The Zebra Crossing

Before I resume packing my stuff for Davao in a few days, let me end today by doing one of the things I love - making lists! I just finished re-watching “Pretty in Pink,” and I am still a fan of John Hughes and his song choices. He pretty much reminds me of Cameron Crowe.

Top 5 Films About Music (IMO)

1. Almost Famous: This movie is just (to use a now-famous expression that until now I don’t really understand probably due to a generation gap) SO FULL OF WIN, on so many levels. Directing, acting, storytelling, you name it.  I adore this movie so much I have the soundtrack and the script in paperback format.
2. High Fidelity: This is one of the few book-to-film adaptations that I love and respect (there are few; included is The Lord and the Rings trilogy), primarily because the book is cleverly-written (it has lists of songs to include in a mix tape!) and John Cusack is so adorkable.
3. Empire Records: Whenever I think about this movie, “Til I Hear It From You” just begins playing in my head. I’ll always and forever associate Gin Blossoms and Liv Tyler with this movie! Too bad I haven’t got a CD copy of the soundtrack. As far as storylines go, this one isn’t as complicated but I think the beauty of this movie lies in its straightforwardness (?).
4. The Legend of 1900: I think I saw this movie on HBO when I was in college. My Dad and I watched it. He fell in love with the music, I fell in love with the narrative. The storytelling is so fluid, you feel like you are in the same boat with the protagonist. This movie’s ending blew me away, too hence the impact. Downloaded the soundtrack while my parents got a copy of the movie on DVD while vacationing in the US. What is it with boats and music?
5. Pirate Radio: Saw this movie on HBO late last year and I couldn’t believe this was shown way back 2009. Two-thousand freaking nine! What the hell have we been missing? As a country, we don’t get enough UK-made films shown here. If they can pass an anti-planking law, our government must endorse one on anti-Hollywood-film-monopoly. Seriously though, how can you not love this one? Its premise is of the romantic ideal (not the feeling but the period, mind you): They’d die for music; why shouldn’t you?

Off to my bags!

Had quite a rough night last night, and wasn’t able to sleep well. Woke up today at 8.30 and now ravenous. Must get breakfast before starting on these things:

1. Clean out Chuck’s (my goldfish) tank so he can breathe easy.
2. Write “Pack” list for Davao and start packing.
3. Begin draft of website photoblog revamp and e-mail to T.
4. Fix clothes and cabinet.
5. Account receipts/expenses.

How are you spending your Sunday?

I am currently working on revamping my website Zebra With A Camera and making it into a proper photographer’s blog. A lot of photogs call their space a photoblog but I’m afraid if I adopt the same concept, I wouldn’t be able to live up to it. After all, before being a photographer, I am first only human, with some thoughts worth sharing, and some better kept to myself.

As far as the former is concerned, this is where the photographer’s blog concept comes in. I would like to take it upon myself to develop the discipline of posting photography-related stuff, which means that you will see not only my photographs, but works of others whom I admire, as well as my own ideas and musings on photography. Totally hipster and poseur-ish, right? Sort of like how my dog looks in the above portrait of him take one relatively cool night in December.

Yeah, I’ve always wanted to become one. A middle-aged dog, I mean.

December 2011 (Manila, Philippines)

1. Harvard hoodie
2. Snorkeling gear
3. Camera gear
4. Chargers for everything: cameras, cellphones, and iPod
5. A book I have yet to read from my towering stash from 2010-2011

Yes, I have been remiss in my travel duties in 2011. Hence this year, I have vowed to make it up to Mother Earth and get back to one of my favorite things to do in the world apart from taking photos and eating.

My first destination this year is Davao. I’ll be spending five whole days with my best friend who has recently come home from Singapore after living in Singlishland for as long as it takes to grow and keep alive a toddler in the third world. Our itinerary’s all set, and all I need is to pack my bags and get on that plane.