I like traditions and, in a sense, stability. The phase in my life when I want to keep trying something new at every possible instance has passed; I now prefer tried and tested, safe. Every year I post a review on Multiply and rate each year with stars--5 stars being the best. I'm doing this here now because the future of my Multiply account is uncertain.
I started this tradition in 2007 when I wrote a short three-sentence summary of how my year went. Unfortunately in 2008 I did not make a review for a reason I cannot remember now. But looking back, I remember 2008 as a year of happiness--genuine and simple happiness. My best birthday ever was in this year. 2009 was a year when my review got more detailed and I started quantifying things to measure them. I learned that travelling brings me joy and pleasure more than any other activity. 2010 was a year of adjustments (being a working student) and growing up to be an adult, in every sense of the word. 2011 was a tough year in every aspect but mostly because I lost a brother to the war in Mindanao.
Looking back on these reviews, I noticed three common themes/things I regularly monitor: (1) being friendly or at least sociable, (2) being smart (academic-wise and in life) and (3) being happy, which to an extent, I realize, involves being selfish.
2012 was a rough year for me not because I lost a loved one or injured myself or figured in a near-death experience but because I had to fight inner battles which led me to reflect on and about myself a lot. These battles are harder because I was going against my greatest opponent, myself. I learned of my strengths, weaknesses, passions and pet peeves. I wrote and reflected on my Notes to Self (personal PDF-ed notes that Future Me could read and reflect on) which made me realized how much I've changed and, in a sense, not changed. I opened up and shared myself more with another person which 2007 me never thought would be possible. I learned that even if I figured out the key to happiness I cannot just pursue it and be selfish because we do not live in a vacuum. Regardless of how noble or naive it may sound, being happy is not just about making decisions for myself but making life decisions in consideration of people around me, people I love and cherish, people who love and cherish me.
Overall, 2012 was a year of learning, reflections and, most importantly, honesty. Despite it being a rough year, I give 2012 4 stars because this year I became honest which is an important step to being truly happy.
Finally, I hope 2013 will be a year of courage, of wanting to try new things...again.
Monday, December 31, 2012
Saturday, December 15, 2012
QNBS: Smash
I started the Quest for the Next Best Series to find a replacement for Chuck. Ten TV shows and eleven reviews later, I decided to watch Once Upon A Time (OUaT). But having the opportunity to criticize anything in a justified manner is so addicting that I have decided to continue my QNBS. I will not rename it because I don't have enough creativity to think of a new one.
I will adopt the original QNBS method for judging a show. 1. A friend recommends a TV show or I see an interesting review, or hear a sarcastic rant about it in the Internet. 2. I watch two episodes. 3. Write down what I think, Pros-Cons style.
I will add a one-liner (or maybe more) at the end of each QNBS review called The Verdict, which will serve as my verdict, my opinion, on whether you should or shouldn't watch the show.
When I get pissed, I retaliate in a not-so-in-your-face way. Even if my mother taught me otherwise, I hold grudges. Long and hard. I hold onto them as a child does her parents' hand the morning of her first day at school alone.
When Glee broke up Brittana and we see the coming of the Brampocalypse, I was acquiescent because I thought it was necessary for them to grow as individuals. But reading recaps about the episode which featured the "wedding of the year", I lost it. I had questions any decent human being who has not even read a single Brittana fanfiction have. Where is Santana? Does she know that Brampocalypse is upon us? Why is she allowing this to happen? What is her reaction? Was she devastated? Was she angry? Did she confide in Quinn or Rachel or anyone for that matter?
Of course, the optimist can say that Santana's allowing Brittany to do things she wants, to do things on her own, and to be happy. But... okay, I'm going off-topic...
Many series exist in TV world but today I will write about Smash.
Plot from Pilot: A talented writer and his equally talented best friend, who is supposedly on a break to try to adopt a baby, entertain the idea of doing a musical on Marilyn Monroe, which will be funded by a soon-to-be-divorcee and directed by a hotblooded but loyal director. Two wonderfully talented women vie for the role of Marilyn.
PROS:
1. The singing. As I listened to all of the performances by the two Marilyn wannabes I thought, My god, everyone sings like Rachel Berry! The song-choices are very well made. The most notable performances were Beautiful and Crazy Dreams.
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| Karen and Ivy, continuing the great TV tradition of The Blonde vs. Brunette War |
2. The writing. Everything was coherent, believable and honest. The Pilot and, the second episode aptly-titled, "The Callback" revolved around what it is like to create a musical: first, the idea (which is very different from "something that is said in passing," as brightly pointed out by Julia), then, putting the right people together, choosing the right lead and so on. I liked how both episodes I've watched so far have been clear on what it wants to achieve, to happen. Although choosing who will play Marilyn was an important and quite frightening decision to make, Smash writers didn't shy away from the task and chose, whether or not we agree with the choice is not the point. I'm glad they were brave enough to choose, to allow the story and the characters to move forward. Artie should get directing tips from the fearless Derek Wills.
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| Double-casting is a decision made by cowards, Mr. Abrams. |
3. The actors. From Debra Messing to Anjelica Huston to Christian Borle to Jack Davenport to Megan Hilty to Katherine McPhee. Even Ellis and Leo were good in their brief moments on screen.
4. The chemistry. How the actors interact with each other on screen is as important as their ability to act, and I say this not from a Movie/TV Buff Perspective but from the Easily Pleased Fan Perspective.
5. It is better than Glee. [See discussions above]
6. I enjoy it better than I do Once Upon a Time. Yes, I've declared OUaT to be the show to replace Chuck but I have been remiss in my duties. I am still not done with OUaT's Season 1--from what I hear Season 2 is a lot different from the first one--and whenever I try to watch an episode, I feel like a writer trying my best to continue, to finish, writing this story I fell in love with and invested so much on in the past but can't. It's heartbreaking. Maybe Barney was right, new is always better. Or is it my short-attention-spanned self talking.
7. And, as a cherry on the ice cream, Smash has two guys with British accents!
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| Karen's a lucky girl. |
CONS:
1. The length. Each episode is 40+ mins long and, I cannot say this enough, my attention span for TV shows have gotten shorter and shorter. Gone are the days when I can sit through six (6) House episodes (straight!). But on the upside, since I can stomach 40mins of hideous Glee, I can watch and listen to its well-written version Smash.
2. The limited singing. I am not nitpicking but I would love to see the other actors sing and dance, too. One thing I love about Glee is that everyone can just break into song any minute. Even Coach Beiste. Of course, Smash writers can all give the big song numbers to the two Marilyns (I know Karen was cut but forgive me, I am still in the process of accepting her loss!) but it will be fun to see Julia, Tom, Derek and Eileen just sing. Right?
3. The unrelate-able characters. While Julia, Tom, Eileen, Derek, Karen, Ivy et al are good characters they are no Rachel, Finn, Quinn, Santana.. (I could go on with this). Surprisingly, my strongest emotion towards a character was my hatred for Ellis.
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| whathisface |
4. I like songs and musicals but Broadway is not my thing. Some parts of the episodes can be really boring if I didn't focus enough but luckily I did...so far. I'm not really sure I could keep up. I hope the good writing and good song selection will help.
THE VERDICT: To borrow an analogy from my Legal History professor, Smash is like a good skirt--long enough to cover the important parts but short enough to keep things interesting.
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You may want to read other QNBS reviews:
Pushing Daisies
Spartacus: Blood and Sand
Freaks and Geeks
Bent
Once Upon A Time
The Inbetweeners
Game of Thrones 2
Sherlock
Suits
Game of Thrones 1
The IT Crowd
Rizzoli & Isles
Community
Awkward
New Girl
Outsourced
Tuesday, December 11, 2012
On Brittana and Brampocalypse
Instead of wallowing in depression that is caused by Brampocalypse, I, as Brittana fan, remain steadfast in my commitment to this couple, to the fandom. I refuse to rant, be mad and blame the writers for what happened to the couple we love and look up to. Call me an optimist or naive but I choose to view Brittana's breakup as a necessary consequence of their long distance relationship and a necessary tool to further their characters and, later on, their story.
I make the following statements--postulates, if you want to make this sound well thought out (because it is)--not to defend the writers of Glee but to make the fandom (although I am relatively quite new to it) understand that the break-up is necessary; that Bram needs to happen; that Brittana is end-game.
1. Brittana needed to breakup for many reasons.
1.1 Because they need to discover their own identities separate and distinct from their identity as a couple. It was a good thing that they share something most of the couples on Glee don't, but their one-ness is becoming really intense that it was slowly getting harder to view one without the other. Almost all of the couples in Glee, who broke up in "The Break-Up", were suffering from this relationship flaw. We can't see Blaine without Kurt, Finn without Rachel and Brittany without Santana. Although we love how they can't get their hands off each other but, let's face it, in lasting relationships, each person has to have and maintain an identity separate and distinct from his/her partner (think Marshall and Lily). Remember when Barney got fat and Robin looked old when they became a couple and Ted, Lily and Marshall had to break them up to restore them to their former awesome selves? Brittana breaking up is an opportunity for both characters to know their own identities, grow as individuals and be their awesome selves.
1.2 Because they need to achieve things on their own. Their reliance on each other is commendable (remember all the tough times they got through because they're together) but sometimes, in life, you have to learn to do things on your own. When Santana graduated, Brittany had to learn to do and enjoy things without her from simple activities such as going to lunch, glee or cheerleading to complicated ones like talking to Coach Sue or Mr. Schue or studying. For her part, Santana has to learn, explore and enjoy college without Brittany. This may seem simple but knowing how reclusive or private Santana can be, it'll be hard for her to open up to other people the way she did with Britt, Quinn and the rest of the new directions. Opening up to others is something she has to learn and do on her own.
1.3 Because they need to settle their life's what-ifs. For Britt, it's Sam or having a relationship other than Santana. For Santana, it's energy exchanges. I may not be very supportive of their life what-ifs but Sam and energy exchanges signify what the world has to offer to these two lovely ladies. At least, they had the decency not to cheat on each other before trying out what the world has to offer. Once they've tried and realized that their life what-ifs are meaningless compared to what they share, they'll soon be running into each other's arms.
1.3.1 Bram has to happen because Sam stands for all the things Britt turned her back to when she chose Santana. She needs to experience this in order for her to not regret choosing Santana in the long run--not that she showed signs of doubt or regret. Sam is to Britt what Robin is to Ted. You know its a mistake but you make it anyway, just for the sake of it. Sam may make her smile but Santana makes her happy. That's an ocean of difference.
1.3.2.For Santana to realize that Britt will not wait for her forever. Her not-an-official-breakup excuse to not be with Britt but not end things completely will be tested when she finds out Britt is withtrouty someone else.
1.4 Because the other couples did. Not doing so will be unrealistic. Breaking up homosexual couples and heterosexual couples is a recognition of the Glee writers that same-sex couples do go through the same shit hetero-couples do. However, I do find it unnecessary for said break-ups to be done all in one episode, which resulted to the detriment of the characters and plot development.
2. Brittana is end-game.
2.1 They love each other the most. We know Santana loves Brittany because (a) in "The Break-Up" Santana tells Brittany that this was not an official break-up and she will always love her the most, (b) in "Glease" Santana tells Brittany that she misses her and that although it's okay if Brittany dated somebody else but she's glad that Brittany doesn't. We know Brittany loves Santana because (a) she tells her so even after they break-up, (b) her face lights up with a smile whenever she sees her, (c) she tells Santana she misses their date night, and (d) she tells her how it sucks that they're "not together anymore and it's okay but it still hurts a little bit".
2.2 History trumps mystery. In How I Met Your Mother, Robin trumped Victoria (re: Ted) and all other girls who came close, and Nora and Quinn (re: Barney) because she has known these guys for so long. They have history and share memories new couples don't have. It's the same thing with Brittana and Bram. As far as I know, the oldestmemory inkling I have of Bram happening was in season 3 when Britt leaned on Sam's shoulders while singing goodbye to Santana and the seniors. This, to me, is not enough to trump what Brittana has gone through.
2.3 The fandom loves them too much. The fandom loves them too much that they comment on Lord Tubbington's Facebook wall and Twitter asking Britt to get back together with Santana, and that even if Britt decides to date Sam they still understand because they're Britt's sisters. Britt said so herself, right?
2.4 RIB loves them, too. Deep down, in RIB's hearts of hearts, lies their love for the show, the characters, the fans. They owe it to themselves, as writers, to give their characters--their creations, their babies, so to speak--what they are due. Case in point: Quinn, albeit the lessened screen time in season 4, has gotten what is due to her when she had the chance to say goodbye to and made peace with all her boyfriends including Artie and Joe, Mercedes, Mr. Schue, the Unholy Trinity, Sue, and even Rachel in season 3. Many think that Glee unwisely let go of Quinn and killed the Faberry...uh, friendship (which is the basis of all those fanfictions!) but I believe that the writers have wisely chosen to let go of Quinn in season 3 because it'll be hard to maintain her character while in Yale in season 4. However, the writers choosing to bring Quinn back in season 4 is a sign that they do succumb to external pressure of fans wanting Dianna Agron to be back. I hope, they will succumb to the pressure that is brought by the Brittana fandom, and of course, lest we forget, their love for the show. And in case, RIB forgets, I hope Naya, or maybe Heather, will be there to remind them.
Therefore, I fearlessly conclude, state and hope that Santana and Brittany will end up together.
So Glee help us.
I make the following statements--postulates, if you want to make this sound well thought out (because it is)--not to defend the writers of Glee but to make the fandom (although I am relatively quite new to it) understand that the break-up is necessary; that Bram needs to happen; that Brittana is end-game.
1. Brittana needed to breakup for many reasons.
1.1 Because they need to discover their own identities separate and distinct from their identity as a couple. It was a good thing that they share something most of the couples on Glee don't, but their one-ness is becoming really intense that it was slowly getting harder to view one without the other. Almost all of the couples in Glee, who broke up in "The Break-Up", were suffering from this relationship flaw. We can't see Blaine without Kurt, Finn without Rachel and Brittany without Santana. Although we love how they can't get their hands off each other but, let's face it, in lasting relationships, each person has to have and maintain an identity separate and distinct from his/her partner (think Marshall and Lily). Remember when Barney got fat and Robin looked old when they became a couple and Ted, Lily and Marshall had to break them up to restore them to their former awesome selves? Brittana breaking up is an opportunity for both characters to know their own identities, grow as individuals and be their awesome selves.
1.3 Because they need to settle their life's what-ifs. For Britt, it's Sam or having a relationship other than Santana. For Santana, it's energy exchanges. I may not be very supportive of their life what-ifs but Sam and energy exchanges signify what the world has to offer to these two lovely ladies. At least, they had the decency not to cheat on each other before trying out what the world has to offer. Once they've tried and realized that their life what-ifs are meaningless compared to what they share, they'll soon be running into each other's arms.
1.3.1 Bram has to happen because Sam stands for all the things Britt turned her back to when she chose Santana. She needs to experience this in order for her to not regret choosing Santana in the long run--not that she showed signs of doubt or regret. Sam is to Britt what Robin is to Ted. You know its a mistake but you make it anyway, just for the sake of it. Sam may make her smile but Santana makes her happy. That's an ocean of difference.
1.3.2.For Santana to realize that Britt will not wait for her forever. Her not-an-official-breakup excuse to not be with Britt but not end things completely will be tested when she finds out Britt is with
1.4 Because the other couples did. Not doing so will be unrealistic. Breaking up homosexual couples and heterosexual couples is a recognition of the Glee writers that same-sex couples do go through the same shit hetero-couples do. However, I do find it unnecessary for said break-ups to be done all in one episode, which resulted to the detriment of the characters and plot development.
2. Brittana is end-game.
2.1 They love each other the most. We know Santana loves Brittany because (a) in "The Break-Up" Santana tells Brittany that this was not an official break-up and she will always love her the most, (b) in "Glease" Santana tells Brittany that she misses her and that although it's okay if Brittany dated somebody else but she's glad that Brittany doesn't. We know Brittany loves Santana because (a) she tells her so even after they break-up, (b) her face lights up with a smile whenever she sees her, (c) she tells Santana she misses their date night, and (d) she tells her how it sucks that they're "not together anymore and it's okay but it still hurts a little bit".
2.2 History trumps mystery. In How I Met Your Mother, Robin trumped Victoria (re: Ted) and all other girls who came close, and Nora and Quinn (re: Barney) because she has known these guys for so long. They have history and share memories new couples don't have. It's the same thing with Brittana and Bram. As far as I know, the oldest
2.3 The fandom loves them too much. The fandom loves them too much that they comment on Lord Tubbington's Facebook wall and Twitter asking Britt to get back together with Santana, and that even if Britt decides to date Sam they still understand because they're Britt's sisters. Britt said so herself, right?
2.4 RIB loves them, too. Deep down, in RIB's hearts of hearts, lies their love for the show, the characters, the fans. They owe it to themselves, as writers, to give their characters--their creations, their babies, so to speak--what they are due. Case in point: Quinn, albeit the lessened screen time in season 4, has gotten what is due to her when she had the chance to say goodbye to and made peace with all her boyfriends including Artie and Joe, Mercedes, Mr. Schue, the Unholy Trinity, Sue, and even Rachel in season 3. Many think that Glee unwisely let go of Quinn and killed the Faberry...uh, friendship (which is the basis of all those fanfictions!) but I believe that the writers have wisely chosen to let go of Quinn in season 3 because it'll be hard to maintain her character while in Yale in season 4. However, the writers choosing to bring Quinn back in season 4 is a sign that they do succumb to external pressure of fans wanting Dianna Agron to be back. I hope, they will succumb to the pressure that is brought by the Brittana fandom, and of course, lest we forget, their love for the show. And in case, RIB forgets, I hope Naya, or maybe Heather, will be there to remind them.
Therefore, I fearlessly conclude, state and hope that Santana and Brittany will end up together.
So Glee help us.
-----------------------------------------
You may want to read other random, less thought-out stuff I wrote about Glee:
Thursday, December 6, 2012
Quintet 6: Top 10 Performances from Glee's Season 4
Quintet is a bi-monthly music review of any five songs I happen to come across/stumble upon, or were recommended, any how, any time. Suggestions from readers are most welcome because music deserves to be shared. Let me be your convert or critic.
For all its faults (Letting go of Dianna Agron from its regular cast being on the top of that list; the lack of Brittana and the inevitable Brampocalypse is a close second), Season 4 managed to keep my interest in the show by: (1) hiring a bunch of new actors who dance better than they sing, and (2) covering well good songs. So, before episode 10 ("Swan Song") airs, here is the list of the Top 10 songs/performances I liked from Glee's Season 4:
10. Call Me Maybe, because the interactions between Brittany, Tina, Blaine and Wade during the song was really funny. And of course, because it gave me INAM feels.
9. Heroes, because Blam/Slaine is more adorable than Bram!
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| No to Bram-pocalypse! Yes to Blam/Slaine! |
8. Gangnam Style, because the song is so catchy and its Tina's first solo in a competition. And, the confetti guns! Seeing the guys pull out the confetti guns gave me the same feels I had when they used the smoke machine in Season 3's Regionals performance. You just know they're going to win--fainting Marley or otherwise.
7. Come See About Me. The Unholy Trinity. Need I say more?
6. Whistle, because this song really suits the Warblers like a Dalton blazer. Their version is better than Flo-Rida's, only because theirs don't have silly lines like There's only one flo(w?) and one rida (or was that rider?).
5. Beauty School Dropout, because Blaine's really a good singer and this is a good song (even if it refers to flunking a class on shampoo). Andddd, the headdresses!
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| With props like these, nothing can go wrong. |
4. Teenage Dream (acoustic), because Blaine's voice is amazing and his face is so expressive. I can never not think about this performance whenever I hear Katy Perry's song.
3. Mine, because how could one watch Santana sing this song to Brittany and not cry, or at least feel something close to crying? She is the best thing that's ever been mine. Oh yes she is, Santana, she is.
2. The Scientist, because (1) its a good song on its own, (2) the lyrics sung by each character fit them perfectly (example, Brittany's line went, questions of science, science and progress, do not speak as loud as my heart) and (3) it marked the point in the story (or what's left of it) when all the couples we knew and loved went separate ways to be their own persons outside the relationship.
1. Some Nights, because listening to this song has led me to fun.'s Some Nights album which is so good it's the only thing that I listen to now. Also, I like this song better than old New Directions' Don't Stop Believing.
Other notable songs/performances that failed to make it to the list are: Born to Hand Jive (because of Ryder and Kitty's two-person cartwheel), Everybody Talks (because of Jake and Kitty's good dancing), Chasing Pavements (because of the heartwarming Hummelberry reunion at the end), and Barely Breathing (because this song is good, regardless who sings it.).
What's your favorite so far?
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You may want to read...
other blogs in the Quintet series:
Quintet 1: Music to my ears
Quintet 2: Holy Week Playlist
Quintet 3: GLEE-king Out
Quintet 4: Radio
Quintet 5: Original vs Covers
other random stuff I wrote about Glee:
Quick Change-Ups 2
Common Themes and Things in Glee's Season 1 and Season 3
How Sue Sees It
Glee Mysteries: Mike, Quinn and Mercedes
Kurt's 27 (Head) Dresses
Who Wore It Better: Kurt vs. Santana
15 Glee Club Truths
Final(e) Thoughts: GLEE-duation
Things I Missed From Glee's Season 1 (Part 3)
Things I Missed From Glee's Season 1 (Part 2)
Things I Missed From Glee's Season 1 (Part 1)
McKinley High School in a Decade
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