Trapped in a Box

I drew this for last Saturday’s Super section of the Inquirer, “Drawing Inspiration” (April 5, 2008… thanks, Katrina and Pam!). Actually, I did about four other drawings that had other ideas on them last Wednesday evening. Every illustration started out good, but I couldn’t feel inspired enough to finish them. Some of them would’ve sported superheroes and a semi-realistic style, while others started out as surreal, fantasy-inspired pieces. But I had to stop because I wasn’t feeling them.

I was about to quit drawing altogether that night. I told John over the phone that the muse just wasn’t there at that moment. I was assigned to do that cover drawing, something that’s supposed to visually represent Super, and I couldn’t think of anything that I could finish. Then John said the words, “Think out of the box.” That was all I needed. He actually had some ideas that beget other interesting ideas after saying those words, but I didn’t think about them anymore. I just knew what I had to draw.

I opted for a cartoony style, and this is what came naturally. I did this on a comic book backing board. For me, Super is about ideas, thinking out of the box, thoughts that can be big, analytical, appealingly alien, or monstrous… a section prepared for, and by, those that are different, hence its title, “Thinking Outta the Box.”

That’s what the drawing above is about. I enjoyed doing it. Thanks for being intelligent and for being the muse, John.

‘Horton Hears a Who’: Rare, winning formula

(Published March 23, 2008, PDI-Entertainment)

By Oliver M. Pulumbarit
Contributor

Beloved children’s book author-artist Theodor Seuss Geisel, a.k.a. Dr. Seuss, created original and appealingly weird characters in his career, but just as importantly, he imbued some human familiarity into his imaginative stories. That’s especially present in the new animated feature “Horton Hears a Who.”

The timeless tale is likewise populated by his distinctly odd-looking beings, as well as smart and ponderous animals. They all possess human-like behavior and quandaries, and even their own varying cultures. “Horton” is cute and visually kinetic enough that kids might dig it as much as Seuss’ illustrated books. But it’s got enough substance and some tugging philosophical ideas that can inspire deep thought among grownups.

That’s a rare, winning and working combination. It’s a smart yet heartwarming film, vividly rendered by Blue Sky Studios, who previously did hit cartoon films “Ice Age” and its sequel. Visually, it really is a Seuss book come to computer-animated life, its two featured worlds’ eccentricities made three-dimensional and textured. Moreover, the film captures that uniquely playful and dreamlike atmosphere, so it rarely gets boring aesthetically.

It does, however, start off a little slow. But the pace picks up and one soon gets the hang of watching the escalating adventure of the earnest elephant, Horton (voiced expressively by Jim Carrey), who discovers that a tiny speck that is actually the microscopic world of the Whos. Civilized and cultured, these people are unaware of his existence, but they do feel his hovering, monumental presence occasionally.

Horton directly contacts one of them--the Mayor (Steve Carell)--a dedicated but oft-ridiculed guy who connects sudden environmental and atmospheric changes to various goings-on in the elephant’s humongous home environment. The cross-dimensional communication isn’t always smooth or obvious to others, which gets both of them in trouble in their respective worlds.

The stern and self-important Kangaroo (Carol Burnett) thinks that Horton is insane and becoming a bad influence on the young animals of their forest society. The Mayor is similarly mocked and chastised for speaking of the existence of something that he can’t easily prove.

Such an unusual premise soon expands and ultimately, treats the viewer to existential themes, as well as individuality-versus-mob consensus debates, and even situations portraying generational parent-child rifts. There are fun physical conflicts in “Horton,” but the deeper and more lingering ones take place in the scenes depicting allegories for ideological battles and authority-questioning in our reality. It’s good that it’s presented in a way that’s easily comprehensible by the younger audience, too.

It’s not difficult to appreciate the maturity and relevance of Seuss’ story. “Horton Hears a Who” is a rarity, yes; it’s as enjoyable as the quirky live-action translation of the Seuss classic “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” (which starred Carrey as the titular character), but “Horton” is easily more layered, story-wise. It’s got a slightly absurd take on cosmology that’s entertaining, and it can still be enjoyed as a better-than-usual animated feature with loads of colorful designs and exciting, kid-friendly moments.

Inimitably ‘Rome’

(Published March 23, 2008, PDI-Entertainment)

By Oliver M. Pulumbarit
Contributor

Political turmoil has rarely been portrayed engrossingly in television dramas, and the gripping HBO series “Rome,” which ended in 2007, is among those few that did. In this interpretation of events leading to Rome’s transformation into an empire, almost every character is shown to be capable of unimaginable cruelty, given the proper impetus. It doesn’t fail to shock every time that happens.

In the original DVD set compiling the final ten episodes--“Rome: The Complete Second Season”--gory imagery and sexual situations that didn’t make it in its cable run are intact. In these closing chapters, some key figures go through hellish times, while Mark Antony and Cleopatra (James Purefoy and Lyndsey Marshal) find happiness during the calm before their eventual storm.

Interwoven with the complex political situation of centuries past are the disturbing and sometimes, beautiful relationships that feel contemporarily familiar. While many current-day soaps or telenovelas resort to hollow, over-the-top story stunts to keep the drama alive, “Rome” doesn’t pull its punches whenever it’s required to shake things up. As a result, you don’t feel complacent for any of the characters, as nobody’s really safe. Those in feuds, for instance, suffer terribly--often violently--for every misstep, exposing a very different human dimension with the era’s cultural mores and enigmas.

Created by John Milius, William MacDonald and Bruno Heller, the unflinching and vividly designed weekly series has won various Emmys. Also making the period drama unique is its cast of characters, many of whom are schemers and double-dealers. Julius Caesar (Ciaran Hinds), the consummate politician and a charismatic strategist, did unexpectedly shocking deeds when he was alive. The circumstances leading to his assassination were richly painted. One of his many assassins, Brutus (Tobias Menzies), was prodded to take part in that crime by his mother, Servilia (Lindsay Duncan), Caesar’s spurned and bitter mistress. Servilia’s open enmity with Caesar’s niece, Atia of the Julii (deliciously portrayed by Polly Walker), also escalates this season.

Atia is a ruthless predator, however, and is the most duplicitous and enchantingly elegant character among the lot. All the others are lesser evils compared to her. It’s edifying to see her lose control, especially when her arrogant son Octavian (Max Pirkis) becomes manipulative and cunningly takes steps to challenge her erstwhile soldier lover Mark Antony. “Rome” succeeds in intertwining these twisted family dynamics with its ongoing power struggle theme.

Season two isn’t as smooth as it should’ve been. Compressing years into so few episodes tends to leave out crucial nuances. It’s also hard to suspend disbelief over the adult Octavian, Simon Woods, who doesn’t resemble Pirkis at all. He’s an excellent actor, but it’s hard to believe it’s the same person, especially when everyone else looks the same.

Still, those are the only drawbacks, and all the main characters’ tales progress memorably. Centurions that have been instrumental to outcomes of some political upheavals, Lucius Vorenus and Titus Pullo (Kevin McKidd and Ray Stevenson), originally the uneasily paired good-cop bad cop of the series, become loyal brothers in the course of several disheartening ordeals. Their non-nobility perspectives differently lend "Rome" accessibility and heart. Seeing them picking up the pieces of their destroyed lives is just as engrossing as seeing them contribute to the fate of Rome.

Just Some Justice Leaguers

Charms of Orion

If you’re getting just one figure from Mattel’s DC Universe toy line, this has got to be it. Orion is excellently sculpted and painted, has a removable and intricately done harness-glider accessory, and is proof that fully poseable action figures needn’t have unsightly ball joints connecting the thighs to the torso to work.

Hawkgirl of your dreams

In the last five years, Hawkgirl became an official Justice Leaguer twice, specifically in Joe Kelly’s and Brad Meltzer’s runs. The latest DC Direct Hawkgirl figure from the JLA set is good; it’s sexy, sleek, elegantly painted, and has cool accessories (the mace, removable wings, and yeah, a small Starro starfish!). It’s a good addition to anyone’s Justice League collection. Place her beside your Hawkman or Red Arrow, and create some good old fashioned sexual tension.

Wolverine Drawing, 20 Years Ago

Yuhck. :D

Well, I did draw this in my early teens. I recently scanned this off my friend’s ancient notebook. Funny, I really loved Wolverine back then. There were two other drawings of him elsewhere in that notebook. One of ‘em even had a birthday greeting for my friend, who can still remember that he wanted me to draw Batman. But as I wasn’t that into the DC character back then, I opted to do Wolverine instead. I think I started drawing Batman after Tim Burton’s movie came out, about a year later.

Session Ode

After a week of non-stop working on stuff for the paper and agencies, I was sent to Baguio to help out in covering a two-day event. It was still work, yeah, but it was a nice, short vacation; I wish I could’ve stayed longer and re-discovered the place more. And I wish I bought pasalubong for my family. But I was too tired, not to mention cash-strapped, to do that, so maybe I’ll do it next time. The change of environment and pace felt good, though. I’m still processing my short visit. It’s been 15 years since my last vaycay there, so it’s interesting to see some parts like Session Road change radically. Others look and feel exactly the way I remember them, which is also good.

Thanks to Nash and Christian for being good co-workers there, and my thanks as well to Mark and Char for sending me!

30 Rocked (Or, 'Sun Like Butterscotch')

“Hello older Oliver. It’s me, when you were 30. This is a dream isn’t it? I can actually remember you visiting when I was younger, and some time last year. This is weird. A déjà vu inside a dream? But I’ve heard of stranger things. Anyway, you were right! I’m actually happier and more content now. It’s hard to believe that this time last year, I felt like giving up. Now, everything’s brighter. You know how it is. Or was. I normally wouldn’t look into the future, it scares me and all, but since I’m asking you, in this place, tell me: Does the story have a happy ending? Does life get better? Do you have everything you need?”

Hello younger Oliver. Ooh, questions. Ask me some easy ones. Because those really aren’t. Wait, on second thought, don’t bother, because I’m taking control of this “conversation.”

Well, I’m actually tired tonight. My eyes hurt. So does my back. Busy as the proverbial bee. I like what I’m doing, but there are times when I need to rest my weary head, you know? You know what I’m talking about. I’ve been using my pimping “voice” more than my critiquing and reporting “voices” these past few days, and it does get a little tiring. But, you know, doing press release work, aside from reviews and the occasional feature articles, keeps me on my toes. You like sorting out those words in your head, stringing them together like unraveling a puzzle, and making them make sense.

I miss being the author, though. You’re currently using that side of you, with the comic book. You’re finally finishing the story you started in 2001.

I remember how you’re feeling. I remember being a 30-year-old quite clearly. I remember getting busy. I remember the endless summer nights, the heat of summer sunshine, the summer loving.

I remember being you.

Looking at you, I’d say you’re already getting the hang of covering press conferences at ELJ and other places. Karen Davila wondered how old you were, in one of those events. You hesitantly said, “Um, I just turned 30,” and she replied, “Really? I thought you were in your early 20s.”

And do you remember Baron Geisler shyly asking you, when you were interviewing his soap co-stars, if you’re part of the cast? Of course you do. Well, 30-year-old me, you’re less bulky than I am, so I guess you could pass for one of them back then.

Interacting with celebrities rarely daunts you, but you still gush from time to time. I know I still do, especially when I step back and realize that I’ve asked actors, directors, writers, musicians, animators and illustrators some of my questions. So whether it’s a phoner, a roundtable interview, or some exclusive one-on-one thing, you do pick up new things and learn about new experiences.

Yep, right now, you’ve already talked to some of them, and gotten all those interesting perspectives. I can say that the future list is made up of some really different people (Jojo Alejar, Gil Portes, Robert Alejandro, Roger Pullin, Dolphy, Tessa Valdes, Martin Nievera, Johnny Manahan, Charlene Gonzalez, Tessie Tomas, Serena Dalrymple, Elizabeth Oropesa, Jerry Lopez-Sineneng, DJ Alvaro, Dov Simens, Bituin Escalante, Rica Peralejo, Dimsum, Heart Evangelista, Cris Pablo, Piolo Pascual, King, Lauren Dyogi, Jamie Cullum, Smash!!, Akafellas, Joey Reyes, North, Jay-R, 8^th of March, Ethan Hawke, Julie Delpy, Kitchie Nadal, Gini Cruz Santos, Diane Warren, George Eads, Nina, Isha, Paolo Santos, Joshua Payne, Andoy Ranay, T-Rio, Carlos Morales, Simple Plan’s Jeff Stinco, Simon Kinberg, Avril Lavigne, The Speaks, Margie Holmes, Rex Navarrete, Emmy Rossum, The Cascades’ John Gummoe, Nelson Bohol, Jeffrey Jeturian, Margaret Nagle, Village People, Hugh Jackman, Christian Bale, Brittany Murphy, Iza Calzado, Paolo Contis, Isabel Oli, Dingdong Dantes, Patrick Ramos, Bharat Nalluri, Callalily, Bimbo Cerrudo, Imago, Timothy Olyphant, Sir Cliff Richard, Zack Snyder, Ziggy Marley, Ian Tracey, David Fincher, Imee Marcos, Raymond Red, Francis Lumen, Neil Gaiman, Roger Avary, Zack Grobler, Steve Starkey, Sam Rockwell, Mozzie, Gerry Alanguilan, Carlo Vergara, Harvey Tolibao, Carlo Pagulayan, Wilson Tortosa, Paolo Bediones, Lorraine Bracco, and Colbie Caillat).

But, just as important are the persons you spoke with and written about during your coverage work for the agencies. You’ve talked to--and will be talking to--different kinds of working people. There will be real estate salespeople, a jeweler, a golf champ, a chef, a badminton player, a party host, different types of homeowners, sports shop owners, architects, school administrators, a yoga instructor, pest control technicians, engineers, and yeah, celebs (like Tina Juan, Jon Santos, Tin-Tin Bersola, Eileen Macapagal, Ruffa Gutierrez, Sam Oh, Rivermaya, Nancy Castiglione, Angel Jacob, Gerald Anderson, Kim Chiu, Marc Abaya, Brad Turvey, Uma Khouny, RJ Ledesma and Chynna Ortaleza).

Anyway, let me answer some of the questions. You won’t remember this anyway.

I don’t know if your story has a happy ending. But you’re happy now, and I suppose that’s what matters. Three years later, you’ll realize again that you’re lucky, that you’re thankful for what you have. But that comes after some unforeseen funks. You’ll think of ways to escape the monotony, to escape feeling burnt out. Still, you’ll recover from them rather quickly.

Don’t take your friends for granted. They’re showing you how to be a better person, and to be better at all the things you do. You’re already learning so much from them. I still am. They’re some of the wisest, most analytical people you’ll ever meet.

Life gets better, yes. I don’t have everything I need, yet, but I do have some of the things I want.

You already know what I mean.

You Are My Sweetest Downfall

I loved you first.

I loved you first.

--Regina Spektor, "Samson"

Yes, you're my sweetest downfall. And I loved you first.

I Need a Fix ‘Coz I’m Going Down

Summer’s here! The Holy Week break means I’m gonna be working on a total of about six articles for the agencies and publications. But I ain’t complaining. The year started slowly, work-wise, so it’s good to look forward to getting paid for all these. I need a change of pace, though, and some cold mojitos or vodka cruisers.

Haven’t gotten the chance to blog about stuff in detail, but here are some thoughts and observations that I just need to enumerate, before I forget:

1. Attended the Colbie Caillat presscon for a music mag. She’s great. And she really does look like Jennifer Aniston; the resemblance is damn uncanny.

2. Went to SM City Pampanga to cover a program last week. Seeing the green fields en route to the place was refreshing. The mall, well, if you’ve seen one SM, I suppose you’ve seen ‘em all. And the Fitness First there isn’t packed with people yet… From the spot I was staying, I only saw one person treadmilling the whole afternoon.

3. Saw Viggo Mortensen’s nekkid fight scene in Eastern Promises. Just one question: why didn’t his would-be killers just kick him in the nuts?

4. The Watchmen movie pics look really awesome. But I don’t get the Bat-nipples on Ozymandias’ costume. But again, since it’s the Watchmen, their inclusion must be deliberate. I hope it’s not an oversight.

5. Was kinda stunned by the violence in Urbandub’s “Evidence” music. Iza Calzado plays a wife who cheats with a guy (the bald Eigenmann kid). They’re caught by the husband (the vocalist guy), who whacks ‘em both unflinchingly. Really fricking bloody, but it has good photography.

6. Ants invaded my plastic bag of groceries and tore holes into some instant noodle packs. Craaaap. But I put them in the ref. The noodles will be enriched with red ants when I cook ‘em.

7. Globe’s service has been problematic lately. There were times these past few days when I couldn’t send messages or call people. It gets better after a while, but it’s becoming a recurring problem. Hope they fix that soon.

8. Been listening and singing along to the Across The Universe soundtrack, a new mix CD, my old Tori Amos CD “Little Earthquakes” and something I just bought, the kickass Regina Spektor album “Begin To Hope.”

9. Fell in and out of love with Choco Mucho. It’s like a longer Safari. Must try out other chocolates, now.

10. Got a cool beer band from Pam. “Hammered,” it says. Yay!

11. Saw Across the Universe again, this time with John. I still love it. Coocoo Coochoo!

Noah’s Spark

I met up with Mark hours ago at a nearby Shakey’s. Nike, cute li’l Noah and Nike’s mom were there, too. I expected to leave quickly ‘cause I just needed to get some reference material for work. But they asked me to stay a bit. Gorgeous Nike had interesting things to say, particularly about my old comic book. Well, she said she was kinda shocked when she flipped through the pages (“May moaning pa!”). This was years back, shortly after its release, when Dicky sold Mark a copy and I didn’t know him yet. It’s been a while since I heard people’s reactions to it, so it was amusing to hear her talk about it.

Noah’s so adorable. I sort of babysat him for a few minutes. He wanted to try out those little car rides at the kids’ play area after eating. I carried him outta his high chair, he tugged me by my index finger and excitedly rushed to the place. It’s been some time since I was the babysitting uncle and I kinda miss it. He saw some coin slots near the cartoony car’s steering wheel and told me, “Orever! Money!”

It was cool when his mom asked him to say a bunch of things too, including “Tito Oliver, you’re so funny!” He mumbled the words, “Orever, so funny,” pointed at his dad, and laughed mockingly. I don’t get it, it felt a little sarcastic with the laughter and all, but it was so, so cute.

Face To Face

My interpretation of my friend Isha's face. I used gel pens. Check out my art blog for other drawings in the set.

Buffy’s New Chosen One

I really need to sleep, my Christmas tree’s still up on my shelf, and I need to wake up early. But I gotta post about this now. Buffy fans, you must read BTVS Season 8 # 12. Super-spoiler alert!

Our fave Slayer sleeps with someone new. And it’s not someone you might expect. Again, spoilers!

She slept with Satsu, the Slayer girl who previously woke her up from her magic coma with a “true love’s kiss.”

Joss Whedon recently spoke about it at Newsarama:

“It’s not a huge life change for Buffy. She’s not gay. Sexuality is a spectrum. Many of us have experimented in our youth – that’s what youths are for. So we knew it wasn’t going to be a giant character shift – it was just going to be nice fodder for Buffy to be going through something besides feeling lonely and disconnected and having the weight of the world on her shoulders. It was nice for something nice to happen to her, and then for her to get kind of awkward about it.”

Wish the series had better art, though. Anyway, Season 8 will run for 40 issues. And according to Whedon, Season 9 will be set years after the end of this one.

I like that Buffy still grows as a character (although some may argue that sleeping with a smitten subordinate/co-worker is a step back). It’s still about growth, change and phases, and very few fictional comics/TV characters are allowed to progress past just one popular point of their lives.

While I’m not looking forward to Buffy becoming a married person or a mother yet, I don’t mind at all if the character gets to experience those important turning points eventually. Even if she becomes a divorcee or a widow someday, there’d still be a lot of interesting stories to read about. I trust her creator to let her grow, make mistakes, learn, and change some more. And I’ll be there, enjoying it and itching to see what happens next.

29, You’d Think I’d Know Better

Hello, younger self. It’s been a while. I’d ask you how you are, but I can actually remember. I’ll ask, anyway: How do you like the direction your life’s heading, so far?

So. You’re 29. You’ve been singing that particular Gin Blossoms song since you were 20. You’re now half-awed, half-scared; as a kid, you never thought you’d ever reach this age or grow this old. But that’s your favorite line from “29,” isn’t it? “At 29, you’d think I’d know better, living like a kid.” That’s only partly true now. You’ve matured. But you’re damn conflicted, especially today.

Today, you’re off to the North for an assignment. Tomorrow, a friend will read your palm, give a pretty accurate description of your life, then augur things that you’ll just laugh off. Well, you don’t laugh them off, exactly; you’ll just smile and wonder. You won’t believe some of the things that the reading predicted, but you will be amused. You do need some pleasant distractions to get some problems outta your head, especially tonight, of all nights.

The next few weeks will be stormy, in more ways than one. You’re second-guessing yourself and what you have, but as usual, you’re proving your worth consciously to people who expect good things from you. Still, self-awareness is a bitch, ain’t it? You wish more people thought the same way as you. And you feel stuck. The next couple of months, well, expect more of the same. And by September, things will culminate in a bad way.

But guess what? I’m proof that you make it. I don’t know if it coincides with some astrological occurrence called “Saturn Returns,” but being 29 was a depressing time, and not just for you. People have been known to undergo personal crises and uncertainty of purpose at this point in their lives. Numerical significance aside, you’ll learn from all this, like you always do. At the end of the year, you’ll look back at the last few months’ emotional turmoil and view things more optimistically.

You’ll realize that you’re happy with what you already have. That doesn’t mean you’ll be complacent; oh no. It’s funny, looking at you now, I can still recognize the naiveté, the post-teen angst, the perpetual need to prove yourself. Don’t you worry, bud, next year, you’ll have a chance to work on something that gives you some art cred. As for other happy things, I can say this much. They will come. The new year is gonna be good. You’ll know why when it comes.

So lighten up, hey. And love well. Turning 30 isn’t so bad. Heck, it’s going to be one of the best years of your life.

Gotta go, now. Dream’s over, kid. Wakey wakey.

A magical mystery tour ‘Across the Universe’

(Published Feb. 28, PDI-Entertainment. To view other articles, visit my Multiply site.)

By Oliver M. Pulumbarit
Contributor

Songs, sentiments and soliloquies are stirred into Julie Taymor’s cauldron of Beatles love in the mystical movie musical “Across the Universe.” It’s everything you’d expect from “The Lion King” musical director Taymor--shimmying and visually striking artscapes that don’t sacrifice the vital human component--only this time she’s adapted the music of the world’s most popular band.

Like in her previous films “Titus” and “Frida,” Taymor masterfully weaves canvas-like imagery and emotional resonance here. In a mélange of music, portraits and words, a simple story of two young lovers (and their friends) is told captivatingly, aided by dozens of Beatles classics worked into the script. The unstable, revolutionary decade of the ‘60s is thoughtfully encapsulated, though you don’t actually see the iconic band.

“Across the Universe” may easily win over Beatles fans because a sense of familiarity it evokes. The uninitiated may find getting into it a challenge at times, but the talent (and in some cases, the genius) behind the songs is clearly evident. From love ballads to socially aware tracks, the group’s songs here provide voices that seem tailor-made for very specific periods, situations and people.

The names of the protagonists are inspired by popular and obscure names from the song catalogue as well. Jude (Jim Sturgess), a dock worker from Liverpool, comes to America and eventually connects with the idealistic Lucy (Evan Rachel Wood). Jude’s best friend, Lucy’s brother Max (Joe Anderson), is sent to Vietnam, while their other friends--the lesbian Prudence (TV Carpio), the Joplin-esque Sadie (Dana Fuchs) and the Hendrix-ish JoJo (Martin Luther McCoy)--experience developments back home just as precariously.

The music is especially flavorful; “Let It Be” is both poignant and soulful during the scenes depicting a Detroit riot and its aftermath. Lucy’s spare renditions of “If I Fell” and “Blackbird” are haunting. Prudence sings “I Wanna Hold Your Hand,” reinvented fittingly to speak of her unrequited feelings as a closeted gay girl. Just as heartfelt is Jude’s aptly tranquil version of “Across the Universe,” which surprisingly segues into Sadie’s edgy and pulsating “Helter Skelter.”

A number of visual tricks are utilized, like animation and the superimposing of elements. The super-trippy “Strawberry Fields Forever,” however, is an example of seeing Taymor’s vision in, well, kaleidoscope eyes. It juxtaposes impaled strawberries (a product of Jude’s artistic frustration) with blood-hued war footage, strawberry grenades and bombs. The music video excessiveness feels a tad stretched visually, but you do get over it.

The actor-singers give distinct character to the interpretations; the film’s collection of songs actually rivals the “I Am Sam” soundtrack in that it also has inspired Beatles covers you’d want to listen to repeatedly. Lucy, Jude and the gang become people you care for, even when the music overpowers the narrative sometimes. Still, Taymor’s affection for the Beatles and these lovestruck characters is obvious. She loves them (yeah, yeah, yeah), and with a love like that, you know you should be glad. And you are.

Discover Me Discovering You

Sometimes, it takes real effort to keep it under control. You just know it when you’re around people who make your body react in ways that aren’t the usual. As the clichés go, your heart skips a beat; you hold your breath for a second; blood rushes downwards. Your body knows. It’s pure lust.

When a rare connection is formed and consummated--you’re tangled and bare, the ecstasy spilt on skin or sheets--the euphoria can last for hours or days. Years, even. When you’re alone in your bed, the moments swim in your head, triggering memories and responses long forgotten. You think about how you had each other, how territoriality was surrendered in that limited span.

But these arousing nostalgia trips end in due time; you do forget about them again and move on.

Joy Boy

Wrote this some time last month: Zane tagged me, so…

10 Happy Things

Post 10 things that recently made you happy, then tag ten other people and spread the loooooove…

1. I wrote and finished five articles (four for the PR firm, one for the paper) within the span of 24 hours.

2. I got original DVDs of Rome, Seasons 1 and 2, for free.

3. I attended and covered the Lovapalooza event alongside some of the nicest, most professional people I’ve met.

4. That Chocolate Cream-flavored Gonuts Sticky Roll is fricking addictive.

5. In a nephew’s report card, the teacher commented that he “continues to work with tremendous focus and attention to detail. He writes beautiful stories with great detail and illustrations.” Awesome.

6. Juno. I love it to bits.

7. It’s always fun to sing along to Joni Mitchell songs with friends.

8. I had three articles published in the paper last Wednesday (Feb. 13). There was my Lorraine Bracco interview and also my Cloverfield review in the Entertainment section, and “Soundtrack of my love life” appeared in the 2bU section.

9. I got to drink ten free beers while listening to great music.

10. Intimacy. Nothing beats that.

10 people to tag: PM'ed you already. :)

Nothing’s Gonna Change My World

I love Across the Universe. Saw it last Wednesday. I’m still gushing.

What a week. My life’s undergoing major changes. I so lack sleep. And there are things that need to be done. But I count my blessings.

Oh. Speaking of songs and love, here’s something that got published last Feb. 13 in PDI-2bU.

Soundtrack of my love life
By Oliver M. Pulumbarit
2bU! Contributor

As someone who’s perpetually lovesick, I happily respond to certain songs that precisely flavor intimate moments of my life. They’re not all traditional love ballads or sentimental sapfests, and each has a particular line about attraction or devotion that honestly speaks and appeals to me. Sometimes, the lyrics, in their entirety, speak about romance as I see it. I posted a blog entry last July, “Fool for Love,” which listed my favorite saccharinely or artistically worded pop and alternative love ditties. I narrowed them down to about two dozen.

The list has changed since then; this is more or less a definitive rundown of songs that reflect my current thoughts and mood. I’ve loved some songs since I was a teen (and they still apply amazingly to my situation), while others are new discoveries that succinctly capture words that I always wanted to say. They remind me that trough the years, I’ve learned that love can stop, begin again, and can’t truly be measured properly.

1. “Love Is Strange,” Everything But The Girl
“After you’ve had it, you’ll never want to quit.”

2. “I Want You,” Silencers
“Well, I want to paint that picture with that great look in your eyes.”

3. “Love You,” Primal Scream
“Maybe our communion shall prevail.”

4. “Found,” The Beloved
“Your smile is like the ocean, your kiss the seven seas.”

5. “Can’t Help Falling In Love,” Lick The Tins
“Shall I stay? Would it be a sin?”

6. “Show Me Heaven,” Maria McKee
“I’m not denying. I’m frightened as much as you.”

7. “I Need You Here,” Color It Red
“Now it’s late and I feel older, having lost so much to you…”

8. “Truth and Bone,” Heather Nova
“If I could only lose myself, I would lose myself in you.”

9. “The Flame,” Cheap Trick
“You were the first, you’ll be the last.”

10. “Love In Your Eyes,” Soraya
“You have raised me high above any love that I’ve ever found.”

11. “Drops of Jupiter,” Train
“Did you miss me while you were looking for yourself out there?”

12. “As Long As It Matters,” Gin Blossoms
“Forget that our time is almost up.”

13. “I Hope That I Don’t Fall In Love With You,” 10,000 Maniacs
“I had a beer and now I hear you calling out for me.”

14. “Screaming Infidelities,” Dashboard Confessional
“I’m missing your bed. I never sleep.”

15. “I Will Follow You Into The Dark,” Death Cab For Cutie
“No blinding lights, or tunnels to gates of white, just our hands clasped so tight.”

16. “Strong Enough,” Sheryl Crow
“Lie to me, but please don’t leave.”

17. “If I Am,” Nine Days
“I wanna be with you forever, if tomorrow’s not too late.”

18. “In Your Eyes,” Peter Gabriel
“The light, the heat, I am complete.”

19. “Here’s To The Night,” Eve 6
“Don’t let me let you go.”

20. “Will You Be There In The Morning,” Heart
“You’re my obsession, my addiction, my drug.”

21. “In Demand,” Texas
“Now I’ve got someone who cares for me; he wrote my name in silver sands.”

22. “Crazy,” Icehouse
“You’re the one sure thing when I get lost in the game.”

23. “Better Love,” Londonbeat
“I was driving home, the morning after with the taste of you still on my tongue.”

24. “River,” Joni Mitchell
“He loved me so naughty, made me weak in the knees.”

25. “Hallelujah,” Jeff Buckley
“Remember when I moved in you, and the holy dove was moving too? Every breath we drew was Hallelujah.”

Lova, You Shoulda Come Ovah

Accidentally in Lova: Francis, TJ, me, Marge, Mark, Harold, Diday

Photo by Aldwin (thanks, man!). Me and the Stratworks peeps. Love 'em. These pics were taken after the Lovapalooza Frost Fest last week. Had to change into that shirt because it wasn't cold at the reception area (I wore the I Am Legend shirt with sewn-in long-sleeve extensions, which was perfect inside the Tent). Anyway, these people are fun to work with. And the Lova event was cool too, even if it got hectic at times. Got a bag of goodies... that Crystal Frost toothpaste sure is nice. It gives me enough CloseUp confidence to make out with anyone.

Love and Lust in TV Land

(Published Feb. 16, PDI-Super)

By Oliver M. Pulumbarit

Fictional people have been written to reflect some of reality’s more complicated relationships, especially in some of the better-written TV shows. Love, lust and all the things in between can be entertaining and addictive narrative hooks. They can be explored thoroughly, if done just right. These characters pursue what they want, and if some of these examples are any indication, there’s a different thrill in the supposedly illicit. Well, here are some memorable fantasy TV hookups, breakups, complicated relationships and couples, in no particular order:

Veronica Mars’ first season boyfriend trouble was easy to follow, as she’s torn between rich kid jerkoid Logan Echolls and rich kid weirdo Duncan Kane. She also has a chaste relationship with the hot new Italian cop, but it was one of the show’s best moments when she unexpectedly locked lips with Logan, someone who’s almost her exact opposite. Hawt.

Titus Pullo, Rome’s rogue centurion, loved the slave girl Eirene from the get-go. He treated her with uncommon respect. Sadly, he went berserk after discovering that her heart belonged to a fellow slave. It was rewarding, however, that Eirene and Pullo found that rare connection eventually, before the amoral warrior-woman Gaia entered the picture.

The Jenny-Tim-Marina triangle of The L Word was developed well, however predictably. When lesbian restaurateur Marina met the similarly well-read Jenny, they hit it off fast. They soon repeatedly fool around behind the back of the latter’s boyfriend, Tim. But, wait, Jenny still fancies guys! Yep. Bisexual.

In Queer As Folk, among the most intriguing storylines was the breakup of the longtime lez couple Melanie and Lindsay, caused by the blonde’s unexpected attraction to an artist. A guy! This was foreshadowed over a span of episodes, but the eventual tryst was still surprising.

Also in QAF, college boy Justin abandoned his bedhopping soulmate Brian Kinney for a sweet and gifted violinist. The inevitable discovery by Brian and his succeeding devious machinations to mess up the new lovers were excellently executed.

Buffy the Vampire Slayer has always had affecting romance arcs and moments, but the Buffy-Riley-Angel confrontation back in the fourth season was among the best. It was priceless when the Slayer’s vampire ex Angel and current soldier beau Riley first met face-to- face under less than pleasant circumstances. Ah, that Buffy and her alpha male admirers. Angel mocking Riley in front of Buffy: “You sleep with this guy?!” Zing.

Super-double agents Julian Sark and Lauren Reed from the series Alias were formidable as separate threats, but together, they made life hell for her husband Vaughn and his ex-girlfriend Sydney Bristow. The villain team-up was just wickedly cool.

The implied occasional pairing of Captain Jack Harkness and Ianto Jones in Torchwood was a stunning revelation. Everyone knows that Jack’s into guys, but Ianto? After his whining and mourning in the episode where his girlfriend-turned-killer cyborg nearly snuffed the Torchwood agents, who’d have thought?

24’s Jack Bauer and Nina Myers, ex-lovers and eventual arch-enemies, gave the show an interesting dynamic during the early seasons. It was especially mind-blowing when their enmity escalated.

Everyone saw it coming. Heroes’ Claire Bennet, cheerleader with regenerative powers (and daddy issues), just had to fall for West, the classmate with potentially freaky secrets. But the young super-lovebirds’ relationship felt natural, and one that you just had to root for. Too bad the other love angles in the second season felt too contrived.

Frost Perched Onna Town

With young thang Gerald at the Lovapalooza event. Interviewed him and some celebs.

Thanks to my bro, who lent the camera. Was able to take a few pictures before the battery died. To view the other photos, just visit the Multiply site.

It was damn cold there at the NBC Tent. You can practically feel your testicles freezing. Well, it was the "Lovapalooza Frost Fest," after all. Fun Tuesday night, I was able to drink four vodka cruisers while working. Lotsa hot people in that cold place. Thanks to my beerchugger pal Markywanna for sending me, by the way.

Birds, Balls, Bush

Spent late Wednesday afternoon birdwatching at Southwoods’ golf course-bird sanctuary in Cavite. We were accompanied by knowledgeable avian experts, who happily talked about certain species inhabiting the area. I enjoyed some whispered double entendre-ish jokes--about birds in bushes, breeding grounds, stray balls and swallows--by friends and occasional co-workers Lester “Soundfactory” H. and Mark “Markywanna” P. They were pretty hilarious, if you’re into that guttery kinda thing.

Attending that event was fun; I rode a golf cart, met new people, admired some rocking violinists, loved the food, and had a glass of red wine. And not necessarily in that order. Well, there was work too. After the fun trek across the sprawling, refreshing golf course, we had to go to another part of the site to attend a phase launch. I was noticeably giddy at the van, and jokingly told Mark (my bartending friend), “Do we have to? I don’t wanna!”

We had to interview the property developer head, and attend the tree-planting ceremony (above, thanks for the pics, Lester). For the latter part, we just had to plunk those baby trees into pre-dug holes, so it was done with pretty quickly.

Shaira Luna’s a charming, intelligent girl, as expected. She told us that people mention that old TV commercial she did for that kids’ health drink everyday. She’s a photographer-writer now, and she covered the event for another broadsheet. She thought that I was a quiet guy, because she spotted me covering that Taichi event at UP last year, looking serious the whole time. Well, to her surprise (and possibly, dismay, heh) last Wednesday, I proved that I’m far from quiet and serious. That’s because of the company, mostly.

Mark was a quick learner; he took to driving our golf cart in no time at all. He’s still a funny guy, the workaholic insomaniac. It’s great that he’s handing me stuff to do. I’m glad to help out, and glad that he trusts me enough to do the assignments. I kinda owe this fella for another thing too; he was my bartender-babysitter last week. He looked after me when I zonked out after ten beers. Anyway, I think we’re comfortable with mocking each other now. But I like his big ideas. He’s just that kind of person. And it’s always nice to hear him speak lovingly of his son, Noah.

Lester, meanwhile, is very knowledgeable when it comes to music. He’s making me a mix CD, a compilation of songs drawn from, well, other mix CDs and some of my old albums. It’s so strange and cool to discover months back that we went to the same university and graduated at the same time. He was in the old yearbook all along! We were just in different colleges. We eventually became Pulp and MTV Ink contributors (he did CD reviews; I did my initial Lexy run and a few music and comics reviews). That was about six years ago. I only met him last June, after he messaged me that he’s “a fan” of “my fab series.” I blush.

Had a blast, guys! And yeah, love the free binoculars! Wow, it works.

Cookie Tosser (Or, ‘Me, Mozzie, and Mmm, Beer’)

Crazy and fun Mozzie EP relaunch/pajama party last Friday evening. For me, it kinda got a little too crazy. Where to begin? The day started pretty tensely; I had to wake up earlier than usual to phone-interview someone for a publicity article. That person had to back out at the last minute, but was replaced soon enough by another interviewee. So I did that; it was quite easy to write, actually. An old friend from high school suddenly called up, while I was in the middle of doing it. He and I met up nearby later and chatted about some goings-on in our lives. Had to rush after an hour because traffic was getting heavy by 4.

After an hour or so, I’m in Makati. Got a check, finally. Waited for Marge and Mark to finish, and hung out at their office for a while. Got to talk a bit with their co-workers Zane (sweet, smart Zane!) and Char (this girl knows good movies!). Marge, ever the darling, also said hello and sat down with me a bit. Lotsa intelligent people at that place; they looked quite busy (digression: oh, I met up with Lester the day before; he used to work there as well). I dunno, I felt kinda tense again by that time, and a little hungry. I just sat by the waiting lounge and later, the smoking area balcony, when no one was there. The view was nice and the air was cooler. By the time Mark and Marge finished, it was past 8.

Fun moment en route to Katipunan: Joni Mitchell’s “River” played, and all three of us just sang along, each of us stopping every few lines to praise it or mention anecdotes about the song and the singer. For whatever reasons, some of the loudest parts we sang were the lines: “I’m gonna make a lot of money and I’m gonna quit this crazy scene!” and “I made my baby cry.” Brilliant, brilliant song, that.

Got to the place some time past 9 and we soon got pizza, sisig and beer (yay, free food and beer!). Kaze performed a rousing set, which included an awesome celtic-rock rendition of Heart’s “Alone” and ohmigod, a cool and edgy cover of the Spice Girls’ “Two Become One!” They were followed by a good ska band whose name I can’t remember right now. Sweet! By that time everyone was dancing, and/or jumping, including me. Another band, Top Junk (I think), followed. Damn, it was a great night for good music and musicians. Had about maybe six beers, at this point. Rollie, star photog and nice fella, took a candid pic of me. I think I was sitting down and feeling my body reacting to the booze.

Finally, Mozzie. Woohoo! Cool to finally sing along--well, actually, in my case, I was yelling along--now that I know the words. They actually made New Kids On The Block’s “Step By Step” cool! That was an unexpected cover. Wish “So Bad” got played though. But it was still typically fun (I want the full-length album now, Mozzie!). By my ninth beer, their set was over. And I was slumped face down, on the table. I was clutching the pajama shirt (is that what it’s called?) that Pam generously handed earlier. Felt Mark tug it away from me about three times, and he whispered that I should shake off the dizziness, pronto.

Dunno how long I was that way. In my head, I was ordering my body to handle it, to control the alcohol, but all I could feel was an urge to just surrender. I eventually stood up, walked rather zigzaggingly to the rest room, and just tossed my cookies. So icky and unsexy. I’d rather not go into detail. Good old Mark was alternately teasing me and helping me out. “Amateur,” he said (among other things), while handing me two glasses of cold water. I washed my face and hair, for all the good that did.

I apologized to Pam and Mark minutes later because I felt like I failed, somehow. But they were nice and cool about it. Mark loaned me cab money; I actually had more than enough to take a taxi home. But I took it anyway, because I was too out of it to refuse. Will give that back soonest, dude.

Very few hours of sleep, a near-empty stomach, and beer, I discovered, added to a recipe for disaster. As soon as I got home, I bathed, and just crashed on my bed. Three hours later I woke up with one freaking headache. Two hours after that, I barfed again. I was able to catch some z’s, and felt sober enough to leave for the other office, to pick up something for an assignment.

So that was that. I had fun. This overgrown kid-at-heart did learn something from it. And to John and Dicky, no, I’m not troubled or anything, thanks for the concern. I just had to unwind, and that did calm my nerves. I just overdid it, I suppose. Worry not, boys.

Whew. Whatta night. Thanks a bunch for the awesome party, Mozzie and friends!

That Great Look In Your Eyes

I really like this song by The Silencers. I’ve liked it since 1991, about three months before new wave station BMFM aired its last song. I remember preparing to leave for school one day, but I stopped and sat down to listen to it when it started playing. The janglepop-y guitar parts felt hypnotic and soothing, and the opening lines called to me.

A friend was able to find me a clear copy and he included that in a mix CD, many years later. It’s always been a song whose meaning I feel every time I hear it, aptly evolving to fit the people I fancy. In other words, this is one of the songs that actually grew with me. And I still listen to it.

Back when I first started blogging three years ago, I posted the lyrics and highlighted certain words in color, like so.

I WANT YOU
The Silencers
(J.O`Neill)

Well I want to paint your picture
With that great look in your eyes
And I want to write a song so gentle
It could make you cry

I want the world and all its charms
And nothing else will do
And hey I want you

Well I want a roaring city
And I want a healing sun
And I want a magic wilderness where
We could be anyone

I want the world and all its charms
And nothing else will do
And hey
I want you
I want you

Well I want to be your soldier
And I want to be your friend
And I want to be your dancing fool
And dance you till the end

I want the world and all its charms
And nothing else will do
And hey
I want you

Comfy

This appeared as part of Pam’s “Comfort Zone” spread in PDI-Super last Saturday. I was among 31 people whose pics were used. The photos had to answer the question, “What is comfort for you?”

“I like reading comics while eating yummy but unhealthy food, or guzzling cold beer with my back to the shower.” –Oliver M. Pulumbarit, word pimp, art merc, freelance lover

Heh. I had a bunch of answers in mind, but those were among the mentionable, printable ones. I did the beer thing a total of twice, during my alcoholidaze. Sorry for the mental image. My mom mentioned seeing this picture and I just nervously smiled. The pic was shrunk to about a fifth of the original size, like some of the others in the spread. Had to buy extra copies later (well, I don’t have my pic on the paper everyday), and interestingly, not every copy is as clear as the first one I got. One version didn’t have the colors properly aligned so it had me looking all smudgy and cartoony, heehee. The others were good copies, though.

Thanks to the Super peeps for including this pic, and to Benedicky for taking it

Finite Sadness

The first time I remember feeling really sad was when I was 12.

I think, at that point, I felt that way because the only friend I had suddenly left for another school. I liked that classmate; he was someone who’d read my old comic books, and sometimes, he’d even act out the characters’ voices. We’d draw heroes and monsters too, and I noticed that he really tried hard to make his own figures on paper, even when they looked kinda funky. He was left-handed, which looked to my 12-year-old eyes like he was straining himself too hard. I didn’t consider other classmates as close, and when he vanished, I missed him for a while. I forgot about him eventually, a few months later.

That was the catalyst, I think, that made me really aware of my emotions. I felt so alone at times during that period, that I’d just feign sickness and stay home. School was deathly boring, too, and I didn’t have any friends among my classmates. As a boy and as a teen, I didn’t open up to my parents because I felt like I was gonna burden them with how I felt. I didn’t want that, also because they were preoccupied with my younger siblings. So there I was, setting the good example, always the good brother, always a kid that people thought highly of. I’d lose myself in my drawings, in the comic books and toys I owned, in the songs that felt so welcoming. But I always felt alone.

Of course, I’ve gained some true friendships along the way, through the years. Religion became useful to me, too, but I didn’t realize then that it was just a crutch. Whenever I felt sad because of one thing or another, I didn’t know how to express it, and this feeling often mutated into anger. I didn’t blame my family for anything. I just felt inadequate or unwanted sometimes, which is pretty normal, I suppose. I was able to suppress a lot of things, though, because I thought that other people probably have worse things to worry about. Still, I knew that my emotions and dissatisfaction were valid.

Maybe I talk about this now because a friend told me about that 12-year-old kid in the US who hanged herself. She felt terribly insecure and was picked on. It’s truly tragic. Growing up, I never felt liked. I never felt like I was part of something important. I wanted to belong and feel some sense of accomplishment. I abhorred the cool, confident kids. Well, I actually secretly liked some of them too. But I also thought that deep down, most of them were stupid.

Did I feel like ending it all when things got bad, back then? Sometimes, yes. I’ll admit that much. But I always found a silver lining, and reasons to go on.

I lightened up and changed, eventually. I discarded religion eventually, too. That sounds easy but it wasn’t. It was really tough, sometimes, but I didn’t feel happy with it. The unspoken pressure to be the ideal brother was gone, too, so I didn’t feel like I was setting a bad example. Besides, I assume my siblings know why I’m this way--restless and headstrong--and they respect my space.

During some of my “dark 20s” days, I’d just feel like I was going through all sorts of crap, and it was my friends who’d remind me to be strong. My mom was there to talk to as well, the few times when I felt I couldn’t hold it in any longer. And for that, I’m really grateful to them. I’m doing my damnedest not to tear up right now.

As a grownup, I try to be more sensitive to others’ needs. I still feel bad, occasionally, because I’m far from perfect. It’s not often, but when I feel that way these days, or when I feel like I failed some people, my chest hurts. It’s brief, but it does. I don’t really whine about it. I just shut up, and try to clear my head. And exhale.

Anyway, the sadness disappears, too. I’ve felt and known true happiness. I still do. I’ve earned some rewards, and share what I can. I don’t try to justify my failures, at least most of the time. I don’t believe in the zodiac, but it’s funny that I’m a Scorpio through and through. Well, I’m just what I am. So few people get that, but I’m glad that I don’t have to conform to anyone’s imagined template of me.

Yeah, blogging as therapy. An actual shrink might want me to figure it all out by myself, anyway. Abandonment issues, feelings of insecurity, my goddamn drama… they all started when I was 12.

Gay Dads, Back Issues

I just read about the struggles of some twentysomething gay dads in an old issue of The Advocate that I bought at Book Sale a few days ago. It’s been a while since I read an issue, and I’m glad to have discovered it, along with four informative TV Guide back issues that sold for P5 each. The P10 Advocate mag, dated May 8, 2007, was still in near-perfect condition, and features Rebecca Romijn, who plays Ugly Betty’s transsexual character, on the cover.

One article details the stories of the aforementioned homosexual couples raising kids. I felt quite sad at the part where one young father, John Lawrimore, talked about a custody battle that turned nasty.

“The lowest point was when the lawyer used unfounded statistics about gay men sexually abusing children. It’s the worst level of hatred I’ve ever encountered.”

After solid testimonials from teachers and child care providers, the judge ruled in his favor and allowed his two young sons to stay with him. He and his partner are now raising them.

“I’d been forcing myself to be something I wasn’t,” Lawrimore said of his time with his ex-wife, the boys’ mother. “I was deathly afraid of being gay and how it would affect my sons.”

In another moving article, the cover story with Romijn, the gay-friendly actress talked about being pro-same-sex marriage (among other things):

“What’s the problem? That’s my big question. Unless people are being forced to marry, why should anybody have a problem? If two people love each other, they should have absolutely the same rights as anyone else who loves each other.”

I’m still reading the magazine. Filmmaker Q. Allan Brocka had a fun, revealing column about an African adventure, too.

The Advocate is great. I know they have a website, which I rarely visit these days, but I’d also like to own and reread copies whenever I feel like it. Must go to a nearby Book Sale soon and look for more back issues.

Magic Reset Button

I’ve seen much reality-altering lately, from the derided sudden dissolution of Peter and Mary Jane Parker’s marriage to the enjoyable time-jumping missions of Dan Vasser in Journeyman. Also, a book Dicky lent me recently, Good Omens by Terry Pratchett and Neil Gaiman, had a character that was able to change reality instantly.

But back to Spidey and Mary Jane.

Much has been said about the controversial “One More Day” arc in the Spider-Man titles, where the hero makes a deal with Mephisto to save the life of his Aunt May. Admittedly, reading readers’ reactions and the involved creators’ explanations has been quite amusing. I don’t doubt that the whole situation’ll be retconned someday a la the “Clone Saga,” but for now, Pete’s single again, broke, and has kept his costumed identity a secret. Mephisto, instead of taking his soul, took his marriage to MJ (and the memory of it), instead. Wow.

I really dislike that everything was magicked away just like that. It was yet another example of fixing something that’s not broken, of returning to a status quo that had run its course back in the ‘80s. I liked that Peter and MJ belonged with each other, and that his superheroic life was something that she accepted, something that she and May eventually became proud of. The rush to undo and erase that relationship, along with other significant changes like the Civil War unmasking, was just laughable.

The characters should’ve just divorced. At least they’d have moved on to new chapters of their lives naturally. Sure, there’s baggage, but dealing with and surviving it has always been what Peter Parker’s about. It would’ve been an eye-opening acknowledgement of failure, a mature step that would allow them to develop separately. The magic quick fix just came out of left field, and is just insulting to those who followed the character’s mythology grow and evolve gradually all these years. How this affects Peter’s relationship with his trusted Avengers teammates is also unclear, because it’s doubtful that it’ll be addressed soon.

But again, I’m confident that some future creative team will restore what was voided out of existence. Maybe Mary Jane will be back for good one day, along with their long-lost baby, rescued from the clutches of Norman Osborn. Maybe the characters will realize how selfish and idiotic that drastic reality change was. Maybe Peter Parker will finally get to the next phase of his everyguy life, and accept the burdens that come with it.

I’m not holding my breath. But it’s just a matter of time. Things’ll be back to normal, however that word’s defined in Spidey’s world.

Someday.

TV Therapy

I‘ve come to the realization that almost every TV show that I really liked had at least one character that I could really relate to. These days, I can say with certainty that I can identify with Party of Five’s Bailey Salinger. In Queer As Folk, I think I relate most with Hal Sparks’ comics-loving character Michael Novotny, who’s always been drawn to the smart, free-spirited and (supposedly) unattainable ones. In Buffy, the closest characters with kindred personalities would be geeks Willow and Xander. I couldn’t identify with bad boy Spike at all, except when he was tamed in the final season, and specifically in the scene in “Touched” where he’s declaring his feelings for Buffy with complete clarity:

“I've been alive a bit longer than you, and dead a lot longer than that. I've seen things you couldn't imagine, and done things I prefer you didn't. I don't exactly have a reputation for being a thinker. I follow my blood, which doesn't exactly rush in the direction of my brain. So I make a lot of mistakes, a lot of wrong bloody calls. A hundred-plus years, and there's only one thing I've ever been sure of. You.”

Love that speech. But wait, there’s more:

”I'm not asking you for anything. When I say, 'I love you,’ it's not because I want you, or because I can't have you. It has nothing to do with me. I love what you are, what you do, how you try. I've seen your kindness and your strength. I've seen the best and the worst of you. And I understand with perfect clarity exactly what you are.”

Awww. That was so sweet. Strangely, I can also relate to some of the more amoral characters like Amanda Woodward, Titus Pullo and Brian Kinney, in their respective shows. I love hating them, but there are those rare occasions when they say things, do deeds or react to situations in familiar ways. It’s a little scary, but also enlightening when those connections happen.

Ah, television. It’s one of my valued shrinks, too.

Life As Ya Know It

“Sometimes I feel like I know too much and sometimes I feel like I don’t know nothing at all.”

Always loved that line from Patti Scialfa’s “Rumble Doll.” As a blogger for three years now, I’ve treaded that line that many fellow cyberspace venters do. I talk about those things that are closest to me, the things that I can freely and easily discuss. But I’m also still learning minute mechanics about a lot of things along the way, even on a subconscious level. Mostly, it just feels good to just say what I want, even when nobody’s really paying attention.

It’s not that I’m trying to satisfy the desires of my inner, closeted attention whore--oh yeah, we all have that--it’s just liberating to discuss the merits and/or suckiness of daily life and the pop culture items du jour. And I’m nothing if not opinionated.

I’m pleased by the fact that we can speak freely in our own soapboxes or editorials. I’m also still amused and impressed by people who can really open up and talk about the nooks and crannies of their lives.* I can only share so much, as I don’t feel comfortable opening up totally in such an open venue, nor can I fully disclose details about certain experiences, which are often shared with people who value their privacy.

That doesn’t mean I don’t allude to those experiences or feelings, so I just find ways to work them into the posts. And blogging has helped me identify and put into words things and behavior (mine and others’) that I don’t understand. It’s been therapeutic, and has made me answer some of my own questions. Well, I’ll keep writing and reading, and valuing the words and thoughts of those that, in my humble opinion, inspire me to keep sharing my own in my floating spaces.

- - - - - -

* through topics including, but not limited to, awesome one-night stand hookups, the unsightly “cobwebs” up someone’s nose, the desire to inflict pain on some deserving bastard’s face, the desire to get your perineum chewed on soon, your fixation with boobs, things you want to do to that hot priest, the details of unusual bowel movement, and so on.

The Future is Wow

Panel Panache

Still sort of a yearender post, but it works pretty well as a new year entry too. Some of these comics weren’t necessarily released during that span, but I read them within the year, anyway:

I loved Avengers Initiative, Walking Dead, She-Hulk (Dan Slott’s run), New Warriors (whoa, depowered X-Men!), 52, Birds of Prey (Simone and Bedard’s issues), JSA, New X-Men (finally!), All-Star Superman, Annihilation: Starlord, Modok’s 11, Dr. Strange: The Oath, Buffy the Vampire Slayer Season Eight, Nightwing Annual # 2 (the Dick and Babs ish), Deadpool-GLI, X-Men (Carey’s good), Astonishing X-Men (Yay, Cyke and Emma!), Ares, World War Hulk, Pride of Baghdad, X-Factor, JLA (McDuffie’s issues), Exiles (Bedard), Cable-Deadpool, Irredeemable Antman, and all the Marvel Handbooks.

The okay ones: New Avengers, Thunderbolts (but I still don’t like Penance), Justice (er, nice art!), World War Hulk: Frontline, Astounding Wolfman, Illuminati (except # 3), Angel: After the Fall (except for the art), Runaways, Mighty Avengers, Avengers Classics, Astro City- The Dark Age (Book Two), Thor, Black Adam, JLA (Meltzer’s run), The Immortal Iron Fist, Nova and Civil War Frontline.

Things I really disliked: The rushed and silly Civil War ending, the Beyonder retcon in Illuminati (he’s a what, now ?!), Amazons Attack, World War III, the pointless Countdown tie-ins, the impending massive retcon via the Skrull invasion, the delayed ending of Wonder Woman’s first arc, still no monthly Young Avengers, the ending of Loners, the current Legion version, and the long wait between Astonishing X-Men issues.

Hope there’ll be more great comic books and less tedious ones this year. Hmm. I’ve been reading about protests over Spider-Man’s One More Day arc. Must read that soon!

Dried Pretty

Literate and infectious, Mozzie’s music is that rare marriage of reflective content and technical soundness, so yeah, the group sounds great while sending different messages and telling stories.

The indie band’s debut recording, the “Dried to Pseudo-Perfection” EP, audibly shows focus and cohesion, reflecting Mozzie’s solidly executed songs during live performances. Skillful instrumentation and introspective lyrics characterize all seven originals, most of which sound like a frictionless locking of angry ‘90s rocker chick sensibilities with contemporary alt-pop bounce.

There’s self-awareness in the tempo-shifting “Reckless,” a ditty that speaks of growing up and losing some direction along the way (“Ten years ago I seemed so promising/ ten years ago I was so innocent/ Now I’m just tired/ so tired”). Another track, “Shut It,” whose upbeat pacing and structure sounds inspired by early No Doubt, tackles hurtful and hard-to-ignore brickbats. The similarly catchy (and definitely self-aware) “Bolgia Six,” meanwhile, asks, “Aren’t we all just hypocrites/ for never admitting to be one?” It recognizes the failure of the judgmental to look at their own lamentable mistakes.

Relevance hasn’t been a problem, thanks to the songwriting. “Ugliest” and “Face for Sale” apparently share lines and thoughts about cosmetic beauty, but are two distinct pieces. The former self-deprecatingly muses about unconditional love (“You loved me at my ugliest!”), while the latter discusses vanity and one’s seemingly perpetual desire to be “perfect.”

The various subjects shape different moods each time. “Starfucker” indignantly exposes a has-been child star’s present-day misadventures, stanzas periodically and eerily building up to an aptly loud catharsis. And speaking of grownup issues, the simpler lyriced “So Bad” may not possess the clever wordplay worked into the other songs, but its starkness effectively and entrancingly conveys longing. It also prominently features the vocalist’s range and emotional verve, further lending the words sincerity and substance.

It may not be suitable for really young listeners, for obvious reasons, but the 20- and 30-somethings have a lot to relate to in “Dried to Pseudo-Perfection.” Some of the songs celebrate femininity, while others are universally relatable confessions. Collectively wise and honest, the material in the EP heralds good things to come. It would be interesting to hear one or two original Tagalog songs in the upcoming album, as well.

Make it happen, Mozzie.