This is a new page I have created for this blog, click here to view the page. The reason that I created this as a page, instead of a new post is that I did not want to overshadow my post for Heath’s movie. I just want him to enjoy his moment for now! 
Be back with new post soon!
Finally! I got to watch the highly anticipated film, The Dark Knight. I was probably most excited about it, more than anybody else. After months of absence from the cinema, I was back! And for no lame reason. The Dark Knight was exactly what the movie trailers and hype said it was going to be like; in fact, even more.
The fact that I had a clear idea of what to expect, it somehow managed to surprise me still. Though I am not a huge fan of superhero movies (and despite the disappointing, to say the least, Spiderman 3), I just couldn’t let this one pass up.
But the highlight of the entire film was Ledger’s rendition of the Joker. Biases aside, Joker’s character seems to jolt right out of the screen. There were several scenes in the film wherein I was anticipating the Joker to show up and those minutes were filled with an almost agonizing wait. His character was so cunning and menacing, that it indeed lives up to Nolan’s hopes of wanting to create a darker and more ruthless Joker. From the inflection of his voice, to that eerie laugh – this was without a doubt Ledger’s film!
And yet, he’s the type of character you’d love – not love to hate. I totally loved the part wherein he plainly told Batman how he had such a “misplaced sense of self-righteousness”. Talking about doing evil things without motivation! Heath Ledger’s performance of the Joker totally makes him deserving of an Oscar nod, just as many have speculated right before the movie’s official launch!
The movie is potent in several ways. I think I need to watch it again, just to let everything sink in.
“You either die a hero, or you live long enough to become a villain.” See how Batman became villainous towards the end? And of course, turning to Heath once again, this was his last film before his death. What a way to bid farewell!
“I suppose that the crux of their relationship is that, to him, age doesn’t matter and, to her, size doesn’t matter.”
-Brittany Murphy, on ex-boyfriend Ashton Kutcher’s relationshiop with Demi Moore who is 15 years his senior
This thought just hit me. After posting my blog entry entitled “On Blog Hits” (which by the way, sounds really lazy like it was just a spur of the moment thing that I could not find a more decent title to name the post by), I started questioning myself about the basic idea that surrounds writing. Am I writing for the mere intent of being read? If that is the case, then I have defeated the initial and most important purpose of writing and that is the exploration of thoughts and ideas.
Pardon me for over-romanticizing this act but according to my studies in popular culture, that makes me more lenient towards writing for what is considered “popular” knowing that it is what will drive more traffic into my site. Now I am beginning to hamper myself with all cuss words I could think of, haha.
Was I becoming more comfortable sharing my thoughts just because it is the worldwide web, after all. The scenario here is very much different as compared to when I was writing back in college (blame my penchant for grammar, I think I am obsessive-compulsive when it comes to that). I usually would not share my writings, even to friends, in fear of being ridiculed for the way I write, or if I had misinterpreted any theories. I’d like to say I was my own worst critic, and even now that still holds true.
However, the atmosphere in the blogging world is a lot looser and so I had let loose too. Nobody cares about grammar, ideas, or theories, you can basically talk about day to day events. Maybe that is where my confidence about my writing built up. I’d like to believe that was a positive impact on my writing.
As for my targeted 1,000 blog hits, I have just realized it is very much achievable at this point. After that, maybe I can let go of the idea that nobody is reading me or that my writings aren’t that good enough (even for my own standards). I would gladly quit bothering about the view counts on my blog, I’d leave all that work to the computer. After all, I hate numbers.
Was it simply a case of too early a celebration?
Don’t get me wrong. I do not intend to sound pessimistic. But the team’s fate last season (er, a winless record) is revisiting to haunt me. After winning their first game, the UP Fighting Maroons dropped their next two. And I do not want to come up with excuses, but despite the fact that they lost to UST and Ateneo, a loss is still a loss.
Immaturity or lack of talent?
With a team comprising of predominantly rookies and sophomore players, you can’t help but feel sorry for the guys instead of criticizing them for not coming up with a win. Several occasions before, they actually had the opportunity to win. But come end-game or what they refer to in basketball lingo as “crunch time”, they just fall apart. I am not saying that these guys are doomed but each of them only have a maximum of 5 years to play for the team, I just hope that they adjust quickly. One year should be enough adjustment and they cannot always use their “lack of maturity” in the game as an excuse.
This actually speaks volumes. The case is not just isolated to the UP Maroons, but also with several sporting events in our country. How many times have we sent our athletes for international sporting competitions and they did not win. Some of our athlete would let out their sentiments that they did not get enough support from the government, and if it weren’t for their sheer skill, they would not even get the achievement they got.
Does the UP Fighting Maroons lack the support they need too? At least, in the technical aspect of the game. Hopefully, the basketball and other athletic division of UP will get the much needed boost. A more enhanced basketball program would really help those talented guys come out of their shell. Maybe having kicked out Joe Lipa and tapping Aboy Castro as a replacement is a good start. Well, one thing we (meaning me and fellow UP Maroon fanatics) do know is that they are not lacking in terms of moral support. Hate to sound cheesy, but what does an undying support and lots of hopes for the team after a forgetful performance last season means?
Oh, am I blowing the story out of proportion? Going back to the UP Maroons, they still have 11 more games left. That’s reason enough to be optimistic. 
To read another entry about the Fighting Maroons, click here.
Months ago, a friend/officemate/former blocmate of mine wrote on her blog how she was eyeing to reach 1,000 blog hits before the “-ber” months arrive (read her entry here). Well, the “-ber” months is still a little over a month from now and yet she’s gone way past her target mark, in fact she is over 3,000 blog hits as of this writing.
Which led me to make my own target mark too. As of this moment, I am currently 800+ blog hits and that’s not too far away from the thousandth count. Therefore, I aim to reach 1,000 hits before July ends (still very much achievable knowing that there’s still a couple of weeks left).
I just wanted to build my network and enable my blog to reach out to more people. It is amazing how interactive a blog can get and it still manages to surprise me despite the fact that I am not entirely new to the blogging world. Plus, it is a great relief too knowing that I am not just talking to myself, eh?
Will I reach the 1,000th mark in time? I may, or may not, achieve this. Nonetheless, it would be worth the try.
I got this one from an officemate this morning. I am not exactly sure what this is for, but it was hinted that it was for my persistence in blogging. Funny how I haven’t been able to post something on my blog on a daily basis, and only when an inspiration hits me or when I want to rant about something (which wasn’t initially the purpose of this blog). Anyways, since this is an award, I’m up for it. Any form of recognition should give me enough validation as of the moment.
Thanks for this Brey! 
Whether you choose to believe me or not, I cannot specifically recall when I last went to the cinema for a movie nor can I remember the last film I watched (at least without efforts of trying to remember). So far this year, not one movie has convinced me to go to the theater. Yes, even the much hyped about “Sex & the City”! Although I had thoughts about watching it on a movie-house with my boyfriend, I felt like it’s the type of movie that I wanted to watch at home with a few of my girlfriends on a lazy Friday night. Plus, I am treated to HBO movies at home which is very much preferable since although it is not entirely free, at least it’s not pay-per-view.
However! There’s one movie that I don’t want to miss this year. Don’t let the title deceive you, I’m not watching it just because of Heath although it can be like a sort of farewell film for him as this is the last movie he’s filmed before his death early this year. Also, I am amused with Ed’s childhood fascination for Batman so “The Dark Knight” was the perfect film to treat ourselves to.
I just hope the film could live up to the hype.
Since I am no smoker and drinker, I’d like to believe it was I who influenced Ed into quitting both vices (if I may call it) since we got together. This wasn’t a difficult thing for him to give up though, knowing that he drinks socially and was not a chain smoker either. Just recently, Ed gave me the good news that he has not smoked even a single cigar for three months now. And even before that, he reduced his smoking habits to about two to three sticks a week. I was glad that he made that gradual decision to give up smoking entirely.
When it comes to drinking though, he does not lack reminders from me to steer away from any possible drinking sessions with his friends, and he has not failed me since. Last week, we were doing some window shopping on a few gym equipments and weights that he can use for his workouts. Ed is absolutely dedicated to getting back in shape and is engaged in regular sports activities as well, such as basketball and boxing.
All these lifestyle changes that my boyfriend has been into has amazed me, but at the same time I have the tendency to pity myself. I felt like I have not given full attention when it comes to taking care of my body and, yes, health! I haven’t been taking my vitamins, I eat what I want whenever I want (read: lots of chocolates and sweets), I do not exercise regularly (not even stretching or brisk walking in the morning), and the only time I have exerted so much effort on something was when I was either fixing my bed, or switching positions as I was lounging on the couch while watching TV. Great huh? Plus, the fact that my job is completely sedentary does not help either. The only time I get up from my seat is when I go for a short bathroom break and that’s basically it.
I sure do hope that Ed’s “getting fit” campaign would rub off on me, like I managed to make him quit smoking and drinking. Next week, he’s inviting me for an early morning jog at people’s park. I’m honest to goodness hoping that it would push through. Then maybe I can join his campaign too before my body starts to break down. 
