This is not my video btw. This is to show the river near Eastwood where I worked during the time of Ondoy’s wrath.

I am very thankful that I lived to tell you this story. I am one of the unfortunate stranded people in Metro Manila when the typhoon Ondoy hit the Philippines.

Many people, at first, treated it as a non-threatening storm. I must admit that I am one of them. My shift is 3am so I came to whorl as usual. It was raining but the wind is not strong. I came at work safe. I have the usual duties until the point when Malen and I take our lunch at Eastwood McDonald’s. There I realized that Ondoy is not the storm I am expected to encounter. We went back to the office wet and unknowing of the danger that Ondoy brought to us. I looked outside of the building and I saw the Marikina River over flowing with flood water and the houses near by are already floating.

My officemates suggested that I stay because it is dangerous. I called my mother at home to ask the situation but no one is answering. I decided to go home amidst the situation. Eastwood Libis was flooded and many call center agents went their way to look for jeepneys or taxis. No jeepneys were going to Cubao so I decided to maybe to go t the opposite direction and ride a jeepney to BagumBayan. I was stuck at the Floodway and saw the unthinkable. Shanties flooding… people struggling as they were swept away by the waters of Marikina River. I wanted to help but I felt I would only do more harm to them and myself. I decided to go back and ride the MGE taxi. I specifically choose this because it is based in Fairview. I wanted to immediately go home but all roads were flooded and vehicles ended up in circles. The taxi decided to let me go in white plains where it is at least no flooded. I gave him P200 pero felling ko inabot na ng P300 yung biyahe ko. Tinanggap naman niya ito kasi P70 nalng ang natitira kong pera. Sabi ko sa sarili ko babalik nalang ako sa office. I prayed that someone will rescue me.

At the intersection of Boni Serrano and Katipunan Ave. a Jell bus labeled SM Fairview showed up. Kahit hindi aircon ok lang. I asked if they on their way to Fairview. The conductor said yes. I went inside and all passengers inside felt a common feeling. Fear. Fear of losing their love ones. Fear of losing their things. The bus ended up circling Aurora avenue, EDSA, and finally held in traffic in QC hall. IT was the longest 5 hrs of my life as I hear people calling their love ones. Some are happy because their safe in their home but most of them like the couple I have encounters are scared to death since their daughter and yaya are in their home in Fairlane in Marikina. I was 6:30PM and I and still in QC hall stuck in a bus. One of the passengers opened her TV cell phone to know the situation. ABC CBN got the footage and reported the situation in Philcoa. I didn’t expect that Philcoa and Tandang Sora were flooded. People staring to worry and everyone is showing genuine concern to all. Nakakatuwa… kahit hindi mag kakakilala… nagbibigay ng candy, nag ooffer ng cellphone para duon sa mga na low-bat. Kahit na yung kapatid ko na hindi naman nag-tetex sa aking… nangagamusta.

I don’t want to end up sleeping in a bus so I decided to walk Commonwealth Avenue. Walking was not bad after all until I accidentally fell on a manhole. Luckily it was shallow that it went only up to my waist. I ended up having a broken left foot. The torment of walking is really unbearable. There are some parts that are flooded but most of them are not however all vehicles from Fairview to Philcoa were filled with trucks and buses. When I reached Tandand Sora I road a jeepney going to Sandigan. I took a special tricycle going to my house at 8:30PM. As expected, my hose has no phone, no electricity.

I texted some of my friends that I am alright. I was able to go home safely. I am not able to go to work for obvious reasons. My team captain understand my situation and hopefully I can go back tomorrow.

As I woke up today and saw the casualties Ondoy brought to Manila, I said a little prayer thanking God for making me alive and asked him to help the others who are still in their rooftops of their home.

I will end this post with a statement. Ondoy’s simple passing brought the worst flood that Manila experienced but also made me realized the best in each Filipinos resilience and love for family.

To my lola, mommy, brother, 2 half sisters, my cousins in Cainta, my friends at school and work… I love you all and hope you are in better situation.

Due to recent events, I started contemplating if what is the purpose of my life? I have a good whole day and I wanted to answer this and that etc… but as I look deep in my heart and it lead to an empty answer. I felt the depression that at this point I should be happy doing the things I have accomplished. I took units for Masters in Productivity and Quality and will just finish my thesis part. I finally own the house I am living in. I am still in a job that supports my financial needs. I am partner in a business venture. I asked why I am unhappy. Is it because I have enemies and hold bitterness to them? My heart says “no” but my conscience says “partly”. I ask if this is not the full reason what is it? I looked at some of my posts and I was amazed of the people who were dead recently but never failed to haunt us to change our ways.

March 2009 I first experienced the loss famous personality icon, FrancisM. He is a Buskonian but more importantly a music legend. He used music to tell us that we should be proud as Filipinos but on the other hand we should do something to change our present conditions. Here are two songs of FranscisM:

Mga kababayan ko

Kaleidoscope world

This June 2009, the world was shocked because the late Michael Jackson died. I was so shocked that I never believed it because I just got the news from TMZ. But when other web site confirmed it I felt sad. Amidst the controversies he went through in his life, I can say he is sincere in wanting to have a better place, a better world. I have two particular songs that touched my heart of dreaming a better world. He wrote “Heal the world” and co-wrote “We are the world” with Stevie Wonder. In his own little way, he bring us his message of hope and a call for action in making a better place for everyone. Here are the videos:

We are the world

Heal the world

August 2009, the world witnessed the loss of a world icon, President Corazon Aquino. She is the first woman Asian president and the woman who symbolized the restoration of the Philippine democracy. She is the 1986 Woman of the Year for Time Magazine. Her death awakened the sleeping ideals of what democracy really meant. The same democracy we enjoy now Filipinos. During her final funeral rites, Ms Lea Salonga, my favorite Filipino artist btw, sang Bayan ko, a song that symbolizes Philippine uprisings’ fight against the destroyers of freedom.

Bayan ko by Lea Salonga

All of these personalities have one thing common, a better world… a better Philippines. In this present condition where we don’t see lot of hope, they send us the haunting message of true change and genuine concern for others. My calling I think is to step up in the challenge and be a change agent. I am feed up of the same images of the Philippines – poor, depressed, unfortunate, hopeless. I will pledge to remove these images and hopefully the people would feel the real fruits of freedom. I am now inspired of the spirit of EDSA. I don’t know yet what to do but I know I have to contribute something. While I plan the things I will do, I will offer you the two prominent songs of EDSA 1. Both were performed in the final funeral rites for the late President Corazon Aquino:

Magkaisa by Sarah Geronimo

Handog ng Pilipino

I am writing this post because I am deeply saddened by the loss of President Corazon Aquino. I felt I lost again my grandmother whom in her simply way was very affectionate to me during my younger years. My grandmother is an Ilongga from Barotak Nuevo, Iloilo City. She bear 9 siblings but due to the effects of WWII she had to give away 7 of them. She kept her oldest and youngest son. Because of too much sibling rivalry the youngest ran away and was found by my grandmother. All her life she wanted to see all of her 9 children. Before she died she was able to see all of her 8 children except for the youngest one.

Roughly almost 2 years ago, my tita married a guy from work and he happened to see the picture of her youngest brother who ran away. He said that this person looks familiar. My tita said that it is the picture of her long lost brother. They went to the place and made an arrangement to see him. To her surprise he is indeed my long lost tito. These stories only happen in movies but I was really shocked that for 25 years of them all being apart. I can say truly say he is back at home.

I was saddened because my grandmother is a big Cory fan and like Cory she also sacrificed a lot to make her family whole again. I don’t have personal encounters with the former president Cory but her example of always trusting the God is carved in my faith as a Christian. I knew Cory will be taken to us Filipinos but I always pray that is she will be taken to us I wished is will be either the first Friday or first Saturday of August. I am a firm believer of the Twin Hearts of Jesus an Mary. At times that I know that have no friend to share my frustrations, The Sacred Heart of Jesus and Immaculate Heart of Mary always fills me up with so much inspiration some people aren’t able to understand.

On August 1, 2009, I have to work at 3am. Without hesitation I wore my yellow Novo T-shirt amidst the rainy dawn. Later I found out around 10am that President Cory died at 3:18am. I am suddenly was stunned because I checked the time and the date. It is the first Saturday and the time of her death is the time where Jesus rose from dead. I got mixed emotions. I was happy because Jesus and Mary will happily receive Cory. A promise is made by Mama Mary herself that on the first Saturdays of each month, the gates of hell are closed and that nobody will go to hell on those those days. However, the gates of purgatory are open so that many souls will be able to reach heaven. It is a result of the merciful Love of Her Son, Jesus Christ. It is the reward of these people who venerate Her Immaculate Heart. These are taken from the “Revue due Coeur Immacule Reine de la Paix” Vol. 1 No. 4. I have no doubt Cory that is really in heaven now or al least in Purgatory. This re-affirmed my faith in the beliefs I once forgot.  Thank You Cory for bring me back to my Christian roots, my faith to Jesus and Mary.

I deeply respect her sacrifices for us Filipinos. Without her I don’t think I will be able to write in this blog. She symbolizes the restoration of democracy in my country and for that I am forever in debt for this gift. Please pray for all of us that true peace and harmony can be felt and seen already in the Philippines.

Her death also symbolized the death of wrong practices of People Power. I will say this in Tagalog so that all Filipino people will understand what I am going to say.

Tigilan na po natin walang kapararakang rally sa kalsada. Sawang sawa na po ako na tuwing may SONA lahat kayo nasa Commonwelth Avenue. Mag-rarally po kayo tunkol sa mga maling pamamalakad ng nakaupong pangulo tapos aalis at iiwan ang mga kalat kasama pa ang mga bulok ninyong prensipyo na nakasulat sa mga dingding. Naninira pa kayo ng mga poste at daan na sana maghahatid sa bahay ko para makapahinga ako galling sa trabaho eh nakasara at kailangan kong lakarin ang kahabahan ng Commonwealth Avenue. Hindi po masama ang ipaglaban ang tama at iwaksi ang mali, gawin lang po sana ng may konsideration sa ibang mga tao na kapwa nag babayad din ng tamang buwis at imbis piliing sumigaw sa lansangan ay pumiling magtrabaho para itaguyod ang pamilya nila. Sa totoo lang mula pa kay Erap hanggang kay PGMA pareparehong mga mukha ang nakikita ko sa mga lansanngan ng Commonwealth Avenue. Ewan ko ba kung bakit kayong mga party list na Anak Pawis, Bayan Muna, Gabriela etc. reklamo ng reklamo. Kayo minsan ang kinukwestion ko kung paano nyo magawang maglustay ng pera at panahon para tutulan ang mga programa mga kasalukuyang administrasyon mapa Erap man o PGMA.

Sa Adminitrasyan at sa mga susunod pang nagnanais na maging pangulo ng Pilipinas, pwede bang gawin nyo ngang tapat at mahusay na pamamuno ninyo sa bansa. Kahit anong uri ng gobyerno meron tayo kung bawat isa eh hindi kumikilos wala rin kwenta. Binoto nyo yan eh so dapat suportahan ninyo.

Tatapusin ko na itong litanya ko kasi hindi naman ako pulitikong tao. Sana ang paglisan ni Tita Cory ay magsilbing panghabang buhay na palatandaan na dapat higit pa man sa lahat, tayo ay Pilipino. Ayusin na natin ang bayan natin dahil sa pananaw ko dakila ang ating bansa. Maging sa ibang bansa kayo o dito mismo sa Pilipinas, ang lahing Pilipino ay tunay na diamante ng mundo. Nakakahiya na mismo sa ating bansa walang kaayusan ngayong tinatamasa nating mga bunga ng demokrasya.

Salamat po Tita Cory sa handog nyong demokrasya sa aming henerasyon. Pasenya na po hindi ako makakadalaw sa mga labi nyo pero katawan lang po yan ang importante ay dapat manatili ang diwa na ibinahagi nyo sa aming mga Pilipino. Pinapangako ko po na sa tagal na hindi po ako nag paparehistro para bumoto, para sa inyo boboto na po ako sa 2010. Gabayan nyo po sana kaming lahat na maihalal ang karapat-dapat na mga mamumuno ng bansa. May kanta pala si Jose Mari Chan na galing mismo sa mga salita ni Ninoy Aquino. This was his poem telling you how much he appreciated your love to him. When I heard it, I felt the love of Ninoy for Cory.

Sa paglisan mo Tita Cory, buong Pilipinas ay nadarama ang pagmamahal na inialay ni Ninoy sa iyo. Inaalay ko po sa inyo ang kantang ito. Muli Tita Cory, maraming salamat po ulit at paalam. Sisikapin ko pong maging huwarang Pilipino tulad ninyo.

July 17 – 26, 2009 embarks another landmark in the world of Philippine alternative cinema as CineMalaya 2009 or Cinemalaya Cinco. It is their fifth year of brining out of the box really quality Filipino Indie films and this year is not different. Here are the films in competition for this year’s CineMalaya Film Festival.:

Competing in the full length category are:

24K by Ana Agabin,

Ang Panggagahasa kay Fe by Alvin B. Yapan

Astig by GB Sampedro

Colorum by Jon Steffan Ballesteros

Dinig Sana Kita by Mike E. Sandejas

Engkwentro by Pepe Diokno

Last Supper No. 3 by Veronica Velasco and Jinky Laurel

Mangatyanan by Jerrold Tarog

Nerseri by Vic Acedillo, Jr

Sanglaan by Milo Sogueco.

For the short film category:

Behind Closed Doors by Mark Philipp Espina

BLOGOG by Rommel “Milo” Tolentino

Bonsai by Alfonso “Borgy” K. Torre III

Hulagpos by Maita Lirra Lupac

Latus by John Paul S. Seniel,

Musa by Dexter B. Cayanes

Si Bok at ang Trumpo by Hubert Tibi

Tatang by Jean Paolo “Nico” Hernandez

Ugat sa Lupa by Ariel Reyes

Wat Floor Ma’am by Mike Sandejas and Robert Seña

This year’s CineMalaya showcases also special screenings and premiers of other from great Pinoy Indie film directors. The opening film this year is “Manila” by Adolf Alix Jr and Raya Martin. The film was also one of the only Pinoy films featured in this year’s Cannes Film Festival. It is their way of paying tribute to Lino Broka’s Manila sa Kuko ng Liwanag.

Here are the list of special screenings and premiers in this festival:

Manila – July 17 – 6:00pm (CCP Main Theater)

Aurora – July 18 – 6:15pm (CCP Little Theater)

Prince of Cockfighting – July 18 – 9pm (CCP Little Theater)

Baseco Bakal Boys – July 19 – 6:15pm (CCP Little Theater)

Independencia – July 19 – 9pm (CCP Little Theater)

Lupang Hinirang – July 21 – 6:15pm (CCP Little Theater)

Bayaw – July 21 – 9pm (CCP Little Theater)

Walking the Waking Journey – July 22 – 6:15pm (CCP Little Theater)

Handumanan – July 22 – 9PM (CCP Little Theater)

Karera – July 23 – 6:15pm (CCP Little Theater)

Latak – July 23 – 9pm (CCP Little Theater)

Boy – July 24 – 6:15pm (CCP Little Theater)

Hospital Boat – 9PM (CCP Little Theater)

Walang Hanggang Paalam – July 25 – 6:15pm (CCP Little Theater)

Serbis – July 25 – 9PM (CCP Little Theater)

The outpouring gay themed Pinoy Indie films have taken over the Pinoy alternative film industry so its contribution were not taken for granted by the CineMalaya organizers. They have also arranged a LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Tranvestite I think) Special shown last year. It will be shown also at the CCP Silangan Hall. Here is the list of films to be shown

Thank You Girls – July 18 – 9PM

Heavenly Touch – July 19 – 9PM

Dose – July 21 – 9PM

Selda – July 22 – 9PM

The Amazing Truth about Queen Raquela – July 23 – 9PM

Ded na si Lolo – July 24 – 9PM

Quick Trip – July 25 – 6:15PM

Jay – July 25 – 9PM

CineMalaya will also present a series of Lino Brocka films at the CCP Silangan Hall through out the Festival. At the same time it will show last year’s best Pinoy Indie films, Cinema One 2008 and Sine Direk film entries. It will also showcase last year’s Cinemalaya entries in diffrent venues of CCP. There are going to be discussions like the CineMalaya Congress (Julu 21-22) at the CCP Little theater (8-5PM) and Sine Taktakan Fora (July 23-24) at the CCP Studio Theater (2-5PM). Regional and school short films will be also part of this year’s festival.

To view the Full Screening Schedule, Click Here.

See you at CCP and keep supporting Philippine Movies.

In celebration of Philippines–Japan Friendship Month, the Japan Foundation, Manila, in cooperation with the Embassy of Japan, the Shangri-La Plaza Mall, and the UP Film Institute proudly presents a Japanese Contemporary Film Festival, titled “Eigasai ‘09” (literally means ‘film festival’ in Japanese) that will serve as its kick-off activity on July 2, 2009 at Shang Cineplex Cinema 3 for the month-long celebration.

“Eigasai ‘09” aims to bolster further the diplomatic relations between the Philippines and Japan by continuously providing an opportunity for Filipinos to enhance the understanding and appreciation of Japanese arts and culture explored in this medium. This year’s offering brings together 7 contemporary films and 1 anime film in 35mm format. An invitational screening of Always – Sunset on Third Street (Always San-chome no yuhi, 2005) by director Yamazaki Takashi will be held on July 2, 2009 (Thursday) at 7:00 p.m. at the Shangri-La Plaza Cinema 3, Edsa, Mandaluyong City.

Other films to be featured are Memories of Matsuko (Kiraware Matsuko no issho, 2006) directed by Nakashima Tetsuya, Kamome Diner (Kamome shokudo, 2006) directed by Ogigami Naoko, Memories of Tomorrow (Ashita no kioku, 2006) directed by Tsutsumi Yukihiko, The Milkwoman (Itsuka dokusho suru hi, 2005) directed by Ogata Akira, Turn Over – An Angel Is Coming on a Bicycle (Futari biyori, 2004) directed by Nomura Keiichi, Tony Takitani (Toni Takitani, 2004) directed by Ichikawa Jun, and the sole anime film Mind Game (Mind Game, 2004) directed by Masaaki Yuasa.

All films will be shown with English subtitles. Admission is free. Screening venues are at the Shangri-La Plaza Cinema 3 (July 2 to 12) and UP Film Institute (August 14 to 20). “Eigasai ‘09” will also have provincial screenings that will commence in Gaisano South City Mall, Davao (July 18 and 19); Ayala Center, Cebu (July 28 to Aug 2) and Baguio Center Mall, Baguio (August 7 to 11). For detailed screening schedules and inquiries, please access the Japan Foundation, Manila website: www.jfmo.org.ph or call the JFM telephone

Shangri-La Plaza 

Source: http://www.jfmo.org.ph

I arrived late this night and watched SNN. The first thing in the news is the passing of Mr. Francis Durango Magalona aka Kiko or FrancisM. For eight months this man fought Leukemia is such hope and courage. I personally admire this guy for being a true role model of free speech. His music brings hope to aspiring artists to find this own mark in the industry. Kiko revolutionized RAP when we knew only the Americans do it. I’m not actually a fan but there are only 2 Francis M songs I like. These are “Cold Summer Nights” and “Kaleidoscope World”. The first I heard these songs; I was blown away because I though is a foreign artist who sand this.  Yun pala si Kiko pala. Grabe Talaga… Sobrang Astig for me ang “Kaleidoscope World”. It is actually one of my theme songs. Whenever I hear this song, it always transforms my outlook in life. The song simply tells us that all of us are unique but it is not the reason why all of us shouldn’t co-exists. Respecting each others’ differences is the only way to be able to see the colorful lives of the people who are living in this kaleidoscope world…. Such an ingenious play of words and music makes this song one of my national anthems.

Thanks for being born a Filipino, a Bosconian and most of all a True Icon of this generation. I know Jesus is with you right now. I always believe that the first Friday and first Saturday of the month are blessed days because the gates of heaven are open for all those who believe in the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary. My prayers tonight are dedicated to your eternal peace of those people you have touched. You will be dearly missed.

Grant him Oh Lord Eternal Life and let Perpetual Light shine upon you. May you rest in peace. Francis M.

As a tribute, I bring you “Kaleidoscope World” by Francis M.

Read his multiply blog: http://francismagalona.multiply.com/

2008 was indeed a good year for movies and as the 2009 arrives here are the upcoming movies that will surely make a buzz. Enjoy!

Watchmen

Good

Street Fighter: The Legend of Chun-Li

X-Men Origins: Wolverine

Funny People

Transformers 2: Revenge of the Fallen

Dragonball Evolution

Land of the Lost

Harry Potter And The Half Blood Prince

Star Trek: Immortality

GI Joe – The Rise of the Cobra

Inglourious Basterds

Bart Got A Room

Battle for Terra

Duplicity

Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian

2012

Terminator Salvation

Green Lantern

Franklyn

The Ugly Truth

The Proposal

Monsters Vs Aliens

UP!

Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus

The Taking of Pelham 123

Red Sonja

The Box

Planet 51

Knowing

S Darko

Caroline

Ice age 3

Astro boy

9

Thunder Cats

Bird’s Nest

The Legend of Zelda

… so far this is it… watch for upcoming post in the future. Ciao!

The most awaited movie award show is back in town and doing it in the grandest style ever. The Academy Awards aka the Oscars for me is the accomplishment of anyone who works in the movie industry. Getting an Oscar statue, amidst the controversies, is the pinnacle of one movie career. I honestly and secretly want to receive the real Oscars statue. Ever since I watched “Cinema Paradiso”, I used to think that Oscars are just for Hollywood films. As I grew interest in watching quality films, I witnessed that more foreign films are starting to break into this prestigious awards. This year’s Oscars is no different. Out of nowhere… Slumdog Millionaire totally swipe out all major awards shows and the Oscar’s are not an exception. A total of 8 wins in total including Best Picture, Best Director and Best Adapted Screenplay (the 3 most important categories of a good film), not bad for a story that came from the slums of Mumbai India highlighted with a popular game show “who wants to be a millionaire”. It’s truly a phenomenal success.

Other highlights are Kate Winslet, Penelope Cruz, Sean Penn and Health Ledger’s family speeches for winning the actress’ and actors’ categories. I like also the way the presentation of the best actors and actresses are done, simply inspiring and truly heartwarming.The awesome musical movie tribute and the live performance of Queen Latifa for the special “In Memoriam” tribute are truly worth watching.

Bow without further ado… here is the complete list of the 81st Oscar winners:

Best Actress in a Supporting Role: Penelope Cruz – Vicky Cristina Barcelona
  

Best Original Screenplay: Milk - Dustin Lance Black
  

Best Adapted Screenplay: Slumdog Millionaire – Simon Beaufoy
  

Best Animated Feature Film: Wall-E – Andrew Stanton
 

Best Animated Short Film: La Maison En Petits Cubes – Kunio Kato
 

Best in Art Direction: The Curious Case of Benjamin Button - Donald Graham Burt (Art Direction); Victor J. Zolfo (Set Decoration)
 

Best Custume Design: The Dutchess – Michael O’Connor
 

Best in Makeup: The Curious Case of Benjamin Button – Greg Cannom
 

Best in Cinematograph: Slumdog Millionaire – Anthony Dod Mantle
 

Best Live Action Short Film: Spielzeugland (Toyland) – Jochen Alexander Freydank
 

Best Actor in a Supporting Role: Heath Ledger – The Dark Knight (accepting the award is Kim, Sally and Kate Ledger)
 

Best Documentary Feature: Man on Wire – James Marsh and Simon Chinn
 

Best Documentary Short: Smile Pinki – Megan Mylan
  

Best in Visual Effects: The Curios Case of Benjamin Button – Eric Barba, Steve Preeg, Burt Dalton and Craig Barron
 

Best in Sound Editing: The Dark Knight – Richard King
 

Best in Sound Mixing: Slumdog Millionaire – Ian Tapp, Richard Pryke and Resul Pookutty
 

Best in Film Editing: Slumdog Millionaire – Chris Dickens
 

Best in Musical Score: Slumdog Millionaire – A.R. Rahman
  

Best in Musical Song: Jai Ho – Slumdog Millionaire – A.R. Rahman
 

Best Foreign Language Film: Departures – Japan, Directed by Yojiro Takita
  

Best in Directing: Danny Boyle – Slumdog Millionaire
 

Best Actress in a Leading Role: Kate Winslet – The Reader
 

Best Actor in a Leading Role: Sean Penn – Milk
 

Best Picture: Slumdog Millionaire – Christian Colson
  

Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award
 Jerry Lewis

How well did I make the predictions? Among the 24 awards this year, 14 rights, 6 wrongs, 4 abstain.

Watch out my list for the best films in 2008. See you in the next Oscars.

The most awaited film award in the whole world has announced its nominees for the 81^st Academy Awards. Here are the nominees and my personal predictions of the category results: 

Best motion picture of the year

• “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button” (Paramount and Warner Bros.), A Kennedy/Marshall Production, Kathleen Kennedy, Frank Marshall and Ceán Chaffin, Producers
• “Frost/Nixon” (Universal), A Universal Pictures, Imagine Entertainment and Working Title Production, Brian Grazer, Ron Howard and Eric Fellner, Producers
• “Milk” (Focus Features), A Groundswell and Jinks/Cohen Company Production, Dan Jinks and Bruce Cohen, Producers
• “The Reader” (The Weinstein Company), A Mirage Enterprises and Neunte Babelsberg Film GmbH Production, Nominees to be determined
• “Slumdog Millionaire” (Fox Searchlight), A Celador Films Production, Christian Colson, Producer

I have watched these films except “The Reader” and I have no doubt that the best picture should be given to Slumdog Millionare. The film is simply a clever, timely and most of all an undeniable phenomenal storyline. A film like this is very rare that the Academy shouldn’t ignore it.  

Performance by an actor in a leading role

• Richard Jenkins in “The Visitor” (Overture Films)
• Frank Langella in “Frost/Nixon” (Universal)
• Sean Penn in “Milk” (Focus Features)
• Brad Pitt in “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button” (Paramount and Warner Bros.)
• Mickey Rourke in “The Wrestler” (Fox Searchlight)

Mickey Rourke is like a come backing actor and is nominated for his performance as struggling wrester. That alone might get sympathy to the panels and might get the award. I haven’t watched the film yet he won already the globes for this film so he might probably win this as well.

Performance by an actor in a supporting role

• Josh Brolin in “Milk” (Focus Features)
• Robert Downey Jr. in “Tropic Thunder” (DreamWorks, Distributed by DreamWorks/Paramount)
• Philip Seymour Hoffman in “Doubt” (Miramax)
• Heath Ledger in “The Dark Knight” (Warner Bros.)
• Michael Shannon in “Revolutionary Road” (DreamWorks, Distributed by Paramount Vantage)

At first I am not that confident that he might get this but he won the globes as well so probably he might also get this one. Too bad he is not here anymore to accept this.

Performance by an actress in a leading role

• Anne Hathaway in “Rachel Getting Married” (Sony Pictures Classics)
• Angelina Jolie in “Changeling” (Universal)
• Melissa Leo in “Frozen River” (Sony Pictures Classics)
• Meryl Streep in “Doubt” (Miramax)
• Kate Winslet in “The Reader” (The Weinstein Company)

I haven’t watched this film but Kate is brilliant in Revolutionary Road. She won this active performance in the globes so I guess she is as brilliant and even better in “The Reader”. 

Performance by an actress in a supporting role

• Amy Adams in “Doubt” (Miramax)
• Penélope Cruz in “Vicky Cristina Barcelona” (The Weinstein Company)
• Viola Davis in “Doubt” (Miramax)
• Taraji P. Henson in “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button” (Paramount and Warner Bros.)
• Marisa Tomei in “The Wrestler” (Fox Searchlight)

So far, I am more inclined to Penélope Cruz performance as a psychotically troubled wife in Vicky Christina Barcelona.

Best animated feature film of the year

• “Bolt” (Walt Disney), Chris Williams and Byron Howard
• “Kung Fu Panda” (DreamWorks Animation, Distributed by Paramount), John Stevenson and Mark Osborne
• “WALL-E” (Walt Disney), Andrew Stanton

Wall-E might win this but Kung-fu panda deserve it better than Wall-E

Achievement in art direction

• “Changeling” (Universal), Art Direction: James J. Murakami, Set Decoration: Gary Fettis
• “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button” (Paramount and Warner Bros.), Art Direction: Donald Graham Burt, Set Decoration: Victor J. Zolfo
• “The Dark Knight” (Warner Bros.), Art Direction: Nathan Crowley, Set Decoration: Peter Lando
• “The Duchess” (Paramount Vantage, Pathé and BBC Films), Art Direction: Michael Carlin, Set Decoration: Rebecca Alleway
• “Revolutionary Road” (DreamWorks, Distributed by Paramount Vantage), Art Direction: Kristi Zea, Set Decoration: Debra Schutt

The Curious Case of Benjamin Button might win this because it is hard to make a film about an abnormal life like Brad’s character. Art directing is putting into film the moment and the emotion in a film and making sure that the audience will also feel the same way. I think in this field, it succeeded, though Changeling might be a possible contender.

Achievement in cinematography

• “Changeling” (Universal), Tom Stern
• “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button” (Paramount and Warner Bros.), Claudio Miranda
• “The Dark Knight” (Warner Bros.), Wally Pfister
• “The Reader” (The Weinstein Company), Chris Menges and Roger Deakins
• “Slumdog Millionaire” (Fox Searchlight), Anthony Dod Mantle

The Curious Case of Benjamin Button might win this because it has excellent cinematography among the nominees. It has good camera shots of the World War and has scenic shots. 

Achievement in costume design

• “Australia” (20th Century Fox), Catherine Martin
• “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button” (Paramount and Warner Bros.), Jacqueline West
• “The Duchess” (Paramount Vantage, Pathé and BBC Films), Michael O’Connor
• “Milk” (Focus Features), Danny Glicker
• “Revolutionary Road”  (DreamWorks, Distributed by Paramount Vantage), Albert Wolsky

In the past, most films that is always associated to kings, queens and anything associated with royalty wins this category. I bet this year it will also do the same thing.

Achievement in directing

• “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button” (Paramount and Warner Bros.), David Fincher
• “Frost/Nixon” (Universal), Ron Howard
• “Milk” (Focus Features), Gus Van Sant
• “The Reader” (The Weinstein Company), Stephen Daldry
• “Slumdog Millionaire” (Fox Searchlight), Danny Boyle

What can I say, the film is really very good so the academy should honor the director of this film as well.

Best documentary feature

• “The Betrayal (Nerakhoon)” (Cinema Guild), A Pandinlao Films Production, Ellen Kuras and Thavisouk Phrasavath
• “Encounters at the End of the World” (THINKFilm and Image Entertainment), A Creative Differences Production, Werner Herzog and Henry Kaiser
• “The Garden” A Black Valley Films Production, Scott Hamilton Kennedy
• “Man on Wire” (Magnolia Pictures), A Wall to Wall Production, James Marsh and Simon Chinn
• “Trouble the Water” (Zeitgeist Films), An Elsewhere Films Production, Tia Lessin and Carl Deal

I have no idea… never seen these documentaries before.

Best documentary short subject

• “The Conscience of Nhem En” A Farallon Films Production, Steven Okazaki
• “The Final Inch” A Vermilion Films Production, Irene Taylor Brodsky and Tom Grant
• “Smile Pinki” A Principe Production, Megan Mylan
• “The Witness – From the Balcony of Room 306” A Rock Paper Scissors Production, Adam Pertofsky and Margaret Hyde

I have no idea… never seen these documentaries before.

Achievement in film editing

• “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button” (Paramount and Warner Bros.), Kirk Baxter and Angus Wall
• “The Dark Knight” (Warner Bros.), Lee Smith
• “Frost/Nixon” (Universal), Mike Hill and Dan Hanley
• “Milk” (Focus Features), Elliot Graham
• “Slumdog Millionaire” (Fox Searchlight), Chris Dickens

Film editing is where you make sure that what the film shows is coherent and at the same time the use of different scenes, sounds and excerpts are well understood by the audience. Slumdog Millionaire slams this category above the rest with ingenious use of situations in relation with questions being asked in the said game show.

Best foreign language film of the year

• “The Baader Meinhof Complex” A Constantin Film Production, Germany
• “The Class” (Sony Pictures Classics), A Haut et Court Production, France
• “Departures” (Regent Releasing), A Departures Film Partners Production, Japan
• “Revanche” (Janus Films), A Prisma Film/Fernseh Production, Austria
• “Waltz with Bashir” (Sony Pictures Classics), A Bridgit Folman Film Gang Production, Israel

I personally haven’t watched any of these but so far Waltz with Bashir is picking up many awards and rave reviews from critics so this might win as well.   

Achievement in makeup

• “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button” (Paramount and Warner Bros.), Greg Cannom
• “The Dark Knight” (Warner Bros.), John Caglione, Jr. and Conor O’Sullivan
• “Hellboy II: The Golden Army” (Universal), Mike Elizalde and Thom Floutz

If we are to consider the overall film, Hellboy II: The Golden Army should win since there are many commendable creatures that were exceptionally done. I don’t agree if this will simply be given to “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button” just because of the oddly transformation of Brad Pitt.

Achievement in music written for motion pictures (Original score)

• “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button” (Paramount and Warner Bros.), Alexandre Desplat
• “Defiance” (Paramount Vantage), James Newton Howard
• “Milk” (Focus Features), Danny Elfman
• “Slumdog Millionaire” (Fox Searchlight), A.R. Rahman
• “WALL-E” (Walt Disney), Thomas Newman

Slumdog Millionaire might win this since it won the globes in this category.

Achievement in music written for motion pictures (Original song)

• “Down to Earth” from “WALL-E” (Walt Disney), Music by Peter Gabriel and Thomas Newman, Lyric by Peter Gabriel
• “Jai Ho” from “Slumdog Millionaire” (Fox Searchlight), Music by A.R. Rahman, Lyric by Gulzar
• “O Saya” from “Slumdog Millionaire” (Fox Searchlight), Music and Lyric by A.R. Rahman and Maya Arulpragasam

Any of the two Slumdog Millionaire might win this category.

Best animated short film

• “La Maison en Petits Cubes” A Robot Communications Production, Kunio Kato
• “Lavatory – Lovestory” A Melnitsa Animation Studio and CTB Film Company Production, Konstantin Bronzit
• “Oktapodi” (Talantis Films), A Gobelins, L’école de l’image Production, Emud Mokhberi and Thierry Marchand
• “Presto” (Walt Disney), A Pixar Animation Studios Production, Doug Sweetland
• “This Way Up” A Nexus Production, Alan Smith and Adam Foulkes

Not seen any of these so I have nothing to say.

Best live action short film

• “Auf der Strecke (On the Line)” (Hamburg Shortfilmagency), An Academy of Media Arts Cologne Production, Reto Caffi
• “Manon on the Asphalt” (La Luna Productions), A La Luna Production, Elizabeth Marre and Olivier Pont
• “New Boy” (Network Ireland Television), A Zanzibar Films Production, Steph Green and Tamara Anghie
• “The Pig” An M & M Production, Tivi Magnusson and Dorte Høgh
• “Spielzeugland (Toyland)” A Mephisto Film Production, Jochen Alexander Freydank

Not seen any of these so I have nothing to say.

Achievement in sound editing

• “The Dark Knight” (Warner Bros.), Richard King
• “Iron Man” (Paramount and Marvel Entertainment), Frank Eulner and Christopher Boyes
• “Slumdog Millionaire” (Fox Searchlight), Tom Sayers
• “WALL-E” (Walt Disney), Ben Burtt and Matthew Wood
• “Wanted” (Universal), Wylie Stateman

Slumdog Millionaire might win this since it won the globes in this category.

Achievement in sound mixing

• “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button” (Paramount and Warner Bros.), David Parker, Michael Semanick, Ren Klyce and Mark Weingarten
• “The Dark Knight” (Warner Bros.), Lora Hirschberg, Gary Rizzo and Ed Novick
• “Slumdog Millionaire” (Fox Searchlight), Ian Tapp, Richard Pryke and Resul Pookutty
• “WALL-E” (Walt Disney), Tom Myers, Michael Semanick and Ben Burtt
• “Wanted” (Universal), Chris Jenkins, Frank A. Montaño and Petr Forejt

Slumdog Millionaire might win this since it won the globes in this category.

Achievement in visual effects

• “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button” (Paramount and Warner Bros.), Eric Barba, Steve Preeg, Burt Dalton and Craig Barron
• “The Dark Knight” (Warner Bros.), Nick Davis, Chris Corbould, Tim Webber and Paul Franklin
• “Iron Man” (Paramount and Marvel Entertainment), John Nelson, Ben Snow, Dan Sudick and Shane Mahan

Iron Man its way to magnificent visual effects. I believe the academy should give credit to this film in this category. The flying scenes are great.

Adapted screenplay

• “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button” (Paramount and Warner Bros.), Screenplay by Eric Roth, Screen story by Eric Roth and Robin Swicord
• “Doubt” (Miramax), Written by John Patrick Shanley
• “Frost/Nixon” (Universal), Screenplay by Peter Morgan
• “The Reader” (The Weinstein Company), Screenplay by David Hare
• “Slumdog Millionaire” (Fox Searchlight), Screenplay by Simon Beaufoy

Slumdog Millionaire might win this since it won the globes in this category.

Original screenplay

• “Frozen River” (Sony Pictures Classics), Written by Courtney Hunt
• “Happy-Go-Lucky” (Miramax), Written by Mike Leigh
• “In Bruges” (Focus Features), Written by Martin McDonagh
• “Milk” (Focus Features), Written by Dustin Lance Black
• “WALL-E” (Walt Disney), Screenplay by Andrew Stanton, Jim Reardon, Original story by Andrew Stanton, Pete Docter

I would like Milk to win this category, however, In Bruges and Happy-Go-Lucky might snitch this category as well with their commendable story lines as well.

So far these are my comments and predictions. Watch for the live telecast of the 81^st Academy Awards @ Star World, Feb 22 9am (Philippnes Time) with Hugh Jackman as a host.

Well the inauguration of the century is over; it is time to work work work… My blog usually don’t mess with “political everness” because it is really a waste of time and effort… so instead I want to share the spoofs that are related to Obama posted in youtube. Here are my favorites:

Obama Girl:

Ford Commercial Sale:

Obama doin’ Beyonce Single Ladies videos:

Obama and Hillary Umbrella spoof:

Obama doin’ TI’s

- Whatever I like:

- Live your Life:

Empire Strikes Barack:

Baracky:

Super barack:

The Obama bama Song:

… and of course will our own PGMA and Obama will be left out in their Motilium Commercial:

The youtube pips are really that creative and even created these funny Barack videos. For all those folks who made these video possible… Kudos and may the force be with you.

This is Jupiterboi hoping that amidst the global financial problems each country faces, we just have to learn to smile, laugh out our problems and at the end strive to have a better meaningful life.

To the real President Barack Obama, I want to extend my sincerest congratulations in being the 44th president of the United States of America. Sorry I can’t make it through your inauguration simply because I didn’t have you invitation. Maybe someday, I wish…