This is where I will be to celebrate my birthday. Join me?

Yan Yuzon of Archipelago and Pupil tweeted this a few days after his personal ordeal due to typhoon Ondoy: Kakayanin nating LAHAT, kakayanin natin ANG LAHAT. Mabuhay ang Pilipinas.

Volunteers packing relief goods at Megatent in Meralco Avenue in Pasig

Everyone has something to give. We can give time,  talent, or treasures. Bayanihan Online collates tweets where volunteers and help are needed, Pinggoy shares the how-tos in organizing a barangay soup kitchen, artists come together in benefit shows among others.

"Hoy, Hoy, Ondoy!" is a fund raiser/benefit concert featuring local bands (via Jay Ortega's Facebook wall post)

Volunteer. Donate. Support benefit shows/fund raisers. Together we shall overcome everything.

One of my guilty pleasures is watching Smallville, the CW take of Clark Kent’s journey into becoming Superman. Season 9 begins on September 25th in the US, and I am thrilled to learn that the “S in the chest” gets more TV time this season. I am also looking forward to more Lois and Clark banter (Yes, I was a big fan of Teri Hatcher and Dean Cain’s “Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman” in the 90s). I am missing Michael Rosenbaum’s Lex Luthor much, so I hope the producers can get him back in the show.

Also happening this month is the annual Manila International Book Fair which I have not failed to attend since 2005. At the MIBF 2005, a friend bought a copy of the graphic novel Superman/Batman: Public Enemies. The comic book series has now been made into a full-length direct to video animated film to be released on September 29th. At the MIBF 2008, I bought Up, Up, and Away! which is one of the must-read books to get back into the Superman universe.

Now I am thinking of getting more Superman fix via Secret Origins #1. Let’s see how I can work it into my very tight budget eh?

What’s hanging on your wall? I took pictures of the posters hanging on my wall for Japinoy.com POW for the theme “Kabe” (Japanese for “Wall”) but never got around to posting a picture in the thread. I thought of sharing about the two movie posters, two concert posters, and a letter I have on my wall and door.

1. The Return of the King – I love The Lord of the Rings trilogy (Peter Jackson). Aside from the poster, I also own a copy of The Lord of the Rings Official Movie Guide and The Making of the Movie Trilogy. The Lord of the Rings has replaced The Sound of Music as my Christmas movie. Every Christmas eve after The Return of the King completed the series, I have never failed the watch the films as I wait for midnight to strike.

From July 2009

2. The Notebook - I don’t remember if I had read the book first before I saw this film with my friend Bibanleigh but I remember watching it at the Shang Cineplex for free courtesy of Bibanleigh’s friend who worked with Smart, the event sponsor. I also got the poster for free, while I bought the LOTR poster for Php120.

From July 2009

3. Eraserheads The Reunion Concert – A gift from Yerski, this poster always reminds me of one of the most anticipated and well-attended events of 2008. My blogpost on this concert also remains to be my most read post.

From July 2009

4. The David Cook Experience - Another free poster from the event sponsor Skechers, I have this posted above the mirror so I can look at DC while I fix myself up.
5. Abraham Lincoln’s letter to his son’s Teacher – A few years back, my friends and colleagues Teachers Joyce, Je, and Ana organized a reading seminar called I Love Reading! in Olongapo. Scholastic was one of the sponsors and I got this poster with the book on phonics. What a reminder of the task that a teacher has on his or her shoulders!

From July 2009

Purin is Japanese for pudding, and is a popular dessert. I have yet to taste it but the real thing looks a lot like leche flan to me. After our succesful attempt at Japanese curry (blogpost to follow), I think I will attempt to make purin next.

I am writing my 100th post on my first anniversary as a member of Japinoy. Also, it has been 10 years since I became a teacher.

My Japinoy mug

I am also watching Dekada, the 10th anniversary concert of one of my favorite bands, Sugarfree! We have an extra golden ticket (center, front row). If interested, tweet @ashte, @stickerhappier, or @DRAMAchine28.

John Hughes, 1950-2009

Late though this is, I want to pay respects to John Hughes who passed away last August 6. All I need to know about teenage romance, I learned from watching his films.

Can you see my tomato? It is one of the first figures I learned to do from the book たべものをおる.

Corazon C. Aquino (1933 - 2009)

Faith is not simply a patience that passively suffers until the storm is past. Rather, it is a spirit that bears things – with resignations, yes, but above all, with blazing, serene hope.