The Media Freakzoid

Comfort Food

2010-02-04T23:27:00.000+08:00

There are times when I really just feel down and I would love a pick-me-up using comfort food. Today is one of those days.

In a time when jobs seem so hard to find, I had them coming out of my ears, at least, for a day. The deadlines were creeping up on me so imposingly, that I had no escape from their encroachment. Except for food.

Thankfully, we had a good stock of FIC or Fruits in Ice Cream in our ref, butterscotch flavor. I also got me a dose of good ol' Pepsi Max, your "Accomplice in a Bottle," and Sting. My drugs of choice, lately. Other than that, I also got me 3 pieces of choc-nut. All these things served to comfort my weary body and tortured soul.

I learned another lesson in saying "NO" today. While good things may happen to good people a lot, sometimes, too much of a good thing gets to be a bad thing. My rallying cry for February 2010 has been all about BALANCE.

According to Ecclesiastes 7:16-18, God's Word Translation:

"Don't be too virtuous, and don't be too wise. Why make yourself miserable? Don't be too wicked, and don't be a fool. Why should you die before your time is up? It's good to hold on to the one and not let go of the other, because the one who fears God will be able to avoid both extremes."

Thanks to this verse, I learned how I should live my life: I learned, that to live life to the full, I better not swing to either extreme. So I learned that I should give myself a break, too.

I asked my clients for favor about extending deadlines. I got thankful for technical difficulties that would afford me a break. And I'm thankful that one friendclient found a solution to her needs. All's well that ends well.

But nothing beats an oasis in the midst of a storm. One of those is comfort food. Not just ice cream, not just "drugs" like Pepsi Max and Sting, not just my usual food preferences that really help me understand COMFORT... I'd like to try new stuff. Like milk lollipops. I once had a milk lollipop on a day that I was also particularly stressed and I realized... They're nice. But I'd definitely love to have one of these, sometime:

According to its makers, Milkita is a healthy lollipop. It has calcium in it but is it is low fat and has less sugar. Hmm. Seems like a good solution to my blues. Something healthy to stem the rainclouds forming over me.

But while I'd prefer sensory comfort, sometimes, there's only One Thing.. Or, I mean, One Guy, who could could comfort me, beyond all tiredness that reaches my bones. :) He's so extravagantly loving, that even milk lollipops won't be able to approach the level of comfort His love can bring me. ;)

http://www.milkita-id.com

How Long?

2009-02-24T13:25:00.000+08:00

Man. Dogs talking. Imagine. When will be the day when we talk to animulz again? Heheh!

If you're not content with that vid, here's another one.

We're the E-e-e-e-e-e-EWOKS!

2009-01-14T07:21:00.000+08:00

Whee!!! Eeeeeeeeewokkkkkkkzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz!!!

I used to love these guys mondo much. Though I realize now that the theme, in my memory, was rather magical, In reality, it actually sounds a little lame/corny..

Now I truly realize that a child's brain is different from the adult's. :)

However, EWOKS STILL ROCKS!!!

"Everybody want Messiach"

2009-01-08T13:28:00.000+08:00

I may not understand a whit of Hebrew, but all I know is that I agree with these kids."Everybody want Messiach NOW!" (Messiach = Messiah = Savior)

New Christian Music Finds! Oooo! Whee!

2008-12-26T23:00:00.000+08:00

I'm currently working on a personal project then gearing to create my 20-year paradigm in order to, well, order my life.

While I was looking for an old song that had touched my heart back in my dark days, Jars of Clay's Much Afraid, I bumped into this amazing complement to iMeem: jango.com

Jars of Clay - Much Afraid

Jars of Clay - Even Angels Cry

Matthew West - All The Broken Pieces

Jaci Velasquez - Speak for Me

Superchic[k ]- Hold

Casting Crowns - While You Were Sleeping

MAN. I love the Innernets. If you loved this new site, please say a prayer for me, if you want to thank me in kind.

Ask the Holy Spirit to lead you what to pray for, and I'll be grateful you prayed for me. :)

Inform me via comment or private message that you prayed for me, and I'll say a Spirit-led prayer for you too.

I sure pray you had a great Christmas, and I pray that 2009 would be doubly fruitful for you and your fam, that, 2008's fruits would just be a shadow of what 2009's harvest brings!*

*Paraphrased from my good friend Pau

Tom Cruise Gives Katie a Great Party

2008-12-26T02:09:00.002+08:00

Despite the bad rap he gets for being a Scientologist, Tom Cruise sure knows how to give his wife a party.

I guess there's a side to Tom Cruise that we all take for granted: his human side. I guess, even Thetans coming back from from Planet Venus, have human hearts after all.

And yes, they still need Jesus. :p

Click Read More to read the story.

Katie Holmes spent her 30th birthday performing in the Broadway revival of Arthur Miller's "All My Sons" but her big day did not go unnoticed. As the curtain fell Thursday, the cast and crew presented her with a specially-made birthday cake, a surprise orchestrated by none other than Tom Cruise.

Addressing the audience, Holmes's costar John Lithgow announced, "Tom Cruise, our good friend, devoted fan to the show, doting husband of Katie, could not be here tonight. He's heartsick that he couldn't be here ... but he wanted to make his presence felt. So, he's joining us, inviting all of you, to celebrate Katie's birthday."

And with that, crewmembers wheeled out a five-tiered, white-frosted, circular birthday cake as the crowd cheered and applauded.

"I planned it so that when she comes out for the standing ovation, John [would] get the whole audience to wish her a happy birthday," Cruise, who was in Los Angeles to premiere his new film, Valkyrie, told PEOPLE, just as the surprise was sprung.

"It's going to be great," he said, adding that they'd already had a private celebration the night before. ("That was the big one," he noted.)

Suri Helped, Too

A genuinely surprised Holmes, who had been celebrating her birthday all week long, brought her 2-year-old daughter Suri on to the stage as the cast, including Dianne Wiest and Patrick Wilson encouraged the entire audience to sing "Happy Birthday." Together, the mother-daughter duo blew out the candles.

Speaking softly, Holmes graciously thanked the audience, saying, "Thank you for coming out to the show tonight. It was a real pleasure."

The cast and crew then disappeared offstage, where they enjoyed dessert and champagne, courtesy of Cruise.

Meanwhile, across the country, the Top Gun was waiting anxiously to hear how his elaborate plan played out.

"I'm waiting to talk to her now," he said, "to see her reaction."

Source: People.com, as found here.

Movie to Watch: All Things New

2008-12-17T23:30:00.001+08:00

You see them roam the streets. They follow you with sorrowful eyes and outstretched hands. Others are content to lean on the stairs of the MRT stations, sniffing their cares away. And you have the choice: to pour our your mercy and give what you could; or to harden your heart and turn away.

All Things New is a movie for and about these young people whom we meet everyday, and promptly forget, or deliberately ignore. It is a story based on the testimony of Jonjie Barcenal, a young man studying to be a pastor in a Bible school here in Metro Manila, whose former home used to be... In the streets of a city in Mindanao.

This is the story of how Jonjie and his friends got adopted and cared for by Christian missionaries in a shelter that they managed. This is the story of how miracles happened, and how everyone, from Jonjie and his friends, were molded to become the likeness of Christ, in the process of the movie.

This is a movie that would reassure you that miracles happen. This is a movie that would break your heart, as well. While I will not assure you that your movie critic's eye would be satisfied with this movie, I will assure you that this movie will not leave you unchanged.

I came into All Things New expecting another Ploning, with all the subtlety and finesse of Panoramanila Pictures' Dante Nico Garcia and the cinematography of Optima Digital... Nobody warned me, however, that I should understand that this film should be watched with the heart, and not the movie critic's eye.

In light of that, I would like to tell the All Things New movie-goer to shelve the film review skills you've learned in high school. You don't need them here. But I do advice you to bring a box, or two, of Kleenex. I deeply regretted having only my shawl and my hands to wipe my tears with.

Highlights of the movie include the funny customs of Filipinos. And the habits and attitudes that we all have down there, swimming in our DNA. Like reading other people's letters, for example. :p

Mayen Cadd's portrayal of Angelica Oosting was reminiscent of Ploning's gentleness; however, there are stark differences. While Ploning had a gentleness that hid her quiet steel, Angelica Oosting's strength was her gentleness. She is not gentle because she is strong. Rather, Angelica Oosting is strong throughout her being gentle, because her strength is not her own: it is the grace of God, shining through her character.

While it seemed at first that Angelica Oosting is the epitome of the Christian woman: someone I believe I'll never become, there was one scene that I could so relate to. Angelica Oosting was tasked to get only five children for the shelter when they got vacated, but 20 wanted to come with her; and when she got home, she stormed into her house and fought with her husband Ken Oosting, played by Alex Compton.

I could so relate to how she demanded to know why she needed to face the heartbreaking scene of needing to choose only five street kids for the shelter, leaving fifteen others to sleep days, weeks and months more on the street.

I could relate to her helplessness, to how she felt like she should not have needed to face that confusing situation alone, and how she felt like she should have had a shield against the children's onslaught.

I realized that we women need to face a lot of trials on our own, with God as our only shield. Like men, we have our own dragons to slay, and being "women" should not exempt us from these tasks and travails.

Being women does not entitle us to a softer life. Being women, we also have our own fights to rise above as victors, and we will rob ourselves of the exhilaration of the fight and the victory won, if we keep holding on to the mentality that "we should have been protected."

I like the intensity that Mayen Cadd had portrayed that scene with, and I like how she was able to show that sweet and gentle, "perfect Proverbs 31" Christian women get righteously angry too. Heheh.

I like her easy chemistry with Alex Compton, even though I am of the opinion that their sweet moments were a bit too cheesy for my taste. :p In spite of the "cheese factor," think their tandem worked for this film. And I especially liked the look on Alex Compton/Ken Oosting's face, as Angelica Oosting railed on him; I again understood that even a Spirit-filled man gets lost for words in the face of the furious storm of his wife's tantrum. Guys, in preparation for when your wife gets this way, I suggest you start building a bomb shelter months before you marry. :p

Another strength of the film lay in Red's Concepcion's portrayal of Nardo/Jonjie. I could see myself in my rebellious moments as I saw Red defying all that could be defied; and his irreverence, defiance, and intensity fit his role perfectly.

I fondly remember how he had openly challenged Pastor Rico, a former policeman, whom he hated, and mocked Pastor Rico to his face, in the presence of the other foster kids.

While I cringed at his defiance that so reminded me of my own, I had thought that the line "Saan ba mas lumalago ang binhi? Di ba sa tae?" (Does seed not grow better in fecal matter?)

This principle actually makes sense: in agriculture, animal fecal matter IS used as fertilizer. But in the evangelistic sense of the phrase, I did realize that it's amazing that to those who had been through so much, those people whom you could really call "human waste," whose lives are marked by so much of bad decisions, those are whom you'd eventually see becoming most passionate for Jesus. I guess this is what Jesus meant when He said that those who are forgiven much love much (Luke 7:47, paraphrased). Indeed, seed does grow better in fecal matter.

Pastor Rico, as played by Dido de la Paz, also fleshed out a very vivid performance. So did Rio Locsin, and the rest of the main cast. In terms of acting, they were all superb. I have nothing to complain for their acting, and am more inclined to label myself as "breathless" at their acting prowess.

For all its flaws, for all the awkward scenes, this movie is indeed a cup of hot chocolate that warms the hard heart.

It teaches Biblical truths like forgiveness, in a heartbreaking way. It reminds parents and leaders that it's not wrong to ask for forgiveness from your children; it actually helps them heal faster. It shatters misconceptions that Christians are supposed to be walking Jesus-es: perfect and incapable of anger.

While Jesus did get righteously angry too, people expect professing Christians to be perfect and good all the time. On the contrary, like Pastor Rico, a lot of us have guns in our closets still, and we do lose our tempers too. We are human like the next derelict; our only difference is that we have a God who constantly molds us.

Other cliffhanging moments in the film include an action scene that really spoke of God's capacity to protect His children, as well as the line that Alex Compton said, "You work so hard at not working hard," (paraphrased). It hit me because it's exactly what I do: work hard at not working hard. Heheh.

At the end of the movie, the real Nardo, Jonjie Barcenal, spoke to us about his people's plight. He reminded us happy and fat Christians, that there are BILLIONS of street children still out there, needing love, needing an understanding of their value as human beings.

I got to ask Jonjie of his experiences. Yes, he did go up in front of his Bible study class and defiantly mocked Pastor Rico. Yes, he did "all that," and reverted time and again to sleeping in the streets and tried to escape life via alcohol and other substances too, and my curious self did get to understand what a "rugby trip" felt like, thanks to Jonjie's stories.

I finally gained a better understanding of why street children sniff rugby, and it's not just because they didn't want to smell the garbage and themselves. To them who know no better, rugby, is, indeed, escape-from-life-in-a-bag. I got to ask Jonjie what he saw while tripping on rugby, but more importantly, I got to ask him and understand what finally got him to commit to Christ.

Indeed, when Jesus Christ wants to make a miracle out of your life, "No eye has seen, no ear has heard," what God has in store for you.

If God can turn around a young street child's difficult life and turn him into a soon-to-be pastor, He is capable of anything.

Indeed, like Jonjie said, there are still BILLIONS of him running around, needing our love and care. And lest you get overwhelmed at the magnificent task before you, understand that you are only tasked to be faithful to the one God gives you favor with, at the moment given to you; and if he/she needs to move on, know that "one waters. another harvests" in this Kingdom.

Again, I appeal to you to watch this movie with an open heart, as well as a suspended critical eye. When you watch All Things New, you don't come to be entertained; you come to receive a greater understanding of who God is and who you are in His scheme of things.

Indeed, bring Kleenex. Two boxes, please.

May God bless and protect you wherever you go, Jonjie. And for you, dear reader, let's start to help the street kids, one moment at a time.

Blessings!

Movie to Watch: All Things New

2008-12-17T23:30:00.000+08:00

The True Meaning of Christmas from Dave Ramsey

2008-12-15T18:45:00.000+08:00

The Memorable Christmas Puzzle
While living in Dallas/Ft. Worth, we learned of a family in need during the holidays. My family and I delivered food and toys to a young lady and her 2 small children. The lady told us to put the gifts away because they were all her kids would receive on Christmas Day.

As we put the food away in the kitchen, I noticed a sparsely lit tree in the corner of the living room, with a homemade wooden puzzle of Mary, Joseph and baby Jesus on the floor beneath it. Her kids explained to my kids the Christmas story using that puzzle. As we approached the door to head home, her children gave my kids the homemade wooden puzzle to take home and put under our tree. Wow.

This became part of our routine each Christmas. We place that puzzle below our tree, and we remember how God gave his Son and how that family gave us all they had as we reached out to them. Eighteen years have passed by and my kids are adults. But we will never forget that special moment in our lives.
—Ken in FL

Very Sensible Marriage Advice. Heheh. :p

2008-12-11T23:31:00.000+08:00

I think... That this... Is VERY SENSIBLE advice for marriage. Heheh.

Remarkable Acapella!

2008-12-11T23:14:00.000+08:00

This is beyond awesome! (found on Happyslip.com )

Burned Out From Work? Here's A Movie to Watch: All Things New

2008-11-29T05:27:00.000+08:00

There is no arguing with the fact that there is a dearth of Godly entertainment in our midst today. We Christians are tired of the filth that imposes their twisted values on us, and we are crying out to reclaim the senses deadened by the widespread media philosophy of appealing to our basest of human desires.

If you are like me, looking for good, wholesome entertainment that allows your heart to be softened, to be all the more in tune with the Lord, then you may be looking for movies like All Things New.

In Summer 2008, The Philippines witnessed the birth of the new era of Philippine Entertainment via Ploning. And today, Christian production outfit Good News Productions International is unveiling a premiere screening of its maiden project, All Things New.

What is great about All Things New is not only the fact that it is a movie that awakens us to the realities of our country; it also awakens us to the fact that MIRACLES HAPPEN on a daily basis ON THIS SIDE OF HEAVEN. All Things New is also a testament to the redemptive power of Christ's cross.

I know for a fact that Christ's cross has changed millions of lives through the 2,000 years since the moment He's risen. This movie, All Things New, seeks to capture exactly the miracle of the radically changed life of the individual.

Over and beyond the changed lives, what is so important about the December 5 and 6, 2008 screenings of All Things New is that it allows YOU to partner in changing a life or two.

Thanks to your purchase of a ticket and watching these VIP screening/s, you will be able to help fund the outreach projects of CBN Asia, World Vision, Compassion Philippines, Christians’ Haven, Every Nation Campus Ministries, Real Life Foundation, CCF Backstreet Kids, and Jesus Revolution, in their quest to help uplift the lives of street children.

Help change the life of a street child or two. Take a break from the maddening pile of paperwork you face every week. Watch All Things New, in Podium Cinema 2.

All Things New VIP Screening Nights

Screening Dates: December 5, Friday, 7pm and 9pm
December 6, Saturday, 7pm and 9pm

Venue: Podium Cinema 2

Donor’s Contribution: Php 500

Slow Fade by Casting Crowns

2008-11-11T13:53:00.000+08:00

"Slow Fade"

Be careful little eyes what you see
It's the second glance that ties your hands as darkness pulls the strings
Be careful little feet where you go
For it's the little feet behind you that are sure to follow

It's a slow fade when you give yourself away
It's a slow fade when black and white have turned to gray
Thoughts invade, choices are made, a price will be paid
When you give yourself away
People never crumble in a day
It's a slow fade, it's a slow fade

Be careful little ears what you hear
When flattery leads to compromise, the end is always near
Be careful little lips what you say
For empty words and promises lead broken hearts astray

It's a slow fade when you give yourself away
It's a slow fade when black and white have turned to gray
Thoughts invade, choices are made, a price will be paid
When you give yourself away
People never crumble in a day

The journey from your mind to your hands
Is shorter than you're thinking
Be careful if you think you stand
You just might be sinking

It's a slow fade when you give yourself away
It's a slow fade when black and white have turned to gray
Thoughts invade, choices are made, a price will be paid
When you give yourself away
People never crumble in a day
Daddies never crumble in a day
Families never crumble in a day

Oh be careful little eyes what see
Oh be careful little eyes what you see
For the Father up above is looking down in love
Oh be careful little eyes what you see

Saw this from Gigi's Friendster, and I thought to repost... I believe that we are in a season when fathers return to their families and husbands and wives understand what is more important. If there's anything that ripped the fabric of America's society apart, it's the permissiveness with which they had allowed godless thinking to pervade their shores.

On one hand, it seems like they have it all bad, on the other hand, here in our shores we also battle a different enemy: religiosity. We tend to embrace dogma over the heart of what Jesus preaches... I'm guilty of legalism myself, and it's a daily battle and submission to the Lord of my heart.

I choose sanity. I choose to be faithful to Him, and to the one I had given my human heart to. I choose to submit my relationships to Him and to ask Him to fool-proof these and to keep these in the palm of His hands. I choose to trust: to see things as He sees them, and to keep believing that I see Him because my heart had been purified, and He finds me blameless.

I choose to listen to the voice of my Shepherd, and not the voice of the crowd (Matthew 9:25), I choose to not allow myself to be condemned, because my Father in heaven has said: "Has anyone condemned you? Go and sin no more."

I may stumble, I may fall, but I will not be moved, because the Man/God who is more than a Good Samaritan keeps picking me up. I am thankful for His grace in my life. I am thankful that He keeps His promises. I am thankful that He is called Faithful and True. :)

He is the Love of my life, my GOD, my Savior, my Jesus Christ.

Spotlight on Denzel Washington

2008-08-16T00:41:00.001+08:00

I mentioned about Denzel Washington talking about channeling the spirits when he plays his characters onscreen yesterday.

I do not mean to criticize, especially when I found the other video, which I will show on the rest of the article, but I do have one prayer for him: that the Lord will purify his faith.

In this world that is mixing the wrong with the right, where a greater number of people no longer even know their left from their right, as opposed to who are firm about the absolutes of the universe, I think that the people who have the worst time when it comes to the experience of faith, the knowledge of purpose and their true selves, are those who are in the entertainment industry, or those who live closest to it like family members or just peripheral entertainment industry workers like writers, or who live for and ON entertainment.

I have nothing against Denzel Washington, let me make it clear. In fact, when he and his wife took a stand in the other video in this post (click link to read more), I believe that he is going the right way, actually. I think that they are taking a stand on Jesus, indeed. It’s just that his doctrine needs clarity.

He is a man of influence, therefore, the truth should be purified. Click link to see other video and read more of my thoughts.
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I believe that we are in the Laodicean age indeed, as William Branham had mentioned in his previous sermons, since taken out by the church that survived him, and it’s easy to embrace everything labeled “Spirituality,” and everything which SEEMS Christian.

While this would certainly burst the bubblez of those who swear by the book The Secret by Rhonda Byrne, which I, too, had watched, liked for a while, but even as I watched it, I had decided that it was pretty dangerous material, I take a stand that there is one standard in this universe, and that is embodied in Jesus, revealed in one essence of Him: the Bible.

I think that whenever a person points to himself too much, to his gifts, or glorifies his capacities too much, instead of the Father’s grace, then, it’s time to take a step back.

I think that what Denzel Washington and his wife Paulette are doing, as noted in this video, is pretty noble. However, I pray that Denzel and his wife would allow the Lord to purify their ministry, their beliefs, and what they hold onto some more, because as how he talks, and how he talks in the other video... Is showing so much of self-worship, something I am definitely allergic to.

Thoughts? Want to stone me? Or buy me coffee {Heheh!}? Comment on!
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Spotlight on Emmy Rossum

2008-08-15T01:17:00.001+08:00

Yesterday, I had talked about the rise of Emmy Rossum and Regina Spektor on the entertainment scene. I would just like to take a spotlight on Emmy Rossum today, because I think that she’s one really fascinating person.

I think that she looks a lot like Anne Frank. It’s not supposed to be uncanny, seeing as they have the same genetic lineage, but the resemblance is absolutely striking. Probably, if Anne Frank grew up, she’d have looked, and even shone like Emmy.

Which isn’t exactly far from the truth, because we still have The Diary of Anne Frank as an immovable institution in high school reading fare, heheh!

Here are personal quotes from Emmy Rossum, as culled from IMDB.com, and my personal reactions to some of them. Click on the link to get to the quotes and my reactions!
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Quotes from IMDB.com and My Reactions:

[on her audition with Andrew Lloyd Webber for The Phantom of the Opera (2004)] He had the most magnificent apartment I had ever seen and I was floored by it. I went in and started vocalizing with the accompanist and Andrew walked in as we were preparing. He didn't say hello, didn't introduce himself, and just sat down in front of me and said, "Shall we?" I thought to myself it was my one shot so I had better just stand up and do it, so I didn't introduce myself, I nodded to the accompanist and I did the two biggest numbers in the show. Then he stood up and said, "That was great. I'm Andrew."

>>> I was amazed at her penchant for excellence and the fact that she didn’t really care about personality or allowed the fact that she was before Andrew Lloyd Weber... THE Andrew Lloyd Weber... To get in the way of what she needed to do at the moment: give one excellent performance. And that, to me, is the basis of true excellence, true artistry, and of one’s true worth.

For me, it doesn’t matter who these people are, actually. They were like you and me once, just ordinary, just part of the crowd. God gave them breaks and opportunities to become institutions, men and women of influence. The way Emmy Rossum showed that she just wanted to excel at that moment in time shows her class, and her true worth.

[regarding her visit to a psychic who told her some accurate things about her late grandmother] I'm a very rational person but I pray every day.

>>> I like this acknowledgment of her faith and the downplaying of the mystical and what is not of God, and the way it was tactfully said!

The truth is, I probably didn't want to be friends with some of those girls [from prep school], because I found that a lot of their values were a little specious. Now, of course, all those girls are calling me and being like, "We should have lunch!" and I'm like, "Um . . . don't you remember how you didn't like me that much?"

>>> I love how she didn’t allow flattery and pretentious people in her life! Rock on Emmy! Keep it up!!!

I'm heavy on preparation . . . Some actors come to the set and don't know what scene they're playing, but that would make me crazy. It's not about control but perfectionism--my biggest vice and one of my biggest assets.

>>> I would so agree about this. It’s not about control at all. I agree that perfectionism has a virtue: excellence. I had an experience before where I was ridiculed for my thoroughness, because it sacrificed speed. I think this quote from Emmy sort of redeemed and affirmed me, heheh!

I'm convinced wearing those corsets for 14 hours at a time deformed me for life. I was 16 years old and still growing at the time of the shooting. I could barely breathe, and with Christine's intense emotions I hyperventilated and almost passed out. I think her name is Christine for a reason. She is Christ-like.

>>> I loooove the humor!

[about kissing Patrick Wilson in The Phantom of the Opera (2004)] In this one scene, it took three days to shoot and it's the scene where my character passionately kisses her fiancé for the first time. It was so complex with the snow coming down that it took three days to shoot. By the end of the three days I'd kissed him so much that my lips had swollen up--so much that I had to use an ice pack in between takes. Hardship, I know!

>>> Again, I love Emmy Rossum’s sense of humor!

I like René Descartes' theory about a ball of wax. You can change its form from solid to liquid, but it's still the same ball of wax. With acting, you are the same person in a different form. You can only be what you know, and you only truly know yourself.

>>> When I read this I realized how difficult the Actor’s life truly is, in reality. I used to ridicule them, and I used to think that they had it easy. Play a character, get the megabucks, squander it on filth and addictions, then get rewarded for being wicked.

But this quote, it showed me what I heard about Denzel Washington’s quote on channeling the spirits when he acts. I think that this is what actors have to contend with: the loss of self when they play the different roles.

Now I know why Lindsay Lohan and Britney Spears are seriously... Messed up!

I pray that Emmy Rossum stays focused, on track, and grounded on the Word of God, and on God Himself.

There are more quotes in the rest of the article, but these are the ones I feel most led to comment on..

I pray that Emmy Rossum shines even more, and keeps being a model for our generation and the next. No Lindsay Lohan-like acts please, Emmy!

ROCK on!
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Christian/Godly Entertainment Arising?

2008-08-14T20:48:00.006+08:00

Something is happening in the airwaves indeed.

As all of Christianity is getting roused for battle, the sleepers wakened and the awake girding for the war, something is happening to the rest of the world too...

God is again proving that He is Lord and King, and that His favor is irreversible.

I just discovered that a lady singer whose name I see splashed among the favorites lists of alternative music lovers’ Friendsters and blogs... Is a Jew.

But before that, I also bumped into another woman who had been catapulted into fame through her role in Phantom of the Opera. She is also... A Jew.

Let me make it clear: I am not against any ancestry AT ALL. I am just so fascinated by God's favor on the Jews, and I have a VERY DEEP RESPECT for His favor upon these people.

The Jews are so beloved by the Lord that I have nothing but gladness when He shows how He blesses them, despite their history of disobedience to Him.

The rise of these artists means only one thing for me: He is calling them His beloved again, and He is showing the world that He exists, and His favor will never be taken back from His beloved; He punishes/rejects/allows suffering for a reason: and it's to birth humility and character in us, whether Jew or... Gentile. Heheh. :D

Now, to know more about the artists I am talking about, clickie the "READ MORE" linkie!
_
Before I get to the first singer I mentioned, let me talk about Emmy Rossum, who broke out into mainstream media through the movie Phantom of the Opera.

I first heard her song Slow Me Down on a dear sis’ website. It was sooo characteristic of what I, and countless of other men and women need to do: Slow {Me} Down. These words:

Slow Me Down
by Emmy Rossum

Rushing and racing and running in circles 
Moving so fast I'm forgetting my purpose 
Blur of the traffic is sending me spinning 
Getting nowhere 
My head and my heart are colliding - chaotic 
Pace of the world -- I just wish I could stop it 
Try to appear like I've got it together 
I'm falling apart 
Save me 
Somebody take my hand 
And lead me 

Slow me down 
Don't let love pass me by 
Just show me how 
Cause I'm ready to fall 
Slow me down 
Don't let me live a lie 
Before my life flies by 
I need you to slow me down 

Sometimes I fear that I might disappear 
In the blur of fast-forward I falter again 
Forgetting to breathe, I need to sleep 
I'm getting nowhere 
All that I've missed I see in the reflection 
Passed me while I wasn't paying attention 
Tired of rushing, racing and running 
I'm falling apart 
Tell me 
Oh won't you take my hand 
And lead me 

Slow me down 
Don't let love pass me by 
Just show me how 
Cause I'm ready to fall 
Slow me down 
Don't let me live a lie 
Before my life flies by 
I need you to slow me down 

Just show me 
I need you to slow me down 
The noise of the world is getting me caught up 
Chasing the clock and I wish I could stop it 
Just need to breathe, somebody please 
Slow me down 

...Really capture the heartbeat of our generation. We are so in need of reconnecting with our purpose, we need Someone to lead us, to Slow {Me}/Us Down and to lead us from allowing ourselves from letting love.. And Life.. Pass us by.

So many of us just allow life to pass us by because we need to reach targets: get a house by 30, feed the parents, send the siblings to school, and all other externals that send us to a Martha-like tizzy that just isn’t doing us any good.

This song reminded me of the fact that I needed to slow down, indeed.

When I learned of Emmy’s life, how she was a singing prodigy, and at the age of 7, she was accepted into the Metropolitan Opera's Children's chorus, after singing “Happy Birthday” in 12 keys. At age 7.

Reading about her life made me realize exactly how God’s blessing upon a people, tribe, nation, individual, is irrevocable indeed. Emmy Rossum is Jewish, just said that she “prays a lot,” but even before she was able to truly profess her faith, even at the young age of 7, her voice has already been a testament to God’s immutable blessing for the people He had designated as the heartbeat of His throne: the Jews of Israel.

In other news, I was also seeing the name Regina Spektor on several people’s Friendster profiles, so I decided to take a look about what she stood for...

Imagine my surprise when I learned.......

That she’s Jewish too.

And that her music was part of the Chronicles of Narnia soundtrack...

Way too cool!

So yes, my eyes are getting Crow’s Feet from gladness. God is unveiling the immutable favor He has on the people He first called His own.

As I part with you for this week, I'm leaving you with the lyrics for The Call, the Regina Spektor song that was part of the Chronicles of Narnia/Prince Caspian, which I think is uncannily like a call for the Lord to come back..

The Call 
by Regina Spektor

It started out as a feeling
Which then grew into a hope
Which then turned into a quiet thought
Which then turned into a quiet word

And then that word grew louder and louder
'Til it was a battle cry

I'll come back
When you call me
No need to say goodbye

Just because everything's changing
Doesn't mean it's never
Been this way before

All you can do is try to know
Who your friends are
As you head off to the war

Pick a star on the dark horizon
And follow the light

You'll come back
When it's over
No need to say good bye

You'll come back
When it's over
No need to say good bye

Now we're back to the beginning
It's just a feeling and now one knows yet
But just because they can't feel it too
Doesn't mean that you have to forget

Let your memories grow stronger and stronger
'Til they're before your eyes

You'll come back
When they call you
No need to say good bye

You'll come back
When they call you
No need to say good bye

Enjoy your weekend everyone! Blessings!
_____________

Bonus, Links to Emmy Rossum Interviews:

http://www.emmyrossumfan.com/interview.php
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f_QF-EEt7ZQ
http://teens.aol.com/entertainment/emmy-rossum-interview

A Christian Movie on the Horizon: The Imposter

2008-08-14T20:30:00.004+08:00

Looking for some amazing Christian media to go for this season? The Impostor, starring Kevin Max of dcTalk, seems to have promise.

I'm going to audition for Victory Pioneer's Worship Team this weekend, so I was looking for the lyrics to Meredith Mauldin's song Release the Angels, as I wanted to sing it as part of the set for my audition.

Then as I was reading Meredith Mauldin's MySpace blog, I found about this Christian movie.
_

It's not Ploning; no dramatic, sweeping, poignant artsy film. It seems to be more like the Chasing Amy or Mallrats or Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back (Kevin Smith Films, in general) of Christianity, because of its rather straightforward and easy-to-follow storyline, but I believe this is just the start for the takeover of Hollywood, as Cindy Jacobs had prophesied.

I know that this is the start of taking back what the world has tried to dominate and keep from the Son as His portion, but I know, I know deep in my heart that something is happening in the heavenlies.

I pray for more of these films, more of Christian art films, and mainstream films based on testimonies and the walk we have in Jesus, and I pray that these get released in mainstream theaterz!

For the King and the Kingdom!!!
_

Blog! Resurrected! Err, Launched!

2008-08-12T19:28:00.006+08:00

I don’t know what time I started tweaking this blog, but I’m quite relieved that I finally got it up and running. I have a few hours till 12MN, when I will be winding down to start my “day” *snigger* job.

If you don’t know me yet, of course you don’t, I’m Lorie. I’m a dreamer who wants to be a realist but who finds such life in the things that other Christians would call “the filth of this world.”

I learn a lot from media. I devour anything from books, magazines, blogs, music, and of course, the focus of this blog, movies.

I’ve been meaning to set up this blog for the longest time, but nothing seems to click. I’ve been praying to find time to finally put up the theme, tweak the Adsense, etc., and finally, after several months, I’m here, officially launching this blog.

There was one purpose why I wanted to put up this blog. I wanted to keep supporting Ploning the Movie, a Filipino film that echoed my life too achingly.

For me, Ploning the Movie was not just a mirror of who we are as Christians: mere women by the well, women accused of adultery, who were washed clean by our Maker, forgiven, as He gave up His own son to die on the cross.

***

Ploning the Movie was a story of redemption, a story of love that was faithful even beyond death, of longing and the paradoxical contentment that Ploning, the central character, displayed and even radiated.

Ploning was a quiet rural town’s resident star of sorts, their queen. She wasn’t their queen only because she was rich, but she was a queen because she gave and loved and served the men and women around her.

She was a mysterious figure, longing for an unknown character who was supposedly her first--and only--love.

The movie has such simplicity, and yet one major twist, through which only one thing shines through: Ploning’s gentleness, grace, humility, and strength, all encased in one regal demeanor reminiscent of the royalty of the days of yore.

The day I watched that movie, I knew I wanted to move like her. I wanted to be like her: loved because she first loved.

There was no guile, seduction, or premeditated allure in her. Her seduction was her basic grace, her homely love. Everything about her was so transcendent and effervescent, that I couldn’t help asking God to make me like her: a gentle, loving soul gifted with the capacity to serve everyone around her.

In the end, being part of the movie (as a hidden helper: the official blog’s wordweaver) was one experience for me that was part of the chain of events that had been instrumental in chopping off my old self. The experience left a brand on me that I could not help but carry as a badge: the well-worn battle scars that turned into the insignia of military men who have fought well and conquered.

***

I would like to say that I’m sooo soo sorry.. Especially to Guia, one of the movie’s two executive producers, because this update came sooo soo late. :) But it’s better late than never, right?

If you know where Ploning went around to paint the town red, here are the last newsbits off Guia’s blog and email updates:

At the same time as the JIL tour, Ploning will also be toured around Canada till September 25th, 2008.
Ploning is going to be toured around the Jesus is Lord Luzon churches until the 29th of September, 2008, to commemorate the 30th anniversary of the Jesus is Lord movement.
Ploning went to Cinemalaya on July 11 to 20, 2008.
Ploning went to the Paris Cinema festival on July 3, in time for the festival on July 5, 2008! Sosyal!

If you click the "Read More" link below, you’ll be led to the rest of this post, containing the two latest official emails from Guia.

I’ll be posting more movie reviews soon, the best movies I’ve watched, and giving you more updates for Ploning the Movie.

Blessings to the readers, and more info after the jump!

PLONING goes to CANADA!

Dear friends,

Finally. PLONING goes to CANADA!

Here's the full schedule :

Aug 22-28 Scarborough
Scarborough Town Centre
300 Borough Dr.
Scarborough ON, M1P 4P5
416-290-5217

Aug 22-28 Downtown Toronto
Cineplex Odeon Carlton
20 Carlton Street
Toronto ON, M5B 2H5
(416) 598-2197

Mississauga Aug 29- Sept 4
Empire Theatre at Square one
100 City Centre Dr.
Mississauga, ON L5B 2C9
905-275-2640

Sept 5-11 Winnipeg
Globe cinema
393 Portage Ave. 3rd Floor
Winnipeg, MB R3B 3H6
(204) 694-5623

Sept 12-18 Vancouver
Empire Theatre Granville 7 cinema
855 Granville Street
Vancouver, BC V6Z 1K7
604-684-4051

Calgary Sept 19 – 25th
Cineplex Sunridge Spectrum
2555 32nd Street
Calgary AB, T1Y 7J6
(403) 717-1200

Fresh from its PARIS CINEMA FESTIVAL and CINEMALAYA tour, may this beautiful story of faith, hope, and love, showcasing the beauty of the Filipino and the Philippines, inspire every Filipino, of every generation, in all corners of the world.

Starring Judy Ann Santos, Gina Pareno, Mylene Dizon, Eugene Domingo, Meryll Soriano, Tessie Tomas, Beth Tamayo, Tony Mabesa, Ketchup Eusebio, Ronnie Lazaro, Joel Torre, Jojit Lorenzo and Cuyonon actors Bodjong
Fernandez, Ogoy, Lukas and Cedric Amit. Directed by Dante Nico Garcia.

All the best,

PANORAMANILA PICTURES CO.
www.ploningthemovie.com

P.S. Please spread the good news! Abu Dhabi and US Screenings coming soon! And if you want PLONING to visit your city and country, please email us at ida@ploningthemovie.com.

Official Ploning 30s Teaser
http://youtube.com/watch?v=P9VPREtKDuo

Official Ploning 15s Teaser
http://youtube.com/watch?v=38CYTYmO9Wc&feature=related

Ploning Official Trailer
http://youtube.com/watch?v=JmDZTGV5x04

PLONING in Paris Cinema Festival 2008

Dear friends,

Mabuhay!

Dante Nico Garcia and Judy Ann Santos, together with Ryan Agoncillo, are now en route to Paris, France to grace the July 5 screening of PLONING at the historic Balzac Theater, as part of the Paris Cinema Festival (www.pariscinema.org).

A number of Filipino films and their respective filmmakers from the mainstream and indie sectors will likewise represent the country as the festival focuses on the Philippines as this year's "country of honor" - for “its new generation of filmmakers and [a body of work] filled with energy and audacity.”

In this regard, please invite your family and friends in Paris and around Europe to support PLONING and the other Filipino films that are now being showcased in the festival!

Panoramanila thanks the Film Development Council of the Philippines for sponsoring Dante and Juday, plus Kodak Philippines for it support.

Amblig!

All the best,

PANORAMANILA PICTURES CO.
www.ploningthemovie.com

Please read : http://showbizandstyle.inquirer.net/entertainment/entertainment/view/20080701-145871/RP-is-country-of-honor-in-Paris-Cinema-Festival

Ehem.

2008-08-11T20:24:00.000+08:00

Some Opening Ceremony fireworks were faked

By Chris Chase

If you watched the Opening Ceremony on Friday night, chances are you said something like, "no way that's possible" at least once. It turns out you were right.

London's Telegraph newspaper reports that some of the fireworks which appeared over Beijing during the television broadcast of the Olympic Opening Ceremony were actually computer generated. But -- hold on -- it's not necessarily as bad as you think.

The faked fireworks were actually set-off at the stadium, but because of potential dangers in filming the display live from a helicopter, viewers at home were shown a pre-recorded, computer-generated shot. It sounds dishonest, but I'm not sure it's such a terrible thing.

The Opening Ceremony is, at its core, just one big performance. And isn't it accepted that some things might not be legit at a performance? The final torch bearer wasn't actually running around the top of the stadium, does the fact that everyone could figure that out make it any less impressive? It might have been unnecessarily deceptive, but the firework-faking isn't really that big of a deal. But, if I found out that the lighted-drum thing wasn't on the up and up, then we'll have problems, China.

I couldn't help laughing about this post, coz the tone is sooo possessive and soo irate and soo... "I own the world."

I also couldn't help reacting to the fact that apparently, everything is all about deception nowadays. :)

I woke up last week realizing how a key person in my nearest proximity is the king of deception, and I can't help laughing hysterically at how hostile this world is to us Christians, actually. Hoo boy. Sisa Moment. :)

Snide remark: Oh Chris Chase, get a clue. :p

Not for the Lovesick...

2008-08-04T06:31:00.000+08:00

When Janis posted "Faithfully," I couldn't resist posting my own "I wanna get married na!" song. Heheh! Enjoy!

Lyrics:

It’s always been a mystery to me
How two hearts can come together
And love can last forever
But now that I have found you,
I believe
That a miracle has come
When God sends the perfect one
Now gone are all my questions about why
And I’ve never been so sure of anything in my life

Chorus:

I wonder what God was thinking
When He created you
I wonder if He knew everything
I would need
Because He made all my dreams come true
When God made you
He must have been thinking about me

I promise that wherever you may go
Wherever life may lead you
With all my heart I’ll be there too
From this moment on
I want you to know
I’ll let nothing come between us
And I will love the ones you love

Bridge:

He made the sun
He made the moon
To harmonize in perfect tune
One can’t move without the other
They just have to be together
And that is why I know it’s true
You’re for me and I’m for you
‘Cause my world just can’t be right
Without you in my life

Tag chorus:
He must have heard every prayer
I’ve been praying
Yes He knew everything I would need
When God made you
When dreams come true
When God made you

He must have been thinking about me...

What if? # 2 >>>Dancing for Jesus???<<<

2008-08-02T00:02:00.000+08:00

I was, as usual, just ambling my way through the Internet today, posting my favorite songs on the Women Pioneers group site I set up where women from Victory Pioneer (and whoever else wants to join) can actually share music, videos, resources, thoughts and stuff.

I saw this video, which made me cry, because it reminded me of all the high school plays and productions that I had taken part in, for the glory of man.

I was also reminded of the play that Gigi had written and taken part in, in a role I would covet anyday, Nyaharhar, and I realized that this is time for another what-if.

Earlier, I had posted on a what-if that was mostly for boys: Parkour.

This what-if is something that women may now relate to: dancing.

We were called to worship, right? And Jesus won't come again till there is a concerted effort to worship Him, a chorus that resounds up to His throne in Heaven, our songs in unison.

So again, the gears in my head are turning, and I want to infect you, too.

What if... You danced your heart out to worship Jesus?

To the parents: What if we took ownership of productions like these in our children's schools and gave them to the Lord?

To the youth: What if we did dance like this for the Lord?

Would you take the call?

My Top Three Songs of the Year

2008-08-01T23:17:00.000+08:00

Guys, what are your favorite songs of late? :)

Here are my top three. :)

Share ko lang, kasi sobrang tagos sa puso..

Amber Brooks of MorningStar Ministries (Rick Joyner's group), and her song Like You Promised:

The Cry of the prophets around the world, I Can Hear the Rhythm/People Get Ready by Misty Edwards:

Version 2 of People Get Ready/I Can Hear the Rhythm (Cut short due to YouTube's minute restrictions):

The Song that awakened my heart back in February, You Won't Relent by Misty Edwards:

Misty Edwards is a worship leader for International House of Prayer, led by Mike Bickle, while Amber Brooks is part of MorningStar Ministries, most known for being the church to where prophet Rick Joyner belongs.

Blessings to those who listen, and share rin kayo ng favorites nyo!

For more rockin' music:

http://www.elijahstreams.com