Matchpoint

It's Wednesday and its been raining for almost a week already! The rain would not just let-up. To make matters worst I live in Valenzuela, where the mere gravitational pull of the moon would cause flooding. So more or less I've been stuck in our house for eons and am getting pretty restless. I have already watched almost 10 Korean movies on end for three days, watched more than my usual staple of CNN news, read 3 books (Nursing books not included), and have gobbled 5 large servings of mommy's piping hot arroz caldo. After lounging, yawning, and some occasional attempts to do cartwheel and backflips I decided to check the VCDs I have not yet watched. Alas! Matchpoint...

The movie opened with this narration of the male lead character Chris Wilton, The man who said "I'd rather be lucky than good" saw deeply into life. People are often afraid to realize how much of an impact luck plays. There are moments in a tennis match where the ball hits the top of the net, and for a split second, remains in mid-air. With a litte luck, the ball goes over, and you win. Or maybe it doesn't, and you lose. I, in particular do not believe in luck. I always believe that we are all the product of our own decisions, its the choices that we make that determines our destiny. Well enough of my crude sense of philosophy. The movie is quite intriguing, witty, funny, and somehow gripping. The story revolves around the struggle and maneuverings of a tennis instructor who eventually married up and have to decide if he can afford to leave the affluent lifestyle he have accustomed to. The lead bloke is pretty lucky to have things really come his way. I cant believe that this is Woody Allen flick, probably because of the lame reason that the backdrop is not New York. The movie will make you think and chuckle at the same time. And wow! Scarlett Johansson is so alluring to say the least. Can't blame Woody to be smitten and be inspired with his latest muse.

The Squid and the Whale

It's already 1am and I still cant sleep hence I decided to watch The Squid and the Whale. True enough from the reviews I've heard and read the movie is very good. The lead actors were superb, Laura Linney and especially Jeff Daniels essayed their roles excellently. The movie is based on the childhood experiences of the writer/director of the movie Noah Baumbach. I always enjoy watching movies that shows glimpses of the life of ordinary people. This movie shows the struggle of the two kids after their parents decided to separate. It is funny how the two kids were reduced to somewhat like mere properties of the two parents to be shared. I also liked the use of language in this movie...simple, believable, raw, straightforward. The movie showed tough situations when families are broken by divorce. The movie has a lot of sarcastic funny moments too. I feel richer after watching this flick.... another bout with insomnia not fully wasted!

Manny Mania

This is extremely belated, but I would still want to write about the day Manny "the pacman" Pacquiao united the Filipino people once again! My dad was the first to notice that there was not a single vehicle passing the road in front of our house. The street was actually kinda deserted. All the people in our neighborhood were glued to their boobtube. I later learned that the ratings for this boxing match soared at all time high breaking all records. I suppose the whole populace of this south east asian archipelago held it's breath when Manny staggered during the first minutes of the 3rd round. But Manny's maturity and resilience as an athlete and more so as a boxer rose to the occasion. He dominated the match and showed that his speed and skills as a boxer is no match to Larios'.

However, I would also like to acknowledge the sportsmanship of Larios'. The man knows how to accept defeat with dignity and grace. If I am not a Filipino I would probably end up rooting for him. But fortunately for me I am a Filipino and very proud to belong to the same proud brown race that Manny Pacquiao came from! More than two weeks have already passed and I am still beaming with pride. Cant wait for the next boxing match of Manny against Morales. Well I guess his recent victory would be enough to tide me over the next few months.

Whenever a Filipino athlete achieve this much success I cant help but be reminded of the countless and nameless Filipino athletes who continue to dedicate their life for the love of sport and country without much funfare. We have to give it to these Filipino athlete's for their commitment to their sport and country. Hurray to Manny Pacquiao! Elma Muros! Lydia de Vega! Efren Reyes! Paeng Nepomuceno and countless nameless Filipino atheletes.