Welcome 2009!

What can be said in New Year rhymes,
That's not been said a thousand times?
The new years come, the old years go,
We know we dream, we dream we know.
We rise up laughing with the light,
We lie down weeping with the night.
We hug the world until it stings,
We curse it then and sigh for wings.
We live, we love, we woo, we wed,
We wreathe our prides, we sheet our dead.
We laugh, we weep, we hope, we fear,
And that's the burden of a year.

- Ella Wheeler Wilcox

Happy 2009 to my Meadows family!

This will be my last blog for 2008 and looking forward for 2009 to new adventures and special Twilight Saga moments to share with you c",)

As 2008 draws to an end and 2009 is beginning to unfold...
I leave you with a New Year's message from Edith Lovejoy for all of us.

“We will open the book. Its pages are blank. We are going to put words on them ourselves. The book is called Opportunity and its first chapter is New Year's Day.”

From me, to all of you -- I wish for us to have a prosperous and colorful 2009!
xoxo -- Louise

Say NO! to Twilight Filipino Version

Hi Guys!

I just signed a petition regarding that "Takipsilim" (aka Twilight pinoy version).

No offense to those who want the Filipino version of Twilight; but I'm a million percent against it. I think it will ruin the Twilight franchise. Better yet, they should just create a version that is similar yet different...just inspired by the story of the Twilight Saga.

Would you imagine Shaina Magdayao portraying Bella? I did -- and it's going to ruin the character. I watched her serious role before on that Piolo-Angel drama and her acting is bland to become Bella. Rayver Cruz is definitely not the hunk and that perfect guy to play the role of Edward. He cannot even melt hearts of any age! He'll just try hard to the point of over reacting to convince the audience that he's perfect. I want an Edward who will stick to my very soul just like Rob Pattison did. I'm not against them. I'm just saying that it's better off that they leave the franchise alone.

Just because Twilight is so popular, doesn't mean that they have to create a pinoy version. Imagine... how can they recreate that piggy back ride in a very sweet scene? Even the meadow scene? It'll just look like another Shake Rattle and Roll "the romance" version. I don't want that to happen.

I'm sorry if I'll hurt some fans but I think it's for the best.

===========================================================

You can view this petition at: http://www.thepetit ionsite.com/ tell-a-friend/ 2646326

Hi, I signed the petition "Say no to Twilight, Filipino Version!". I'm asking you to sign this petition to help us reach our goal of 2,000 signatures. I care deeply about this cause, and I hope you will support our efforts.

-----

ThePetitionSite. com provides tools and empowers individuals to make a difference and effect positive change through online activism. Get connected with the causes you care about, take action to make the world a better place, and start your own petition at http://www.ThePetit ionSite.com!

ThePetitionSite. com is powered by Care2, the largest and most trusted information and action site for people who care to make a difference in their lives and the world. www.care2.com

Merry Twilight Christmas

Here's one hilarious spoof of Twilight I found on YouTube. I don't know how to embed an HD video here, so in case it doesn't come out right here's the link. Merry Christmas everyone!

Speaking of spoofs...

Back when Keannu Reeves was hot and cyberpunk was cool, I was also a big fan of The Matrix. This was in 1999. I was in government service, wasn't dating, and had never heard of blogging. But I stalked some of the busiest discussion boards online and engaged other fans in blue pill vs. red pill debates, and mulled over Neo as the virtual Messiah.

So when MTV spoofed Matrix Reloaded in 2003, with Justin Timberlake, that Stiffler character from American Pie, and Will Ferrell as The Engineer, I found it so hilarious that I instantly became a fan of Justin the comic actor. While I also later fell in love with the Jack Black parodies, I still think the one of Matrix was the best, simply because I was a huge Matrix fan since the first installment came out.

Happy Birthday Stephenie Meyer!

December 24 is Stephenie Meyer's birthday! She was born the same year I was, but she's a lot younger than my 40. I feel a sense of kinship with this lady, simply because she, too, believed in magic and true love, like they were in the same league. 

"Takipsilim"

Takipsilim is Filipino for Twilight, and ABS-CBN has "bagged the exclusive rights to make a local television series based on the vampire novels." Teen actors Rayver Cruz and Shaina Magdangal are slated to star in the remake. I don't know what to make of this news, honestly. It's one thing to be undazzled by the Hollywood adaptation, but to see it in a local soap? The prospect seems scary.

I've never watched any local soap for the past five years, simply because I don't own a TV. But since Arnel has been doing gigs with GMA (for a Saturday morning special called Lovely Day), we were sort of reconsidering our "no TV" stance. This means I might actually catch Takipsilim next year. Oh well, let me know what you think of this news.

Addendum:

I'm pasting here the text of the news item. Somehow the link above no longer works.

ABS-CBN bags rights for local 'Twilight' remake

abs-cbnNEWS.com | 12/24/2008 9:50 AM

http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/entertainment/12/24/08/abs-cbn-bags-rights-local-twilight-remake

Filipino fans of Stephenie Meyer's "Twilight" series will soon have another reason to celebrate after broadcasting giant ABS-CBN bagged the exclusive rights to make a local television series based on the vampire novels.

Initial reports said ABS-CBN paid $1 million with co-producer Ignite Media for the rights to the Twilight series.

The new series, tentatively titled "Takipsilim", will reunite the onscreen tandem of Rayver Cruz and Shaina Magdayao.

Taping for the series will start February of next year. Some parts of the series will be shot abroad and the other locations include Tagaytay, Bukidnon and Baguio. The series will be directed by Cathy Garcia-Molina.

From CFO Reviews

Hi guys! I just received an e-mail from a co-blogger here and read her review on Twilight!
If I remember correctly, we chose this blog site as part on of those we were suppose to send e-mails for that Black Friday which never happened, so I'm surprised to receive a link from her and good thing that it's about Twilight too! So I'm going to share her link here:
http://cfo2.blogspot.com/2008/12/review-twilight-by-stephenie-meyer.html

The Twilight Movie Review

Ladies I can't stop myself from posting this movie review we got from youtube by Michael Buckley. It's just so hilarious that I can't sleep without sharing this in our blog :)

From Twilight Up to Breaking Dawn: What's your favorite series?

I was hanging out at my friend's house discussing whatever comes into our minds as we wait for our other girlfriends to start our Christmas get together. I saw in her table the 2nd book of the Twilight saga--New Moon. Yeah we moved from one chit chat into the Twilight chit chat ;)

Anyway, I told her that I also watched the Twilight movie and already looking forward to New Moon for 2009. I'm still disappointed in the looks of that Jacob Black actor and wondering how he will be able to make himself "drool-able" in the film like Edward hehehe. My friend told me he looks good if he has short hair (which is true but still not hot enough for me).

Although I graded the first film OK, being the Twilight virgin that I am...my friend who has more of a romantic bone than me and who read the book before it even began a sensation, wasn't dazzled just like Ate Tin. Then we moved on to our favorite book of the Twilight Saga. I said Twilight (only because it's the only book I've read so far and make that an e-book) and New Moon (only because it's going to be released on November 2009 and I'm now researching on the story hehehe).
Damn! The Twilight Saga sells more than cheeseburger at McDo that it can now own McDonald's qoute: "Billions and billions served!"
Paging Powerbooks: I'm still waiting for your text and e-mail of my pre-order!

So my friend told me that she heard Eclipse is one of the best book out of the four; but I still chose Twilight and most probably Breaking Dawn.
Why? Because I believe every heart-stopping love story has a beginning - in which case it was in Twilight that Bella and Edward fell in love. And every heartwarming love story has a beautiful ending as well as a new beginning as of course I'm pretty sure is in Breaking Dawn.

So my dearest.... what's your favorite book of the Twlight Saga?

Who is Chris Weitz?

By now you must already know that Catherine Hardwicke was dropped from New Moon and that the Twilight sequel will now be helmed by Chris Weitz. Now what do we know of this director? I googled up this guy and found the following interesting tidbits:

1. He's American but went to Cambridge.
   
2. Although married to one Mercedes Martinez with whom he has a child, he has also dated Heather Graham some years back, and some searches of his name still pull  up Heather's name.
   
3. He co-wrote "Antz" with his brother.
4. He also co-produced/co-directed "American Pie," with the same brother. 
5. If you think his portfolio is interesting (from kiddie film to sex comedy), there's more--he also wrote and directed "The Golden Compass." His IMDb profile says he had bailed out in the middle of filming, but was asked to return after his replacement had creative differences with the film outfit.

I also googled images of Weitz and he's actually pleasant looking for someone pushing 40 (that number again!). So, do you think he could hack what's probably the most awaited movie in girldom?

Poem for Twilight fans

I thought this was cheesy and cute...

Platonic by Ella Wheeler Wilcox

I knew it the first of the summer, 

I knew it the same at the end, 

That you and your love were plighted, 

But couldn’t you be my friend? 

Couldn’t we sit in the twilight, 

Couldn’t we walk on the shore

With only a pleasant friendship

To bind us, and nothing more? 

There was not a word of folly

Spoken between us two, 

Though we lingered oft in the garden

Till the roses were wet with dew.

We touched on a thousand subjects –

The moon and the worlds above, -

And our talk was tinctured with science, 

And everything else, save love.

A wholly Platonic friendship

You said I had proven to you

Could bind a man and a woman

The whole long season through, 

With never a thought of flirting, 

Though both were in their youth, 

What would you have said, my lady, 

If you had known the truth! 

What would you have done, I wonder, 

Had I gone on my knees to you

And told you my passionate story, 

There in the dusk and the dew? 

My burning, burdensome story, 

Hidden and hushed so long –

My story of hopeless loving –

Say, would you have thought it wrong? 

But I fought with my heart and conquered, 

I hid my wound from sight; 

You were going away in the morning, 

And I said a calm goodnight.

But now when I sit in the twilight, 

Or when I walk by the sea

That friendship, quite Platonic, 

Comes surging over me.

And a passionate longing fills me

For the roses, the dusk, the dew; 

For the beautiful summer vanished, 

For the moonlight walks – and you.

New Moon in 2009

So Twilight Saga fans... mark your calendars for 2009 because they have already released the date for the second movie...New Moon!

New Moon' landing: `Twilight' sequel speeds ahead with November 2009 release planned

Associated Press

Last update: December 16, 2008 - 1:10 PM

LOS ANGELES - "Twilight" fans have a short wait for the next installment of the vampire saga.

Summit Entertainment spokesman Paul Pflug says "New Moon" is following just 12 months after the first movie, opening Nov. 20, 2009, over the same weekend as "Twilight" this year.

Summit has tapped Chris Weitz ("The Golden Compass") to direct "New Moon," based on the second book in Stephenie Meyer's best-selling series about the dangerous romance between a teen (Kristen Stewart) and a vampire (Robert Pattinson) fighting his bloodsucking instincts.

Weitz is taking over the franchise from "Twilight" director Catherine Hardwicke. "Twilight" has shot to $150 million at the box office since debuting Nov. 21.

Few reasons why a lot of girls love Edward Anthony Masen Cullen

A good friend sent this through sms earlier today....

Few reasons why a lot of girls love Edward Anthony Masen Cullen:

A normal guy would say: I love you, baby!
Edward would say: You are my LIFE now.

As you leave the house...
A normal guy would say: Bye. See yah!
Edward would say: Hurry back to me!

While you've gone far away...
A normal guy would say: I miss you.
Edward would say: It's like you've taken half myself with you.

If you died.
A normal guy would find another.
Edward would kill himself cause life without you isn't worth living...


I'm melting, I'm melting!!!

Rob is no Edward when he sings

It's 6:45am and I'm editing a piece on macros, with Rob Pattinson crooning "Never Think" in the background. The boy has a nice timbre to his voice that makes me forget he's a Brit. The unplugged vibe to this song also reminds me of the kind of Pinoy ballads that became popular some years back. It's a sweet song--and it leaves no trace of Edward at all. 

Which suits me fine. Rob is Rob, and his two songs in the sountrack are worthy of the hype. I think he's organically talented, but I wonder if his music will make waves without piggybacking on Twilight. I know as an artist he probably prefers people to know his music apart from his Edward persona. But with his music making a major debut in the movie's soundtrack album, well, good luck! The fans will always be looking out for Edward's soul, as I was, though I'm embarassed to admit so :-)

Speaking of vampires and music...

All vampires have magnetic voices, an "evolutionary" necessity that enables them to draw their primary prey--humans. I could only presume they do more than just carry a tune. But Edward does more than sing; he is "musical," even his family acknowledges so. That's a talent that's uniquely his; it's not something that all vampires have. Remember Bella's lullaby? There are several pages on that in "Midnight Sun," but I'm not about to leave spoilers here, so just go ahead and read it yourself--http://www.stepheniemeyer.com/pdf/midnightsun_partialdraft3.pdf

Never Think - Robert Pattinson

What's a Twilight blog without these?

"Its like you're my own personal brand of heroin" and some more of my fave lines...

Okay, there's more (for someone who's ooooooobsessed already haha) I'm sharing some of my favorite mushy and heart-stopping lines...

at the restaurant...
Edward: "I don't have enough strength to stay away from you."
Bella: *pause* "Then don't." (aaaawwwww)

after a school trip by the bus...
Bella: Why didn't you just let me die
Edward: Is that what you think I wanted
Bella:Yes
Edward: You don't know anything
And then Alice comes and says are you riding with us and Edward says this bus is full...and he bangs on the bus door. He just looks so hurt and angry...and we know he loves her...makes my heart melt.

in the hospital...
Edward: "Where else (pause) am I gonna go?" And then he kisses her forehead

Edward: And so the lion fell in love with the lamb…
Bella: What a stupid lamb.
Edward: What a sick, masochistic lion.

Bella: The WHOLE opening monologue "I had never given much thought to how I would die, but dying in the place of someone I love seems like an okay way to go"

Let's go to some cute and funny lines:

Edward: "I just wanna try one thing".
Also, "don't move", and "be very still".

before the prom...
Edward telling Charlie that he won't have her out late
and Charlie says something along the lines "Uhuh. I've heard that before"

Bella: Everyone's staring.
Edward: That guy's not looking. Oh wait, he just looked!

**harharhar!**

Alice: "Oh my, you do smell good" (after hugging Bella in the kitchen)
**geeezz**

Charlie: *danglers* the shot gun shut "Okay, bring him in"

Renee: "Are you being safe?"

Victoria: "I'm the one with the wicked curve ball" (woooohhhh)

In the baseball field after Rosalie is called OUT by Bella...
Emmett: "Come on Babe, its just a Game!"

When Edward asked Charlie for permission to take Bella to play baseball with them
Charlie: "Hey Bella. You still got that pepperspray?"

Esme: "Here comes the human!"

So, what's yours?

Did Alice predict we are goin gaga over TWILIGHT???

What: Twilight, the movie
Who: TJ and Louise (the twilight virgins), Ate Tin and Jen (the avid book readers)
When: Twilight's first week

There are a lot of goodies TWILIGHT brought to all those who have seen it. It was quite impossible for me to organize them all so here's what I've come up...

1. Casting was awesome. Robert Pattinson as Edward Cullen. Wow! Robert Pattinson is really good-looking, that has to be said. Those grimaces, the look of desire to eat/smooch/eat/kiss Bella… Pattinson IS Edward. That penetrating stare was scary and sexy. Another thing I liked about Robert Pattinson was how he made Edward seem so ironically fragile. He was strong and fast and again, really good-looking, but also disgusted with himself. He made this vampire Edward seem vulnerably (and desirably) human. Kristen Stewart as Bella Swan. She’s got that simple but ethereal Bella charm. I also enjoyed how she brought Bella’s awkwardness to life, how she didn’t want to be seen as the new girl, the first parts of the film. Billy Burke as Charlie Swan. Charlie was quiet, but you could feel how protective he was of his daughter. One of my favorite Charlie scenes was when Bella pretended to break up with Edward and walked out on her father. It was heartbreaking seeing Charlie try to comprehend what was happening. Again, he didn’t say much but wow, you could see in his eyes how lost and heartbroken he was. I was teary-eyed in that scene!! (yay **blushing**) The humans! hehe Casting was really good. Mike Newton was charming, Angela, the quiet one, was endearing, Jessica was cute, Eric was refreshing. They’re such a fun circle of friends, why go hang out with a bunch of vampires? *a picture of Edward Cullen flashes in mind* Oh, right! (chuckles). The Cullen family. I could feel the kinship! Carlisle stole the show here. Peter Facinelli gave the doctor a take-charge attitude and was really fatherly. Robert Pattinson-Kristen Stewart as Edward and Bella. They look really good together.

2. Baseball scene! Loved the action here! Those lightning strikes, jumping around, the music! Fun, fun ;P

3. The biology scenes. That first shot of Edward alone at the lab table was awesome. It was a beauty shot, definitely. And his hand on the nose thing that made Bella discreetly check herself? Hilarious! And the second biology scene when Edward introduces himself, ooooh, the tension begins! Prophase, metaphase and anaphase...

4. The music. I love the soundtrack! Favorites played during the movie were the songs during the baseball scene: SuperMassive Black Hole by Muse (it's always giving me the goosebumps), the “Bella Italia” scene (that’s Rob singing!), the gazebo scene and all of PARAMORE's tracks in there. Whenever Robert Pattinson’s songs were played during the movie, I wanted to squeal. weeeeeeeeeeehhh! But the track I love best is the last scene at the prom: Iron & Wine's Flightless Bird, American Mouth. (I really liked how Alice kicks when on her pitches).

5. The first time the Cullens walked into the cafeteria. Oh man, I was thrilled! I've never read the book yet but I knew it's them! Rosalie and Emmett (and their white make-up), cute Alice and Jasper, and hot Edward. Loved the smile he gave when Jessica said something about him not dating anybody. First Edward smile! Oh well, when you get to see the movie over and over again, you'll realize how "luvley" all of them are (even James. Yes, that insane nomad)

6. Forks, Washington. Oh wow, I loved how cold and damp this place is! It’s all grey and wet, you totally get why the Cullens like it there. That aerial shot of the forest was beautiful.

7. That scene where Bella falls asleep on his chest. Damn. That look of utter devotion on Edward’s face as he gazed at his sleeping lady? Perfection. So tortured, so desiring yet in control. Robert Pattinson, you rock \m/

8. The scene I loved the most was when they both arrived in school and Edward (in shades *swoon, swoon, swoon*) said, “I’m breaking all the rules now…” and he had his arm around Bella……….gaaaaaawwwddd!!!

For me and Louise the lines were already oh soooo mushy but both Ate Tin and Jen thought they were not mushy enough and it's totally made me want to read the books now! My heart's definitely want to melt over this romantic novel!

So where is Forks?

Yes, the place does exist.  It's in Washington State. It's at the center of the Olympic Peninsula, bordered by the Olympic mountains and the Pacific Ocean. The Forks Chamber of Commerce Website has stunning photos of natural attractions in the city. As an avid birder, I'm especially impressed by the avian life there--there is a photo of a Bald Eagle at La Push! But for sure the city now has more to offer tourists than just a walk in the woods, or picnics by the waterfalls. I can only imagine the spike in tourist arrivals there after Twilight.

Which is kind of ironic because most of the movie was actually filmed in Oregon--St. Helens, Columbia Gorge and Silver Falls State Park. St. Helens was where the Forks scenes were shot, and I presume the forest shots were taken at Silver Falls. Now that's the place I want to visit someday. The Oregon Parks and Recreational Department Website even has a downloadable birdlist! 

Guys Decoded: Why they Bash Twilight

I haven't interviewed any guy friends yet about this, but seeing that Ate Tin's husband watched the movie out of curiosity, I've decided to write down some of the reasons why guys are bashing Twilight! (You can share your thoughts on why you think guys dislike twilight)

I'd like to thank all the men who made an effort in watching the movie with their wives, girlfriends, family and friends. Also to those who watched it alone! (Just like Kuya Arnel did).

Twilight bashing - particularly by guys are uncool. It's most definitely uncool when they do it just for fun to irk the ladies. I'd take negative criticisms if and only if they read the book. BUT DID THEY?!

1. Guys who can't take anything about Twilight is not in touch with their feminine side, they're all macho and egoistic (this makes the BearHugs one liner true: "Men are not pigs, Pigs are sensitive and gentle creatures")
2. They are insecure on the fact that vampires are dangerously handsome, godlike features, almost perfect. Something that the Twilight story has definitely proved. Some men are insecure that there's this guy named Edward and all the ladies are in love with him.
3. In denial -- They deny the fact that they are interested in learning lines and moves from Edward to capture a woman's heart not matter how cheesy it is. Or maybe, they're hiding from their cape, a defense mechanism to show their true color -- green (if you know what I mean ;)
4. Jealousy - Twilight is a fiction and will remain that way. Though it captured many hearts, doesn't mean that it will make you less manly or that the love of your life will leave you for a vampire.
   
5. One liners - This is my favorite! There's no hiding the fact that Edward is definitely the king of it all. Maybe some guys are frustrated on the fact that these one liners from a fictional character can melt a woman's heart that they cannot even compete with hehehe. If Casanova is alive right now, he would either be bashing Twilight or learning and appreciating and reading and watching the movie.
   
   Here are some of Edward's one liners that took my breath away some of it is actually corny, but hey it worked... Enjoy! c",)
   
   • “My sister can see the future. Let me give you a clue, it’s Me + You.”
   • “I’m an addict. Will you be my heroin?”
   • Your number was up the first time I met you.
   • We’re usually very good at what we do. Sometimes we make mistakes. Me, for example, allowing myself to be alone with you.
   • It’s too easy to be myself with you.

Better Late Than Never --Twilight Did Hit Me Hard"er" Than I Expected

Last Friday, after the much awaited girls night out with Ate Tin, Jen and TJ; we finally made it in our seats with anticipation and excitement to watch Twilight!
Note: Thanks for saving me! I was like... "I'd better be taken as a snack by James the evil vampire in the movie than be stuck at the 38th floor thinking of how miserable my life is that day with the monster" hahaha.

As I haven't read the book yet, I didn't know the characters by heart and I've heard a lot of mixed reviews. Since it is a hit, I wanted to explore the world of Twilight; and who else to better join me in my journey? Of course the hopeless romantic and avid fans themselves, Ate Tin and Jen!

There I was, sitting trying to feel all kilig and romantic and giddy as a teenager, but something was definitely amiss. I felt incomplete even as the movie ended (not incomplete like having a guy as a date for this movie though); but just like what Ate Tin said on being dazzled.

It was a good movie, what made it more better was the fact that the characters had so many close ups scenes that you cannot help but swoon at the sight of Edward, and even though Carlisle's make-up is a bit funny...if I have a vampire father he's definitely going to be my first pick! The cinematography is also good but I really wasn't affected the way I expected myself to be drawn (but wait...something happened...).

It's a good thing though that I watched the movie first, because now I can truly appreciate the story and the book. That's why I love books because it's more descriptive and you get to paint your own imagination, something that a movie cannot sometimes do.

But wait...something happened... as I was having dinner with my college friends last Sunday, One of my friends depressed in love and everything about it. I was just silent and suddenly a very weird thing happened. I was like...Oh my god! Did I just had a flash back on the scenes I watched in Twilight? (And while I'm eating my Korean food at that?) Suddenly there was the magic I was looking for when I watched the movie! How Edward is like a knight and shining armor, the lines that Ate Tin posted on her skype and YM, their faces, the romantic moments...My heart just did a back flip!

I think Stephanie Meyer is magical and there's just something about her that made this story of Edward and Bella memorable. She said in an interview that she dreamt of this story; well that is something special for me. To think that I was losing all hope to feel that magical pull of Twilight and then it suddenly hit me harder than I expected. I'm now gushing and my hands is itching to read the four books. How the Twilight story hit me so hard is still unexplainable.

I'm just thankful that I totally felt what the other ladies in the whole world felt even though it's a bit delayed. Cheers for that! c",)

Leave Out All The Rest by Linkin Park

Like it? Hate it? Let me know your thoughts on this song, and why you think it's in the Twilight soundtrack. 

Leave Out All The Rest by Linkin Park

(from http://www.lyricsmode.com/lyrics/l/linkin_park/leave_out_all_the_rest.html)

I dreamed I was missing, you were so scared 

But no one would listen, 'cause no one else cared 

After my dreaming, I woke with this fear 

What am I leaving when I'm done here?

So if you're asking me, I want you to know

When my time comes, forget the wrong that I've done 

Help me leave behind some reasons to be missed 

Don't resent me, and when you're feeling empty 

Keep me in your memory, leave out all the rest

Leave out all the rest, don't be afraid 

I've taken my beating, I've shared what I made 

I'm strong on the surface, not all the way through 

I've never been perfect, but neither have you

So if you're asking me, I want you to know

When my time comes, forget the wrong that I've done 

Help me leave behind some reasons to be missed 

Don't resent me, and when you're feeling empty 

Keep me in your memory, leave out all the rest 

Leave out all the rest

Forgetting all the hurt inside you've learned to hide so well 

Pretending someone else can come and save me from myself 

I can't be who you are

When my time comes, forget the wrong that I've done 

Help me leave behind some reasons to be missed 

Don't resent me, and when you're feeling empty 

Keep me in your memory, leave out all the rest 

Leave out all the rest

Forgetting all the hurt inside you've learned to hide so well 

Pretending someone else can come and save me from myself 

I can't be who you are

I can't be who you are

Leave Out All the Rest - linkin park.mp3 - Linkin Park

Vampire story for boyfriends

Let me digress from Edward and Bella for a moment...

I was introduced to the "other Twilight  series" by Arnel long before I've heard of Stephenie Meyer. I'm talking about Sergei Lukyanenko's trilogy--Night Watch, Day Watch and Twilight Watch (really, it should be called "the Watch series"). The first two have already been adapted to film, and the third one I believe is currently in production. Lukyanenko is arguably the most important contribution of Russia to the scifi world, or maybe next to Isaac Asimov who was actually Russian-born.

Now I haven't read the books themselves--the last Russian novelists I read were  Tolstoy and Dostoyevsky; I was 17 and punishing myself for not being pretty enough--but I have seen the movie adaptations of Night Watch and Day Watch! They're in Russian so you watch the action and read captions at the same time. They're darker and  less glossy than Hollywood vampire movies. They're nothing at all like the romantic soft goth that we have come to love, and for which this blog is a shrine. No, this is mean stuff, with blood and gore mixed in the magical and fantastic.

The reason I mentioned the trilogy here is because I thought boyfriends might like this stuff. I think it's the emo-esque portrayal of Edward that puts them off in Twilight. Plus of course the fact that this is really a romantic story. It's just sad that it is exactly the things that we love about it that repel them. I wonder if this is again a nature vs. nurture conundrum.

But Watch is actually watchable, even for us girls. I personally loved the movies and I'm looking forward to reading the books. I hope they have the complete trilogy at Fully Booked. 

Of boyfriends and Twilight

I've been hearing a lot of Twilight bashing from my guy friends. They deny having read any book in the series and swear they would never watch the movie unless tied and dragged physically by their girlfriends.

So imagine my reaction when Arnel came clean today and admitted that he secretly watched Twilight by himself last Friday! And in fact, when we met him for dinner at Kabisera, he had already watched it.

Geez... I didn't know all my prattle about Bella and Edward, the altered sleep patterns, and new online friends I chatted with until the wee hours, really got him curious. He just didn't have the courage to admit it to my face, after all the teasing I got from him. I just wish he told me earlier so we could've watched it together.

So what did he think of the movie? He said he liked it; it was funny.

On second thought, I'm glad I wasn't with him. I can imagine he laughed at the awkward kissing scene and the botched dazzler in the meadows.

I wasn't dazzled

After a painful week of waiting--and stumbling on landmines of spoilers online--I was finally able to take the girls to see Twilight last Friday. It was my day off and I'm usually very jealous of rare opportunities to regenerate. I also hadn't been sleeping enough since the week before and normally I'd be grumpy. But having been bitten the previous week, the vampire venom in my veins made me jumpy and giggly. I was feeling smiley and warm and loving the whole day! Some venom...

So after cashing our paychecks, Jen and I went to rescue Louise from the belly of the  beast, aka 38th floor Rufino Tower. We had to wait 3hrs before we were able to snatch Louise from the monster's fang. TJ, who had earlier cancelled a date, was able to extricate herself from the beast's claw an hour or so later, and met up with us at the cinema just in time for the opening credits.

Verdict? It had its shining moments, but I was left less than dazzled. 

First, they omitted my favorite cheesy lines... "Do I dazzle you?" and "Your number was up the first time I met you" and "You smell so good in the rain." They included the one about the lion and the lamb, but I'm not so crazy about that. But they also added some good lines in the script. I like the one where Edward was rattling off answers to random imagined questions and said 1.78125, which Bella figured out as the square root of pi. You know, a nerd bait.

Second, Edward's scene in the sunny meadows, which was supposed to show how he sparkled like he had diamonds on his skin, made him look like--I don't know how to describe it any better--like he just got off the treadmill! Granted, a sweaty Rob Pattinson wasn't unpleasant to look at, but I wanted my sparkly Edward!

Lastly, isn't it a universal makeup rule to make sure you blend it well, such that your face would be of the same color as your neck? Carlisle looked like a Kabuki actor! Makes me wonder if it was his good looks at all that distracted the nurses at the hospital... could have been his strange makeup. 

Other memorable scenes in the book that I missed were Edward and Bella on Edward's chair in his room; Bella waking up one morning and seeing Edward on her rocking chair ("You stayed!"); the kiss that made Bella faint ("I think I forgot to breathe!"); Edward and Bella at the cafeteria; and Edward waiting for Bella after volleyball class.

On the plus side, I think the movie had enough to go on for a sequel. It had its highlights that I think I would've appreciated more if I didn't already have a picture of how the story went in my mind.

I loved the Charlie character. He was almost exactly as described in the book. 

I loved the brief shot of Edward and Bella under the rain.

I loved the part where the Cullens were trying to cook Italian, guessing that Bella would like it because her name was, well, Bella. 

I loved the Port Angeles rescue and restaurant scenes. Those were the shining moments for me.

I loved Linkin Park's "Leave Out All The Rest."

I kind of liked James, the sadistic vampire.

I loved the first time Edward spoke to Bella. His voice wasn't angelic or otherworldly; it was very human--the kind us mortal girls could react to!

The light peck on the neck after the dance... that was better executed I think than the experimental kiss at Bella's room.

And Jacob Black? More on him next time. I'm thinking of doing a structuralist examination of the character elements, particularly of Jacob and Edward, who are obviously binary opposites.