We all went to war the same. Soldiers uncertain with what's ahead of us, with only 2 and a half years of training to help us and, in a way, calm our restless soul. Hoping that we will be able to survive, to come back to our families with weary but proud smiles.
The unknown is vast and scary. You expect the worst--to not come out of it alive--and say goodbye to everyone you hold dear. You say to them, with a straight face, devoid of emotion as much as you can, "I'll try to be back. I'm doing this for you."
The war was what you expected it to be and a lot more. To say that it was hard was an understatement. You've fought countless battles. Some days you win, some days you lose. Because of the peculiarity and urgency of the situation, you develop a bond with your co-soldiers who you fought with. Never has the word "comrade" meant so much to you, as it did in the war.
However, not everyone is a comrade. You realize that the war is a great test of character. You discover, sadly--regardless of what everyone promised before going in--that not everyone is brave, willing and team-spirited. There are those who chose to fight their battles with half-hearted commitment. There are those who fight for themselves, and does not care for your group's well being. There are those who chose to survive at any cost, even at the expense of others. There are those who chose to hide in the shadows while the crossfire is ongoing. They play safe, completely missing the point of going to war with comrades.
When the smoke clears and the battles end, you discover with a heavy, heavy heart that your comrades did not make it. You bite your lip to keep the tears from falling. You try to appear strong and positive. You try to be happy with the fact that you did survive the war. But you can't. You realize what you really wanted. You want to celebrate victory with the comrades you fought the war with. Anything less feels like a loss.
With disdain you realize, those who chose to fight in the war by playing safe survived. They walk around bragging, proud to have survived the war. You try to be happy for them because you understand how hard it is to fight in the war. You remember your comrades, the ones who fought with all their heart with bravery you so admire, and you realize they--these proud soldiers--did not deserve to own the victory you know others have fought hard for. You fear to go to war again with these so-called soldiers. You know you will not make it, with these cowardly, playing safe shits.
Of course only those who went to the war knew the real story. Sadly this is how life, how war, is. It is unfair, it is harsh, it does not give out brownie points for the brave ones. It eats the soul and the hope out of you, numbing you for what is come.
Saturday, April 27, 2013
Monday, April 22, 2013
2013 Renewals
How I Met Your Mother is renewed for its final season, Season 9 after Jason Segel's 11th hour turnaround. I have said it before and I'll say it again, HIMYM should have ended with season 7. Right now, season 8 is full of mediocre episodes that serve as a filler in between the important episodes which bring the story forward (Farhampton, Autumn of Break-ups, Splitsville, Final Page, Band or DJ and Romeward Bound) and the funny episodes which reminds us how great writers Bays and Thomas are (Fortress of Barnitude being the lone example). I don't blame the writers for how season 8 turned out (although it's not done yet) because the decision of renewing the show was not in their complete, sole control. I knew that once HIMYM goes into season 8 uncertain if it will be the last, as it did, the writers will have a hard time crafting a proper ending to what has been one of the greatest comedies in recent history. I guess there's nothing we can do about a nearly botched season 8. But I look forward to an exciting and heartbreaking season 9.
Glee is renewed for Season 5 and 6. Graduation of most of its regular characters in season 3 seemed fatal for Glee in Season 4. The writers and producers have tried to come up with a good balance between New York, Lima and, for some time, Louisville but they can only do so much. I think everyone knows how important Rachel, Kurt and now Santana are to the show but we all have to accept the fact that this is a show about a high school show choir not a show about high school show choir graduates. Considering how mediocre and all-over-the-place season 4 is, I think the two new seasons will give the show a chance to improve. But judging by the spoilers for the last few episodes of the season, Glee will try to make the most out its remaining originals' high school lives by extending it the school year to next season. This may seem draggy but I hope the writers would use the opportunity to give the other characters (even the new kids) depth and background story. We have seen Unique's parents but we have yet to see Tina's or Brittany's or even Sugar's not-in-the-mafia dad.
The Big Bang Theory is renewed. TBBT got over the slump that is season 5 with a better and funnier season 6. Finally, Bernadette and Amy have found their rightful places in the show without it feeling forced. The dynamics of the group have developed well, almost at par with the How I Met Your Mother chemistry. Most importantly, season 6 is praise-worthy for the wonderful way it handled Howard's daddy issues with great sincerity reminiscent of a good drama show without veering too far away from a comedy ("The Closet Reconfiguration"). The scene where all of them told Howard their version of Howard's dad's letter is, for me, one of the greatest moments of this show. It has shown how much the guys have grown as individuals and as friends. I hope the next season/s will be another step in that direction, especially for the show's oldest couple Leonard and Penny and Raj.
Once Upon A Time's renewal is a sure thing according to TV Line. Any show with magic is tricky. Once was able to handle magic well in season 1 and the first part of season 2. But similar to using the Mother as a narrative tool in How I Met Your Mother, using magic can be tiring...and at some point, boring. All stories, especially fairy tales, need a good villain to highlight the goodness of the good. With Cora dead, Hook gone and Regina (even Mr. Gold) showing signs of goodness, I wonder what will happen next for Storybrooke. I hope the writers (and fans, too) will realize how apt the saying "All good things must come to an end" is to a show like Once.
Unfortunately, Community is not renewed for season 5, making season 4 its last. To add to Community fans' woes, the writers wrote season 4 not thinking that this is their last. The end result: the last episode of season 4 will feel anything but a series a finale. This is sad, considering how good a show Community is, or once was. No matter how few the fans are, I believe Community deserved to say goodbye with a proper series finale like what Chuck, Desperate Housewives and House did.
Glee is renewed for Season 5 and 6. Graduation of most of its regular characters in season 3 seemed fatal for Glee in Season 4. The writers and producers have tried to come up with a good balance between New York, Lima and, for some time, Louisville but they can only do so much. I think everyone knows how important Rachel, Kurt and now Santana are to the show but we all have to accept the fact that this is a show about a high school show choir not a show about high school show choir graduates. Considering how mediocre and all-over-the-place season 4 is, I think the two new seasons will give the show a chance to improve. But judging by the spoilers for the last few episodes of the season, Glee will try to make the most out its remaining originals' high school lives by extending it the school year to next season. This may seem draggy but I hope the writers would use the opportunity to give the other characters (even the new kids) depth and background story. We have seen Unique's parents but we have yet to see Tina's or Brittany's or even Sugar's not-in-the-mafia dad.
The Big Bang Theory is renewed. TBBT got over the slump that is season 5 with a better and funnier season 6. Finally, Bernadette and Amy have found their rightful places in the show without it feeling forced. The dynamics of the group have developed well, almost at par with the How I Met Your Mother chemistry. Most importantly, season 6 is praise-worthy for the wonderful way it handled Howard's daddy issues with great sincerity reminiscent of a good drama show without veering too far away from a comedy ("The Closet Reconfiguration"). The scene where all of them told Howard their version of Howard's dad's letter is, for me, one of the greatest moments of this show. It has shown how much the guys have grown as individuals and as friends. I hope the next season/s will be another step in that direction, especially for the show's oldest couple Leonard and Penny and Raj.
Once Upon A Time's renewal is a sure thing according to TV Line. Any show with magic is tricky. Once was able to handle magic well in season 1 and the first part of season 2. But similar to using the Mother as a narrative tool in How I Met Your Mother, using magic can be tiring...and at some point, boring. All stories, especially fairy tales, need a good villain to highlight the goodness of the good. With Cora dead, Hook gone and Regina (even Mr. Gold) showing signs of goodness, I wonder what will happen next for Storybrooke. I hope the writers (and fans, too) will realize how apt the saying "All good things must come to an end" is to a show like Once.
Unfortunately, Community is not renewed for season 5, making season 4 its last. To add to Community fans' woes, the writers wrote season 4 not thinking that this is their last. The end result: the last episode of season 4 will feel anything but a series a finale. This is sad, considering how good a show Community is, or once was. No matter how few the fans are, I believe Community deserved to say goodbye with a proper series finale like what Chuck, Desperate Housewives and House did.
Friday, April 19, 2013
The deer is ready, headlights.
The deer does not know what to do with you, the Quietly Approaching Oftentimes Receding Headlights.
Sometimes you come at the deer with such speed and with such intensity that it blinds the deer's vision. Sometimes you sneak up on the deer, in a slow, quiet fashion that always results in the deer being caught off guard. Sometimes, oftentimes, you disappear as fast as you arrived. It seems that the headlights only come at the deer when it is convenient for the headlights to do so.
The deer wants you to know, Quietly Approaching Oftentimes Receding Headlights that it values preparation and planning. It does not appreciate surprises unlike most deers because past ones have only left the deer feeling cheated, weary and afraid. The deer hopes to avoid this by being prepared.
Although it is greatly interested in knowing everything there is to know about headlights, please understand that the deer needs a clear and unmistakable signal that it is safe to approach. That the headlights will not suddenly come at the deer, hit it and run. That the headlights will not suddenly drive away as soon as it sees the deer approach, or as soon as another deer, or headlights, catches its attention.
Please understand that the deer has been enamored by headlights before, and was struck--quite hardly at that. If you ask around, you will know that the deer needed a lot of time to heal from the wounds the hit and run of 2008 have caused. If you look closely, Quietly Approaching Oftentimes Receding Headlights, you will see that the deer has scars. Scars which serve as a constant reminder to the deer to be careful. The world is unsafe. Headlights are everywhere. They have the propensity to hurt unsuspecting deers not because they deliberately want to but because they don't know they're capable of hurting others. It is in their nature to be careless and oblivious.
Please understand that this is where the deer is coming from. The deer is ready and willing to try but please let the deer know, Quietly Approaching Oftentimes Receding Headlights, that you are ready and willing to take the leap of faith, as well.
-------------------------
Unfortunately the rest of the Deer Struck by Headlights series is now gone because of the purging of my Multiply account. However, I was able to save Deers can tiptoe.
Sometimes you come at the deer with such speed and with such intensity that it blinds the deer's vision. Sometimes you sneak up on the deer, in a slow, quiet fashion that always results in the deer being caught off guard. Sometimes, oftentimes, you disappear as fast as you arrived. It seems that the headlights only come at the deer when it is convenient for the headlights to do so.
The deer wants you to know, Quietly Approaching Oftentimes Receding Headlights that it values preparation and planning. It does not appreciate surprises unlike most deers because past ones have only left the deer feeling cheated, weary and afraid. The deer hopes to avoid this by being prepared.
Although it is greatly interested in knowing everything there is to know about headlights, please understand that the deer needs a clear and unmistakable signal that it is safe to approach. That the headlights will not suddenly come at the deer, hit it and run. That the headlights will not suddenly drive away as soon as it sees the deer approach, or as soon as another deer, or headlights, catches its attention.
Please understand that the deer has been enamored by headlights before, and was struck--quite hardly at that. If you ask around, you will know that the deer needed a lot of time to heal from the wounds the hit and run of 2008 have caused. If you look closely, Quietly Approaching Oftentimes Receding Headlights, you will see that the deer has scars. Scars which serve as a constant reminder to the deer to be careful. The world is unsafe. Headlights are everywhere. They have the propensity to hurt unsuspecting deers not because they deliberately want to but because they don't know they're capable of hurting others. It is in their nature to be careless and oblivious.
Please understand that this is where the deer is coming from. The deer is ready and willing to try but please let the deer know, Quietly Approaching Oftentimes Receding Headlights, that you are ready and willing to take the leap of faith, as well.
-------------------------
Unfortunately the rest of the Deer Struck by Headlights series is now gone because of the purging of my Multiply account. However, I was able to save Deers can tiptoe.
Tuesday, April 16, 2013
Quintet 7: Something old, something new
Quintet is a bi-monthly semi-annual music review of any five songs (for this edition let's go with artists) I happen to come across/stumble upon, or were recommended, any how, any time. Suggestions from readers are most welcome because good music deserves to be shared. Let me be your convert or critic.
I planned Quintet to be a bi-monthly thing but life got in the way and prevented me from discovering good music. Although the summer has officially started for the Philippines--we are constantly reminded by the sweltering heat outside--mine has not yet begun because of a final exam scheduled tomorrow, April 17. However, thanks to the goodness that is Twitter I was able to reconnect with old loves (Tristan Prettyman, Joshua Radin, Sara Bareilles) and discover new musicians to fall in love with (Teagan and Sara, Haim).
Tristan Prettyman
What I have with Tristan Prettyman's music is a summer fling. I listened to Hello...x five summers ago while I was busy attending badminton summer classes in the PNP just after I finished my 2nd year of college. I discovered Twentythree the summer before that. This summer, I stumbled upon her Twitter account and found out that she has a recently released album called Cedar+Gold. The album has 12 good songs, and no bad ones. I particularly liked "Say Anything", "I Was Gonna Marry You" and "When You Come Down". "The Rebound" is fun to listen to, knowing that, if there's any truth to it, she was able to bounce back from the break-up with a hot guy by the banana stand at Trader Joe's. As final note, the album closes (aptly I must say) with "Never Say Never".
I hope this time around Cedar+Gold will last longer than a summer fling.
Sara Bareilles
This girl is all over the place. "Love Song" finally got it's much-deserved publicity by being covered on by Glee's Lea Michele, Dianna Agron and Naya Rivera. She appeared as a balloon operator in the recent episode of Community (this sounds really important in my head, I swear). And I recently found out she released an EP (an Extended Play, longer than a single but shorter than a full album) in 2012 called Once Upon Another Time featuring five (5) songs. The songs are less upbeat and less...sugar-y compared to other songs from her earlier albums. I'm no music expert but I think the songs showcase her vocal range and talent very, very well. I specifically liked "Lie To Me" and "Sweet as Whole".
Joshua Radin
He'll go down in history as the only musician whose music I shared to my younger brother which he ended up liking. No, correction, my brother loved Joshua Radin. He ended up downloading all songs by Radin that he could find. I particularly loved "Star Mile", "Girlfriend in a Coma" and "Don't Look Away". But most importantly, I love Joshua Radin for "I'd Rather Be With You". I shared this song recently to a crush (yes, in case you know me personally and I shared this to you recently, you now know that I have this teeny tiny crush on you. Awkward.) and I hope I got my message across--if not then, now. Who could go wrong with a song that says, All the things I feel I need to say I can't explain in any other way. I need to be bold. I need to jump in the cold water to grow old with a girl like you? No one. Give Mr. Radin a chance.Your time will not be wasted.
Teagan and Sara
I learned of Teagan and Sara before I joined Twitter while reading Lea Michele's tweets (out of curiosity of course). She tweeted about being in a Heartthrob concert which prompted me to check out what's the fuss all about. And I must say the fuss was well-deserved. The album starts off on a good note with "Closer" (which also made it to Glee) and "Goodbye, Goodbye". I loved "Shock To Your System" for the simple reason that it has lyrics like: What you are is lonely...You must rely on love once in a while to give you reason. Other songs in the album are "I Was A Fool", "I'm Not Your Hero", "How Come You Don't Want Me", "Love They Say", "Drove Me Wild" and "I Couldn't Be Your Friend". I'm sure there's at least one song in the album for everyone. Go give it a listen.
Haim
I discovered Haim's wonderful music when I saw Teagan and Sara and Sara Bareilles tweet about wanting to join Haim because of their good, good music. And they were not wrong. Haim's EPs are perfect. I like, what I assume are the crowd favorites, "Forever" and "Falling". I loved "Don't Save Me" for it's oh-so-right lyrics (Don't save me if your love isn't strong) and "Send Me Down" for it's beat. You may not fall in love with "Better Off" and "Go Slow" the instant you listen to them but, believe me, these songs will grow on you. I wish Haim will come up with a full album soon.
----------------------
You may want to read other Quintet blogs:
Quintet 6: Top 10 Performances from Glee's Season 4
Quintet 5: Original vs. Covers
Quintet 4: Radio
Quintet 3: GLEE-king out
Quintet 2: Holy Week Playlist
Quintet 1: Music to my ears
I planned Quintet to be a bi-monthly thing but life got in the way and prevented me from discovering good music. Although the summer has officially started for the Philippines--we are constantly reminded by the sweltering heat outside--mine has not yet begun because of a final exam scheduled tomorrow, April 17. However, thanks to the goodness that is Twitter I was able to reconnect with old loves (Tristan Prettyman, Joshua Radin, Sara Bareilles) and discover new musicians to fall in love with (Teagan and Sara, Haim).
Tristan Prettyman
What I have with Tristan Prettyman's music is a summer fling. I listened to Hello...x five summers ago while I was busy attending badminton summer classes in the PNP just after I finished my 2nd year of college. I discovered Twentythree the summer before that. This summer, I stumbled upon her Twitter account and found out that she has a recently released album called Cedar+Gold. The album has 12 good songs, and no bad ones. I particularly liked "Say Anything", "I Was Gonna Marry You" and "When You Come Down". "The Rebound" is fun to listen to, knowing that, if there's any truth to it, she was able to bounce back from the break-up with a hot guy by the banana stand at Trader Joe's. As final note, the album closes (aptly I must say) with "Never Say Never".
I hope this time around Cedar+Gold will last longer than a summer fling.
Sara Bareilles
This girl is all over the place. "Love Song" finally got it's much-deserved publicity by being covered on by Glee's Lea Michele, Dianna Agron and Naya Rivera. She appeared as a balloon operator in the recent episode of Community (this sounds really important in my head, I swear). And I recently found out she released an EP (an Extended Play, longer than a single but shorter than a full album) in 2012 called Once Upon Another Time featuring five (5) songs. The songs are less upbeat and less...sugar-y compared to other songs from her earlier albums. I'm no music expert but I think the songs showcase her vocal range and talent very, very well. I specifically liked "Lie To Me" and "Sweet as Whole".
Joshua Radin
He'll go down in history as the only musician whose music I shared to my younger brother which he ended up liking. No, correction, my brother loved Joshua Radin. He ended up downloading all songs by Radin that he could find. I particularly loved "Star Mile", "Girlfriend in a Coma" and "Don't Look Away". But most importantly, I love Joshua Radin for "I'd Rather Be With You". I shared this song recently to a crush (yes, in case you know me personally and I shared this to you recently, you now know that I have this teeny tiny crush on you. Awkward.) and I hope I got my message across--if not then, now. Who could go wrong with a song that says, All the things I feel I need to say I can't explain in any other way. I need to be bold. I need to jump in the cold water to grow old with a girl like you? No one. Give Mr. Radin a chance.Your time will not be wasted.
Teagan and Sara
I learned of Teagan and Sara before I joined Twitter while reading Lea Michele's tweets (out of curiosity of course). She tweeted about being in a Heartthrob concert which prompted me to check out what's the fuss all about. And I must say the fuss was well-deserved. The album starts off on a good note with "Closer" (which also made it to Glee) and "Goodbye, Goodbye". I loved "Shock To Your System" for the simple reason that it has lyrics like: What you are is lonely...You must rely on love once in a while to give you reason. Other songs in the album are "I Was A Fool", "I'm Not Your Hero", "How Come You Don't Want Me", "Love They Say", "Drove Me Wild" and "I Couldn't Be Your Friend". I'm sure there's at least one song in the album for everyone. Go give it a listen.
Haim
I discovered Haim's wonderful music when I saw Teagan and Sara and Sara Bareilles tweet about wanting to join Haim because of their good, good music. And they were not wrong. Haim's EPs are perfect. I like, what I assume are the crowd favorites, "Forever" and "Falling". I loved "Don't Save Me" for it's oh-so-right lyrics (Don't save me if your love isn't strong) and "Send Me Down" for it's beat. You may not fall in love with "Better Off" and "Go Slow" the instant you listen to them but, believe me, these songs will grow on you. I wish Haim will come up with a full album soon.
----------------------
You may want to read other Quintet blogs:
Quintet 6: Top 10 Performances from Glee's Season 4
Quintet 5: Original vs. Covers
Quintet 4: Radio
Quintet 3: GLEE-king out
Quintet 2: Holy Week Playlist
Quintet 1: Music to my ears
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