ANNAlysis

In a time where people hardly write love letters, I appreciated seeing this in my inbox. Sweet, thoughtful, educational, and creative. Winning combination. Too cute not to share :)

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to me you are like the firefly squid (see here for reference). no matter how dark and bleak it gets, you will always shine bright like a diamond!

the way you go about saving the same world i love to save impresses me so much because you seem like the Pacific barreleye fish (see here for reference). it’s like you can see EVERYTHIIIIING and your perspective on issues is just so all encompassing!

i love that your status hasn’t changed you and you’re still a Mary river turtle (see here for reference). to quote Beca, “you’re such a weirdo!” still and we can talk about any little shit without fear of judgement.

you know exactly when to be a Nudibranch (see here for reference) and deliver that extra zing we need to move things along in society and effect change

and when to act like an Atlantic wolf fish (see here for reference) and inject everyone else with antifreeze and inspire us to get our butts moving!!!

but most of all, I know you’re really such a Leopard seal at heart (see here for reference) because despite all that fierceness you show on a daily basis, there’s really such a caring side to you too!

may our dreams come true sooner than later. may we survive to see them for a very long time and ultimately become similar to the Frilled shark (see here for reference) and be considered as a living fossil by the next generation because we changed the world so much that they cannot imagine a time when the world wasn’t that awesome!

Over a year ago, I wrote an entry entitled “on the guy you should date.” Abet pointed out recently that it’s also important to lay down qualities of a guy you SHOULDN’T date. When we launched into a deeper discussion, it seemed more like we were playing a game of “Name That Ex” :)))))))))

But I digress. #WeAreBetterNotBitter

Our conversation got me thinking about non-negotiables — the things, big and/or small, that will raise red flags, white flags, and green flags in a relationship.

I once read that if you want a relationship to last, the two of you must have similar outlooks on religion, politics, and drinking habits. When the kilig and frills die down, it’s those fundamental values that will keep you together. They don’t necessarily have to be the SAME, but if they are on different sides of the spectrum (e.g., diehard Marcos and diehard Aquino; Opus Dei and atheism; drunkard and recovering alcoholic), then you must agree to disagree, respect, and not force/expect one to ~convert to the other.

While I am far from a relationship expert, here are some things I’ve learned along the way about my personal non-negotiables:

1. Don’t transform into another person when you’re in a relationship. I hate it when friends suddenly become MIA because they’re “in love.” There’s much more to life than a boyfriend/girlfriend, really. New friends, traveling, books, movies, work… The list goes on. Love should be inclusive, not exclusive.

2. Be with someone who makes you laugh everyday. S/he should also appreciate your humor. It’s not fun if only one person cracks the jokes and the other one’s role is to laugh lang.

3. S/he should not dictate what you do and don’t do, and what you wear. If you want to wear a bikini on the beach and he wants you to wear a sarong over it, sabihin mo, “PAKI MO?” Don’t quit things you loved doing, like surfing, cooking, cheerleading, just to spend more time with the significant other. And remember: you do not need his/her approval to take Barre-3 or go out with your friends and family. You belong to YOURSELF.

4. Having said that, s/he should not just be a boyfriend/girlfriend, but your partner. Consider his/her opinions and input in decisions you have to make, may it be personal or professional. If you have issues (e.g., ex issues, temper issues, mood swing issues) don’t sweep it under the rug or worse, over-think by yourself. These escape methods won’t get you anywhere. Sit down and talk it out. Work it out. Relationships aren’t meant to be easy, but it doesn’t mean you have to solve things alone.

5. If you wanna be my lover / you gotta get with my friends / makin’ it last forever / friendship never ends.

6. Go on dates by yourself. Have lunch in your favorite restaurant with a book, go to a museum, run errands, treat yourself to a gift. Or 10. I always make it a point not to get used to relationship-y stuff. Whatever the guy can do for me, I make sure I can do for myself. (Which reminds me, I need to learn how to change a flat tire.)

7. Commitment should not make you complacent. If anything, it should make you work harder. Write handwritten notes and insert it in his wallet. Surprise her with flowers. Or pizza, para edible/useful.

8. Learn new things from each other. I went on a (long, overdue) date with Chris last month and he gave me a crash course on Renewable Energy. On our second date, we talked about climate change, sharks, and Korean culture and food. You don’t necessarily have to be in the same career, but it’s important that you make an effort to learn more about what s/he is doing and vice versa. Intelligence is the sexiest.

9. You know the term “better half”? I only understood the meaning of that recently. Be with someone who is your better half, someone who makes you want to be a better version of yourself.

10. Embrace love.

Lynn and Pie!

I missed you both the moment we parted in Zurich. UY, CLINGY. When I got to Milan and saw Ria, I told her all about you two–what you girls are like, how much you inspire me, and all our crazy adventures during the Forum. It’s like she knows you two already!

Did you know that this is the coldest winter Europe has had in 27 years? We came at the right time… NOT. I wanted to scream every time I saw the disparity: -7C in Milan and 27C in Manila. Lynn, thanks for lending me your earmuffs. Pie, thanks for lending me your hat. Ako na ang underpacker at unprepared. I wore both when I went to Venice. The wind was sharp and icy that day, so you provided me warmth while I strolled down the bay walk. I’m convinced that the statue in the photo below used to be standing tall and proud until winter arrived tapos she just passed out.

In Venice, I thought about how our islands will start disappearing because of sea level rise in about 30-50 years, and how we can definitely pull off the gondola-waterway-canal look. We wouldn’t run out of singers to serenade the tourists, that’s for sure.

Oh, and sorry to disappoint you, but no hot Italian men. We’re sticking to the Napa Valley plan.

Cheers,
Your favorite pokpok with a purpose

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Dear Ma’am Ick,

In Florence, my friend Ria and I went to museum after museum, palace after palace, and church after church. (At one point I went to the Museo del Accademia and she went to the Gucci Museum, prompting our mutual friend to ask why we were BFFs.) I finally saw David and Venus di Milo! Whenever I would read the descriptions, I would think about the plays and essays from our Renaissance Literature class a few years ago. Being here provided a setting to the story, and consequently, an idea of what life was like back then. How thrilling it must have been to be alive during the rebirth of humanity and sprezzatura.

Anna

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My dearest Jam,

When I got to Juliet’s house in Verona and saw “It is the East and Juliet is the sun” engraved on the wall, I wanted to cry. I couldn’t adequately explain to Ria why (I just wailed, “Shakespeeeeaaaarrreeeee!”). I know that if you were with me, you would’ve completely understood–and maybe even tear up with me.

Legend has it that if you rub Juliet’s boob you’ll have good luck in love. We did, just for the sake of it. Ria and I share similar beliefs (or lack thereof) when it comes to men (or lack thereof) and relationships, so it was kind of odd for us to be there together. There was also a mailbox inside where guests are invited to write letters to Juliet. Ria’s began with, “I don’t want a man…” while mine opened with, “I don’t need a love life…” Apparently, the weather froze our hearts. I added a line about wanting to be with someone who could dream with me. I got that from you, my love.

To dreaming together with or without a partner,
Kaps

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Dear Donna,

It was snowing in Tuscany, so my Cartona adventure was more like Under the Tuscan Snow than Under the Tuscan Sun. The roads leading to Bramasole were too slippery, and the famous fountain was a fake fact — they built it for the movie lang pala! Ohmehn. Beevs.

Where Frances wrote the postcard

Nevertheless, Cartona was quaint and charming in all the right places. It was la dolce vita brought to life. Opening scene ng Beauty and the Beast ang peg. I got two free shots in the restaurant where the young girl-slash-waitress-slash-daughter-of-the-owner looked like Chiara from the movie, and two more free shots in the bar from the bartender and the Canadian-Filipino I met that night. Good thing I didn’t have to drive home; I’m certain I would’ve lost a side mirror.

On a side note: when I woke up in Germany one morning, there was a ladybug on the ceiling. A ladybug, indoors, in winter. What a sign.

Yours,
Bushka

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Hi Kuya!

Ria and I went to Pisa to see the Leaning Tower and Picasso Museum. Ria asked me why the tower was leaning. I remember reading about it and watching a documentary on Discovery Channel about it before, but I don’t remember what they said. You would. You always know the answer to questions like those. It made me miss you. We even went to this coliseum where gladiators had matches (tournaments?) before which I think you would’ve really liked. If I traveled around Italy with you, you would have all these fun facts about history and royalty for a more intellectual tour.

Love,
Rais

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Hey Mikki,

Europe has been a wonderful adventure–the cold cuts, the pasta, the cheese, the snow… Ria and I would sing while walking to keep our mind off the weather. I’m sure if you were here, we would be doing Broadway duets and you would laugh at my inability to do vocal improvisation.

I am looking forward to going to Hong Kong and devour dimsum. It will be a refreshing change from all the sandwiches, pizza, and pasta I’ve consumed during this trip. Valentine’s Day in Hong Kong Disneyland, yipee!

All my love,
Beb

Dear Greg,

During our second day in Davos, we were given the chance to try different winter sports. I ended up snowboarding because it was similar to surfing (…NOT) and because it looked easy enough (…NOT).

I was hoping that the instructor would take a nice shot of me looking professional, but this was all she could capture. And yes, I’m the one on the right, in a push-up position. If you were with me, you would be, in your words, “pissing in your pants,” laughing. Schadenfreude at its finest.

I miss Germany, but I miss you more. See you in March :)

Kisses,
Me

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Hi Anya!

Just like I promised, I wore the ANTHILL dress we had made in December during the opening ceremony so that I carried a piece of the Philippine indigenous communities with me in the World Economic Forum. When we were asked to go on stage, we wedged ourselves between Archbishop Desmond Tutu and Professor Schwab. Oh diba, bongga?

Dai, Desmond Tutu was SO COOL. When he gave his speech, he looked at me right in the eyes and I SWEAR parang he could see my soul and sins. He told us to keep dreaming God’s dream. I started crying on stage.

I can’t believe I won’t see you before you leave for Australia. Separation anxiety is kicking in. I guess I’ll have to find an international/environmental/youth forum in Queensland in the next two years, huh?

All my love from Switzerland,
Dai

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Dear Anns,

One of the best parts about being in Davos was hanging out with your dad. I now understand a lot of things we talked about before. He gave the funniest advice about love and boys, like, “Sometimes you have to be smart or be sexy.” (I tried to be both.) My favorite was, “I encourage East and West partnership for sustainable development.”

Being with Tito Tony made me miss you a lot because we talked about you so much! He is soooooooo proud of you. He promised us lunch at the Enchanted Farm when we get back, so I’ll see you then. I’ll fill you in on my East-West partnership then ;)

Love and more love,
Anns

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CARLIE,

On the first night of the Forum, I was introduced to Enric Sala. As in THE Enric Sala of the National Geographic Society. I broke into sweat when we first talked, but once we got started on our mutual love for sharks, I relaxed. He has never dived in the Philippines, which compelled me to give my “The Philippines is the center of marine biodiversity on Earth, but we are also the center of marine adversity” speech. He said, “I saved the best for last!” KILIG.

(He’s squatting in this picture so we would be the same height.)

I thought that would be my Davos moment, but three days later I found myself in a meeting room with him, Pie, and other Young Global Leaders. We’re going to work together this year for his fish banks project!!!! I feel like I’m going to explode with excitement.

DON’T KILL ME, I know working for National Geographic is your dream. We’ll find a way to get you closer to that dream, k?

I miss and love you!

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Dear Nix,

Look at my ID! It’s official: Save Philippine Seas is now part of the international community of conservation.

I listened to Sylvia Earle’s session called “Deep Sea Discovery” and cried about ¾ of the presentation. I gathered the courage to introduce myself to her after. I also told her that she has inspired so much of what I do. She said, “We have the power. We must use it.”

I also talked to key people in Conservation International and the World Bank about what we’re doing back home. I can’t wait to come home and meet with you and Jenica and AA. We’re going to rock the boat and make bigger waves.

Yours,
Babybear

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Dear Karen,

On the last day of the Forum, Lynn, Pie and I were in tears. (Well, more like Lynn and me lang. When Pie saw us crying, she left so she wouldn’t cry.) We have never been more proud to be part of a generation capable of creating social change. It’s so easy to say what we’re against, but what we’re FOR is far more powerful. Thank you for believing in us and helping us push for what we are FOR in this global festival of ideas. This experience wasn’t even part of our imagination, and we all know we wouldn’t be here without you.

We all have one more week in Europe, but when we get back, we will meet for a Davos debrief of sorts and pave the way forward. We already have a number of ideas for projects, and names to nominate for the Manila Hub. We love you!

Love,
Anna

Source

Suntok sa Buwan is the directorial debut of Bianca Catbagan and Jose Antonio de Rivera. Starring Joem Bascon and Daniel Fernando, the story revolves around two boxers: one, young and talented, the other, aged yet passionate. The two are headed for a collision as they prepare against each other in the bout that will define their lives.

When a boy with everything to lose faces a man with nothing to lose, who will win the fight?

Watch the trailer on YouTube here. First seen in Esquire Magazine Philippines.

I won’t be around when it hits the big screen, which I feel really bad about because people who mean a lot to me are in it. My family already has 17 tickets to the film (i.e., my cousins, uncles, aunts, and Mariel). Please PLEASE watch! Bring your family and friends and their families and friends along. MARK YOUR CALENDARS: Suntok sa Buwan premieres on January 22 and will run in SM Cinemas in Metro Manila and Cebu from January 25-31. There will be a special screening in UP on February 7.

Suntok sa Buwan is a lot of firsts. First time that SM sponsored a contest like this. First time that Jono and Bia wrote and directed a full-length film. First time that Denise is scoring a film. First time that Sinta’s appearing in the silver screen. I love that young people are being given opportunities to make waves in Philippine cinema. It’s about fucking time that we come out with FRESH, ORIGINAL, QUALITY films instead of just franchises and cryfests. It’s an exciting time to be alive.

I only met Denise this week because we performed in our mutual friend’s wedding, but we knew of each other for some time now. The world is small, but the Ateneo-UP world is much, MUCH smaller. We clicked right away. She’s crazy talented, okay.

Bia and I know each other from college. She’s a photographer and filmmaker. What I love most about her is her insatiable appetite for learning. That kind of positive attitude will take her a loooooooong way.

Jono and I go an even longer way back. We’ve known each other since we were both thin. HAHAHA. His story is interesting: he entered UP as a Business Economics major and shifted to film halfway through college. Jono is proof that following your heart can be done, and done well.

Two proms, two trips to Cebu and two breakups later, we remain good friends.

The leading lady of this film, Jacinta Remulla, a.k.a. Sinta to others and Beb to me? She’s my girl. Because we are cousins, we’ve known each other since she was born, only 9 months after me. If I try writing about how proud I am of her, I might bawl over my keyboard.

PLEASE WATCH. DON’T MISS THIS FILM. Support local worthwhile films!

Find out more in Suntok Sa Buwan’s Facebook page.