Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas

Merry Christmas Blogosphere! Hope your holidays are full of love and happiness.

Credits

If You Want Time

This year marks my second year to be away from home for Christmas. I know I’ve been yakking about this topic since the start of December but I just can’t break free from my melancholy. In a few hours, a part of my family and my hubby will be having their Noche Buena (Christmas Dinner). It will be a night spent with my hubby’s family – his parents, his sister’s family, and perhaps my aunt’s family, as well. I know it would be just like last year…

What I remember most is the part where I shop for gifts for my family. Oh, I don’t get them much but I try to get them something that they would wear or use. Of course, that goes without saying that I would also want to spoil myself for the holidays. But I do keep my spending at a minimum which is not as bad as what others are doing hehehehe.

It’s just so unfortunate I couldn’t find a holiday gift guide on the Internet that year. I just didn’t browse the net that much because I know that in Dumaguete, we cannot possibly order online and have them delivered because it would cost a fortune! Anyway, my secret wish for the holidays is this lovely TAG Heuer Aquaracer Ladies' Watch with Pink Mother-of-Pearl Dial and Diamond Bezel. Swoon! For more gift ideas visit thewatchery.com.

Films: Sweeny Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street

...is a bloody musical (pardon my pun)! That's right ladies and gents, the film adaptation is actually based on Stephen Sondheim's musical of the same name. I was quite surprised when I heard the first strains of the musical because it wasn't advertised as a musical at all. Seeing as "curiosity killed the cat" (pardon my pun...again), I was quite hesitant to look up details about Sweeney Todd but eventually, I found the courage to.

Plot
Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street is a 2007 musical-thriller and the film adaptation of Stephen Sondheim and Hugh Wheeler's award-winning 1979 stage musical. It re-tells the Victorian melodramatic tale of Sweeney Todd, a fictitious English barber who, driven insane by the loss of his wife and daughter, murders his customers with a cut-throat razor, and with the help of his accomplice, Mrs. Lovett, turns their remains into meat pies.

My View/Summary
Again, I was quite surprised when I found out that it was a musical. I hadn't read any article pertaining to the 2007 adaptation of the movie so I didn't know the particulars. Being a fan of Johnny Depp and loving his "out of character" roles, I immediately wanted to see the film. It wasn't shown back in Dumaguete though, so I had to wait until I rented out the DVD. As luck would have it, the Burbank Public Library had it and I immediately borrowed it.

It was a week ago, I think, that I saw Cities of the Underworld on the History Channel where I heard about Sweeney Todd again and was reminded about the film. It is quite interesting that Sweeney Todd was considered a contemporary of Jack the Ripper; both of them not proved to be real people; and both movies starred Johnny Depp! Freaky, huh? But I guess only Johnny D had the talent and the air to portray someone this weird.

After my initial "shock" of the musical, I found the movie quite entertaining. The constant singing actually lessened the freakiness of the film that is why I wasn't as creeped out as I should be. I did find the cutting and the slashing to be very visual indeed; which earned it a "Restricted" rating for its "graphic bloody violence." Well, I mean, Sweeney Todd was rumored to slit throats using a straight razor while shaving his customers which had to be very bloody, indeed.

The movie actually shows Todd as someone out for revenge because he was falsely accused by Judge Turpin who was after his wife Lucy. Todd was sent to Australia for fifteen years and when he came back, he was "back to business," working as a barber on top of Mrs. Lovett's (Helena Bonham Carter) Meat Pie Shop. Mrs. Lovett and Todd reached in an agreement and while Todd slit his customers throats, she would grind them and make them into pies which were quite popular. I also loved the song that went with this scene.

In this version of the story, Todd also found out that Judge Turpin adopted his daughter and was also planning to marry her. Judge Turpin was almost killed by Depp only to be aborted by a sailor who had seen Joannah (Todd's daughter) and was planning to run away with her. The movie takes off from there are Todd goes on a killing rampage but his eye was still on Turpin and Turpin's assistant Beadle.

Todd's first victim was a faux-Italian barber Adolfo Pirelli who had a boy servant with him. The duo, Todd and Mrs. Lovett, kept the boy, Toby, as Mrs. Lovett's servant. Later, Toby found out about what Todd was doing and warned Mrs. Lovett about it. Naturally, the duo planned to kill the boy for knowing too much. On that night however, things changed. It was then that Beadle came to investigate Mrs. Lovett's bakehouse because neighbors where complaining of the stench coming out of her chimney, especially at night. Todd disposed of him and then went looking for Toby who had run away. Anthony, the sailor, and Joannah arrive at the Barber Shop but it was empty so Joannah, dressed as a boy, was left there to wait for Anthony while he found them a passage to wherever it was they where going. An old mad woman came up to the room and Joannah hid in a trunk in the shop. While there, Todd finds the woman who seemed to recognize him but he slashes her throat using the straight razor. Judge Turpin then arrives telling him that Anthony has Joannah and Todd convinces him to have a shave while reassuring him that Joannah was with Mrs. Lovett. Todd quickly kills Turpin and sees Joannah, dressed as a boy peeking from inside the trunk. Before Todd could kill her, he hears a scream from the bakehouse and goes to investigate; it was Mrs. Lovette who screamed. Secrets where then revealed and Todd recognizes the old mad woman to actually be his wife, Lucy who was locked up on Bedlam when she wouldn't give in to Turpin. Mrs. Lovett swears that she kept the truth from him for his own good but Todd throws her into the oven. The movie ends with Todd holding his wife in his hands, and Toby slitting Todd's throat with his razor as revenge for killing Mrs. Lovett who was like a mother to him.

Whew, that was quite a mouthful. I did enjoy the film but I had to cringe at the "bloody visual killings" that I saw; although I thought that it was in keeping with the theme. I was quite tickled however, when I saw who played Turpin and Beadle! They were none other than Snape and Wormtail! I mean, Alan Rickman (Judge Turpin) and Timothy Spall (Beadle Bamford) who play Severus Snape and Peter Pettigrew in the Harry Potter films. I just couldn't hold my laughter when I saw both of them together, yeah I know, I'm weird that way. Plus, Helena Bonham Carter also played Bellatrix LeStrange in the HP film OOTP, although I just couldn't picture her as LeStrange while watching the movie unlike what I did with Snape and Wormtail hehehehehe.

All in all, I give this musical-thriller four stars for extremely surprising me and giving me a few chuckles to boot.

Info: Wikipedia
Image: Google Images

Food Friday: Chocolate Chip Muffins

This entry is special to me because I actually baked these muffins! Check out the recipe HERE.

Trips: Raspberry Picking at Riley's Farm

As luck would have it, my mom and I finally went apple picking. Of course, she badgered me to go cherry picking but at that time, I just couldn't say yes. I finally caved and dragged along my camera in hopes of getting really good practice shots. Because the cherry season came and went, we had no choice but to go apple picking instead.

Saturday was a fine day to go picking whatever fruits were in season. It was sunny but not too hot, although I still had to wear a light jacket because I'm not quite used to this weather yet. We [read my mother] had our hearts set on picking apples but in reality, we picked raspberries! It's quite different when you pick the fruit off the plant and eat it right then and there and I couldn't help but be excited. Seriously though, I didn't quite love the taste of raspberries.

Raspberries

Granny Smith Apples

Strawberries
Yes, they're out of season

The farm that we went to, Riley's Farm, in Oak Glen, California, is a family run farm that offers a wide variety of activities set in the Pilgrim times. Of course, the highlight of their farm is the picking of certain fruits that are in season, like apples, raspberries, strawberries, and pears. It was a bit too late in the season for the others but we managed to get the last of the raspberries before they went off season.

The fruit pickings aren't free though, but all you need to do is purchase a container and the prices depend on their size and then you are free to pick the fruit. Certain rules come with the picking of the fruit though; to safeguard the trees and plants.

What hit me was the little cottage where you can make your own apple cider by hand. Simply place the apples and turn the crank on your own to get your very own fresh cider. Of course if you didn't want to go to all that trouble, you can buy them at the General Store.

Naturally, I took a few shots of the insects that I found hanging around the farm (I seriously need a macro lens!). I did have a hard time photographing them because I was just using an 18-55mm lens that came with my D40 kit but I think the photos turned out great, considering my limited equipment (note: I did have to go really, really close to the insects to get them this big). Oh, and I'd like to think that the horses loved me and posed for the camera!

Did he just stick his tongue out at me?

I give my experience 3.5 stars.

Location
Riley's Farm
Oak Glen, California
Entrance to the farm is free but you have to purchase Riley Farm containers to pick the fruit

Films: The Shawshank Redemption

The Shawshank Redemption is a 1994 American drama film, written and directed by Frank Darabont, based on the Stephen King novella, Rita Hayworth and Shawshank Redemption.

The film stars Tim Robbins as Andy Dufresne and Morgan Freeman as Ellis Boyd "Red" Redding. The film portrays Andy spending nearly two decades in Shawshank State Prison, a fictional penitentiary in Maine, and his friendship with Red, a fellow inmate.

My View
It's quite fascinating how great movies move you. Sometimes, the most meaningful movies are the unexpected ones. Who would have thought there were great tearjerker parts in a virtually all male cast? No? As a matter of fact, I didn't think so. I was terribly wrong.

Of course, I heard about The Shawshank Redemption back when I was still in grade school and didn't care much about "serious" movies. I heard my late grandfather (a movie buff) rave about it at one time but I didn't pay it any mind at all. This time however, I braved my "boring impression" and saw it for the first time. Amazing isn't it? It is a movie unlike anything I've ever seen.

What captivated me was their dialog. Everything seemed to have a meaning, a purpose, if you will; to how the movie turned out in the end. The plot twists that I didn't expect were a great surprise, and to me, were the most memorable.

Since the movie was practically an all male cast, I never expected to shed a few tears; but as a matter of fact, I did. It was simple really; just an old man leaving the penitentiary for the first time in fifty years, and never fitting into the outside world; he couldn't take it and hanged himself. The progression to the old man Brooks' death was vital to the movie and I think it was at that point that I empathized with him.

Andy Dufresne was also an amazing character in that he was actually innocent. A line in the movie that struck me as appropriate: "...I came into the prison and became a crook;" because it seemed that the guards, most especially the Warden, were the crooks instead of the prisoners. It was funny how Andy created a library by writing one letter a week for the past six years and then writing two letters a week until the state allocated funds for their library aptly named after Brooks (their previous librarian).

I found the movie quite entertaining, with a few hillarious scenes all throughout the film. If you listen to the conversations and the narration, you would appreciate the film more. It's one of those movies that you don't mind showing the subtitles to.

With its great screenplay, wonderful cinematography, and outstanding actors; I give this film five stars.






Image: Google Images
Info: Wikipedia

Food Friday: Palabok

My mom and I tried to make our own version of Palabok, one of my favorite rice noodle dishes. We did make an error in judgment and followed a recipe that she found online and came with disastrous results. There was something not quite right about the taste, unfortunately. But I snapped a shot of it before we...disposed of it.

It does look yummy but looks can be deceiving! Happy Friday!

Trips: Lake Shrine

The Self-Realization Fellowship Lake Shrine is a garden dedicated to Paramahansa Yogananda in 1950. was an Indian yogi and guru who introduced many westerners to the teachings of meditation and Kriya Yoga.

The Lake Shrine as it is popularly known, is a peaceful garden where you can sit, relax, and meditate. We went there last Sunday because I wanted to see the place and take photos. As soon as I entered its sanctum, I was amazed at how beautiful and peaceful the garden was.

I saw a person walking on his bare feet, someone meditating in the yoga position, and a few people just sitting and absorbing the beauty of the place.

The garden basically surrounds the natural spring fed lake. A Windmill Chapel, an authentic reproduction of a 16th century Dutch windmill, houses their meditation room.

Gandhi World Peace Memorial

Golden Lotus Archway

Buddha in the Japanese Garden

Lake Shrine Benches

The Sunken Garden

Grotto

Wishing Well

For more photos visit my flickr photostream.

Location
Self-Realization Fellowship Temple - Lake Shrine
17190 Sunset Boulevard
Pacific Palisades, California 90272-3099
Telephone: (310) 454-4114

Entrance is free
My Rating: 3 STARS

Info
Lake Shrine Temple
Wikipedia

Debt Consolidation...and then some

There has been much speculation about debt consolidation these days. Some say that it’s not advisable at all but I beg to differ.

I have noticed that a few friends have made a debt loan to pay off their credit card debts. They explained to me that it was easy consolidating their debt into one company to make it easier for them to do monthly payments because they will be paying for only one company and to limit their interest rates.

On another note, some people even opt for debt settlement to reduce their outstanding debts. They negotiate with their creditors and agree on a reduced balance that will be regarded as payment in full.

With credit card debts being one of the causes for bankruptcy, it is advisable that we rethink our finances and get back on our own two feet. With the current economy at its lowest, it is high time to think about spending wisely.

Drop by www.fastdebtfreedomnow.com to consolidate your debt and avoid bankruptcy now.

Trips: Mooncake Festival

I am celebrating my Chinese roots. If you don't already know, I am 1/4th Chinese, my angkong is Cantonese. I haven't had the chance to meet him because he died before I was born but they said that he was a book lover, too. I guess his genes has rubbed off on me.

I may not look Chinese and I may not know how to speak Mandarin and Fookien, aside from counting from 1-100 even though I took a few units of both in college (hahahaha I passed of course, my aunt was the instructor!). I can understand when my mom and her sister talk, though but not much but that was a few years ago! I'm sure I'm quite rusty when it comes to those languages.

We went to Chinatown on Broadway Street in Los Angeles yesterday to experience their Mooncake Festival or the Mid-Autumn Festival. It is a popular East Asian tradition dating back over 3,000 years to moon worship in China's Shang Dynasty. The Mid-Autumn Festival falls on the 15th day of the 8th lunar month of the Chinese calendar (usually around mid- or late-September in the Gregorian calendar), a date that parallels the Autumn and Spring Equinoxes of the solar calendar. The traditional food of this festival is the mooncake, of which there are many different varieties.

Mooncakes (simplified Chinese: 月饼; pinyin: yuè bĭng) are Chinese pastries traditionally eaten during the Mid-Autumn Festival. Typical mooncakes are round or rectangular pastries, measuring about 10 cm in diameter and 4-5 cm thick. A thick filling usually made from lotus seed paste is surrounded by a relatively thin (2-3 mm) crust and may contain yolks from salted duck eggs. Mooncakes are rich, heavy, and dense compared with most Western cakes and pastries. They are usually eaten in small wedges accompanied by Chinese tea.

So much for that bit of history from Mr Wiki. I took a few shots of the festival while I was there but I still don't know how t manipulate my SLR so the shots didn't come out great because I used my point and shoot camera. I did manage to snap shots of the mooncake, though. I had Lotus seed with an egg yolk in the center. Mooncake is similar to the hopia that we have back in the Philippines, minus the yolk.

I wasn't able to see the Dragon Dance but I have seen the dance before back in Dumaguete so I think I'm good. I did see a couple of Chinese guys twirl plates and pots for about 10 minutes. They were really good!

Info: Wikipedia.org

Sproutwells and Soccer Moms

The Sproutwells are a fruit and vegetable family who are living among us. This short episode currently shows Mom watching Ruby’s soccer game. I enjoyed this short clip and I didn’t even expect it!

I have heard of a lot of crazy soccer mom stories, some hilarious and some pretty disturbing but it all boils down to them being stage mom’s. I know all moms would love to see their kids succeed and they would also want to encourage their kids. Some have gone waaay overboard though and have picked fights here and there. Cat fights, anyone?

The Sproutwells are also fond of freshfunds, a website similar to Ebay where you can rack up points, bid online and make donations to charity online. Not only that, you get to learn more about fruits, vegetables, read about healthy tips, and know more about your health.

Want more Sproutwells? Check out this episode and tell me what you think!

Skywatch Friday: Seeing the Light

This photo was taken at the top of San Jacinto Peak in Palm Springs, California

This photo was taken on our way home from our trip in Palm Springs, California

Want to know more about the trip? Read about it here Trips: Palm Springs Aerial Tramway

Caught in the Act

It amazes me how beautiful our world is. In the midst of pollution and modern civilization, beauty flourishes.

More photos here: 'ez-rə fō-tə-grafs and 'skraps

Pinoy Ako: Festival of Philippine Arts and Culture

When you are in a foreign country, you would realize how much you miss home. It would never sink in until you have left your roots and journey into another culture where everything is unfamiliar to you.

I made the transfer three years ago and it wasn't until that time that I came to appreciate Philippine arts and culture. I admit, I used to have colonial mentality and I believed that everything from America or Europe was better than what we have in the Philippines. Admittedly, I still love products from these continents but I have come to appreciate the beauty of my country - the Philippines.

Back home, a lot of people want to leave and find their future in elsewhere. In fact, people are leaving so fast that brain drain is rapidly becoming a reality. Now that I am here, I can't wait to come home. It was only when I spent a few months here where I hungered meeting other Pinoys, especially those from the Visayan region. It was during this time that I embraced local bands and surprisingly, enjoyed listening to them.

My mom told me a few weeks ago that the Filipinos are "taking over the world." I couldn't agree more. In fact, many Pinoys are already getting international acclaim everywhere in different aspects: sports, music, arts, fashion, and culinary. A few years ago, when my mom had her cholecystectomy, she was surrounded by Filipinos at the hospital.

Last Sunday, we had the opportunity to check out The 17th Annual Festival of Philippine Arts and Culture (FPAC) at Pt. Fermin Park, San Pedro California. It was a two day event celebrating everything Filipino and showcasing Philippine talents all over the area. Unfortunately, I wasn't able to come that Saturday because I had a class and missed some performances.

I was a bit disappointed when I arrived because, to tell you the truth, there wasn't much to see. Call it overrated but it was, really. There were tents set up around the place and two stages; the Main Stage and the Generations Stage. Filipino food was also served in one of the tents (not for free, mind you). We stayed for a few hours and watched the shows at the Main Stage.

The few acts that I saw inspired me a little. It was nice to see a lot of Filipino kids, most of them raised here in the US, catch a glimpse of our culture in a different setting. Because I grew up in the Philippines, I wasn't impressed and surprised with the Singkil performance. It was a typical performance that we did back when I was in Elementary school when we had our Academic Convocations.

I was blown away by a performance by three siblings Caite, Ciara and Daric Carajal who call themselves Those Kids. They sang three songs for us and I enjoyed their performance immensely. At 14, 12, and 8, they were amazing! I especially enjoyed the little one sing.

I wasn't able to see HappySlip's performance that Saturday, but Christine Gambito (HapppySlip) showed up and emceed for a few hours. We immediately grabbed the opportunity and snapped a few shots with her. She humored us and posed for her fans. For those of you who don't know her, Christine Gambito is the brainchild of HappySlip.com. Her videos on YouTube and on HappySlip.com have been viewed over 4 million times already. In fact, I am one of her fans and I enjoy how she impersonates members of her family and adds a Filipino flavor in all her videos. Recently, she was appointed as an honorary ambassador to Philippines tourism by the Department of Tourism. Her clip "Mixed Nuts" was nominated for a 2006 YouTube Video Awards for Best Comedy.

Another act I saw was a demonstration by the Kapisanang Mandirigma. Kapisanang Mandirigma is a federation of warriors from different disciplines of the Warrior Arts of the Philippines. I was familiar with Arnis, a fighting style using a stick. We had this back in High School and I learned a few styles under it. Other demonstrations were on Eskrima and Kali which were familiar to me but I just didn't have the opportunity to see before.