Yes. After some thought, I’ve decided to move to tumblr. It’s been great being here and all, but I wanted more freedom, layout wise. I’ve had some issues with server downtimes and tech stuff like that as well. I created a home of sorts here mainly because it screams PINOY with the url alone. But I can’t even make it “me” enough. And I’ve been having issues with the layout for forever.
The usual reviews can be read there from now on. I won’t be deleting this one tho, just so we can all go back to the good old posts, until the provider itself pulls the plug. Remember when I made Oringe Stiletto at blogspot? It was the same reason why I created this tumblr account. If you’re following me on twitter, you’ll be happy to know that you can now follow my blog, and repost, and do tons of other sh*t with it. Oh, and just so you know, I may be reposting some entries here to the new one at tumblr. Like I said, it’s been a great year and a few months here, but I need more liberty with my layouts. So yeah. Thanks for stopping by, and click away.
If you visit regularly, you’re probably thinking “Ano ba naman ‘tong blogger na ‘to, hindi mapakali sa layout!” (What is it with this blogger and this layout? It keeps changing!)
The thing is, I have once again come to a point where I feel that I’m taking up waay too much space in the interwebs having two blogs and all. And this layout that I can’t seem to be satisfied with. Plus, it’s a new year. And good things have been happening since the year began (completely ignoring that little breakdown in January, of course). It just seems fitting to have a new look for the new year.
I’m considering tumblr, which is ever so popular these days. But I need that “look”. Most tumbrs I go to are very content focused. Not that I mind, but I want a bit of spunk with the layout too. And really, from the very start, I find the templates pretty limiting. So here we are again. Where I contemplate moving, and re-designing.
Please bear with me. this could be just a phase.
[ update ]
Okay, so I checked tumblr out. Found a theme I like. No, wait. Make that “LUUUURRRRRRVE“.What I’m still checking is if tumblr would let me put sidebars and stuff to show visitors, tweets, and random stuff. Would it? Would it?
[ / update ]
Normally, music like these trickle into my playlist long after people have raved. I guess in this case, it trickles in early. And surprising enough, I like it a lot.
Ke$ha’s album, Animal, embodies a rock n’roll lifestyle commonly stereotyped on the male gender. And for that, I actually admire her stepping out, and making the impression that even the ladies live that life. Erm. Well, at least she does. For the rest of us, that may not be the case. This is the exact music that I think parents, and churches would be rallying up against. Come on, with lyrics like “Can’t you smell the sex? Who you gonna get?” in VIP, to “wanna get my hands in your khaki pants” in Mr. Watson, you know this music ain’t for us conservative peeps.
But that risque lifestyle mixed well with good rhythm and beats are what gets it into my iTunes early. It’s so easy to get lost in her music and dance away. And possibly a bit of singing along somewhere. There’s no denying that despite the wild and colorful lifestyle her music, it’s catchy. And it’s fun. And that’s a party.
Music like these occupy a real small space in my playlist. Along with Gaga, and BEP. What gets her in is more than “her music’s catchy” part. It’s that she stands out, and she’s different. Along with the other “weird” tunes I love so much. I like different. I like artists that stand out and make a statement. And I like music that dares to straddle that fine line of love and hate with the masses. Let’s face it. To an extent some may find her music trashy. Ke$ha is my guilty pleasure. And I like her music exactly the way it is. Risque, trashy, loud, and different. That’s what art’s supposed to be.
I was instantly hooked to her single Tik Tok, and her 3OH3! collab in Blah Blah Blah. I also find her track Dinosaur absolutely hilarious. Hello DOM! It’s nasty, and it’s mean, but there is truth to it. Give it a listen if you haven’t yet, and you’ll know what I mean. Blind is a must-listen to as well. Hello, post-breakup music! No, seriously, it is a great post-breakup song. Very, very fierce. Underneath the dance-worthy beats of Dancing With Tears in my Eyes is such a sad sad words of apologies and regret. It reminds me of a certain rnb artist I can’t name right now. I forgot his name.
With all that said, Ke$ha is here to stay. In my iTunes. I rate it:
The month of January opened with me easily acquiring two new albums. Vampire Weekend and Ke$ha. And I have to say, this year sounds pretty friggin good. I’ll start with Contra.
Contra- Vampire Weekend
Contra was the album I’ve been wanting to have since December. And was so excited when January finally rolled in, and was bouncing on my seat as the days slowly trickled by. Come release day, I didn’t have it. I got my copy a week later. But like they all say, better late than never.
As the Clinton Sparks said, this is probably the year’s most anticipated album from one of the greatest bands of the decade. Counting my anticipation, I’d say that’s fairly accurate. And the wait was indeed worth it. I super love Contra. It’s part reggae, part electro-pop, part rock. What’s so great about Contra is its quirky feel-good elector-hippie vibe that I ever so dig. And it manages to turn my tiny little frown upside down to one huge grin. Okay. Not in a psycho way, but it seriously does make me smile.
Horchata was their first single off the album. Great choice actually. It’s so quirky and catchy, and happy. I must learn how to make that drink. White Sky, I’d have to agree with a review I’ve read, has a hint of The Postal Service. But it also has that tiny hint of Peter, Bjorn and John’s “I Want You!” as well. And I mean that in a good way. Tracks you must hear are “I Think UR a Contra”, “Taxi Cab”, and “Giving Up the Gun”. Beneath the quirky beats of its tracks is meaning. I like that. I think you’d like it too.
For some strange reason, I tend to pick a song, just before the current year ends, and set is at my anthem for the coming year. Does anyone else do that? I feel weird. Anyway, I pick songs to remind me of things. Plans, agendas, back stories, what have you. Sadly, I can’t remember what my 2009 anthem was. Or if I had any, for that matter. But I did have an anthem for 2008. It was Switchfoot’s Awakening. I love that song so much, really.
Awakening signified a new life for the new year, a new job, a new career. One that involved dealing with people you see on society pages, photos you’d find on billboards and magazines, and the like. I really wanted that job. And I really wanted that life. The paycheck wasn’t even part of the decision-making process. All I had in my head were the possibilities and open doors that job would give. And if I bust my ass even more, things would be even more stellar. Unfortunately, the year ended with a thud, when all my plans crumbled, thanks to the clever diversions certain people put up.
2009 was boring. Despite the rollercoaster of emotions I constantly had. The high parts always short and sweet. and part-dreadful. The plunge comes right after. But everything was such a routine, that the ride itself, despite the twist, turns, spirals, and crashes, were all just “blah”.
This year, I decided to shake things up. I picked One Republic’s Good Life. Actually, it was a tough choice between Waking Up and that. But I figured a good load of positivity would do me a lot of good. Which, despite my previous posts, is true. Hearing the song for the nth time, I’m reminded that yeah, there are “some bullshit/issues that don’t work out”, but we make our lives the way we want. Don’t get me wrong, I still do feel bad, and yes, upset with certain things in this life, but there’s a whole lot of great, amazing things happening right now, that seriously, why complain? It is a good life, and I choose to have a good life.
I’m currently mapping out plans and possibilities this year, and if I play my cards right, this year would end in stellar fashion.
So what is your anthem for 2010? Care to share?
I’m afraid my FB stats have misled a “few” people. Have you ever made some choices in the past, where you pick one over the other, and then find out in the end that you should’ve gone for the other one? That’s me. And it burns so bad to realize that I would’ve been 10 steps closer to where I wanted to be if I chose one over the other. It was never about the money, or boredom, that brought me down. It was finding out that I put the wrong people, and the wrong things, my utmost priority. And that now, after letting go, I am made to feel almost worthless. I’ve been put to all this trouble, making me put this year’s plans on hold, and I don’t even get a single acknowledgement that they do care. I was supposed to start a new business, setup my own PC, and have this new and better life. Thanks to having my resources put on hold, I have to put the business on hold, and work around my lack of resources. Is that it? After all that, I don’t even get so much as a “sorry”?! I’ve been told by a LOT of people that I could sue. But is that really where you’d want things to go?
My dad once told me of this seminar he went to where they were told about priorities. Always put GOD first, and you in second place. Always have your family and friends above your day job. Because in the end, your job can’t take care of you, but your family can.
Let it be known, that nothing gets me down better than people. Choosing the wrong people, trusting the wrong people, or being betrayed. I demand to be treated with respect, and be given honesty. I don’t care too much about being liked. But I do care that I’m told the truth. I hate being lied to, and I hate being given empty promises. I’ve been given reason to believe that either I put the wrong people (and their stuff) first. In fact, I shouldn’t have put them first to begin with.
I’m not posting this all emo and upset. I’ve given it some thought, and I figured we’d all get what we deserve. Maybe not today, or tomorrow, but certainly come judgement day. I’ve learned so much in this experience, and my ‘people radar’ certainly got an upgrade. I now know the kind of people that’ll do me more harm than good, and vice versa. I say this without anger or hate, but I think the best way around this is to burn the bridge. Move on, lose touch, and have nothing to do with each other ever again.
I’ve realized my worth, and I know I can do so much more. Maybe I let my dreams take a break, but not anymore. I’m getting back on track. The past few days have made me feel horrible, but when I decided to get up and do something, good things did happen. This time I know I made the right decision. And that things will get so much better now.
Right. So I’ve been sort of neglecting my blogging duties since I’ve been hunting for days. The hunt is officially over. I mean, the job hunt is officially over. Got a couple of calls yesterday. Nothing beats the high of hearing “you’re hired”. Okay, maybe something could beat that, but it still feels soooooo goood! Working on my Contra entry nao.
Dear you know who y’all are,
I’m sorry whatever relationship we have has come to this. I understand that times are tough, and that I’m not the only one stuck and limited. I also want to say from the very beginning, that I blame no one completely for my troubles. We all have a part to play in things we go through in this life. Good or bad. But I want you to know that the situation our choices have put us in are most frustrating. I’m saying that it is most frustrating (and depressing) to think that after years of working and busting my ass, I am here today almost penniless. We both know we don’t deserve this. I’m saying that maybe neither of us should’ve bitten off more than we could chew. From the very beginning all I wanted was transparency. Something which was rare. If one of us just saw that this was going to happen from the very beginning, it would’ve helped if we all just went out with it, and saved us all this trouble. Like I said, I understand that times are tough. Honestly, I’ve been “understanding” the situation for months now. I just hope that this time, for whatever pain my current frustration might cause on you, you understand me. Because I’ve been fighting from the very beginning. For a life I’m supposed to have. For the time I’m supposed to spend on commitments I’ve made. And for the things I know I deserve.
Also, I hate it when people play on guilt. It’s not fair. I’m sorry you had to make a few sacrifices so I can go on some commitment I’ve informed weeks in advance. I’m sorry, but if our “responsibilities” were updated as early as possible, we would’ve saved ourselves from all this trouble and guilt trip. I’m sorry I hadto make major career sacrifices for you, and this vision I used to share with you. I’m sorry that I can’t take them back, and I’m sorry that it burns to think of how awesome my life could be now if I chose them instead. And I’m sorry I’m rubbing this in on you. We’ve all made sacrifices for a lot of things. I offer and give without complain when I know it’s necessary. I never rubbed that in either.
Maybe you all get to read this, or maybe you won’t. Right now I need to get this out of my chest because from where I’m standing, what’s happening is completely unfair to me. And I’m tired of trying to understand. Thank you for everything you’ve given, but I don’t think that gives anyone the right to make me feel like I’m conveniently put in the corner. At the very least, while I wait, don’t you think I deserve a little “pasensya na” text? Because it’s been over a month, and I’m still waiting, and it seems a LOT like neither of you cares. And one more thing, I do NOT have an attitude problem. The problem is, despite my niceties, I don NOT take things like these lightly. If you hurt me, I’ll let you know. I do not bitch around for sport. I do not disrespect without cause.
I hope that this “cryptic” letter gets my point across.
Love,
H
I’m not big on New Year’s resolutions. I tried it once, then forgot what they were, come June,and obviously was no longer part of my thought process come December. Although I love making lists, there’s that part of me that hates the whole list of what I should do for the year. I’d rather make a list as I go.
Last year was a bit weird. If my memory were in tiptop shape, I’d say I’ve read about 10 books last year. Or probably more. Except towards the end of the year, I not only read less, I read nothing. Usually, a novel takes 2 weeks, at worst, for me to read. On a good schedule, it’ll take about 2-3 days. If it takes over two weeks for me to read, chances are, I’m not really reading it. Thanks to that, I now have a backlog of books, which I either shamelessly postedon my wishlist, bought on a whim (not really, I just find it impossible to leave a bookstore without buying a book), or downloaded from generous awesome authors and their websites. I’m guessing I have thirty on hand, and who knows how many more on my next trip to the bookstore.
This year, Ipromised myself thatI would make upfor all those unread books, thus producing this “To-read” listfrom the top of my head. There’s more to be added, but I guess I’ll add them later.
Running With Scissors
Read two pages last year, dropped it for another book,then decided to stop reading entirely. Not the material’s fault. I’ve been occupied by more pressing matters.
Status: Currently reading this one. With only a few more pages to go.
Angela’s Ashes
Read half last year, switched to another book, then switched back, then stopped. Last thing I want would be having the stories mixed up in my head.
Status: Next in line. Got about 60% more to go.
Children of Hurin
Bought with the excuse ofgetting myself an extra birthday present. In truth, I was such a Tolkien geek in college, that seeing this book made me giddy with fangirldom. Of course I have to have this book! What kind of Tolkien-geek would I be without it?
Status: Not even labeled yet, and still in the bag.
Her Fearful Symmetry
From the writer of A Time Traveler’s Wife, here’s one that is no love story. Thanks to bookstores wholet you read open copies, I managed to read a few chapters of it last year. I got my own copy on my birthday (Thanks Shelly!), and is still on my “shelf”
Status: About 5 chapters done, I think. I read like 1/8th of it in the bookstore.
Titans of Chaos
The last of the trilogy. Read the first two books years ago. Tried reading the third one after years of searching, but I somehow got lost in the plot.
Status: Will re-read the first two, sort of, then get to this one. I recall the second book’s ending to be quite bitin, which made the third book a must-read.
Invisible Monsters
I love Chuck Palahniuk. I love his books ever since seeing Fight Club, and reading Rant.
Status: Labeled. That’s it. Haven’t even opened the book yet.
No Place Like Here
Gift from my bff. Intrigued.
Status: There is no status. Still in it’s plastic wrapping.
I do recall acquiring free ebooks from Paolo Coelho’s website. Those are on my list as well.
In classic “things I’ll never learn from” fashion, I have a list of books to buy, on top of un-listed books I’ll probably buy. So here’s to my non-existent bookshelf busting at the seams.
I hope y’all are as excited as I am this year. New books, new music, new…stuff.
It isn’t too late to share my nine faves of 2009, is it? Inspired by RT’s Fave Films of 2009, I give you my 9 fave movies, and albums of 2009.
District 9
Peter Jackson’s return brings us a documentary-style movie of a future where aliens take space in our planet. It makes us question a lot of things about us, and the kind of culture we have. The most obvious one, racism. Although I was never a ‘Trekkie’, I loved the movie. I love the twist JJ Abrams did with the story that gives them so much freedom. The effects, though farfrom flawless, was fantastic nonetheless. And yes, with Zachary Quinto, John Cho, and Eric Bana there, I was difinitely happy.
Star Trek
The Hangover
Probably one of the funniest movies I’ve seen this year. And all that effort they put driving from one place to the other, only to end up realizing that what (or who) they were looking for was exactly where they were at the beginning was ironic-funny.
Coraline
This movie is proof that just because it’s old school, it doesn’t mean it can’t be awesome. Made in classic stop-motion, and enhanced in 3d, Coraline was amazing eyecandy from start to finish.
Inglorious Basterds
Clever story, clever lines,great music, cringe-worthy gore. This is Quentin Tarantino. And this, is one awesome movie. C’mon. The director alone is reason enough to love this movie.
2012
Up
A movie I’ve been dying to see since seeing it’s first trailer. Iloved it so much that I think I actually saw it in the theatres twice. It was so beautifully written. The pace was fantastic, the characters adorable. I loved this movie so much that I got myself an “Ellie Badge”.
Inkheart
I’m not sure ifanyone even got to see this, or if it even got shown in theatres here in Manila, but this one was pretty. Iloved the book-loving element, the father-daughter bonding, and the message that imagination knows no limits.
Avatar
Come on. Need I say more?
Living Thing
Although it is debatable whether or not this one’s better than the last one, I love this album. It’s eccentric, catchy, and so far from mainstream. I love the creepy-ish feel of Nothing to Worry About, and the summery tone of I Want You!. Why not try this one for size?
Ellipse
Imogen Heap has the most amazing voice. This is her first album in my collection, and the search for her previous ones is still on. Youknow how much I love her album when I first wrote about it. I still play my fave tracks Half Life, Bad Body Double, and Wait it Out over and over. The Fire, a Grammy Nominated track is also in this album. Get a copy of it if you haven’t yet!
Manners
Every track was an instant fave. I strongly believe that Passion Pit is more than just a hype band. Now I wonder when the next album would come out?
Brand New Eyes
I am such a Paramore fan. And I don’t think that comes as a surprise to anyone. I love their music, and I love their new album. Every track.
MTV Unplugged: Katy Perry
Our KP faves done differently. Every track beautiful. Every rendition amazing. Brick by Brick was beautiful, I Kissed a Girl, amazing. Lost, and Thinking of You, amazing and moving. Definitely a must have for anymusic lover.
New Moon OST
Ocean Eyes
Garnering as much fans as there are haters, Owl City’s Ocean Eyes is an album that’s good to have.It’sfun, carefree, and feel-good. I absolutely love The Saltwater Room and Hello Seattle.
The Fame Monster
A hype artist, undoubtedly with staying power. Her music definitely as catchy as her outfits.
(500) Days of Summer OST
The music just as eclectic and beautiful as the movie, this album is one of them feel good ones in my collection. I love the tracks by Mumm-Ra, and Hall & Oates.
What were your favorites in 2009? You excited as I am on what’s to come in music and movies this 2010? So much to look forward to!
I am a pop culture enthusiast, blogger, visual artist, and music junkie. This blog compiles my pop culture fixes, and critiques/reviews on what I currently have my hands on. Current events occasionally included.
The name Yavie is taken off JRR Tolkien's The Silmarillion. It is short for Yavanna, meaning Queen of the Earth. Yavie is Henri's cybername...easier to read, spell, and pronounce compared to her real name "Henriette" which someone conveniently misporonounced as "Hen-rite", and "Herniet".
Oringe Stiletto -my art blog
