The Metro Manila Film Festival 2011

            It’s December again and the Metro Manila Film Festival is once more upon us. But what should we expect from the 37^th MMFF? For that, dear readers, we here at Copy Paste spent every last drop of our sweat during these past days to get any scrap of data at all and try to analyze them into useful information so that you’ll know (or at least have an inkling of) what to know.

            Without further ado, here are the entries in the much-awaited and much-lauded Metro Manila Film Festival:

·         Enteng ng Ina Mo

·         My Househusband

·         Panday 2

·         Segunda Mano

·         Shake, Rattle & Roll 13

·         Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow

·         Kingpin: The Asiong Salonga Story

Enteng ng Ina Mo

            A comedy hit for the family, Vic Sotto of Enteng Kabisote and Aiai de las Alas of Tanging Ina Nyo joined forces to deliver a movie sure to hit hard on the Filipinos’ funny bone.

My Househusband

          Reminiscent of the good ol’ days, the love team of Judy Ann Santos and Ryan Agoncillo is back once again in the silver screen not as a cute teenage couple but as husband and wife. The story revolves around Ryan’s resigning from work, his turning into a housewife counterpart, Juday’s taking charge of the family, and ultimately, the alleged affair of Ryan with Ms. Eugene Domingo.

Panday 2

          Taking off from the previous blockbuster hit that was Panday, Clavio is back in Panday 2 boasting more epic powers, powerhouse cast, and a myriad of sinister characters backed by eye-popping Hollywood-grade special effects. It may be safe to say that this film shall be a wonderful experience for the children and those children at heart alike.

 Segunda Mano

          The reason why this type of horror movie is shown during Christmas and not Halloween is way beyond me but there you go. Kris Aquino, together with leading man Dingdong Dantes shall be paired together in this screaming wonder in the big screen. What awaits for moviegoers shall be a complete mystery and suspense. Highly recommended for those who would like to experience a terrifying Christmas.

Shake, Rattle & Roll 13

          Another horror movie (and sometimes with comedic takes) that has turned into an MMFF classic, Shake, Rattle & Roll is a series of three stories put together in one movie that is guaranteed to shake the very core of moviegoers. Another movie highly recommended for those who want a dose of Halloween in the midst of December.

Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow

          For those with more melodramatic taste or those who just want to experience the pangs of genuine drama, this movie is a total must-see. Maricel Soriano, together with a powerhouse cast and a riveting storyline, this movie shall be a tear-jerker that is guaranteed to move even the stoniest of hearts.

Kingpin: The Asiong Salonga Story

            Another one reminiscent of the good ol’ days, the bad boy gang leader of Tondo is back but to the beginning as this is the prequel to Former President Estrada’s notorious Asiong Salonga.

            There you go people. See you in the theaters, have fun and most of all, a Merry Christmas to us all!

Christmas, As Was Said Before...

Christmas (well, we never tire to say it now, do we?) :D is fast approaching. And hark, everything is in the air: love, happiness, joy, the smell of food being cooked, the sweet scent of treats lingering in the wind and, of course, the ever foul-stench of pollution which may just turn out to be your Halitosis reminding you to constantly brush your teeth.

            In addition to these pleasing sensations, music is also around us, and I am not talking about those cheesy Christmas carols your neighbors are playing all day just for the sake of it nor am I talking about the tone-deaf children who sing carols endlessly, monotonously and annoyingly. What I am talking about is something every one of us hears only during Christmas—that subtle something that can make even the most miserable miser smile....

            Come now you know it, don’t you? No? then I’ll tell you. And it’s quite obvious really.

            It’s the jingling. Now, now, don’t scoff. Haven’t you ever wondered why Jingle Bells was such a big hit despite it being utterly nonsense? Well, it’s the jingling part, you see. When the songwriter said “jingle bells, jingle bells...”I don’t think he really meant bells you see because the song Jingle Bells was written to impart on us a rather nasty subliminal message. Now, what could that message be? What could be jingling that could make us happy?

            Well to answer one thing, it’s not PNOY’s campaign jingle. Nor is it Villar’s, and if you still haven’t figured out my seemingly cryptic talk, it’s the sound of money (coins to be definite) joyfully clinking, clanking, and jingling inside people’s pocket—change coming from bigger denominations after a well-deserved bonus. Sweet, subtle sound that is nevertheless omnipresent... trust me.

            Christmas as was said before is the time of giving but before we cry our hearts out, we must also put in mind that Christmas is also the time for profiteering (donations, anyone? Puto-Bumbong? Or how about a shocking rendition of “We Wish You a Merry Christmas” while we do a 360-degree somersault?).

            But seriously, people, what is Christmas to you? For some it may be the time for that fat terrorist clad in red (what was his name again? Umm... Santa?) to raid our houses through chimneys (if there are houses in the Philippines with chimneys) so that he could put candy or coal in our Christmas socks so that in turn we find them ultimately dirty (naughty naughty Santa—to think that he keeps a list of naughty children, tut tut). For some it may be the time for buy and sell so that they can have rich foods to serve in Christmas Eve. And, for some, it may be the time to pester their godfathers and godmothers until they run dry from giving out presents.

           How about you? What does Christmas mean to you? For us here at CopyPaste, it’s the thought that counts, really. However you may celebrate it, so long as you never forget its true meaning, it’s fine. Oh, and don’t forget to keep sending help to victims of Typhoon Sendong. Who knows, maybe that fat terrorist clad in red might just be you, right?

being responsible, huh?

Christmas in the Wake of Sendong

This Christmas, not only lights or the stars in the night sky have shown their shining glory, for, in the wake of the Typhoon Sendong in the Philippines, the Filipinos have once again demonstrated their resilience and the strong sense of bayanihan as our kababayan from even across the globe have most willingly extended their help in more ways than one—in ways possibly conceivable.

            The fury of Sendong has been a serious blow to some parts of the country. But however much grave the blow seemed to be, Filipinos have proven themselves far more than what meets the eye: Sendong might have been a powerful force but the force awakened inside Filipinos was more powerful.

            Despairing things have happened in the provinces of the Philippines—something close to an awakened nightmare painfully reminiscent of Ondoy back in 2009: houses flooded in, cars drifted by overwhelming flood water or, in short, a scenario worthy of an apocalyptic movie.

            Casualties were up to almost 1000 and the fact that Christmas is fast approaching only worsen the gloom enveloping the affected areas. In addition to this, more so were missing; and most of all, together with the raging waters came bitter memories of the past swept by the might of the typhoon—all erasing the once prosperous lives led by the people in their homes.

            But, in all these, good hearts prevailed.

            Upon hearing news of the calamity, volunteers rushed off to help, people from around the country and across the globe offered relief goods to those afflicted. All these, together with the powerful hope instilled in the hearts of the Filipinos help renewed faith that this shall all pass and everything would be as it once were; their lives, their homes filled with happiness and the streets filled with the laughter of children playing—and that the sacrifices made by volunteers and people afflicted alike shall not go to waste.

            Now, in light with this, we would like to implore all those who chance to read this to extend your hands in help and find in your heart the true meaning of Christmas and happiness by simply giving whatever you can to help alleviate the poor people’s situation: be it in cash or in any kind at all. You may coordinate with the agencies helping the afflicted and also, the links below are the media websites which may help you help them.

         

"OPERATION SENDONG" Sagip Kapamilya 

http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/image/public-service/12/18/11/sagip-kapamilya-operation-sendong

GMA Kapuso Foundation

http://www.kapusofoundation.com/donate

Alagang Kapatid Foundation Inc.

http://www.interaksyon.com/article/19865/tv5-kapatid-foundation-accepting-donations-for-storm-sendong-victims

   May you become a great blessing for the victims. A merry Christmas to us all, and to God be the glory!

###

Tulong dahil kay Sendong.

Hindi lamang mga makukulay na regalo, kumukutikutitap na mga ilaw at naggagandahang dekorasyon ang tumitingkad ngayong kapaskuhan.

Sa pagdating ng bagyong Sendong, ang pag-asa at pagtutulungan ng mga Pilipino, maging sa ibang panig ng mundo, ang nakitang tunay na kahalagan ng pasko rito sa Pilipinas. Kung tutuusin, kalunus-lunos ang sinapit ng ating kababayan sa parteng Visayas at Mindanao na hindi makakalasap pa ng isang tradisyonal na selebrasyon ng pasko.

Marami sa kanila ang nawalan ng tahanan at kinabuhayan dahil sa pag-apaw ng ilang ilog na
nagdulot ng lampas bahay na baha at nagpapalipas na lamang ng mga araw sa masisikip na evacuation center na inilaan ng ilang organisasyon at ng local na gobyerno. Maging ang biktimang mga bata na hanggng ngayon ay dala dala parin ang takot na inihatid ng sakuna na sa kahit simpleng ulan lamang ay umiiyak na. Marami rin sa kanila ang nawala ng mga mahal sa buhay at maging ng buong pamilya.

Umabot na sa humigit kumulang isang libo ang mga namatay sa iba't ibang probinsya at hanggang ngayon ay may halos daan parin ang hindi pa nakikita, mga bata at matatanda na kapwa mahihina upang makaligtas sa ganitong pangyayari. Higit sa lahat,tila kasabay ng pag-agos ng walang kamatayang tubig ang pagkaanod ng mga alaala at kasiyahang hindi na mababalikan pa,pinalitan na ng pagdadalamhati at pagkabigong walang pinipili, kahit mayaman man o mahirap.

Ngunit masasabing dahil dito,makikita ang mga tunay na puso ng bawat isa.

Ang pagbibigay ng pag-asa sa tulong ng mga volunteers, mga donasyong relief goods at mga pinansyal n tulong ay isa nang lubos na pinagpapasalamat ng mga nasalanta. Ang pagbabagong hatid sa kanila ay tila sapat na upang humawak pa sa katiting na pananalig na sa hindi katagalan ay matatapos rin ang lahat at maibabalik rin s kanila ang sigla ng kanilang mga tahanan. Ang mga taos sa pusong pagtulong ng mga volunteers,mga militar,mga kinauukulan at media sa pag-agapay sa mga nasalanta, na dapat sana'y kapiling ng kani-kanilang pamilya,ay isang malaking sakripisyong maaarng maibigay ng sinuman at talaga namang hindi matatawaran.

Ngunit kulang parin. Mas marami ang nangangailngan sa knila. Sa inyong mga mapagkawang-gawa na mga puso,dumudulog kami na sana'y maihatid ninyo sa kanila ang bagong pag-asa ng kinabukasang napagkait dahil s pangyayaring ito.

Maari kayong makipag-ugnayan sa ilang mga ahensyang tumutulong sa mga nasalanta. Nasa ibaba ang ilang mga media wbsite na maaaring maghatid ng inyong tulong.

 "OPERATION SENDONG" Sagip Kapamilya 

http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/image/public-service/12/18/11/sagip-kapamilya-operation-sendong

GMA Kapuso Foundation

http://www.kapusofoundation.com/donate

Alagang Kapatid Foundation Inc.

http://www.interaksyon.com/article/19865/tv5-kapatid-foundation-accepting-donations-for-storm-sendong-victims

Sa inyong mga puso, nagpapasalamat po kami. Maligayang Pasko sa inyo. Sa Diyos ang papuri!

Christmas, the Season of Buy and Sell

Christmas--as the old, tired, wrinkled, used and abused saying goes--is just around the corner. And what better way to celebrate it than by raking in the cash, right?

But sarcasm aside, Christmas, just as the Big Boss up above has given us His Son, is the time for giving: No matter how painful or reluctant we feel towards such gestures. And to better aid our gestures of giving (that is, making it a lot less time-consuming and pocket-friendly) a lot of small time bazaars or tiangge, as we would endearingly call them, have opened up.

And no, they can be found anywhere! Well, anywhere that has human habitation that is. Having said that and what with Christmas getting nearer, people are now practically raiding these stores in hopes of buying cheap, useful and aesthetically satisfying stuff.

The Quezon City Circle Bazaar--
an excellent haunt this season.

For the sake of example (and mind you, it's a perfect one), I have gone to the drastic lengths of getting out of my humble abode for once and scour Metro Manila for bazaars.

One to be noted is the hailed Quezon City Memorial Circle. Not only does it serve as a historical landmark and a tourist attraction, now it also serves as a shopping landmark and bargain hunters' attraction.

The shops in the Circle are open during weekends from 5 to 10pm. But since it's the holiday seasons these shops would remain open until the wee hours.

Half-priced clothes.

Now, I've mentioned that the QC Circle is now officially a shopping landmark and bargain hunters' attraction, right? That, in the bluntest of sense, is strictly true. What we would normally see as priced sky-high, we could see here priced almost as half, or even less... truly a find!

Never go barefoot again.

Looking through price tags, the lowest prices for blazers and tank tops are only P50--something we not normally see in malls. A pair of shoes would only cost P150--again, something normally seen in malls. For girls, they also sell three pairs of earrings for the bargain price of P10, and exquisite-looking bags that sell only for P50 which, need I say it? Something we not normally see in malls.

The UP bazaar-- a one stop shop not
only for students but bloggers alike.

Getting away from the Circle now, I chanced upon the bazaar in the University of the Philippines. Inside the Diliman campus, the students did not let the chance to earn money get away as they, too, have put up shops selling goods ranging from... um, well, you name it, they have it: from house decorations to beauty regimens to secondhand books--practically and virtually anything!

These booths can be found in front of the International Center building in Pook Dagohoy. But, if you're still not sure where to go, just ask the guards. They'll you, rest assured.

10 pesos for everything is not a myth.

Bags, anyone?

Among these booths, however, the most visited (and most lauded in that sense) are booths boasting goods all for P10: They have keychains, small toys, clips and pins--knick knacks that are both fascinating and fun to have. 

If you are into novels or just don’t have anything to do with your money, there are booths selling secondhand books that will surely be worth your while.

Also, and as if this were not enough, there were also ukay-ukays, or shops selling used signature clothes.

There you have it folks. It might be natural for us to spend for gifts during Christmas, but however true this may be, we must remain always a wise spender. In short, skip the mall, go to bazaars.

Just kidding.

Anyway, have a happy Christmas and a merry New Year to all. Peace out.

The Blurb... (Or should we say hype? Whatever.)

              Well, before we begin some nasty introduction to a far worse blog, we would first like to warn everyone with a little something new we would like to call “disclaimer”. 

DISCLAIMER: We, the operators of Copy Paste, WILL NOT claim responsibility for the following possibilities as you go scavenging throughout our blog in the following days:

1.        We will not claim responsibility for the emotional extremities leading to some psychological ailments as may be experienced by A LOT of our readers as that would not be our fault but of the readers. They have been warned.

2.       We will not claim responsibility for the enlightenment of A LOT of our readers’ minds leading to world-changing actions as they read through our blog as that would not be our fault but of the readers. They have been warned.

3.       We will not claim responsibility for the countless hours A LOT of our readers will be spending inside the blog forums nor do we claim responsibility for any symptom of “blog-reading-addiction”. That would not be our fault but of the readers. They. Have. Been. Warned.        

4.      We do, however, claim HUGE RESPONSIBILITY if the contents of the blog would fail to meet the expectations of A FEW of our readers as they may sue us for being incapable of assuaging their expectations. That is, if they knew how and who to sue. :P

     Alright, now that we’re done with that, we would like to welcome you to Copy Paste, a very nasty and ordinary blog with far nastier-looking blog writers. Not much could be said as blurbs are supposed to be short and the disclaimer was a bit long, blah blah blah, yadda yadda. Anyway, enjoy... but please, oh please, not too much. There is much more in life than blogging, you know.  

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