#riverboycaloy

and then, with reinvigorated hopes, the new year came. Some time this month, I had J print out(being that he lives near a piso-print shop) and ship this couple-hundred paged document to that publishing house 'cause they want hard-copy submissions.

i still have no clue whether the house I sent it to would love my book enough to publish it. But even then, again, I just want to thank everyone who's ever extended their love and support and kindness trying to make this dream happen, J being the first. Whether it be through direct assistance or through long-distance prayers, each one I truly cherish.

thank you thank you thank you all of you!!!!

here's to hoping this publisher which I admire and respect which I won't name yet will take what I've put my heart and soul into and grant it its wings! 👼🏼

sending love and so much thanks, caloy

Where to even begin? I guess I'll start from the surface then work my way to the core. The movie was a spectacle. Easily one of the most visually-stimulating films I've ever seen. The colors. The nice touch of vignette. It was unfortunate that there are a few moments I had to miss because of my bladder. I wouldn't have missed a blink if I had helped myself.

Ryan Gosling's portrayal of Sebastian was nothing short of charming. But Emma Stone. What a vision. What a performance. The dynamic between the two leading actors vibrated across the cinema but damn was it such a challenge to take my eyes off of Emma, as Mia. Just so magnetic.

The music. I cannot even. Prior to seeing the film, I had streamed the soundtrack and my ears were so glued to it that I was able to sing along one of the songs by the word. It took me to such a journey of emotions that had me smiling for so long, reduced me to tears, had me burst in amazement, and left me in states of calm.

There wasn't much dialogue but not too many words needed to be spoken. Everything else spoke clearly for itself. Anyone who's ever dreamed will relate to the story. But personally, I resonated almost too much with Mia because the resemblance of our stories is unquestionably uncanny. She is an aspiring actress/artist/writer who dropped out of Law school to pursue what she really wanted to be, working a skilled job to sustain herself. I am an artist/writer who also dropped out of school which I attended for my mom who wanted me to be a lawyer, worked a skilled job to sustain myself, in pursuit of almost the same artist dreams. I also have an aunt who's dearest to me, living in Paris, who would tell me stories of her travels. Also, one of the musical numbers felt like it was written after me(City of Stars) with J calling me his galaxy and all. And we're both skinny.

La La Land is a masterpiece. I could just feel how much passion and love was put into its creation. It's not like just one of those films that I'd see only to be entertained(which it masterfully did so). It captivated me to my very fibre and sang to my soul. It transcended the screen took me to the divine. I walked out of the theatre with J, shook, as though disoriented from so much flying.

It's only been days in after the tumultuous year that was 2016 and for a moment, upon seeing the movie, it felt as though all was redeemed.

See it. And see it now (posted on fb: 01/25/17)

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Here's photos of me and J enjoying cheap trills last weekend we visited one of our favorite cities ever, the nice la la land of Alabang, where I used to go to school.

It is more inspiring to be an artist now more than ever. For the first time in several years in the recent history of MMFF, I feel that we had finally gotten more than what we had paid for the tickets. It was iconic. And if MMDA continues from this renewed path and progress from it in the coming years, I will look forward to the festival with curiosity, excitement, and gratitude.

We hope to see the rest of the entries but even after seeing only 3 so far, we were already in bliss! Also, it wasn't included in the festival but I'd like to specially mention Patintero: Ang Alamat ni Meng Patalo! That one was iconic too!

I urge everyone and their tribes to go to your cinemas and see all of them now! It's beyond worth it!

Mabuhay ang sining ng bayang pinagmulan! Salamat MMDA and salamat sa mga tumangkilik!

Sending love and thanks, C