Book Review: Committed by Elizabeth Gilbert

Eat, Pray, Love was such a big hit to me that when Elizabeth Gilbert delivered her second installment entitled, Committed, I did not have second thoughts buying it. Both books are more of a memoir rather than a novel because Ms. Gilbert recounts her personal experiences in coming up with her own definitions of a relationship (Eat, Pray, Love) and marriage (Committed). Her wisdom is borne out of the heartaches she went through while forming her own life rules. What is most admirable is her humility to accept what she lacks, a first step in improving oneself before moving on to another relationship.

Elizabeth Gilbert's first marriage did not work out. Since then, she became skeptic in the sacrament of matrimony. But unexpectedly, while soul searching in Bali, Indonesia, love knocked on her door again. She and her lover, a Brazilian named Felipe, was content not to rock the boat by getting married again (Felipe was also divorced). Felipe would periodically go in and out of the United States to be with Elizabeth and this setup was perfect for them. However, one day the US Immigration noticed this frequency and Felipe was barred from re-entering the country. The status quo was as good as it lasted, but if they wanted to stay together, they had to break the status quo. The only solution was for them to get married and legalize Felipe's citizenship as an American.

In Committed, Elizabeth Gilbert made a blow by blow account of the process she went through to make peace with marriage. For her, she did not want to get married just for her and Felipe's convenience. Rather, she wanted to re-explore it and understand it better so that this second time around, marriage will be much better and nurtured compared to her first union.

Throughout the book, perhaps the most important thing that Ms. Gilbert clarified is that she wrote that book to help herself and not for anybody else. Thus, once in a while, it is possible to come across something she holds true that may be contrary to a reader's belief. However, she is not concerned with that because it runs contrary to the main purpose of writing her memoir. One of the more debatable issues in her liberal views about marriage is that she is not keen on bearing her own child. It was one of the reasons that caused the downfall of her first marriage. With Felipe, this is not a problem because the man already had children from his previous marriage and had no desire anymore to bear more children from Ms. Gilbert. This alone immediately got things going for the couple. Many steadfast believers on procreation being the center of marriage will find Gilbert's stand quite radical, but it works for them so that's what matters most.

It was not an easy journey for Elizabeth Gilbert. She went as far as going to various places to learn about different cultures on marriage and find out what she could apply to her own life. It was all in the effort of grasping a realistic take on marital union that so many people uphold. It can all be very institutionalized but the fact remains that two people are in it together to make it as real and workable as possible. Commitment, compromise, trust and respect are just some of the words to live by every minute until death do you part.

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President Noynoy Aquino's First State of the Nation Address (SONA)

I highly anticipated President Noynoy Aquino's first state of the nation address (SONA), just because. I was tuned in to the ANC channel early in the morning because I didn't know what time it will start. Later on, it was announced that the SONA will start at 4PM. (Early in the day, a senate president and speaker of the house were elected in congress.) By 3PM, they showed the presidential car with a convoy of PSGs already headed for Batasang Pambansa. I was glued to my TV screen from hereon, not wanting to miss anything. It was like literally watching every move of the president, so to speak.

The first five minutes of his speech was an explosion. Obviously, P'Noy wasted no time speaking in conundrums. Indeed, if you will all pardon my language, it was a no bullshit kind of speech, and it was really amazing. Once he started detailing the anomalies of the past administration, there was no stopping him and his rhetorics.

I have heard a few criticize P'Noy's choice to use the vernacular when speaking to his constituents. In fact, at one point, I myself doubted if he could speak well in English. I know it was such an unfounded bias and I should be condemned for downing a fellow Atenean! But when I watched his interview on CNN Talk Asia, I suddenly felt foolish for thinking that Noynoy could not deliver in English. He simply prefers to speak in Filipino when talking to the Filipinos.

His first SONA may not be the best of speeches ever written, but I think it was one of the most powerful simply because it was in Filipino. And not merely was it in Filipino, but he used the everyday words of Filipinos. In this manner, he made it sure that Filipinos from all walks of life will be able to understand him. And that's what matters more after all, because he is talking to his countrymen and not to the international leaders around the world. In some sense, it is more dramatic and effective.

I secretly admire former president Gloria Macapagal Arroyo (GMA) when it comes to giving speeches because she is eloquent and exudes an air of confidence. She maintains eye contact to her audience and seems spontaneous about it. I thought Noynoy Aquino will pale in comparison in this department. But again, he surprised me when he hardly referred to his hard copy and spoke of figures and other nitty-gritty details from memory. He faltered once in a while but that was forgivable. He garnered no resounding applause in my opinion, but at least the audience knew when to clap in appreciation, even if only on cue.

Overall, I loved President Noynoy's SONA because I felt the sincerity as he stood in front of the congress and spoke before his countrymen. His exposes were bold and unforgiving, hitting Gloria Arroyo and her midnight appointees without fear. I told my mom that if Noynoy continues to be this way, he is putting his and his family's life in big danger. But knowing the Aquinos, they will not be daunted.

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Trip to the Aquino Museum in Hacienda Luisita, Tarlac

I was looking forward to visiting this museum because I am such a big fan of the Aquinos. Everything stops when anything about them is featured on TV. What they did for the Philippines is simply momentous, something often just found in fictional novels. I have heard of the Aquino Museum for a couple of years now, and my interest was revived after watching President Noynoy Aquino's interview on CNN Talk Asia just a few weeks before Noynoy formally took his oath (the interview was held at the museum).

The entrance was immediately inviting with high ceiling, a spacious lobby and larger than life portraits lined up on one side. At the end of the row of portraits is a quaint chapel with glass doors:

The museum itself was basically only a picture story of what transpired from pre-martial rule up to Cory Aquino's rise to power as the president of a democratic Philippines in 1986. There are a few memorabilia displayed worth looking at too.

However, the tour will be rendered trivial if not for the highlight found at the center -- a simulated 3 x 5 meter cell where Ninoy found himself in solitary confinement for 7 years in Fort Bonifacio:

Ninoy was not only a very effective speaker; he was also a very talented writer. He described his imprisonment like a slow and painful death:

"I scratch the wall to mark the passage of each day
A day lost forever never to return - wasted, gone!
I watch the marching, lengthening column of my days
Passing me by in mournful cadence to their death
Like dripping drops of water from life's vessel
Drip, drip, drip
The leather jug will soon be dry
Empty like a body with no more blood and tears to shed
and then: Good-bye!"

Next is the gripping sight of the bloodstained white suit that Ninoy wore when he was assassinated:

I replayed in my mind the countless of times I have seen Ninoy's last moments abound China Air in 1983, before he was gunned down at the Manila International Airport. It is always the same overwhelming feeling whenever I see that video, and this same feeling was heightened ten times when I stood inches away from that bloodied suit. Only a glass encasing separated me from a precious piece of history. Truth is, 1983 of the Philippines can be summed up by a single piece of tainted white suit that defined the next ten years of a renewed democracy.

As I peeled myself away from that heart-wrenching sight, I moved on to view more framed pictures, stopping once in a while to read personal notes written by Ninoy and Cory. Both their diaries were put on display and it was opened on the page where they separately wrote their grief over the death of Jose Cojuangco (Cory's father). Ninoy wrote about his bereavement from his cell while Cory wrote hers from their home. I wished I could flip the pages and peer deeper into their thoughts, but again, the diaries were protected in glass cases. Reading their entries inspired me to also keep a journal and write down my thoughts spontaneously with my own penmanship!

In another entry, Ninoy wrote about his decision to go on a hunger strike and mentioned he was losing weight every time he stepped on the scale. I imagined a man writing about his progress in a weight loss program, except that he is not. I do not recall the exact words written but he wrote it in a matter-of-fact tone, even enumerating details to support his decision. Truly, it was an emotional time for Ninoy and his family, yet Ninoy still managed to justify his act of defiance in bullet points. He made it sound like selflessness is an everyday thing to do, like a breakfast staple.

Yet, Ninoy was very much a family man though he was not privileged enough to give them his time. While imprisoned, he requested to call up his son, Noynoy, to greet him on his 16th birthday. This was one of the most touching letters I've seen in the museum.


For P100 entrance fee, I'd say the trip to the Aquino Museum was so worth it. Once again, I had a renewed deep sense of respect and admiration for the Aquinos, especially Ninoy and Cory. I sure hope that more memorabilia will be added soon, especially with Cory's recent passing, and Noynoy's becoming president.

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Noynoy Aquino Becomes the 15th President of the Philippines

Two days to go before Noynoy Aquino is formally sworn in as the 15^th president of the Philippines. I await yet another historic occasion in our land. Like most other Filipinos, I will not only look forward to the ceremonies but also watch out for some side scenes worthy of tabloid news. Will James Yap attend the inauguration after his estranged wife Kris Aquino admitted the end of their marriage? How will outgoing president Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and incoming President Noynoy Aquino act on stage together? I heard that Mar Roxas will skip the rites. Will he change his mind and be visible on this day?

I have mixed feelings about Noynoy Aquino becoming president of the Philippines. I still do not believe that he is the best man to take on the reigns in leading this country. I still think that sympathy votes led him to where he is today. I still could not accept the fact that prior to his mother’s death he had no desire whatsoever to run for president. The sudden decision to heed the nation’s call to run for president after his mother’s death is still a flimsy reason in my opinion.

I am sure Noynoy has deeper reasons although I still do not buy the circumstances around his sudden candidacy. That being said, I believe in his integrity. In fact, I think that is his winning asset. I set aside my biases now and hope along with the rest of the Filipinos that major changes are about to happen. I do not believe that corruption is about to end. It is just impossible. But with Noynoy’s leadership, and if he keeps up to his promise, I hope that corruption will be significantly reduced in many areas of local and national governance.

Here’s hoping for the best in the next six years of the Philippines! Meanwhile, my television will be tuned in on the inauguration on June 30. It will be a grand showdown of Filipiniana dresses and Barong Tagalogs, a series of civil handshakes, occasional beso-besos, and obliging smiles.

In my own little cyberspace here, I congratulate Noynoy Aquino! I just know you will be a lot better than Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo. That is enough for a collective sigh of relief. We are watching you, Mr. President!

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Hachiko: A Dog’s Story Movie Review

Hachiko: A Dog’s Story has a very elementary lesson to tell. It was a simple tale of a dog’s love and loyalty for his master. I have seen a few movies about dogs but this one surely raises the bar if only because Hachiko lived in real life. That alone made the big difference.

Yes, the movie is based on a true Japanese story although the movie adaptation was American. Parker Wilson (Richard Gere) is a college professor who rides a train everyday to go to work. One ordinary day, as he steps out of his train, he encountered a lost puppy. Failing to locate the owner, he brings it home. The puppy had a dog collar with engraved Japanese characters that mean “Hachiko.”

Parker raises Hachiko. His wife and daughter grew to love the dog as well. Parker and Hachiko developed a silent and unexplainable bond between them. Every morning Hachiko would accompany Parker to the train station. He would go back to the train station in the afternoon to wait for Parker to arrive and they will walk back home together. But one day, Parker collapsed while at work and died. And Hachiko waited at the train station in vain.

This is where the string of emotions began. Days after Parker died, Hachiko continued to go back to the same spot in the train station where he will sit to wait for Parker. Days turned into weeks, weeks into months, and months into years. Parker’s daughter tried to adopt Hachiko but the dog would only escape to go back to the train station. He became a stray dog. The people around the train pity the dog and fed him for sustenance.

Hachiko’s display of unconditional love and loyalty is deeply touching. He did this for ten years and died on the exact spot at the train station where he waited for Parker’s return each day. I don’t like too much drama in a movie, but this one was an exception. I liked it primarily because it is rare to hear a story like Hachiko’s who could not and would not forget about this man who picked him up when he was little and took care of him.

I promise you, after watching this movie, you will not look at dogs the same way again.

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Ara Mina for QC Councilor. What a Big Joke!

I’m not judging showbiz personalities in general. I’m just judging Ara Mina!! There are many showbiz personalities turned politicians out there who were able to somehow prove to the public that they are worthy of the people’s votes and that they are serious about their jobs. Take Vilma Santos for example. I really think she made a big difference in Batangas. But Ara Mina? She’s a totally different issue. Judging from this short interview by Mo Twister, Ara Mina revealed a bombshell about herself, a big explosion that will make her chest diminutive in comparison.

Someone needs to talk some sense into Ara Mina’s head. Given the benefit of the doubt that she has the best intentions, how far could her good heart go to lead her constituents? Ara Mina for QC Councilor is one big joke. Wake up, Ara. This is not showbiz anymore. This is not acting with a series of takes at your disposal to perfect your scene. This is real life with real people dealing with serious issues. Here, you cannot buy your way by having a deep cleavage and bouncing pair. Good heavens, they will need much more than that.

The residents of QC WILL NOT accept excuses like “I was always out so I did not have time to watch the news on TV,” or “I get depressed watching the news.” Please save the little respect people have of you. Go back to peeling off clothes behind the reel and leave QC governance to more capable hands. You shame not only your father, Chuck Mathay, but also your intelligent colleagues in showbiz.

Ara Mina is running for QC councilor, second district. Though I live in the first district, I’m still very bothered. I’m bothered because I know Ara Mina has good chances of winning not only for her popularity but also because of her physical endowments. I’m bothered because this is just the second district of Quezon City we’re talking about. What more on the national level? Who will the majority vote for senators, vice president and president?

If Ara Mina still wins a councilor seat even after the proliferation of this video, heaven forbid, good luck to Quezon City.

Vote wisely, Filipinos! Change is in our hands.

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Review: Eat Pray Love

"There's a reason we refer to 'leap of faith' - because the decision to consent to any notion of divinity is a mighty jump from the rational over to the unknowable, and I don't care how diligently scholars of every religion will try to sit you down with their stacks of books and prove to you through scripture that their faith is indeed rational; it isn't. If faith were rational, it wouldn't be - by definition - faith."


Eat Pray Love recounts the detailed bits of the Elizabeth Gilbert's sabbatical leave from her usual world to dedicate one year of her life to traveling and soul-searching. Gilbert, the author, is jumping out of norms when she decided to end her marriage with a divorce, quit her job, and travel to 3 different countries to come to terms with herself again.

Incidentally, these 3 countries all begin with "I" - Italy, India and Indonesia. For 4 months in each country, Elizabeth tried to learn new things. In Italy, she learned the pleasure of eating and speaking Italian. In India, she confined herself to a meditation camp where she found her own definition of prayer. And finally, in Indonesia, she tried to find balance between the earthly and the divine.

Just how many of us could really do this? If I can sum up this book in one word, I'd say it's all about faith. And it's not just about believing in a great transcendent being, but in my opinion, also more about believing in oneself against all forms of rationality.

I am forever in search of my own god whom I can totally trust and depend on. Much to my dismay, I have been a very passive traveler of this temporary world. Thus, it's the main reason I am totally gripped by Elizabeth Gilbert's book, Eat Pray Love. She didn't wait for any big and dramatic transformation upon herself, instead changed her life by taking small and rather tedious steps.

Elizabeth Gilbert charmed me with her very candid narrative that I felt I was only listening to her storytelling instead of reading it. I loved her honesty, from how she gained 23 lbs because of all the eating in Italy, to succumbing to her physical sexual need. Perhaps, her honesty is one of her strengths that led her to a very magnificent transformation. After all, it all starts with one's acceptance of insecurities and misgivings.

Incidentally, Eat Pray Love is now a movie. It will be shown this year starring Julia Roberts.

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Serena Williams vs Justin Henin Live at the Australian Open 2010 Finals

This is it. Today marks the big day for both Serena Williams and Justin Henin as they face each other in a few hours in the Australian Open 2010 Ladies Singles Finals.

Watch the Serena Williams vs Justin Henin finals game live in various streaming websites in the internet. You can catch a live scoring at the Australian Open 2010 official website.

Serena Williams will be out to defend her title today and break the pattern of winning at the Australian Open only in odd numbered years.

Justin Henin will continue to live the dream. After 20 months of hiatus in the professional arena, she comes back to Australian Open as a wild card entry, and sweating her way to the finals to finally meet world's number one today. She has nothing to lose and everything to gain.

This should be exciting to all tennis fans! I'm for the underdog, Justin Henin!

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Jobs Available at the Australian Open

Are you curious about how to become a ball boy in the Australian Open? It is a most coveted job for every tennis fanatic. It will be an exciting two-week work that will hardly feel like a job at all as you will be overwhelmed by all the famous faces of tennis you usually just see on TV. Many tennis fans will fight to fill in the position of a ball boy and get a chance to feed balls during the games of their favorite players.

There are many jobs available at the Australian Open, one of which is a ball boy. To qualify for one, they will do a series of battery tests to gauge your eye-hand coordination. Also, sad to say that there is an age limit. If you will notice, those ball boys now at the Australian Open are around from twelve to fifteen years old only. But there are many other jobs available at the Australian Open. And here, I found this list:

• Ballkid Operations Team
• Court Services and Court Operations
• Courtesy Car Drivers
• Corporate and VIP Hospitality
• e-Communications Volunteers
• Grassroots Promotions Volunteers
• Information Services Staff
• Media Staff
• Merchandise/Retail Staff
• Office Administration
• Operations Staff
• Player Medical
• Site & Safety Staff
• Statisticians
• TV Liaison

Of course, it's too late now to be hired for this year's Australian Open, But for next year at the Australian Open 2011, you can start sending in your applications! You better hurry because they will only be accepting applications until the end of March 2010. And should you get accepted, there still other things to prepare, like your working visa for example, if you are not a resident of Australia.

Meanwhile, exciting games are ongoing at the Australian Open 2010. Watch it LIVE on your TV screens!

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