Friday, November 26, 2004

Alexander the Gay

Due to boredom and perhaps intrinsic curiosity, I decided to watch Alexander the Great yesternight at G4. Was planning on watching The Incredibles but I do so wanted to watch that one with Ching.

Niways, the movie was a great surprise in the sense that it was one of the few blatantly homosexual movie that I have ever seen.

However, the homosexuality exhibited in the movie was far far different from any other. It was more of a "Band of Brothers" type of sexuality, and not the screaming faggot type we usually associate with today.

Although I did find myself cringing in the kooky scenes with Alexander and Haephestion plus with his other love affairs, I kinda realize that it was the tradition of the Greeks (Macedonian for that matter) to engage in such sexual activities.

I was not alone in the shocked, aww shucks, giggly state regarding the gayness of Alexandra. I was seated next to a gaggle of college girls and it was really funny how they reacted to the kooky scenes interspersed with the gory and very vivid battle scenes. I do love to see them squirm.

Niways, I think modern common people cannot readily accept that one of the most famous generals of ancient times was openly homosexual (the pare pa kiss nga type).

Certainly, Alexander was not alone in this. Historical accounts say that Richard the Lion Heart and somebody or the other were also gay.

Niways, it was a very good movie with very gory battle scenes which I loved (so very reminiscent with Braveheart and The Last Samurai). The movie however barely showed the enormous military conquests of Alexander. It also failed to show the Gordian knot in which he was famous for.

Watch it and be ready to cringe and be thrilled.

Saturday, October 16, 2004

Ha, after five long years I just discovered that my old website at geocities still exists.

Niways, here is an oldie from yesteryear . . .


Halika na, pumikit limutin ang problema. Hihintayin ang umaga.

Wish it was that damned easy. Better days are definitely ahead you just have to survive the night. Its the problem aint it, if you still have the guts and the willpower to carry on. My nights have steadily become a nightmare, a slow death of sorts. Wish that I could just lie down, close my eyes, and wake up to a new dawn. Unfortunately, I just cant do that for I’m not living in some fairy land. Reality bites, as they say, and it bites damnably hard.

Demons of my own making abound and have slowly crept into my psyche. Carry a honkingly big stick and beat the hell out of these demons seems the best course of action, but in a sense i dont want to. Somehow I thrive on the adrenaline rush, that all out emotional lashing out. Raw, intense emotions. Love, hate, despair, anger. I live for those. Somehow i might bitch about my life, but in the end this is what I love the most. An unbalanced existence, verging on insanity and self-destruction. A life so fuckingly unpredictable that every day is a gamble. If u see me now, my scars are increasing rapidly. Aye, symbols of stupidity and at the same time badges of honor for a life I have chosen to live.

Strength, passion, perseverance. What counts the most. Passion I definitely have, the other two would need some work. Passion wold someday be the death of me, but its a long ways from now. Without passion what is man? Perhaps this is my way of expressing a cry for help, perhaps not. The life i have right now, leaves me quite unbalanced most of the time. I still havnt found what im looking for. Bike for life has been moved to the 21st of May but my training continues on. I need this project so much to gain a foothold back to sense and sensibility, least i totally implode.

Hope might be fleeting for some of us, but ever there is something for us to hold on to. Children with cancer are out there dying, slowly losing the lifeblood of hope. Bike for Life. www.bike4life.org . Let us give hope to those who have so little of. Let us give life to those who have given up. Perhaps in the end, we will be saving ourselves.

Gumising na. Araw ng pag-asa'y narito na. Dumating din, haharapin natin. . .

Sunday, October 10, 2004

Pocket PC rocks!!

I was just issued a Toshiba E740 pocket PC by the office and I must say the unit rocks. It has two, yup thats right, TWO expansion slots Compact Flash and MMC/SD plus it has wi-fi and 64mb of onboard memory.

Now I can view my pix taken from my DSLR in the PDA and can send it via wifi to our site. Now if I can only find a program like a photoshop lite to accompany the PDA it would be perfect for me and can virtually send from anywhere with a bluetooth SD card and a gprs cell phone.

Did I mention the games? Galeeeng. Meron ako nabilihan na pocketpc games at parang mini-pc na sya. There is a game called snails that is similar to worms armaggedon or to gunbound. Meron din mga rpg stuff like eye of the beholder type games pero di ko pa nainstall.

I also bought an IR keyboard for the PDA but havn't used it much since I found out that I can write directly to my PDA and have my handwriting by recognized and converted to a word format file.

Still longing for a proper laptop though.... but for the moment I am quite satisfied with this little gem



Saturday, October 02, 2004

Ragnarok

It all started with that stupid review. Now I am hopelessly addicted to Ragnarok and I don't even know what the goal of my character is other than to kill more monsters to level-up.

I am currently in Baguio with my boss and luckily (or rather unluckily) there was a 24 hour bet cafe near the hotel where I was staying and I gravitated to the place searching for a terminal to play online.

Woe is me, the boss is giving me a DSL connection at home and it seems the ragnarok bug would even get worse.

Tuesday, September 28, 2004

It has been a long time since I blogged. Why I really don't care.

Niways, I just watched a DVD titled "War Stories" and it tells the stories of war correspondents covering the civil war in Uzbekiztan, somewhere in former USSR. It tells of the hardships and the risks that we journalists take in order to produce our stories and photos.

It made me wonder why I chose my current profession, photojournalist, as compared to a relatively easy and higher paying job as a corporate slave. I mean I do have all the credentials and experience plus a few units of Masteral subjects and a diploma in retail management.

The truth of the matter is I love what I am doing, no matter how difficult or insane it might be. I mean nobody in his right mind would eagerly look forward to a confrontation or exhaust all his resources trying to be assigned to the frontline. I do not mind working under the hot sun and patienly waiting for something to break nor do I complain being soaked in torrential rain and risking life, limb, and property just to take a photo.

Sure I do voice out my feelings, but in the end like a moth to a flame, I am drawn to the adrenaline busting world of media.

As a journalist, I give voice to suffering, a window to adversity, and a road to recovery for the masses. On the other hand I am also there to share in their joy and in ther sorrow. I know what it is like out there because I am out there with them.

Would I ever consider another career, probably. But in the end, I would always keep coming back to where my heart is.

"There is no truth, only stories...."


Monday, July 05, 2004

THANK YOU TEARGAS!

I have been tear gassed maybe around three or so times before but I can say that the worst teargas experience I have ever gone through was the FPJ dispersal of last week.

Maybe they were using new stock or something but man oh man did that gas hurt and irritate our eyes and lungs.

How do I explain it . . first you feel an irresistable urge to cry very much akin I guess to having salt and pepper rubbed into your eyes, your lungs seem to be on fire and every breath seems to burn, finally if you can't hold it, an urge to vomit.

Oh yeah, I forgot to mention the water cannons and the very big stones and bottles thrown our way.

Needless to say went through that ordeal teary eyed and drippingly wet.

Another day.

Wednesday, June 16, 2004

LIKE HELL NO . . . .


There are many reasons why People adopt a vegetarian diet. With the growing awareness of the importance of healthy food, many people are becoming vegetarian because it matches the kind of low fat, high fibre diet recommended by dieticians and doctors. Concern about the environment is another factor as people become more aware of the effect raising animals for their meat is having on the environment. Or you may be concerned about wasting world food resources by using land to raise animals for meat instead of growing crops that can feed more people directly.

Health benefits for a vegetarian diet are numerous. According to a report from the American Institute for Cancer Research (AICR) eating food containing substantial and varied amounts of vegetables and fruit will prevent 20 percent or more of all types of cancer. Recommended consumption is 5 to 10 servings daily, which means a substantial amount of fruit or vegetables for the day.

In numerous studies it has been shown that following a plant-based diet is associated with lower cholesterol levels, less heart disease, lower risk of many cancers, lower blood pressure, decreased weight and even stronger bones.

The greater consumption of fruit and vegetables usually associated with a vegetarian diet represents a major health benefit because of the vitamins, minerals, cancer-fighting phytochemicals and dietary fibre they supply.

A vegetarian diet can include dairy products, eggs, butter, margarine, nuts, seeds, salad oils, vegetable shortening and cooking oils for fat sources.

There are four levels of vegetarian diets: Vegan; only consume food of vegetable origin. Lacto-vegetarian; includes cheese and dairy products. Ovo-lactovegetarian; includes eggs. And Semi-vegetarian; no red meat, but open to chicken and fish.

Vegetarian diets are basically healthy and far superior to the low-carb revolution, but many would argue that perhaps a more balanced diet would be better. The real issue that lumps vegetarian diets in with all the others that fail so miserably in the long-term is sustainability. One must always ask themselves: can I follow this diet regimen for the rest of my life?

Most say that a non-vegetarian diet is harmful to health, anti-economic, dangerous for the environment, contrary to ethics, inauspicious and incomplete.

The meat diet makes one insensitive to the suffering of others and indifferent to the exploitation of weaker elements of human society. Once these unethical values are accepted, they can be applied to children, women, sick, economically or socially disadvantaged, handicapped people, minorities, etc. A society based on such negative values cannot attain peace and receive properly the message of God.

Health is everybody's business and over 90% of health problems are due to wrong diet and lifestyle. So, this is a good starting point.

Thursday, June 10, 2004

SPAM

Like yuck! I am so baboy na. . . .

So they say..

Niways, I miss the crimsom, sodium laden, slabs of meat that was served most days during my childhood.

Fortunately, I just found out that there is a specialty resto at Glori that specilizes in this artery blocking treat.

Have not eaten there yet but would like to soon.

Miko

Tuesday, June 08, 2004

Hells Bells ... Harry Potter 3 sucked big time!!

I think it was the most boring and uninspired movie I have ever watched.

I really don't get what the hype is all about this fledgeling snotty wizard and his equally inept friends.

Heck the only thing I loved about the movie is the tomboyish Hermione Granger.

But hey don't get all hyped up and hyperventilating about my comments.. fanboys and girls .. its just me.

Miko

Thursday, June 03, 2004

Shut up Mr. Speaker!!

Digs Dilangalen, my new hero after Eddie "Pilukang Itim" Gil..

Miko

Thursday, April 29, 2004

I am Miko Santos and I am for Bro. Eddie ......

Seriously!

Just came from covering the political rally of Bro. Eddie held in Ayala and I must say the man's charisma is in the high 20's. Although this is not the first time that I have covered Bro. Edy in the campaign, this is the first time that I was really moved by him and the people supporting him.

You could feel their intensity and passion.

There came a point that way up in my ladder and clutching my camera ready to take a shot, I was muttering things like "Yes Lord", "Amen", "I believe" and such nonsense.

Anyhoo, my vote is definitely for Bro. Eddie. It would be fun to see what he can accomplish as our country's top honcho.

Thursday, April 22, 2004

Cycling and freedom … same thing.

During the recent Holy Week in Metro Manila, the city was a virtual ghost town. A sudden eeriness seems to have crept in the metro. Gone were the traffic jams, honking horns, revving engines, squealing brakes, and irate drivers.

The near absence of cars and vehicles in the metro made it possible to hear the leaves rustling in the trees and for once you could actually hear the birds sing. When you sniff the air, it was perceptibly cleaner also.

The city, for a few days, was a paradise for bikers, walkers, and runners, who came out in droves to fully take advantage of the temporary truce with the city’s polluted atmosphere.

It was also time to make you think what we have sacrificed in the name of progress and personal comfort.

Personal cars are in great abundance in any city worldwide and in recent studies have proven to be a major source of pollution, illnesses, deaths, and social degradation.

In contrast cycling your way to your destination promotes an active lifestyle, contributes little to no pollution, and encourages social interaction.

In a growing number of communities, bicycling and walking are considered indicators of a community’s livability. A factor that has a profound impact on attracting businesses and workers as well as on tourism.

Although personal cars do have their advantages and one can even argue that in light of the present situation, biking to work may even be more dangerous, one must consider the benefits that one can get.

People have been calling city cyclists crazy, and frankly, they may have a point. You have to be a bit crazy to tackle urban biking, with all the pollution and dangers of being shoulder to shoulder with irresponsible drivers.

But biking is one big free liberating experience. Riding a bike is like having an epiphany on how better we and even the world can be if we but stop and consider the alternatives. You realize things you can and can’t do. You turn the wheel, you go where you go at your own pace.

Biking will make you a better person. Away from the hustle and bustle of traffic jams, you get to see the real situation and get to commune with what is happening in your society. Seeing the poverty and filth in the streets may move something in you to try to improve the situation.

It is just a matter of rethinking and contemplating a lifestyle change that minimizes dependency on cars. You not only clean the air, lessen gridlock, create more livable cities, but also promote a better and healthier way of perceiving yourself and society.

Do make the lifestyle change support your local bike advocacy group.

Wednesday, April 21, 2004

OH my gawd!!!!

I am 80% evil!!!

Why am I not surprised . . . . . .


Monday, April 19, 2004

Heya

Saw an old friend last saturday at Gbelt4. He just came back from an art scholarship from Japan. Also have 5 interns under me from FEU.

I can't think right now.

Wednesday, March 31, 2004

Things I miss ...

I miss my MTV.

But seriously, have you ever wondered if you can have the power to turn back time and have a chance to right the wrongs, a second chance . . . . .

I have often wondered why in my deepest hell did I not choose to pursue a career in medicine which I was so primed to do way back in highschool. I mean there I was a graduate of UST High with good enough grades to easily enter any college in the friggin' university without even going through an entrance exam and I had to choose a mundane course in DLSU.

Where would I be right now have I chosen that particular path? Would I even know you guys?

Nahh, it wouldn't be fun coz' I would miss u guys...
an oldie but goodie . . .
Freedom and biking, same thing

Last Saturday, in lieu of partaying, I decided to go on an epic bike ride, besides I really do need to practice for bike4life. Epic it certainly was. Left Petron at around sevenish in the morn and arrived just before dusk. Biked for almost half a day. Ass sore, legs going numb, vision getting hazy, neck burning like hell, back stiff as as a board, signs of bonking, I plodded on. Lost somewhere in the hinterlands of Bulacan seeking reprieve from life everdamning. Pride and can do attitude seems to be the only thing fueling me to continue.

This long on a bike, your mind starts to wander. Endless, meaningless, soulful, revealing, oftentimes exotic thoughts do enter your mind to ease the pain of your ceaseless cadence. What if its my child she's carrying? What if she comes back? What if this and what if that. What if god is female and black? What if we are just chesspieces in a celestial game? What if we are all evil incarnate? What if I dont make it back to the station? What if cockroaches are the true rulers of earth and we but mindless pawns? What if i eat this bug? Will i feel the earth move under my skin? Will the sun still shine on MTV? What sex is Hello Kitty? What if I tie dye my hair and henna tattoo my body will she of the wondrous voice and name that rhymes with tequila still like me? Dreadlocks? Skinhead? Will I make it thru the wilderness even though I am not a virgin? Do monks wear underwear? SMB or Miller? Will numbnuts be good nick after bike4life? What if Mr. Stress is really Miss Stress? What if Barbie is lesbian and GI Joe gay? What do sushi flavored gelatin in a tube taste like? Will i go kaboom if all i eat is chili and beans? Will Say I love You mean Better Days? Will this mindless email ever end?

So it does. Freedom, our greatest gift, our greatest threat. Minds awandering, dem is like Jamaica, mon. Evergreen, ever unpredictable. Kaya join na lang kayo sa Bike4Life and lets all have a good time!

Things to do before I croak: "spill my guts over the Riviera"

Monday, March 29, 2004

Pathetic

I can't believe this. This is suppose to be easy but I can't even figure out how to work this stupid BLOG thing.

How the hell do you add pictures??? Oh, I see thru the use of fuckingly stupid html codes.

Niways, am now a blognetizen.

Welcome me my peasants!!!!
BLOG is good.
BLOG is life.
BLOG is BLOG
wot is this?

wot is the purpose of BLOG?
HA!!

I finally figured how to work this thing out. It's still ugly as hell but what the hey, the world would still be mine!!! MINE!!! MINE!!!!.

HELP!!!!!!

my friends are all bloggers and it seems I am the only one out of the loop. HAA!!!!

not anymore for I now have my own BLOGSPOT, HAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!

the world would be mine!!! MINE!!! MINE!!!

kneel before your master, o peasants!!!

writhe in agony and in despair, vengeance would be mine!! MINE!!! MINE!!!

MWAHAHAHAHA!!!!!