Movie Review: Hearty Paws (Heart Is...)

  I have just finished watching Hearty Paws, also known as Maeumi. This is a 2006 South Korean film. Spoilers ahead! If you plan to watch the movie, please do not read this review of mine.

This movie is about two siblings, Chan yi and So yi. They live in their aunt's house since their mother left them. For her younger sister's birthday Chan stole a puppy to give to his sister, as a birthday present. They named the dog, Hearty. The dog's real life name is Dolly, and she's a Labrador Retriever. (Dolly also starred in another Korean suspense/thriller movie entitled, Blind.) Just an update Dolly left this world on May 2016.

Life was happy for them even if they live a simple life. Then, their aunt, and uncle needs to relocate because of his uncle's job. Unfortunately, their aunt cannot bring them to their new place. Before they left, she gave Chan the address of their mom. During winter time an accident happened. Hearty, while looking at the kite fell in the cracked icy floor, and into the ice cold water. So yi, walked to where Hearty is, and so the icy floor cracked further, and she also fell in the ice cold water. Chan was not able to save So yi because he was relieving himself. Hearty was able to get out of the water but So yi died. Chan came to hate the dog, Hearty. When Chan set out to find his mom in Busan. Hearty followed even if it meant a long travel for her. Chan was not welcome in his mom's place, and he found out his mom was leaving for the U.S. with her partner. Along Chan's journey, he came across children who works for a syndicate. They solicit money from people in the bus saying they are looking for their parents. The gangster's leader was a cruel man, with a rough dog, named Becky. (I am not an expert in dog breed, but she looks like a German shepherd to me. Correct me if I am wrong.)

Hearty risked her life many times for Chan's life. It is painful to see Chan despising Hearty, and being cruel to her even if Hearty continues to follow him around. This movie really made me realize how loyal, and loving is a dog compared to a human. Also, in the movie the mother of Chan was not around most of his lifetime. Only Hearty proved to be the most loving, and loyal companion to Chan. This movie was truly a super-duper tearjerker. I cried a lot. Of course, the very sad scene when Hearty was dying made me cry, and think... What if it is my dog Happy?

The ending of the movie was very realistic. For us, dog lovers, and dog owners. We know, and we are very sure that a dog won't break our hearts ever. Maybe, only just one time, and that is when they will leave us. They say that our dog's life span is not that long compared to us humans, so we should cherish every moment that we spend with them.

By the way, the photo that I posted here, were all screen shots from the movie. The movie poster was taken online. Over-all the movie was good for me. It shows how dogs love. They are great teachers of unconditional love. Life is not really smooth for everyone of us. I think the reason why God made a dog is to give hope, and joy to  people who are lonely in this world. Dogs are like sunshine. I recommend this movie to all dog lovers out there, and to those who aren't. Just give this movie a try, and open up your heart.

Love Is (Book 1 and 2) by Puuung

  Yesterday, I got my copy of Puuung's 'Love is' illustrated book. I bought these books because it was featured in one of the best Kdrama that I have seen, W Two Worlds. I also like to have Puuung's creation. So even if this book is a bit expensive. I still ordered it. It is not available here in my country so I ordered it online.

Puuung is a popular illustrator in Grafolio, an online website that features comics illustrators in South Korea. I came to know Puuung 3 years ago. I got attracted to her drawings because I like her style in drawing characters. It is so postcard like.

Another thing that I like about Puuung's creation is that it is based on real life situations and happenings. I also like the message that her drawings convey. You don't need to spend a lot in order to show your concern, care, and love for another person. You can show your love by showing acts of love and kindness to him or her. Puuung has a facebook page and YouTube channel. To all comics and book lovers. I recommend the nice illustration book.

My Birthday... Happy Today!

  I thank God for its another year for me. Praise God for another birthday! It's been a year of laughter, sometimes sadness, but overall it has been a wonderful year for me. Thank God for all the provisions that He has given me. I got a stable job, my bible mates at work, and a few true friends in my life. Thank you, and you know who you are.

For my birthday cake today, its peaches and mango symphony cake from Red Ribbon. I wanted to have a Peanuts themed cake maybe this Christmas I will have it. I also got a Charlie Brown 'Good Grief', pullover from Vans. Perfect for the cold days. My mom gave me a bottle of vitamins, and my aunt a special gift. Thank God for my family! I think I'm quite satisfied with my Peanuts collections. They remind me about life's realities, and to not give up even in trying times. That's why I like Charlie Brown, and I'm reminded of myself through Marcie, and I'm like Snoopy who has an active imagination. I'm also like Linus who still has insecurities, I also see myself in Schroeder, who loves music, and cranky at times like Lucy.

I'm happy because this life of mine is a reminder that God loves me. That He created me, and He gave me life. I am not perfect but my prayer, as always is may I do His will for me. That I may be a good follower of His. Even if i fall, and fail may He guide me always and protect me with His rod and staff, from the enemy. You are my life's song, Lord!

Yes, I still pray for my future partner even if I'm not that young anymore. I pray that we will find each other in God's perfect time. If He has another will for me, may I be contented in my life, whatever state I'm in. Soli Deo Gloria!

My 'All About Chinese' Books Collection

       Most of those who knew me and also who are connected to me 'socially' online will know that I really like Chinese language, culture, arts, almost anything that is related to it. Anyway, this afternoon I collected all my Chinese books, (I put them somewhere around the house). I wanted to keep them all together, for safekeeping just like my Christian books, which are neatly arranged and safely tucked inside a small cabinet. Before, I said that this hobby of mine was my first love but I corrected it and said it is just my second love, because GOD should always be the first. :)

        Anyway, took a shot of these books, which I've been collecting since, I was a teenager (highschool days) and a few given to me by my friend and Filipino-Chinese friends/acquaintance. My collection ranges from history, novels, philosophy to language books. Also, included in my collection is the mainstream history and culture of the Filipino-Chinese, which is also a part of the Filipino culture.

          I remember my former 老師 laoshi (teacher), in mandarin language. He told me that it's a rarity to find someone like me who has a passion like this. He's also the one who encouraged me to continue doing what I love, and that someday I'll able to contribute something to the society.

        Here's a peek into one of my passion and interest. I listed the titles below. I categorized them.

History/Culture:

1. China Lonely Planet Guidebook

2. The Chinese Mestizo in Philippine History - author: Edgar Wickberg

3. The Chinese in Philippine Life (1850-1898) - author: Edgar Wickberg

4. The Ethnic-Chinese as Filipinos (part II) - edited by Teresita Ang See

Foreign Novels

1. The Good Earth - author: Pearl Buck

2. Falling Leaves - author: Adeline Yen Mah

3. The Joy Luck Club - author: Amy Tan

4. The Hundred Secret Senses - author: Amy Tan

5. The Kitchen God's Wife - author: Amy Tan

Language:

1. Say It in Chinese - Foreign Language Press Beijing

2. Learn Chinese Efficiently with Super Pinyin (phonetic) vol.I - edited by Jose Averia, English Translated by: Tinna K. Wu; Pilipino Translated by: Francisco G. Co

3. Easy Chinese Phrasebook and Dictionary - by: Wendy Tung

4. Speak Fujianwa (Fookien/Hokkien) Easy - by: Betty Lee

5. 300 by: Joaquin Sy

6. Niubi The Real Chinese You Were Never Taught in School - by: Eveline Chao; Illustrated by Chris Murphy

7.Teach Yourself Cantonese - by: Hugh Baker and Ho Pui-Kei

8. Chinese Flashcards (vol.I) - Tuttle Publishing

Local Literature:

1. Tsapsuy: Mga Sanaysay, Tula, Salin atbp. - by: Joaquin Sy

2. The Best of Tulay (Voices: Mga Tinig) - edited by: Teresita Ang See, Caroline Hau and Joaquin Sy

3. Weaving A Dream (Reflections for Chinese-Filipino Catholics Today) - author Ari Dy, S.J

Comic Book:

 1. Stories of Love - Illustrated by: Huang Qingrong; Translated by: Shen Siqin

Other books:

1. Chinese Zen - prepared, compiled and translated by Thomas Sy 

2. Love Poems from Ancient China and India - notes by Prem Jesus Jesswani, Ma.Carolina Chua and Ajit Mansukhani

New Year, Just Live, Smile, and Love

      I was thinking of the proper title to put here. I'm turning this personal blog into a public blog, which is the usual for most blogs, meant to be read by the public. Well, only a few people or maybe, you can really count by your fingers, those who had the chance to access this blog of mine. You can say now, you can read my 'heart's musings. Like the comment of my churchmate, he says that I'm always an 'emo' person. Well, maybe, the 'feeling' thing is really the dominant trait in my personality. Hello, Myers-Briggs personality test again! Leaving that aside, let's just say I am a person that has a high emotional quotient, I'm more in-tuned with my feelings. Looking inward an introvert.

     Enough of that explanation. So this is the second day of January 2014. I'm really looking forward to a lot of things, and of course I'm expecting that I will make new friends this year. And my plans, will push through with the help of some people. By the way, I want to share an artwork of mine, showing a cartoon 'me', welcoming 2014. Yup, I like to draw, to those who knew me, I almost took up Fine Arts wayback in College but chose a 'Science' course instead. So, I'm just re-awakening this passion of mine.

     Like what I have written in my spiritual/religious blog. I can say that we all have problems, hardships in life and tough times are inevitable. Rich or poor, class A, B and C people. Life like's that. It's just a matter of perspective. Like the lesson that I've learned in a Japanese movie, Midnight Sun, where the protagonist has a rare kind of disease, they call it XP, where exposure to the sun can actually endanger them and can also kill them. She said that she will continue to live her life, until the day she dies. If we think of our problems, and worry over it, what good does it do to us? Will it be solved immediately? We're just putting a lot of burden on ourselves. Like in the bible, Jesus said, "Why worry for tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself" (Matthew 6:34). Our Master have taught us that, so who else should we trust and believe? Echoing what the Apostle Peter, "To whom shall we go?" 

    

In closing, let us be thankful for we were able to behold a New Year. Some people may be pessimist

about looking forward to a New Year, like what's there to look forward to? But for me, everyday is a promise of hope from GOD, not only a promise, but also a gift. Let us be thankful for every tomorrows. And this new year just continue living life, enjoy and never be afraid to love. We may have experienced of getting hurt in the past but, don't lock your heart. To love is to be vulnerable like what C.S Lewis have said. If you have never really loved at all, or have taken the risk to fall in love, then you certainly don't know how it feels to be human.

     Love is for the brave and courageous.

(Below is my cover version of a song about LOVE, with an excpert on 1 Corinthians 13. The song speaks about love, that it is not like a thing that you replace if its not in fashion anymore. It is also about a person telling someone to not doubt her love for him because it is genuine love. That even if they grow old, physical appearance change, she will still love him, unconditionally. Forgiving that other person even if he did a wrong thing or hurt you. That is what true love is all about.).

Pag- Ibig

Ang pag-ibig, hindi parang cellphone
'pag naluma, papalitan
Ang pag-ibig, hindi parang damit
'pag may bagong uso, papalitan

Kung sabihin kong mahal kita
Yan ay totoo sinta
Wag na wag kang magdududa
Hindi kita binobola

Panghabang buhay ang pag-ibig ko sa'yo, o sinta
Kahit na ika'y pumangit, hindi kita ipagpapalit
Panghabang buhay ang pag-ibig ko sa'yo o sinta
Kahit na ika'y makalbo, hindi ako magbabago

Ang pag-ibig, hindi parang pagkain
'pag pinagsawaan, pamimigay nalang
Ang pag-ibig, hindi parang pusa
pag maingay, ililigaw nalang

Kung sabihin kong mahal kita
Yan ay totoo sinta
Wag na wag kang magdududa
Hindi kita binobola

Panghabang buhay ang pag-ibig ko sa'yo, o sinta
Kahit na ika'y tumaba, hindi ako mangangaliwa
Panghabang buhay ang pag-ibig ko sa'yo, o sinta
Kahit na magka-wrinkles ka, iki-kiss pa rin kita.

Love is patient, love is kind, it does not envy, it
does not boast, it is not proud, it is not rude
It is a not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it
keeps no record of wrongs
Love does not delight in evil, but rejoices with the
truth
It always protects, always trusts, always hopes and
always perseveres.

Panghabang buhay ang pag-ibig ko sa'yo, o sinta
Kahit na topakin ka, iintindihin kita
Panghabang buhay ang pag-ibig ko sa'yo, o sinta
Kahit na may kasalanan ka, iiyak ako
pero papatawarin kita

Song of the Moment: This Time

          I saw this Korean music video posted on a social site by my office mate.Good thing I checked out the video! I cried while watching. The video was really touching, and I can relate to the feelings shown in this video. What I like about this video is that it is presented in a unique way, sort of animation and comics strip style. The story line is also cute! It is a fantasy too. The story is a about a designer who owns a mannequin and then the mannequin became alive.

          I really like this song because the meaning of the song is really beautiful. Eventhough we've been hurt before, I know we can love again and trust someone who will love us truly, and stick with us through the good and bad. 

         Here are some of my fave shots from the MV.

Here's the English translation:

This Time

I promised myself that I will never fall in love again. I pledged this words in my heart.
Looking back at the memories I sealed.
Now I have broken my promise.
I let go of all the pain and tears.

The moment that I first saw your eyes.
Your smile lifted my courage.
As I rest on your shoulder, my heart feels warm.
I want to be with you forever.

Maybe this time it's different, my love.
I can trust you with my heart.
You and I, this feeling and passion,
will never change in this timeless world.

I hope we can remember this.
I love you baby, and I need you baby.
Without you I will forever drown in tears of sorrow.
Please don't change everything,
I will be the same.

I sincerely trust and love you but,
my confidence fades without you.
As the night shadows me,
and the day lights up.

If I do not see you, 
I might cry again.
The days of sorrow and sadness,
shadow me.

I have tried very hard to avoid,
men breaking my heart.
I hope you will not be part of 
sorrowful memories.

Open your heart,
hug me with love, forever. Baby.

You are the one and my last hope.
If I live in a world without you.
Darkness will fall and tears shed.
Please take care of my heart, my love.

Movie: Safety Not Guaranteed

    I have seen a lot of good movies recently through the recommendation of Mr. Kartoonista. From classics like the 1980's movie - Aeroplane, to Shakespeare's period (Shakespeare in Love), Pride and Prejudice and contemporary -- we both like You've Got Mail.  (Trivia: Pride and Prejudice was Kathleen's (Meg Ryan) favorite book here). In one of our conversations (online). He mentioned this movie to me. At first I was not really impressed with the trailer, its like my mind can't connect with what's being shown. But then again that night, since he wants to 'get' that movie, I became curious. So, I watched it online. Even if it was quite late, I was really hooked and I didn't fell asleep. The movie gave me goosebumps and it gave me a 'nice' feeling. I just love it! Well, maybe I'm just reminded of the lead female character of myself. There are times when you feel like you just don't belong to a certain crowd, but you try to be and then you find someone who's 'interesting' and somehow you connect with each other. It's like a 'soul mate' sorta' thing. It's like you 'clicked' with someone.

       Have you ever experienced something like that? Like  you've felt a connection with a certain person? Someone whom you feel comfortable with and you can talk for hours about anything under the sun, and never get tired of it? I somehow can relate to this movie again. (Talk about 'feelings' as a dominant part of my personality, thanks to my favorite psychologist of all time, Dr. Carl Jung for making me know myself more). I have seen some comments in youtube and like the people who posted their comments there. We all really liked this movie. I also like the lead actress in the movie, Aubrey Plaza in real life (I've seen her interviews online) she's kinda awkward, 'spaced-out' sometimes and at the same time frank, and funny. I like her personality. Anyway here's the synopsis of the movie.

"From the producers of Little Miss Sunshine - When an unusual classified ad inspires three cynical Seattle magazine employees to look for the story behind it, they discover a mysterious eccentric named Kenneth, a likable but paranoid supermarket clerk, who believes he's solved the riddle of time travel and intends to depart again soon. Together, they embark on a hilarious, smart, and unexpectedly heartfelt journey that reveals how far believing can take you."

     I also love the song from this movie. This is an 'all in one' movie, bit of drama, comedy and romance! Just perfect! If there's one movie who's made an impression on me this year this would be it. Believing in someone really makes a difference. 

This is one of my fave quotes from the movie:

Kenneth: To go alone or to go with a partner? When you choose a partner, you have to have compromises and sacrifices, but it's a price you pay. Do I want to follow my every whim and desire as I make my way through time and space? Absolutely. But at the end of the day, do I need someone when I'm doubting myself and I'm insecure and MY heart fails me? Do I need someone, who when the heat gets hot, has my back?

Darius: Sooo... Do you? 

Kenneth: I do.

 

Big Machine

Stand straight fall back in line
Comb your hair get to work on time
Everyone in the big machine
Tries to break your heart and pull you underneath

Maybe I’m wrong and all that you get is what you see
But maybe I’m right and there’s something out there to believe
Everybody’s talking in their sleep
They push a lot of air around but don’t say much of anything
Except when they're laughin' like some ghosts under a sheet
Everybody’s talking in their sleep

Watch out get back in line
They trip you up it happens every time
Weighed down it's just a big machine
That could break apart like anything