9 posts from 2008

What is the meaning behind your birth name?
Submitted by turtlegod.

Must you ask? My name is a combination name, a dreadful Filipino practice. Fe comes from my father, Fedencio. Gail comes from my mother, Abigail. Can you say lovechild? I say, Eww.  I just hate the fact that my name comes from a combination. I always ask them, Did you never think of another name? Nahh, my mother says, it's always that.

Sometimes I think my parents think that I'm insulting their choice. And I feel bad. But my annoyance with the combo as a concept is greater than my sense of guilt. I am a bad (combo) child.

Currently watching: Richard Poon on Pilipinas, Game K N B?

Yay! Mga ate, tinatanong ng Mama ko ilang taon na ba daw si Richard Poon. Hehehe. I'm really not shy anymore; I'm telling everyone I'm crushing on Mr. Poon. haha.

Maybe he'll win.

Or not. Top Suzara came from behind and beat the buzzer to kick him off the next round. And Top had never even gotten a correct answer before that time. And then he gave two straight answers in the next round to take the lead and eventually becomes the champion. He proved to be a good strategist, wasting the last six seconds in picking a word to prevent anyone from overtaking him.

Man, I need to go on this show. I would totally... bomb. haha.

Yep, finally done with Meteor Garden, first season. Watching all 27 episodes reminded me of my two-season marathon of the Japanese version: Hana Yori Dango. With both Taiwanese and Japanese dramas, I found it so easy to keep watching episode after episode, at the expense of sleep.

I can understand the appeal of MG to the Philippine audience, making it such a huge hit. Handsome leads, common heroine, rich boy-poor girl, trials and tests to our love story, love triangles... and other polygons, scheming mother-in-laws, lifestyles of the rich and famous. But since my first foray into the HYD franchise was through the delightful Domyouji and Makino, MG's Shancai and Ah Si somehow came up short for me. For a stretch of several episodes last night, I was playing both versions side by side and oftentimes muting the Taiwanese so I can hear the Japanese.

I didn't realize how old MG is now. I'm sure the outfits and cellphones were considered cutting edge at the time of airing. All the actors seem "old" to me, as of course, they're now in their late 20s-early 30s by now. However, I got past that quite quickly into the drama.

As for the handsome F4, they didn't feel as dashing as the HYD F4. In some scenes, I thought they were no more than thugs. But I truly admired their friendship and closeness, especially towards the end. Hmmm, whom did I find the most appealing? All 4 have their charms, and surprisingly, I can't choose, which I think is a testament to their well-drawn characters. :D

I was surprised to find out that the entire MG series included the plot points of both seasons of HYD. It made me curious about the second season of MG. But when I found out how long (30+ eps?!) it was and read reviews and synopses, I'm not sure I'm up for it. I kinda wanted to see the Taiwanese treatment of the amnesia storyline, but I'm not sure I can stand it for an entire season.

There were plenty of things I liked in MG: the camaraderie, DMS's sister and her contributions, Shancai-Lei storyline, the arranged fiancee character, the theme song Ni yao de ai (which was so familiar to me... until I remembered Michelle Ayalde's version: Ang hanap ko, ang iyong pag-ibig). But there were also things I'd rather the drama went without: Shancai's wishywashyness, which did not compare well to Makino's devotion; third parties (sobrang daming mga hadlang); reduced storylines for F3; a bit lacking acting-wise; did I mention the many asungots?

I am perfectly content to end my MG adventures with the last episode, which was a suitably happy ending. But I may be showing my bias when I confess that I watched the final episode of HYD Season 2 right after. Domyouji has forgotten Makino, breaking her heart and making her mad. But the stranded lovers scene brings everything full circle, and I love me some full and complete circles. The proposal is so typical Domyouji. And the best part: the ending is my kind of ending---happy reports on my favorite characters and a kiss from the romantic leads. I cried at the same parts, and I cheered at the same spots.

The "Hana Yori Dango" franchise is really a force to reckon with, where ever it may arrive. So I'm a little bit excited as well as apprehensive for the Korean version. They may be mean and capricious, but those little F4 notes bring confusion and excitement and a "fated" love story. Bring them on!

How long do you take in the shower?
Submitted by Strive2Be.

Too long! I think 3-5 songs on my iPod.

If you had to write your autobiography in 6 words, what would you write?
Submitted by mitzie.

I tried to walk with God.

I hope I can live up to that.

You know how it is when you can't remember why a person seems so familiar? Or when you think a person looks like someone else you know, whose name just escapes you?

I felt that way about Nagasawa Masami in the first few minutes of Proposal Daisakusen Special. I had put this on my to-watch short list because Ate Yam wrote this line on her blog entry about the special sequel to the Japanese drama:

The special is a standalone itself, one need not have agonised through the 11 episodes of the series.

Thanks for the warning, Ate. Although I enjoyed the special, I don't think I could bear watching all 11 episodes. In any case, I had to go to take a nap after the first 15 minutes. And I fell asleep trying so hard to remember whom Rie looked like.

I woke up with a name: Gong Hyun Joo, the other half of Ate Raissa and my favorite OTP (from the Korean drama Wedding). I think they have the same smiles.

Do you see the resemblance? Then again, maybe it's just me. Left, Nagasawa Masami. Right, Gong Hyun Joo. (pictures courtesy of DramaWiki).

What do you love about where you live?
Submitted by Emu with a Clue.

I love sunny days like today. When extended family can spontaneously get together at a local park, have a picnic, laze under the hot sun and cool breeze and watch planes turn and head to the international airport.

Western Washington has a lot to offer year-round. Lots to see and experience outdoors. And besides, family is here. Home is always where family is.

What compliment are you most often given?

That I'm smart. I deny and pooh-pooh it away because I really am not as smart as people think. I just happen to learn quicker than most. But that's being book-smart. I'm completely dumb in real-life, practical situations. Go figure. So I really don't deserve the compliment.

If you could teleport to any place in the world right this second, where would you go?

Teleport me to Saavedra beaches in Moalboal, Cebu, Philippines! Yeah, I believe it's warm and high tide right now. And I'm bringing my snorkel. With pork belly grilling over a fire. And ice-cold Coca-Cola. Ahh, the bestest.