I'll be Better In Time

Song lyrics | Better In Time lyrics

I'm hooked on classics!

My mom told me that she loves listening to Mozart and Beethoven when I was still inside her womb. Then in kinder, my dad used to read me some classical bedtime stories before i sleep. Grade school when he started sharing some classical novels. No wonder, why my dad's the best. He made sure he reads one book to me before we sleep even if he's tired and busy. awww... Love yah dad! Grade one when i started singing disney classics. High school when i started learning classic jazz. I also love watching classical concerts. In fact, I ushered Mr.Sal Malaki's Concert in Meralco theatre, i went upstage and gave him a bouquet. Damn he has a great voice! I was also there when Andrea Bocelli had his first concert here in manila. You see? I grew up in a classic way. lol! I love classics, they're timeless and truly a work of art.

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LOVE STORY: A CLASSIC REMEMBERED

Summer 2008 when Astrovision made a big sale on vcds and dvds, that's when I started collecting classic films. Take note, i mean "film", not movie. There's a big difference between the two. Moving on, I've bought ten vcds on my first batch of collection namely: Sound of Music, The Nun, Cleopatra, Gone with the Wind, The Godfather, Victor/Victoria, Chiti Bang Bang, Streetcar named Desire, Breakfast at Tiffany's and Fiddler on the Roof. I've watched most of them already but bought it still for the sake of collecting original classic films. Last Sunday, I went to Metrowalk for a gig. During breaktime, i went up to the mall to buy a few dvd series. Then guess what i've found?! LOVE STORY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Oh my, I grabbed it and hold it tight, like no one else has to buy it. I found a rare, hard to find classic which I've been looking since last last year. Hmmm, as the saying goes, surprises come up when you least expect them. After my gig, I hurried home to watch it. At the middle of the story,not reaching the climax yet, my tears began to fall. You won't believe, my tears fell continuosly till the end. I never cried so much like this to a film. I mean, I cried in I am Sam, The Notebook, If Only and 50 1st dates but never cried so much like this.

Love Story is a tearjerker love story between a Harvard pre-law hockey player Oliver Barrett IV (Ryan O'Neal) and Radcliffe music student Jenny Cavilleri (Ali MacGraw). These two have different economic backgrounds. Oliver's a preppy millionaire and Jenny's a simple smart musician. The couple was so happy together and decided to get married. The obstacle comes in when Oliver introduced Jenny to his family. His rich, powerful and snobbish father objects (marriage) and threatens to cut off funding. The two young lovers marry and started a new and simple life. They first moved into a small apartment in Cambridge before Oliver was hired by a New York law firm and they moved to the city.

The film has so many touching and remembered scenes. After meeting many obstacles and making sacrifices, Jenny is diagnosed as terminally ill when she is tested for pregnancy. Jenny dies in Oliver's arms at the hospital in a tear-inducing closing. She makes a last request of him: "You, after all - you're going to be a merry widower." "I won't be merry," he responds. She replies: "Yes, you will be. I want you to be merry. You'll be merry, okay?"

In the final scene, Oliver quotes his late wife, when speaking to his father about their past misunderstandings. After his father tells him he's sorry that she has died, Oliver responds, "Love means never having to say you're sorry." Awww.. that is my most favorite line on the film. The film ended with an award winning musical score...

Where do i begin
To tell the story
Of how greatful love can be
The sweet love story
That is older than the sea
That sings the truth about the love she brings to me
Where do i start

With the first hello
She gave the meaning
To this empty world of mine
That never did
Another love another time
She came into my life
And made a living fine
She fills my heart

She fills my heart
With very special things
With angel songs
With wild imaginings
She fills my soul
With soo much love
That anywhere i go
Im never lonely
With her along who could b lonely
I reach for her hand
Its always there

How long does it last
Can love be measured by the hours in a day
I have no answers no
But this much i can say
I know ill need her till this love song burn away
And she;ll b there...
How long does it last
Can love b measured by the hours in a day
I have no answers no
But this much i can say
I know ill need her till this love song burn away
And she'll be there...

I was carried away, I felt the love, the pain,and the sacrifices in the story. I highly recommend it to the young generations today. I swear, This is the greatest love story ever made!!! Two thumbs up, standing ovation and high five for this film. Love it!

Harry & Paul: Racist TV remark to a Filipina

tsk! tsk!

What's in my purse?

A. COSMETICS

1. Paul & Joe Cream Fonda
2. Paul & Joe Dual Compact Fonda
3. Paul & Joe Concealer
4. Paul & Joe Sunblock Moisturizer
5. MAC Blacktrack Eyeliner
6. MAC Studio Fix Liquid Foundation NC20
7. MAC Mineralized Powder
8. MAC Concealer NC25
9. MAC Lightsweep Shader - for sculpting and shaping
10. MAC Lipstick in Russian Red
11. MAC Lipglass (my fave lip makeup)
    
12. MAC Powder Brush and Shadow Brush
13. In2it brow pencil
    
14. Kabuki Brush (not in the pic)
15. Tweezers
    

B. Kenneth Cole Wallet
C. Two Old fashioned Cellphones (i am not familiar with the models)
D. Rosary
E. Lighter

8 easy, instant mood boosters

by Jessica Ashley, Shine staff, on Tue Sep 30, 2008 2:40pm PDT

On any given day, any one of us can open our calendar, flip on our Blackberry or scan through our email in-box and find enough to zap away a bright and shiny attitude. And if the spreadsheets and spam don't do it, the economy certainly might. Hey, I've had plenty of optimistic mornings this month that were obliterated in one glance at a story about the election.

Of course, we've all been through a trauma or challenge that needs to be processed and healed over time. But do you notice that most of the things that are irritating, depressing or crazy-making are comparatively small or completely out of our control (cue my grandmother's review of those books about not sweating the small stuff)?

Instead of focusing on the negative, what if we chose instead to give our time, energy and concentration to feeling good again? What if we (gasp) took a five-minute time out to get positive? Surprisingly, it's not as difficult or time-consuming to get to that happy place as you might think.

Whether you're mad about gas prices or mumbling about the boss, you can boost your mood quickly and easily with these 8 tips:

1. Clear your space, clear your mind. It's amazing how a few piles of paperwork and a line of empty Starbucks cups can make a busy day feel even more frantic. Set a cell phone alarm or timer for five minutes and use that time to de-clutter a manageable space around you. Focus your efforts on your desk or kitchen counter rather than a whole room or cubicle. Stash everything that needs your attention today into a file folder and find a home for everything else in drawers, baskets or the trash. Write down any thoughts or tasks that are causing you anxiety or have upcoming deadlines so you are left with reminders rather than worries.

If you need to take three breaks a day to clean-sweep your space, so be it. As long as it helps you stay calm and feel organized and in control, it is worth the time. If you make a habit of taking one of these breaks before you leave the office or turn in for the night, think how much better your mood will be when you return in the morning.

2. Put on a little mood-lifting music. Whether pop music, nature sounds or jazz makes you smile or sing or dance in your chair, even a song or two will help you escape the blues. Stash a CD in your car, bag or desk to pop in or upload a special playlist full of songs that always make you feel better. If you don't have an MP3 player or disc at your fingertips, simply go to YouTube and search for videos tagged "peaceful" or "happy." You may end up with a crazy karaoke lady performance or a kitty cat rolling around to hip-hop, but the chances are good your mood will be boosted by that nuttiness, too.

3. Make yourself laugh (or at least grin). Studies show that laughter not only has a powerful impact on your mood, it sends your body into an instant state of relaxation. In fact, the anticipation of laughter (as we wait for a punchline, for example) sends a wave of electricity over our cerebral cortex, causing a physiological and psychological connection to even the worst jokes.

There's no need to force yourself to smile or do any of that weird belly-laugh yoga to get the good effects of humor. Make it easy on yourself by keeping an email file or manila folder full of the cards, messages and cartoons you get that really do make you LOL. A birthday card from your best friend or a sticky note of congratulations on a successful project are also nice reminders that people love and support you and are guaranteed to warm up your attitude. (Do be sure to toss items from this folder once in a while so your happy file doesn't cause unhappiness-inducing clutter.)

4. Focus on your favorite color. There's plenty of research that says painting your walls certain colors will help make you feel more serene or productive or sexy in that room. I love that strategy when I move into a new place or redecorate, but that investment's not always plausible and it's certainly not quick or easy. Thank goodness it's possible to get a quick fix with just a bit of those mood-lifting colors.

I personally know how well this trick can work. I loved the deep aubergine ribbon I used for my wedding bouquet so much that I ordered an extra roll of it just to lift my spirits long after the big day passed. I tied it around planters that sit on my desk, put a small swatch in my jewelry box and even tied it into a bow on my key ring. The color evoked such a sense of joy and serenity to me that I felt those emotions wash over me each time I saw the ribbon tucked into everyday spaces. If hot pink makes you feel happy or turquoise reminds you of the most amazing, relaxing vacation of your life, get a coffee mug or flowers or nail polish in that color as a focal point when you need a boost.

5. Mix up something good to eat or drink. Being hungry or hydrated can impact your concentration, energy level and ability to cope with stressers. No, that doesn't mean a martini and Xanax smoothie or bag full of candy bars will make you feel better. While alcohol or sugar may give you temporary comfort, you will probably feel worse once that wears off. Instead, choose a healthier snack or small meal that combines protein and carbohydrates. Toast with almond butter and honey, trail mix with nuts and dried fruit, oatmeal with cranberries and skim milk are all tasty and will fuel your body longer than a treat. Drinking a big glass of water (rather than coffee...sigh) will also help perk you up.

6. Stretch yourself. Get up from behind the monitor or television or steering wheel. Go for a ten-minute walk or just do three or four stretches. There's no need to do a full workout but do focus in on which muscles feel tight and gently stretch and massage those areas to increase circulation. Rubbing your hands, feet, neck and temples with a lightly-scented lotion or oil does wonders if you have to remain seated. I keep a small bottle of lavender lotion in my car and next to my laptop for quick, rejuvenating hand massages while I sit at stop lights and listen in on conference calls. It's amazing how diverting my attention just slightly from traffic and work talk eases my stress (not while driving, of course).

If depression is an issue for you, regular exercise may be a way to help elevate your mood. For all of us, it's no shock that pounding out stress on a treadmill or releasing everyday anxiety on the yoga mat does wonders for how good we feel physically and emotionally over time.

7. Exhale the tension, then inhale something that smells sweet. Combine the one-two of breathing deeply as an exercise or in meditation or prayer with aromatherapy for a quick mood change. Set the stage for a few peaceful moments by spritzing a room spray or lighting a candle in a calming scent. If there is a tea or flower that evokes a sense of calm to you, keep some on hand for these occasions. Once that scent has circulated a bit, take a breathing break. Close your eyes or turn away from whatever it is that has brought your mood down and center on taking full breaths in and out. Add a mantra or prayer, or if you need guidance, listen to a meditation podcast.

8. Start over. If nothing else helps and it looks like your day is a complete wash, why not call a do-over? If you can make the time, give yourself a half-hour (or more) to linger a little longer than usual in a warm shower. Not only will the change in your routine shake off some of the stress, studies show that heating up your core temperature can also warm up your mood. Then do some simple self-care rituals like applying your favorite moisturizer and putting on comfortable clothes you feel good wearing. Even if you have to return to work or your to-do list, at least you know you can hit the re-set button on your attitude first.


[photo credit: Getty Images]

Naughty Girl: The Hottie and The Nottie

just wanna play with my manga,lol! :p

Something to think about... (from chubby cheesecake)

1. Take a 10-30 minute walk everyday, and while you walk, smile.
2. Sit in silence for at least 10 minutes a day.
3. When you wake up in the morning, complete this statement: “My purpose is to _______ today.”
4. Live with the 3 E’s: Energy, Enthusiasm, Empathy; and the 3 F’s: Faith, Family, Friends.
5. Dream more while you are awake.
6. Try to make at least three people smile each day.
7. Realize that life is a school and you are here to learn, pass all your tests.
8. Problems are simply part of the curriculum that appear and fade away like algebra class but the lessons you learn will last a lifetime.
9. Smile and laugh more. It will keep the energy vampires away.
10. Life isn’t fair, but it is still good.
11. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone. (ITS WORTH IT!)
12. Don’t take yourself so seriously. No one else does.
13. You don’t have to win every argument. Agree to disagreements.
14. Make peace with your past, so it won’t mess up the present. (DAMAGE HAS BEEN DONE)
15. Don’t compare your life to others’. You have no idea what their journey is all about.
16. Burn the candles, use the nice sheets. Don’t save it for special occasion. Today is special.
17. No one is in-charge of your happiness except you.
18. Forgive everyone for everything. (YEA, EXCEPT HER!)
19. What other people think of you is none of your business.
20. Time (PLUS APOLOGY) heals almost everything. Give time, time.
21. However good or bad the situation is, it will change.
22. Your job won’t take care of you when you are sick. Your friends will. Stay in touch.
23. Get rid of anything that isn’t useful, beautiful or joyful.
24. The best is yet to come.
25. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up. (TELL THIS TO HER,LOL)
26. Do the right thing.
27. Call your family often.
28. Each night before you go to bed, complete the following statements: “I am thankful for….” “Today I accomplished…”
29. Remember that you are too blessed to be stressed.
30. Enjoy the ride. Remember that this is not Disney World and you certainly don’t want a fast pass. Make the most of it and enjoy the ride.

Graphology: My Handwriting Analysis

Graphology: is the study and analysis of handwriting especially in relation to human psychology. In the medical field, it can be used to refer to the study of handwriting as an aid in diagnosis and tracking of diseases of the brain and nervous system. The term is sometimes incorrectly used to refer to forensic document examination.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Graphology

Graphology according to wiki is the study of handwriting. It came from a Greek word "graphos" which means "writing". But why is it kinda new to most of us? If I'm not mistaken, handwriting were invented during stone age, remember the logos that are engraved in caves, mountains, and pyramids? I read that the research started in 1575. But I actually just heard it last year from my psychologist. hehe!

Just this year, i saw a booth in Megatrade that conducts graphoanalysis. My psychologist said there's still a big debate if people would consider it a science, coz most of its empirical studies fail to show the validity claimed by its supporters. And so, my curiosity popped out. I went to Megatrade for that Expo that conducts free graphoanalysis. They asked me to write my name and the words "i love you" in a piece of paper. And then they started reading my handwriting. First thing the pop from his (grapho analyst) mouth---"It will only look that you have a strong personality (yea, right)... but in fact you are a very shy person (whaaaaat?????!!!!). You're having a hard time to approach or talk to a certain person. (huh???)". That doesnt sound convincing to me. Shyness in the first place is not included in my dictionary. I think this man was just trying to manipulate me, he wants me to think about what he has said and relate it to myself. I also thought that he's just too lazy that day as I am (i think) his 1,111th client. hehe! And so, i cracked a clever question in front of more or less 50 people in his booth---"Doctor, are this for real?, coz i have a lot of different handwriting forms depends on the pen that i am using. Does this mean that i have MPS (multiple personality syndrome)?" Then, he answered, "We are not allowed to answer your question." Wdf?!

That boggled me until i was able to see my psychologist. My life coach then told me that they will not really tell you how'd they come up with their results. Coz its really a top secret. hmm. My psychologist need not explain further, as i reacted as if i got her point. lol! I actually understand why they couldnt spill the beans, they've spent big bucks for the course. hehe!

My life coach said that their readings are based on my mood that day and not because of the pen that I was using. Which is now I've connected the dots. That day, when the grapho analyst said that im shy, i am not actually really shy, but scared (ok, a little shy) to approach him as he might gonna tell something about me that is negative and people will surely hear it. And that's quite embarrasing right?! Now, its clear to me. My mood that day is shy because I'm scared. Ok. hmmm...

My keen sense of curiosity doesn't stop there. Im more curious to use graphology for an elaborated personality evaluation. And so i made a research and found this site http://handwritingwizard.com. Below are the results, the one i typed in bold letters are exactly true with regard to my mood today and my personality as well. Let me know what you think.

Roqzanne is very outgoing. Her emotions are stirred by sympathy and heart rendering stories. In fact, she can be kind, friendly, affectionate and considerate of others. She has the ability to put herself into the other person's shoes.

Roqzanne will be somewhat moody, with highs and lows. Sometimes she will be happy, the next day she might be sad. She has the unique ability to get along equally well with what psychology calls introverts and extroverts. This is because she is in between. Psychology calls Roqzanne an ambivert. She understands the needs of both types. Although they get along, she will not tolerate anyone that is too "far out." She doesn't sway too far one way or the other.

When convincing her to buy a product or an idea, a heart rendering story could mean a great deal to her. She puts herself in the same situation as the person in the story, yet she will not buy anything that seems overly impractical or illogical. Roqzanne is an expressive person. She outwardly shows her emotions. She may even show traces of tears when hearing a sad story.

Roqzanne is a "middle-of-the-roader," politically as well as logically. She weighs both sides of an issue, sits on the fence, and then will decide when she finally has to. She basically doesn't relate to any far out ideas and usually won't go to the extreme on any issue.

People that write their letters in an average height and average size are moderate in their ability to interact socially. According to the data input, Roqzanne doesn't write too large or too small, indicating a balanced ability to be social and interact with others.

Roqzanne is sensitive to criticism about her ideas and philosophies. She will sometimes worry what people will think if she tells them what she believes in. This doesn't mean she won't talk, or that she feels ashamed. It merely means she is sensitive to what others think, regarding her beliefs.

Roqzanne is talkative. She enjoys talking and socializing. She may talk when there is absolutely nothing important to say. She enjoys speaking.

In reference to Roqzanne's mental abilities, she has a very investigating and creating mind. She investigates projects rapidly because she is curious about many things. She gets involved in many projects that seem good at the beginning, but she soon must slow down and look at all the angles. She probably gets too many things going at once. When Roqzanne slows down, then she becomes more creative than before. Since it takes time to be creative, she must slow down to do it. She then decides what projects she has time to finish. Thus she finishes at a slower pace than when she started the project.

She has the best of two kinds of minds. One is the quick investigating mind. The other is the creative mind. Her mind thinks quick and rapidly in the investigative mode. She can learn quicker, investigate more, and think faster. Roqzanne can then switch into her low gear. When she is in the slower mode, she can be creative, remember longer and stack facts in a logical manner. She is more logical this way and can climb mental mountains with a much better grip.

Roqzanne is a practical person whose goals are planned, practical, and down to earth. This is typical of people with normal healthy self-esteem. She needs to visualize the end of a project before she starts. she finds joy in anticipation and planning. Notice that I said she plans everything she is going to do, that doesn't necessarily mean things go as planned. Roqzanne basically feels good about herself. She has a positive self-esteem which contributes to her success. She feels she has the ability to achieve anything she sets her mind to. However, she sets her goals using practicality-- not too "out of reach". She has enough self-confidence to leave a bad situation, yet, she will not take great risks, as they relate to her goals. A good esteem is one key to a happy life. Although there is room for improvement in the confidence category, her self-perception is better than average.

Roqzanne is sarcastic. This is a defense mechanism designed to protect her ego when she feels hurt. She pokes people harder than she gets poked. These sarcastic remarks can be very funny. They can also be harsh, bitter, and caustic at the same time.

Roqzanne has a healthy imagination and displays a fair amount of trust. She lets new people into her circle of friends. She uses her imagination to understand new ideas, things, and people.

◙dramaqueen◙

The Last American Virgin

You havent seen this before but this scene looks very familiar to most of us. Watch and let me know what u think...

xoxo,
dramaqueen

CHEERS! for the broken promises,the lies, the manipulation, the tears, the wasted moments and staying up all night wondering where the HELL he was.

Here's to all those girls who used to be his number one.
The ones who waited all night for him to call, only to check your cellphone the next morning and be disappointed. The ones who made it through that bitter break up, dried your own tears, and moved on with your life, only to have him walk back in it months later like nothing ever happened. Those of you who cried on the first day you talked again because you knew exactly where this phone call was going. The ones who listened to him say, "I only want to be your friend", one day, then listened to him say that he loves and misses you, and the next when he doesn't want to be anything at all. Here's to the ones that took him back, hoping that maybe this time, he was different, hoping that maybe people really do change.

We listened to our friends tell us that we were stupid for even thinking about giving him another chance, got crap from our parents, and even snuck around to see him even for a while. We went through the great stage with no fights all over again. We started this out thinking it would be just friends, and ended up falling in love with him again. We wanted nothing more in the world than to hear him tell us he loved us too, that even though things were bad in the past, they would be different this time. And when we finally heard it, it was like we were dreaming. This is for us.

Here's to the ones who believed what he said, sat around all over again waiting for a phone call that might come in a few hours, or a few days. Here's for the tears cried and dried all over again. We wanted so desperately to believe that he was really busy, he couldn't possibly call us at that moment, or even that he fell asleep early. We trained ourselves to believe the lies because we wanted to believe we had found the one for us. We learned to SETTLE for someone who didn't treat us the way we should be treated.

Here's for the ones who did their hair and make up and put on their prettiest everything, only to hear him say that he couldn't see us today. The ones who never believed it when people told us there might be someone else. We just couldn't believe that he could do this to us again.

This is for those great girls, who loved him more than words can say, and took him back no matter what happened last time because they couldn't bear to look back on their lives one day and wonder "what if".
This is for the girls that stayed up all night long listening to him whine about an ex girlfriend who cheated on him, and cried during the entire conversation. The ones who hoped he would realize that he deserved better, that he deserved us.
When he said that he loved you, but he was in love with her, he didn't mean it.
This is for the ones that held on to something that was never there to begin with.

This is for us girls, who somehow managed to get him to forget about her, and get him to tell us that he was in love with us again, only to have him tell us three weeks later that "things were going too fast, I'm just not ready." or maybe, "You're just not the one for me." (Then maybe later on find out he has a damn girlfriend already.)

Here's to the girls who couldn't cry to their friends because of how stupid they felt.
The ones who held it all in when things came crumbling to pieces again. This is for the ones who couldn't bear to even tell their mom what was going on, for fear of an "I told you so."
The ones that could just TELL that they had made a mistake ever allowing him into their hearts, their beds, and their dreams again.

We knew that we deserved better the entire time, that we deserved a guy who would call when he said he was going to, one that would come see us when ever he got the chance, one that would really care about us. We just wanted the one that we loved like that.
Here's for the ones that FINALLY realized that he never gave one thought about them.
Here's for the time that he took to waste, breaking your heart ... again.

This is for those days spent trying to hold back the tears, and the tears that turned into anger, then disappointment.
Here's for us girls who finally realized that we deserve better.
This is for those confusing days, when you miss him,and want nothing more than to hear his voice, or feel his arms around your waist.

Stay strong, and remember that relationships are like broken glass,sometimes it's better to leave it alone rather than try to put the pieces back together and get hurt all over again.
Remember the times you cried, and how long it took you to even be able to look at another guy like that.
When your song comes on the radio, turn the station.
When the day comes that he realizes what a mistake he made and tries calling, turn your phone off.
When he tries coming to your house, don't answer the door.

Think of all the broken promises, and the lies, the manipulation and the tears, the wasted moments and staying up all night wondering where the HELL he was.
Think of how your heart used to jump when your phone would vibrate in the middle of the night, and how it fell to your stomach when you saw it wasn't him, and realized that once again, he hadn't called when he said he was going to.

One day, you'll find a guy who's worth all the tears, but he won't make you cry. You may think that you'll never care about someone like you did that guy that you always ran back to, but you will.
It's gonna hurt like hell, and it's going to need time to heal, but the point is, it will heal.

A Repost from John Silva, I am totally against this bill!

STOP THIS OBSCENE BILL. The Anti-Obscenity and Pornography Senate Bill No. 2464

by John L. Silva

In July of this year, the Anti-Obscenity and Pornography bill of 2008 was introduced in the Senate for deliberation by Senator Manny Villar. The bill has a lofty preamble about the state valuing the dignity of every human person and safeguarding the moral, spiritual and social well being of its youth and women from “the pernicious effects of obscenity and pornography. “ After that sentence, the bill goes downhill.

The bill defines obscenity as anything indecent or offensive to good customs, religious beliefs, principles or doctrine, that will “deprave the human being,” “…excite impure thoughts, or violates the proprieties of language and human behavior.” Specific examples include the showing, depicting, or describing sexual acts, sexual organs, the female breasts, and nude human bodies.

Any writings describing “erotic reactions, feelings, or experiences on sexual acts” or performing live sex acts were also included.

Pornography in the bill are any objects or subjects from film, tv shows to photographs, music, paintings, advertisements, literature and others found in every form of medium from digital to video to film, tv shows, electronic media, print, outdoor advertising and broadcast media that “… excite, stimulate or arouse impure thoughts and prurient interest.”

The draconian features of this bill is in the penalties and punishment imposed. The live sex act performer gets 1 – 3 years in jail and from 100,000 to 300,000 pesos in fines. There are intermediate level punishments for writers but the stiffest is reserved for the artist, painter or producer of any artistic work getting 6 – 12 years in prison and from 500,000 to one million pesos in fines.

Given the bill’s limited definition of obscenity and pornography, the following events and material may now fall under these categories.

In two weeks, for instance, there will be a major retrospective of National Artist Fernando Amorsolo’s works to be exhibited in seven museums including the National Museum.

Many of Amorsolo’s works are females nudes with exposed breasts. If the bill passes, they shall be deemed obscene and the show organizers liable for punishment.

Many museums and private galleries have nude drawings, paintings and sculptures by various artists, some by national artists. These artists, numbering in the thousands are now open to obscenity and pornographic charges and liable for punishment.

The painter get the stiffest sentence of 6 – 12 years and up to 1 million pesos in fines. National Artist Bencab’s nude paintings recently shown at a private gallery makes him, the gallery owner and the gallery staff liable for prison terms and get the full brunt of the law.

In the performing arts, there are theatrical presentations and dance performances whose themes cover sexual expression and sensual vitality. Much of the musical compositions we listen to each day also contain or suggest sexual intimacy.

This bill would interpret such performances and songs as arousing prurient interest and therefore obscene and punishable.

The composers, the recording studios, the distributors, the music halls, the restaurants, the discos, the pubs, all are now liable for playing music “ that depraves the mind.” Deprave means making you wicked.

Publishers, printers and retailers such as National Book Store and smaller stores publishing or carrying titles that “arouse impure thoughts” are now liable for the stiffest sentences.

The movie industry and the indie video industry have and still do make films exploring sexuality. They too will get the maximum sentence.


Advertising companies and their corporate clients are one of the more vulnerable sectors with this impending law. Their billboards, meters high, revealing significant flesh or posed in ways suspected of being immoral will be the first targets of this bill.

The printed media, the broadcasting sector and those engaged in tv productions with their scantily clad girls on noontime shows and overwrought telenovelas will fall under the scrutiny of this bill and will be punished.

This anti obscenity and pornography bill can detour and go after organizations tangential to the bill’s focus. For example an organization promoting family planning, safe sex and condom use will be considered arousing prurient interest (meaning an excessive interest in sex) and can be hauled to jail.

Obscenity is defined as anything against good customs, religious beliefs, principles and doctrines. But who decides good customs, and whose religious beliefs and principles and doctrines are we favoring? There are organizations that do not subscribe to that culture such as indigenous people’s organizations, minority religious organizations, organizations promoting alternative lifestyles such as gay and lesbian organizations and organizations espousing radical and or socialist ideas . Their beliefs can now be deemed contrary to the prevailing customs and punishable.

The bill’s assault on basic Filipino liberties and rights will have serious cultural and economic implications. Arts and Culture deprived of creative expression will be sterile and not saleable.

Suspected books and the printed media will be banned and the publishing industry will teeter and collapse. The manufacturing sector involved in the selling of goods whose advertising pitch depends on exalting the human form will suffer financial loses.

The broadcasting media, the film and video industry and the internet industry, dependent on unfettered information will be curbed and subject to financial ruin.

Our tourism industry will suffer considerably. If our society loses its unique tourist branding as one of the freest and most liberal in Asia to be replaced with a monastic authoritarian state, then who in their right mind would come and visit a poor version of Saudi Arabia?

If this bill passes, the Philippines will be made a pariah in the international community akin to North Korea, and in violation of the United Nations Declaration on Human Rights of which this country is a signatory to its principles.

While former authoritarian regimes have long awakened to the benefits of a freer market society, like the People’s Republic of China, our Congress and now the Senate is contemplating the retrogressing of a democratic Philippines to a backward and repressive society like Burma or Iran.

One might question the doomsday scenario I’ve painted. Surely, no reasonable mind would think of an Amorsolo nude as “stimulating impure thoughts.”

Unfortunately, insidious wordings are inserted in the bill to make an obscenity or pornography charge unassailable. For example, an obscenity charge can be made on anyone “regardless of the motive of the producer.” This means if an artist draws nudes to simply learn how to draw anatomy, the government can dismiss his motive outright and declare the drawing obscene and pornographic.

In the proposed bill, the following government agencies are deputized to be arbiters of good taste and must duly inform the law enforcers on people committing immoral acts. They include the Philippine Information Agency, the Movie and Television Review and Classification Board, the Optical Media Board, the National Telecommunications Commission, the National Youth Commission,
the Department of Public Works and Highways, and the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority.

Except for the Movie and Television Review and Classification Board or (MTRCB) who style themselves as the moral guardians of our society by getting aggrieved over swear words and jiggling breasts, the rest of the agencies have no experience whatsoever as to what constitutes pornography. The DPWH can be commended for its efforts in removing illegally placed billboards on our highways but they don’t have the wherewithal to pass judgment on their contents.

How did these legislators in Congress, and now the Senate, become the judge of “impure thoughts,” “erotic feelings” and the corruption and depravity of the human mind? If anything, given their track record, the public wonders about these legislators’ own impure thoughts, their erotic feelings and the corruption and depravity many of them have been involved in. In a word, the public would like to know what right and qualifications does Senator Manny Villar who introduced the bill, to pontificate and judge what we should draw and paint, read, listen to, watch, google, and send at any time?

This Anti-Obscenity and Pornography Act of 2008 violates the Philippine constitution, whose basic tenets are freedom and democracy. The bill likewise insults the intelligence and judgment of the Filipino people.

The bill in particular violates Article II Section 5 stating that the protection of our liberties are “essential for the enjoyment by all the people of the blessings of democracy.” “All” includes people who hold divergent views on what constitutes obscenity and pornography. And in this country, a significant part of this population will take exception to those definitions.

The bill violates Section 6 which states the separation of church and state shall be inviolable. Inviolable means “never to be broken or infringed.” This proposed bill is clearly the agenda of a religious right in this country and if passed, will make this government a handmaiden to the church rather than the separation clearly stated in the constitution.

Section 17 reads the state must among other things give priority to education, arts, culture, and, “the total human liberation and development” of its people. The expanding and unleashing of creative expression, from the arts to culture to sexuality fall under this rubric. This quest for human liberation may be considered obscene in some quarters but is covered, protected and guaranteed by the constitution.

In Article III which enshrines our bill of rights, the proposed bill violates Section 4 which states “No law shall be passed abridging the freedom of speech, of expression, or of the press…” This particular passage found in the constitution of the United States and of many other civilized countries in the world has been the bulwark against every failed attempt to impose similar draconian anti-obscenity and pornography laws in their countries.

In Section 5, it states there will be no law made to highlight one religion and it allows the freedom to worship other religions without discrimination. The current definitions of obscenity and pornography is Judeo-Christian based and you can find similar if not exact definitions in Catholic catechism books and in the bible. If this bill passes, the state codifies and implements the definition of one religious sector. What happens to Protestant denominations more laxed about sexual mores but still considered sinful to current Catholic teachings, such as homosexual union or condom use. These denominations and even Filipino agnostics and atheists will be deprived of the free exercise of their beliefs and is a violation.

The Philippine Constitution, a permutation from the American constitution through several conventions in the past seventy years is now a mature Filipinized version cherished by its citizens. Inserted repeatedly and stressed in the constitution are the words freedom, democracy, equality, human rights and the common good. These words may have had American antecedents reflective of their own history but we have now imbibed them in the fabric of our own society. Because of these words we do have, in comparison to our Asian neighbors, a vigorous democracy, a relatively free press, a wide latitude in divergent thinking and expression, and a liberal society with access to information and ideas envied by our neighbors.

Our definition now of freedom and human rights has evolved to an even more sophisticated level past that of the American constitution because we endured a period of repression that violated individual rights. The words human rights and freedom take on greater personal meaning and substance to our generation who suffered without them.

What about the basic issue of pornography, the depiction and exploitation of women and children in pornographic materials which may have been the genesis of this bill?

The Philippines earns 1 billion dollars yearly in pornography revenues making it number ten among all countries earning through pornography. Civil libertarians like myself acknowledge this as a serious problem and cite a similar experience in Indonesia.

In 2003, a stringent anti-pornography bill was introduced to protect Indonesian youth from websites they deemed pornographic. But the bill included prohibitions like kissing in public, the wearing of tight clothing, the exposure of any body parts and the banning of artistic shows containing nudity and sexuality. Fundamentalist Muslims, some of them linked to the more extremist Al Qaida groups were one of the proponents. The bill created an uproar with the moderate Muslim majority, the Hindu population on Bali, and other non-Muslim minority groups. The bill was stalled for years and in March of this year, a watered down alternate anti-web porn bill was passed which will filter pornographic websites in public school computers with internet access. All the other concerns that would have violated individual rights were not included.

In the Philippines, if this bill is meant to combat the exploitation of women and children in pornographic materials, it has mushroomed into a much broader all encompassing measure which now infringes on the basic constitutional rights of all. If the legislators are truly serious about combating pornography with regards to women and children, then they should enforce the laws already present, like Article 201 of the Penal Code, and mount a public information campaign on its ill effects. Stiffer penalties should be imposed on those involved with this form of pornography. If we have a one billion dollar pornography industry and there have only been a dozen arrests and trials, it says a lot about the lack of law enforcement in this country.

The exploitation of women, and men, and children in pornography boils down to poverty and they will subject themselves or be coerced into this business for basic human survival.


The Indonesian anti-pornography bill was severely criticized by former president and religious leader Gus Dur and his wife Sinta Nuriyah. They said that rules determining morality only aided Muslim fundamentalist groups and did not help in the creation of prosperity. In fact they thought the bill was funny and told the parliament to cancel it. Sinta Nuriyah added that there were more important issues to address such as domestic violence, discrimination against women, maternal death and illiteracy, all these root factors that lead women to being exploited in pornographic materials.

Right now the Senate Bill has been sent to the Committee on Justice and Human Rights chaired by Senator Francis Escudero. The other members include Senators Benigno Aquino III, Alan Peter Cayetano, Pia Cayetano, Juan Ponce Enrile, Gregorio Honasan, Ramon Revilla Jr., Rodolfo Biazon and Jamby Madrigal.

The full contents of this bill can be read by going to the Senate of the Philippines website and inserting Senate Bill No. 2464 in the appropriate box. If you are opposed to this bill, please call, fax, text or e mail their offices, register your opposition, and tell them to cancel it in their committee deliberations.

The Anti-Obscenity and Pornography Bill is the overturning and undoing of all the struggles fought by our heroes and ordinary citizens in the pursuit of the freedom to be, and the freedom to express.


Jose Rizal’s novels were considered obscene by the Spanish colonial government because they were contrary to Spanish principles and “corrupted the human mind.” His books were banned and anyone possessing them were sent to jail. Rizal’s most ardent foe were the friars who hated Rizal’s membership to masonry an organization which challenged the Catholic version of God’s supremacy, the religion’s belief in miracles, and its aversion to scientific inquiry and alternative thinking. Even today, the Catholic Church bans its members to be masons with excommunication as punishment. And until recently, reading Jose Rizal’s novels were not allowed in some Catholic schools. The current religious right in our country are the descendants of the old colonial order of friars and conservatives who see their version of obscenity and pornography everywhere and are attempting to reimpose their convictions by employing this government to violate the constitutional mandate on church/state separation, and pushing for this bill’s passage.

This bill insults Jose Rizal and all other libertarians that fought for our individual rights. It violates the Philippine constitution and will be used to impose a repressive fundamentalist state. It is anti-art and demeans the whole notion of sexuality. It is not the answer to the exploitation of women and children in pornography. The bill should be cancelled.

http://johnsilva.blogspot.com

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Thank you for this Mr. John Silva, this article is really an eyeopener to all of us. I am totally against this bill, i mean what is he (Manny Villar) trying to do? He is "O.A." This is year 2008, ok lang sya? His idea is ridiculous and nonsense, he's just doing this for the church.Masyado na syang papampam. We all know this is all about PR (public relations), he wants to make an "ingay", a controversy to talk about for the next elections.. Puhleease, there are more important matters in this country that needs to be addressed than this stupid bill. Argh! These politicians are giving me more reasons to leave the country!

i want to ambush her with a makeover

And i really mean it. I'm talking about her. yes, her! saw "her" yesterday at Jollibee Greenmeadows and she never changes, she still look PATHETIC. oh still my favorite word for her. i won't be on shocked if a fashion police arrests her. i should have taken her a photo and posted it here but failed to bring my cam. She's not pretty,you know, big eyes, dark lips, thin hair, flat nose, dark skin toned and fat plus she dresses ugly.(sorry for being honest) she wore a green flowery cotton loose maternity dress (not even a baby doll),of course to cover her fat tummy, oh sooo mother looking. she should have worn something that fits her exact size and something that won't make her look shorter. my friend was the one who first noticed it, she said she looks "kawawa" and totally out of fashion with her dress. Of course, she couldnt help but contrast, she said, we're incomparable, im way way better. Though she's a friend, i know obviously that she's telling the truth. Her friends look pretty much better than hers. If they really are true friends, why did they let her dress that way... O.M.G.! I wanna do charity as a beauty guru, i want to kidnap her and do something that could make her a little presentable. no wonder why its hard for her to look for a better job. Good looks really counts, girl!

xoxo,
Gossip Girl (lol!)

Cool Change

Just got my new haircut yesterday with Richmond and Lerry dearest at Chic Salon, Greenhills Anapolis. Its a Korean salon owned by a korean couple.

My hair was really long and shiny, halfway down my back, i actually did a shampoo commercial. And yesterday, it was cut shoulder length. i had my long hair ever since the world began and i think its time to make changes. Like how we are to life right?

Quote for the day:
There are three constants in life... change, choice and principles.- Stephen Covey

Posh & Glam Traditional Pinoy Hilot Spa and Massage, NOW OPEN! (also offers home service)

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It's Time to Loosen Up

This is soo true. Both sexes have their own issues which is kinda hard to understand. Medyo nagising ako sa katotohanan when i read this.

FOR EVERY WOMAN

by: Nancy R. Smith © 1973

For every woman who is tired of acting weak when she knows she is strong, there is a man who is tired of appearing strong when he feels vulnerable.

For every woman who is tired of acting dumb, there is a man who is burdened with the constant expectation of "knowing everything."

For every woman who is tired of being called "an emotional female," there is a man who is denied the right to weep and to be gentle.

For every woman who is called unfeminine when she competes, there is a man for whom competition is the only way to prove his masculinity.

For every woman who is tired of being a sex object, there is a man who must worry about his potency.

For every woman who feels "tied down" by her children, there is a man who is denied the full pleasures of shared parenthood.

For every woman who is denied meaningful employment or equal pay, there is a man who must bear full financial responsibility for another human being.

For every woman who was not taught the intricacies of an automobile, there is a man who was not taught the satisfactions of cooking.

For every woman who takes a step toward her own liberation, there is a man who finds the way to freedom has been made a little easier.

I am twenty-five And when I am called a girl I speak like a girl: I flirt and giggle and play dumb. But when I remember I am a woman, I put away childish things And speak out, and share, and love.

---NANCY SMITH

--------------------------------

Speaking of girl or rather woman power, i saw Sarah Palin awhile ago on CNN, she doesn't just look gorgeous, she's tough and smart, a woman of strength and wisdom, a femme fatale. i will soon write a blog about her. I was inspired by her when John McCain said in his speech that "she won't let anybody tell her to sit down". woohoo!!! lovyah McCain!!!

So, John McCain had his speech today. He speaks words of kindness but with full conviction. I am pro republican, so its a good thing for me if he become the 44th president of the United States. I mean, how can you not vote for somebody who's sincerely has spent his whole life serving his country and is really serious with his reforms?

-------------------------


Things i accomplished today:

1. Met up with a client in Kenny Rogers SM Manila.
2. Prepared makeup orders from several clients to be shipped tom.
3. Arranged Euge's newly renovated room.
4. Booked our December flight to Singapore. (Its my monthsary gift for Euge. Wish my family could go with us too.)
5. Answered alot of email inquiries.
   

◙dramaqueen◙

How to apply makeup?

Guys, I’m so excited to do this as this is my first contribution to the Go-to Gurls site. I have been meaning to write about applying makeup for sooo long.

Applying makeup is easy, but i think you'll still be needing a professional makeup artist's advise (like moi!) so you'd know if your getting on the right track. Here are a few tips:

1. CLEANSE, TONE & MOISTURIZE!!!

To prepare a smooth canvas, always start off with cleaning, toning, and moisturizing your skin. You'll find that your makeup glides on and blends more easily. Please follow these steps:
A. To keep my skin free of buildup, I use my favorite Shu Uemura cleansing oil in the morning and at night. When cleansing your face, do so gently in upward motion stokes - do not tug, pull or scrub too hard to prevent irritation.
B. Freshen up your skin with a toner containing ingredients that suit your skin type. I recommend tea tree toner of body shop. I love its menthol feel, keeping my face fresh and dirt-free.
C. This is the best anti-aging secret. Moisturize! Moisturize! Moisturize! Indulge your skin and keep it hydrated with a moisturizer that is compatible to your skin type. I have a combination skin and I use Celeteque moisturizing gel. Its water based formula will help prevent my skin to be oily and shiny.
D. Wait for the skin to absorb moisturizer (about 5 minutes) before applying makeup.

E. Sun protect! I strongly recommend Elizabeth Arden oil-free sunblock. Trust me, it’s a good product.

2. CONCEALER

On undereyes: Apply a concealer that is one shade lighter than your foundation. Gently dot it on your under-eye circles and blend with your fingertips or a makeup sponge. If your concealer tends to cake, apply eye cream first. Tusche Eclat is a good concealer for under eyes,

On blemishes: Dot concealer on your blemishes that is exactly the same shade of your skin tone. A concealer that is one shade lighter than your skin tone will not cover the blemish. Cinema Secrets concealer for the blemishes.

3. FOUNDATION:

This is the most important facet of makeup, as it preps the skin for makeup. There are different types-- liquid, cream, stick, and compact or two way. If you have oily skin or if you are acidic, choose a fonda that is one shade lighter than your skin tone because oil has darkening effects. If you have normal to combination skin or if you are not acidic, choose a fonda that matches your exact skin tone. Apply it in dots over the central part of your face, blend it out with a makeup sponge or your fingertips until it covers your entire face. I’ve always been a fan of MAC when it comes to liquid foundation.

4. PRESSED POWDER:

Use pressed powder to keep foundation and concealer on longer. I recommend Paul and Joe powder compact which has SPF 25.

5. EYEBROWS:

Fill in the brows with lighter shade of pencil then apply powdered eyebrow shadow for soft, natural look. Apply it with a slanted brow brush.

6. EYESHADOW

Choose three colors of eyeshadows: light, medium and dark. For day makeup, choose the neutral colors – brown, light brown, olive or dark brown. Use the dark only to line your upper eyelid, in a fairly thin line along the upper lashes. Use the medium shade for the crease and the lightest shade on the brow bones.

7. EYELINER

Use liquid or cream eyeliner with a thin liner brush and line the upper lid just above the lash line. Use pencil when lining the lower lid. Line only the outer two-thirds of the lower lid, or all the way across if you're trying to achieve a darker look.

8. MASCARA

Who says you can’t apply mascara while your mouth is closed? Of course you can, but it will be harder for you to apply it since it will keep your eyes from blinking. Apply mascara to upper and lower lashes, in two thin coats to avoid clumpiness. Start from the roots coz applying mascara from the roots will give the lashes the illusion of length. Choose brown mascara if your coloring is fair; black or brown-black works well for darker coloring. Or try a colored mascara such as navy or plum for fun, but don't go too bright if you want to be taken seriously. Lol! Wait, have I told you to curl your lashes first? Shu Uemura has the best lash curler, but I don’t need it anyway. I have natural lash curls. Lol! My fave mascaras are paul & joe and fasio.

9. BLUSHER

The blusher restores the “natural flush” of the skin. For God’s sake, you never use a blusher in contouring your face! It’s one of the most common mistakes. You only apply blusher on the apples of your cheeks. Smile, blush and blend.

10. LIPCOLOR

What I do, I put spice lip liner of MAC all over my lips, for longer effect. Then I choose a lipstick color that's suited to my mood and that's perfect for my look. You can play with the colors and textures to suit your moods and your outfits. TIP: DO NOT BE AFRAID TO WEAR RED LIP COLOR DURING THE DAY, JUST DON’T OVER DO IT. Hehehe!

Excess:

Refresh with MAC charged water or Watercolors mineralized spray. Retouch with Paul and Joe compact powder.

Hope you liked this little sharing.

◙dramaqueen◙