AVENGERS AND GAME OF THRONES

Ruther and I watched the Avengers a couple of weeks ago and I really enjoyed it. Not only was it riveting, it was entertaining, funny and, in one scene, even sad.  It was a wonderful movie and I'm looking forward to watching the 2nd part.  So, imagine my consternation when I read online that I missed the very very last part of the movie where the superheroes were all together eating shawarma!  Argh!  How could I have missed that?  I'm so mad at myself.  Anyway, once the DVD/Blu-ray is out I'll check that part out.

Sigh.

.....

Game of Thrones is getting more and more interesting.  Season 2 is really great because when I read the book, Season 1 was almost exactly similar.  Season 2 however is interesting.  Some parts in the book were omitted and other parts changed, like Shae being Sansa's handmaiden (instead of Lollys), Osha seducing Theon, and Arya being Lord Tywin's cupbearer.  But I don't mind the changes.  In the book/s, there were so many characters in the story, I sometimes couldn't keep track.  So yeah, am happy with the way HBO did their version.  So excited for the next episode.  I'm hoping it will be another spectacular show.

Winter is coming...

STILL RAINING...

The rains have not let up. This typhoon is taking its sweet time leaving the country and it's just making the flooding worse for those places already underwater/partially underwater. I saw the news tonight and it's so distressing to see families still waiting for aid. In one report, a lot of people were still trapped in a mall in Pangasinan because waters flooded the first floor of the building. It's really worrisome. Are there old people in there? Are there kids? Do they have food? I'm kind of pissed that until now, the government has not done something concrete to help these people. The most obvious help I've seen so far are from the media. Is the government really that inept? And why am I asking this question when I already know the answer? Sheesh...

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Ruther has been working so hard for the past weeks. I'm kind of worried about him because when we spoke last night he looked a bit peaked. When he lacks sleep he usually gets eyebags or dark circles under his eyes the next day and he looked haggard last night. I worried of course. Plus, the fact that my high school classmate's dad had a heart attack from stress made me worry about the stress Ruther is having at work as well. I hope he'll take it easy this weekend and just relax for a change...

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I watched a documentary this afternoon on the Bio channel. It was titled "Can You Live Without Make-up?" And it was interesting in a psychological point of view. The woman in the documentary had to be without make-up for a week and the night before the first day she was getting anxious and worried about taking off her make-up. She said that she's always been with make-up and feels naked without it. During the first day, she just saw all her flaws. She believed that people thought she looked terrible and couldn't help asking people what they thought about her without make-up on. She was in her late 30s and I think she had a nice, sweet face. During the first night of the experiment, she was depressed. The next day she had to meet clients and even if everything went well, she was still anxious about her appearance. It was kind of sad because she knew how to dress well, she had a great personality but she said that her make up is like her "armor". I could go on about the psychological implications of that but to make it short, she lacks confidence without her make-up on. She said that she's willing to spend much on pretty-ing herself up because she needs to be pampered. She goes to a salon once a week. But she's not vain. When I watched the documentary, she presented herself as a person who was unsure of herself without make-up. She believed that people liked her more when she's "dolled up" as she said. (I so blame the media for this.) Anyway, on the third night, she went out with her 3 close friends again without make-up and she was having a great time and was starting to feel good about herself when a passing comment from a stranger brought back all her insecurities once more. I believe the comment went something like, "Go home and put some make-up on. You look like an ugly cow" or something to that effect. I was aghast of course. I wouldn't know what I would have said to that person (maybe something nasty) but she cried and got depressed. The next day she was even more determined to finish the experiment so she could use make-up again. She said that she was finally starting to appreciate the self-discovery but the comment the previous night made her realize that in a party scene she will not do without some make-up. Anyway, that night she had dinner with her best friend and good thing her friend had some sense to tell her that she was a beautiful person and she didn't make up for people to "see" her for who she was. Actually, her friend said a whole lot more but they were all positive and I would have said the same thing. Anyway, the next day, she was more happy, more accepting and came to realize that make-up did not make her. When she finished the experiment, she did use make-up once more but just to enhance her features. She was no longer overly done (she used to wear bright red lipstick, she said), she's not afraid for people to look at her flaws and she's more confident.

I love documentaries like this. I like those path-to-self-discovery stories. It's really inspiring. Imagine, something as simple as make-up can make you look at yourself and life differently.

Anyway, I for one, am not make-up dependent. I do use make-up from time to time but mostly, I try to just moisturize my face in the evening just to keep my face supple. God knows I've heard enough reminders from my mom (who has a nightly regimen, by the way and who is another person who wouldn't be caught dead without make-up on in public). Maybe when I start work I'll be wearing make-up more often but I'll still keep it to a minimum.

Anyway, would love to see more documentaries like this...

MAKING MY LIST

I've started my Christmas list. It's never too early to make a Christmas list, right?

Well, I decided to gift the little kiddies this year and for the big kids (mostly from Ruther's maternal cousins) they'll have to settle for some food/snacks instead. I'll still be getting Ruther's godchildren their presents of course, and mine as well so I've added them to the list. I already started buying presents and so far it's lookin' good. I'm planning to give some raisin cookies per family and wrap them prettily in recycled paper. (Focus on the word "prettily" there). Anyway, still have a few months to complete the shopping and wrapping and until our Christmas tree is up, those presents won't be anywhere about, that's for sure!

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I'm now trying to do the mature thing and move on. I mean, I can only dwell so much on my problems but I don't want to die of a heart attack. Anyway, I'm now trying to focus on Christmas instead, which is only a few months away, thank god. If Ruther comes home then, this year wouldn't be as bad as it has already been.

Am keeping my fingers crossed. Keep yours crossed as well for good measure.

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Because of the latest crazy situation we've been in, the boys and I haven't been doing much homeschooling. And I feel so irresponsible in that respect. So I'm now planning on enrolling Nikki in a homeschool program here in Manila. I've already made initial inquiries and hopefully, Nikki will be enrolled by next month or so. Maybe it's about time as well since Nikki will be turning 8 in November and he's starting to be more confident in doing worksheets by himself. He used to be so worried about making mistakes that he would always ask me to stick by him and check every stroke he made. I suppose it's time to start moving things along. I just hope we'll retain the flexible schedule we have currently. I'm thinking Nikki will either adapt to the schedule or hate it. We'll see...

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Watched So You Think You Can Dance and Bones tonight. These are a couple of shows that truly make me happy when I watch them. Really. SYTYCD is just a lot of fun and laughs and until the top 20 dancers are chosen, it's just hilarious watching the early part of the auditions. Forensics has always interested me so it's no surprise that I love Bones. But what's so enjoyable about it is the story. I just love the characters (more than the book, I might add) and the episodes. They are just really fun to watch. I'm still sad that Zach had to go but I still love the show. I've let go of some shows over the years like American Idol, Lost, etc. because they've either become less interesting or the stories just got too boring or confusing and I don't regret ditching those shows. I'm happy with better tv shows like Bones and SYTYCD. Looking forward to next week's episodes! :D

IS IT SUMMER AGAIN?

It's gotten so warm the past few days you'd think it was summer in the Philippines again. My sister and I were walking home from the mall one time and we were complaining about the humidity and the really warm wind. It was not comfy at all. Lately, I've resorted to turning on the air conditioning in the afternoons to keep the boys cool. I just don't want to risk getting the boys sick with this A(H1N1) virus all over the metro. I remember a time when the boys were little, I would turn the aircon on for an hour or so in the middle of the day and then just use the fan to keep us cool for the rest of the afternoon. But I didn't realize that the humidity and terrible hot weather could affect us even within the house. So the boys developed a cough then (dry cough) and I got so scared. Now, I don't want to risk that again. So in the afternoons, I gauge the temperature outside (we need a thermometer badly I know) and turn on the aircon for a maximum of 3 hours. I usually turn it on at 1pm and then set it on timer for 1 1/2 hour initially. If it's still too hot, I leave it on for another hour or so. By 4pm, it gets a whole lot cooler so we could use the fan/s confortably at around that time. We never got used to using misters here in the Philippines which I think is sad because we need it really bad. The first time the boys and I experienced misters was at Tokyo Disneyland and it was so refreshing. I think the malls and establishments around here should think of putting misters as well. I think it would be a great idea.

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I love watching Pucca every afternoon. Disney Channel recently added that new tv show to their schedule and every afternoon at 5 Nikki and I watch it. It's pretty funny and Pucca is so cute. I think I was like her for a time. Haha! But really, I think she's adorable if not extremely moody. Makes me want to have a Pucca doll.

Hmmm...

VAMPIRES AND MORE

I seem to be saturating myself in vampire tales these days. Aside from doing a Buffy marathon (Ruther got me the complete collection for Christmas) for the past weeks, I have been following the story of Bella and Edward and if you have no idea who they are then maybe you're just not into books or the supernatural. Anyway, I'm almost done with the Buffy episodes. I'm in Season 7 now (the final season) and I want to know how things end for Buffy and the Scooby gang. I have to admit, when I followed this series on tv I was not able to catch all the episodes so it's better doing the marathon, at least this way, I could connect all the stories and subplots I missed in the past. It's actually nice getting to watch the entire story unfold in the proper order. I might be done with the final season by next week if nothing hectic comes my way in the next few days.

I just finished reading Breaking Dawn and I must say, once you get over the first book (Twilight), the rest of the books just get better and better. My favorite is the last book because of revelations, resolutions and well, everything coming together I must say. After reading the entire story, I'm now thinking of getting the second, third and fourth book for my collection. My sis gave me the first book last year. I like the writing style and tone of Stephanie Meyer. It's easy to read, the emotions are real and she has a very creative imagination. Hopefully, she will be writing more books in the future, vampire or no vampire.

.....

I read in the newspapers the other day that short hair is the in thing this year. Well, at least I'm keeping up with the latest fad. My hair is starting to feel a bit longer though. I'm thinking of getting a trim in the next 2 weeks to keep my hair as short as it is. I still don't know when I'm going to start growing it long but for the moment, I'm happy to keep it this short. And oh yeah, I forgot about posting my photo. Again. Will do that after I post this...

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Afternoons in my room is absolutely wonderful. After the noon sun has gone down a bit, the wind coming through the window is really refreshing. I usually leave the windows open at this time so the breeze could come through unhindered by the wire screen. The boys usually nap in my room (because of the cool breeze and to save electricity - we would be using 2 fans if we were in separate rooms) and I usually like the quiet and the wind while I'm in bed reading a book or listening to some music on the laptop. I just love the breeze, the calm, the relaxing tropical atmosphere. Now, if only Ruther were here, this would be perfect.

HOPING FOR THE BEST

So we finally submitted our documents last Friday. We went to the ward office at Kannai and everything was okay with the papers. When I say "okay" I mean they were complete. So now, all we have to do is wait and see if the boys and I are going to stay in Japan for another 3 months. I'm really hoping and praying that our visa extension gets approved. Please help pray for this. Our family really needs this right now.

.....

This morning at around 730, we felt this really intense earthquake. Even Ruther, who often has difficulty getting up in the morning, sat up and commented about the intensity. It was definitely side-to-side and the shaking was quick and short, similar to someone shaking you on the shoulder to wake you up. Anyway, after several seconds of that, there was a mild aftershock and then everything settled down. I've now lost track of how many earthquakes I've felt in the 8 months I've stayed in Japan. The first time I felt one, I of course, wanted to run out of the apartment and go to an open field. But now, I understand that it's just a normal part of Japanese life. And as long as it's not destructive, I'm okay with it.

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Am thoroughly enjoying the tv series Bones. Not only is the story entertaining, I just adore the innocence and the very logical mindset of Dr. Temperance Brennan. She's just so intriguing. I was a bit sad though, when Zack had to leave the group and be a bad guy (end of third season). That to me was just unacceptable because Zack was a funny guy in the lab although he didn't mean to be. And he and Hodgins were a great team. I just didn't want Zack to go. It was just so sad. But I will continue to watch Bones. It's just a wonderful tv series, I think. I just love it.

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It's so rainy today. Which is kind of unexpected because the forecast this morning said it was going to be cloudy. But after church, it started to drizzle then it became a downpour. While we were eating lunch, the rain didn't let up so we had no choice but to brave it. It was a good thing I bought our umbrellas and the boys' ponchos. We were still wet but at least we didn't get drenched. So we're spending another Sunday in the apartment, just doing what we do best: being a family. :)

KEIRO NO HI

Last Monday was a holiday so we just stayed home and watched my new favorite series Bones. I just love this show. I suppose I've always loved crime/forensics shows because I've been watching CSI, New Detectives, Air Crash Investigation since before. I don't know why it's so appealing to me but the cases are just so interesting. Anyway, I like Bones a lot because of the characters primarily. I like Emily Deschanel and David Boreanaz. I think their chemistry is hot hot hot! Anyway, I'm just glad that I've now a new show to watch. Since we don't have cable here in Japan, I kinda miss the shows I usually watch back home. Hopefully, this will keep me busy for the time being.

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http://web-japan.org/kidsweb/explore/calendar/september/keiro.html

September 15 is a national holiday called Keiro no Hi, or Respect-for-the-Aged Day. When it was first named a day for elderly citizens in 1951 it was called Toshiyori no Hi, or old people's day. It was designated a national holiday in 1966, and its name was also changed.

Keiro no Hi is a day when one shows respect to long-time contributors to society, celebrates their longevity, prays for their health, gains greater awareness and understanding of welfare issues confronting the elderly, and thinks about how welfare services can be improved.

Because Respect-for-the-Aged Day is a relatively new holiday, there are no customs particularly associated with this day. Usually, though, cultural programs and athletic events spotlighting the elderly are held in the community. In some elementary schools, kids draw pictures or make simple handicraft items to present to their grandparents or residents of nursing homes.

The Tokyo metropolitan government usually holds a ceremony on September 14 to honor the older residents of the prefecture and also sponsors a number of events. The governor of Tokyo visits centenarians and presents them with commemorative gifts.

Japan has the longest life expectancy of any country in the world. According to the Ministry of Health and Welfare, the average life expectancy in 1995 was 76.36 years for men and 82.84 years for women. The 100-and-over population is growing by about a thousand each year, and there were 7,373 centenarians in 1996.

The population of those 65 and over as of April 1, 1997, was 19.44 million, according to the Management and Coordination Agency, representing 15.4% of the total population. This means that one out of every six and a half persons is 65 or above.

Japan's fertility rate - the number of children a woman is expected to give birth to during her lifetime - is dwindling, moreover, and so by 2010, every fifth person in Japan could be 65 or over.

Japan's society is thus graying at a rapid pace, and Respect-for-the-Aged Day should become an increasingly important day in the years to come.

UPDATES

So much has happened these past few days that I didn't have time to write anything....

Ruther took a few days off work and we spent those days together with the boys. It was nice and I really really appreciate whatever time we could get for bonding. Living apart from Ruther has made me learn to just let go of the less important things and focus more on the things that matter at the moment and matter to me.

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The weather has been erratic this week. Sometimes it would be rainy, and then it'll get so warm, then one day it'll be cloudy. Ruther has got a cold but it's getting better now. The boys are doing okay so I'm glad for that. It's just really terrible if one of them gets sick. Not only do they get cranky but it's hard to cure a cold in kids. Anyway, am trying to drorwn Ruther in fruit juices so hopefully, that will do the trick.

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A few weeks ago, I read Breakfast at Tiffany's. I got the book at Yurindo and since I haven't seen the movie yet and since I always want to read the book first before watching the movie version and since it was not that expensive, I bought it. But unfortunately, I didn't like the story. Surprising, huh. I know and heard all the rave reviews about the movie version and how Audrey Hepburn's character Holly Golightly was called "a hilarious heroine" but that was not how I saw the character in the book. To me, she was just too ambitious, too flighty and just too self-involved. I know I haven't seen the movie yet, but I'm making my comments based on the book version and really, I was not too happy with the story. After I read the book, I was aghast to be honest. I mean, who would want to base a character on Holly Golightly I really don't know... So disappointing.

But I still love Audrey Hepburn.

....

Ruther introduced me to a new tv show So You Think You Can Dance and I loved it. I just loved the concept and I think some of the dance choreographies in the show were just astounding. My favorite dancers in the last season were Katee Shean and Joshua Allen and if you watched the show, you'd know why. After I completed watching the entire season, I would sometimes check YouTube for some of their routines (they were partners in the show) and I would always be amazed at their movements and skillfulness. I just love them. Anyway, I'm looking forward to watching the next season and hopefully, it will be just as amazing as this last one.

TV SHOWS

American Idol

Been following this show and I must say I already have my favorites. For now, I have only 2 and they are all girls: Ramiele Malubay and Carly Smithson. Carly is really talented. She knows her stuff and can work the camera. But I'm betting on Ramiele not only because she's Asian American but because she is also very talented. She just needs a bit more confidence. But I think she's really smart and she can really win this. I also believe she is more talented than Jasmine Trias. So you go girl!! Wishing you all the luck! =D


Project Runway

Oh my god. I was soooo disappointed when Chris did not make it to Fashion Week. I really went AAAARRRGGH!!! on this. I felt so bad. I really think that it would have been interesting to see his collection on the runway. I must admit that using human hair in his collection was something really weird but I was quite open to his creativity and I thought it was really gutsy of him. Rami's was not too spectacular. Yeah, he made pieces that showed more than his usual draping but I still liked Chris' a whole lot more. I was soooo disappointed when they said that Rami was in. It was just a really bad season. My first bet Victorya did not make it and now Chris is out. Good thing Jillian is one of the top 3 and now I really hope that SHE wins this season. Am so looking forward to seeing all their collections! I can't wait!

MISSING F R I E N D S

Before Ruther left for Japan, we were watching episodes of FRIENDS. I dunno why, maybe I just miss this so much. I told Ruther then that I noticed that there were no more "FRIENDS-type" tv shows these days, you know, taped in front of a live audience. We have Heroes, Psych, Monk, Prison Break, Lost, and all that and I kind of miss the wacky and fun FRIENDS show. It's just a wonderful show and I love the close friendship they all had and their really unique personalities. If you were a FRIENDS character, who would you be? To be honest, I think I would be Rachel. I'm not as obsessive-compulsive as Monica I suppose. Also, I just like to have a guy to depend on and I'm also a bit of a crybaby. =D I'll ask Ruther who he is later. I think that will be veeery interesting...

UPDATE ON 'DESPERATE' NEWS

'Housewives' medical joke draws ire
By LYNN ELBER,
AP Television Writer

LOS ANGELES - A scene in TV's "Desperate Housewives" that used Philippine medical education for a punchline prompted angry calls from viewers, an online petition demanding an apology and criticism from Philippine officials.

In the season premiere that aired Sunday on ABC, Teri Hatcher's character, Susan, goes in for a medical checkup and is shocked when the doctor suggests she may be going through menopause.

"Listen, Susan, I know for a lot of women the word `menopause'" has negative connotations. You hear `aging,' `brittle bones,' `loss of sexual desire,'" the gynecologist tells her.
"OK, before we go any further, can I check these diplomas? Just to make sure they aren't, like, from some med school in the Philippines?" Susan fires back.

Viewers called the network to complain but the number of callers wasn't available, an ABC spokesman said Wednesday. As of Wednesday evening, more than 30,000 names were attached to an online petition seeking a network apology.

"A statement that devalues Filipinos in healthcare is extremely unfounded, considering the overwhelming presence of Filipinos and Filipino Americans in the medical field," the petition read in part.

ABC, owned by The Walt Disney Co., responded with a statement Wednesday. ABC said it was considering editing the episode.

"The producers of `Desperate Housewives' and ABC Studios offer our sincere apologies for any offense caused by the brief reference in the season premiere. There was no intent to disparage the integrity of any aspect of the medical community in the Philippines," the statement said.

"As leaders in broadcast diversity, we are committed to presenting sensitive and respectful images of all communities featured in our programs," it concluded.

The TV episode even became an international incident, with reports on it topping Philippine news shows and drawing newspaper headlines as officials there registered their displeasure. Filipinos could judge the scene for themselves when it was posted on YouTube.

In Manila, Health Secretary Francisco Duque III said he was writing the producers of the show to seek an apology and note the country's "vehement protest." Senior cabinet member Eduardo Ermita told reporters that an apology should be sought "on behalf of our Filipino professionals."

Kevin Nadal, 29, a Filipino-American college lecturer who lives in New York, posted the online petition calling ABC to task for the scene.

"I had to rewind it over and over again to make sure I heard it right," Nadal said in an interview Wednesday. He watched the episode online after hearing about it from a friend.

"I was immediately offended and, really, just hurt. These days, people are supposed to be more sensitive or more aware of what's considered appropriate," he said, adding that he was hearing from people worldwide who were distressed by the scene. He appreciated ABC's apology, he said, but said he also wanted to see the dialogue removed from future airings and DVDs.

Nadal also suggested that the show's producers and ABC executives could make a more substantial gesture than an apology, through scholarships or donations for Filipino and Filipino-Americans and community groups.

Filipinos and other minorities also should be depicted on TV as "prominent, positive role models," Nadal said.

UH-OH!

Oh no... And I so love watching Desperate Housewives... =(

http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/storypage.aspx?StoryID=94508

Malacañang to 'Desperate Housewives': Apologize for slur

The furor over a slur uttered against Philippine medical schools on the premier episode of the fourth season of the American TV show "Desperate Housewives" has prompted a response from Malacañang Palace.

Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita said the TV show belittled the abilities of Filipino doctors and sent a message that Philippine medical schools produced "substandard, inferior" medical practitioners.

The offending remark was made by one of the show's desperate housewives, Susan Mayer (played by American actress Teri Hatcher). In one scene Mayer asks for the credentials of the gynecologist who examined her and told her that she was approaching menopause.

Mayer said, "Can I check those diplomas 'coz I just want to make sure that they're not from some med school in the Philippines." The premiere episode, which has been posted on YouTube.com, drew criticisms from the Filipino community on the Internet.

Senator Rodolfo Biazon meanwhile has proposed a ban on the popular TV series. Biazon, who chairs the Senate Committee on National Defense and Security, said he doesn't watch the show himself but pointed out that a ban on the show or a boycott by Filipino viewers are possible responses.

Earlier, Philippine Health Secretary Francisco Duque said the slur will tarnish the good image of Filipino doctors in the international community. He added that the slur was both irresponsible and without basis.

The Philippine Consulate in New York has said it will send a letter of protest to ABC Network and ask for an apology for the slur. The move came after the consulate office received complaints from the Filipino community, particularly health workers, in the US about the show.

Angry doctors
"It's not good for us. They shouldn't have said those [insulting] words, because we all know that there are good doctors who graduated in the Philippines. That's uncalled for," PMA president Dr. Jose Sabili told ABS-CBN's morning show "Umagang Kay Ganda" on Monday.

Earlier, the president of the Philippine Medical Association (PMA) said he will urge his counterpart in the US to demand an apology from the people behind the TV series.

Sabili, who was attending the World Medical Associations General Assembly in Copenhagen, Denmark, said he will seek an audience with the president of the American Medical Association to compel the TV producers to issue an apology for the insulting remark.

The doctor said the slur might even create a rift in the relationship of the two medical associations.

"I will meet with the president of the American Medical Association to air our feelings and ask them to tell [the producers of the TV show] that they should not insult doctors in the country," Sabili said.

Sabili said the PMA will study the possible cause of negative perceptions of medical schools in the Philippines. He said "diploma mills" and negative writeups of medical schools in local newspapers could have contributed to the negative perception.

"I have to verify this. We will definitely act on this because this will destroy the reputation of Filipino doctors," he said.

Online petition
Filipino Americans have expressed their outrage over the remark and have launched an online petition demanding an apology from ABC Network.The petition also demands that the episode be edited to remove the "ignorant and racist" remark. As of 4:16 pm (Manila time) some 15,533 people have signed the petition.

The petition also points out the major contribution that Filipinos and Filipino Americans make in healthcare in the United States:

"[A] statement that devalues Filipinos in healthcare is extremely unfounded, considering the overwhelming presence of Filipinos and Filipino Americans in the medical field. Filipinos are the second largest immigrant population in the United States, with many entering the U.S. (and successfully passing their U.S. licensing boards!) as doctors, nurses, and medical technicians.

"In fact, the Philippines produces more U.S. nurses than any other country in the world. So, to belittle the education, experience, or value of Filipino Americans in health care is extremely disrespectful and plain and simply ignorant. Many of the hospitals in major metropolitan areas of the U.S. (and the world) would not be able to operate without its Filipino and Filipino American staff members."

Jay Ngo, a Filipino health professional from Riverside, California in the United States ABS-CBN News that the episode was an outrage, saying, "the healthcare industry, including the best hospitals, is full of Filipino medical professionals."

Forum reactions
The message board of the "Desperate Housewives" website is being peppered with threads regarding the issue.One poster, using the alias "hunnybee07" wrote:

"America has been very fortunate to have been served by many [Filipino] nurses and physicians. It is quite ungrateful of Americans to make such remarks. Even if it were meant to be a joke, it apparently hurt an entire nation. The Filipinos deserve an apology. One day, when you are old, it could just be a Flipino nurse by your bedside and then you would know why you should have taken back any insults against Filipinos, especially Filipino medical practicioners."

Another poster, "MommyDO12", who claims to be a doctor in the US said:

"As a Filipino-American who is both a doctor and trained here, I get that your comment is quite ignorant. True, many Americans go overseas for medical school because they could not get in to schools here. However, there are a GREAT number of Americans and Europeans who go to so called "third world" countries because the education there is cutting edge AND affordable. I'm up to my eyeballs in student loans.

"Why do you think Americans are now rushing to the Philippines and India for surgeries unavailabe here in America? There are hip surgery techniques that have been developed there that result in less recovery time and have less mortality.

"Please, get educated before jumping onto the obvious bandwagon of "get over it" because you can't possibly understand being berated. Even my husband, who is caucasian, took great offense to the comment and is the one urging me to stop watching the show in protest."

One poster, who used the alias "berikyut", was long on passion but fell short on English skills."What the hell...Talking but about the philippines in your premier... "Let me see your degree making sure is now from somewhere in the philippines"? For you information if you go to hospitals most nurses/doctors there is from philippines & is hard worker & very good...So I suggest you think about your comment before you say it or if it's a joke It should be funny ( that is why it's a joke) DUH!!! I usually like you in the show specially watching you in superman before...NOW forget it....that's why you never win an emmy!!"

This prompted a reply from "Dr.Java02" asking, "Do the nurses/doctors learn grammar and spelling over there?"

With that development, do Filipinos now need to prove that they can master English grammar as well as Western medicine?

THE FLIGHT THAT FOUGHT BACK

Last night, I watched a show on the Discovery Channel honoring those people onboard United 93 who gave up their lives to stop a terrorist act. It was sooo sad. It was as if I felt what it was like to be on board that ill-fated aircraft. Then I ended up thinking, what would/could I have done if I was in the same situation? Would I have done something different? How would I be taking it all knowing I would/could die in a few minutes? I thought about those and more and really, I just cried. I cried for the people who bravely fought til the end, I cried for their families, I cried for those people selfish enough to include innocent people in their evil plans. It was just a really really agonizing night for me. Everytime a family member would talk about their departed loved one, I would not stop crying. I wondered, if I were in that plane, would I have stayed on the phone talking to Ruther until the end? Would I have had the courage to do what these brave people did? Sometimes it takes things like these (terrible though they may be) to question the principles and choices we make and will make in life. Sometimes, the situation will be dropped in front of us without warning and we have to rely on our judgment and morals to make the right decision. I cannot say for sure that when that time comes, I will make the right choice. I would want to, but I will never know until I am right smack in the middle of it. I hope these people will always be remembered. They deserve to be remembered. They were just ordinary people who just wanted to go home to their families but fate intervened and they became heroes.


The 40 Heroes of Flight 93 - Passengers & Crew

Christian Adams - The 37-year-old husband and father from Biebelsheim, Rheinland-Pfalz, Germany, was flying to San Francisco for a wine-tasting event as part of his job as director of export for German Wine Institute. Christian Adams left behind a wife, Silke; son, Lukas; and daughter, Theresa.

Lorraine G. Bay, Crew - a 37-year United veteran and senior flight attendant of Flight 93, Lorraine Bay, 58, from East Windsor, N.J. had chosen Flight 93 over another flight because it was nonstop. Lorraine Bay left behind her husband, Erich, and no children.

Todd Beamer - An account manager for Oracle Corporation, this 32-year old father of two was traveling to Redwood Shores, California for a business meeting, and planned to return home on a red-eye flight that night. Todd Beamer left behind his wife, Lisa, and two young sons - David and Drew. Lisa was pregnant with their third child - daughter Morgan - on September 11, 2001. Famous for his "Let's roll" statement made to the passengers as they prepared to try and overpower the hijackers of Flight 93.

Alan Beaven - Alan, a environmental lawyer from Oakland, California, was headed to San Francisco to try a case before leaving on a planned year-long sabbatical to do volunteer work for the SYDA Foundation in Bombay, India. Originally born in New Zealand, Alan Beaven left behind his wife, Kimi; daughter, Sonali; and two sons from a previous marriage, Chris and John.

Mark Bingham - The world-traveling, fun-loving owner of The Bingham Group in San Francisco, California, was heading home after a weekend in New York City on Flight 93. The 31-year-old Mark Bingham left behind his mother, Alice Hoglan, father, Jerry Bingham, and step-mother, Karen Bingham.

Deora Bodley - A junior at Santa Clara University, in San Diego, California, 20-year-old Doera Bodley was returning home from a visit with friends in New Jersey and Connecticut. Deora left behind her mother, Deborah Borza; father, Derrill Bodley; and a half-sister, Murial.

Sandra W. Bradshaw, Crew - A flight attendant on United Airlines Flight 93, Sandy Bradshaw, 38, lived in Greensboro, North Carolina, with her husband, Phil; daughter, Alexandria; son, Nathan; and stepdaughter, Shenan.

Marion Britton - Headed to San Francisco for a computer operations conference with fellow Flight 93 passenger, Waleska Martinez, 53-year-old Marion Britton was an assistant regional director for the U.S. Census Bureau in New York City. She lived in Brooklyn, N.Y. and left behind a brother, Paul, and half-brother, John.

Thomas E. Burnett, Jr. - The 38-year-old family man from San Ramon, California was senior vice president and COO of medical devices company, Thoratec Corporation. Tom Burnett was a passenger on Flight 93, heading home from a business meeting in New Jersey and a weekend in Minnesota and Wisconsin. He left behind his wife, Deena, and three young daughters, Madison, Halley, and Anna Clare.

William Cashman - This fun-loving Ironworker was headed out west, for hiking in Yosemite National Park with his old friend, Patrick Driscoll. William Cashman, age 60, left behind his wife, Margaret, in West New York, N.J.

Georgine Rose Corrigan - A hard-working mother and grandmother, Georgine Corrigan made her living buying and selling antiques, vintage jewelry and clothing. She was returning home to Honolulu, Hawaii, where she lived with her daughter, Laura Brough, after an antiques buying trip to New Jersey.

Patricia Cushing - Mother of five, Patricia Cushing, was traveling on vacation with sister-in-law Jane Folger on Flight 93. Patricia Cushing, 69, was a retired service representative for New Jersey Bell and lived in Bayonne, N.J. She left behind sons Thomas, John and David, and daughters Alicia and Pegeen.

Jason Dahl, Captain - The Captain of United Airlines Flight 93, 43-year-old Jason Dahl was piloting that flight in order to have time off to take his wife to London to celebrate their wedding anniversary on September 14. Jason Dahl is survived by his wife, Sandy, and son, Matthew.

Joseph DeLuca - A trip to California wine county with his new girlfriend, Lindo Gronlund, put Joseph DeLuca on Flight 93 on September 11, 2001. The 52-year-old computer program designer for Pfizer Consumer Healthcare lived in Succasunna, N.J. and left behind parents Joseph Sr. and Felicia, and his sister, Carol Hughes.

Patrick Driscoll - He retired in 1992 from his job as director of software development for regional Bell telephone companies, and started traveling. Flight 93 was the start of a trip with friend and fellow Flight 93 passenger William Cashman to hike in Yosemite National Park, Patrick "Joe" Driscoll, 70, was from Point Pleasant Beach, N.J., and is survived by his wife, Maureen; sons Stephen, Patrick, and Christopher and daughter, Pamela.

Edward Porter Felt - A computer engineer for BEA Systems from Matawan, N.J., Edward Felt was taking Flight 93 to get to a business meeting in San Francisco. The 41-year-old left behind his wife, Sandy, and daughters, Adrienne and Kathryn.

Jane C. Folger - Jane Folger, 73, a retired bank officer from Bayonne, New Jersey, was traveling to San Francisco on vacation with her sister-in-law, Patricia Cushing. She is survived by her children: sons, Robert, Thomas and Michael, and daughter, Kathleen Kulik.

Colleen L. Fraser - A passionate lobbyist for the disabled, Colleen L. Fraser, was born with an inherited bone disorder that kept her height at 4 feet, 6 inches, and made it a little harder for her to get around. The 51-year-old from Elizabeth, N.J., served as executive director for Progressive Center for Independent Living, and vice chairwoman of the New Jersey Developmental Disabilities Council and was on her way to a grant-writing seminar in Reno, Nevada. Colleen Fraser left behind a sister, Christine Fraser; brother, Bruce James Fraser; two stepsisters and six stepbrothers.

Andrew Garcia - He was 62, but most people wouldn't have believed it if they met him. Andrew Garcia kept active, both physically and mentally, and loved to play tricks on people. The President and founder of Cinco Group, Inc. was returning home from a business meeting on September 11, 2001. He is survived by his wife, Dorothy; daughters, Kelly Garcia and Audrey Olive; and son, Andrew.

Jeremy Glick - This fun-loving sales manager for Vividence, Inc. lived in Hewitt, N.J. with his wife, Lyzbeth and infant daughter, Emerson. Jeremy Glick was on his way to California for a business trip.

Lauren Grandcolas - A 38-year-old advertising sales consultant for Good Housekeeping magazine, Lauren Grandcolos was returning home on Flight 93 from her grandmother's funeral in New Jersey. She left behind her husband, Jack.

Wanda A. Green, Crew - The proud mother of son, Joe Benjamin, and daughter, Jennifer, United Airlines flight attendant also worked as a real-estate agent, and had plans to open her own real-estate office. Wanda Green, 49, was from Linden, N.J.

Donald F. Greene - Executive vice president and chief financial officer of Safe Flight Instrument Corporation, Donald Green, 52, lived in Greenwich, Connecticut. He was on Flight 93 on a trip to join four of his brothers for a hiking trip before attending an aviation industry convention. Donald Green is survived by wife, Claudette; son, Charlie; and daughter, Jody.

Linda Gronlund - It was to be a short business trip, and then a birthday tour through California wine country with boyfriend, Joe DeLuca. But for 47-year-old Linda Gronlund from Greenwood Lake, N.Y. it didn't quite work out that way. The manager of environmental compliance for BMW North America, Linda Gronlund left behind her mother, Doris; father, Gunnar; and sister, Elsa Strong.

Richard Guadagno - A longtime employee of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Rich Guadagno was employed as manager of the Humboldt Bay National Wildlife Service. He was headed home to Eureka, California, after celebrating his grandmother's 100th birthday. Rich Guadagno left behind his parents, Beatrice and Jerry, and sister, Lori.

LeRoy Homer, Jr., First Officer - A graduate of the Air Force Academy and veteran of the Persion Gulf War, First Officer LeRoy Homer, Jr., 36, was in his sixth year with United Airlines. He left behind his wife, Melodie, and a young daughter, Laurel.

Toshiya Kuge - Following a summer vacation in America and Canada, student Toshiya Kuge was headed back for his second year of college in Japan when he boarded Flight 93. The 20-year-old from Toyonaka City, Osaka Prefecture, Japan, was a sophomore at Waseda University in Tokyo. He is survived by his parents, Yachiyo and Hajime.

CeeCee Lyles, Crew - Former police officer and United Airlines flight attendent CeeCee Lyles was a 33-year-old wife and mother from Fort Myers, Florida. She left behind husband, Lorne and sons, Jerome Smith, Jevon Castrillo, Justin Lyles and Jordan Lyles.

Hilda Marcin - Born Hildegarde Zill in Schwedelbach, Germany, Flight 93 passenger Hilda Marcin was a retired teacher's aide and bookkeeper from Mount Olive, N.J. She was traveling on Flight 93 to California to live with her younger daughter, Carole O'Hare. She is also survived by her other daughter, Elizabeth Kemmerer.

Waleska Martinez - She was traveling with co-worker Marion Britton to a computer operations conference in San Francisco when Flight 93 went down in Shanksville, PA, on September 11, 2001. The 37-year-old Puerto Rican from Jersey City, N.J. worked as a supervisory computer specialist for the New York regional office of the U.S. Census Bureau. Waleska Martinez is survived by parents, Juan and Irma Martinez; brothers Juan Jr. and Reinaldo; and sister, Lourdes Lebron.

Nicole Miller - A 21-year-old senior at West Valley College in San Jose, California, Nicole Miller was returning home after a vacation in New York and New Jersey with her boyfriend, Ryan Brown. She leaves behind her mother, Cathy Stefani; stepfather, Wayne Stefani; father, David Miller; stepmother, Catherine Miller; sister, Tiffney Miller; half-sister, Danielle Miller; half-brothers, Wayne Stefani Jr. and David Miller, Jr.

Louis J. Nacke, II - A distribution manager for Kay-Bee Toys, Lou Nacke, 42, from New Hope, Pennsylvania, was on his way to Sacramento for a business trip. He leaves behind wife, Amy and sons, Joseph Nicholas and Louis Paul II.

Donald Peterson - Half of the only married couple on Flight 93, Don Peterson, 66, was a retired president of Continental Electric Co. He worked with his wife, Jean, as a church and community volunteer in their town of Spring Lake, N.J. The couple was on their way to a family reunion at Yosemite National Park. Don Peterson left behind his sons, David, Hamilton and Royster Peterson, and stepdaughters.

Jean Hoadley Peterson - Wife of Don Peterson (above), Jean Peterson also devoted herself as a church and community volunteer. She was a retired nurse and nursing teacher, and this was her second marriage. Jean Peterson is survived by her daughters, Jennifer Grace and Catherine Price, and stepsons.

Mark Rothenberg - Called Mickey by his family and friends, Mark Rothenberg was on his way to Taiwan for business for his company, MDR Global Resources. The 52-year-old from Scotch Plains, N.J. is survived by his wife, Meredith, and daughters, Sara and Rachel.

Christine Snyder - Native Hawaiian Christine Snyder, 32, worked as a certified arborist for The Outdoor Circle, a nonprofit environmental group. She was returning home to her husband, Tom, in Kailua, Hawaii, after attending the American Forestry Conference in Washington, D.C. and a visit to New York City.

John Talignani - Retired bartender John Talignani, from Staten Island, N.Y., was headed to California on Flight 93 to claim the body of his stepson, Alan Zykofsky, who had just died in a car crash. John Talignani is survived by his stepsons, Mitchell Zykosfky and Glenn Zykosfky.

Honor Elizabeth Wainio - A 27-year-old regional manager for Discovery Channel stores from Watchung, N.J., Honor Wainio was on her way to a company-wide business meeting on September 11, 2001. She left behind her father, Ben Wainio; mother, Mary White; stepfather, Jay White; brother, Tom Wainio; and sister, Sarah Wainio.

Deborah Ann Jacobs Welsh, Crew - Debbie Welsh, the 49-year-old United Airlines flight attendant who served as purser on Flight 93, was a native of New York City, N.Y. She is survived by her husband, Patrick.

Kristin Gould White - This freelance medical writer from New York City was on her way to visit friends in California. Kristin White, 65, is survived by her daughter, Allison Vadhan.

HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL 2

Well it just ended. And I loved it. The songs were not as memorable as the first one, but I still loved it. I think Disney makes a lot of nice shows for the kids. Anyway, I still liked the Troy-Gabriella romance thing. I think it was cute and light and Zac and Vanessa really do have that on-screen chemistry that (I'm sure) kids love. Sharpei (Ashley Tisdale), Ryan (Lucas Grabeel) and Chad (Corbin Bleu) were also okay. Love their acting. Funny yet not overly done. There were more exposures for Taylor (Gabriella's friend) and Kelsi (the pianist) and that was okay. I just think that there were a lot of subplots to this movie unlike the first one. In High School Musical, it was just fitting in school (for Gabriella) and Troy winning the basketball championship and of course, Sharpey and Ryan starring in their own show. But in the Part 2 of this sequel, there are summer jobs, scholarships, breaking up and getting to know oneself. But don't get me wrong. I still loved it. I still can't say at this time which one I like more because I missed the first few minutes of the movie (due to some unforeseen circumstances). So until I watch this movie again, I can't say for sure. But I am definitely a Vanessa Hudgens and Ashley Tisdale fan. I think they are great!

P.S. Troy is cuter in this latest flick. =D

TOMORROW

One more day and it's High School Musical 2!! I'm so excited! I really enjoyed the first one and I found the story very entertaining. I loved the songs and the cast. It was just a really feel-good movie (it's Disney, remember?). Anyway, I hope this second one would be okay. Some people liked it some didn't. I think I'm going to like it.

One more day to go!

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My dad woke me up this morning. I was still in deep sleep when I heard my cellphone ring. I had to answer it right away because my boys were still asleep. Anyway, he just wanted to know if Ruther was coming home for the holidays because if he wasn't then they're going to purchase tickets for me and the boys so we could go home to Zamboanga. Well, I really hated to burst his bubble but I had to tell him that we were going to spend the holidays here because Ruther would be spending December with us. But I told my dad that we could go back to Zamboanga in the summer. I guess they miss the boys a lot already.

NO BIKE

So we didn't find a bike for the boys yet. The bicycles at the mall were disappointingly limited. Nikki tried one and it was a bit small for him because I noticed that his knees were kind of bent too much as he pedaled. That bike cost around P1200 (approximately US$26, which was okay with me). Unfortunately, the bike that was a little bigger than that was a whopping P2600 (US$56)!! That's P1400 difference! So I wasn't too keen on that because in a few months, the bike will be too small for them and I will have to purchase another one (most probably). So I decided to check some of the bike shops nearby and see if there are more affordable kid bikes. Hopefully, by next week the boys will be happily pedalling away in their new bike. The key word there is "hopefully".

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I watched the latest Monk episode yesterday. It wasn't as exciting but I still love Tony Shalhoub. He's a really great actor! =D

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Although there is reportedly no typhoon in the country right now, it has been raining for the past days. Just the soft rain though, more like a shower. It's actually pleasant because it cools the air wonderfully. I hope that there will be more days like this.

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Nikki and I watched the eclipse through the Discovery Channel livestream yesterday. He was so fascinated with it. Every once in a while he would ask me to check the moon's "status". We even watched some clips on why the moon turns red, the cause of the red color and how eclipses happen. He was so amazed. Ruther was also watching the eclipse the same way we did so we were basically watching it "together". It was fun watching the moon as a family (even if Ethan hardly understood what was happening).

TGIF

The boys and I finally got out of the house today. We had to do some grocery-shopping so it was off to SM for us. It wasn't rainy any more today but the sky remained overcast which was fine with me because it blocked the sun out. Anyway, the boys seemed so glad to be out of the house again, if only to buy groceries and have lunch at - where else?- Jollibee.

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Last song syndrome. Yup, Need To Be Next To You by Leigh Nash has been running in my head for the last hour. And it's driving me crazy. Am checking some sites for some mushy songs because it seems like that's what I currently need at the moment...

Speaking of Leigh Nash, I really love her hair. I've always wanted to try having short hair but of course many people dissuaded me (read: mom!) because my face was chubby (and still is) so I disappointingly agreed not to have a bob. The shortest cut I ever had was chin-length I think. But everytime I see Leigh Nash's photo now, I find it so cute! (Yup, just like your hair, Amy!) Hmmm... maybe one day when I am crazy enough...

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I am eagerly anticipating High School Musical 2 on Disney Channel which shows next month. Now, before you say, "act your age" I would like to say first that it is very entertaining and a really wonderful movie. So well put together. I even loved the soundtrack! So yeah, I hope this second installment will be nice as well.

And while we're at it, here's an article from the Inquirer about Vanesssa Hudgens: (WARNING: A bit lengthy - but totally worth it.) =D

Vanessa Hudgens: ‘I love being a Filipina

By Ruben V. Nepales
Inquirer
Last updated 09:47pm (Mla time) 08/09/2007

LOS ANGELES -- When we first saw Vanessa Hudgens as she came out for lunch in the courtyard garden of a hotel, she instantly reminded us of Rosemarie Sonora and Sheryl Cruz.

The Filipino-American actress headed to our table to say hi to Rich Ross, president of Disney Channel Worldwide. We had just discussed with Rich the phenomenal success of “High School Musical” all over the world, including the Philippines. Rich stood up to chat with Vanessa, who with summery blouse looked perfect in this sun-dappled outdoors setting.

Half an hour later, Vanessa sat down for a press con. The 18-year-old singer-actress, her on- and off-screen boyfriend Zac Efron (who is also the high school heartthrob in the movie “Hairspray”) and the rest of the gang are back in “High School Musical 2” (“HSM2”), whose predecessor caught everyone by its success on many levels: over 100 million viewers; 7 million plus DVD copies sold; the soundtrack CD topped the charts last year; and the concert tour in the US, Canada and several Latin American countries were sold-out affairs.

The best assets of Vanessa, whose mother Gina Guangco is a Filipina, are her dark eyes, which twinkle when she smiles or laughs. Her brunette hair was artfully arranged in the back. She wore several bracelets on both wrists.
Another Fil-Am, Charles “Chucky” Klapow, returns as choreographer along with Bonnie Story and director Kenny Ortega of the production numbers which “HSM” is known for. Chucky, whose mom is also a Pinay, won with Kenny and Bonnie an Emmy Award for Best Choreography in “HSM.”

Zac, whom we interviewed separately, politely refused to answer a colleague’s request for him to talk about his personal relationship with Vanessa. Zac and Vanessa, who play Troy and Gabriella in “HSM,” even have a term coined for them a la Brangelina: Zanessa. So we asked Zac instead to chat about Vanessa on, ahem, purely professional basis.

Here’s what he said: “Vanessa and I go way back to the very first auditions for this movie. From the start, we were always paired together in the auditions. I think we were the only pair from the mass of kids that was never separated. We always read together over and over. I wish I could put my finger on what makes our chemistry work onscreen. But I can tell you that she’s easy to talk to, very kind, sweet and she has a great sense of humor. When you combine that with an amazing voice and her beauty, you’re going to have a star. She’s amazing to work with.”
In “HSM2,” Ashley Tisdale as Sharpay again plays kontrabida in the lives of Troy and Gabriella.

Vanessa, who has an album titled “V,” has a younger sister, Stella, 11, also an aspiring actress. Their father, Greg Hudgens, is of Irish and Native American descent.

Can you share your thoughts about your Filipino heritage?
I am so proud of my heritage. I love being a Filipina. There aren’t very many Filipino girls in the industry. So being able to stand up and be that girl makes me proud. My mother is so proud. She grew up in Manila. I don’t even think she knows it’s doing that well over there. I’d love to make it over there sometime. Unfortunately, I have not had a chance to visit.

Do you speak Tagalog?
Oh, not really. My mom tried to teach me when I was younger. I am not that great at languages. I really want to learn, though.

When do you think you will visit the Philippines?
I think whenever I have a good second to do nothing and just go where I want. I have been talking about it forever and it never materializes. Hopefully, soon. I can’t wait to see the Philippines.

What did your mom tell you about the Philippines? And in what ways are you Filipino?
She told me several stories about where she used to live. She has 11 brothers and sisters so she had a big family. I love Filipino food. I love halo-halo, pancit and adobo. I am such a Filipino—I eat rice every day (laughter).

How much of an inspiration is your mom in your career?
My mom was the one who was always there for me, especially with singing. She was always the one who kept me going when it came to singing. When I recorded my album, I said, “Mom, thank you. I can finally say thank you for all that stuff that you did for me.” It finally paid off—everything she taught me, about morals and everything. She’s an inspiration. She always tells me how proud she is of me. It’s really touching.

How strict are your parents?
My parents are kind of strict. My mom raised me very well. I didn’t date until I was 16. I never really went out that much. I am the kind of girl who loves to stay home and just watch movies. They don’t really have anything to be strict about.

What did your mom tell you about boys?
My mom never said, “Watch out for this or that boy.” She knew that I had good judgment. I always liked the nice guys anyway so it was never like I am going for the bad guy. She just said, “Be careful with boys.” But I always just went for the nice surfer guys. I guess she was okay with that (laughter).

How did you start singing?
It started when I was in pre-school. I was in a play and I never told my parents. I don’t know why I didn’t tell them. I guess it never crossed my mind to tell them. I told my mom that I needed a baby doll. So she went out and bought me a baby doll which was a huge thing. I always had hand-me-downs so I was excited to have my new doll. I made my parents take me to school and it was evening. There was a blizzard. We were living in Oregon then. We almost didn’t go. My parents got to see me singing “Away in a Manger.” I was holding little baby Jesus and I was Mother Mary.
Since then, I have always loved acting, singing and dancing. I would always dance around my house when I was 3 years old, choreographing my own dances to “Everyone Dance Now.” I moved from Oregon to California so I could start taking dance and piano classes.

You lived in many places. Where did you grow up?
I lived in a lot of places while I was growing up. I was born in Salinas (California). I lived in Oregon and Paso Robles (California). I moved all over the place until about the age of 4 or 5, when we moved to San Diego (California). That’s where I grew up. I moved to Los Angeles about two years ago.

Can you talk about suddenly finding yourself in one of the most successful teen TV movies ever made?
It’s so crazy. Especially coming from a Disney Channel movie that I had so much fun doing. Once it started to blow up, it just blew my mind away because I never ever thought it would become as big as it did.

How hard is it to have a relationship with Zac, especially since the two of you are so much in the limelight because of the success of “High School Musical”?
I am a private person. I always have been. I love keeping my personal life to myself so we just try not to talk about it that much. We have a professional relationship on camera and outside of that is bizarre when you see pictures from the paparazzi and everything. But you just have to take it the best you can. There’s really nothing you can do about it. People are interested because they love what you’re doing. So I guess in a way it’s a compliment.

What did you think when you first heard the term, Zanessa?
It’s just weird to know that people actually cared. It’s just bizarre to me but it’s okay.

Did you and Zac know each other before “High School Musical”?
It’s really funny because we’re friends with the same people. But I have never met him before. The first time I met him was at the audition callbacks when they were mixing and matching people. They paired Zac and me from the very beginning.

How was your own high school life?
Unfortunately I never had a chance to go to a real high school. I was homeschooled my entire high school years. I kind of lived my high school years through “High School Musical.”

So how fun is it to be homeschooled?
It was okay. It was different because I was in the business. I was homeschooled because I really didn’t have any time to go to a real school. I’d wake up late because I like to sleep. I’d do school work for several hours and then hang out or go to Disneyland. It was cool. It was different because my mom was teaching me but it was nice. I got to study what I wanted.

Are you a math genius in real life as you are in the movie?
I never loved math. My favorite was biology. I also loved science and chemistry. Math was never my favorite.

When did you start professionally as an actress?
One of my girlfriends asked me if I could go to an audition with her for a commercial. Fortunately enough, I booked it. I was doing tons of community theater at the time so I was already used to doing musicals and stuff. One thing just led to another. I did a commercial and then another one. I started getting guest spots on TV shows and went on from there to do the movies “Thirteen” and “Thunderbirds.” Oh, and then I had my album which was crazy because I never thought that it would happen.

So what is your priority, singing or acting?
My main focus from the very beginning was acting. Singing was something that I was good at, but never really thought of pursuing. The opportunity to do an album came after “High School Musical.” There were several offers and I couldn’t decide who to sign with. Finally, I picked Hollywood Records and I made my album, “V.” It was a learning experience, being in the studio and finding what kind of music suits my voice best. I tried different kinds of music. I did pop, R&B and rock. I threw it all together and had this collection of different music which is why I call it “V.” The V is not only for Vanessa but for variety as well because there’s a different mixture of music there. Acting has always been my number one priority but we’ll see what happens.

Are you a willing role model to the young set or would you rather not be one?
I love being a role model. I think that in Hollywood, not many people are very good role models. Kids are looking up to the wrong people. All of us at the Disney Channel are good kids. You’re not going to see us dancing on tables at the clubs. That’s just not us.

Are you going to finish your education?
Yes, because education is really important. It is something that will be there with you forever. I definitely want to get a college education when the time is right. Right now, the opportunities that I have are too amazing to pass up.

Which countries have you been to with the show?
We toured most of Latin America. We also went to London which was amazing. Australia was one of my favorite places because we had the most time to just hang out there.

What can we expect between Gabriella and Troy in the second movie?
Sharpay tries to come between Troy and Gabriella and things get complicated. There’s a lot of drama. We are definitely taking it up a notch. It takes place over the summer in Ryan and Sharpay’s country club.
Sharpay decides she wants everything to go her way this summer. The only way that’s going to happen is to get Troy as her boyfriend or her boy toy or whatever she calls him (laughter). She makes the head of the country club call Troy Bolton and try to get him to come work at this club. But he won’t go by himself. He has to get all of his friends who need jobs at this country club. We all arrive there and Sharpay freaks out because it was supposed to be just Troy. I get a job as a lifeguard. I was quite frightened by wearing a one-piece red bathing suit (laughter).
We battle our way through to survive working at the country club. Some people get pushed aside and left in the shuffle. Other people change. At the end of the day, of course it’s a happy ending.

No one dies?
No one dies (laughter).

Are you signed up to do “High School Musical 3”?
Not yet. I know that they’re writing the script. I have not read it. I don’t know exactly what the story line will be about, but I think if the script is good, and if everyone comes back, then I’ll definitely be a part of it.

TGIF

I watched the first 2 episodes of the 6th season of Monk yesterday. I really really love this show. Tony Shaloub is just so funny! He fits Monk's character to a T. I really really hope that this series lasts longer than other cancelled shows (like Veronica Mars - boohoo!). Really really hoping that won't be the case here.

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I got new books at Booksale the other day! Yay! I just love finding great books to read. I've said it before and I'll say it again, you can never go wrong with an Agatha Christie book. This is a collection of short stories/mysteries. I already read two stories and am thinking of saving the others for times when I need a quick read (like while waiting in line at the bank, at the dentist's, etc). The second book is to reinforce my lessons in Child Psychology. I browsed through it before I bought it and it was very informative. I hope there are other books like that still. Or even better ones. The third book is actually for science lessons with the boys. The other day, Nikki and I did the sink-float experiment and Nikki enjoyed that a lot. Hopefully, we will do more experiments later on. Maybe even make it weekly. =D

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I cannot believe that July is almost over. I know I said the same thing about June last month but really, it's really amazing how in an instant, you realize the month is coming to a close. Pretty soon, I'll be hearing Christmas songs on the radio. Not that I mind though. I love Christmas. I'm already preparing my Christmas list! Beat that. =D

GHOST WHISPERER

Today I watched an episode of Ghost Whisperer on Star World and I must say that it's an interesting series. Jennifer Love Hewitt is the main star and she's a clairvoyant who could see and talk to spirits. I have always been interested in the paranormal and enjoy shows like Buffy, Charmed, A Haunting, Supernatural, well, you get the idea.

Anyway, so far I liked the story today because it focused on helping a spirit to cross over. When he was alive, Jason (the spirit) just found out that he was adopted and wanted to know who his biological mother was but after getting into an argument with his surrogate mother, he had an accident and died. Thus his quest for answers before he could cross over. It was a touching story but not overlydramatic. So it suited me just fine. Jennifer Love Hewitt is a charming actress and I like stories of finding resolutions and closure (and yes, happy endings). Also, this series has none of those scary looking ghosts (remember Sixth Sense? eek!) so a big check from me for this series.

Might have to check the cable guide to make sure I don't miss any of the other episodes. I already missed a lot of On the Lot episodes and it really bummed me out because I really enjoyed watching that!!

That's what I get for being so easily distracted these days... =(

BLISTERING SUNDAY

What a terribly hot day it was today! My goodness! We had lunch at dampa (a place where there are a lot of seafood restaurants) to celebrate Father's Day and the first wedding anniversary of my brother-in-law and whaddya know, the airconditioning of the place we went to was busted!! So we had to eat our lunch with fans blowing warm air toward us. Really really not my idea of a fun time. Ethan was so cranky from the heat he preferred standing outside the restaurant where there was a bit of wind to cool him. Sigh.

Then, we had to pass by a place that sells ceramic tiles because my mother-in-law had to buy some tiles for the new bathroom and it was just so terribly HOT there because it was like a warehouse type of store and there was no airconditioning and only ONE fan! So the boys and I crowded around the single fan while Mama and my brothers-in-law looked for the right-color tiles. The boys were so cranky from the heat and because it was time for their nap. Ethan wanted to be carried when he got cranky. Sigh. He's such a heavy boy but I carried him still because he was sooo sleepy at that time. When we got home, we were all soooo thirsty we finished 2 pitchers of cold water!

Sigh. Manila has just become too hot these days... Where oh where are the rains?

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I watched Night at the Museum last night. It was a funny movie. Not really one that critics would love but it was a fun, feel-good, makes-you-happy kind of movie. And I was glad to watch it because there were times when I was laughing my head off and I was glad to laugh, if only because of a movie. (I think as adults, we need to laugh more but I will save that for another story.)

Anyway, Ben Stiller played his usual comedy and even if some of his antics were overdone, it was still okay with me. Owen Wilson and Steve Coogan were funny as well. Robin Williams, a versatile actor, was great as Teddy Roosevelt. There was one scene with a tire that made me laugh so loud I sounded like a crazy person. =D I liked the light story, the characters, the plot. Very enjoyable movie indeed.

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Tonight was the tv premiere of Disney's original movie Jump In. I was really looking forward to watching this because I loved High School Musical and I think that the double dutch concept was a nice touch because it's not that well known here. Anyway, Corbin Bleu's acting was nice. He did good at High School Musical but I think he did great in this latest movie. I loved how the story did not push a love match, how it focused on being true to oneself, how it teaches acceptance, understanding, and self-realization and yes, I was glad that there was a happy ending (of course, it's a Disney movie - duh). It was a nice story. Really straight to the point and let me just say that the stunts and choreography were really awesome!! Really amazing! I nearly clapped during the freestyle show! Yup, really really amazing...

I enjoyed this movie so much. Hopefully there will be other nice movies like this. I think this is a good and inspiring movie for young people out there.

P.S. Am looking forward to watching High School Musical 2 in September! Hopefully it will be as good as the first one. =D