TRUST HIS HEART

I initially planned to rant. But I figured there is no point in sharing bitterness. (and staining my blog with it XD).

So I decided to post a song instead.

And pray that in the same way I have trusted in Him before, I will always choose to trust in Him again.



All things work for our good,
Though sometimes we can't see how they could.
Struggles that break our hearts in two,
Sometimes blind us to the truth.
Our Father knows what's best for us,
His ways are not our own.
So when your pathway grows dim,
And you just can't see Him,
Remember you're never alone.

God is too wise, to be mistaken
God is too good, to be unkind
So when you don't understand...
When you don't see His plan...
When you can't trace His hand...
Trust His Heart.

He sees the masterplan,
He holds our future in His hands.
So don't live as those who have no hope,
All our hope is found in Him.
We see the present clearly,
But He sees the first and the last.
And like a tapestry He's weaving you and me,
To someday be just like Him.

God is too wise, to be mistaken
God is too good, to be unkind
So when you don't understand...
When you don't see His plan...
When you can't trace His hand...
Trust His Heart.

He alone is faithful and true,
He alone knows what is best for you...

So when you don't understand...
When you don't see His plan...
When you can't trace His hand...
Trust His Heart.


Proverbs 3: 5-6
Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding.
In all your ways acknowledge HIM, and HE shall direct your path.

Labels: christianity, faith, life

thank you Papa for everything you've done in our lives.

Labels: events, family

OF YOUNG GIRLS AND OLD DREAMS


***** warning : may contain some spoilers *****


And when I feel like I can feel once again,
Let me stay awhile,
Soak it in awhile.
If we can hold on we can fix what is wrong,
Buy a little time,
For this head of mine.
Haven for us...
- The Light Before We Land -

I recently finished watching GUNSLINGER GIRL, a 13-episode anime released in 2003 telling the stories of five (actually, six) girls : Henrietta, Angelica, Claes, Triela, Rico and Elsa. Each of them were, somehow, victims of cruelty in the past, but taken in by a secret organization which transformed them into mechanized weapons of assassination. In their system, each girl is paired with a supervisor/trainor to whom they exprss utmost allegiance to, and together they are called fratello (siblings).

I have actually read some negative online reviews regarding this anime: on how it seems to have taken advantage of the innocence of these girls, or how they were exploited to simply become tools of destruction and nothing more, or how they were manipulated into violence by an agency that only pretends to look out for them, or how it depicts men's superiority and the absurdity of the girls' blind devotion for them, etcetera. There is actually some truth in these reasonings. When I watched the first few episodes, I was honestly quite uncomfortable with the concept of young girls who can easily kill without any mercy or hesitation. In fact, I could even say that it was quite disturbing.


But delving deep into the plot, I found out that Gunslinger Girl does not really focus on the violence or the killings, or the superior-male inferior-female relationships. Sure, there may be discriminatory issues here which some may find unacceptable, and there is something insanely distressing (at the same time, appealing) about lolis wielding guns and demonstrating submission, but I think we should look beyond all of those. Gunslinger Girl is actually a deep psychological drama of the complexity of human emotions. It portrays the strengths and weaknesses of each character, and how they use their individual personalities to relate with the people around them, how they deal with and respond to their inner struggles and confusions. It shows us that although they may have grown up in a different system, yet somehow they are no different from any of us. They are simply young girls, who are still experiencing the joys and pains of growing up, and desiring the acceptance and assurance of the persons they love. It is a sad story, and the emotional aspects of it are seemingly real.

Gunslinger Girl is probably not something I will watch again, but it left quite a distinct impression on me. Like tasting something bitter, yet somehow discovering a peculiar sweetness in it. I really like how Madhouse made the animation. The artwork has a realistic feel, but in someway, retains a naivety in it. There is a sequel entitled Gunslinger Girl - Il Teatrino -, released in early 2008, and animated by Artland. Their character designs seem quite different, so I don't know if I want to watch it. But I'll think about it.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

I've recently become quite a fan of Neil Gaiman, after being blown away by his clever storytelling and characterizations in Neverwhere. I have also read his other works. But perhaps what I really want to read and appreciate is Mr Gaiman's multi-awarded masterpiece, The Sandman. This set of graphic novels published by Vertigo relates the tale of Lord Morpheus, the personification of Dream, the Shaper who weaves us through the intricacies of our fantasies and nightmares. He is the anthropomorphic representation of our imaginations, the epitome of our passion for stories, the embodiment of our urges to seek for meaning.

Or at least that's what I imagine him to be, since I haven't read The Sandman yet. But I know for sure that he's a "cool" guy (not necessarily a Mr Nice Guy though), so I hope I can get to know more about him, and his siblings. The Endless, as they are called, are the brothers and sisters Destiny, Death, Dream, Destruction, Desire and his twin Despair, and Delirium (formerly Delight). It is such an interesting concept, especially the way Mr Gaiman gives life and character to these human states of consciousness... (I'm not really sure though if I'm using the right words XD).

Anyway, my friend lent me this book, The Sandman: Book of Dreams. It is a collection of short stories written by around 20 of the most gifted authors. Although each story has different characters, settings, and circumstances, but they are all based on the world of The Sandman. Even if I haven't read the graphic novels, I was still able to appreciate and enjoy the book. Some of my most favorites are (in no particular order):

STRONGER THAN DESIRE by Lisa Goldstein
- A tale of a young ruler who wanted to prove to Desire that there is something far stronger than her... and perhaps, that something is Love...
THE BIRTH DAY by B. W. Clough
- A simple conversation between a young girl and the Lord Morpheus, a story of beginnings and rediscovery...
SPLATTER by Will Shetterly
- This piece tells of a writer of gory murder novels, who suddenly found himself in a situation quite similar to his fictional creations, only that it's actually real... This was a bit visual and gruesome, but I found it quite an interesting read.
AN EXTRA SMIDGEN OF ETERNITY by Robert Rodi
- This will totally leave you hanging and asking the question, "Who the heck is Cary!?!". But that is actually what makes it so striking, giving you that "extra smidgen of eternity" the author aims to accomplish.
THE MENDER OF BROKEN DREAMS by Nancy A. Collins
- A story of a skilled craftsman's quest in finding the truth of his identity, sprinkled with a pinch of hope and a twist of irony... A very imaginative work.

I also enjoyed most of the other stories, but I won't elaborate more about them anymore because that would seem like I'm retelling the entire novel. A book is by itself a work of art, and one has to read it to truly experience and appreciate the fascination and satisfaction it brings. I had fun, and I guess that's what matters the most in the end.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

Several days ago, I had some opportunities to meet up with jaded_yume. We've known each other through our forum, CDOtaku, but we're not really close. Until recently that is. I find her very easy to talk with, and we seem to have quite a lot of things in common.
I think we may even have gone through comparable struggles in the past and possess similar wishes for our future. So it was quite surprising to be able to confide some of my dreams with her. I don't usually open up to people I'm not super close with.

Anyway, our obvious connection was our love for anime and manga (more of anime for me, and more of manga for her). She was very generous to share her collection with me, and I was able to HOARD quite a number of manga scanlations and several anime titles, including...
Elemental Gelade
Full Metal Panic! Second Raid
Ghost Hunt
Gundam 00
Kenko Zenrakei Suieibu Umisho
Mushishi
Ray the Animation
Red Garden
Spice and Wolf
Toki wo Kakeru Shojo
Yamato Nadeshiko Shichihenge


Hooray. Let us live in the destructive ways of hoarding-ness and drown bit by bit in the whirlpool of our backlogs. \(^o^)/

Labels: anime, books, collection, friends

QUESTION AND ANSWER
piffle princess overtakes miss nazareth pageant

Besides commemorating our country's Independence Day this June 12, our barangay will also be celebrating its Fiesta on said date. One of the highlighted events organized for the festivity is the Miss Nazareth pageant, and our neighbor's 16 year-old daughter, an incoming freshman majoring in education, is actually participating.

Well earlier today I went out to do some errands, and I came home tired and slightly pissed off because of some irrelevant event. I was obviously in a foul mood when our neighbor came to visit with a piece of paper in her hand. It was a set of questions for the pageant, and she was requesting for my immediate help in answering for her daughter's sake. I felt even more pissed off, but grudgingly accepted the task. I told her though that if possible, I'd like to speak with her daughter and know what her thoughts are regarding these questions. The young girl came over, and I ran through the questions, asking her opinions and giving her some advices. She actually had some ideas, but IMO she's still too young and unprepared for the pageant. I hope she'll try to understand the answers and not just memorize them. Well, we'll just see if she makes it through this night.

And now, I shall present to you my (ahem. ahem.) "expertise" (whatever. whatever.) in answering pageant questions.
(I finished this after an hour and didn't know if I should just laugh, or become even more pissed off... XD)

1. What can you do to ease the problem of global warming?
As a concerned citizen, I can help solve the problem of global warming by being responsible. At home, I must conserve water and electricity and recycle. Outside my home, I should throw garbage properly, take care of our plants, trees and rivers, help minimize pollution. Most importantly, teach and share to other people to love and care for our surroundings. I believe that if we work together, we can save our world from global warming.

2. What sets you apart from other women?
I believe that the trait that makes me stand out from others is my being true to myself. I am honest and do things with a clear conscience. I do not pretend to be someone I am not. It is because of this that people can easily trust me and love me.

3. What makes you happy?
4. What makes you smile?
(My pamily... XD XD XD)
My family and friends are important to me because I love them and they also love me. They helped me and cared for me so that I can be who I am today. So if my loved ones are happy and contented, then I am also happy and contented, then I have a reason to smile.

5. What makes you cry?
I easily cry when I see people feel sad or hurt. I cry because I care for them and understand them, so when I see them sad, I also feel sad.

6. As a woman, what can you best contribute to the community?
I know I can do many things for my community but the best thing that I can do is to teach the children, because they are our future. And as a woman I know I can do this very well, because it is natural for me to be loving and caring in everything I do.

7. Between love and power, what would you choose and why?
I would choose love, because love is powerful, and love conquers all. If I have love, I will always feel happy, strong and inspired to do the best in everything. And a person with love is always beautiful.

8. If there is one part of your body that you would most like to share, what would it be and why?
I would like to share my mind, because I believe that knowledge is important for progress and prosperity.

9. If there's one historical personality that you most like, who would it be? And why?
(There's something erroneous about the way this question is phrased, but anyway... XD)
I am very proud and inspired by our former president, Mrs Corazon Aquino, because first of all she is a supportive wife and a loving mother. She is very intelligent and was not afraid to lead our country. And even now when she is struggling with her illness, she still shows hope and faith. I want to be a strong woman like her.

10. What is it in women, that men want the most? And why?
(Big boobs!!! XD)
I believe men are attracted to women who are intelligent. Because a smart woman will always show confidence, can do many things, and is an interesting person to talk with.

11. Between a guy who's poor yet intelligent and a guy who's rich but dull, both equally kind and gentle, who among the two would you give your heart? Why?
(None of them! Because I want a smart, rich, and good looking man... HO-HO-HO XD)
I would choose the guy who is poor yet intelligent because I know if he is smart, he can do many things to become successful and rich. But a guy who is dull, no matter how rich, can never become smart, because money can never buy knowledge.
(On second thought, can I just choose the rich guy? *evil grin* Then I'll just kill him off and inherit his wealth. But that's just my wicked random thought. XD)

12. How can you mend a broken heart?
(What the --- is that a song title? XD XD XD)
I can mend a broken heart by being an understanding friend. I will cheer you up, support you, encourage you, and help you move on and become happy and complete again.

13. What project can you suggest to the Barangay Captain who's also a woman that would greatly help in empowering women?
The Barangay Captain (I actually don't know her name XD) is an inspiration for all of us women. I would like to suggest to her to make programs for women, like livelihood projects, lectures on women's health care, breastfeeding and pregnancy, and other supportive projects for women.

14. Are men more superior than women?
I believe we are all created equal. There are things that only men can do (like pee while standing up XD) and there are things that only women can do (give birth!). There is no superiority or inferiority, only equality.

15. What is the best thing a woman can give to her family, to her community, and to her man? Why?
I believe the best thing a woman can give is love, because if a woman loves her family, her community and her man, she will be inspired and strengthened to do her best in everything.

I thank you. BOW. XD



*pissed off!!!*

Labels: events, piffle thoughts and randomness

RANDOM PIFFLE PICTURE NO.11 : CARE BEARS???


Funshine Bear Mouse(?), Bedtime Bear Rabbit, Wish Bear(?)


Funshine Bear Mouse(?), Cheer Bear Dog(?), Combo Birthday/Wish Bear(???)



Care Bears???
or
Faker Bears?!

Labels: piffle thoughts and randomness, toys

KUNG FU FIGHTIN'!

I love pandas! So I'm really excited for the upcoming movie, KUNG FU PANDA.



And so I went into a buying frenzy at McDonald's... Bought all of them toys... XD
(My camera's a little fuzzy though. u___u)



The panda is soooooooo adorable! He looks like my boyfriend!<3 <3 <3

Labels: movies, toys

FUYU NO SONATA

Here’s an interesting piece of news I picked up while browsing through animenewsnetwork.



The 2002 KBS korean drama Winter Sonata will be adapted into a 26-episode anime, scheduled to air this 2009. It will be a joint production of Japanese and Korean animation companies, and will feature the original cast as seiyuus (voice actors) for the characters. You can read more about this news HERE, and you can view the homepage/trailer of the Fuyu no Sonata anime HERE.

I initially didn’t know how to react when I first read about this. I am well aware of the unbelievable phenomenon that hit Japan when Winter Sonata was first aired in their local network in 2004. It practically melted the political and cultural barriers between the two countries, and ushered in the Korean Wave into Japan. I’ve heard of stories of how tourism boomed in South Korea as hundreds of thousands of fans of all ages went on tours to visit the different locations featured in said series. I know how Bae Yong Joon's career immediately catapulted to its height, supported by millions of admirers hailing him as Yong-sama, and his face plastered almost everywhere promoting almost anything. I’ve even heard that Winter Sonata merchandise immediately became a hit, with items ranging from collectibles like DVDs, CDs and mangas, to fashion trends reminiscent of their stylish winter clothing, and even to stuffs like coffee mugs, keychains, dolls and toilet papers(?!!).


So I guess learning that an anime is in actual production right now should not be that surprising. But I was still honestly surprised. I didn’t know if I should be happy or excited about it, cos it just seemed ... weird. XD I thought that the Winter Sonata mania in Japan has already died down (since that was already like 4 years ago!). And I wonder how the general public will receive this, since majority of the Yong-sama followers are obaa-sans (but then anime is well-received by all ages anyway so I guess this wouldn’t pose much of a problem).

I’m not complaining by the way. I’m just venting out some thoughts. XD And I must confess, I was a huge follower of the Winter Sonata series back when I first watched it in 2002. At that time I recorded every episode with our trusty VHS player, and mulled over the joys and sorrows of first love. It was the very first k-drama I’ve seen, and IMO, the most beautiful and purest of all the Endless Love stories. It also threw me, my mom and my aunt into our own Yong-sama craze (especially my aunt who eventually bought all of Bae Yong Jun's series, including those dramas when he was still so young! XD). And I guess it was also the key that started my interest in other Korean entertainment as well. So I'm not really complaining, but just quite surprised. It was an unexpected news for me I guess.

Anyway, I took screenshots of the trailer and the art looks pretty impressive and realistic. And it seems to have a general nice and familiar feel to it, so we’ll just see how it will turn out.




Fuyu no Sonata The Animation -- something to look forward to next year!

Labels: anime, bishies, dorama, news