Dangerous Apathy?

I'd like to write something about this whole business of GMA's involvement in jueteng and election fraud, but I know next to nothing about it. Save perhaps hearing the infamous Hello Garci ringtone. During the past two or three weeks I don't think I've read even one news article related to it. The time I used to give to News Central I now spend sleeping--and for good reason, too. I'm getting sick of work; it's beginning to burn me out.

It might not be apathy, after all, but just the need to rest. Someday I hope I can return to being updated about current events. I used to be that way, early in college. I fear I've become too caught up in my own petty affairs.

Fete

Bea, Patrick, Eric and I went to Fete Saturday night... and on to about 4 am Sunday morning. Wow, I previously did not think that an outdoor venue could be packed full of people, but there it was. "Pineapples" everywhere with or without their black t-shirts. Sweat and grime and more than 10 hours of good music--there really wasn't anything more to ask.

We planned on watching a lot of bands, but finally ended up catching all or parts of the following acts: the capoeiristas, Cynthia Alexander, Radioactive Sago Project, Pinikpikan, Kjwan, Sugarfree, Kiko Machine, Sponge Cola, Session Road, Skarlet & Jazz Friends, Mother Earth, Wahijuara, Mishka Adams/Blues Echoes, and Subconcept. (Ang dami rin pala!) Does anyone know if Imago even made it?

Saw a bunch of people too: Tim from the NIMBB faculty, a lot of high school batchmates, John Lloyd and Robbie Mananquil. Hweheheheh. At the end of the event I rejoined my labmates and went back to the MSI to sleep. Sunday I spent walking around half-awake.

Bummer that I didn't bring my camera to Fete.

Sometime just before Cynthia Alexander's set, when I was reviewing my band guide (with the acts I wanted to catch highlighted in bright blue), a stranger to my right says aloud:

'Yan naman ang die-hard, may sked!

I flushed crimson and slowly slipped the sheets of paper into my back pocket. On second thought, what of it? The music is in me.

***

A few more days, then I'm off to Cebu! No, not for a vacation. I'm presenting a paper on (ewww) bioinformatics. Let's hope no one asks insightful questions. My labmate and primary author Pam is in Munich right now, so the crown was passed on to me.

Goosebumps all over, and tears welling in my eyes.

You can also scoot over to the movie's website and/or visit the Rent blog.

Much thanks to the birthday girl for sending me this e-mail.

Satiated

Sobrang favorite ko na ang Waffle Time waffles! Ibang klase, ang sarap-sarap, mura pa (10-15 pesos lang ang isa). Just a few minutes ago I had a Cheese Delight. Yesterday, it was Swiss Chocolate. The other day was Tuna Salad day.

I am hooked. I confess addiction!

***

Last Tuesday I went to the Gateway Cineplex 10 to catch Wong Kar-Wai's Happy Together (if I hear mention of Eric Quizon and/or Kris Aquino, blood will flow). I really, really liked it. I love films which do not follow the obvious structure of beginning-conflict-climax-resolution. Happy Together is just that. It's voyeuristic, really: it feels as if we are given a peek into the life of an on-again, off-again gay couple at their most unrehearsed. Tony Leung (Fai) and Leslie Cheung (Po-Wing) give brilliant performances, as always. I love this scene where Po-Wing just breaks down after Fai leaves him and slams the door. Leslie Cheung sobbing is such a phenomenon.

Ah, but I give the worst movie critiques. You should check out those posted on The Internet Movie Database page.

Yesterday Patrick and I watched Formula 17 at the UP Film Institute. (Bea was supposed to come but turned out to be too busy.) The story was contrived and the humor largely slapstick, but we forgive these things, don't we? Hahahahaha.

For more of the Pink Film Festival, hop on to the official website.

Monsieur Nadal

I stayed up until 1 AM this morning to watch this boy win the French Open final. I think I may have outdone myself cheering. Haha. It was 8 PM, I think, when I got home last night, so I didn't have a chance to watch Justine Henin-Hardenne destroy the stately Mary Pierce in her pink number.