Hi Sis! :D

Nineteen years ago today, my mother gave birth to my first ever real live doll. HAPPY BIRTHDAY SISTIE! In honor of her 19th birthday, I give 19 reasons why my sister is the best:

19. She cleans up after the mess I create (in her room). And all I get is a frown and an “argh!” or a "Sis!" Wee!

18. I’m gonna be her sole maid of honor someday (yey!).

17. I can totally impersonate her over the phone. And vice versa.

16. She cries when I return to Manila after a vacation back home (postpartum or otherwise, hehe). Reminds me of the time I deliberately make her cry when she was a baby because it sounds cute (can you say H. B.?). :D

15. She's the greatest Ymae mocker ever. In a cute way. And only she gets to do that.

14. Because really no matter what she says, she can never out-tease me. *haughty laugh* :D

13. She’s my fave textmate/grocery buddy/cooking assistant buddy/drunk bitch buddy/anything buddy. We have games and pranks and stuff ;P

12. She's the one I share the most private jokes with. With favorite lines and all. Because she totally gets my brand of humor.

11. She’s the best and funnest video subject ever. Want proof? :P

10. She can give my crafty/creative prowess a run for it’s money.

9. She gives me her stuff. Even stuff she says she won’t give. Most of the time, she really can't say no to me. Like 99.99% of the time. Hehehe. :D

8. Someday, she’s gonna give me one of her kids if I ask. Sure she’ll say no initially… but eventually she'll give in. Just like when I ask for a top/accessory of hers that I like ;) Hahaha.

7. I nearly killed her twice, and she’s not scared of me still. Not even avoiding me. How cool is that?!

6. She seriously thinks I’m Santa. She still insists I be her Santa until now (but then, it's Nischa's turn now).

5. She's prettier than me but doesn't rub it in. ;)

4. She takes care of the folks for me and TJ now. Since we're far away and all.

3. She’s Nischa’s mom!

2. And she’s infinitely a better mother than I can ever be at my age. She's an absolutely spectacular mom. *beams with pride*

1. Her sweetness is top-notch and one of a kind.

For these and many, many more reasons, she simply is the best. And I couldn't have asked for a better sister. I love her to bits!!! <3

My 3 *Favorite* Jerks

Some people are homosexual magnets. Some people are stalker magnets. However, a whole bunch of the female population is susceptible to a very popular kind of magnetism - jerk magnetism. I can go to great lengths in this blog discussing this *ahem* vulnerability or preference (if you may), but I believe much has been written about this already (yeah, I actually googled "jerks" before working on this post :D). I've decided to list down instead, my three *favorite* kinds of jerks for your reading, and perhaps, relating pleasure.

1. The Jerk Who Actually Tells You He's A Jerk

Huh? The jerk who actually admits he's a jerk, saying, "I'm not really looking for anything serious at all," or "I'm really not the committing type." Of course, it's not necessary that he tells you, tells you. Because how many guys actually admit to being a jerk (hey, I know a few!)? If he has a girlfriend/wife that you actually know of (because he told you) and he has no intentions of leaving her, he is actually telling you he's a jerk.

Redeeming Factor: Let's give it to him, he's actually honest about being a jerk. Maybe a little too unapologetic and still pursuing you regardless (why oh why?), but still... he's honest (dwelling on the honesty here people!). Woohoo! :D This one's actually on you.

Tell Yourself: I'm stupid beyond words if I actually fall for this one. Next!

2. The Jerk Who's So Confused He Actually Drags You Along

Huh? You know him. He's the guy who actually doesn't know what he wants. Or thinks he knows that he wants then becomes quite unsure after. We're thinking possibly going around in circles here. Whatever his inner battles are, it shows in his actions. How he (perhaps) unwittingly runs hot and cold on you. He can't drop you like a hot potato because maybe you're actually what he wants (he's just not 101% sure). But he can't give you a clear take on where things are going either because (and I whisper) he doesn't know.

Redeeming Factor: He's clueless. Like a lost, sick puppy. How can you fault a lost, sick puppy? Boo-freakin'-hoo.

Tell Yourself: Confusing myself is hard enough. Am I really gonna let someone else confuse me too? Next!

3. The Jerk Who's Just Not That Into You

Huh? Ah, I actually borrow from Greg and Liz' bestselling and all-in-all stellar book on this one (although they actually lumped everything up in one big HJNTIY). This one's the jerk you actually blame for your sheer blindness to the fact that despite your greatest hope and/or effort... He's. Just. Not. That. Into. You. This one's actually difficult to accept because maybe at some point he actually found you interesting. So much so that he messages/texts/calls/sings to you everyday for a week or two. Or a month. Or however long it was. But guess what? That's no guarantee that he'll actually be in like or in love (rolls eyes) with you forever. And beside the exponential decay you're seeing (as opposed to growth) is a hug red flag. Waving as if to say, "I'm oh so obviously here." But why, you ask, does he still respond to your messages or answers your calls? Because he's being polite. Because he doesn't wanna have to ask you why you're still not getting the hint.

Redeeming Factor: Technically speaking, he's not really a jerk. He's just not that into you. And his actions speak for themselves. Loud and clear.

Tell Yourself: He's really just not that into me! What part of that can I not understand? Next!

There you go... my three *favorite* jerks. Allow me to wrap up with my favorite line from Liz and Greg's book: Don't waste the pretty.

Coming Soon... Can't Wait! :D

Like the passionate movie-goer that I am, I’m making a list of my must-watch movies for the rest of the year. All of which I intend to watch in one way or another (there are different ways of watching? LOL). Here goes:

Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants 2

Who? America Ferrera, Amber Tamblyn, Alexis Bledel, Blake Lively, Jesse Williams

When? August 2008

What? It's been three years since the lifelong quartet of best friends established the Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants. Now they face the biggest change of all: college. Carmen is studying drama at Yale, Tibby is learning to direct at NYU, Bridget is getting to know her grandmother for the first time, and Lena is torn between two romances. Through it all, the girls maintain their bond despite the distance between them, and use their friendship (and pants) as a source of strength in the face of their obstacles.

Why? I’m an Alexis Bledel fan! I absolutely adore Rory. Plus Serena‘s in the movie too. And Ugly Betty! The first Sisterhood was okay but not exactly amazing, so I hope this one can actually top it’s precedent. The trailer actually shows much promise. And it’ll hit theaters really, really soon. :D

The House Bunny

When? August 2008

Who? Anna Faris, Emma Stone, Rumer Willis, Kat Dennings, Katherine McPhee, Monet Mazur

What? It's about a Playboy playmate (interesting already, boys?). The playmate, Shelly, gets kicked out of the Mansion (for being over-the-hill at 27), and in the midst of her oh-so-sexy despair, she runs into a group of girls with a conveniently matching problem. Seven uncool sorority girls are about to lose their house unless they can whip up some new pledges. Enter the new house mother! Between Shelly's social skills and the girls' sense of individuality, they have the perfect ingredients for the ultimate sisterhood.

Why? It sounds like shallow fun with a sexy twist to the been-there-done-that sorority plot! Plus, Anna Faris is funny. But then, this is just a DVD movie expected to bring a few shallow laughs. :D

Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist

When? October 8, 2008

Who? Michael Cera, Kat Dennings

What? Michael Cera stars as Nick, the bumbling, unlucky-in-love teenager (who's also a guitarist in a band — geeky-hot!) who's still hung up on his ex-girlfriend. But then Norah (Kat Dennings) asks Nick to be her temporary boyfriend so it looks like she has a date, and it works out well for both of them when Nick's ex-girlfriend sees them together and becomes jealous. From there, Nick and Norah have a long night of strange, funny adventures and, as the trailer declares, "every night has a playlist." There's music and comedy and young love.

Why? I happened to like Michael Cera in Juno, and based on the trailer, the girl seems pretty interesting too. And it seems like it’s not your average teeny-bopper movie. But then, this might be a DVD movie too.

Flash of Genuis

When? October 25, 2008

Who? Greg Kinnear, Lauren Graham, Dermot Mulroney and Alan Alda

What? Honestly, if one were trying to get folks excited about a movie, a good way to fail would be to say it's about the guy who invented the intermittent windshield wiper systems used on cars. But what if we're told the movie stars Greg Kinnear as the inventor and the lovely Lauren Graham plays his wife? Add to that a real-life David vs. Goliath tale in which Goliath is the auto industry stealing the windshield wiper idea from David, and we're getting toward a movie worth talking about.

Why? Greg Kinnear is a great actor so I believe he can do justice to his role. And I adore Lauren Graham (I am a Gilmore Girls girl, okay?). Throw in Dermot Mulroney and you’ve got a done deal. He is the obnoxious auto company executive right? Or Greg’s lawyer? Or whatever role it is that could make him ooze with snobbish appeal? Swoon alert!

He's Just Not that Into You

When? October 2008

Who? Ben Affleck, Jennifer Aniston, Drew Barrymore, Scarlett Johansson, Justin Long, Jennifer Connelly, Ginnifer Goodwin, Kevin Connolly, and Bradley Cooper.

What? All I know is that the bestseller hits the big screen. And all I need to know to wanna watch anyway. :D

Why? I loved the book (I’ve always said it’s just as enlightening as any Paolo Coelho novel), and I’m excited to see how they take this to the big screen. Plus, I miss Ben and Jennifer Aniston, and I'm wondering how well they’ll gel together. Yeah, I’m first-names basis with Ben. Hahaha. The trailer looks pretty interesting and the cast is quite star-studded. :D

Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince

When? November 21, 2008

Who? Emma Watson, Daniel Radcliffe, Jim Broadbent, Rupert Grint, Tom Felton

What? As Harry Potter begins his 6th year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, he discovers an old book marked mysteriously “This book is the property of the Half-Blood Prince” and begins to learn more about Lord Voldemort’s dark past.

Why? I’ve seen the trailer and agree that it seems darker than it’s predecessors and even bordered on disturbing as it shows the life of the young Tom Riddle. Creepy as this may be, I’m still watching it for the love of Harry Potter.

The Curious Case of Benjamin Button

When? November 26, 2008

Who? Brad Pitt, Cate Blanchett, Tilda Swinton, Elle Fanning, Jason Flemyng, Elias Koteas

What? Based on the 1922 short story by F. Scott Fitzgerald, Benjamin Button (Pitt) is born as a feeble old man, and ages in reverse until he becomes a baby at the end of his life. This causes complications when he falls in love with a 30-year-old woman (Blanchett). Fitzgerald has noted that “This story was inspired by a remark of Mark Twain’s to the effect that it was a pity that the best part of life came at the beginning and the worst part at the end.

Why? A pretty interesting plot plus a stellar cast. Brad Pitt is Brad Pitt (and it‘s been a while since I’ve watched a new movie of his), and then there’s Cate Blanchett who I hope doesn’t get sidelined in this movie because it seems like the plot will focus on he-who-ages-in-reverse. However, I know better than to underestimate Cate Blanchett, who is (in my opinion) one of Hollywood’s greatest actresses.

The Time Traveler’s Wife

When? November 2008 (estimated)

Who? Rachel McAdams, Eric Bana, Ron Livingston

What? Based on the novel by Audrey Niffenegger, The Time Traveler’s Wife is a romantic drama about a Chicago librarian (Bana) with a gene that causes him to involuntarily time travel, and the complications it creates for his marriage.

Why? It’s Eric Bana! Plus Rachel McAdams! I rest my case. Hahaha. The plot is fairly unconventional. Who knows, it might inspire me to read the book too. The way the movie version of The Kite Runner led me to the book.

The Day the Earth Stood Still

When? December 12, 2008

Who? Keanu Reeves

What? A remake of the classic 1951 sci-fi action film by Robert Wise, which is considered one of the best Science Fiction films of all time and was debated for it’s religious symbolism and many interpretations. Reeves will play Klaatu, an alien who arrives on Earth accompanied by a large humanoid robot named Gort, with a warning to world leaders that their continued aggression will lead to annihilation by species watching from afar.

Why? I miss Keanu! And did he ever portray an alien ever? Hahaha. I know it’s been noted that he has only one facial expression. But still… I miss Keanu! And the trailer is amazing! And I really really miss Keanu!!! Hahaha. :D

Angels and Demons

When? December 19, 2008
Who? Tom Hanks

What? The movie version of The Da Vinci Code sequel.

Why? I didn’t know until recently that a movie was in order. Eeee! I liked this book more than TDVC. And my stand has always been that it is more movie-material than TDVC is. Is it too late to request that they replace Tom Hanks with Nicholas Cage (sorry Tom!)? And who will play Vittoria?

Don’t think I didn’t notice that there’s nothing for me to watch in September. So sad! :( It’s a good thing my favorite shows will have season premieres then. That ought to keep me occupied and happy. :D

Such Cliches

While catching up on my well-missed dose of sugar, I stumbled upon a list of the 10 Most Overly Used Rom-Com Gimiks. Ah, the perfect post for someone who not only wishes to shallowfy her posts (they're too serious!), but also is a sucker for romantic comedies (jeez, I'm such a girl!). My own comments are in italics...

1. Ending Up With A Guy That Kinda Ruins Things

You know what's not romantic to me? When a guy puts me out of business rendering me unemployed (You've Got Mail). Or when a guy interrupts my cab ride on the way to a promising job interview and insists I stay with him How to Lose a Guy in Ten Days). (Why can't he go with her?). Or when a guy steals my idea for an ad campaign and gets me fired with his secret mind-reading abilities (What Women Want). Time for a leading man who's not all "take, take, take".

Of course it works because we all love conflict. Besides, pulling through eventually (as long as the conflict's not too serious or disturbing) is something that's pretty darn awww-inspiring. Haha. Especially if the jerk looks like Matthew Mcconaughey. :P

2. Cinderella Redux Stories

Hey look, I was charmed by the prostitute who gets the handsome, wealthy man in Pretty Woman like the rest of the world but the grown-up Cinderella story gets old pretty fast. The hotel maid/prostitute/stripper/poor girl getting rescued by rich guy story is played. Next!

I do agree that this is wee-bit soap operatic. Besides, there is nothing more pathetic than a girl wanting to be rescued by her "Prince Charming." We know better right? :D But then, the polar opposite (successful rich girl rescues gigolo/house boy/poor guy) won't sell either. It will also shatter the oh-so-delicate male ego. :P

3. The Makeover

I love What Not to Wear and those makeover episodes of Oprah. But when the woman's (99.9% of the time, it's the woman's) makeover is central to a rom-com plot line I start to

lose interest. Not only is it terribly retro for a guy to only see the beauty in a girl after she takes her glasses off and puts on lip gloss, but it's completely unoriginal and predictable at this point.

How about a guy who actually falls for an unattractive girl and then falls out of love after she undergoes a major revamp? How crazy-cool is that?

4. The Entire Plot Based on A Lie

Oh man, the big elaborate lie kills me because you can already map out how the whole story will unfold, and where's the fun in that? In Never Been Kissed it's just a countdown until Michael Vartan's character finds out Drew Barrymore's character's secret. Then it's just a matter of time before he loves her anyway. There have got to be better, more creative ways to drum up some romantic conflict than this...right?

Totally! No wonder why so many people make false pretenses!

5. The Hatred That's Actually "Love"

Have you ever fallen in love with someone you've really, truly hated? I mean, really hated? We don't need the main characters to do horribly nasty things to each other so that it'll be a pleasant surprise* when they realize they're in love.

*It's never a surprise.

Hey, I happened to enjoy What Happens in Vegas! It was fun and funny! But I totally agree that while people actually sometimes opt to deliberately annoy the people they like (think kindergarten days) or how someone you like/love can easily tick you off (it's disappointment masked as anger), it really is hard to believe you can be secretly in love with someone whose guts you absolutely, sincerely hate. Newsflash: The line between love and hate ain't that thin.

6. The Race to the Airplane

Stop me if you've heard this one before: "Faith rushes to board Peter's flight to Boston which is on the verge of taking off. As Faith boards the plane, Peter turns to see her. They kiss and the passengers and crew erupt into applause for the two lovers. The last shot of the film is of the plane flying out into the sunset."

Yeah. Thought so.

I also think this one is tacky. Because realistically speaking, there's very little chance you actually make it to the airport in time. Unless you can fly. And even if you do, are you really gonna work out your issues and kiss in front of a bunch of strangers? Seriously?!

7. Falling in Love With a Man-Child

Guys who refuse to grow up are...sexy? Sure, some men have that childlike vibrancy, a youthful joie de vivre. But some actually behave like children — and still get the girl in these movies. Why would these highly successful, smart women in films like Fever Pitch be attracted to someone who lives at home and/or sits on the couch with his stoner friends all day? Are women just supposed to settle? Food for thought.

No we are not! We deserve men, not boys. And besides, how realistic is it for a man-child to actually grow up in such a short period of time? Growing up is a process and no, love is not enough. Besides what that man-child feels for you ain't love, missy.

8. It's All Based on a (Totally Implausible) Bet

It's funny that movies continue to include plots revolving completely around ill-advised, unrealistic bets which, once won or called off, somehow result in love.

This is the tackiest of all the rom-com gimiks in my opinion. Because really, it just is. 'Nuf said.

9. Letters From Dead People

This isn't necessarily a trend yet but the notes-from-a-dead-lover tactic used in P.S. I Love You felt gimmicky. It seems like it would only mentally mess up a grieving widow, rather than help her. Hollywood should nip this one in the bud.

I actually wanted to read the book because of the letters (I love letters!). Except to say letters such as these are better left to books, I don't think I have a right to comment on this one.

10. The "Sassy" Best Friend

This is probably most tiresome of all. The BFF to the main character is usually quirkier, funnier, less conventionally attractive and way more interesting to watch than the main lady. Yet she's sidelined and often saddled with the schlubbiest guy in the room in the end. Like all of these, it's just gotten so old.

While this is the most common element in rom-coms, all I can say is that the colorful sidekick has actually saved one too many movies from being doomed to hell as a giant waste of time. But then again, they're supporting actresses for a reason, and shouldn't be the highlight of a movie.

With these said, while I won't ditch rom-coms for being too susceptible to cliches, I'm all for originality and unconventional, wonderfully twisted plot lines.

For the actual Buzz Sugar slideshow (complete with pictures), click here.

The YM Ignore List

A few weeks ago, I was wondering about how the YM ignore function works. Luckily, someone was nice enough to offer to actually try it out so I can know for sure (thanks again :D). For the benefit of the curious (because it seems that even Yahoo! Answers cannot give a straight answer), here's what I've learned from our simulation:

- The ignored person cannot be in your YM contact list. If he/she is, then you have a deletion to make. Fair enough right? Besides how easy is it to ignore someone who's there and everywhere, as if mocking you incessantly? Hahaha.

- On the other hand, if you are in the ignored person's contact list (which you most probably are), you will simply be permanently invisible to this person. No notifications of you blocking him/her off. Which was my biggest question actually.

- Should the ignored person message you, you simply don't receive his/her message/s. On his/her end, it would seem like you were offline and did not receive any message sent your way.

I was pretty pleased with how the ignore function works because you get to just disappear and not be bothered anymore should you want to be left alone. No concerns over confrontations on why you blocked a person off. Very minimal energy wasted. :D However, be forewarned that should you change your mind and choose to unblock the ignored, it might not be as simple as adding him/her as you would a new contact if you are still in his/her contact list. You might see a perpetual "add request pending" status that only disappears if the ex-ignored deletes you in his/her contact list and adds you back in. By then you would have to come up with a pretty believable excuse for the deletion ("It was an accident," or "The dog ate my contact list."). Or, come clean and say you chose to cut him/her off at one point in time. I hope then that the formerly-ignored-and-now-back-in-your life would be cool with it. Or, if it's not too much to ask, humble and mature enough to understand why.

P. S. The perpetual "add request pending" status does not happen all the time. Phew! But then, still be prepared for the possibility of it happening.