So what’s up with my life? #TuesdayTunes

I just found this song.

 

Why post this???? HERE’S WHY.

 

Thrones, Faerie Tales, Serial Killers, Zombies #FeatureFriday

Walking Dead‘s dead. Well, at least, it’s a zombie for now, until the next season. My family had good bonding moments over blood, guts, and gore for several months, and we’re now sad, taking a forced WD hiatus. I was personally in withdrawal…Was.

Well, this was meant to be a #TVTuesday post, but as you can see, Life intervened again (she’s so good at it, don’t you think?). I thought, why not for #WhatsupWednesday then? But again, you know. So I’ve decided, what the heck? Just write the darn thing when Life allows it! So here it is.

I am sharing with you what have been keeping me up almost every night, with quick reviews on the side. Anyway, for your perusal…

RATING GUIDE:

• Excellent – No doubt that I super love this and would love to continue watching!
• Good – Very interesting that I wouldn’t want to miss an episode
• Promising – Interesting that it can keep me glued to my seat and ask for more, but there’s still a chance my interest in it may wane
• Fair – Entertaining enough to watch to pass the time
• Undecided – Not consistently interesting that my feelings for it seesaws from almost-LIKE to meh.
• Bad – NOT recommended WHATSOEVER, for valid reasons

Game of Thrones (GoT)

I started with Game of Thrones after what seemed like forever. Many seasons after it started, I have decided to push through with viewing it, even if I heard there would be lots of sex and nudity in it.

Fans and bashers had been talking about it that I did not want to be left out anymore. Therefore, I got my copy of season 1. Oh yeah, people were right about the sex and nudity, most of which, unnecessary. I had to make sure I watched it super-late at night when the kids were already asleep.

I’m supposed to be watching season 2 now, but I encountered a technical problem. Meanwhile, my new Netflix subscription is not offering GoT, at least, not currently. How annoying! I will wait till I can see it again (which is soon enough as I know, as of this writing, that it’s true).

GoT’s got my attention even though it sometimes disgusts me with certain storylines. And I hate that like in WD, they suddenly kill off characters that have already grown on you. GRR Martin, I hate you. You could have let Boromir–I mean–Ned Stark live longer. #SaveSeanBeanForOnce.

A few more bad comments:

• GoT could be a great story that can be viewed with kids, but the for-adults-only scenes already make it a bad idea.
• I am especially watching it for the “fantasy”, but we do not really get to see the “fantasy” side of the story in season 1 except when (a) Jon Snow first fights a White Walker (alright, which show really used the term “walker” for zombies first?!!), (b) when Daenerys does not get her hand burned by the heat as she tests the giant eggs, and (c) at the very end of the season finale when the baby dragons appear for maybe a little under/over a minute.

RATING: PROMISING (Only because I haven’t seen season 2, so don’t you GoT-freaks diss and grill on me. The rating could change to a Good or an Excellent rating yet, with reservations due to the recurring “fleshy” scenes)

Once Upon a Time (OUAT)

Fantasy? Checked. Twists? Checked. Mysteries? Checked…Once Upon a Time has it all.

The good thing is, we get to watch it as a family. I do make sure I explain certain faerie tales so they can understand the episodes better, especially if the plots heavily depend on character background. Sadly, we’ve not finished OUAT’s season 1 due to the technical problem I mentioned. Netflix is currently no-help as far as this show is concerned. I am really rather disappointed because I am very much raring to meet other faerie tale characters.

It’s not a new idea anymore that movies and TV twist faerie tales, so this show lacks originality in that aspect. However, it doesn’t mean it’s all-boring and unoriginal. It is still rather interesting how they change and connect things. And I love that both the Evil Stepmother/Queen/Witch and Rumpelstiltskin have their own sad stories to tell that make them more human, so to speak. In fact, it makes me wish for them not to have sad endings when the series finally ends, or when their characters get written off, if ever.

I can’t wait to continue this for our well-needed family bonding at home!

RATING: PROMISING (I already know I like it, but I need to know if the next seasons will keep me interested)

Dexter

Dexter has combined two things that interest me in a crime show–serial killers and forensics. So big plus for them.

The major thing that makes this show different from any other show is the main protagonist is actually the killer on the loose, hiding in plain sight. Not just a troubled person or a person with a troubled past, but a serial killer, I cannot emphasize that enough.

I had always been curious about the show ever since I learned of it. It is only now, through Netflix, that I got to watch its first three seasons.

I like that Dexter, the character, is a good person battling a much-different inner demon than most crime show heroes who deal with their own inner conflicts. It’s also interesting that somehow, for a serial killer, he shows empathy, sense of morality and feelings akin to love.

I feel that though backed up with research (pop knowledge on the subject), the show does explore various things and lets Dexter get out of the box and be less stereotypical. That’s what I love about it. Meanwhile, looks-wise, great choice for an actor to play the lead. Michael C. Hall has this face that can also really look mean, making him an effective no-mercy killer.

That said, I have a few negatives.

• Personally, it takes time for their characters to grow on me. Dexter’s okay, but all the others? Loud-mouthed tough female roles, I’ve loved in the past, but Dexter’s sister Deb is just usually annoying and with quite a questionable half-blind taste for men. The only Asian guy, though stereotypically brainy, is creepy-horny-pervy, he’s hard to like. In real life, I don’t like people like that, so why should I excuse this one? Meanwhile, some characters, I am beginning to warm up to, but will see.
• As I love forensics, it disappoints me that they have such a shortage of it in this show while there’s an abundance of steamy scenes. Just saying. Blood spatter is interesting, of course, especially when Dexter tries to explain it to colleagues when he knows very well what went on. But I need more forensics! (I’m seeing a few blood spatter documentaries on YouTube, so you know what other things I’ll be watching)

The only reason I stopped at season 3 was I didn’t want to saturate my interest in it and for me to discover other shows I would like. Will get back to this when I’m ready.

RATING: GOOD

iZombie

So the zombies have not only invaded the movie screens but TV screens as well. Count the shows. In this one, though, there are no hordes (yet) and the zombies can still function enough in the world of the living. Also, this particular zombie in the story helps to solve crimes–who would’ve thought? Well, okay, the show’s producers and execs did. Good for them!

The lead character in iZombie named Liv Moore (how…appropriate) eats brains and temporarily inherits the memories of the dead she takes them from. If you’ve seen the Romeo-and-Juliet zombie tale Warm Bodies, the idea’s not that original then.

To be fair, the show is actually based on the comic book Vertigo where the zombie also experiences the same. BUT, the main difference between the movie and iZombie/Vertigo is the protagonist also inherits the personality of the brain source. This is where the crime-fighting comes in, when she helps solve the mysteries through the memories and acquired abilities. Oh, and there are the many ways to cook a brain. They could certainly come up with a recipes-for-brains book.

I like this, yes. Still, I can’t help but feel like I still need more, too, some kind of…oomph. Oftentimes, the mystery doesn’t stay long when Liv’s “visions” practically reveal what happened. Quite a spoiler for anyone who loves a good mystery like me. Once in a while, there are surprises, but I need them to up the ante, you know? I don’t know. Something is definitely missing from season 1 and the few episodes I have so far viewed from season 2.

RATING: PROMISING (It really needs to step up the game!)

YouTube channels

It’s no secret I have become quite addicted to watching YouTube channels. I usually watch reaction videos, vloggers, mukbangs (food reviews) sometimes, comedy sketches/parodies and socially relevant presentations. There’s another time to talk about these.

 

Now you know what keep me awake so far. I am currently on iZombie-mode and will temporarily stop after season 2 or 3 to make way for other shows. So far, below are what’s on my watchlist. Several zombie shows there, I swear zombies have replaced vampires as the monsters of choice. I was also looking for Fear the Walking Dead, no luck.

These are what I have so far, based on what Netflix suggested to me. But I am adding stuff to the list, which should basically tell you I am into detective, forensics, and supernatural shows.

My current Netflix list…Don’t know why Dexter was not listed when I took screenshots, but anyway, I re-added it already

How about you? What are your present guilty viewing pleasures? Comment below and let’s compare notes!

 

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My friends, it’s almost August. Go Fund This Couple!!! They still need half of the expected amount so they can thoroughly enjoy their Philippine stay. Please feel free to check out their GoFundMe page! Even a dollar can help…Thanks 🙂

“WOUNDED”

Yesterday (my yesterday) was the right time to post something like this.

WOUNDED

 

Words fall on deaf ears,

lost in translation

where arrogance kills humility.

 

In this vicious cycle,

we learn only to unlearn

giving power to jealous gods.

 

We fan the fire

with senseless tears

and we feed the pain

with self-inflicted pity.

 

What evil there must be

that resides in broken hearts?

 

No hope. No pride.

 

No power over it

that engulfs us.

 

Only a hatred

kept with a force

that kills wounded souls.

 

 

Copyright © by J.Gi Federizo

As the Pinoys Do #WhatsupWednesday

The Philippines is actually also known (if not more known) for its beautiful natural resources, particularly the 7,100-plus islands. It’s not all about Philippine politics, calamities, and tragedies. Oh, but many do know that already.

I’m not going to talk about islands for now, however. I just thought that would get your attention, ha ha. Rather, I’d like to share stuff regarding the country’s other best-known assets–the people. In fact, I’ve talked about it in The Great Philippine Experience:

“…many tourists seem to come back again and again…When it comes to the Philippines, it is not merely the sceneries and the wonders that attract tourists. More than these, it is the people and their rich culture that makes the Philippines a much-loved travel destination.”

Even Nuseir Yassin, a.k.a. Nas gave big credit to the Filipino people in  8 Days in the Philippines. (See The PH)

But why just take our word for it? The better idea is to take these foreign missionaries’ words for it! They have stayed in the country for a long enough time to appreciate its people. Some have even enjoyed a certain level of fame, having somewhat become celebrities, for instance, the boys of the Hey Joe Show, “a multi-platform social media group dedicated to celebrating and exposing Filipino culture to a global audience”. They can tell you what to expect when you’re in the Philippines.

FILIPINO CULTURE

It’s various interview clips, so it’s long, but you can always skip some of them. Personally, listening to them made me realize more things and made me proud to be Filipino, despite all the negatives. I was smiling almost from start to end, even laughing sometimes. First guy here is Connor Peck from the show I mentioned.

FUNNY THINGS FILIPINOS DO (by Sumner Mahaffey of the Hey Joe Show, and he also joined I Love OPM, singing competition for 100% non-Filipinos singing local songs)

Some of the things Sumner says here are not mentioned in the previous video.

There are more things to explain how the Filipino is. Will share more in future posts.

Meanwhile, just like in any other country, one of the most important things when you visit is to learn the language. It is very important, though often neglected. But if you’re staying for a long while, it is advised that you learn the language. Speak, as the Pinoys do.

This is what Fil-American Wil Dasovich did when he came to stay in his mother’s native country. Wil is a popular vlogger (or YouTuber, if you may) known for talking a lot in the Filipino dialect called Tagalog.

But what sticks to most Pinoys’ minds is not only his American accent, but his weird Tagalog combos–he just simultaneously speaks in deep Tagalog, Taglish (Tagalog-English), sometimes hippie lingo, often beki (gay) speak without batting an eyelash. He explains why in the video below (I contributed the translation of the Filipino words, so from 0:09, those words were from me, simply enable captions). Nevertheless, I still encourage any foreigner or half-foreigner who wants to stay here for years to do what Wil did.

 

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“Why is manga viewed as better than comics?” #AskWednesday

I was going to make an #AskGi post, but I saw this question posted on Quora. I never even knew that there was this thing about manga or Japanese comics being viewed as better than American comics. So I checked out the first answer I saw and I was really impressed by the amount of info I got. Not saying one is better than the other–I’m not a credible source when it comes to that–but I learned from reading. That explained something about the movie (originally manga) I am Hero to me, with regards to the comics industry in Japan.

If you’re interested in this and other answers, feel free to click on the image. Then share your thoughts, whydoncha? 😉

“JUST KIDS by Patti Smith” #MondayReviews

For today’s review, I give you my friend, Tobe Damit of Loud Alien Noize and his review of Patti Smith‘s

“Just Kids”

Tobe posts this totally magazine-worthy articles that may cater to certain people’s interest and, sometimes, repel others, depending on where in the artistic appreciation spectrum you are. Do check him out, know more about Tobe Damit.

Dan Alatorre’s WORD WEAVER Writing Contest for July 2017 – let the games begin!

This gallery contains 16 photos.

This is a great opportunity for all the writers out there waiting to be published! Check out what Dan Alatorre offers together with some friends 🙂

PSA: Go Fund This Couple

This is a rush public service announcement (PSA). As some of you are aware of (well, hopefully, some are), I have been entertaining myself with YouTube and reactor vids. Now, as some of you are also (hopefully) aware of, I aim to promote my country. I specifically mentioned it and I even created the PH Box.

Long story short, this couple, Josh and Samantha Brooks, more popularly known as HugKnuckles and HottSamn in the YouTube community, well, they want to have their wish come true. They want to visit the Philippines, which is special to their hearts as Filipinos made their channel famous and they have become huge fans of Philippine entertainment.

This is their excited plea:

They are so excited, they have set up a GoFundMe account. I call this post a rush PSA because their need is urgent. So if you feel you can help them even in your own little way, do check out their account at https://www.gofundme.com/HugKnucklesTV  and take action.

Thank you!!!

The End Justifies the Journey

It is easy to be depressed. It is easy to be mad. It is easy to just meet fire with fire. But the harder thing to do is to just sit down and let the fire burn till it dies…Today, I am reminded that you cannot teach others new tricks when they don’t want to learn using their hearts. I am not perfect, but I know I try to be the kind of person I have to be, not just the kind of person I want to be.

The End Justifies the Journey

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