500 DAYS of SUMMER

I am a fan of the movies HIGH FIDELITY and ETERNAL SUNSHINE OF THE SPOTLESS MIND that's why I was charmed by this movie. I am rarely smitten by Hollywood films but this one I will surely include in my roster of romantic movies that I usually appreciate.

The movie had a disclaimer from the beginning of the trailer or even in the posters that were released and it says: This is not a love story but a story about LOVE. The casting for Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Zooey Deschanel were perfect for the movie! They are both indie darlings in Hollywood and it's been a decade since we last saw Joseph starred in a romantic lead along with Heath Ledger in 10 THINGS I HATE ABOUT YOU. It is so fresh to see these two young kids giving justice to their roles. It's a sweet, funny film that infuses typical romance and balances it with reality. It's good how Joseph played TOM, a great greeting card writer who fell in love with SUMMER, a vintage looking girl but very modern when it comes to her perspective about LOVE and who loves RINGO STAR among the Four Fab. TOM will randomly chronicle his story about his love for Summer in 500 days. The film’s mixture of cynicism and romance makes it perfect viewing for happy couples, the recently dumped, and the hopeful singles in the audience. Rotten Tomatoes gave this film an 87% rating in their tomatometer, which I think has the most credible online pool of critics! And I agree with their critics most of the time so when they say it's rotten I will not argue anymore.

"This movie made me appreciate a failed romance. I have never seen a romantic movie lately that arrests me this much. I think this is a must see romantic movie." -joanie, the artist chef

Reminds me of Hyde Park in Sydney where I sat once upon an Australian summer

In real life story, I haven't experience 500 DAYS of SUMMER yet but I am glad to share that I have my story about 500 HOURS of AUTUMN. That is absolutely a 500 hours of happiness. I met someone in Autumn this year and every time we were together I am in the state of a free-flowing individual. I never tried that in my entire existence here on earth. He made me nervous the way I am not familiar with, he gave me something that makes me scared alright and he made me do things I have never done before. We may not have the same beliefs in life especially when it comes to marriage and about GOD but I am glad that he admires my faith and respects it at the same time. He maybe obscure and different in so many ways but I respect him as well. It was an amazing feeling that I won't fall for a sleep because of a good coffee but also because I had a great time walking in the rain with this person. Whenever we will have those candid walks in the chaotic city where lights are turned off when the midnight strikes and cabbies are very hard to find, I am filled with unfathomable joy. Winter is coming I don't really know if Autumn already passed me by. I am still dumbfounded about this predicament. All I know I wanted this person to be my friend but fate allowed him to swiftly go away. Maybe there's more Autumn to come, I just have to figure out which one I'll be at my happiest. It just excites me now to meet Autumn the next time He arrives.

My warmest and tightest hug to each and everyone! :-)

hugs,
joanie xxx

FIFTEEN New York Marathon

Good day Mates!

To all my readers from Australia, Europe, The America & Asia, I would like to ask your little help to support the FIFTEEN New York Marathon fundraising. My good friend Danny Mc Cubbin, his officemates from Jamie Oliver's office and some FIFTEEN people will join the marathon. So far they are only getting 13% of the 100% target. Danny emailed me to be part of those people who are in one boat in supporting them. I visited the website Danny gave me and donated 20 pounds to help them reach their target. Since I made running part of my life, I feel how the runners feel in joining a marathon like this. As I prepare and train myself to join some fun run or a marathon perhaps, I am asking you guys to give a little help and I guarantee you'll have something big in return. That's the law of KARMA. What you give or what you do, you shall receive. :-)


PLEASE DONATE!

http://www.justgiving.com/fifteennymarathon/?pid=1980331&dtpn=4#DonationTable

Many Thanks!

hugs,
joanie xxx

I DO or I DIE

Howdy everyone?

Just another email came my way yesterday from RJ Ledesma inviting me and the rest of media friends to attend his book launch on October 22, 2009 @ National Bookstore, Glorietta 5. How I really wish to grace this book launch to have a signed copy of the said book. I will definitely buy this one when I have my Christmas vacation. RJ published several books prior to this one and most of them were inspired of what was told to him by his Yaya (Nanny.)

This new book of RJ caught my attention and led my curiosity about his imaginary guide to getting married. My perspective about getting married changed drastically. I do not believe in marriage anymore 'til I experience one or 'til someone will convince me that it's necessary. In the meantime I am not a believer of marriage, I'd rather keep my fidelity and lasting commitment. Sometimes I ponder that marriage is a nightmare or perhaps you are getting a rope and tying it in your neck. It could also mean that you are jumping on the 30th floor of a building. Haha! Well those are my silly thoughts about marriage. I often discourage young ladies to get married. I will enumerate to them several reasons why and the major one is, MEN can really be asses so why waste?

Don't get me wrong about this post. Men are also good people. We are created from their ribs. There are few good men in my life now that inspire me and keep me going and still make me believe that one day I would still change my views on marriage. Everything in my life is only for now.

So I still believe that "I DO than I DIE" :-)

hugs,
joanie xxx

Cooking at Mui Ne

Xin Chao everyone!

I am here to give you a short update about my Vietnam adventures lately. Living in Saigon for quite a few months is fun but more often than not, I always crave for an escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. To be honest the first escape I had was Mui Ne. Since then I can say my heart was smitten by this place. It's the best thing that you can get if you have a 6 hour trip away from Saigon. To cut the story short, I had a great experience during my Mui Ne trip and that was when I met a good executive chef named Tom. Sir Tom works in a hotel resort (where I stayed) for a couple years but also worked for other hotels in other countries. He shared me his kitchen, his staff and his cooking methods. He felt grateful to have known the internet's one and only Artist Chef. He likes Filipino people that's why he's very cheerful and accommodating after he found out that I am a Filipina. Though prior to that he was telling me that I look like a Chinese or Singaporean. He said, he will never mistaken me for a Filipino. Well, you're not alone chef, most Vietnamese people would tell me the same thing.

I was happy that day to have a short tour in the kitchen and a short cooking stint. Another thing that made me happy was the moment he brought out the toque and allowed me to wear it. Whoah! I feel I am really in the heat of the kitchen! I really felt like a cook for a day. Chef Tom said he often goes to the city of Saigon and he told me that if I have or if he has time too, we can exchange cooking lessons. He is fond of learning the Filipino cuisine and same with me, I am enthusiastic to learn the Vietnamese cuisine as well.

Thanks for that moment Chef, 'til my next adventure.
Maybe Na Trang soon...

hugs,
joanie xxx

My Oktoberfest

How time flies, really. It's October once again and it's my favorite time of the year to drool with some beers. It's really my pleasure to experience this month called "Oktoberfest" worldwide. It originated in Germany but it's now celebrated around the globe. Let me share you my past, present and future significant Oktoberfest celebration.

It was sometime in October 24, 2007, I was in Claremont Hotel Toorak Road in South Yarra, Melbourne. It was past midnight and I was very tired but can't sleep after my whole day trip at The Great Ocean Road thru the long strip of Geelong to Portland. I can't sleep because I found out that there's a spirit loitering around the hall way. My mate had goose bumps after hearing the spirit whispered. Instead of being afraid, I braved the night and went down and walked on Toorak Road. I stumbled on a store and bought a bottle of Tooheys. I was chilling when I went back to Claremont. I stopped in a closed Cafe with chairs and tables outside and with the view of the tram railway. I tried to drink my Toohey's quickly when a local Melbourne dude stopped. He told me that Tooheys is not a good beer. He sat for a moment and asked if I am a Korean or Chinese. He never figured out that I am a Filipino. I forgot to reveal. He kept me company 'til I finished my bottle of Tooheys. I was a bit scared, frankly. But I later sensed that this guy is harmless. he even accompanied me going back to the hotel. He wanted to make sure I'd be safe going back to the hotel. I wasn't able to ask his name, He didn't ask mine too. But if God permits me to see this guy again, I'll definitely remember his face. I often ponder of him lately. The what if's of life. I never told anyone about this story, and it's my first time here in my blog. All I remember the guy is from St. Kilda, a good harmonica player. That's the main reason why I love the place so much. Only fate can bring two people again, I guess. That's the best Oktoberfest in my life. One I can never forget and will always ponder on.

Back here in Saigon, October has just began. I look forward on how to celebrate my Oktober fest here in my hub at Sky Garden. I am really really craving for my black beer with honey syrup. I hope to bring home some Guinness one of these days. I hope I can pursue this with the idea I am still stitching at this very moment. I hope all my dudes can join me with this beer dinner party.

Few months from now I'll be in London. (Hopefully) I look forward drinking this Double Chocolate Stout. It will not be October by the time I go there but I will guarantee to celebrate Oktoberfest on my birthday. Looking forward to this UK-Euro '10 trip. I am still crossing my fingers with this plan.

In the mean time, I will finish my 333 beer.
(My favorite here in Saigon)

Cheers! :)

hugs,
joanie xxx