Stephenie Meyer's Twilight

With all the media frenzy, great reviews, online forums, and fan blogs that twilight seem to be getting these days, I swore not to impart my own point of views on the matter, but I simply can’t help it. The book, the motion picture had got me hooked just as Harry Potter did four years ago.

It’s quite extraordinary to come across with a fictional book, seemingly contradicting the stories we came to grow up with as "folklore" ranging from bloodsucking vampires and werewolves (New Moon), to, what’s worse, vampires with aversion to human blood and that glitter in the sunlight! A touch of romance or more appropriately called, “kilig” factor added spice to this rather amusing plot that we, Filipinos, often fall victims of. That made it so addictive, so hard to put down.

I first heard about Twilight from Heidee (a college classmate) but didn’t put much effort in doing my research on it over the internet-something I do occasionally when something catches my attention, books included, as I was more concerned in finding another book which I’ve had read previously, something about a memoir of a father with a cancer-stricken child. Later did I discover that the book was entitled, “Death Be Not Proud.” I didn’t pass the chance of sending my aunt in Germany an IM to have her post an order online for the said book since the latter wasn’t available in any bookstore in the country. That’s what happens when desperation sets in.

Twilight is a love story between a vampire named Edward and a girl named Bella. Bella’s parents were divorced and went on their separate ways. Her father, Charlie, settled in a small town called Forks while her mother remarried and had to move from one place to another with her new husband Phil. Bella decided to live with her father in Forks and faced a completely different life. For one, she missed the sunny weather in Phoenix where she previously lived. Another, she faced the ordeal of spending most of the time with her fathere whom she hardly knew, and endured the pain of starting all over again that includes school and gaining new friends.

But Bella didn’t have the hardest time gaining friends. Infact, she instantly became the “toy” of the school, just like in first grade. She felt normal, at least. Everything went pretty well for Bella until she met Edward Cullen. Their first meeting was the oddest of odds as Bella got the impression that Edward didn't like her, actually it was more than a dislike. He was fuming with anger, occasionally throwing basilisk glares at her in class as if she was something to devour. Bella attempted to confront him but in the next few days, Edward was no longer visible in school. Bella waited anxiously for him in the school cafeteria everyday hoping to get a glimpse of the Cullens and hopefully Edward too. To her dismay, he wasn’t with them. As if somebody cared where one of them had gone. The Cullens had always been different—aside from their god-like looks and stance, they seemed not to develop fondness to people outside their own private circle.

It took Bella some time to figure out that Edward isn’t the typical boy you bump into everyday— he's rather aloof and reserved, More than that, he was something even Bella herself couldn't precisely put into words. But truth hit her- Edward was a vampire. That explained his superhuman speed/strength when he saved Bella at the point of death, his cold and electrifying touch, his marble-like complexion, his eyes that change colors depending on his mood, his glistering skin under the sun and most all, his ability to read minds. Despite of that, Bella didn’t fear him. Her fascination of Edward grew bigger as she bit by bit put in the missing pieces. Their love for one another was surreal.

How could a human like Bella fit in or even wished to bind herself to a damned life, a cursed life, just to be with Edward? There were payoffs to her actions and that you have to read and find out for yourself.

As expected, the movie reaped praises from the viewers for sticking to the books mostly. Personally, whenever there is a motion picture coming up and it’s based on a novel, I make it to a point to read the book first. That way, I can better understand the movie. So when I heard about the trailer, I went to grab the first two novels at Fully Books (Ayala Center Cebu) notwithstanding the overexcited crowd piling up at the counter. I finished Twilight just in time for the premier night but had to travel to Zamboanga just to catch it. Too bad for me.

Anyway, I’m a hundred page short to finishing Book 2: New Moon and it’s much better than Twilight. So keep posted for another blog on this one. (fingers crossed!)Until then, Merry Christmas and keep your throats intact!

Team Dipolog Goes To Oro

It is my first time in Oroquieta City and I noticed straight away that it’s a conducive place to live in—loose traffic, safe and friendly neighborhood, etcetera.It is comparable to Dapitan sans the magnificent view of the plaza at night and the sea of makeshift stalls along the boulevard that offer one of the most mouthwatering chicken/pork barbeques I’ve ever tasted. You should’ve tried their local delicacy,“Halang-Halang,” a spicy broth which tastes so much better when served hot.



This is one of those “unplanned” trips I’ve been to recently since our foray in Cebu that left me with an overstretched cheeks. What transpired in Cebu was that we had a blast on our first night when we decided to dine at Yellow Cab located at the newly constructed “veranda” of Ayala Center Mall. We marveled at the site of the water fountains and the magnificent façade of the adjacent building. It's modern architecture is almost breathtaking to see, something to envy about. How I wish we have this structures back home so that we won't spend a dime anymore on airline tickets and hotel accommodations for trips such as this.



We weren’t content on pigging out the oversized pizza and sola drinks ( I prefer raspberry flavor than the original) so we decided to hit the local club (Club Juliana) afterwards. Still dissatisfied, we settled ourselves at this crazy hangout along 22nd Street and were laughing like hyenas until three o clock in the morning. Thanks to the multi-talented group of standup commedians for tickling our funny bones. One of them could even belt out songs of Lani Misalucha with no sweat! How tough was that! That explains the overstretched cheeks. I’ll have the rest of the story in my next blog that is if I ever get the chance to considering the long holiday break due this month and I need to set my priorities first.

Going back, I was bound for office that afternoon when the idea of going to Oroquieta just hit me. I was occasionally asking my dad if the place is safe—those typical questions as if insinuating something. I guess dad figured out what my real intentions were that he permitted me to join the tournament even before asking. He made random calls from his cellphone and before I even contemplated on my rush decision, everything was all set—my tournament bag, dryfit shirts, shorts, shoes, rackets---and as an add-on, he let us ride the van with two people to look after my needs. I categorically dubbed this as a bizarre behavior of my dad who’ve been known for his impeccable adherence to what is ethical or just. Unsuspecting, I loaded my paraphernalia at the back of the van.


It was past three in the afternoon when the driver arrived. Taking the less busy route from Pinan to Dapitan, it took us nearly two hours to reach our final destination. The long, winding road somewhere near Calamba made me feel lethargic that there were moments when I doze off in my seat—a perfect opportunity to have my picture taken. When I regained consciousness, I didn’t pass the chance to look around. Blasting my Ipod to the tune of “Crush,” I never felt sleepy from then on.

It was almost dark when we reached Oroquieta City. We had a quick dinner courtesy of “Kamayan sa Oro,” where some of my friends stayed throughout the course of the games. Right after that, we proceeded to the Cultural Center for the registration and formal opening of the badminton tournament. As if luck was on our side, the venue of the tournament was just a five-minute walk from our staff house so whenever I need a quick bathroom break, I never had to rush back to the site.



The first thing I noticed was their badminton court. It’s the usual color green except that it’s made of wood tiles unlike the conventional concrete or rubber flooring back home. My Adidas Court Flex was of no use against the high-sticking floors. Lucky I brought another shoe which is lighter and less adhesive.



The Dipolog team was beyond average when it comes to badminton skills. Players from other municipalities even expressed their admiration to some of our players for keeping it cool amidst the pressure and ending up as eventual winners still. The younger ones show great promise in them if only they’d stick to the sports and practice even harder. Joining tournaments like this is one avenue through which one player can gain exposure. As for me, I’m content to the level of the game to which my body is capable of playing. I don’t expect much from the sport other than its apparent health benefits. And if by chance I win in a tournament, it doesn’t make me a class A player still; besides, I never dream of becoming one anyway. Hahaha. Just so you know, we managed to clinched the third place under our category which made the whole tournament even more memorable and exciting.

This blog is getting longer than I intend it to be. My eyes are getting droopy as I write, perhaps a sign that I’ve been infront of the monitor for God knows how long. It’s time to wrap up this day with this parting word—Adieu!