http://moninadeleon.multiply.com/ I periodically escape from my world to understand other worlds, and why people are the way they are. To feel humanity around me and realize that we all live under the same sun and have the same dreams. <BR><BR>DISCLAIMER: as much as I'd like to take credit for this, I didn't write it. It's something I came across wile reading a magazine. Totally forgot the author though. Wed, 23 Jul 2008 22:37:06 -0000 Sun, 20 Jul 2008 03:35:29 -0000 http://images.moninadeleon.multiply.com/logo http://moninadeleon.multiply.com 100 100 Been holding myself back from posting anything about The Dark Knight because I didn't want to ruin it for anyone, at least on it's first weekend showing. Anyway, watched it last friday with some friends. Ahlavdit! =) It wasn't just a dark, big explosion action movie you sit through. This one had real depth. Let's just put it this way, this is one movie I wouldn't mind picking for a book report in high school. I liked Christian Bale since I first laid eyes on him since The Empire of The Sun. As Batman, he brings a certain humanity to the role... a superhero who isn't so "super" after all. Although, I have to say, I was a bit bothered by his "Batman" voice because he always had that catch in his throat that kept ME clearing my own every time I heard him. Haha. But seriously, compared to his previous Batman movie, here he seemed more weighted by morality, more conflicted... like someone who's barely holding on to everything he believes in. On the flipside, this movie was ... http://moninadeleon.multiply.com/reviews/item/16 Sun, 20 Jul 2008 03:35:29 -0000 If you're looking for a film to watch with some friends or after a long day at work, Wanted is something you might want to check out. Believe me, after meeting the main character, your life won't seem so bad after all. haha Wesley Gibson is a nondescript hypochondriac whose pathetic excuse of an existence is punctuated by his girlfriend cheating on him with his best friend, and having his lady boss quite literally breathing down his neck everyday. Everything changes though when he meets the tough & mysterious Fox and the movie basically follows Wes through a rollercoaster ride into a world so different from his own. There are action films and then there are ACTION films. This, for me, falls in the latter. From when Wesley whacks his best friend with a keyboard to the car flip sequence to the train scene to the big action finale... it's one visual adrenaline rush after another (absurb as some scenes may be.) While it doesn't get big points for plausibility, it sure is enterta... http://moninadeleon.multiply.com/reviews/item/15 Sun, 6 Jul 2008 07:46:06 -0000 People who know me can attest to the fact that I can be quite the compulsive buyer most of the times. Although, I HAVE been trying to control the urge to buy a Macbook for quite sometime now, re-assuring myself that I don't really NEED one. I WANT one sure... but am I really about to fork over some good hard-earned money for something I wouldn't die without? I was hoping to win it off some raffle but of course, no such luck (stupid The Secret! lol kidding) Anyway, long story short, after much resistance I finally gave in to buying my latest toy =) Admittedly, I haven't had much chance to tinker around with it that much so don't expect much tech talk out from an otherwise Mac OS neophyte. This is my first Apple laptop and though I'm not right about to sing praises to the heavens for it, I'd have to admit so far I'm actually enjoying the experience. Design-wise, no complaints... as we all know, Apple is very much about presentation (something a lot of PC manufacturers overloo... http://moninadeleon.multiply.com/reviews/item/14 Sun, 6 Jul 2008 06:19:02 -0000 sorry, you have to make do wirth cocking your neck to the side and watching that way. Sweet as it may, if you watch Sar's mouth, she actually disses him a bit. http://moninadeleon.multiply.com/video/item/11/joking_aside Sun, 22 Jun 2008 15:42:36 -0000 http://moninadeleon.multiply.com/video/item/10/Jen_sound_check_All_I_Ask_of_You Sun, 22 Jun 2008 15:20:30 -0000 Another rare dress up moment for us girls and for the better part of the evening, we were on our best behavior. The ceremony was done in both Farsi & English. We were joking about how we all wished it came with subtitles =) But that aside, it was beautiful =) Jen's brother asked me if I knew how to speak the language and I told him, "Only when Sarah and I wanted to talk about guys and not want anyone else to know what we were talking about!" During the reception, we (me, Cal, Monica, Macky & Jen) got say a few words. Of course the goal was to get Sarah to cry (which she did ever so gracefully) but we couldn't help but shed some happy tears ourselves. The bride was radiant, the groom was dashing, the food was good (lamb and grilled veggies... yum!), and the audience seemed like a United Nations convention after-party. Lol! By the end of the night, the girls had their taste of dancing to traditional Iranian music... different, althoguh I have to admit, not bad... =) One com... http://moninadeleon.multiply.com/photos/album/87/sarahs_new_beginning Sun, 22 Jun 2008 10:44:09 -0000 I know this is quite overdue... had quite a lot on my plate lately. Anyway, here are some pics from Faye's debut last June 5. Some photos are quite blurred (my bad! it's somewhere between me insisting on shooting without a flash and forgetting to put the focus on auto. crap!) note: bago magreklamo ang mga taong may pic with the boys, hindi lang ito ang mga pic... I'll bring it with me when I drop http://moninadeleon.multiply.com/photos/album/86/The_Debutante Sun, 15 Jun 2008 15:59:11 -0000 Talk about a long overdue review... I normally find myself cringing at the thought of big budget Hollywood superhero movies. They more often than not translate to big explosions but weak stories/portrayals. Iron Man finally broke that stereotype for me, taking the normal superhero movie and adding a cerebral twist. One question though... Was it just me or for an superhero flick, the action sequences felt surprisingly few and far between?! Nothing really stood out to be in the running of a "cult classic". That aside however, Iron Man takes the cake for being one of the better comic book adaptations in recent years thanks to an outstanding performance by its lead and some phenomenal effects. Face it. When you think big budget superhero movie, Robert Downey doesn't exactly come to mind. He was a prick in the beginning but you can't help but be drawn to him all the same (and it's not a "bad boy" theory either... not completely anyway.) 43 years in and several trips to the co... http://moninadeleon.multiply.com/reviews/item/12 Sun, 15 Jun 2008 15:32:51 -0000 Truth be told, we ended up watching this movie to escape the metropolitan heat so I came in without much expectations to begin with... and maybe that helped. I like animated movies but the more recent releases weren't all that memorable. This, I can honestly say I actually enjoyed (best movie I've seen recently... second to Iron Man of course). I think what makes this movie so great is that it's not really a comedy. Not to say that there weren't funny moments coz I actually caught myself laughing (take note: actually laughing not just smiling or giggling) a few times. As much as I enjoyed the first Shrek movie, two... three versions of it later, all the pop culture reference gets a bit old. Jack Black for once doesn't overdo it and ends up adding the right amount of charm to Po. He's a dork, but he's so likable you'd end up cheering him on. Proof of which, this shrieky high school kid beside us (aka. the bane of my existence for the duration of the movie) even said, "Oh my go... http://moninadeleon.multiply.com/reviews/item/10 Sun, 15 Jun 2008 12:43:17 -0000 The night was filled with bucketloads of food, happy drunks, and a lot of kulitan and tawanan... It was a pretty good way to cap off my 4 years in Masscom. I had one request for the evening and it was that they not make me cry... almost made it too. Unfortunately though, somewhere in the middle of the night, the sadness hit me like a brick wall. Work is work but the relationships I built along the way was what caused the waterworks. But enough about that... why "not so surprise"? The day before, someone came up to me apologizing that she couldn't attend the despedida party the next night. Whoops! (That's just slip up #1...) Here's what's worse, I got a copy of my own invite! SURPRISE!!! Hehehe. In fairness, this second one wasn't intentional. Nice invite too =) On the way up to the room pa, I ran into some people. With a stupid grin on my face, I asked "San kayo pupunta?" (But of course by then I already knew what was up. Nangaasar lang.) Anyway, surprise or not, I ... http://moninadeleon.multiply.com/photos/album/85/a_not_so_surprise_despedida Tue, 10 Jun 2008 12:28:59 -0000 Goes to show that all you need to have a good time is a few friends and a hell of a lot of imagination. Favorite ko si Barbie mag-charades... Who would have thought pwede pala i-charades ang "dynamic difference" at "NuTam"?! Sayang walang nakaisip magpicture nung nagcha-charades =/ Big thanks to Dottie and Hannah for coming up with the entertainment (kahit ang daya nung charades puro "anything under the sun" ang category!) Oh, and make sure to bring someone who knows how to cook else puro canned goods at fast food ang kakainin nyo! (buti na lang andyan si PS, May at Gary!) Note to self: wag iiwanan si Dottie, Milky at Dewi sa isang kwarto with a camera... last day ng pictures! (buti na lang hindi na uso ang film ngayon http://moninadeleon.multiply.com/photos/album/84/how_to_spend_a_day_doing_nothing Tue, 3 Jun 2008 13:50:07 -0000 Since I first heard of it a couple of years ago, I've been curious to check it out. For one reason or another, I always end up not going. Anyway, a friend has some tickets and I figured, what the heck... might as well. For 30 minutes each, the skies over Manila Bay were brightly lit with every color imaginable (yes, pati fuschia! hahaha) We got to see the Italian and Venezuelan displays. Now, I enjoy a good firework display like every other person but I'd like to think I'm not one to be easily impressed. In all fairness to them, there were a couple of fireworks that got my attention http://moninadeleon.multiply.com/photos/album/83/Pyro_Olympics_2008 Sun, 25 May 2008 06:04:55 -0000 I'm not a religious fanatic (far from it in fact). But since I first picked up my camera a few months ago, I've been noticing that more and more I find myself gravitating towards old churches. I like how old things offer a window into the past, whispering its story to anyone willing to listen. Also, there's something I find very peaceful and calming about being inside an old church. I'm pretty sure my 26 years of Catholic upbringing has something to do with it. It's like stepping into a world different from the one outside its walls, offering a stark contrast between the past and the present. And for one brief moment, you tend to forget all the problems and worries of everyday life, letting them all melt http://moninadeleon.multiply.com/photos/album/82/An_Obsession_for_Old_Churches Sun, 25 May 2008 05:26:09 -0000 The first (and last) time I was here was back when I was still in high school I think. My memory of it is a bit hazy and all I can really remember is that one it was so hot and two, the really colorful displays. I don't know if it's just my memory failing me but the decorations seemed more festive the last time I came. Loved the colors though. I prayed that it wouldn't be as hot as I remembered but just my luck, I think I overdone it... It was raining like hell! As in I kid you not, we probably only had an hour of gloom before it started raining non-stop. Totally sayang! Wanted to take more pictures but the fates were against me this time around... argh! But I did file a leave to see this so I figured I might as well enjoy it as much as I can. Oh and we also went to Kamay ni Hesus (this grotto carved on the side of a hill with larger than life depictions of events in Jesus adult http://moninadeleon.multiply.com/photos/album/81/Pahiyas_2008 Mon, 19 May 2008 03:38:01 -0000 I think Intramuros is becoming a favorite of mine. In recent months, I've been there thrice now and I'm happy to note that it continues to surprise me with the new things I see. Met up with a friend and we ended up going to San Agustin museum (under the guise that we'd be able to go to Father Blanco's garden - which was still closed to the general public by the way). But I wouldn't say it's a total waste of time, we ended up with some good photos. Then we went to Illustrados (this nearby restaurant). Of course our intent was to take pictures but we had to pretend to be there for the food too. Haha. Last stop was UST. I have admit, I've been resisting this idea of his from the get go. I couldn't wrap my head around the thought of taking pics of a school (no offense!) But, I'd be the first to admit it if I'm wrong and, in this case, I was. I TOTALLY LOVED the place! Such a peaceful irony to the hustling and bustling happening in the crowded streets outside its walls (or ma... http://moninadeleon.multiply.com/photos/album/80/Intramuros_UST Sun, 11 May 2008 03:02:28 -0000 Like the real thing, a brain fart is neither planned nor is it something under one's control. It's a thought, a word, anything basically that one lets out without much prior thought. It may turn out good or it may be the worse thing ever. Who http://moninadeleon.multiply.com/photos/album/79/Brain_Fart Thu, 8 May 2008 14:10:22 -0000 Drama, scandal, sibling rivalry, politics, debauchery... it sounds very fascinating and engaging from the get go. And I have to say, props to the trailer! Too bad the movie didn't live up to all the hype around it. The Tudor costumes were fabulous and they serve their purpose of transforming you to that era quite well. Plot-wise though, it personally fell a little short of expectation. If you be a bit nitpicky about it, there were some historical inaccuracies as well. And I enjoy my fair share of period pieces mind you, being the history buff I am. Props to Scarlett Johansson and Natalie Portman for playing their roles well (at least to the best of their abilities given the film's shortcomings). I mean, you can actually see the stark contrast between the two characters. The downside though is that I couldn't see myself feeling terribly sympathetic towards one or the other girl because the story felt a bit rushed thanks to the cerebral straightforward approach the film too... http://moninadeleon.multiply.com/reviews/item/9 Thu, 17 Apr 2008 04:35:15 -0000 "I'm gonna soak up the sun. 'Gonna tell everyone to lighten up..." The sun... the sand... and a shoestring budget (well, it helps that I got to room with some friends). Speaking of friends... napansin ko lang... half the pics are of the beach, the other half of my friends. Dang it! Wala ako pics! haha. Oh well, have the best tan naman =P Too bad the weekend was over before we knew http://moninadeleon.multiply.com/photos/album/76/Boracay_2008 Wed, 16 Apr 2008 07:21:38 -0000 It was Monica's birthday again and boy did she drop a BIG BOMB! Anyway, for a change we had the kids along with us and MY GOD... just when I thought we couldn't get any noiser when it's just the four of us, decibel level went up a few notches with the kids around! At least we know that they're their moms' kids for sure. Haha... Monica I just realized, the boys wetsuits matched their superhero personalities... spiderman & batman. Sadya ba yun? By the way, I'm putting a disclaimer, expect that I will mix up the twins in some of the pictures. correct me na lang. http://moninadeleon.multiply.com/photos/album/72/Pool_Party_2008 Fri, 11 Apr 2008 02:15:09 -0000 Drove to Tagaytay with my cousins last weekend for an uncle's birthday (figured it was better than staying home so I did). Plus my lola's in town... After lunch got bored so took a side trip to Caleruega. Sucks that there was a wedding going on so couldn't really go around. Ended up taking a lot of random shots. On the way back, I even forgot to take a pic of the sign leading to Caleruega... I had something in mind pa naman for it. drat! Wanna go back to take more http://moninadeleon.multiply.com/photos/album/71/Tagaytay_April_2008 Wed, 9 Apr 2008 17:38:33 -0000 Holy Thursday for me growing up has turned into a routine. After the 6pm mass, we'd going to different nearby parishes for Visita Iglesia. Sure the way they'd do their altar of repose changes year on year but in general the routine's the same. I found that after a while I've gotten bored and craved for something new. A few years back I also tried spending it in Boracay... unfortunately, 2/3 of Manila had the same idea that time. Drat! There were so much people it felt like the island would sink from all the weight any moment. No but seriously, it's hard to move around and find peace in the crowded beach. So this year, I wanted to try something new... I saw this ad on the newspaper about a Visita Iglesia tour around churches in Rizal & Laguna. I decided to give that a shot. We visited 7 churches and, all in all, not a bad way to spend a whole day http://moninadeleon.multiply.com/photos/album/67/Visita_Iglesia Fri, 21 Mar 2008 03:14:20 -0000 By the time I got to this place, I was pretty much whining inside. So I wasn't as "in the mood" anymore but I figured I was there already anyway... might as well make the most of it. You have to understand, I normally spend my Saturday afternoons lounging around, not walking under the sweltering sun. What did I get out of it? A short sleeved tan-line (stupid shirt! It didn't cross my mind that it was going to be THAT hot) I'd wanna come back more prepared next time so I can take better pics. http://moninadeleon.multiply.com/photos/album/66/Fort_Santiago Mon, 10 Mar 2008 04:46:35 -0000 They say that it was once Manila’s municipal cemetery during the Spanish colonial period, used to inter victims of a cholera epidemic that swept across the city. But honestly I remember it more for all those classical concerts they used to televise when I was still a kid. Funny though when I was there, it seemed more like a backstage practice area for some high school play. As in I kid you not, there were at least 5 groups of students all practicing some version of Noli Me Tangere or something. How do I know? I keep hearing the names Padre Damaso & Basilio. Haha... maybe they were hoping that the history of the place serve as an inspiration. http://moninadeleon.multiply.com/photos/album/65/Paco_Park Mon, 10 Mar 2008 02:22:47 -0000 from talented guys who I've one way or another discovered through youtube (thus I fondly call them my youtube boys) http://moninadeleon.multiply.com/music/item/14/youtube_boys Wed, 5 Mar 2008 07:34:28 -0000 Had a little sidetrip to Tagaytay with some friends... and of course I found a VERY willing model in Ally-cat =) http://moninadeleon.multiply.com/photos/album/64/Boutique_Hotel_Tagaytay Wed, 5 Mar 2008 03:10:44 -0000 Was my first time there and I was surprisingly underwhelmed. It's just that to that point I was so impressed with the Fuego I saw in pictures. Only then did I learn that there were 2 Fuegos pala... Peninsula & Terrazas and apparently Terrazas was the one with the nice beach... drat! Just my luck! =P Did manage to get some nice pics though. Enjoy! http://moninadeleon.multiply.com/photos/album/62/Peninsula_de_Punta_Fuego_PSID_trip Tue, 4 Mar 2008 14:47:42 -0000