this mangyan's got a tale

Proof that there's no dearth of inspiration in the Philippines is this PCIJ feature about Renato Zosimo Evangelista, the first Mangyan lawyer in history.

The article, written by my cousin Lala, tells an amazing story on how Evangelista defied all the odds as he narrates the hardships he had to endure to achieve his goals. The taunts from ignorant lowlanders only made him more determined to do his best, even obtaining a master's degree in Law from a British university no less.

Always the dreamer, he is now working to establish a consultative assembly which will consolidate the eight Mangyan tribes and will serve as his people's united voice in social, cultural, educational, and economic concerns.

Mabuhay ang Lahing Kayumanggi!

the end

It's the best book in the series, most definitely. The Harry Potter saga ends with the Deathly Hallows. I am both sad and happy, disappointed and relieved, wanting and fulfilled.

Thank you to JK Rowling for the plethora of emotions that she let me, and the many other Muggle readers, experience with these books. This last one, in particular, is overwhelming. And I mean that in a great way. It also showed how skilled, bright and talented author you are.

Again, many thanks. And yes, all is well but allow me to shed a few more tears one more time.

harry potter and the deathly hallows

It's gonna be a looong night.

doh!

Artist Peter Stuart and the people behind the publicity of The Simpsons Movie teamed up to come up with this.

You really have to give it to them Brits for having a wicked sense of humor. Hehe.

Incidentally, congratulations to the people of Springfield, Vermont in the USA. The true home of the Simpsons.

**photo dowloaded from the bbc site.

harry potter and the order of the phoenix

In general, the new HP film didn't disappoint.

Alfonso Cuaron's HP and the Prisoner of Azkaban is still my favorite film adaptation but the Order of the Phoenix is my favorite book. Having said that, I think the filmmakers did a good job in the adaptation. I have a few complaints though. I wish they could've added more scenes about the Order after all that's where the story is based. I also think that Ron and Hermione's prefectorial duties should be in the film specially since in the first book, Ron saw himself as the Head Boy in the Mirror of Erised. And lastly, where is Quidditch?!?

Anyway, despite those complaints I enjoyed the film immensely. Here are my top ten highs of the movie:

1. Although she isn't exactly fat, ugly and toad-like, Imelda Staunton is perfect for the role. She masked Umbridge's cruel and devilish ways by her saccharine smiles, annoying giggles and rich pink wardrobe.

2. The DA sessions almost compensated for the lack of Qudditch. I particularly enjoyed the lesson on Patronuses.

3. The supporting cast is outstanding. Although some of them only appeared briefly they still impressed. Amongst the younger cast, the actress playing Luna Lovegood is the best. And if I may add, Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint and Emma Watson aren't bad either.

4. The wandering (wand duelling) is awesome. Harry against Lucius and Sirius against Bella. Dumbledore and Voldemort's face off is spectacular. Fire and water, sand and wind. Breath-taking indeed.

5. Snippets from the previous films used are nostalgic. How nice to see Harry and the gang grow up.

6. Helena Bonham Carter's presence is amazing. Her scenes are very minimal yet she clearly made her mark as a sadistic, twisted and wicked witch.

7. The Weasley twins' fireworks are cool. And the W at the end of the scene is a very nice touch.

8. Aunt Petunia's outfit is hilarious.

9. Snape hitting Ron in the head is very funny.

10. Kudos to the new director for using some element from the previous films. Most particularly, Hedwig's theme, the Hogwarts grounds and the locking system that looks like the inside of a clock from HP3 .

tour de france

It was over in less than two minutes. I only waited for more or less an hour but hundreds of people waited longer, I'm sure.

Today, the first leg of the Tour de France kicked off in London. The route took the riders to Maidstone all the way to Canterbury where Robbie McEwan of Australia finished first. These are some of the photos I took, there's more here and videos here.










follow my lead.










giant screen.










bike carrier.










waiting.










what the bloody hell is that?!?

07.07.07

Seeing the sun shining brightly today is really refreshing specially after that terrible weather recently. And the seven hours of sleep made my mood even livelier. I haven't had a decent sleep the last couple of days, so I woke up this morning feeling so much better.

Since it's such a lovely day, I decided to go to town for some sightseeing and to take pictures. This time, I chose to take of photos of the Riverside Place. Like most progresssive towns anywhere, Maidstone was founded near a body of water. The river Medway runs through the heart of town. The council has recently unveiled plans to develop the banks of the river from Whatman Park to Allington Lock.

Here are some of my captures. To view the whole album, click here.










The River Medway










Under the Bridge










White Stripes










Flying, er, Floating Balloon










Archbisop's Palace

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Did you know that it's supposed to be the luckiest day of the year? Today is the seventh day of the seventh month, 2007. According to superstitious beliefs, the triple appearance of the number 7 will bring luck.

It sure did bring luck to me. In fact, I am that lucky something great happened to me a day early.

weather advisory: more rain

I was foolish to believe that it was gonna go away.

More nasty looking clouds came, making the sky darker than it really was. With them are strong gusts of wind threatening to do damage as it swooped down the earth. The menacing wind intensified even more as it picked up leaves and other debris and hurled them in the air.

In the horizon was a mighty flash of light. Which could only mean the worst is yet to come. Soon enough there was an explosion, a roar of thunder gripping the place even more. As if on cue, rain drops started to fall. Make that pour, for there were no other words to describe it than excess water bursting aggresively from a broken and defeated dam. The rain is violent, no doubt about it. It's clear that this time it came not to nourish and give life but to hurt and destroy.

And even more obvious is that it has overcame the sun. Imprisoning him behind the dark grey puffs in the sky and drowning him with the ferocious rain.

**Picture taken by dmvp .

rain, rain, go away

Come again another day.

Rain on the green grass,
and rain on the tree,
And rain on the housetop,
but not on me.

Rain, rain, go to Germany,
And remain there permanently.