Firstly, I wanted to buy cigarettes from the local store and these 2 cashiers started commenting that students in uniform aren't allowed to buy any, and I'm good only cos I'm probably already 21 or 22 years old.
Then Evonne dropped a message asking why I looked so young.
The last one I heard was someone asking me what products I used.
It's nice to be home just watching the telly, sipping soup, reading papers, chilling with the family. I mean, what better way to spend a lazy Sunday then do all that? No obligations, just pure entertainment and sleep.
I like it.
Kinda looking forward to a couple things: the A Department's wrap grill, a short break, and the beach. Problem is, I'm too spoiled for choice and am not too sure where to begin. Of course, judging from the amount of things that need to be settle out-right in the coming week, some plans need to be laid. But heck, deal with them when they come.
Talk about missing out, I think I've been missing out on a lot of people and happenings. Not like I'm all important to be in the know, but it does help to keep myself posted with the world. Somehow.
Now that things kinda settle down after weeks on end of non-stop music, literally, I'm ready to seriously chill. Hope this time chill time don't go screwin' again, or I'll be left for dead like I used to be.
Honestly, I'm not too sure who to feel worse for: others, or myself. Granted, I've got that touch, but yeah, y'all know, it's just not easy being in a place, with the mind at 4, 5 places at a go. It's like an orgy of needles in a basin and you're trying to wash your hands.
Today seemed to be a really bad day for the production. Yeah, everyone's gotten worse, been through it some ways I suppose, but every new situation is fresher trauma in the bake. I'm not too sure why I'm even penning this in the first place. But somehow, it felt like a must.
I dunno. Should a sponge be made to absorb all the while, or just simply side-step itself from getting soaked? I've been terribly tired - physically, from a lack of sleep - yet, things kept rolling to the point I can't really feel the brakes on them anymore?
It's not exactly a bad thing. Perhaps, I'm still waiting for a hint, like Clem taught me. Pray for hints. If it works, I would love to have them. But then, it goes in direct reverse of what I preach. Or not preach. A shoe shines because it is polished, a charcoal burns because it is lit. We move on cos we are a live.
I should speak with somebody soon.
Anyway, Clem has gotten himself a new butterflurry vibe. That's really sweet. And HH's probably got some tonsils in him, which might be better for him when they are removed. Okay, random.
But funny. LOL.
Still, tomorrow's a challenge right up my nose. We'll see how wonderfully I can screw myself up again. Oh, the beach is off. And I hate that.
I got to admit, I was really there to have fun more than to work, get some sun, and sweat it out a little. After all, being trapped in the office for the last couple of weeks have been quite frightening.
Still, it's been great to be working out and traveling, despite falling behind physically quite a bit as compared to crewing days before. Nonetheless, had some nice pretty pictures to share:
It's always fun to see how they try to make kids
work on the set, considering the dumb things
they do to get the right reaction!
And there are the usual loafers...
With strange behaviors on production vehicles...
Here's Kimi, my hero for parking the van as it
were a tank! So pretty hor!
This is one money shot with the boss.
And another of the grand boss... Focused.
The crew on set.
Despite all the rag-tag crew, I think there were some really charming people to be working with. And since I was absorbed into the A Department, it doesn't quite need any explanations on the eccentricity of the crew:
Mongoose, the department hybrid clown...
Denise, the team gypsy...
Clement, my PTS on set...
Um... of course, it was a good try...
Funny thing about this shot: Mongoose screwing
around in front of the boss... He got away.
See the camera Felicia was holding? She's shooting idling
crew. I was shooting the biggest one.
Well, it's been nice, but what better way to top it off than a night out with the department, have some junk food, shoot some balls?
Mingus, June, Clement.
Sabrina, Denise, Me.
Team One of the loser-pay tournament.
And Team Two. Obviously, we won la.
Well, think I'll post whatever else I have back
on Friendster, but this is the money shot!
Its amazing how a seemingly unimportant story became such a big deal today, about someone losing something just cos of unacquired love. And that is seriously one big part I don't really understand.
But anyway, been mugging with that tele-movie, and I'm glad it's finally over and done, not really done with, but yeah, my part's good. I'm pretty much providing insurance coverage for the next couple days and that be it. Keeping my fingers cross that nothing else needs a diaper change.
Strangely, I offered magnum help for a film shoot that isn't really my call. I mean, I'm all out for fun, but there's a big feeling of uncertainty that I'm still trying to get over.
Perhaps, I'll deal with it when it shows up. Night.
About 15 years ago, I received my first Pop CD which I brought home eagerly to add to my starter collection. The album was Pulp's very first, which they were giving away free, mind you, FREE, at Padres gig to attract the crowds. Sadly though, I sat and waited a good 4 hours before they (Padres) came on, and I gradually lost my respect for the band since.
For today, I think I would like to share with you one of my most admired song writer's works: Jarvis Cocker, Pulp, with "Running The World".
OMG! Fabulous gig! Not to mention I'm all envious about that big space, the awesome sound system (by local standards), and that giant big projection screen at the back! It just kills me man! I'm DROOLING...
Helming the Esplanade Outdoor Theater stage: Allura!
Look who showed up! Okay, okay, we planned it!
And the must-have shot with one of my favorite bands!
Apologies to the guys but I'm not too sure who's who still...LOL. Oops! But anyways, thought the new sound is really exciting, not to mention everyone looked fantastic on the set! And I'm still envious all about being there man!
Something's about to happen, or not going to happen. I can't decide which is which. It's like I dunno which hand to use to pick up the matter, nor could I tell left from right. Right at this point.
I must have been so exhausted to the point I hit REM the minute I touch base, be it the sofa, the bed, or just simply anything comfortable. Eyes were puffed in the morning till I couldn't really make out my face in the mirror.
What doubled the troubles were when I woke from that afternoon nap at the office, and suddenly, everything was so surreal. Incredibly alien.
And it's gotten to one of those days when premonitive emotions are charged to the maximum. This time though, its uncertain. Something's moving, and I'm absolutely unsure.
I'm keeping my toes tipped.
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The horror-scope says it's gonna be a tough positive-thinking day for me. Now that's something seriously worth considering. I'm not about to flip over and bend backwards for anything except the much needed rest. But beyond that, I would love to be in the sun. I'm targeting Friday.
I counted, and after 3 persons walked past, one fine lady turned around to try help before I got to the blind man first. He was tapping his stick and asking, REALLY VERY politely, for directions, and that if anyone could help guide him there.
Well what do you know! I got some pictures! Okay, only 2, but that's better than none!
Me sleepy on Monday Morning on the way to set!
And that's Denise and me on set! Breakfast!
Okay, those who like borrowed my CDs and whatever, please return them! I'm like missing a quarter of my collection since I started lending them out again! It's frustrating cos some of them are autographed copies, and I can't find them when others wanna have a listen! So please. Return anything you've gotten from my ill coffers!
It be nice to have violet roses line the decks at the office for once... I mean, granted, I'm not supposed to have too many flowers around me, but at least once a while, it will be nice to smell the floral beauty of things I've always enjoyed.
Ain't too much to ask really, and perhaps I shall have that in May.
So the story goes, I popped a ciggie in my mouth on the way downstairs via the lift when I saw a lady walking in as I exited. She saw me, rather annoyed, and I passed her deliberately lighting it thereafter. She must have been quite surprised that she was wrong about me smoking in the lift.
Point was, too many spontaneous conclusions do make people weak.
Then there was that sore assumption of me being unfriendly when a boy walked into the office asking if we were hiring an editor, which I said no to, but asked him to have a seat: he thought I was just wasting his time if I wasn't gonna entertain him. Instead, I passed him contacts so that his trip wasn't that wasted afterall.
Kindly remove your veil if you wish wishes.
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After 2 weeks of music making for a tele-movie, I estimated an average of 4 hours of sleep a day, which, wasn't really that bad. But Monday morning 6am I got off work, sped home, and got down to work at a set I promised to helped out with.
Turned out, it was fabulous fun (easy for me to say), although sleep was so hard-up in me that I practically fell dead on the bed the moment I touched it. It was nice, and met some new friends who were really inspiring.
Although, for the very first time, I met someone with pre-destined resolves in life. It is a very unusual case, given that he's not absolutely taken in by the destiny mumbo jumbo. Anyways, if his hands read right, well, I'm kinda divided if it was a blessing to be in his shoes, or complete fear in living his life out. One little lapse is all that is needed to get someone condemned in life, but for him, he's got tons to spare. Now, that wouldn't be nice if you REALLY want to live life.
Anyhow, my last post got some funny feedback, lots of empathy (for me) and certainly some raised eyebrows. It's cute if you think she's really that much an air-head, but kinda sad that she's one if you have a heart. Well it doesn't really matter for the fact that I probably wouldn't hear from her anytime soon, if at all.
(Out for Shower)
Didn't feel like blogging anymore after the showers. So yeah, till my next inspired moment.
This I gotta blog about: about a month ago, someone emailed me asking if the company would work on collaborations with a music interest group to develop content. No further details were offered, except an invitation to meet and speak. In that reply, I asked specifically what sort of collaborations we were looking at, no replies came.
2 weeks ago, I got a response, telling me that I didn't pick up my phone. Yeah well, so I missed the call, but with dozens of fax calls a week, I would be sceptical about calls understandably. Anyway, I replied politely with my mobile number, but not until 3 days later did I get an SMS, asking me to attend a meeting on that Friday, at 6pm.
I was cool with that despite being in the midst of a lengthy and heavy project, but on that Friday, 6pm, there were no follow ups until 9pm citing ill health that will have to have a reschedule of the meeting to the following day, 2pm.
I was again cool with that. But Friday night's romp at the bars got me up late on Saturday afternoon. By 1:30pm, an SMS came and revealed a late meeting that would force our meeting time to 2:30pm. I was okay, went with the flow, and rushed down to the office.
We were supposed to have the meeting at a fast food restaurant a street away, and, having had no lunch, I decided to do lunch there might as well. At 2:30pm, no calls came, so I kindly sent a message to inform me when whoever's supposed to be there, was there.
Done with lunch in fifteen, I sat till 3pm at the alfresco watching people and wondering if they were the ones I would be meeting up with. Those who seemed potential were none that, but at least there were 2 rather cute chicks sitting right in front of me in the restaurant to ogle at (hey, obvious that would be the best seat no?).
Still, no calls came, no one showed up. I packed myself back to the office, and at 3:30pm, a call came asking for directions to my office.
I provided the details, and in 5 minutes, they reached my doorstep, popped me a call proper, and I opened the door. That 2 rather cute chicks stood right in front of me.
Hiding as much as I could the temper that nearly erupted within that split second, I recomposed myself inside, invited them in, and offered them drinks. The best part? One of the girls saw me at the restaurant seated outside, LOOKING at them.
Wait, that's not the best part. They settled down, we started small pleasantries, and she asked me if they could preview some of my works. I was like... WTF?! Oh did I mention, in between making arrangements to meet, she sent me a message TELLING me to meet up so that she could answer MY queries. I mean, she didn't even tell me her plans! What am I supposed to fucking ask?
AND! She asked to preview my works whatever fuck for?!
I was so darn offended, I rebutted, "Oh, gee, I did so much work I'm not too sure what would be appropriate to show you girls at all! (big friendly smile)"
SHE had the fucking cheek to respond, "No problems, just show us whatever you've done!"
That was when vengeance mode kicked in. I flipped out my showreel, popped it into the DVD player, turned on the big widescreen LCD tv, and courteously offered, "Well, in that case, maybe I can show you some works I've done for TV and the film industry! (BIG BRIGHT SMILE)"
You know what she said? "So what's your latest work? Show us your latest work!"
At this point, I was caught so off-guard by her stupidity that I didn't know I should laugh it off, or simply show her the door. Trust me, that cutesy look of hers suddenly became plaster. I was akin Neo in Matrix looking through her in grids and falling alphabets and numbers, much like Cyclops burning through material in X-Men.
I gladly announced then, "My latest work? Gee. Did so much, but one of them was a film I did last December that won ALL the awards at the (undisclosed here) Film Festival! (HUMBLE, VERY FUCKING HUMBLE GRIN)" That is when she was finally impressed. She battered her eyes and gasp a little, which, I would assume, was quite unintentionally let out. IF, you know what I mean.
So for the next twenty minutes, I showed them some of my most powerful works, explaining that I deal lots in broadcast as well as a variety of music and their creators. For those who know me, I did work with some of the most amazing talents in the industry, although I gladly would just keep that to myself (seriously, in this current tone, don't blame me for being bitchy and overtly pompous please).
Then it happened. I jumped my biggest question: what was she (that girl who makes you slap your forehead a million times kind) looking me up for. Do you know what she said?
Do you fucking know what she said?
"Oh, as I've explained to you, we are a group of music enthusiasts, and we are actually looking for people to collaborate with to get some projects off the ground."
What were some of these projects?
A singing competition that is NON-PROFIT, and talents from there can win prizes from sponsors (potentials like me), and they will be promoted to the industry cos SHE personally feels that the quality of local programming sucked big time, and even those contracted artistes are not explored to their fullest potential because, mind you, BECAUSE our industry was small. AND! Mark my words and I translate, SHE feels that there are a lot of talents out there waiting to be discovered, AND SHE hopes to dig them out.
And who is she? Drum roll please...
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SHE, IS, none other, than the girl who comes from a music interest group. AND! SHE! wants to discover new talents, make them big, and overturn the Old Guards whom SHE thinks are not treating talent correctly.
So here's the big question: What am I good for? I asked her, she repeated her whole idea again. If I have ever spoken to any pea-brains, she's the only one.
The only one. I repeat: the only one. I'm sorry, can I rephrase that? I have never, EVER met CLEVERNESS in reverse.
I'm sorry, I just have to get it out of my system. It's like, it rained, you've got no umbrella, you got drenched, and the only shelter in reach is leaking in the roof, is flooded, and is already crowded.
I encourage new ideas, and I certainly would love to pledge my support to young people (mind you, she is probably in her late 20s). But if it's anything I detest, that's pure stupidity.
Then again, she ain't stupid. She's just a personification.
Oh, for those don't understand the word "personification", it comes from "personify", which describes the girl (see above).
She's really good. Emailed and messaged me in English, and asked if I could speak Mandarin. So our entire conversation was in Mandarin, which was tiresome, considering my vocabulary to insult her in her face was so damned limited. Hence, imagine my frustration double-folding throughout.
Ok, you guys can laugh like mad now, I don't mind. Pity me if you prefer, but just to let you know, I'm still willing to support the cause, just as long as I don't need to deal with her.
I'm not in entirety heartless, or devoid of a human side. Neither am I some great person abled and great to support any cause to its fullest potential, but why should those SHE has convinced over her plans suffer and not get help just because SHE herself is stupid in human form?
Loves, I think I've lamented enough. Shan't go on about this like forever. Time to sleep. The current project is taking a toll. Cheers.
To all you dear fans of I (the blog the blog!), I do offer my lamest apologies for the lack of updates and contributions due to non-stop workin' and no-break panicking.
I haven't been checking all your blogs, but my guess is: you probably haven't updated much anyway. So we're even.
I heard about the tremors today. Mom called me up the second time she felt it, and I told her to pack her purse and leave the building if needs be.
Kevin felt it at the studio too, but I think I was too tired to even take note. And OMG, I love that piano piece!
Ok. Here's the low-down: so little has happened that I can't even remember the last time I sat down and read the news, watched TV, or do anything mundane. And there you go. Poor reporting amidst a very hectic but stupid situational circumstance. Night for now.
If there was a following, I second the notion. Once every so rare, a good song makes it to the big screen, pondered over by the makers who cracked their heads feeling blindly a score that was never even started. More than 2 decades back, 2 did sit and make one: The Color Purple. This year, Dream Girls.
Believe me. Having been a big time anal music critic,
this has been one of the finer pieces.
