's the Air-Rhethoric experience..."  were the treasured lines that stayed in my memory.

From AA's we went to Paseo for karaoke and spent an hour there.  The ride going to Paseo was freakin' hilarious and Toni even suggested that we just stay in the car.  Too bad for Malou, who had to leave for an appointment.  Toni was quite annoying with her teasing, but always funny.  She even went as far as teasing me to Andrew, who, in his early age, has learned how to work hard.  At age 16, he was already a DJ and even joined in taping a program.  He stayed in that kind of work for two years.  He's an okay guy but really, I don't see sparks here.  I would only end up comparing him with my former crush... hehehehe.  Clarky and Ipe weren't bad as well.  I think I like them both for my friends.

It's really quite hard for me to loosen up to strangers, but it's great that I have friends who make it easy for me.  And East seems to be really in love, I got two shots as evidence.  Hell yeah!  

At the first of February, Malou will be coming to my house.  Life is a lot better with friends around.  I've finally reconnected with them and went back, even for a while, to the greatest years of my life, at least among the many greatest years... back when I was Shaire -- timid, kind, sensitive, trusting, likable, and gifted, but still looked like a snob.   :)

Our theme song: