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if i were a preferriti
May 28, 2008in times like this, i wished i were a press powerhouse - a preferred guest to the most exclusive shindig; so exclusive nobody knows it exists.
as i think of what will i write next, i couldn’t help but wonder: if ever i had, what could (and would) i do with my power?
i could use my power to attend to the most guarded gatherings, to effortlessly cross the lines bordered by the (proverbial) red velvet rope, and to be invited by the glitterati. i could probably wield my power to tag along friends to do the same.
but then again, i’m just an obscure scribe trying to meet the requirements to exist.
my desire to become a preferred guest intensified when radio jocks started announcing the premiere of sex and the city the movie. i will not dare to enumerate here why SATC is such a valuable parcel in my life. let me simply say, had it not been to carrie, i wouldn’t be a struggling writer (who lives, literally, in his shoes; and who is not a candidate to make a loan) that i am today.
michael patrick king’s (director and writer of both the series and the movie) style of writing has awakened the most creative (writing) cell in me. sarah jessica parker’s sense of style, (who plays carrie bradshaw and one of its executive producers), on the other hand, has polished the trendiest bone in me.
SATC is more than just a TV series. it’s a way of life. it introduced me to the ridiculously gorgeous men–manolo, jimmy, and louis–who would later affect the way i view life. it stretched my imagination and creativity to unbelievable girth. if SATC were a religion, i (together with atoy) might already be a prominent figure in the hierarchy.
as the advance screening loomed over me, i knew that my chances of watching it ahead of the pack started to slim down. i had exhausted all the possible ways in to no avail. until i realized that i have with me one of the most effective sources of power–the law of attraction.
it all started in my mind. then, my pc’s wallpaper followed. then, the screensaver; then, the soundtrack. i lived and breathed SATC until, finally, the much-awaited call arrived.
Caller: You busy? Do you want to write a press article for Greenbelt Cinemas?
Ediqve: What topic?
Caller: Greenbelt Cinemas will throw a party for Sex and the City.
the world around me stopped.
Ediqve: Are you kidding?
Caller: No, i’m not. How many tickets you need.
Ediqve: 20.
thinking i have lots of friends (tiffanies, digicon family, gmg, etc.) who would love to watch it also.
Caller: Can’t be. I can accommodate only 5 in exchange for the article.
Ediqve: Deal.
Caller. Write it now. Need it before the day ends.
Ediqve: When will the party be?
Caller: Wednesday, next week.
Ediqve: Are you kidding? I can’t attend the party. I have a church meeting. Can you move it?
Caller: Can’t. Still want to write it?
i couldn’t sacrifice my church meeting. after all, He’s the one why i have this opportunity. i thought, “if i couldn’t watch it, at least some of the tiffanies could.”
Ediqve: I still wanted to write it. But give me at least 7 tix.
Caller: I’ll confirm later. But the 5 tickets are good to go. Deal?
Ediqve: Deal.
Caller: Okay, bye.
let there be an article. and there was an article. below is the fourth draft (the second version, actually).
***
Poised to scale for greater heights, Ayala Malls Cinemas has been a consistent frontrunner in redefining local cinema exhibition industry. Ayala Malls Cinemas has successfully introduced moviegoers to industry innovations that sparked a new era on how local theatres of the 21st century should be designed. From world class auditoriums to state-of-the-art sound and projection equipment; from its formidable cinema workforce to its ever-reliable online ticketing service (www.sureseats.com), Ayala Malls Cinemas has deservingly earned the approval of both the critics and its loyal patrons. Sealing its industry status as a major force to reckon with, in May 2002, Ayala Malls Cinemas unveiled the brightest jewel in its cinema diadem—Greenbelt 3 Cinemas—reinforcing Ayala Malls Cinemas’ position as a market leader in the country.
Providing a majestic view of Greenbelt landscape, the almost 4,000-square meter Greenbelt 3 Cinemas with five (5) state-of-the-art auditoriums sits grandiosely on the 4th level of the country’s Premier Lifestyle Centre—Greenbelt. With a combined seating capacity of over a thousand ergonomically-designed Ferco Seats and Comfy Seats, the fabric-walled Greenbelt 3 Cinemas boasts of two (2) THX-certified auditoriums where sound is powered by Dolby Digital EX and Sony Dynamic Digital Sound systems that pass through QSC amplifiers and JBL speakers. Its clear and crisp projection is delivered through German-made Kinoton projectors on wide Harkness Perlux II screens. Its remaining three (3) cinemas are at par with the industry’s standards as these are equipped with Dolby Digital EX sound system through Martin Audio amplifiers and speakers, projected on Galalite Matte White screens. Living up to its title as an innovator, Greenbelt Cinemas features Philippines’ first-ever and only genuine private cinema—My Cinema—a 50-seater auditorium that houses Digital Light Projector (DLP), a first in the country. Adorned with sparkling chandeliers that reflect on the blue and white Italian marble tiles on its floors, Greenbelt Cinemas shines in its full regalia welcoming its loyal clientele in pursuit of the best things this life has to offer.
Greenbelt Cinemas’ posh status makes it the perfect destination for showcasing both local and international films that have been hailed brilliant and ground-breaking. That’s why on May 28, 2008 at 7 in the evening, get “Carried” away as Greenbelt 3 Cinemas rolls out the red carpet as it hosts the much anticipated Ayala Malls Cinemas Partners’ Night. This is in celebration of one of the year’s most talked about movies, Sex and the City—an adaptation of HBO’s ® hugely popular TV series of the same title. Maintaining its spot as a preferred destination for an ultimate cinematic experience, Greenbelt 3 pays tribute to four of the world’s most adored and trendiest boob tube characters as they make their marks on the silver screen—the witty writer Carrie, the eternal optimist Charlotte, the straightforward Manhattan lawyer Miranda, and New York’s PR femme fatale Samantha along with the inseparable men in their lives: Manolo, Jimmy, and Louis—in a vibrant night of sights, sounds, and surprises! The Fun Dining Area at the 3rd floor of Greenbelt 3 will serve as the backdrop as wit and glitz collide. National Sports Grill and Capricciosa will offer gastronomic delights to Manila’s glitterati. Staying true to the film’s outlandish fashion that catapulted the series to becoming a style icon it is today, Greenbelt 3 Cinemas will orchestrate a fashion show and will offer free makeovers both embracing the trends that emanate from the movie. And to punctuate the evening of fashion and glamour, at 9PM, Greenbelt 3 opens its theatre doors at Cinema 3 exclusively for the invited guests to watch as the fab four juggle (single) life (or otherwise), (elusive) love, and (expensive) labels.
Nothing beats watching your fashion-forward New Yorkers in Manila’s most posh cinema—Greenbelt 3 Cinemas, a testament to Ayala Malls Cinemas’ commitment to excellence.
This event is made possible by Ayala Cinemas in cooperation with Coca Cola Light, Paul and Joe, National Sports Grill, Capricciosa, Canon, and Banana Republic for Women.
***
well, we are all in pursuit of many “L’s” in our lives: labels, love, (night)life, and limited tickets to the most anticipated movies or parties. i may not have all of the above, but at least i was able to let some of my friends attend a party that will forever be etched in their memories.
Caller: 7 tix confirmed.
*sparkles!
thy will be done
May 15, 2008april 14 marks the defining moment in my life, at least in the spiritual arena.
friday last week, i thought my life’s going to crash after the quite-expected sickness that sent all my weekend plans to rubbish bin. (and i hate it when my schedule is torn into pieces).
i thought wrong.
it was a different kind of flu (not the one from birds). it was accompanied by unbearable pain throughout my left eye socket. i couldn’t stand up.
fortunately, i was at my parent’s place.
unfortunately, i was at my parent’s place.
the long forgotten (though sorely missed) caring hands of my yanan brushed my forehead once again (when was the last time i felt that feeling of being protected? aaaahhh…it was like paradise…).
why was i in GraPa1403, to begin with? i was supposed to help my yanan to clean up the house in time for their impending departure–total desertion of the place, that is.
but, boom! i was confined in my nearly-shabby bed (but still loooovin’ it); not knowing i was in for the whole weekend.
the following day, i woke up in the sound of my mom’s voice. was she delivering a monologue? i listened as she enumerated the whole litany of her complaints against me. in good health, she couldn’t pin me down. i was everywhere. but if in bad shape, i would always end up in foetal curl–listless, useless–in her arms.
unfair, she exclaimed.
i couldn’t blame her. the truth shone brighter than the morning sun. but i really wanted to help out. that was the reason i went back home. unfortunately, my health failed me–failed us, rather.
mother’s day came. i planned to take her and lola out. but my left eye socket showed no sign of compassion. the area throbbed exponentially by the minute. then, divine intervention arrived (ala deus ex machina). by noon, the pain started to become bearable. gathering my strength, i asked them, "kain tayo sa labas?" my yanan quipped, "di ka pa nga naliligo, eh."
who cares? nobody would know (not until now).
tons of water and cologne later…i finally convinced them. i told them i also had to go to cainta for our induction as new members of the lectors and commentators ministry. i was still sick. probably, i was just propelled by my adrenalin peppered with guilt (for being useless) and my commitment to the ministry (naks!).
i couldn’t think straight. but my brother kept on asking me where we were heading to. i said to tiendesitas. i had to be at the church by 5:30pm din. off we went to tiendesitas.
we ate at mario’s kitchen. i realized i haven’t been to that place. nice…nice…nice…quiet…not a lot of families inside…great!
then we went directly to cainta. i needed to pick-up my uniform. on the way, rainshower started to fall. and by the time we reached cainta, the rain was in full blast. my nose started to clog and my left eye socket (again) started to sting under the rain (pun intended).
i thought i couldn’t make it.
lo and behold, the Lord’s will prevailed.
when i went back home, after the induction, i caught everyone running like chickens out of the fence. the body temperature of my youngest nephew, who just got out of the hospital, soared to unprecedented high (like dowjones/nikkei). he was rushed to the hospital. and, on the next day, he was admitted, again.
(sickness update: my recovery early this week wasn’t consistent. i just had to force my weak self because there were a lot of pending works–due before this week ends)
we all thought that i would carry the sickness intended for him. but life works in mysterious ways–often, far from our comprehension.
then, the silverlining started to materialize on the horizon.
tuesday morning, the kids were invited to their lola’s (mom side) house to stay until the end of the week. good news for me. my mom and lola had to go back to caloocan to finish the clearing. my sis-in-law and a helper will stay at the hospital. that means, i’ll be alone in the house (to work peacefully).
tuesday evening, while i was alone in robinsons galleria buying groceries, i received a message from sis. lanie. she needed my help as a member of LCM. i’d be the reader for the 6am mass.
i woke up early–4am. had a looooong bath (went out of the bathroom at 530am). then, i went to the church. it was like a scene in tanging yaman–early morning in the church, birds chirped in the background, and sun’s rays seeped through the unfinished upper walls…
the parish priest congratulated me (though with some comments…)
i went back home, feeling so independent, and finished all my tasks–word power session, exercise, cooked meals (via microwave), reviewed scripts, replied to emails, announced meeting for h.e.r.e., finished my church reports (maccabees and a bible verse), and watched american idol.
then at 7pm, i had my fastfood fix delivered. at 8pm it arrived. i had to satisfy myself with two lozenges. then off i went to our regular church meeting.
i led the prayer. (sis. christy commented that it was a wonderful one)
i reported my chosen bible passage (presented through a self-made bookmark; mine was circle). they applauded! ahahhaha!
i was asked to read a sample of the second reading…
i reported my research on the first book of maccabees (they were impressed of how prepared i was; with all of the props)…
why so happy? because i think they think that i was not committed to the ministry and that i was just playing around. i hope with my "performance," i proved them wrong.
but more challenges are yet to come.
so, there…how many times i’ve heard, "fear not…" ? still, i let it hound me. how many times had i surpassed so many great trials? still, i doubt.
may this be a reminder that in every ounce of fear, there’s a pound of strength (He provides).
i end by quoting the passage right in the middle of the bible, Ps. 118:8, "It’s better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in men."
*sparkles!
"take her to the sea, (mr. murdoch)"
May 8, 2008(updated)
on april 1st, i officially took over as helping every child for the right to education’s (h.e.r.e.) project director. whatever they say, i would like to believe it was an auspicious day. although there was no formal turnover of duties and responsibilities, the leadership belt is now with me.
now, more than ever, i am starting to grasp the enormity of the tasks as the ship’s captain.
i am blinded and paralyzed by fear of what’s gonna happen in the vast ocean. i have a big shoe to fill. my predecessors did great jobs. they were able to call on the orders allowing us to weather some of the most ferocious storms. (my hat’s off to them.) their unwavering leadership and the magnanimity of those people who were in the ship helped the organization to sail through. after my predecessor has proclaimed, “take her to the sea,” i was left wondering, “where do i want it to go?” the options buoy in front me. i could drop the anchor and let h.e.r.e. rest for a while after three years of successful voyage. after all, the usual faces aren’t present anymore. Or i could grab the steering wheel and let it sail to places it has never seen before.
now, more than ever, i am starting to realize that the century-old adage, “a good leader is a great follower,” is true that i can taste every word of it.
i have had the privilege to work with some of my generation’s prolific leaders, whose wit and wisdom pierced the human heart. at times, i’d been critical of how these people led their (respective) teams. but now that i am leading my own team, how will i fair? will i be at par with them?
this is an acid test of the lessons i’ve learned in the past. am i really a leader? or i’m better off as a follower? will i be able to make things happen? or will i make things worse?
fear envelops me every time i think of the gargantuan tasks ahead of me. but every time i think of those who will benefit from what we are (and will be) doing, the cloud of fear disappears. the “thank you messages” we are receiving from our scholars are like chants of the lost tribes, which have the power to ward off the evil spirits.
certainly, i have too many questions and huge amount of doubts. but the time continues to tick. i can’t afford to (continuously) ask because a minute is crucial–and every moment lost is every opportunity resigned to oblivion.
days before the new school year formally begins, we are still in dire need of additional donors who are willing to send kids by giving P100/month (in 10 months). i don’t know who are the willing souls. but i know, they are just around the corner waiting to be discovered.
why am i so scared? i don’t know the answer, really. why don’t i just face the challenge and believe that everything will be fine.
…so let it be written, so let it be done.
*sparkles
lady o project - apr28
May 7, 2008
oprah and i were scheduled to fly to hiltons’ (of qc) for the dreaded robinsons supply chain video editing.
before oprah and i left the house, we played with the kids. then, off we went to the hiltons. we stopped by the gateway mall at araneta center in cubao to "window" shop. while salivating at the high-tagged items, i really wished the queen of talk was there. she could have granted my heart’s desires.
we then went to the hiltons’ house at kapiligan to start the editing project.
(from left: playing with kids, at people are people in gateway, at hilton’s bedroom)
*sparkles
lady o project - apr27
fresh from manaoag, lady o was unstoppable.
she played with two of my nephews before going to bed.
(lady o plays with the kids)
*sparkles!
from manila to manoag (and project O 365 updates - days 3&4)
May 1, 2008aaargh…too many distractions…let the photos speak for the trip.
see you!
(from left: DGs invade manaoag, enjoying manaoag with lady o, back to MNL, inside the church w/lady o, brainstorming at dusit thani)
*sparkles!
