When I found out that this week's prompt is "Fast Cars," I immediately thought of "The Fast and Furious" and "Gone in 60 Seconds," but I still haven't watched any of the movies I just mentioned. "The Fast and the Furious" just showed its fifth installment, and I still haven't seen any of it! Ugh. Anyway, there is this one movie I was able to see that would fit the theme:





Cars (2006). While traveling to California for the dispute of the final race of the Piston Cup against The King and Chick Hicks, the famous Lightning McQueen accidentally damages the road of the small town Radiator Springs and is sentenced to repair it. Lightning McQueen has to work hard and finds friendship and love in the simple locals, changing its values during his stay in the small town and becoming a true winner. (Source - IMDb)

- * - * - * -

It was through brother that I got to watch this movie. It was fun, it was good, and it made me cry, too! As much as Lightning McQueen was adorable, I did find Mater equally adorable, too! Sadly, I seriously have forgotten the story of the movie, so I can't speak more of it... but since brother owns a VCD of the movie (he has a more extensive collection than I do), I guess I will just have to watch it tomorrow.

*** Jenn ***

13 May 2011

My birthday this year started real early this year because my mom had an out of town trip and their call time was 4am. As early as 3am, us siblings helped mom preparing, especially with the foods she was asked to prepare. Before mom left, we ate the cake she brought home the night before. Hmmm... cake at around 3:45am?!? Why not?

When mom left, it was our (sister and I) time to prepare. My sister has been telling me about the Shrine of Lolo Uweng in San Pedro, Laguna. She long planned to visit this church, and since it was a Friday and the church's feast is every Fridays, sister told me she will visit this church, and I tagged myself because I also wanted to see the place, too.

We reached the place around 10am, and we were thankful that they celebrate masses every hour. My main prayer was about healing - I asked God to heal my heart of all the heartaches and all the disappointments and hatred. I know it's going to be a long way, but I will get there.

Right after the mass, we lined outside to be able to touch the image of Lolo Uweng. This was a practice that I got from my sister... I don't normally touch religious statues and images, but since the Catholic Church has long accepted the statues as representations, I just embraced it. We also went to the well, which was believed to be miraculous.


For lunch, we went to Pacita to eat at a restaurant called Fong Ying, something our friends (who live in the area) suggested. Foods were truly affordable that we thought servings were small, so we ordered quite a lot! Obviously, we weren't able to finish it, so we took home much of the pancit and the chicken, which we ate for dinner that night, since it was just us siblings at home.

I am now 31. Although I don't feel old, I really am old now. I really am praying this year would be the year of liberation.

*** Jenn ***

Last part of the questions...

46. Would you ever try to quit one of your addictions, or better said: Bad Habits?

> Not really quit, more of trying to do it in moderation. My current addiction is Coca-Cola, and while I can't really say good bye to it, I should really discipline myself in drinking less.

47. Could you ever kill yourself to save someone else?

> I won't kill myself, but if... let's say (knock on wood), a bad person is about to shoot anyone in my family, I sure will run and shield them, even if it means sacrificing my life.

48. Does it matter if break up with someone or have them dump you?

> Regardless of who or how it ended, break ups are painful, but I'd rather let them end it.

49. Would you rather have a turtle or a frog for a pet?

> I'd rather have a turtle.

50. Would you rather spend a day with Lady Gaga or Miley Cyrus?

> I'd choose Lady Gaga, for I think she more talented. :)

51. Would you rather learn to play piano or guitar?

> Learn to play the piano... because I already know how to play the guitar.

52. We're going back to the day. Where did you get your kicks?

> Eating. hahaha!

53. What Asian country would you like to visit the most? Why?

> India. I absolutely love India (even if I still haven't seen it for real) - the culture, the fashion, the religion, even the noise and the chaos! A former online buddy once told me (he's Indian) that India is probably the only country that has snow, desert, and tropical areas... and I really want to experience that, as well as visiting the Ganges River, the Taj Mahal while wearing my dear outfit: the green sari.

54. Have you ever thought that a passer-by was the one (think James Blunt, here)?

> Oh no.

55. Ever told someone that your fake jewelry was really real?

> Nope. When someone compliments my plastic jewelry, I would tell them it's not real crystals, or it's not real pearls. Sometimes, telling people that I only bought some of my jewelry in the market place at very low prices, it sparks a conversation.

56. Where are the worst public restrooms?

> In my experience, the worst public restrooms were in my elementary school. Hahahahaha!

57. What song was the latest one that got overplayed really fast?

> I think it's "On the Floor" by Jennifer Lopez.

58. What Friends (American TV show from the 90s) character are you most like?

> Joey Tribiani! Nyuk nyuk nyuk....

59. When's the last time you had a Popsicle?

> Hmmm... I forgot, but I think last year, can't remember exactly when, though.

60. What TV show from way back would you love to see reappear?

> McGyver.

*** Jenn ***

12 May 2010

I am more of a television-type couch potato, and although I do get to watch movies from time to time, the most I can do is two movies at a time. Before 2010 ended, I actually hoped to cross out this particular item on my Bucket List, but with each attempt, I always failed.

With the help of my own VCDs / DVDs, as well as the VCDs brother borrowed, I made an attempt again a day before my birthday.

Julie and Julia.

I first learned about this movie through a page on Yummy Magazine. I am not sure if this one was shown here in the Philippines, but when I checked the trailer, I knew I just had to watch it. Owning a copy of this movie was part of my 2010 Christmas Wishlist, and I was so happy that one video store had the VCD copy on sale. I quickly bought and it and first watched it on Christmas Day, but I wasn't able to fully understand it because I was nursing a very terrible headache. Watching it again made me love it more.

It was so amazing that two women from different generations could get to share similar things - like passion for food and yes, names. Prior to watching this movie, I only know Julia Child to quotes I get to read, and watching this movie made me not just love Julia Child as someone who was a big part of the wonderful world of food, I also got to love her as a person, too. As for Julie, I do liked that she kept on pushing with her goal of cooking all of Julia Child's recipes, though I felt sad that she already stopped blogging.

Eat, Pray, Love.

I wasn't able to watch this on the widescreen, and I am so thankful that brother borrowed the VCD copy of this from Video City. I love anything that evokes inspiration, and I admit this was one of the movies I really, really loved to watch. Right after finishing "Julie and Julia," I went to watch this as brother had to return the VCD right away (it was a new copy so it was only for rent overnight).

Anyway, with three parts to the story, my favorite scene would have to be when Richard took Liz to the rooftop and told her his story. It certainly made me cry when Richard told Liz about not leaving the area until she has forgiven herself, and at that point I saw myself in Liz's character - someone with so much emotional baggage. I, too, had done so many mistakes and I still am punishing myself because of those mistakes.

In one or two ways, I guess all of us can relate to Liz Gilbert's story, which is why this movie is now a part of my "VCD / DVD collection wishlist." Oh, next favorite scene in the movie would have to be the thanksgiving breakfast in Italy - she waking up her friends, taking out the turkey from the oven and them sharing turkey for breakfast was very heartwarming. The background song "Heart of Gold" by Neil Young made the scene more memorable.




The Aviator.

I was supposed to follow the movie with "Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs," but brother had to return the VCD as well. With two movies done, I felt today was a day to finish off the 5 movies I hoped to watch, so I went to check out our rack of DVDs, and saw this one. I don't really consider myself a "big" fan of Leo DiCaprio, but he is one of my most admired actors. In college, I got to watch his earliest films, and because of that, there is this fire in me to hope to watch all of his movies. This one was released years ago, but when the family watched it back then, I wasn't able to join them. I have read things about Howard Hughes - how people thought of him as a "crazy" individual - but this movie was something I recommend all to see.

One powerful scene for me was the trial one, how Howard Hughes talks about "I care so much about aviation." Leonardo's acting was so good, and I am going to echo what I read somewhere, "Leonardo DiCaprio became Howard Hughes."

Revolutionary Road.

I do am very much passionate about watching all of Leo DiCaprio's movies, and after watching one, I decided to watch another Leo DiCaprio movie.

Being able to watch "Titanic" and seeing the awesome chemistry between him and Kate Winslet, I was excited in seeing this one. The movie wasn't as exhilarating as "Titanic," and it seemed to be a slow, sort of boring movie, but the charm about this movie I think wasn't from watching it, but from how the story will linger in your mind and made you think about the events that happened in the movie.

Ratatouille.

I first got to watch this through the iPod owned by my sister's boyfriend. Even in that very small screen I got to love the movie. Using a rat was an icky thing, but I guess that's what made this movie good - the irony that rats are detested in any kitchen, but in this movie the rat was the creature that created all the magic.

Watching this movie again made me remember a past memory. I was newbie in photography and someone threw words in the air. Though not directed to anyone, I answered saying, "anyone can cook, says in the movie Ratatouille." The other person answered, "Well, if you must know it was the rat that can cook and until the end of the movie the man (Skinner) never actually learned how to cook." Watching this movie again made me realize he was right.

Still, for an animated movie, this one gave so many good lessons, and one paragraph I will always remember would be: "Great cooking is not for the faint of heart. You must be imaginative, strong hearted. You must try things that may not work, and you must not let anyone define your limits because of where you come from. Your only limit is your soul. It's true what I say, anyone can cook... but only the fearless can be great."

I finished watching this at around 11pm. I did take breaks in between, but I was really happy to be able to watch five awesome movies all in one day. Each movie is inspirational and very memorable. Finishing this one made me wanna do it again, this time with 5 new movies, of course. Any suggestions?

Doing a 5 movie marathon in 24 hours? A check on My Bucket List.

*** Jenn ***

11 May 2011

One of the plans I had last Holy Week was to do a Visita Iglesia. However, certain reasons didn't allow me to do that, but my sister and I already had a list of which churches to visit. On this day, we found the perfect time to go out and visit churches.

The churches we visited (in order):

01) St. Jude Parish - J. P. Laurel St. San Miguel, Manila

I have long heard of this church because friends and acquaintances go to this church to voice out prayers to help them in passing the board exams. I have wanted to visit this church, and so does my sister, so we decided to make this the first church our first destination.


02) San Sebastian Church - Plaza del Carmenquiapo, Manila

My friend Kei was the first one to tell me about this church in 2009. Back then I didn't know this church was open to everyone as I first thought this was just a church for the students of San Sebastian College-Recoletos. Pictures taken by a photo buddy made me want to visit this church, and since this was walking distance (a very long walk, though) from St. Jude Parish, we visited this next.

03) Minor Basilica of the Black Nazarene - Quiapo, Manila

We took another long walk to reach this church. My sister is a devotee of the Black Nazarene, and even if we have visited this church numerous times already, today was a day when she gave me a new Quiapo Church experience - lining up to the back part of the church to touch the image of the Black Nazarene.

After the visit, we went to eat lunch at Mang Inasal, located in front of the church.

04) Minor Basilica of the Immaculate Conception - Intramuros, Manila

Sister and I had to take the jeepney to get here. It was a lucky day for us, because the time we visited, there was no church service, so guests were free to roam around and take pictures.

05) San Agustin Church - Intramuros, Manila

Another walk trip brought us to this church, which is one of the four baroque churches in the Philippines, and is a UNESCO world heritage site. Although the San Agustin Museum opens at 1pm, the church was closed the time we arrived. Asking the guards, they told us they will open the church around 4pm because there will be a wedding, but we didn't have the luxury of time to wait that long (it was only 1:30pm), so we just stood outside for a minute, took pictures, and went on.

06) Minor Basilica of St. Lorenzo Ruiz - Binondo, Manila

Getting to this church, we had a choice to walk a very long walk, but because it was so sunny and hot that day and our feet were already having blisters, we decided to take the taxi going to this church as there was no direct jeepney ride going to this church.

07) St. Pancratius Chapel - Paco, Manila

I listed "Paco Church" as one of the churches I wanted to visit, but since it was my sister who searched maps to guide us, her map took us to the Paco Park, which was actually quite far from the Paco Church that I wanted to visit. It was still a blessing, though, because in the middle of the park was a chapel. It was closed, but still, we consider this a check on our list.

08) Church of Nuestra Senora de Guia - Ermita, Manila

A short jeepney ride took us to the Ermita Church, which was another church that I visited for the first time that day. People were preparing for the upcoming fiesta, and at first we thought the church was closed. Good thing sister checked the side door and seeing that it was open, we went ahead and enter.

09) Our Lady of Remedies Parish - Malate, Manila

The last time I visited this church was in November 2010, when K and I made a quick visit as our hotel was nearby. That day (in November), there was a mass, so I wasn't able to take pictures inside the church. When sister and I visited, there was no church service, so I was able to take pictures then.

10) National Shrine of Our Lady of Perpetual Help - Baclaran, Paranaque

The only church not found in the city of Manila, sister decided to make this our last stop because there was a jeepney from Malate Church that would take us to this church, and that it was a Wednesday, the feast day of Our Lady of Perpetual Help. Like the Malate Church, K and I also visited this church back in November. On my very first visit, the church was full of people, and today, since it was a feast day, there were more people. So many people that most were actually just took their own seats outside the church! Well, my sister and I tried our best to enter the church, and so glad we found a space, even if we were just standing near the door.

We then had our dinner and took the bus straight home.

A typical Visita Iglesia only covers about seven churches (but of course it is not limited to that amount), but my sister and I were able to visit ten. It was really a wonderful day for us, and I totally admired the strength we had for being able to walk long distances. Our muscles were sore, yes... to the point that we were having difficulties getting up after sitting for a few minutes, but we were given ample strength to pull it through.

In all the churches we visited, I said my gratitude for everything. As for my prayer intentions, I basically prayed for two major things: good health and strong family ties.

Visiting seven (make that ten) churches in one day? A check on My Bucket List.

*** Jenn ***

08 May 2011

Since the mall opened up near our place, the family started celebrating life moments by eating out, and that includes Mother's Day. When my father was still alive, us siblings would greet him "Happy Mother's Day" because he retired early and opted to stay at home and do all the house chores, while we would greet mom "Happy Father's Day" because she's the main breadwinner in the house. Now that it's just us four, mom is not just our mom, she's also our father. :)

This year, we went to celebrate it at Pancake House after hearing mass. The family pretty much dined in almost all of the restaurants in the mall (except the Japanese-themed ones), and although we have already tasted Pancake House's foods, we still haven't checked out this branch, so mom decided to go for it.

We had our own choice of foods, and I went for their Mediterranean Pasta Salad because it was one of the cheapest and it had different colors (the menu had pictures) that would be nice to photograph. Aside from our own foods, we had a serving of their pancakes, just to taste it, after all the place is called Pancake House.


Before doing the grocery shopping, we passed by Starbucks first to get some refreshments because it was the last day of their Happy Hour - when customers can avail of their frappuccino at half the price. We are not Starbucks drinkers, which made this day very special because the whole family was able to take part of it.

Growing up, I wasn't close to my mom. Now that she's the only parent I have, I really am so thankful that God has given me the chance and the time to make up for lost time. Now, she is not just my mom (or my dad), she is also one of my closest friends.

*** Jenn ***