BANDAGE

Director: Takeshi Kobayashi
Writer: Shunji Iwai (Screenplay), Chika Kan (Novel)
Producer: Shunji Iwai
Release Date: January 16, 2010
Runtime: 119 Min.
Production Company: NTV, Toho, J Storm

Cast:
Jin Akanishi as Natsu Takasugi
Kii Kitano as Asako Suzuki
Kengo Kora as Yukiya
Ayumi Ito as Nobuko Yukari
Yuki Shibamoto as Arumi Suzuhata
Nobuaki Kaneko as Ryuji
Hideyuki Kasahara as Kenji Yamane
Anne as Miharu

I saw this movie last night after waiting for it to download for more than a week. I didn’t realize that all I needed was to get our Bayantel DSL plugged in my laptop instead of Smart Bro to make it download faster. Damn, I hope I realized it last week!

Anyway, this movie is called Bandage. It is a Japanese film that focuses on the up and coming band called LANDS, their journey through stardom, and the personal conflicts of each of the members towards work and love. Set in the 90’s where rock bands were at its height in, this movie perfectly depicts the internal struggles of a band where they meet the pressure of their recording company to come up with a follow-up song to their first hit, the expectations of the people towards them, and the problems that arises when a primadonna lead vocalist unfortunately falls in love with a fan that affects the whole group dynamic. The title of the movie was from the words ”BAND AGE” – which is the nineties. This era was considered as the decade were rock bands were booming in Japan.

I was really impressed with the story and the songs that the band sang in the movie were exceptional. I also loved the part where the band was having problems with Natsu having a girl beside him during rehearsals. It reminded me of a John Lennon and Yoko Ono versus The Other Beatle Members scenario. Takeshi Kobayashi did a good job on directing camera shots and the actors (Akanishi Jin who played Natsu, the lead vocalist of the band, was very realistic in portraying his role as a wasted happy-go-lucky rockstar). However, the editing wasn’t that polished. The scenes and the songs were cut in an awkward manner. The movie was jumping from one year to another but the characters didn’t seem to age. They didn’t bother to change the hairstyle or the way they dress just to show that they are in a different year.

Overall, it was worth watching. You will love how Akanishi Jin registered on the camera and the talents of the other musicians in the movie. Bandage was the best Japanese movie I’ve seen so far (this was just my third, though). If they will be given a chance to re-edit (technical wise) the whole movie, I will bet it could make it big internationally.

Rating: FOUR STARS! :)

Could have been

March 20. It could have been four years now if they tried harder.

March 20, 2007. The day she finally surrendered to the fight against her heart. She keeps on battling her true feelings for him because she knows it won’t go anywhere. He was a typical jock at school: popular, good looking, and chick magnet. She was a typical introvert. She didn’t know what drew him into her and why he kept on following her around the campus. Yes, she’s a basketball fan but it never occurred to her that one member of the team could like her. After months of courting, exchanging text messages, few library sessions and lunch together, she gave in. She admitted she loved this guy.

She thought that their relationship was born out of boredom and him being fed-up on hot cheerleaders but as each day that they were together, she was slowly seeing through his intentions. He was there whenever and wherever she needs his help. He never hesitated or made excuses even though he was busy with school and training; she always liked to be alone and not used to have company all the time so she always shuts him out especially when he’s trying to get attention from her. Some people won’t put up with that attitude but he stayed patient just to avoid quarrels; she wasn’t comfortable in showing her feelings, saying I love you, or getting physical and her mood swings were worst than the weather but he’s fine with that as long as he knows she stays by his side; he never tried to cheat on her even though there are plenty of girls flirting with him as the only girl that’s beautiful in his eyes and the person he wants to be with was her.

Their relationship grew stronger and they became happier. They both graduate in college with hopes to do what they love. He fulfilled his dream to become a pro basketball player while she was still chasing her fantasy to become a writer. He was doing his best in the career he loves so much while she entered a field that she wasn’t sure fits her – teaching. She had a hard time adjusting because she didn’t have any idea how to teach a kid. She was trained to write a script, come up with an advertising plan, make a film, and produce TV shows. She was losing hope but he stayed and supported her all the way. He tried to help her check papers, do her teaching materials, and even writing her lesson plans. She appreciated everything he does for her and she loves him so much for that. In return, she tries to watch his games and cheer for him though most of the time he was sitting on the bench because he was just new in the team. Win or lose, she makes it a point that he won’t feel bad going home after a game. Then one game night, he asked her to move in with him. She said yes.

Living together was very pleasurable for them at first. It was his dream to wake up beside her and stare at her while she was still in slumber, to cook and eat dinner with her at the same table under the same roof, and make love to her. Every waking day became heavenly and every night was passionate. But their relationship had ups and down too like any other couple and theirs had more. Living together also means more fight. The reason behind a fight was always petty or unknown. She doesn’t like talking so they always end up a fight without even resolving anything. They will just stop fighting just because they are tired, not because they solved what’s wrong. She would stop talking. He will ask if something’s wrong. She will answer she’s fine but he feels something is bothering her so he would be persistent in asking what’s bothering her and usually that would come to blows. This went on for months. They were happy one moment then all of a sudden they were fighting over something nonsense.

The fights became frequent and they were not talking anymore like they used to. They just talk when they need to or if they felt they should break the silence at dinner. They still make love but for her it was just sex. She can’t feel the passion and burning love she used to feel back then. It was like she was just obliged to satisfy him every intercourse because they were living together. She always asks herself why they ended up like that. They were happy and she’s sure that they loved each other but she decided to break up with him to get over the misery. It was painful for her to leave him because she loved him so much. However, that love wasn’t enough to keep them together. He didn’t accept it but he let her go because he thought that could make her happy. He didn’t want her to leave and if he had the power to stop her, he would. He was sorry for everything that he did and didn’t do that made them drift apart.

It’s been three months since they separated. He’s still playing in the pro league, still a bench player though and she’s now working as a writer in a magazine. She fulfilled her dream but something is still missing. She wanted to share her happiness to that one person but that person wasn’t with her anymore. Today, it could have been their fourth anniversary. What had happened on this day in 2007 was still vivid in her memories. If only she could turn back time and have the chance to change everything, she would make things right with him. She will try to be more vocal and completely open her heart to him. She thought they would end up together just like what they planned before but those plans were gone the moment she left. He and what they shared will always stay with her forever. She still loves him and maybe she always will.

Note: The story is fully fictional. Any similarities with the characters, events, and settings in the story are not intended by the author.

Tried to act brave to be actually brave

Went to La Mesa Eco Park with my bud Aimee last Saturday (March 12) to take some pictures and bond some more. We haven't talk a lot and spend that much time since high school even though we live in the same village. Haha! We also have to launch her new camera to the world and practice some shots. She's good! I seriously thought she take better photos than me :)

The park was beautiful and amazing. It made me feel like I am in the American Pie Band Camp movie because the place looks exactly like that! And the cool part of it was it is inside a village. One moment you are in a quite exclusive subdivision and then when you pass by a big gate, you are suddenly gonna be in the woods. Here are some of the photos I took:








I also got to try zip lining and rappelling. God, it was awesome! I was very nervous at first. It was just then that I realized I am afraid of heights. I think the instructors got pissed of by a wuss like me cos it took ages before I took of from the platform. I was so scared that I might fall or accidentally release the rope clumsily (well, you know me. I get clumsy every time). But when I finally took of and let go, it became the best thrilling experience! It was like I let go all the fear and anger inside when I screamed.

Forgive me if I am not doing it properly. First timer, folks! But I promise to get this right when I do it again haha! :)

My knees were still trembling and my body was shaking when I landed but my soul was contented. I felt free and brave for the first time. I was thankful I did it. Gotta cross out zip lining and rappelling in my Things To Do Before I Die list.

*Just while I was writing this that I realized how stupid we were cos we both have cameras but we didn't thought about taking a single picture together. Crap.

PHILIPPINES VS MONGOLIA LEG 2

SECOND TIME. I haven't watch a single game of Azkals since they rose to popularity. The first one is acceptable because our TV wasn't working that time. But yesterday, is a mere bad luck: My broadband load expired so I couldn't watch via live streaming and my sister skipped her gym session (read: we got home late than expected). I am looking forward to this game since I wanted to see how good the team like what I just always hear and read. I am a supporter but I haven't watch a tiny single game? How ironic is that?!

Azkals didn't win the second leg of their match against Mongolia but they still qualify. The ending score was 2 goals to 1 (made by James Younghusband during the first three minutes of the game). Some say they are sluggish because of so many factors like the weather, their experience in Japan, delayed luggages, and too much pressure. Also some people say that one of the reason the team lost was because their key goalie Neil Etheridge didn't suit up. My sister and I talked about it and had the same sentiment that it wasn't really a crucial factor. Eduard Sacapano did his best to protect the goal and it isn't fair to compare him to Etheridge though it cannot be helped especially by the fans. According to Mico Halili's article that I read earlier, these factors aren't valid excuse why they didn't win. I also agree.

Nonetheless, the team qualified to the next stage and will be facing Myanmar on March 21, 2011. Neil Etheridge will also be back to play for the Azkals. Win or lose, they still have the combinesd Indonesian and Filipino girls cheering for them for sure. And oh, the whole Philippines sports community too :)

JAPAN EARTHQUAKE AND TSUNAMI

2pm - It was a normal Friday afternoon at work. I was downloading lots of movies and dramas while I was doing what I was suppose to do. I was so excited to go home that day cos we don't have work the following day. I was thinking about it the whole week so I was literally counting every minute till 6pm. I am thrilled and happy that hour but not until I saw the tweets of people especially GMA NEWS' regarding the earthquake and tsunami that hit Japan. I panicked when they announced that because of what happened, a tsunami can also hit the east part of the Philippines between 5-7pm. I got scared because it isn't impossible. I told my office mates about the tragedy but they were just laughing at me though the news wasn't really a laughing matter. 8.9 magnitude earthquake and a tsunami weren't that funny to me. I suddenly got worried for the 19 provinces here in the Philippines and the other countries that could possibly be destroyed by giant waves coming from the Pacific ocean, and for the Japanese people who were traumatized and damaged by the inevitable powers of nature.

These are some of the pictures I saw over the Internet that showed the aftermath of the earthquake and the tsunami. Very heartbreaking.










I experienced first hand how traumatic it is to be flooded when the storm Ondoy hit Metro Manila on 2009. We weren't severely damaged as compared to other citizens that completely lost their homes, everything they owned, and worst - their families. But Ondoy taught me how to be aware of the little things that could prevent another tragedy like throwing garbage properly and conserving water and electricity. But this tragic event that happened to Japan taught me another thing - we are no match with the environment. We are totally KO. So what do we do? We should act responsibly and take it seriously. Maybe our country will be next (knock on wood) so we should be ready and start acting humans. As in concerned humans. I still want my future kids to see how great this world is though I am not sure if I still want kids in the first place after everything that happened. We only have one planet so we might as well love it.

I believe Japan could bounce back after this knowing their capabilities and talent. Let's all pray for Japan and hope nothing like this will happen again.

Photos courtesy of : http://www.facebook.com/album.php?fbid=171594959557868&id=100001220943544&aid=60613

2010

It's kind of late to answer these but what the heck. I want to answer!

From Cha's Blog

1. What did you do in 2010 that you’d never done before?

Buy expensive things that I cannot afford.

2. Did you keep your new year’s resolutions, and will you make more for next year?

No. I think resolutions are made to be broken by the half of the year :)

3. Did anyone close to you give birth?

No, but alot of people I know gave birth last year like my blockmate Rose :) and some other people...

4. Did anyone close to you die?

No, thank God.

5. What countries did you visit?

Nope.

6. What would you like to have in 2010 that you lacked in 2009?

Money hahah

7. What date from 2010 will remain etched upon your memory and why?

I do not remember the exact date but it was December. It was the first time I finally let of go of something I should have let go for a long time.

8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?

I became a teacher last year so my biggest achievement as when Jirald, learned how to read from me.

9. What was your biggest failure?

I think it was disappointing my parents because I chose to teach.

10. Did you suffer illness or injury?

Nothing serious. Just a strained back.

11. What was the best thing you bought?

My laptop

12. Whose behavior merited celebration?

My family likes to celebrate every little thing but the best was Dad's post birthday dinner. A lot had happened on his birthday but we managed to still have fun weeks after.

13. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?
Myself

14. Where did most of your money go?

Credit card bills.

15. What did you really, really, really get excited about?

Traveling and dinner with friends.

16. What song will always remind you of 2010?
Four Seaason of Loneliness
This Boy

17. Compared to this time last year are you:

Happier? Yes, I guess

Thinner? Definitely no!

Richer? Still broke

18. What do you wish you’d done more of?

Exercising and socializing.

19. What do you wish you’d done less of?

Sleeping and hanging out in my bed :)

20. How did you spend Christmas?

Attended mass, took pictures, and ate with the family. We actually slept early that night.

21. How will you be spending new years?

No firecrackers, just effin great music :)

22. Did you fall in love in 2010?

No. I fell out of love.

23. How many one-night stands?

None. I wish I had haha

24. What was your favorite TV program?

I watched a lot of Korean dramas at the latter part of the year. Vampire Diaries, Lost, OTH, How I Met Your Mother..

25. Do you hate anyone now that you didn't hate this time last year?

No.

26. What was the best book you read?
Catcher in The Rye by J.D. Salinger
The Reader by Bernhard Schlink
What My Girlfriend Doesn't Know by Sonia Sones.

27. What was your biggest musical discovery?

Linkin Park and Cold Play. Haha I don't listen to them before but I do now.

28. What did you want and you got?

My laptop. That's all hahah

29. What did you want and not get?

Driver's License and a car

30. What was your favorite film of this year?

Boy A and The Social Network.

31. What did you do on your birthday, and how old did you turn?

I turned 21 last year. I just bought cake and Ice cream. Nothing big.

32. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?

I guess knowing that I had a wonderful friends and family.

33. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2010?

Still the same. Sneakers, jeans, and shirt,

34. What kept you sane?

Family and friends

35. Which celebrity did you fancy the most?

Andrew Garfield.

36. What political issue stirred you the most?

Everyone is talking about RH Bill last year.

37. Who did you miss?

College and my hang-up love for that person.

38. Who was the best new person you met?

My former Co-teachers and Boss.

39. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2010:

Sometimes all you need to do is give something up to make room for something better.

40. Quote or Song Lyric that sums up your year:

"I'm still here,
But it hasn't been easy,
I'm sure that you had your reasons,
I'm scared for this emotion,
For years I've been holding it down,
And I,
Love to forgive and forget,
So I,
Try to put all this behind us,
Just,
Know that my arms are wide open,
The older I get, the more that I know.
Well it's time to let this go."