A flu attacked me the night before the weekend which made me bedridden the following day. Avoiding anything which is very physical and with a pale appetite, I at least wanted to feed my eyes. As a result, I marathoned three movies. These are amongst those, I am convinced, I can watch over and again:
When Harry Met Sally (1989) – I was totally glued with the conversations between Harry (Billy Crystal) and Sally (Meg Ryan). Although I find Harry “sort of ugly” for Sally, his being able to talk like a non-stop machine with sense is hilarious and endearing. Despite that the boundaries of friendship are obviously defined in many cases, it is interesting how the story can make you pretend that the predictable is unpredictable. One of the best romantic comedies I have ever seen. As it was nearing the finale, I was wishing it would never end. It is also good to see Carrie Fisher (Princess Leia in Star Wars Trilogy) here.
Once (2006) – The movie was set in Dublin, Ireland and featured its local musicians. The main guy (Glen Hansard) writes and sings so well. I liked the realistic appeal of the story, when you can do everything and nothing (alike at the same time), and the ending was depicted in its full practicality. The songs featured are remarkable and I think that Falling Slowly and Fallen from the Sky are the best among the plenty of good songs from the soundtrack. Although produced under a low budget, this movie has a distinct character that you will not forget – one of which is finding the balance between romantic and musical connections.
Titanic (1997) – While there was a number of movies produced based on the sinking of RMS Titanic, this stands as the most popular to date. I was still in college when I first watched it and I honestly did not appreciate it that time. I thought it was too mushy and it clouded its other brilliant aspects. Until I saw it for the second time during the weekend, I realized that it was well-made and story was daunting and classic. It took me more than a decade to see it from a different angle (*facepalm*). And guess what? James Cameron (also the director of Avatar) used the “I See You” line in this movie, for the first time. That explains why it sounded familiar during the Avatar screening.
After “climbing” the world’s tallest tower last weekend, we headed to TGI Fridays in Dubai Mall to re-energize. In between the chatting and munching, I could not help but (impossibly) wished that I were in the Philippines that night to savour the finale concert of APO. If only one of their farewell concerts coincided with my most recent break in Manila and/or somebody from the UAE offered to produce their concert (instead of the Marian-Dingdong and other nonsense gigs), I would be more than happy.
There is really such a thing as mind over matter. Just when we started consuming the appetizing lamb rack, tenneesees, fillet, lemonade and lush, some of APO songs filled the air. With the right company, generous portions of edibles and just in time music, that moment was the next best thing to being in the actual concert with this TGI Fridays branch’s view:
(The Philippine flag on the flash disk. Cool, isn’t it? This pretty disk houses at least 9,000 songs. This is supplied in the two-microphone enabled videoke system.)
I have been scouting for a (sort of) magic sing in the UAE for internal consumption. I was discouraged when I learned that the song menu contains at least 20% Hindi (Indian) songs, 80% Tagalog and English songs. Hence, when I went home for a short break, I was intent to buy one which is sourced there. Strange though that the WOW Magic Sing salesman in one of the malls in Metro Manila advised me to get a Pensonic videoke instead. Salestalk tidbits: “it offers more and newer compilation of songs + it is not expensive”.
I did a marathon of Glee, Season 1 (got a discounted DVD set from Hong Kong airport) last weekend. Just in time for the second season which will premiere tomorrow (13 April) on Fox Channel. It is hugely entertaining and the characters are simply endearing. I would like to see more Asians in the cast. The extras in the fourth DVD were fun to watch because these contain video diaries (all of them used a Flip video), casting, and more.
I’m making a playlist from the soundtrack and my favorites are Sweet Caroline, Can’t Fight This Feeling, Don’t Stop Believing, You Can’t Always Get What You Want and Smile (Lily Allen). I am expecting more and better songs in this season.
I don’t write so often about my love for music and my being so intent about making playlists. I would like to share though this album that I have been thinking of for so long. Photo taken more than 2 years hence (Etihad flight).
i can still be updated about your goings-on 
On 24th of August, this is how the UAE reporters put it.
We CAN always rebuild
Pasalubong from Malaysia
Bukit Bintang
Mini Malaysia
