Becoming Jane

I saw this movie last year around Christmas.  It was a sad story.  Jane the author of well-received novels lived a melancholy life… at least, that’s how I see it.

 

She gave up on her beloved. She did not believe in the ability of the man to succeed. Her vision of Tom was jaded of the fear of the unknown. Perhaps, we need to see beyond circumstances. If she believed in the man that he is, and supported his dreams, it would be a different ending. What Tom needed that time was someone who would believe he can. She did not.

Wouldn’t it be great to know someone believes in us?

Makati Skyline in the Philippines

I am a believer. Whenever people ask me if I want to go abroad to work, I would always say “Naah. I’ll stay here.”  Some pessimists wonder why not just go out of the country and earn more in greener pastures?

I just know it in my heart that no matter what we hear and see today around us, the sun will always shine in our nation and will be brighter than ever. I used to work in one of the most beautiful buildings in Makati – the RCBC Tower, and look through the clear glass windows at 4 or 5AM during my break and see the beauty and calmness of the sky above Makati. I thought, Philippines will have more of these. That was about five years ago, and I still believe it. Now, as I travel around Metro Manila, I see towering condominiums and buildings… and smell progress and development.

We can not always depend on what others say. If we know in our hearts we have the will and faith to see through everything, they may not come along and support every endeavor we have screaming within us, we just have to continue running and finish the race. I believe it is God-given. It’s called faith.
Cheers to all Filipino believers.

Thank you, Mang Dolphy

I was at work when I heard the news that Mang Dolphy passed-away. I grew up watching his old films, some were black and white movies. I remember watching and enjoying re-runs of John and Marsha on RPN 9 on weekdays after school. 

What makes him the King of Comedy in the Philippines?

I don't know much about his personal life. I haven't had the chance to see him personally. I just know him through TV commercials, Home Along the Riles, and other TV programs. But what fascinated me about Mang Dolphy is his simplicity. Whenever I watch an interview with him, he always sounded humble and down-to-earth.

Mang Dolphy is one of the few genuine actors who can make us laugh and cry at the same time. I saw some serious scenes he had and was amazed of the fact he can move you in a way and leave a twinge in your heart. That's remarkable. He knew his craft and he changed the lives of Filipinos by just making us smile.

They say doing comedy is more difficult than doing drama. I haven't tried any, but there is something special about comedy. Comedy brings joy to people and not grief. It's one selfless act of playing a role. It's noble for it eases the pain of the one searching for something that would hold and lift the weary heart, even for just one whole film.

I believe Mang Dolphy found his life's purpose in comedy. He was able the help and change the world through his gift of making people happy. Without a doubt, the sound of his name will always make us smile.

We are grateful. Thank you, Mang Dolphy.






Photo Source:
http://helloballoon.com/ 
　

I Wonder About the Kids Chasing Jeepneys in Cubao

I've been working somewhere in Quezon City for almost 4 years now and I have noticed some things don't change. There were homeless kids around. They get on the jeepneys, giving away envelops to passengers. I see them everyday, doing the same old thing, chasing jeepneys and begging for money.

I wonder about their parents and their relatives. If they are orphans, then, I wonder about the government who promised to take care of these kids. They need shelter. They need food. If we could do something more precise, specific and comprehensive. I wonder. I wonder what kind of life they have to face in five to ten years if chasing jeepneys and giving out envelops are the only skills they use to survive.

This morning, my mom was watching a documentary film about the education system in our country. We don't have enough schools, enough books, enough chairs, tables and classroom. The teachers are also looking for greener pastures in other nations. Can we blame them?

This has been a cycle. We have chosen different leaders, and have experimented on their characters, backgrounds as if doing a trial and error solution to an algebra equation.

I am not complaining. I am just wondering... Just another human being hoping that life will be better for everyone.