skip to main |
skip to sidebar
At long last, Mockingjay! I never thought I would be enthralled by what is essentially a book for young adults, but I've been pleasantly surprised by this series. Thoughtful and robust, yet unburdened by a dense mythology that many less gifted authors mistake for "world-building", this book is a keeper.
I would offer a synopsis of The Hunger Games trilogy, but I'd rather not. Just check it out. It's worth it.
Ordinarily, I don't promote events, but when you wed my passion for football with my even greater passion for worthwhile causes in a single event, you deserve the exposure that comes from being featured in a blog with dozens of rabid followers. I would have said hundreds, but that would occasion a trip to receive absolution.
Megatent Events Venue, in cooperation with Bannister Academy, is hosting Mega Tambulan at Megatent, a whole day streetsoccer challenge to support the efforts of the Philippine Team to the Homeless World Cup. This is a wonderful opportunity to see first class street soccer, buy Team Philippines apparel, and soak in cool Filipino music. Games start at 8 am, and will continue into the evening. Admission, much like the spirits of the noble young men who will represent the Philippines in Rio de Janeiro this September, is free.
Homeless is not hopeless.
Photo Credits:
Picture of Mockingjay comes courtesy of The Hunger Games Trilogy Fansite.
In a recent column on the state of the NBA offseason, Bill Simmons cleverly organized his thoughts on the different player movements and franchise transactions around his favorite exchanges from what he calls his favorite movie of the decade, Almost Famous. While Simmons' column is, in itself, a worthwhile read, I would like to enjoin you to refrain from clicking on the link above just yet. One of the reasons why Simmons' work resonates with so many readers is the gleeful abandon with which he acknowledges the tremendous influence of popular culture in his personal formation. He recognizes (with a shrewd insight into the human psyche that many people rarely give him credit for) that many people's lives may not be movies, or sitcoms, or seminal works of music, but for many people, they wish they were. We all walk around with a soundtrack to our lives, and one of the ways we lay bare our souls is through the ever-changing playlist that we use to define ourselves.
This brings me to Gary Valenciano. Gary V has been a major influence in my life since early childhood. The first cassette tape I ever remember buying was Gary V's Moving Thoughts. And from time to time, under the heady influence of the light buzz one associates with a fine wine sipped leisurely, or under the even more wonderfully intoxicating lilt of nostalgia, I recall the many long hours commuting from Ateneo to Parañaque that were made bearable by Mr. Pure Energy's music.
Gary Valenciano will hold special fund-raising show at Megatent entitled "At Ease" to build a medical and diagnostic clinic for retired military men. For more information, visit his official website or check out the special page for the concert at Facebook. Relive the golden memories of our youth by helping to ease our valiant retired enlisted men into their golden years.
During one of the teachings of Serviam Catholic Charismatic, Tita Bai spoke very movingly about the need to worship God in fitting ways. At times, this involves silence and reverence. At times this means breaking out into joyful, or even almost deliriously exuberant expressions of praise.
My good friends and avid Alpha enthusiasts, Tim Hughes and Worship Central, are visiting Manila for one night only on May 21. Their worship team will include my good friends, and survivors of Worship Central Mindanao, Magoo del Mundo, and Peewee Vivas.
Last week, we hosted the Healing Mass of Father Nelson Osorio at Megatent. This week, we're hosting healing of a different sort: through praise and worship. And so, I would like to invite one and all to come and be blessed. Let His praises ring!
I won't even throw in my two cents worth regarding the sad state of affairs that all booklovers are afflicted with in the Philippines following the comments made by Finance Undersecretary Espele Sales. My good friend Jayvee Fernandez, whose two cents are sadly devalued in a culture that, increasingly, refuses to read, has already penned an eloquent riposte to the distinguished undersecretary.
Rather, I am asking all who labor under some affliction or the other to come to the Megatent tomorrow for Father Nelson Osorio's Healing Mass. Admission, much like the promise of healing in one way or the other, is absolutely free.
While sitting around waiting for my Clark Kent job to start, I normally relax by catching up on my favorite forms of entertainment. In the interest of preserving the, ah, providers from whom I source my entertainment, please allow me to be sufficiently cryptic regarding the origin of my leisure materials. While comic books remain a staple in my Fortress of Solitude, I also enjoy watching television series from the comfort of my MacBook.
If you haven't already, please take the time to check out The Middleman while you still can. While it is difficult to pigeonhole its appeal, those who hold fond memories of hard to categorize, but easy to love cult classics such as The Adventures of Buckaroo Banzai should definitely give this quirky, and recently cancelled series a shot.
Another series which people should check out, and which has the additional benefit of being very much "uncancelled", is the "so underrated it's on the verge of being overrated" delight that is Chuck. And yes, I know that the lead character works claims affiliation with a group called the Nerd Herd. I've long accepted the full mantle of nerdhood, and no longer feel the need to hide behind more typically masculine pursuits.
Uh-oh. My Clark Kent job beckons. See you later!
Photo Credits:
Picture of The Middleman comes courtesy of Daemon's TV.
My apologies for not posting much lately. My Clark Kent job has been taking up way too much of my time, a sad fact that I seek to correct, belatedly, in my next post.
In the meantime, here's what happened in Metropolis:
In cooperation with Malibu Enterprises, BPI, and a host of fabulous shops listed below, the Megatent hosted the Big Outlet Sale last November 21 to 23. Despite my reluctance to throw my hat in the already crowded local celebrity ring, I finally made D-list status when I opened the Big Outlet Sale with socialite, philanthropist and event maven Tessa Prieto-Valdes and my father-in-law, Salvador "Buddy" Zamora. Perhaps one day I will blog about my accidental ascendancy, but for now, please be content with the picture that the press thankfully cropped from all their releases.
Of course, the Big Outlet Sale could not have been made possible without the following participants: Rustan’s Cosmetics, Debenhams, Marks & Spencer, Giordano, Chocolate, Salsa Trends, Triumph, House of Laurel, Mizuno, Puma, Nike, Adidas, Reebok, FUBU, Reebok, JB Music & Sports, Jaguar Automobiles, Power Mac, Bose, Abenson’s, Rudy Project, Oakley, Vans, Rockport, Luxasia (Guerlain, Shiseido,CK, Burberry fragrances etc), MaxFactor, Tefal, Get Happy, Peridou, and Substance.
Many thanks to the powerhouse siblings, Jerico and Jean Fernando, for the most spectacular and consumer-friendly bazaar event of the season. You guys did a fantastic job!
The Megatent is located along 30 Meralco Avenue, Barangay Ugong, Ortigas Central Business District, Pasig. For inquiries, kindly call yours truly at +639176306154, +6327038124, or e-mail me at juan.borraiii@megatent.com.ph.
There! I have fulfilled my obligations to both the commercial enterprise I'm coming to love and the growing family that the said enterprise is helping to lovingly raise.
Now, let's get back to the useless old posts that I love to churn out...
