Sunstar Weekend Magazine

Who to watch this 2011? Clint Holton P. Potestas introduces us to this year’s up and coming young Cebuanos.

[email protected], January 8, 2011

movies

4feature

3Ms. Cebu 2011

Pleased to meet you

Gulliver’s Travels

Sun.Star Weekend | Saturday , January 8, 20112C

cover story

RALPH RHODDEN C. CAVERO Graphic Designer

CHERRY ANN LIM Managing Editor, Special Pages and FeaturesJIGS ARQUIZA Editor CLINT HOLTON P. POTESTAS Writer

Jan Slater YoungThe Matinee Idol Shifting Gears: From a lucrative industry, Jan submits himself to entertainment. To be very honest about it, he is earning good from his previous job: He was formerly the civil engineer of some top companies, like Nestle, S&R, and BigFoot. Jan completed his degree in Civil Engineering at the University of San Carlos. Shooting Stars: The next John Lloyd Cruz? “I like the image of John Lloyd Cruz,” answers Jan when asked about how he wants to be packaged after the six-month workshop starting January that covers dancing, singing, acting, and modeling. Under Cornerstone Talent Management, that would now be possible. The same team ignited the careers of singers Yeng Constantino, Richard Poon, and Sam Milby.

Crystal Star AberasturiThe Model

The winner takes it all: A combination of brains and beauty has always been a formidable tandem, and Crystal is taking a lead up to what she really wants. The 18-year-old Medical Technology student at the Cebu Doctors’ University has been recognized in several pageants such as Ms. Cesafi, Ms. Pagcor, Ms. Cviraa for Festival Queen, among others.

On the catwalk: Now, she’s modeling. Under the management of Ozar’s Danny Booc, she is poised for both runway and print modeling. However, there are other prestigious pageants lining up for her. But in the meantime, her lips are sealed. When the right time comes, she’d definitely be back on this very page to spill the beans.

Mikel RamaThe Youth Leader Bloodline: Leadership is innate for Mikel, being the son of Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama, but he surely has his own style. Having completed his degree in Psychology at the University of San Carlos, the 25-year-old believes in the strength of value formation as the springboard of any objective. He also finished Bachelor of Laws at the same university. Alternative Route: Being a member of the Cebu City Youth

Movement, Mikel hopes to direct all projects to fellowship. For him, this promotes interaction among the young members of the community, leading to a more precise answer to concerns. “Value formation is very important because it’s knowing how one should respond to any circumstance,” he says, sharing about intensive leadership and entrepreneurial training.

Maybe they’ve met before, somewhere else – the déjà vu effect? – but they would like to think it’s their first encounter, their first cheers, their first acquaintance party together on a very fine afternoon.

In a roomful of strangers, surprisingly, there was not an awkward moment. Or not even an issue of billing when summoned to pose as “five people to watch out for in 2011”: five of Cebu’s rising individuals who have promised to offer you something they do best.

It’s just right here, actually: politics, showbiz, fashion, and absolutely everything your eyes can feast on. Guaranteed all fresh.

Correct, age doesn’t matter. But isn’t it a good omen that they’re all below 30?Besides, to be young and hip, didn’t that once mean irreverently carefree? Don’t be fooled by the rocks they’ve got. Their soaring kind of spirit assures all

of us there’s more than what meets the eye. A handshake’s fine, but don’t they deserve a hug?

Pleased to meet you

PHOTOS: AGNES ANNE GARRIDOMAKE-UP AND HAIR: ROMERO VERGARA

CONTRIBUTING COORDINATORS: GIRLIE VELOSO, ROSELLE REYES, AND MAI VARRONLOCALE: TREFF AT THE GOURMET WALK OF THE WATERFRONT HOTEL AND CASINO, LAHUG

STYLING AND SITTING: CLINT POTESTAS

Divine Muego Maitland-SmithThe Graphic Artist

Art of the Covenant: “Graphic artistry does not mean it should involve computers,” she clarifies, explaining that she’s more inclined to graffiti art. Or you can even call her a tattoo artist. At age 19, she is a licensed tattoo artist, professionally trained in Bangkok, Thailand.

Skin to Skin: This February, Divine, who is born to a Cebuano mother, is inviting six international tattoo artists to be featured in her art gallery on A.S. Fortuna, Mandaue. Expect a remodeled space and finer form of self-expression. “A tattoo is a form of self-expression. It’s permanent; you carry it with you, so make sure you choose a design you can live with forever,” she advises.

Ria AlazasThe Jewelry Designer

Call of Nature: This Ateneo de Manila University schooled gal laughs at the idea that she is more known as a jewelry designer than a corporate lawyer. “It is my passion to design accessories because I like to tap my creative side. It’s a totally different field from lawyering, and it’s actually my sideline,” beams the 27-year-old, who says she tinkers the materials all by herself.

Ready, Manila: Ria is all set to enter the mainstream industry via the upcoming launching of her cousin’s (fashion designer Dexter Alazas) atelier in the capital city middle of this year. She is thinking of utilizing metallic materials for her line called “Glory,” exactly what the market demands this season.

Sun.Star Weekend | Saturday , January 8, 2011 3C

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1) Katrina Raye C. Yuson Trina is a nineteen year-old student from

Cebu Doctors’ University currently taking up Bachelor of Science in Nursing. A sports enthusiast, she is into different sports but volleyball is her main game. Trina is also interested in children particularly the mentally-challenged. Reading and writing keeps her going and it allows her to venture into new things. Life is a journey and there is more to discover, so she never ceases to explore.

2) Kerrie Glad A. ArapocEighteen year-old Kerrie is a Medical

Technology student from Cebu Doctors’ University. A great fan of digital art, she does both portrait and motion art graphic design during her spare time. She is labeled as “The Young Achiever” by her friends because of success she has gained through the years and her immense conviction to reach certain heights.

3) Rosemary J. GoreRose is an eighteen year-old student from

Southwestern University taking up Bachelor of Science in Medical Technology. Growing up she had many fears, one of which was the boogeyman and she is glad she has grown out of it though horror movies shock her still. She loves the great outdoors, being under the sun and singing her heart out with her music, and reading.When she is not outdoors or reading, she finds herself at home with her family where she is truly her happiest.

4) Katrina Jane B. Esmas Eighteen year-old Ina is a student from

Cebu Doctors’ University currently taking up Bachelor of Science in Nursing. On her spare time she reads, writes, shops and plays soccer. She's the midstriker for Melbourne United Football Club, and she also plays football for Cebu Doctor's University.

5) Benjielyn Rose A. Ongluico Benj is a nineteen year-old Management

Accounting student from the University of San Carlos, a part-time model and a former SK councilor in Guadalupe. She is the youngest in the brood of four, a certified homebody, and would prefer to solve mathematical problems rather than go shopping.

6) Teffanie Lene E. LlamadaTwenty-one year-old Panyang is a Staff

Nurse of St. Vincent’s General Hospital. To be blessed to graduate with laurels further pushed her drive for excellence and self-discovery. She is currently a member of the Fidelis Choir (a church choir), an environmental band, the UC Music Theatre Company and a post graduate student of Psychiatric Nursing. She has always believed that exploring one’s potential is infinite.

7) Maureen Gail M. EspinaMau is a nineteen year-old Psychology

student from the University of San Carlos. She loves to sing to de-stress, chill out with friends, play solitaire, watch T.V. and surf the internet to keep updated. She loves to do movie marathons and gets inspired by movies and TV personalities. She is a member of the University of San Carlos Choristers (choral group) which she has a gotten a scholarship from and the Psychology Society.

8) Mia Zeeba M. Ali FaridoonNineteen year-old Mia is a Mass

Communication student from the University of the Philippines. Miss UP 2010 brought about her involvement with UP Tsinelas, a non-stock, non-profit charity organization, which aims to help underprivileged children from depressed areas in Cebu. Writing for the college newsletter, Tug-ani, is something she has started doing this academic year.

9) Junelyn B. BilocuraJune is a twenty-four year-old Customer

Service Agent of Philippine Airlines. She is a dreamer and a hard worker. She lives a simple life in Daanbantayan under the care of her grandparents. She completed Management Accounting as a working student at the University of San Jose Recoletos, something is very grateful for accomplishing. She still has a lot of plans for herself and for her family hence she will never get tired of dreaming and working hard to make these dreams come true.

10) Erica Janine P. TudtudTwenty-one year old Erica is an Interior

Design student from the University of San Carlos. She loves to dance and write songs. Most of all, she enjoys spending quality time with her family and friends. She has been modeling for 5 years under Fashion TV Cebu and A.D. Models Philippines. She participates in outreach programs with the Kids of Kythe Foundation for the benefit of kids with cancer.

11) Vanessa Claudine M. Ammann Vanessa is a twenty-one year old

Advertising Arts student from the University of San Carlos. When she's not with her friends and family she finds herself outdoors jetskiing, playing soccer, bowling or just on a simple picnic in a random field. When passions come into question, it has always been dancing, interacting with people and drawing. She tends to enjoy the tiniest things. In local slang one can say she's a child with "gamay kalipay" and she's always been happy about that.

12) Aiko Lyanne E. SerranoTwenty-one year old Aiko is an English

tutor for a home-based company, Four Communications. During her spare time, she loves to sing karaoke with her siblings, a talent that they got from their mother, and experiment on cooking various dishes, an interest that she inherited from her father. She currently takes part in 'One lesson, One Smile', a program that aims to support the needs of children.

The ladies of Ms. Cebu 2011


movies

IMAGES FROM THE INTERNET

THE really annoying thing about Jack Black’s “Gulliver’s Travels” is not so much that it’s a bad movie – it is bad, but only run-of-the-mill bad, not epic-misfire bad – but that the movie sullies a piece of literature that has endured for nearly 300

years for the sake of a cheap kiddie flick that’ll be forgotten in a month.With Black’s giant footprints all over it, Jonathan Swift’s tale of Gulliver’s

voyages is pretty much out of bounds for any filmmakers who actually might have wanted to make a good, faithful adaptation (you never know, it could have happened).

You can hear some studio executive listening to the pitch a decade or so from now: “Gulliver? Didn’t somebody make that piece of shipboard adventure 10 or 15 years ago?”

Hollywood runs in cycles, and Black’s movie takes Gulliver off the table for a good long time.

The live-action filmmaking debut for Rob Letterman, a co-director on the animated movies “Shark Tale” and “Monsters vs. Aliens,” ‘’Gulliver’s Travels” is set in modern times and borrows only a few key elements from Swift’s work.

Black’s Lemuel Gulliver is a mailroom sluggard at the New York Tribune who bluffs his way into a travel-writing assignment in the Bermuda Triangle to impress Darcy (Amanda Peet), an editor on whom he has a huge crush.

Gulliver sails into some sort of vortex that transports him to an alternate world, where he washes up on Lilliput, an island of tiny people 3 inches high.

Initially imprisoned as a beast, Gulliver gabs his way into the hearts of the Lilliputians with tall tales of his exploits borrowed from “Star Wars,” ‘’Titanic” and “Avatar” (all movies in which “Gulliver’s Travels” studio 20th Century Fox has a stake, in case anyone’s counting).

Gulliver winds up as guardian of Lilliput against the enemy Blefuscians and befriends commoner Horatio (Jason Segel), who has his own crush on Lilliput’s Princess Mary (Emily Blunt), daughter of the goodhearted king and queen (Billy Connolly and Catherine Tate).

But evil General Edward (Chris O’Dowd), displaced as his realm’s protector, plots to expose Gulliver and banish him from the land.

“Gulliver’s Travels” has been adapted a few times before, most notably in Max Fleischer’s 1939 animated version. Richard Harris played Gulliver in a 1977 adaptation, while Ted Danson starred in a 1996 TV version.

In Black’s version, Swift’s biting satire is softened to innocuous family fare, with enough cute little gags and mugging by Black that young children should stay interested, if not enthralled, for the movie’s brisk running time.

There’s not much there for older kids and adults, the simple-minded story from screenwriters Joe Stillman (“Shrek”) and Nicholas Stoller (Segel’s director on “Forgetting Sarah Marshall”) giving Black little to do but bumble and bray.

The story is so slight – Lilliputian, really – that the clever visual effects continually dominate “Gulliver’s Travels.” Black tugging an armada of Blefuscian ships or simply strolling among the sand-castle-sized buildings of Lilliput are far more interesting to watch than any of the exchanges he and the little people have among themselves.

The movie was needlessly converted to 3-D. The images are not blurry and distracting as some 3-D conversions have been, but neither are they terribly impressive, adding nothing but a few extra dollars to the price of a ticket.

“Gulliver’s Travels” is preceded by an animated short featuring Scrat, the squawking little guy from the “Ice Age” movies, whose next feature-length installment is due out in 2012.

Scrat’s been chasing his beloved acorn for so long, and the new short pounds him into such a pulp, that it’s all starting to seem a little sadistic.

As for “Gulliver’s Travels,” maybe by the book’s 300th anniversary in 2026, it’ll be time for a new big-screen version. And maybe a new quality-over-commerce attitude will have taken hold in Hollywood then, so we’ll get a smart, classy take on Gulliver.

Could happen. (AP)



audiosyncracyshort reviews


Anyone hoping that “Michael,” an album culled from Michael Jackson’s vaults, would rival “Thriller,” ‘’Off the Wall” or even “Dangerous” will likely be disappointed when they hear the first posthumous release credited to the King of Pop.

But that’s not to say that “Michael,” consisting mainly of material Jackson was working on during the last two years of his life, should be considered a disappointment or an artistic letdown – especially if the listener accepts it for what it is, and that’s not a Michael Jackson album.

Had Jackson not died last year, chances are he’d still be working on a follow-up to his last album, 2001’s “Invincible,” spending millions of dollars and untold hours trying to come up with an album that would outdo Kanye, Beyonce and whoever else was ruling the charts at the moment. None of the songs on “Michael” had been completed at the time of his death, and there’s no way of knowing if the perfectionist Jackson would have deemed them worthy of the album he was trying to create – or thrown them into the discard pile.

“Michael” should then be judged for what it is: a snapshot of Jackson’s musical thought process – Photoshopped and airbrushed, but still enjoyable.

Jackson’s estate selected producers such as “Dangerous” producer Teddy Riley and Tricky Stewart (Beyonce, Rihanna) to put the finishing touches on the album’s 10 tracks. It’s unclear how much studio wizardy was required to get the songs into top shape, but if “Hold My Hand” (the first single with Akon) is any indication, there wasn’t much. The song had leaked onto the Internet a few years ago, and while this

version is more polished, Jackson’s vocals – tender, sweet but strong – sound almost identical to what circulated on the

Web years ago. The ballad itself is saccharine and generic, but Jackson’s soulful performance gives it all the charm it needs.

Jackson co-wrote several of the songs on “Michael,” and the recurring themes that ran throughout Jackson’s work are evident here as he paints himself as the victim of the tabloids in “Monster” and “Breaking News,” two of the album’s weaker tracks. “Breaking News,” while it has noteworthy lines (“he wanna write my obituary” Jackson intones in one part), seems the most unfinished with nonsensical lyrics and a chorus that repeats Jackson’s name incessantly. “Hollywood Tonight” also warns of the dangers of seeking fame, this time with a young woman fooled by its lure.

There’s no song on “Michael” that will rank among Jackson’s best work, but there are a few that stand out. “(I

Like) the Way You Love Me” is a groovy midtempo song that recalls a classic doo-wop sound; “Best of Joy” is a dreamy, airy track that features Jackson’s vocals at their heart-melting best, without a melange of sound effects and the vocal hiccups that often distracted the listener from that amazing voice; and “Keep Your Head Up” is a lovely inspirational anthem that accomplishes its mission with each listen.

We’ll never know whether “Michael” would have been anything close to the album that Jackson might have released had he lived, but by releasing these songs, fans can know that the King of Pop was off to a promising start. “Michael” does nothing to detract from Jackson’s amazing legacy and, if anything, gives us a little bit more to cherish, however imperfect. (AP)

CHECK OUT THIS TRACK: A portion of “(I Like) the Way You Love Me,” a sweet midtempo song with a doo-wop sound, was released as part of a Jackson box set in 2004. The version presented on “Michael” lives up to that initial tease.

Michael Jackson, “Michael” (Epic Records)

IMAGE FROM THE INTERNET

iTunes top 10 singles of 2010Looking for the perfect mix tape for 2010? Well, surely others will disagree, but these 10 songs got our votes for the year’s most entertaining, and we’re betting they’ll keep your attention for some time to come:

How Do You Know?How do you know when a film is

horrible? When it’s “How Do You Know,” it’s pretty obvious. Nothing about this would-be romantic comedy ever gels – neither the romance nor the comedy and, worst of all, not the characters. Individually likable ordinarily, Reese Witherspoon and Paul Rudd make zero sense together here as a couple. Similarly, the dueling story lines that comprise the script feel slammed together, so the film as a whole never finds a groove – which only accentuates the fact that it’s overlong. (AP)

Black Swan“Black Swan” is at once gorgeous

and gloriously nutso, a trippy, twisted fantasy that delights and disturbs in equal measure. “Black Swan” wallows in its grandiosity, and if you’re willing to go along with it, you’ll find yourself wowed by one of the best films of the year. Natalie Portman gives it her all, physically and mentally, in a brave and demanding performance as Nina, a driven New York City ballerina who has zero life outside of dance. Portman had studied ballet growing up, but “Black Swan” required a grueling regimen of training five hours a day, everyday, for 10 months before production even began. (AP)

1. “When a Woman Loves,” R. Kelly: An absolutely stunning love song with a pitch-perfect vocal performance that will send chills down your spine — for the right reasons.2. “(Expletive) You,” Cee Lo: This phrase might not be so offensive if everyone delivered it as cheerily and soulfully as Cee Lo, in perhaps the year’s wittiest track.3. “Love the Way You Lie,” Eminem featuring Rihanna: The song grabs you from the start of Rihanna’s piercing vocal, and Eminem’s tormented raps may be one of the more honest portrayals of love gone horribly wrong.4. “Runaway,” Kanye West: Let’s toast indeed, to West’s continued warped brilliance with a song that sarcastically pays tribute to his well-documented flaws.5. “Tightrope,” Janelle Monae featuring Big Boi: James Brown would be proud with this frenetic dance groove with killer horns and the coolest of raps from the ever-cool Big Boi.6. “Soldier of Love” Sade: The opening drum salvo is captivating enough, but when Sade’s alto croons, “I’ve lost the use of my heart, but I’m still alive,” it’s a haunting yet intoxicating delivery that seals the deal.7. “The Best in Me,” Marvin Sapp: Sapp’s gospel anthem celebrates God’s ability to see past the imperfections mere mortals can’t.8. “Billionaire,” Travie McCoy featuring Bruno Mars: This fantasy-filled song was the perfect anthem in a year where most of us were holding on to our wallets a little tighter. It was perhaps the best cameo from the smooth-voiced Bruno Mars.9. “Teenage Dream,” Katy Perry: It’s frothy and poppy , but don’t let that hide the fact that “Teenage Dream” is just a great song, period.10. Antoine Dobson & The Gregory Brothers, “Bed Intruder Song”: Don’t play – you know “Hide Yo Kids, Hide Yo Wife” is ingrained in your brain, thanks to the Gregory Brothers ingenious mashup song that took Antoine Dobson from viral sensation to musical sensation. Run and tell that!


books

TEXT AND IMAGES FROM WWW.FULLYBOOKEDONLINE.COM AND THE WEB

grinlight

The key to a better body – in shape, energized, and youthful – is a healthy brain. Based on the latest medical research, as well as on Dr. Amen’s two decades of clinical practice at the re-nowned Amen Clinics, where Dr. Amen and his as sociates pioneered the use of the most advanced brain imaging technology, Change Your Brain, Change Your Body shows you how to take the very best care of your brain.

With fifteen practical, easy-to-implement solutions involving nutritious foods, natural supplements and vitamins, positive-thinking habits, and, when neces-sary, highly targeted medications, Dr. Amen shows you how to: * Reach and maintain your ideal weight * Soothe and smooth your skin at any age * Reduce the stress that can impair your immune system * Sharpen your memory * Increase willpower and eliminate the crav ings that keep you from achieving your exercise and diet goals * Enhance sexual desire and performance * Lower your blood pressure without medication * Avoid depression and elevate the enjoyment you take in life’s pleasures.

Whether you’re just coming to realize that it’s time to get your body into shape, or are already fit and want to take it to the next level, Change Your Brain, Change Your Body is all you need to start putting the power of the brain-body connection to work for you today.

Change Your Brain, Change Your Bodyby Dr. Daniel G. Amen

“It’s my birthday today,” the Norwegian musician says,

as we sit down for afternoon merienda and an interview last

Tuesday, January 4. He then adds “I’m already 54 years old.”

One of Norway’s top recording artists, Steinar Albrigtsen

has already released 13 albums in Norway, and is in Cebu to

do a couple of charity concerts and relax a bit. According to

him, he finds the temperature great, and is looking forward

to hanging out at the beach and of course, performing at

Magellan’s Landing Pub at the Mactan Marina Mall tonight,

January 8 and on Friday night, January 14. Performing with

him are Monica Nordli, also a recording artist in Norway, and

Steinar’s instrumentalists, bass player Andy and drummer

Tor.

Steinar and Monica, are the ambassadors of goodwill

of the Young Life Foundation, an organization composed of

Norwegians in Cebu and Norway who are working together

to make life better for the underprivileged Cebuanos.

Together, the pair is “trying to get the rich people in Norway

to support the building of houses for the children in Olango.”

“It doesn’t take a lot of work to help other people,”

Steinar explains, adding that as a musician, playing music

isn’t exactly work. Steinar then comments that if by playing

music, he can help the needy children of Olango Island, then

working is actually a pleasure.

Steinar and Monica arrived in Cebu on the last week

of December, and as fate would have it, Steinar proposed

marriage to Monica on New Year’s Eve.

Steinar and Monica are also releasing a music video of

the old Art Garfunkel song “We Are Going”, which will be

shown to the people in Norway to generate interest in the

plight of needy Cebuanos. The recording of the song will

also feature a local Cebuano children’s choir. Steinar then

concludes, “We should try to do something good while we’re

here on earth.” (Jigs Arquiza)

Doing something good

In case you didn’t know much about Chuck Norris, this is (for the most part) all you need to know.

l Chuck Norris once ate a whole cake before his friends could tell him there was a stripper in it.

l When Chuck Norris was denied an Egg McMuffin at McDonald's because it was 10:35, he roundhouse kicked the store so hard it became a Wendy's.

l Scientists have estimated that the energy given off during the Big Bang is

roughly equal to 1CNRhK (Chuck Norris Roundhouse Kick)

l How much wood would a woodchuck chuck if a woodchuck could Chuck Norris? ...All of it.

l The grass is always greener on the other side, unless Chuck Norris has been there. In that case the grass is most likely soaked in blood and tears.

l Newton's Third Law is wrong: Although it states that for each action, there is an equal and opposite reaction, there is no force

equal in reaction to a Chuck Norris roundhouse kick.

l Chuck Norris doesnt shave; he kicks himself in the face. The only thing that can cut Chuck Norris is Chuck Norris.

l Chuck Norris grinds his coffee with his teeth and boils the water with his own rage.

l Archeologists unearthed an old English dictionary dating back to the year 1236. It defined "victim" as "one who has encountered Chuck Norris"

l Chuck Norris ordered a Big Mac at Burger King, and got one.

l Chuck Norris doesn't bowl strikes, he just knocks down one pin and the other nine faint.

l The show Survivor had the original premise of putting people on an island with Chuck Norris. There were no survivors, and nobody is brave enough to go to the island to retrieve the footage.

Do you know Chuck Norris?


Got something to share with us? Sun.Star Weekend invites readers to contribute original, unpublished poems and essays or commentaries about funny or memorable moments in your life.

Please email your contributions to: [email protected]

scribblings

49 Gen. Sepulveda Street, CebuTel. No (032) 255-0105 & 412-5551

Fax No. (032) 412-5552Email: [email protected]

website: www.palazzopensionne.net

BED & BREAKFAST

crossline

Most of my friends’ Facebook status messages on the night of December 31st were all of goodbyes to the good year that 2010 has brought them. I, for one, did the same thing. It was, without any question, one of the best years in my life.

When 2011 arrived, my friends and I decided to welcome it together. We had this little get together (sort of a tradition) in which we’ll open our plans/resolutions/promises from the previous year, assess it, and make new ones.

Some laughed, while some wept at the discovery of their failure of not fulfilling what’s on their list of promises. Some were a bit disappointed at themselves. It was like they were cursing the items on the list for being there. A few moments we lingered on those thoughts of failure; then we moved on and wrote down a new list for 2011.

I wrote down a pretty long list. I was scared and nervous that I wrote down too much that I might be weeping and regretting by next year. I was scared that I might fail myself for not doing what I have written on the list.

Then it gave me a thought to ponder: why do we make a list, anyway? Why do always write down our plans and things to achieve? Why were planners made? Why is there such thing as organizers?

Call me a cynic, but I think these things are limiting people as to what they could

possibly achieve. People list down things, plans, etc. and focus to only those things. They forget to count that there could still be other things to be achieved; things that they haven’t written down on the list.

People have planners; writing down every possible plan of the day. Should something come up and hinders them from fulfilling the “plan”, they curse the day. In an instant, a status message or a tweet would go ‘This is the worst day of my life.’

I pity these people. Not because they have failed and had ‘the worst day of their lives’ but because they are limiting themselves. No sense of adventure. No chance of discovering new things or meeting new people.

I know I do have my share of plans and resolutions and promises. I do have a planner, yes. But most of them never go well. But regret is a friend I dwell on so little. I move on and tell myself that (as cliché as it may seem) ‘everything happens for a reason… there’s a better plan UP there.’

I wrote down a pretty long list, I know. At first I will be cautious of them but I know by the end of the first quarter, I’ll slowly forget them.

Screw the list. Screw whatever plans I wrote down. I might regret and weep by next year. But maybe, if there is indeed a better plan, then it is what’s meant to happen and not whatever’s on my list.

So to everyone who made a list of resolutions, who made out some 2011 plans, or who made a pinky swear… don’t stop there. Don’t just look what’s on the surface. Look beyond. Life’s too short for plans. Go run with the wind and you’ll find something a bit better – though off the list.

The Long Listby Cherie Ann O. Gozon

Everyday we talk you inspire meLike a muse that inspires allYou’re the muse that all have soughtThat all have enviedAnd yet one man defines you as hisYou are his muse in times of despairA time of uncertaintyA time of hope that all men look for and pursue to deathBut bond to one, defined to one, bond to love, his loveThe love for you defines youAnd you, my love, are my museThere are no other before youNor shall there ever beFor I would search this worldAnd find no otherNone so beautifulNone so gracefulAnd none so inspiringAs inspiringAs when I look deep into your eyes.

by: M.A.P.

None SoInspiring


peeps (people, events and places)

It’s a white Christmas in CebuOne of the biggest events of the year ended the year as the annual invierno*

2010: The Annual Winter Ball came to life at Lx (LUXX), VUDU last Saturday, Dec 25, 2010.

On its fifth year already, VUDU and Rhipstop’s invierno* continues to be one of the

biggest all-white themed party that everyone looks forward to and dresses up for. A sea of gorgeous people came dressed in white that night, celebrating Christmas as one in the newly launched and visually stunning club, LX (LUXX) at VUDU. Progressive, electro house beats and musical stylings were provided by invierno* DJs Hans Congmon, Jude Flores, Maxie Perez and Marlon Orellano.

LX, VUDU’s JP Chiongbian and Rhipstop’s Kaz Onozawa.

Sarrita and Jacob Pimentel. Pia Congmon, Hazel Chu, Cacay Mendoza. Jake Maningo, Jumbo Climaco, Hannah Torotoro.

Martin Yeung, Dwight Buot. Holly Dychangco, Camilla Guidicelli, Mia Arcenas. Martino Borromeo and LX’s Kaiser Tan.

Lili Cherry, Elena Kolobokhova, Anna Opokhliuk. Melanie Tam and LX, VUDU invierno* DJs Hans Congmon and Jude Flores.

Binky Sybico and a friend.

Some beautiful babes at the new LX at VUDU.

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