if i were a preferriti

May 28, 2008

in 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 21^st 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 4^th 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 3^rd 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!