Top 10 Quotes for 2012

And because posting New Year Resolutions is a sham (honestly, who gets to keep all of them?) I decided to try something new this time around.

2011 have taught me a lot of lessons but it has also given me so much, far far greater than what I expected when I was welcoming the year with mental images of what I wanted to accomplish by the end of the year. 

And because life happens in unexpected ways, let's start off this year by veering off the normal road of resolutions. Instead of empty promises, here are the quotes I promise vow try my darnest to live by this Apocalyptic year of 2012. *enter Jay Sean song here before it gets obsolete*

10. When I stand before God at the end of my life, I would hope that I would not have a single bit of talent left, and could say, 'I used everything you gave me'. -- Erma Bombeck

9. It's not always rainbows and butterflies. It's compromise that moves us along. - Maroon 5 "She Will Be Loved"

8. Lots of people want to ride with you in the limo, but what you want is someone who will take the bus with you when the limo breaks down. -- Oprah

7. Look, I don't want to wax philosophic, but I will say that if you're alive you've got to flap your arms and legs, you've got to jump around a lot, for life is the very opposite of death, and therefore you must at very least think noisy and colorfully, or you're not alive. -- Mel Brooks

6. It is impossible to live without failing at something, unless you live so cautiously that you might as well not lived at all. In which case, you've failed by default. -- J. K. Rowling, 

5. Too many people undervalue what they are and overvalue what they're not. - DJ Mo Twister (via Twitter)

4. I wasn't born to follow, and I'm not sure I was born to lead. But one thing I know, I was born to walk my path. - @Itslifenotes on Twitter

3. “If you are irritated by every rub, how will your mirror be polished?” ― Rumi (Islam Quote)

2. “Here’s to the crazy ones, the misfits, the rebels, the troublemakers, the round pegs in the square holes… the ones who see things differently — they’re not fond of rules… You can quote them, disagree with them, glorify or vilify them, but the only thing you can’t do is ignore them because they change things… they push the human race forward, and while some may see them as the crazy ones, we see genius, because the ones who are crazy enough to think that they can change the world, are the ones who do.” – Steve Jobs

1. Follow your bliss and the universe will open doors where there were only walls. -- Joseph Campbell

The years teach much which the days never know.

-- Ralph Waldo Emerson

2011 Philippine Blog Awards - List of Winners

LUZON

• Beauty and Fashion - Simply Rins http://www.rina-alcantara.com/
• Culture and Arts - Pop Reviews Now http://www.popreviewsnow.blogspot.com
• Food and Beverage - Our Daily Blog http://regandmitzi.wordpress.com/
• Lifestyle - Bongga Ba http://www.bonggaba.com
• Personal/Diary - The Culture Shack http://www.cultureshacked.blogspot.com/
• PhotoBlog - Lakad Pilipinas http://lakad-pilipinas.blogspot.com/
• Technology - GameOPS http://www.gameops.net/
• Travel - Lakad Pilipinas http://lakad-pilipinas.blogspot.com/

NATIONALS

• Advocacy - Environment Philippines http://www.environmentphilippines.com
• Beauty and Fashion - Jenne Chrisville http://www.jennechrisville.wordpress.com/
• Business - Ready to be Rich http://www.fitzvillafuerte.com
• Culture and Arts - Sining Factory http://www.siningfactory.weebly.com
• Entertainment - Without Wang 2 http://andronico.wordpress.com/
• Food & Beverage - Ralph Guzman // Foodie http://www.ratedralph.com
• Gaming - The Otaku Fridge http://www.otakufridge.com
• Hobbies and Recreation - kuhol.net – cars, culture, competition, community http://kuhol.net/
• Home and Parenting - Dainty Mom http://www.daintymom.com
• Humor - The Professional Heckler http://professionalheckler.wordpress.com
• Lifestyle - Geek Girl Manila http://geekgirlmanila.com/
• Literature - Pointless Paranoia http://www.pointlessparanoia.wordpress.com/
• Personal/Diary - I Am Fickle Cattle http://www.ficklecattle.blogspot.com/
• Photoblog - RosariOko http://www.rosarioko.com
• Society, Politics and History - It's True! It's True! http://www.mistervader.blogspot.com/
• Sports - CebuRunning http://www.ceburunning.com
• Technology - LS Geekster Online http://www.lsgeekster.blogspot.com/
• Travel - We are Sole Sisters http://www.wearesolesisters.com/
• Videocasts and Podcasts - Brink Notes Podcast Network http://www.bncast.com

SPECIAL CATEGORIES

• Filipiniana - Live in the Philippines http://www.liveinthephilippines.com
• Top Video/Podcast - Krimmy Couple: A Korean-Filipino Love Story http://www.mykoreanboyfriend.com/2011/02/krimmy-couple-a-korean-filipino-love-story/ from My Korean Boyfriend http://mykoreanboyfriend.wordpress.com
• Top PhotoPost - 2011: its 1/1/11, a new year and a fresh start http://www.lantaw.blogspot.com/2011/01/2011-its-1111-new-year-and-fresh-start.html from Lantaw http://www.lantaw.blogspot.com
• Top Post - Blood Stains, the Smell of Disinfectant and the RH Bill http://www.orchestroscopy.blogspot.com/2011/05/blood-stains-smell-of-disinfectant-and.html from ORCHESTROSCOPY http://www.orchestroscopy.blogspot.com/
• Best Blog Design - Markable http://www.markable.me/
• Readers' Choice - Culture Shack http://www.cultureshacked.blogspot.com/
• Bloggers Choice - Libre Lang Mangarap http://otep.wordpress.com/

RN HEALS Batch 2 at QMMC

So it's true. 

All good things come to those who wait. 

In the midst of jubilation after a stunned moment of disbelief, this is probably what came into some of my colleague's minds when we first heard the news that we have been included in DOH's RN HEALS program and will be receiving an allowance of Php 8,000 / month in compensation for our services. Contract is for 1 year.

As a former nurse trainee / volunteer for quite a few months in this institution, the impact of this news to us cannot be done justice with mere words. I guess this is what the fresh grads with no previous hospital training whatsoever but have managed to enter the sought after program will probably never grasp. To serve for so long with just the appreciation of your patients and senior staff members as reward and then be offered this kind of opportunity makes us feel unfathomably blessed.

In behalf of the 150+ previous nurse trainees under the Professional Nurse Training Program, we would like to thank QMMC's administration, Nursing division, and especially our Medical Center Chief who we heard have lobbied for us volunteers to be included in the program. I, myself, have not submitted a single paper directly to the DOH but QMMC made sure that every active volunteer gets included in the list. 

At first, when we heard that the hospital was planning to request for RN HEALS nurses from the DOH to gap the shortage of manpower, we were worried that we, ever faithful PNTPs who have stayed with the hospital for months (some, even years), might be replaced with a whole new set of freshly scrubbed DOH deployed nurses, but the administration pushed through, and here we are.

I never thought I would see the day when I will get to thank the government for something, but, really, our gratitude also goes out to the President and the DOH for making this program possible.

To work with pay in an area you are passionate in, with people you enjoy being with, under the umbrella of a great institution, is truly a wonderful opportunity to have. 

Lastly, even with the feeling of fulfillment of novice nurses who are now being compensated for their work while at the same time learning and honing their craft, the relieved smiles of parents who will not have to spend for their grown-up child's everyday expenses, I truly believe that the ones who will benefit the most here are the PATIENTS.

Gone are the burnt out staff nurses (and trainees) who, if possible, would have split their bodies in half just to serve the various concerns of patients and manage the skyrocketing census. From what I've seen in today's orientation, there are now more than enough skilled minds and bodies to deliver adequate care to those in need. 

It's the perfect win-win situation.

I feel like bursting into a Jordin Sparks American Idol inspired song but I will spare you the agony. All I know is that the local health care system is slowly changing for the better. Congratulations to us all!

RIP Steve Jobs, Thank You for the Magic

(CNN) -- Steve Jobs, the visionary in the black turtleneck who co-founded Apple in a Silicon Valley garage, built it into the world's leading tech company and led a mobile-computing revolution with wildly popular devices such as the iPhone, died Wednesday. He was 56.

The hard-driving executive pioneered the concept of the personal computer and of navigating them by clicking onscreen images with a mouse. In more recent years, he introduced the iPod portable music player, the iPhone and the iPad tablet -- all of which changed how we consume content in the digital age. 

His friends and Apple fans on Wednesday night mourned the passing of a tech titan. 

"Steve's brilliance, passion and energy were the source of countless innovations that enrich and improve all of our lives," Apple said in a statement. "The world is immeasurably better because of Steve." 

See reactions from Bill Gates, Mark Zuckerberg and many others

More than one pundit, praising Jobs' ability to transform entire industries with his inventions, called him a modern-day Leonardo Da Vinci. 

"Steve Jobs is one of the great innovators in the history of modern capitalism," New York Times columnist Joe Nocera said in August. "His intuition has been phenomenal over the years." 

Jobs' death, while dreaded by Apple's legions of fans, was not unexpected. He had battled cancer for years, took a medical leave from Apple in January and stepped down as chief executive in August because he could "no longer meet (his) duties and expectations." 

Born February 24, 1955, and then adopted, Jobs grew up in Cupertino, California -- which would become home to Apple's headquarters -- and showed an early interest in electronics. As a teenager, he phoned William Hewlett, president of Hewlett-Packard, to request parts for a school project. He got them, along with an offer of a summer job at HP. 

Jobs dropped out of Oregon's Reed College after one semester, although he returned to audit a class in calligraphy, which he says influenced Apple's graceful, minimalist aesthetic. He quit one of his first jobs, designing video games for Atari, to backpack across India and take psychedelic drugs. Those experiences, Jobs said later, shaped his creative vision. 

"You can't connect the dots looking forward; you can only connect them looking backwards. So you have to trust that the dots will somehow connect in your future," he told Stanford University graduates during a commencement speech in 2005. "You have to trust in something: your gut, destiny, life, karma, whatever. This approach has never let me down, and it has made all the difference in my life."

I've never been this upset about the death of someone I've never met. 

Steve, thank you for making our lives more magical. You are definitely an inspiration.

Rest in Peace, Steve Jobs. The world just lost a genius.

“Here’s to the crazy ones, the misfits, the rebels, the troublemakers, the round pegs in the square holes… the ones who see things differently — they’re not fond of rules… You can quote them, disagree with them, glorify or vilify them, but the only thing you can’t do is ignore them because they change things… they push the human race forward, and while some may see them as the crazy ones, we see genius, because the ones who are crazy enough to think that they can change the world, are the ones who do.” – Steve Jobs

I Am NOT Offended by Mideo Cruz's Poleteismo

Mideo Cruz's artwork at the CCP has incited the latest war between the wrinkled perspective of the conservative Catholic church and the new-age mentality of a secularism and freedom. 

It seems like, these days, the CBCP is against any kind of liberty may it be of choice or expression. But then, what can we expect from people who live their lives stringently following a book written thousands of years ago and thinks of their own opinion as the voice of a higher being?

Many people were insulted, to the point of throwing threats of eternal damnation and even committing vandalism. Honestly, I would like to think that God was more disappointed with these kind of actions than the artwork itself.

Because, if you come to think of it, God is an all-knowing omnipotent being who created the entire universe. Why would he care about some tiny mortal speck in the galaxy who happened to "deface" what humans believe is his image?

For the record, I think the art is tasteless albeit courageous in its own way in trying to paint a picture of our society. It could be presented with less disturbing aesthetics, I think, but then who am I to dictate what an artist should and should not do?

I would understand the rage and the need for censorship if the artwork was publicly displayed in EDSA like those billboards of half-naked beautiful people. I would actually agree for it to be taken down if that were the case. The difference between EDSA and the CCP is that the former is a public place, where thousands of people pass without restrictions, including innocent children and unsuspecting pedestrians while the latter is... well, can you remember the last time you went to the CCP to look at artwork?

The point is this, people who went to the CCP and had the chance to set their eyes on the controversial images know what they were in for. This is precisely the reason for ratings in movies, so that one would enter the theater expecting to see or not to see explicit material.

The freedom of expression of holding the exhibit inside the confines of the CCP cannot be compared to the erroneous freedom of a man who wants to run naked in the middle of Intramuros. Let us remember, the exhibit is not some scandalous commotion in the middle of Quiapo that would rob people of their right to worship in peace without seeing disturbing material on their way to the confessional booths. It is actually tucked inside the haven of an artists' center and available only to those who are willing to see it. 

This is precisely what I see wrong in CBCP's almighty appeal to close down the CCP. One person's freedom ends where another person's freedom begins. Mideo Cruz has the freedom to create artworks such as these and I have the freedom to view it with my own eyes or not. Where is the evil in that?

And since we're on the topic of "blasphemous" material that would bring forth God's wrath and Satan's incinerating tongues of everlasting flame, I think I found more "insulting" material on YouTube. 

CBCP, I dare you to sue YouTube.com and the creators of these videos. They've certainly insulted this country's fine sensitivities with regards to the pious image of our dear Jesus Christ, far more than a crucifix with condom or a penis ashtray could, don't you think?

Psychology of Love: Intimacy vs. Isolation

I cannot believe I actually had the nerve to pass this write-up to my Psychiatric Nursing clinical instructor back in 4th year college almost 3 years ago. I cannot even remember what was the actual instruction of the assignment or what the essay was supposed to be about although I do recall having to write about something connected with the various theories of Psychology, whether if about the works of Freud or Erikson or even Maslow. Either way, it seems like I was feeling hostile towards formal writing the day so this was what came out. 

Intimacy vs. Isolation (Erik Erikson)

A friend of mine asked me, quite randomly, what, for me, the reason for loving is. Why do we love? Why do you love him? Why do you love her? What are the things that he/she does to make you do so? What do we really get from loving when, most of the time, we receive much less than what we actually give? 

I know quite a lot of people who can’t wait to love. Can’t wait to fall in love. Let’s face it, most people think of the word love is directly associated with the ever-so-popular boy/girl relationship (can now be boy/boy or girl/girl, whichever you prefer), me included. So let’s delve on that. 

Putting aside the lackluster best-friends-forever-relationships and the often tear-stained familial attachments, let’s nose-dive into the more chaotic details of love. The “I-would-die-for-you” love. The “can’t-wait-to-see/hug/kiss/coitus-you-mwah-mwah” kind of affection. It’s messy, it’s crazy and most people end up more hurt and depressed than they ever felt after the brief mischievous glimpse of happiness. Then why do we do it? More so, why do we want it? Why do we so desperately need it? 

If you’re Sigmund Freud, you would probably say that it’s all because of sex and pleasure. A whole lot of pleasure. It’s all about the genitalia, baby, and it needs all the attention that it can get. If you’re Erik Erickson, however, you would say that having a fulfilling intimate relationship with another human being other than your forever loyal family and your ever so trustworthy friends is your developmental task at that point in time. Accomplish your tasks or else you’ll end up emotionally scarred and fixated for all eternity. *shakes head* 

If you’re like some, let’s say, liberated people I know, you plunge into relationships because you want experience. You want to know what it’s like when Tom Cruise whispered “You complete me.” to Renee Zallwegger, how it feels like to be kissed in the rain and make hot love in an abandoned cabin with the fogged up windows and the rising music like Noah Calhoun and that perpetually confused girl in The Notebook. Or perhaps, you just want to have somebody to display to your friends and to the world. Being “taken” is a social status after all. 

If you’re like me… well, things are much simpler. 

Because even though love sometimes can hurt more than it can make you happy, it can drain all of your remaining energy and rationality, it could leave you miserable and suicidal and in desperate need for anti-depressants (worst comes to worst anti-psychotics and a trip to your nearest mental institution), you cannot deny that at least a moment in time, you felt that indescribable feeling of pure floating-in-the-air kind of bliss, that out-of-this-world sensation of being with the one you love. It may only last for a few hours or mere seconds but that doesn't diminish its value. And the memory will be forever embedded in us for the rest of our lives. 

All in all, as my favorite fictional professor put it: 

 “Why do people want to fall in love when it can have such a short run and be so painful? I think it's because, as some of you may already know ... While it does last, it feels fucking great.”

Edward Cullen in Manila: A Plea for Local YA (Young Adult) Novels

I probably am the perpetual teenager when it comes to reading choices. Since elementary days up to post-college years, I still enjoy reading novels targeted at hormonally imbalanced pre-adults. When it comes to YA Novels, I think I've read them all, at least the ones people are talking about. Yes, I've endured even the phenomenal Twilight series with its neuron-killing plot and a heroine you'd want to beat with Thor's hammer.

Stephanie Meyer's books aside, I just love the genre. There's this light and free-flowing feeling I get when I read books in the YA category. I especially like those which are infused with supernatural / dystopian alternate universe element to them. Think The Hunger Games Trilogy by Suzanne Collins and The Mortal Instruments by Cassandra Clare.

And yes, it gets formulaic sometimes, when the Ordinary Girl meets Tortured Mysterious New Student Guy Who May Or May Not Be Human in Science class. Then there's the sexy and heart-palpitating Forbidden Love arc after we find out that the protagonist is actually a Vampire / Werewolf / Fallen Angel / Witch. Reading novels like these is simple and entertaining and I pursue it even though it may not give a 20-something young professional like me bragging points when asked what kind of books have I perused.

The problem is this: There may be a myriad of books to choose from in this category with international books, so much that sometimes their world and themes overlap, however, there is a lot of catching up to do with regards to our local literature. All I see are children's books, chick lits and award-winning deep novels about poverty, corruption and drugs that are way too depressing for a teenager to spend time on. There is simply not much to choose from in the YA arena, if at all.

Having read countless of these kind of novels set in New York, or some other city in the United States, I do wish to be able to read one set here locally in our country just so it can be much more relatable to our teens. Imagine Good vs. Evil battling it out in Tondo or a Shopaholic desperately haggling in Divisoria. Our country, our places, our customs, mannerisms are so rich with potential I'm disappointed that, with all the talented writers we have, not a lot have attempted to flourish in such a popular category. 

I believe in the power of reading and how it helps form the mind of an individual, especially when they start at a young age. Young Adult fiction books have their own special power because the characters in the books are especially formulated so that readers can relate to them. It puts a person into other worlds and situations that would be dangerous otherwise if done in real life but gives off the same lessons that could be learned from such scenarios. 

I do hope that with the rise of the international YA scene, our country follows. There is so much untapped power in the genre that I think, if written brilliantly, could upset the long standing bestseller's list dominated by international titles. Now that is a novel I would be proud to read.

What is POTTERMORE by J.K. Rowling?

POTTERMORE

By J.K. Rowling 

P  R  E  S  S      R  E  L  E  A  S  E 

Strictly embargoed until 12.01 hrs British Summer Time
Thursday 23rd June 2011 

J.K. Rowling announces Pottermore 

www.pottermore.com  

J.K. Rowling today, Thursday 23rd June, answered mounting speculation about the nature of her new project and announced  Pottermore, a unique and free-to-use website which builds an exciting online experience around the reading of her hugely successful Harry Potter books, and is partnered by Sony.  The announcement today was heralded by the revealing of the website’s name via an online search for its letters, and a ‘coming soon’ holding page which received over a million visits within 36 hoursof launching. 

For this groundbreaking collaborative project, J.K. Rowling has written extensive new material about the characters, places and objects in the much-loved stories, which will inform, inspire and entertain readers as they journey through the storylines of the books.  Pottermore will later incorporate an online shop where people can purchase exclusively the long-awaited Harry Potter eBooks, in partnership with  J.K.  Rowling’s publishers worldwide,  and is ultimately intended to become an online reading experience, extending the relevance of Harry Potter to new generations of readers, while still appealing to existing fans.  As the Pottermore Shop develops, it is intended that it should include further products designed specifically for Harry Potter fans, offering a potential outlet for Sony products and services related  to Pottermore.    In keeping with Harry Potter’s international appeal, the site will launch in English, French, Italian, German and Spanish, with more languages to follow. 

In the new website, the storyline  will be brought to life with sumptuous newly-commissioned illustrations and interactive ‘Moments’ through which you can navigate, starting with the first book, Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s (Sorcerer’s) Stone. On entering, you choose a magic username and begin your experience.  As you move through the chapters, you can read and share exclusive writing from J.K. Rowling, and, just as Harry joins Hogwarts, so can you. You visit Diagon Alley, get sorted into a house, cast spells and mix potions to help your house compete for the House Cup.    

At a press conference at the Victoria & Albert Museum in London, Rowling revealed some key features of the website. In an announcement which will thrill fans, she described how she has brought to life both the Sorting Hat and Ollivanders experiences from her books for the first time on Pottermore, by revealing the questions asked by the Sorting Hat  - which places newcomers into their Hogwarts houses according to their characteristics - and the magic behind the Wand Chooser – which finds the right wand for each user from over 33,000  possible combinations. She also revealed glimpses of the new information she has provided on some of the best-loved characters.J.K. Rowling’s announcement on YouTube and sony.com today revealed that Pottermore (along with the Pottermore Shop) will be open to all users in October 2011.  From today, 23rd June, fans can submit their email addresses on Pottermore.com in order to be contacted by the site following the opening of registration on 31st July, Harry’s birthday.  Also on that date, an online challenge will be launched, whereby the first million people to complete their registration will gain early entry into the website, and help put final touches to the experience.   

J.K. Rowling commented, “I wanted to give something back to the fans that have followed Harry so devotedly over the years, and to bring the stories to a new digital generation.  I hope fans and those new to Harry will have as much fun helping to shape Pottermore as I have.   Just as I have contributed to the website, everyone else will be able to join in by submitting their own comments, drawings and other content in a safe and friendly environment – Pottermore has been designed as a place to share the stories with your friends as you journey through the site.” 

Pottermore has been made possible with the support and partnership of Sony. 

Sir Howard Stringer,  Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and President  of Sony Corporation, commented: “Sony's association with J.K. Rowling's Pottermore brings together one of the world’s most innovative  brands with the most successful book series in history, in a pioneering partnership that will help shape the future of story-telling.   We are proud to be a part of it, both at this momentous announcement, and as we collaborate on its development over the coming years.” 

On Sony’s partnership of Pottermore, J.K. Rowling commented: “As I think people know, I am very protective of Harry and have always been very selective with any new initiatives, but I am totally committed to making this partnership with Sony and this wonderful  new website a success.  There are many companies I could have worked with on this ultimate digital  expression of Harry Potter’s universe, but it is Sony’s unique philosophy of creativity in harmony with technology that made them my first choice as main partner. The spirit behind Sony’s make.believe philosophy is one that rings true with Pottermore’s own values.”

The detailed creative execution has been led by TH_NK, a leading UK digital  agency,  under the supervision of J.K. Rowling and the Pottermore management team, in co-operation with Sony.   J.K.Rowling’s publishers, Bloomsbury in the UK and Scholastic in the USA, as well as her international publishers worldwide, have been active supporters in the creation of  pottermore.com and thePottermore Shop.  Warner Bros, the makers of the hugely successful Harry Potter film franchise, is also one of the partners who have worked to support the launch of Pottermore through a variety of marketing, promotional and other efforts, and will continue to collaborate as the project grows. The storyline of the second book, Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, will go live on the site in early 2012.  The Pottermore Shop opens when the site opens to all in October, selling complete ranges of the eBooks and digital audiobooks in a selection of languages, exclusively.Designed for fans of all ages, the website has been created with child safety in mind, employing best practice and compliance with internet codes of practice in the UK, Europe and USA, and elsewhere.   

Source: http://assets.pottermore.com/emcp/downloads/pottermore_pressrelease_230611.pdf

Screenshot preview of the Pottermore.com site from here.

That's it, I'm officially psyched!

The Mortal Instruments by Cassandra Clare: Harry Potter, Buffy / Angel, LoTR and Draco Trilogy rolled into one

Draco Malfoy, there you are.

A little background: I spent my pre-adolescent years reading (and writing) Harry Potter fanfiction. There was this certain fanfiction trilogy that was so superb, it garnered a legion of fans, its own fan art and even 2nd degree fanfictions. Fans would wait for the next chaper with bated breath the way canon-loving readers would wait for the next Harry Potter book by Queen JK Rowling. I am talking about Draco Trilogy, and for years, I idolized the Joss-Whedon-quoting, slash-loving and HP fanfiction legend, Cassandra Clare. 

It took me some time to read her books even though I knew (and saw in bookstores) of her published YA novels. Having reread the thousands of pages of her fanfiction Draco Trilogy, I never realized how much I missed the good 'ol days of geekily roaming around the cyberhalls of Fanfiction.net or Fictionalley.org talking about what would happen next. I also missed Draco Malfoy's complicated character in the trilogy, much better than JK Rowling's characterization of Slytherin's little prince, I dare say.

Imagine my awe and amusement as I began reading Cassandra Clare's very own world and her own set of quirky characters. They were so familiar I would be able to tell that they were CC's work even without the title and author info on the book. There were also tons of little inside jokes and other uncanny similarities like the mention of "Still Not King" button (from her Lord of the Rings humor fic The Very Secret Diaries) and even the bedtime story about a little boy trying to train a raven to please his Father (yes, with a capital "F") is synonymous to that from Draco Veritas.

If one have followed CC's fanfiction writing years as I have, one would know that she is also a fan of Joss Whedon's Buffy the Vampire Slayer and its spin-off Angel having used numerous quotes from both the series and her characters having adopted the same witty and peculiar Whedonverse tongue. It is from these inspiration, that I guess, she picked up some of the traits of the altered urban city from her own books.

There are also other things I've noticed like having a pub / restaurant catering to demons is reminiscent of Angel the Series' demon-scattered Los Angeles. Usage of birds and fireplaces for sending letters and mails, lifted from Harry Potter, as Valentine reminds me of Voldemort, the Circle a toned down version of the Death Eaters and Muggles into Mundanes.

The same way Jace is a spitting image of Draco Malfoy from CC's Draco Trilogy, Simon reminds me of Ron Weasley and Xander from Buffy the Vampire Slayer combined and Isabelle has the persona of Draco Veritas' version of Fleur Delacour.

Believe me when I say that all of these are rather well-meant compliments. These are precisely the things that I love most about the series. Amidst the undertone of lack of originality (which is totally not the purpose of the paragraphs above), I relish the Mortal Instruments' world because it precisely took most of the things that I loved about stories and characters that I was addicted to before and meshed it up into this epic tale that hooked me right from the very beginning. Coupled with Cassandra Clare's graphic and intelligent writing style, there is little that I could complain about.

That said, Cassandra Clare's own personal story is in itself inspiring. From writing fanfiction just for fun of it to being a worldwide best selling author of a YA series with probably a movie in the works, one can really say that, the fate that brought her into such avenue (of course with hard work, determination and a little bit of luck) is nothing short of... magical.

Purple Ribbon Campaign for the RH Bill

Fresh from the irritating loss from the Pilipinas Got Talent-ish text poll in ABS-CBN's HARAPAN Reproductive Health Bill debate last May 8, pro-choice advocates show that they are not daunted by a survey which costs 2.50 pesos per text vote.

Celebrities, politicians lead Purple Ribbon campaign for RH Bill 

No less than former President Fidel V. Ramos and world-renowned singer Lea Salonga led on Wednesday the launching of the "Day of the Purple Ribbon for Reproductive Health," a gathering of public figures supporting the controversial measure.

Several politicians, celebrities, members of the academe and popular personalities pledged their support for the passage of the bill, choosing a purple ribbon as a symbol for their advocacy.

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In the same event, Ramos even urged President Benigno Aquino III to prioritize the proposed measure.

"Mr. President, with due respect, for you to do the right thing, you should now certify the RH bill as urgent," he said.

Meanwhile, Salonga said she can be "ambassadress of reproductive health."

"I want people [to be] armed with as much information as possible... to decide for themselves what is best for them as couples. That's what I'm hoping for," she said.

Salonga added that the proposed RH measure is vital for the welfare of women. — LBG/RSJ, GMA News 

Just yesterday, an online Purple Ribbon campaign for the RH Bill was launched by netizens to show their support for the (hopefully) future law that has been waiting in the congress for more than a decade now. The new Purple Ribbon logo made by TeamManila has been made available as Twibbons for citizens who may want to proudly voice out their support for women empowerment, education and better quality of life for the poor.

And yes, like the Reproductive Health Bill itself, you are presented with a CHOICE. How great is that? Please feel free to use them on Twitter, Facebook, Tumblr etc. and spread the word. 

The war is far from over. While Pro-RH debaters are armed with reason, reality and concern for Filipino women, the other side is loaded with century old scriptures, twisted logic and breast cancer. It is not an easy fight but it is a cause that we are willing to uphold despite the name-calling and the threats of eternity drowning in an ocean of flames.

5 Disturbing REALITIES Concerning the RH Bill

5. 11 women die daily in the Philippines due to childbirth. And to think these are due to preventable circumstances that could be aided with adequate skilled professionals and proper instrumentation.

4. Some mothers do not have the education / intelligence nor time to grasp the complexities of Natural Family Planning Method. My class in nursing school had to have hours of lecture, practice and review before we mastered the calculations that is necessary to perform (and teach) the Calendar method and other NFP procedures. And what if, say, the mother has extremely irregular cycles? The "safe" days left would be greatly limited to just a few days. Could the couple have the willpower to abstain, say, 20 days a month if that's what it takes?

3. Teens get their sex education nowadays through the internet by watching porn, reading online materials etc. Yes, you anti-RH supporters may rally all you want against reproductive health lessons in the classroom saying it is inappropriate and takes away children's innocence or whatnot. However, these kids will still find a way to learn about sexuality with just a click of the mouse. Unfortunately, the material in the world wide web is NOT age appropriate nor customized by an expert with a degree in education or other related fields. Most will probably just learn from friends' hearsay or watch pornographic videos and some will try it out just out of curiosity without knowing the responsibilities that comes with it.

2. No matter how hard you scoff at it, teens as early as age 13 and even younger are already having premarital sex regardless of the teachings of the church. If there is a way around this that does not involve reproductive health education and contraceptives, I'd like to find out. Because the church has been teaching abstinence since the beginning of time, and look where it got us.

1. There are thousands of mothers (I've encountered some of them personally) who have no money to pay for government hospital fees (2,000 php and below, seriously) and yet have a newborn in her arms plus 5 more children at home to feed, clothe and provide education. You do the math.

Photo taken from: I Oppose the RH Bill Facebook Page

This is only the peak of a whole Mt. Everest of truths and realities concerned with the heavily debated RH Bill that the opposing side has been seemingly ignoring. Instead, they, for some reason, insist on spreading half truths and skewed reasoning to "defend" morality and babies who don't exist in the first place.

I repeat, this is only some of the many inconvenient truths that I believe the bill could help with. It would be greatly appreciated if you could share your own. And if you happen to be against the Reproductive Health Bill, I would like to find out what you think would be the best way to address these problems.

Valid arguments are most welcome. Personal attacks/insults will only make you look like a fool. Thank you and God bless our country.

Sims 3: Play With Life

There is something oddly satisfying playing God in a highly graphic and detailed virtual world where you can practically do whatever you like. The Sims 3 is an addicting alternate universe where you can create Sims with the look, personality and even life aspiration of your choice and guide them through a 3D world which you, yourself, has helped create.

I don't know about other players, but even as a 20-something young professional, I found this game highly addicting and entertaining. When I was a kid, I used to play with Barbies and doll houses complete with a highly detailed storyline in my head. I think this is exactly the same thing but with more potential because of the availability of interactive items, self-designed houses and personal relationships between Sims. If this kind of technology was invented in early 90's, I would've went insane from all the story-telling possibilities of the game.

So with all the stress and limitations that comes with real life, it's nice to have something to escape to where there are no boundaries and an unlimited number of possibilities exist. Even if it only exist in my laptop. ;)

Greeked Out: Cyma Greek Taverna

I've never been to Greece but upon visiting the Eastwood Mall branch of the restaurant franchise, I might as well have.

Having been put to the waiting list after arriving at the restaurant, I could tell it was going to be a great lunch. Thankfully, the staff was pleasant and accommodating so we didn't mind waiting for a table then waiting again for our dishes to be served.

Roka Salata Salad

Aside from giving shade, leaves are a perfect addition to the diet, especially if mixed with honeyed walnuts, feta and Parmesan cheese and a special secret Greek vinaigrette. Added perk is how their solo order is good for 2-3 persons. Seriously, I wouldn't be able to finish that gigantic solo plate if I wanted to.

Chicken Souvlaki

Next is the heavenly skewered meat platter with the equally tangy dip and sort of shredded vegetables on the side. I especially love it when served with Greek roasted potatoes.

Most surprising fact of the night? I never knew Watermelon and Lamb Salad could taste so good. Seriously.

So, even with the more-than-one-day's-worth-of-minimum-wage price tag, I'll definitely be going back to dine in this place because, to quote a skin care brand, my taste-buds are worth it. ;)

Orchestr-o-meter: A

Photos taken from:
http://www.ourawesomeplanet.com/awesome/2007/01/opa_cyma_in_gre.html

Good Times with Mo: The Podcast

"Broadcasting live from Manila, Philippines, from the Smart Bro studios, it's Good Times with Mo: The Podcast."

From the introduction line "From matters of the heart, to all your juicy parts, anything goes, coz Mo knows..." delivered by a female bedroom voice, you could easily tell that this podcast will be unlike any other talk show you've heard from our local radio stations before, with all the censorship limitations of  public  broadcast industry and all. It can even give Papa Jack's racy but often coded love advice show on Love Radio 90.7 a run for its money.

Airing live via Ustream Mondays to Fridays since January 2011 with a celebrity guest almost every night, this podcast starring DJ Mo Twister and resident physician Doc Gan has easily been a favorite among radio talk show listeners and nocturnal netizens (including me), not only in the Philippines but also around the globe.

Unlike radio, however, the great thing about podcasting is that the episodes survive the test of time. All the sessions are downloadable via iTunes or from the web for everybody's listening pleasure.  And hey, it's free! I personally prefer picking out favorite episodes and listening via my iPod Touch mainly because I can scrub through the advertisements to save time.

Aside from the lack of censorship and regulating body (anybody on the show can literally say whatever he/she wants without worrying about MTRCB or whoever breathing down their neck) another great thing that I just absolutely adore is that how it unveils a different side of the guest celebrities that we had no idea they have.

Case in point, I never thought Kuya Kim, Pia Guanio or even an institution like Lea Salonga could put down their celebrity walls for two hours and give life/love/sex advice for the problems of normal everyday citizens.

Yes, some of the topics are about sex and lust and for the conservative/religious type, it can be considered as inappropriate depending on one's personal sex talk tolerance, but I like how our very own Lea Salonga put it: It's not like what they are doing is porn. Let's not be hypocrites here, most if not all the time, the topics being discussed are valid and important issues present in everybody's life.

And with equally amusing on-the-side characters like Intern Miguel, Producer Pat replying "Yes, Mo?" always with the same bored what-the-hell-do-you-want tone and even Bikini Girl who handles international Skype calls in a different bikini every night, I have high hopes for this one-of-a-kind (at least here in the country's shores) online talk program.

Lastly, I applaud this breakthrough in a technology and medium of broadcasting still not that popular here in our nation. Podcasts has been available for years now and yet, I think this is the first time it has exploded to nationwide appeal. I would definitely classify that as great news.

Good times. :)

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Mo Twister's Blog: www.motwister.com
Ustream Account: http://www.ustream.tv/channel/gtwm-podcast