GO, LIGO KA NA! LAPIT NA US

It's a Friday night and work is nowhere to be found. I have my super willing friend (ay not willing, more than willing.. no, no actually she was the one who insisted we watch it pala! That makes me the one willing to watch it. Nevermind) to watch this spot on independent film, armed with Kettlecorn and excitement, we conquered the rain to the UP Film Institute to catch Eros Atalia's LIGO NA U, LAPIT NA ME

It tells the story of Karl Vladimir Lennon J. Villabos (Intoy for short), very street smart and ordinary who fell in love with the quirky Jenny Evangelista. Their friendship is guarded by certain perks and privileges (including checking in a motel and going to bed if you know what I mean), with the condition that they will fall in love with each other. Intoy later on, felt the need to confess his feelings to Jenny, only to find out that Jenny is pregnant. ("Don't worry, it's not yours")

Tal and I was more than excited for this film! I personally was counting the days before the screening date and felt goosebumps whenever I get to watch the trailer! We saw the book a few weeks ago in National Bookstore and thought that the title is interesting. Apparently, Tal read the first few chapters and said that the story did justice in relating how our generation deals with love and all that goes with friends-with-benefits set-up. I was intrigued so I told her we would watch it when Cinemalaya goes to UP. 

I WAS NOT DISAPPOINTED WITH WHAT I SAW. I loved the film! Very witty with all it's quotable quotes. It may get bastos at moments, but still with sense. Di lang basta bastos, may tinatarget e. And it gets you. Mercedes Cabral was perfect for the role. Quirky and seductive. Edgar Allan Guzman, hailed as this year's Cinemalaya Best Actor, was not exactly with best actor drama skills but I felt that what made him stand out was that he was able to connect with his character. So mas realistic ang dating, parang typical Pinoy young adult na inlove. I felt na siyang siya si Intoy. 

On the other side of my day, it was another fun date with Tal! Though she might complain how magastos I am na kasama and how I made her walk from UP Film all the way to Oblation at around 10:30 in the evening, I knew we had fun and I know you will not disown me for that! Hehehe thanks for the Kettlecorn. Here's our only souvenir:

This movie date was brought to you by Mang Inasal for early dinner, Kettlecorn for while-watching-the-film-snack, McDonalds Cafe for nearly midnight snack, UP Film Institute for the wonderful event and of course, yours truly with Tal as the beauties of the night. (Wahahahaha okay the last part was simply biased) 

Watch the trailer, be intrigued. Go set a date and watch it with your friends when it hits the SM Cinemas this August!!

And oh, Edgar Allan Guzman has such a nice manly voice

the one thing I like that basketball do to me

WRONG. TOTALLY WRONG.

There are MANY things basketball do and did to me. But I'm too lazy to edit the title so let us leave it at that! 

Basketball sustains me. This may come as a surprise to others. I cheer with so much heart but I also know the technicalities of the sport. 

I started watching basketball when I was in elementary with my Dad. We only had one TV then and him being the head of the family calls the shots even of what show to watch. Hahaha! I had no choice but to endure 4 quarters of hoops. How can an elementary student absorb terms like goal tending and offensive foul? But as days go by, I got used to hearing those terms. Papa will give me some Basketball 101 during half time and I would listen to the commentators during the game. Basketball lingo became my national anthem and basketball games became my cartoons. 

Basketball contains my stress in a tight package and throws it in a far, far, place. I will choose catching a basketball game than partying late at night as a stress reliever. Like a movie house, basketball relaxes me too. I myself don't get how a basketball game vacuums in stress! The game itself, when intense is stressful diba? I guess it's the mentality that once you step inside the arena or decide to sit on your couch, you dust off your stress and worries, focus on your team and cheer! You let yourself loose.

On an important note, basketball gave me a career direction. You all probably know that I auditioned for the UAAP courtside by now. I was asked during the VTR interview why I auditioned considering the fact that I already have a job. I quickly replied "It's my lifelong dream to be sharing the courtside with the players. I will resign from my job if I get accepted." I may not have the job right now, but basketball helped me to see a clearer side of my thoughts. Because of basketball, I KNEW WHAT I WANTED TO DO. 

Basketball gave me friendships. Not that I don't have any friends to start with! Hahaha! Let's just say that it allowed me to create awesome friendships. You all know Timmy and Grace, my famous UAAP buddies. A basketball game bridges our gaps, connects us and clears our schedule! 

And the best thing I like? BASKETBALL MAKES ME ALL GIDDY AND BLUSHING!

YOU SEE?

This being the most recent addition to my growing collection of photo opportunities with basketball crushes! Hahaha! I can't help myself but ask any basketball player for a picture. Actually,in this case, Timmy did. The back story? I was shy to approach him. Timmy already stood up and authoritatively asked me to stand up and follow her. Just as she was about to ask Kiefer, the cameras flashed his face on screen! Just imagine our shame if ever we get caught asking him for a picture! 

I always say that it's pogi points when a guy knows how to play hoops. Blame it from my too much basketball game viewing time. My basketball crushes has its category of a) gwapo but not blessed with the best basketball skills b) not really gwapo but possesses the sizzling hot basketball skills c) two in one, gwapo plus oozing basketball skills. I have a collection of pictures with basketball superstars and they all have one thing in common: I SMILE AWKWARDLY WIDE AND I LOOK LIKE IT'S HALLOWEEN EVERYDAY (no concealer, no blush on) I psyche myself that the picture matters and not too much my face. (But still it matters. it helps if you look pretty beside a basketball player. Girlfriend material lang ang peg)

Here's to more things that basketball will do to me!