akahana21

[akahana21]

“フレ フレ Ostrich!! Hayupang Die-Bow-Ken!”: A Critical Essay

“Fure Fure Ostrich!! Hayupang Die-Bow-Ken!” gives off an extraordinary story and performance, a so-called “hybrid” allegorical play with Filipino, Japanese, and Indonesian performers and directors. This play, directed by James Harvey Estrada (Philippines), Aokid (Japan), Masashi Nukata (Japan), with assistant directors Ulap (Philippines) and Mana Seike (Japan), performed by Bunny Cadag (Philippines), Robi Rusdiana (Indonesia), and Mei Yamanaka (Japan), tells the story of paradise called Bayan ng Damo, “a lush, green paradise ruled by A-mat, who uses his dreams to lead his people”. Due to the ongoing pandemic, the play was performed online and in Minamiotsuka Hall in Tokyo, Japan. The play was performed during the Tokyo Festival 2021 on 6th October 2021 until 8th October 2021. Since I participated on the last day of performance online as one of the residents of Bayan ng Damo, called Amatists, the play will be critiqued in this perspective. 

The story started in the Bayan ng Damo, a paradise ruled by A-mat. A-mat seems to be a dictator who uses his dreams summoned by Ante’s powers to decide on his political choices to govern his people without first considering whether his dreams are to be trusted or not, or whether those dreams are of ethical virtues or whatnot. It happens that Ante, a prophet, dies and predicted that “A one-eyed goat shall be born, bringing great misfortune to this land [Bayan ng Damo].” Because of this prophecy, A-mat believes him and commands his troops to kill every last pregnant goat no matter what. While Ygme, a young boy who works as a goat keeper, learns of this and escapes with his pregnant goat, Yna. And just like what Ante has predicted, Yna gives birth to a one-eyed goat named Tartaros. Tartaros life is now in danger while A-mat’s troops are on the hunt for every pregnant goat in the paradise, especially when they find out that the one-eyed goat who “would bring great misfortune in Bayan ng Damo” is already born. 

Honestly, the story is a bit complex to figure out if you do not have the least idea of its story and origins. For me, the ending is predictable concerning Tartaros’ life. Before watching the play, it is always better to have a grasp of the plot. While others might find it confusing, maybe, I think it is because of the use of allegory with the ostrich and all. This play is a work of art that must be watched for the second or even third time to thoroughly understand its complexity, mostly when you are not a fan of metaphors. But it is interesting to see that every audience has their insights about the performance that differs from others’ insights, this is what art can do to its audience. Judging from its story, it is a play that you should not watch purely for entertainment. However, you will be entertained once you get a better understanding of its context and story. As for the script, it perfectly matches the whole vibe of the play, including the Amatists’ actions and lines. A very immersive experience for a play held online. And fun. 

The characters consist of Ante, A-mat, the Councilor, the Ranch Owner, Guards, Amatists (the audience), Alicia, Nihan, Ygme, Yna, and Tartaros. The use of puppets and stuffed toys are a clever way to represent other characters, especially during the birth of Tartaros. Kudos to Yna (also known as Bunny Cadag) who executed her performance well depicting how she gave birth to Tartaros (the stuffed toy) without the unsettling gory portrayal of giving birth to an offspring that could disturb the audiences. Kudos to all the casts as well for cooperating with the other casts to create a remarkable play online such as this. 

The casts’ acting served well to portray each character assigned to them. I cried with them, I enjoyed eating with them, I sympathized with them. They contributed a lot to execute a performance that displayed plenty of metaphors in the script without being out of character. While I do admit that I get out of character a few times as an Amatist, I ignore the other Filipino Amatists who–I hope not intentional–say their lines not provided to us, as if they were disrespecting the performance itself because of their jokes when it is not the time to goof around. 

For the set design, I think it is decent enough to show Bayan ng Damo to the audience, it is up to their imagination if the set design is not sufficient to their tastes. It is not an issue for me because the play is being held both online and in Minamiotsuka Hall. In my own understanding, the set design reveals the struggle of performing artists throughout the current pandemic. They did their effort in doing the set design, music, and sound effects appropriate to the play without causing them to spend a great deal of money due to the pandemic. I believe this is a new way of doing theatre while dealing with the pandemic without having the risk of being sick. They showed true passion for the arts. They could do better if there is no pandemic. 

Without a doubt, the play entitled “Fure Fure Ostrich!! Hayupang Die-Bow-Ken” is a fresh new ‘taste’ of Asian performing arts in the pandemic. The play’s title has caught my attention, which is why I decided to participate as an Amatist to watch it. I was weirded out by the title, too, because of the usage of Filipino and English words mixed with Japanese in it. Though after watching the play, its title “フレ フレ Ostrich!! Hayupang Die-Bow-Ken!” suits it better than any other titles they could think of. 

The “ostrich” in the title holds an important symbolism while the audience finds the ostrich eggs. The ostrich was inspired by the two ostriches who escaped and ran around the streets of Quezon City, Philippines in August 2020. Those two ostriches that were the talk of the town became a symbol of freedom and hope in the country. 

The story origins told at the site of Tokyo Festival 2021 “The one-eyed goat that appears in the work came from Ilocos Norte on the island of Luzon, birthplace of the late dictator Ferdinand Marcos, the one-eyed goat was born in 2017 during the time of President Rodrigo Duterte’s regime. In the Philippines, a one-eyed goat is said to be a harbinger of both happiness and unhappiness, so the question is whether the one-eyed goat born in the Philippines will propagate authoritarianism like President Duterte. It is a story based on the question of whether serious illness and misery would also spread, as a consequence of something bad happening like this.” makes me think a hundred percent that the play is allegorically political. Everything is political, according to one of the directors, James Harvey Estrada, saying, “Art will always be political. Whether you speak about politics or be silent about what is happening is a political stand.” 

“フレ フレ Ostrich!! Hayupang Die-Bow-Ken!” is a play highly recommended to people who seek an immersive performance during this pandemic. I would rate this personally 9.5 out of 10, and critically 8 out of 10. This is a play filled with metaphors yet pleasing to watch. 

References:

“From the Farm ‘フレ フレ Ostrich!! Hayupang Die-Bow-Ken！.’” Tokyo Festival 2021, tokyo-festival.jp/2021/en/program/ostrich. Accessed 26 Feb. 2022.

“Pinoy-Directed Play ‘Ostrich’ Joins Tokyo Festival 2021.” ABS-CBN News, 5 Dec. 2021, news.abs-cbn.com/life/10/05/21/pinoy-directed-play-ostrich-joins-tokyo-festival-2021. 

Quieta, Racquel. “Pinoy Director Leads Hybrid Play ‘Ostrich’ at the Tokyo Festival 2021.” GMA Entertainment, 7 Oct. 2021, gmanetwork.com/entertainment/celebritylife/hobbies/81355/pinoy-director-leads-hybrid-play-ostrich-at-the-tokyo-festival-2021/story 

[akahana21]

The Lion King: Rhythms of the Pride Lands (a critique)

I don’t know how to critique a theatrical performance but here it is

The Disneyland Paris had prepared an awe-inspiring musical performance of The Lion King: Rhythms of the Pride Lands which was run for an almost 30-minute short and was staged on 25th May 2019 (uncertain date) for their Disney Wild Festival. The production team, directors, and actors for this musical performance are unknown and the list is unavailable to the public (specifically the actors), according to one of the Disneyland Paris staffs whom I asked online through their site.

Because the Disneyland Paris’ musical performance of The Lion King had an interval of 29 minutes and 29 seconds on YouTube, it is understandable that the whole story line of The Lion King was not covered and performed. The casts only had sung 9 original songs namely: (1) The Circle of Life, (2) I Just Can’t Wait To Be King, (3) Be Prepared, (4) Hakuna Matata, (5) Shadowland, (6) Can You Feel the Love Tonight, (7) He Lives in You, (8) Endless Night, and (9) Busa / King of Pride Rock. Though it felt like I watched a performance of The Lion King with ‘gaps in between’, I believe it is more suitable to watch when you are a fan of the said musical or someone who knows the plot than when you are trying to watch for its concept because you will really appreciate how excellent it was staged. As someone who watched Disney’s 1994 animation of The Lion King when I was still in kindergarten with countless of interruptions, I have never really understood the film nor finished it. Of course, it was a long time ago, and as of now, I do not have a better grasp of its narrative.

The actors’ acting (while singing) were good. They would make good profit out of it if they staged an actual full musical with lines. Their gestures and body movements are okay, as if they are not singing and they are just pulling off their performance for their designated character. Moreover, the set design is outstanding. You would not notice that the musical performance of The Lion King is for a theme park. The costumes and makeup for the show are appropriate enough for the musical’s theme. The sounds or music are okay as well, it never had technical problems whatsoever.

Now, why should we watch it? It is one of the most successfully-made musical performances I have ever watched, especially that it is surprisingly made for a theme park. It is suitable for many audiences. Highly recommended if you love short musicals (or not).

[akahana21]

A Comparison of Show Boat (1936) and Show Boat (1951) [a critique]

Before you read the post, I’m warning you that I’m not a critique so this is how an amateur creates a movie critique. Still, I hope I helped. (there’s a TLDR version at the end)

A Comparison of Show Boat (1936) and Show Boat (1951)

Racial prejudice and other issues are prevalent in Show Boat from 1936 and Show Boat from 1951. Show Boat is a musical that shows people's diverse lives who worked or has/had affiliations with the Cotton Blossom, a showboat that roams around the Mississippi River. Everywhere they go, be it in Chicago, their life story is narrated through a musical. It was first performed in 1927 for Broadway and the entire musical was based on the novel with the same name, Show Boat, by Edna Ferber. If I were to rate these musical films in MTRCB guidelines or classification, this will be classified as "PG" wherein parental guidance is suggested since there might be some scenes unsuitable for all audiences. Show Boat is a drama, romance, and comedy rolled into one family film in terms of its genre.

The plot of the 1936 version of Show Boat is more accurate than the somewhat revised version from 1951. Scenes are lacking in the 1951 version compared to the 1936 version and there can be scenes lacking in the 1936 version because the 1951 version is revised and altered in some way. As expected, the 1951 version ended very differently than 1936 one, only that the musical numbers of every character are extended that makes this version of the film more entertaining, giving off comedic episodes. And since the musical is set in different timelines (the late 1880s, 1890s, 1900s, and 1920s), the 1951 version has failed to execute that in the film, and which the 1936 version has achieved. Plot-wise, the 1936 version is better. If musicality-wise, the 1951 version is better since the musical numbers are more festive.

In the 1936 version of Show Boat, I find that there are a few characters who have no personality or do not radiate liveliness when in fact, it should be observed because the film is comedy. Take Gaylord Ravenal’s (Allan Jones) character. He is indeed an exceptional performer, but in this version, he does not have a personality, very different from Magnolia Hawks (Irene Dunne) in this same version. But, no one would be suitable for Magnolia (Irene Dunne) other than him. Probably because he was not shown for several minutes and the storyline was focused on Magnolia (Irene Dunne) herself, Captain Andy Hawks (Charles Winninger), and others. It felt as if Gaylord (Allan Jones) is not given justice as a love interest to the daughter of the showboat captain. I commend Joe’s (Paul Robeson) character in this 1936 version of the musical, despite that he only has a few scenes, I see his personality, especially in his rendition of Ol’ Man River. Among my favorites are Julie La Verne (Helen Morgan), Captain Andy Hawks (Charles Winninger), and Queenie (Hattie McDaniel). Steve Baker (Donald Cook), Julie’s (Helen Morgan) spouse, is rather a concerned husband for his troubled wife, and how I liked Julie’s (Helen Morgan) singing along with Queenie (Hattie McDaniel) and Joe (Paul Robeson)—their voices are blending and transitioning nicely. Parthy (Helen Westley), a wife to Captain Andy Hawks (Charles Winninger), and a mother to Magnolia (Irene Dunne), is an almost-perfect character for her role. Her authoritarian aura is perfect and at the same time, she is a comedic relief in other scenes in the film but not as perfect as Captain Andy Hawks (Charles Winninger). I view him as a loving father, although he can be goofy at times but he is a real loving father.  Meanwhile, Queenie’s (Hattie McDaniel) character is also a comedic relief, one of the characters bringing life to the film and an incredibly suitable match to Joe (Paul Robeson). Pete (Arthur Hohl) on the other hand, does not seem to be a boat engineer like what his character is, but he carried out his character very well as someone who bothers Julie (Helen Morgan), I thought he is Joe’s co-worker who is up to no good. The couple Frank Schultz (Sammy White) and Ellie Schultz (Queenie Smith) are quite effective comedians and performers on-stage and humble off-stage, most especially when they willingly help Magnolia (Irene Dunne) find work. As for the child Kim (Marilyn Knowlden), she did good, as well as the teenage Kim (Sunnie O’Dea) whose expressions are on-point in her short segment in the film.

In the 1951 version, I liked Gaylord Ravenal’s (Howard Keel) character. He has personality here (because he is shown countless times in the film) but unlike the 1936 Gaylord (Allan Jones) and Magnolia (Irene Dunne), this version of Gaylord Ravenal (Howard Keel) does not match with this version’s Magnolia Hawks (Kathryn Grayson). I cannot blame that Gaylord’s (Howard Keel) performance went ridiculously exaggerated that the original essence of Gaylord Ravenal is lost. The good thing is that Gaylord’s (Howard Keel) musical performance with Magnolia (Kathryn Grayson) is phenomenal, his baritone voice smoothly complements with Magnolia’s (Kathryn Grayson) soprano voice, they just do not have the chemistry as a couple in the film. Magnolia (Kathryn Grayson) is okay, she has the same omen with the 1936 version of Magnolia (Irene Dunne), both portraying a naïve character and in love. Now, the 1951 version of Captain Andy Hawks (Joe E. Brown) is one of the best portrayals I have ever encountered, the same with the 1936 version of Andy Hawks (Charles Winninger) but much better in goofiness. He could make you laugh, and in a matter of minutes, you are now sobbing. That is how convincing he is. This 1951 version of Andy Hawks (Joe E. Brown) is a ray of sunshine that does not make the entire 1951 film literally awful. As for Julie La Verne (Ava Gardner), she has the potential to make her character the Julie La Verne she is. Too bad that her character is changed throughout the film, and I am disappointed how her singing voice was dubbed by another. Her voice suited singing those parts. Furthermore, Julie’s (Ava Gardner) husband, Steve Baker (Robert Sterling), is all right. His character is perhaps adjusted, he became an abusive husband to Julie (Ava Gardner) while in the original plotline of Show Boat, he just left his wife (and she became an alcoholic). Parthy (Agnes Moorehead) is a strict mother and a comedian, but she does not give off a domineering vibe, much different than the 1936 version of Pathy (Helen Westley). I have nothing much to say about Pete (Lief Erickson), he is alike with Pete (Arthur Hohl) in the 1936 version of the film. However, I would regard the 1951 version of Pete as a boat engineer. Again, I applaud Joe’s (William Warfield) rendition of Ol’ Man River, the same with the 1936 Joe (Paul Robeson). His character is of greater importance in the film. Without the 1951 Captain Andy Hawks (Joe E. Brown) and Joe (William Warfield), the film would be incomplete. And as far as I can remember, I never saw Queenie in this film, even a glimpse of her. Unfortunately, I believe there is no cast assigned for Queenie in this 1951 version of Show Boat, I was expecting to see this version of her. They also omitted Rubber Face here. Also, I admire the fact that they have cast a real-life couple for the comedian couple Ellie Schultz (Marge Champion) and Frank Schultz (Gower Champion), no wonder they have the chemistry. This couple is funny, and I loved Ellie’s dancing. Finally, Kim Ravenal (Sheila Clark [uncredited]) did her role as Magnolia’s (Kathryn Grayson) daughter great, she seems to be enjoying portraying the character which makes her pleasing to watch.

The set design for the 1936 version of Show Boat is barely accurate for the period. Why is Julie holding Magnolia’s smiling closed-up portrait? It was the 1890s, they are supposed to have photographs taken by an ambrotype or a daguerreotype. The photograph quality is utterly impossible to create using a daguerreotype, let alone a handheld camera existing in the Victorian era. It would be acceptable if the year it is shown in the film is in the 1920s or the current year the film was released. For the 1951 version of Show Boat, I never noticed if the set design is suited for the time era the film is set in. But I am not sure about the elevator scene. I believe that is also in the Victorian era. Manual elevators in that era were popular and widespread, those manual elevators where you have to close yourself the elevator doors and such. And in that era wherein Magnolia and Gaylord are already together, the elevator with automatic doors or push-button doors was considered advanced or high-tech since it was recently introduced. Knowing that they settled in a famous Chicago quarter for the rich, I think that the elevator scene will be acceptable. The 1936 film is in black and white whereas the 1951 film is in Technicolor. Both version’s set designs are so-so. I find that the camera zoom-in for every character's dialogue is too much, few zoom-ins are enough. Visual-wise, the 1951 film is better because it is in Technicolor.

For the costumes, the 1936 version showed some scenes where the characters (including the extras) are wearing inaccurate costumes for a certain time era. Understandably, the costume designers in the 1930s are not that capable of creating accurate costumes because it takes a lot of effort and time researching and making every costume as authentic-looking as possible. In the 1951 version, the accuracy of the costumes has developed somehow. Colors are vibrant enough and the patterns unique to be recognized for the showboat actors because they are actors, and not vibrant and dull colors for the non-actors (and actors as well) with normal patterns, to be used for everyday life. If I am not mistaken, there are a few costumes with distinct designs and cuts that were trendy in the 1950s, and there are several in the 1936 version with the 1930s cuts or patterns for clothing.

To compare the sound quality of the 1951 version of Show Boat and the 1936 version, the older version is the least better. Recorders in the 1930s are not as advanced as the 1950s ones, 15 years later. The sound for the 1930s is a bit unstable, difficult to make sense of or grasp than the 1951 version (unless you are a native speaker or using closed captions or a person from that time era) despite having those both versions’ actors use a Transatlantic accent or also known as Mid-Atlantic accent.

Using the Theories of Performance to compare the 1936 version of Show Boat and the 1951 version of Show Boat, if I were to tell which one I liked the best, I would say that I liked both of them. Both of them should have been a very compelling story presenting timely issues such as racism or racial prejudice, mixed marriages regarded as illegal, forgiveness, and others but only the 1936 version has successfully integrated those into the film. Both versions have their special qualities, a handful of scenes are a tearjerker. Some scenes can be lacking in the 1951 version, but there are also scenes lacking in the 1936 one. The 1951 plot as the film ends differs from the 1936 plot that remained loyal to the storyline of Show Boat. Both films are funny and the dramatic scenes made me want to weep with the actors together. Great choice of casts to both versions, only that the two films are apparently rushed albeit their duration is almost 2 hours long and the storyline and some dialogues are revised for the 1951 version. I would not recommend the 1951 version of this film if you are a Broadway Show Boat fan because you might find it bland. Plot-wise, the 1936 Show Boat is highly recommended to watch first, and the 1951 Show Boat if you are seeking musicality-wise.

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TLDR

1951 version - more like a musical ; 1936 version - more like a film

1951 - Technicolor  ; 1936 - black & white

1951 - storyline has changes ; 1936 - loyal to its plot

1951 - feels like a comedy ; 1936 - a little comedy with drama

1951 - audio quality better, actors can be easily heard / understood ; 1936 - audio quality is a bit “glitchy”

1951 - some original characters omitted ; 1936 - somehow kept the characters complete

1951 - lacking scenes but added additional scenes not in the original plot ; 1936 - also lacking scenes but many scenes are in the original plot

1951 - no teenage Kim ; 1936 - has teenage Kim

1951 - costumes, set, & props a little accurate ; 1936 - costumes, set, & props not that accurate

[akahana21]

““I’d like to repeat the advice that I gave you before, in that I think you really should make a radical change in your lifestyle and begin to boldly do things which you may previously never have thought of doing, or been too hesitant to attempt. So many people live within unhappy circumstances and yet will not take the initiative to change their situation because they are conditioned to a life of security, conformity, and conservatism, all of which may appear to give one peace of mind, but in reality nothing is more damaging to the adventurous spirit within a man than a secure future. The very basic core of a man’s living spirit is his passion for adventure. The joy of life comes from our encounters with new experiences, and hence there is no greater joy than to have an endlessly changing horizon, for each day to have a new and different sun. If you want to get more out of life, Ron, you must lose your inclination for monotonous security and adopt a helter-skelter style of life that will at first appear to you to be crazy. But once you become accustomed to such a life you will see its full meaning and its incredible beauty. And so, Ron, in short, get out of Salton City and hit the Road. I guarantee you will be very glad you did. But I fear that you will ignore my advice. You think that I am stubborn, but you are even more stubborn than me. You had a wonderful chance on your drive back to see one of the greatest sights on earth, the Grand Canyon, something every American should see at least once in his life. But for some reason incomprehensible to me you wanted nothing but to bolt for home as quickly as possible, right back to the same situation which you see day after day after day. I fear you will follow this same inclination in the future and thus fail to discover all the wonderful things that God has placed around us to discover. Don’t settle down and sit in one place. Move around, be nomadic, make each day a new horizon. You are still going to live a long time, Ron, and it would be a shame if you did not take the opportunity to revolutionize your life and move into an entirely new realm of experience. You are wrong if you think Joy emanates only or principally from human relationships. God has placed it all around us. It is in everything and anything we might experience. We just have to have the courage to turn against our habitual lifestyle and engage in unconventional living. My point is that you do not need me or anyone else around to bring this new kind of light in your life. It is simply waiting out there for you to grasp it, and all you have to do is reach for it. The only person you are fighting is yourself and your stubbornness to engage in new circumstances.””

—

[akahana21]

period dramas with poc main characters

this is a list of period dramas with poc as main characters. there are many out there with poc as minor or side characters, but this list is to highlight period dramas that have poc who hold main character roles. 

if you have any suggestions, feel free to add them on! (this will be edited with more suggestions as time goes on)

films

belle (2013)

the handmaiden (2016)

bajirao mastani (2015)

jodhaa akbar (2005)

padmaavat (2018)

hidden figures (2016)

12 years a slave (2013)

the color purple (1985)

the help (2011)

devdas (2002)

dreamgirls (2006)

wuthering heights (2011)

frida (2002)

princess ka’iulani (2009)

bandidas (2006)

django unchained (2012)

fences (2016)

42 (2013)

a united kingdom (2016)

selma (2015)

race (2016)

the man who knew infinity (2015)

neruda (2016)

queen of katwe (2016)

the empress of china (2014)

kalank (2019)

assasination (2015)

the black prince (2017)

harriet (2019)

untold scandal (2003)

rudhramadevi (2015)

sophie and the rising sun (2016)

kartini (2017)

tenggelamnya kapal van der wijck (2013)

bumi manusia (2019)

3 srikandi (2016)

sang penari (2011)

if beale street could talk (2018)

the sapphires (2012)

shows

still star-crossed (2017)

tut (2015)

the get down (2016)

frontier (2016)

roots (2016)

the musketeers (2014)

bbc merlin (2008)

black sails (2014)

juana inéz (2016)

the hollow crown: henry vi (2016)

the empress of china (2014)

black sails (2014)

indian summers (2015)

harlots (2017)

mr. sunshine (2018)

the indian doctor (2010)

mercy street (2016)

kingdom (2019)

oh my general (2017)

queen for seven days (2017)

scarlet heart ryeo (2016)

empresses in the palace (2011)

rookie historian goo hae ryung (2019)

the spanish princess (2019)

small island (2009)

dancing on the edge (2013)

underground (2017)

the long song (2018)

lado a lado (2013)

[akahana21]

Let’s Play: Doki Doki Literature Club (part 2)

I’ve been late but yeah why am I horrible. I’m doing this for myself, not for viewers. No English subtitles still just because I’m too lazy to put subtitles for now coz no one’s watching it anyway so why bother lol. 

[akahana21]

[akahana21]

Let's Play: Doki Doki Literature Club (part 1)

Ya'll I just started a YouTube channel a few days ago. Take note that I'm not really a game person so DDLC just makes sense, I guess? Please be good to me. Just finished doing the English subtitles on my own, and I'm sure it's just better to watch with subtitles on because I'm not a type of a person who can be understood well by verbal words, generally. I think I'll be opting for foreign viewers than local ones since I'm speaking my language here, not even that articulate in speaking my mother tongue, which could make it hard for local viewers (if there are any) to understand what I'm saying unless they mute the video and watch it with subtitles on. Whereas if the viewers are foreign, they just might not understand some words or phrases, and only understand what I REALLY MEAN by reading the subtitles. Enough with the talk talk, I'm confident in promoting my channel (as well as my video) because of the English subtitles. You may comment whatever you like, especially if it's for my improvement, and avoid commenting something traumatizing enough to make me an insomniac. Please subscribe to let me know if I should still continue this somewhat-risky path of a hellhole I went into.

[akahana21]

Making ketchup soup

Hello again. I came across a video on YouTube (since I’m a loyal subscriber of this channel), and thought, “should I try doing this?”. It’s a free meal, actually. And judging from the title, I’ll be making a ketchup soup. Of course, out of ketchup. Packets of ketchup. I know it sounds gross, but why not? People from the Great Depression Era tried eating this kind of soup, also called poor man’s soup, HOBO’s tomato soup, etc. The ketchup soup is commonly made by adding hot water into a small amount of ketchup (from fast-food ketchup packets). It is being eaten for many decades now, so whatever, I’ll do this. Maybe if I get real broke in college as I’m living in a dorm I’d definitely eat ketchup soup every dinner (if I have stocks of ketchup packets). Without further ado, let’s do this. 

You’ll need:

Packets of ketchup (ketchup packets from Jollibee are only available as of the moment)

Sugar (not shown in the photo)

A bowl, of course

Spoon

Hot water (also not shown)

Step One: Pour all the ketchup into the bowl (it’s already obvious)

Step Two: Put sugar into it

This time, I used the available sugar at home; brown sugar. I can’t recall what sugar measurement I put here, I relied on my preference (I don’t like them too sweet). 

Step Three: Stir them together

You can clearly see some undissolved sugar as I mix the ketchup and sugar together. 

Step Four: Add hot water into the mixture

I can’t remember the water’s measurement here butttt you should not pour all the hot water, let the mixture’s consistency become thinner as you add more and more water. Remember that you’re mimicking a tomato soup, which means that the packets of ketchup will be the replacement for tomato soup. 

Step Five: Finished

Make sure that the consistency is almost like a tomato soup’s. Add creamer if you’d like (in my case, we don’t have creamer at home so I skipped that part). Enjoy!

THE VERDICT

I’m actually surprised that it tasted like a tomato soup! Like, from a can. Canned tomato soup. Dunno if this is only me, but tastes similar to Hunt’s Pork & Beans, but without the pork and the beans. Just me? Okay. I’d love to try this again, but with a different fast-food ketchup packet and with a creamer. And since I’m from a rice-eating country, I’ll add rice with that. It’s actually good if you’re stuck at home and you’ve got nothing to eat because you’re too lazy to cook or too broke to eat outside. However, it’s not good for an everyday meal, it’s almost like you’re one step ahead to malnutrition. Let your body have its recommended daily intake of nutrients, and don’t forget to drink water! 

[akahana21]

the unedited version

Anyway, this is the unedited version (the one that I submitted for editing). Would I get sued just by mentioning ‘president’ on my work? We may never know.

A Wake Up Call: Our Country is Uncompetitive

We all know that in this country, the Philippines, poverty is a great issue. There is a “great famine” here in our Pearl of the Orient which started a long time ago. Let us start with education, since the “education status” of most of the citizens in a specific country is a contributing factor to the country’s so-called “success”. Us, humans, have the rights that we possess ever since we were born. One of those rights is the right to study, be it only a primary education. To everyone around the globe, education is a right. No one could forbid or in any way restrict a person regarding his right to study since this violates the human rights. Following the Philippines' Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the Article 1 states that "All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights. They are endowed with reason and conscience and should act towards one another in a spirit of brotherhood." In addition, according to Article 26, Section 1 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, "Everyone has the right to education. Education shall be free, at least in the elementary and fundamental stages. Elementary education shall be compulsory. Technical and professional education shall be made generally available and higher education shall be equally accessible to all on the basis of merit." This supports primary education as a human right.

I would emphasize the word "everyone" on the said article. Because "everyone" has the right to education, or in other words; to study, then, primary education must be available to everyone. “Elementary or primary education shall be compulsory, technical and professional education shall be made generally available, and higher education shall be equally accessible to all” which means everyone and anyone regardless of gender, age, social status, or position in a societal hierarchy has the freedom to study. Failure to conform to human rights, including this right, the offender violates the rights of the person. Consider other cases such as a family suffering financially. Commonly, the parents restrict some of their children from studying even in public schools, and instead spend their fortune (which is enough for providing everyday needs, especially school expenses) on vices.

Many say that "Education is the key to success". Education helps in improving a country socially, in its economics, and the such. The educated people can make a country successful in no time. Also, as what Nelson Mandela says, "Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” No one could take away the fact that you are an educated person with your own free will. Through education, it opens one's eyes to the harsh reality of the world. When one's eyes are opened, this could lead to make a movement in the society. Education is not always about being literate or having the ability to only write and read. It helps the people to be independent and firm to where they stand in. As we grow up, we become much more exposed to the harsh reality, this causes us to value life, even when the world is cruel, even when we encounter misfortunes.

The developed nations have the most number of citizens who are educated. Based on statistics, as of September 2019, Canada is one of the most educated country in the globe. This proves that Canada is a developed nation, which consists of educated societies that can contribute to the country's success. Around the world, Canada is one of the countries who has a high-ranking place in the most productive country by GDP or Gross Domestic Product per hour worked with a 50.29 USD. This means that Canada is included in the progressive countries in terms of economy. One of the most productive country by GDP per hour worked along with Canada is the United States, who reportedly to be one having the most population with educated citizens.

If the Philippines has the same amount of educated citizens, our country's economy might be progressive and is improving every year, owing to the fact that the developed nations that I have mentioned do have the most number of educated people. However, due to the rise of poverty in the Philippines (The causes? First, in a crisis there comes high inflation rates, also, there is a booming population [the population grows very rapid annually], etc.), being educated can be impossible, which impedes the progressiveness of the country's economical state. With poverty, many poor Filipino citizens are not capable to provide their family everyday with a 3-times-a-day meal, what more with education itself? The right of the Filipinos to study in accordance with the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, Article 26, Section 1, is not happening. Our country is being left behind. Does the government, especially the president, even address issues like these? I must say that the government is sleeping on more important issues and being all-ballistic on some petty issues.

This is a wake up call. This is our time to act. As a Filipino citizen and an educated person, I am calling upon the youth, especially the educated, and the whole Filipino society, not only by blood but by heart, that we should take a stand in making this country progressive and a better dwelling for the future generations through education and our overall unity. Let us wake up to the issues occurring in this country and start with doing small things as great changes start with them.

[akahana21]

My work is in the school paper...again

Sooo...I'm in the school paper again for the second time around (and my last). My first was when I was in 4th grade wherein the school paper back then was a tabloid. Our school paper has improved quite a lot; from a tabloid into a broadsheet, a future journalist (also a student) is responsible for everything in the school paper's publication, etc. You name it.

I just-- Okay so this is where my emotions lead me = this work. I asked a friend (who is responsible in publishing this school paper) to edit out any grammatical mistakes or 'articulation that has been spoiled' (unlogical phrases and sentences 'here and there'). Well, of course, he did the work. What's funny is I didn't make it when I was asked, the good thing is I have the copy of my UDHR speech on my laptop...so I edited some parts. Later on, I submitted the 'speech' turned into an 'article' ‘editorial’ ‘opinion’ whatever.

Anyway, I'll post it here since I expect that the link couldn't be accessed in the near future. We're told that it is only a temporary website.

We all know that in the Philippines, poverty is a great issue. There is great famine here in the Pearl of the Orient which started a long time ago.

Let us start with education. Its status among citizens in a specific country is a contributing factor to its so-called “success”.

We have the rights that we possess ever since we were born. One of those rights is the right to study, be it only a primary education.

To everyone around the globe, education is a right. No one can forbid or restrict a person regarding their right to study since this violates their human rights.

Article 1 of The Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) states that, “All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights. They are endowed with reason and conscience and should act towards one another in a spirit of brotherhood.”

In addition, according to Article 26, Section 1 of the UDHR asserts that, “Everyone has the right to education. Education shall be free, at least in the elementary and fundamental stages. Elementary education shall be compulsory. Technical and professional education shall be made generally available and higher education shall be equally accessible to all on the basis of merit.”

I emphasize the word ‘everyone’ on the said article. Because ‘everyone’ has the right to education, or in other words, to study. Regardless of gender, age, social status, or position in a societal hierarchy, anyone has the freedom to study.

Failure to this right is a violation to the UDHR.

“Let us wake up to the issues occurring in this country and start with doing small things as great changes begin with them.”

Many say that, “Education is the key to success.” Education helps a country to improve. The educated people can make a country successful in no time. Also, as what Nelson Mandela says, “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” No one can deny the fact that you are an educated person with your own freewill. Through education, it opens one’s eyes to the harsh reality of the world. When one’s eyes are opened, this could lead to a movement in the society. Education is not always about being literate or having the ability to write and read. It helps the people to be independent and firm to where they stand on issues that matter. As we grow up, we become much more exposed to the jarring reality, causing us to value life, even when the world is cruel, and even when we encounter misfortunes. If the Philippines has a sufficient number of educated citizens, our country’s economy may be progressing and improving every year, owing to the fact that developed nations have the greatest number of educated people. However, due to the rise of poverty in the Philippines – The causes? First, in a crisis, there comes high inflation rates. Second, there is a booming population. – being educated can be impossible, which impedes the progressiveness of the country’s economic state. With poverty, many poor Filipino citizens are not capable to provide meals for their family three times a day daily.

What more with education itself?

The right of the Filipinos to study in accordance with the UDHR is not happening. Our country is being left behind.

Does the government, especially the president, even address issues like this? I must say that the government is sleeping on more important issues and being all-ballistic on some petty issues.

This is a wake-up call. This is our time to act.

As a Filipino citizen and an educated person, I am calling upon the youth, especially the educated, and the whole Filipino society, not only by blood but by heart, to take a stand in making this country progressive and a better dwelling for the future generations.

Let us wake up to the issues occurring in this country and start with doing small things as great changes begin with them.

[akahana21]

para sa jowa kong tulog

tila ba’y isa akong Ibong Adarna

pagka’t tuwing kausap ako’y

ikaw kaagad ay nahihimbing,

mas mabilis pa sa alas kuwatro.

pakyu.

sadya bang pagod ka na

sa kuwento kong paulit-ulit dumadaloy

rito sa usapan nating 

walang harurot sa pag-imbento?

pakyu. 

mahal kita pero pakyu talaga

[akahana21]

[TRANS/NEWS] 200113 EXO CHEN LYSN UPDATE Hello, this is Chen. I am writing this because I have something to tell you all. Although I am really nervous and anxious about how to even begin, I wanted all of you to be the first to know the honest truth as you all have given me so much love, so I am writing this even with flawed sentences. I have a girlfriend whom I want to spend the rest of my life with. Although I had worries and concerns about what kind of things would happen as a result of this decision, because I wanted to deliver the sudden news as early as possible so that the members and company whom I’ve been together with, and especially our fans who are proud of me, wouldn’t be so shocked, I’ve been communicating with the company and the members. In the middle of doing so, a blessing came to me. Since the situation changed, becoming one where I could no longer do what I’d been planning to do with the company and members, I was very flustered, but found strength through this blessing. As I could no longer take any more time to think about when and how to tell you, I carefully mustered up my courage. I am so thankful to the members who sincerely congratulated me after hearing the news, and I’m also deeply grateful to all of you who have given me who is lacking overwhelming love that I don’t deserve. I will always remember my grateful heart, I will keep doing my best in my place, and I will repay your love that all of you have given to me. Thank you always.

source: x translator: jen please do not repost without permission!

[akahana21]

cerebrum and drugs

I love you with all my cerebrum

Foolish brain, my heart beats loud,

My brain releases much dopamine

At the sight of you,

Or when I hear your name,

Or when you’re here beside me,

When you’re talking,

In you, my brain gets high.

  You are a nicotine; very addictive,

You are an ecstasy; you give me energy,

You are a weed; euphoria is achieved,

You are a cocaine; happily, my heart beats,

You are a heroin; I become restless because of you,

You are an alcohol; I tend to forget my problems,

You are every drug that I do not intake,

You are like a drug in which I already abuse myself,

I keep on loving you even though you push me away.

[akahana21]

for the wrong person

no, not you.

This is for my savior:

You’re no one’s knight in shining armor,

I’m no one’s damsel in distress,

But I can be your own damsel,

Yes, it’s ridiculous and impossible.

  Admirable traits are captivating,

Truly I admire you that much,

Which means: you are fascinating.

I’m out of synonyms and the such,

Shall we settle this, then?

  Both separated by time and space,

Being together in a lifetime is hopeless,

Can you stop the time from running?

You’ve been in agony for so long,

Can we stay like this forever?

[akahana21]

The Melancholy of Mine

As I stare at the sky,

Into my mind ran the memories.

I can still remember that lie,

A lie, which made me foolish.

Here comes melancholy,

Spinning and spinning around

To I-- who cries loudly

Because of the person, inside I killed.

At the other side of my world is the Milky Way,

I tried to run to that world,

Only ended in my own galaxy,

The melancholy who tried to kill me; just disappeared.

I was brought to the seashore

By that melancholy.

I was not that aware.

That catastrophe has caused damage, really.

I tried to hold back

These tears, ready to stream down.

But I couldn't help

From making these fresh tears fall on my own.

This should be ended,

So I threw the bottle into the sea,

Where the paper inside

Has my feelings written which no one could see.

[akahana21]

I played the elevator game again

I’ve decided to post about the elevator game on reddit again. Why not? There are lots of plotholes, I only made this because I was in a state of ‘overthinking’ so I tried to occupy myself into writing. Anddd I felt a sense of relief when I finished writing it. 

Hello, Reddit. Yes, you read it right. I played the elevator game again. This time, it HAPPENED. My first post is about playing this game yet I failed. It's already 2019. June 12th. I'm in the mood to be real "independent". I've lost the people that I thought were my friends and the person who said he'll never get tired of me, they're all gone. To hell with that!

Before attempting to play this game again, I looked for several blogs and websites which contained the steps. Maybe there's a whole different "setup" for the individual to enter the other world. I failed playing it the first time, and I admit that I gave up. But that was months ago! Here I am. No entity nor human being could ever interfere with the ritual being successful again.

Anyway, I never found a website or blog that gives different steps. I'll be using the steps that I've memorized many months ago. My brain has saved it for future use. LMAO. You see, it's our summer vacation, I'm busy with my summer job in the hotel, that 5-star-hotel after the failed attempt. Seems weird, but there are only a few people checked in here. People are supposed to be enjoying their stay on a hotel while it's summer and today's a holiday. I swear, there are only a few people here, some of the staffs went out to eat since it's lunch break. This is the perfect timing to play the elevator game. There are only a few people here, which means that I can be alone, no one will be interrupting the ritual and no one will get on inside and mess up the process for about 50%. LOL, who am I kidding? It's always crowded here, real crowded. When I went here to play the ritual for the first time, the hotel was full of people. And as far as I can remember, these people were giving me weird looks and all. To be honest, the seats in the hotel's restaurant are mostly vacant, every seat anywhere are vacant, the rooms are vacant. Is the universe telling me something? Does this mean that this is now the time to do the ritual, to play the elevator game? Let's see.

I still know the steps. I know how I can go back if I get off the elevator on the 10th floor and if I didn't get off. Wearing the hotel staff uniform, I used the stairs to go down from the 2nd floor. Good thing, this uniform has multiple pockets. Inside my left pocket is my cellphone, despite the fact that I have no plans in using it in another world because it is said that electronic devices won't work, in my right pocket is my wooden rosary (I always bring my rosary everywhere since I'm a religious person. Wait, what? A religious person playing a ritual? Are you insane, self?) Maybe I really am though. I was told by my family that I needed to go on a mental health expert to "check" my sanity. Multitude of thoughts came over me. I have decided. I'll do the ritual, no more second thoughts anymore. Life's been miserable, people hating me, and I'll make it worse.

I headed inside the first floor's elevator beside or most likely near the restaurant door. The restaurant door's huge enough to recognize and I wouldn't have a hard time later on. This elevator is the one from the right side and the very last one, the end, with no elevator on its right side but four elevators on its left side, you know what I'm saying? I'm having difficulties explaining this one, you see. English is not my first language, as what I've mentioned earlier with my first post here (which was deleted, think I'm going to edit it and repost). Also at the tenth floor, it's also beside a huge glass door. So I'm confident enough that I won't be entering the wrong elevator later.

Lunch break is one hour, I wonder if how many hours I'm going to spend in another world, and hope I won't get into trouble once I'm back here. Still wearing the vibrant red hotel staff uniform with multiple pockets (and these pockets have my cellphone, rosary, inhaler, handkerchief, pocket-sized notebook, and ballpen), I pressed the button for the fourth floor and focused. I pressed the second, sixth, second again, and tenth floors respectively. The atmosphere is getting heavy or is it just me?

Getting ready to get killed or whatnot, I pressed the button for the fifth floor. Luckily, the elevator's not reflective, so I can just stare at the buttons and at my left side (the buttons are in the left side). Finally, the elevator has arrived at the fifth floor. I heard the door open and footsteps coming near me, coming inside the elevator with me. Is this the woman? She's not uttering anything, she must stay that way until I become successful with the ritual. She might make me nervous and unfocused and I don't want that. I never even looked at her. Never knew how she looked like. And I wouldn't dare to look at her. I forgot telling this, but the atmosphere started getting heavy when I have arrived at the second floor at the second time, someone's calling me, I didn't answer in any way and ignored it. Who could it be? Is lunch break over? No, just my head messing with me or the ritual, maybe. I'm in the middle of the ritual. I must stay focused.

"Goodbye, world." I told myself but I didn't really speak that, okay? I never spoke. I'm quiet. Just my mind telling goodbye, you may never know if I return safe and mentally unstable. I pressed the first floor's button and said a quick prayer inside my head. I felt the elevator ascending to the tenth floor instead the first floor. The real journey begins. The elevator arrived at the tenth floor and the door opened. I don't want to be the stubborn traveller who peeks at the woman for a second to see if she's really there. Because she is.

As I begin to move my feet towards the door to get outside, the woman spoke which caused a mini-heart-attack. What a nightmare.

"Where are you going?" Her voice is so sweet but I won't respond. Never. She sounded like a nice person and I would want to be friends with her since I don't have a single friend anymore and I would like to sing with her...I want to hear her voice some more. But then I remembered- she's not a person.

"Is there anything wrong?" She asked again, her voice full of curiosity.

As I took one step again, "I said, where are you going? You're not answering me. How rude." And now her sweet voice sounded sad and made me look like evil. She's the evil one!

I have to get out quickly, she may shriek later as I cross the door. I hate anyone shrieking, I become violent when I hear those sounds. I'm afraid I won't make it. And so I stepped faster and got outside the elevator. As expected, she shrieked as fuck. I wanted to punch that bitch so much to shut her up. But I can't and shouldn't.

It's dark outta here, the lights are off, but atleast I can still see because of the red light passing through the windows. I checked my cellphone, it's working! Why the heck is it working? Do I have to take a picture of my surroundings or maybe take a selfie? No. I can cry out of...happiness? I'm finally alone. But something's wrong, I can tell you something's wrong. I feel kind of tipsy, but I never drank liquor before the ritual. So scratch that. I have to make sure to keep my wits about before and during the ritual. I swear, there's something wrong.

I walked near a wall, this still looks like the tenth floor of the hotel I'm working at. I know the hotel all too well, and I'll never lose my way. While touching the wall for support, I just walked until I reach the gigantic windows showing the crimson red sky without clouds, without the sun, there's emptiness in the sky except the even crimson red color. From a distance, I can see a cross-like structure standing all alone. At this point on, I am confirmed very dizzy. I immediately got seated on the floor out of dizziness, staying vigilant. I feel like I'm losing some oxygen to breathe, and I started coughing and gasping for air. I'm sure I brought an inhaler with me, I touched my pockets one by one to feel the inhaler. And there, I found it and of course, used it. Now I don't feel dizzy anymore and not even gasping for air. I recommend to bring an inhaler or two if you're that fearless enough to play the elevator game. Approved and recommended! Works for me, but if it doesn't work, for you then, I'm sorry.

Once I feel better, I again walked towards the windows, now touching it. I tried to glance what's down there, like a soil or whatever I can walk on to discover what's more with this world that other travelers didn't see. I want to be the first one to see and reveal what we can do in this world.

I want to go outside the hotel. But I don't want to use an elevator to go down. No elevators for now. I went to the nearby staircase and walked down the stairs, patient enough to go down the first floor. Unfortunately, as I approached the next stairs to the fifth floor, it was barricaded, I think? Sort of someone or something put a gigantic wall on purpose or whatever. To stop me from going down the stairs. To stop me from knowing what's down there that we haven't yet discovered.

As a sign of defeat, I walked up the stairs again to the tenth floor. As I reach the ninth floor , I feel dizzy again. I've stayed too long in this world. People aren't meant to live in this "netherworld". Now I have to believe that "no man is an island". We can't always be alone. Especially in a world where there's only you who exist. We cannot live alone. I guess I've learned a lesson.

Still dizzy and a headache is starting, I hurriedly ran up the stairs. It's like running for my life, as if a horse is chasing me. I successfully reached the tenth floor, gasping for air again, walked to the elevator cautiously where I got off. I feel alive. Take note, I carefully went inside the elevator, only looking at the floor, afraid to look at the woman, fearing that I might disobey the rules.

With a sigh of relief, I clicked the button for the second floor. For short, I repeated the ritual. Now here it goes. As the elevator is ascending again to the tenth floor, I calmly pressed another floor's button lower than ten. Que horror, the elevator's still ascending. Fast. I began shaking. I pressed and pressed the first floor's button and hoped it'll work. I went past the eighth floor, before the elevator to step and reach the tenth floor, it began descending down the first floor. I'm still shaking. I looked at my rosary bracelet that I'm wearing and got the wooden rosary from my pocket and started praying. Prayers can do wonders...if you could only have faith.

The elevator stopped at the second floor. The door opened. I didn't get out. I looked at my surroundings. Looks normal and home-y. But then, the elevator's door closed on its own and went down the first floor. The door of course did open again. I observed everything outside. Once I realized that everything's where they were supposed to be, I went outside without looking back and without breaking the rules. I'm home.

It was still lunch break when I got back. As usual, I worked like nothing happened. But deep inside, there are things that troubled me. Especially this one. Why did it open at the second floor? I haven't read it somewhere. Everything's normal. Everything's alright. While working, a co-worker called me and said that I have a visitor. I went to the office and waited. I heard the door opened, someone hugged me from the back. Look who it is.

"Baby, I'm very sorry. I brought you a pizza."