Film and All That Jazz

No, you're not reading the title wrong. 😁

The four words following the word "Film" on the title are indeed the opening act for the musical Chicago. 

And it feels fitting to use the line as a title considering one fact: The 97th Academy Awards, to be held around 10 days from now, on March 2, 2025, includes not one but THREE musicals, or music-themed movies, on its Best Picture contenders list. ☝✌👌

(source: MFAH)

From The Sound of Music to Beauty and the Beast, Les Misérables to Into the Woods, musicals have been a surefire mainstay for Award Shows. But having three competing for the top prize? Had it been done before? 🤔

I'm not a film historian, so I cannot (and won't) answer that question. The lack of coverage indicates that, yes, maybe it has happened before. But what I'm trying to say is: it's really a good time for a musical fan, huh? Moreover, the three musical features in question also come in different flavors. ♪🎵🎸😳

(source: Netflix, Pathé, Paradiso Entertainment)

Emilia Pérez gets the most nominations at the event; a somewhat daring and unusual musical, if you ask me. You can try watching the songs performed in the movie online. And I bet you might be startled by the titles (one song talks about gender reassignment. No kidding!) or annoyed by the comment sections that destroy the movie's Spanish lyrics. I saw a user shouting, "Did AI translate the lyrics?" Others say it's a movie by a French director with a Mexican setting WITHOUT real-life knowledge or experience of what is happening in the country. 😲😬

(source: Universal Pictures)

The second musical, earning 10 nominations, is an adaptation of a beloved Broadway hit musical that spent who knows how many years in the planning stage. In case you're still clueless about it, it's Wicked... 💚💔

Compared to the previous title, you may only find songs of praise online since the musical has such a massive fanbase. And the pitch-perfect combination of Broadway's Cynthia Erivo and pop icon Ariana Grande as the leads only adds to such a fanfare. 😆👏😍

(source: Searchlight Pictures)

Last but not least, stands a musician biopic in A Complete Unknown. True to its title, I admit I didn't realize until yesterday that it, too, counts as a musical. I mean, Bob Dylan is a legendary figure in the music industry. Much like the biopics of Ray Charles, Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Freddy Mercury, Elton John, and more, a movie centering on the rise and struggles of a musician will most definitely include music performances. And it's now common sense how this type of movie is easy Oscars-bait. Oh, and hey, let's not forget Timothée Chalamet's status as one of our current Oscar Darlings. 😘😅

So, as a long-time musical enthusiast, former short-lived theatre troupe, and vocal ensemble member in high school, which title of the three am I rooting to win? The answer is.... NONE. 

Not even Wicked, even when I am genuinely fond of some songs that defied gravity, popularized (pun intended) by the musical. Nope. ✋👋

Don't get me wrong. All three movies are good and shine in their own way. Having Zoe Saldaña and Selena Gomez in one feature alone is a rare Latina gem. And being unable to see the musical on Broadway, I had waited a long time to finally see if Wicked lived up to the two decades of hype. The third title? It may be the most praised of the trio by critics and music lovers. 👍

The problem is? I don't think they are Best Picture Winner material. Especially compared to the behemoth of Oscar 2024 --Oppenheimer or Barbie. 

There is more to that thinking. 🤔

Honestly, I'm not quite sure how I feel about Emilia Pérez in light of the controversies that have surfaced. Oscar movies are no stranger to controversies, of course. But many movies got away with it because the issue came out after their win. This one stole attention during the voting process. Ouch! 😨

As for Wicked? Please don't attack me for this, but when my interest dwindled the more the movie played, it became worrisome. To quote Elphaba's line from the movie, "You have no real power." I understand how and am happy to hear people enjoyed the movie. But to me, it felt rather bland. Maybe Part 2 will win me over with that long-awaited final duet? 😞

Meanwhile, my opinion about A Complete Unknown is non-existent and non-valid. The reason? I haven't seen it or any of its musical clips. I only saw the trailer, and that was yesterday. Hahaha. But, to reiterate, this one seems to garner more critical praise than the two female-centric musicals. It has also won a top prize earlier this month. Is it enough to snatch a win at the Oscars, though? THAT remains a giant question mark. 😐

Nevertheless, both Emilia Pérez and Wicked WILL win something. Zoe Saldaña's repeated win in the Awards circuit hints that her time to add the "Oscar Winner" title to her name will arrive soon. Contrary to the loud chorus of theatre-nerds-united chanting, "Wicked will win everything!"... its higher notes will likely resonate only on the Costume, Production, and soundly so, Sound categories, not the actors. This year's result may not give the Golden Statue to another musically inclined Ariana. A Complete Unknown should fare similarly to Wicked, ranking higher chance in the same categories. Yet somehow, the movie collects more nominations for acting. Those are already a difficult race to secure, considering the obvious victors in each one. And sadly, the odds don't seem to be in their favor. 🤷🙄

Speaking of which, the odds have indeed shifted in the race as the voting heading towards completion. Other industry awards have seemingly leaned toward a surprising title to be the more likely front-runner. Maybe it is for the best, though. Despite including three buzzworthy (for better or worse) musicals, the ceremony itself seems to be caring less about music. 😑😒

During my blogging days, I followed the Oscar race closely and even posted my ballot prediction sheet each year. I think I won't do that this year, as I haven't really seen most of the titles. My focus on the glitz and glamor of the Awards shows or Hollywood in general has waned anyway. 🥱😴

One thing is for sure, though. There will be upsets and surprises. Anything can still happen when The 97th Academy Awards air next month. Maybe one of these musicals will win the top prize. Who knows? Either way, it's going to be interesting, if not divisive. 😅🤷

I'm still a musical fan. That trait likely won't ever change until the end of time. But this year? Well, all I can say is my eyes aren't set on any musicals. Only one title I care about, one singular feature film I hope will win something. And that is? I'm rooting for an inspiring open-source achievement, an endearing underdog that takes the form of a black cat... 🖤🐈😉

Funny Valentine

When this post goes up, it will only be four days before one of the "Special Days" on the planet arrives. If February alone isn't enough for you to guess, then the shades of red and pink tone and heart-shaped items decorating most shopping malls, physical or virtual, might. ❣💕

Uh-huh! It's Valentine's Day. What else? Hahaha. 😍

To be honest, this topic feels like Deja Vu. I vaguely recall writing or commenting about this topic before. Although I cannot remember when or where. That was years ago, maybe during my Tumblr era? 🤔

Anyway, what makes Valentine's Day so special, then? You probably already know the answer. It's the DAY OF LOVE. The one date when romance is supposedly in the air, as we celebrate our feelings to our "beloved people"; a phrase that, thankfully, goes beyond boyfriend/girlfriend/significant other/partner nowadays (as it should be). It is the one date of the year when lovers bask in festive and cheer over the death of a priest in Rome, Ita-- ⚰☠

Huh? That cannot be right? Right? 😨

Except it IS indeed the backstory. 😰

Or at least one of the many stories/tales behind it. 🤔

That's one of the funny things about it. Despite the cheerful and joyous occasion, February 14 WAS the death of a martyr named Saint Valentine, hence the commemoration of his name. Saint Valentine was a priest the Roman Church acknowledged, later removed, but still eventually recognized as the patron of love. 💒🧔

That said, if we go even further back in time, Valentine's Day was originally a Pagan Ritual of Fertility! 😳

I won't go into details as you can read the history yourself. But my goodness, the irony of how this particular event evolved from the Middle Ages, huh? After all, like most festivities, religious or not, now it is all about two aspects: the cultural hype and the commercialization hecticness. 🤷🏻‍♂️

The hype speaks about how many people suddenly emphasize the event so much, often to an exaggeration. And furthermore, the hype shows in how people react to it. For better or worse, that is.

One example. It has become a fascinating sight in my country. Religious places or centers here are either banning Valentine's Day altogether, citing it is a foreign culture, or jumping all-in all-out into the bandwagon of festivity.

Well, please don't take my word (just a naive observation 👀), but the "peculiar" ban is most likely due to Valentine's Day originating from another, non-majority religion. Hence, it instantly becomes a big no-no in their community. 😬🙅🏻‍♂️

What about the other groups of people who are loud and proud of the festivity? It may also be due to the religious angle. "Loving others" is the core teaching of their belief. Thus, the Day of LOVE is naturally a fitting celebration. 😌🙏

(You can already guess which religions fit those "opposing" perspectives, right? 😅)  

As for the commercialization...

Need I even explain more? I'll let this artsy and expressive caricature detail it in 5 panels. 😏

(Source: LoadingArtist)

Hahaha, yes, Valentine's Day NEEDS flowers, particularly roses. Also, it MUST have chocolates! The bittersweet treat that triggers joy and happiness, apparently. Because it is a day of pleasure despite its dark origin. Bring out every ornament that is Red, Pink, or a combination of both! Some people even go the distance with dinner plans at a fancy restaurant or something extravagant. Woohoo! 😍💝🤩🥂

As of this writing, the e-commerce notifications from my phone are pinging non-stop. Proving the comic completely! 😅

"Send Gifts with this discount! Special Valentine! Use this code..."

I'm not really one to complain, I guess. Roses or candle-lit dinners are not my thing. So, I'm not buying or doing those anytime soon. However, during this time of the year, chocolates are always ON SALE! And that delights my inner child and sweet tooth. I enjoy stocking the often-exclusive treats to keep year-round, either for personal consumption or snacks for guests. In fact, I still have several bars from last year sitting on the fridge, expiring later this month. Hahaha. 😋🍫

Tasty chocolate craving side, I can't help but wonder. Have we lost sight of the true meaning of Valentine's Day by this sudden spending? 😳

Sure, the event is good for business. I mean, store owners would have LOVED seeing the increase of customers rushing to meet their "loving" deadline. Cha-ching! 🤑💸

But while the profit gets a boost, the pressure on the store workers may be equally high. Right? 😟

I have a pen pal who works in retail. Somehow, I feel he's already dreading this particular week due to having to work overtime again. How is that considered a loving gesture to them? 😨🤦🏻‍♂️

The gag comic above also concluded with a funny irony. 😅

Somehow, Valentine's Day also becomes a deadline to form a couple. This applies across the world. For example, I only learned last week that Valentine's Day is BIG in Thailand. Because the idea of finding love is ingrained in their society. I hear it has become an implicit "life goal" passed down from one generation to the next. 😶

So, what happens to those who do/can/will not have a lover? 🤨

It turned into a desperate and distressing celebration, perhaps prompting certain communities to eventually kick off the Singles Awareness Day on February 15 (supposedly in 2001). That's cool, I guess? 😅

I'm really not fond of how it is abbreviated as S.A.D., though. Especially since in our modern times, staying single or romantically unavailable/unattached has gained massive traction and normalcy. More and more people, regardless of age or gender, are choosing singlehood for various valid reasons.

To name a few: 

Specific sexual orientations, mental health stability concerns, true love is rarely feasible, fatigue due to the overt romanticization of romance, outrageous financial demands that follow, limitation of freedom is not for everyone, and so on. 😮

Are these people SAD? No, they aren't. Maybe FAR FROM THAT. Unless we're talking about the bigwigs in the government. They may be the sad ones in this equation. Not surprising, though. The stay-single movement does lead to the decline of population, causing many governments to decry and deploy all kinds of (and often, eye-rolling) methods to encourage, if not enforce, citizens to mate and eventually make babies. Yikes! But I'm not here to talk about how problematic and downright SAD such an approach can be. 🙄

I mean, on the bright side, different countries are treating Valentine's Day with lesser levels of desperation. February 14 is celebrated only as the attempt to announce or confess romantic feelings to an object of affection. It's all about the giddy fun of it all. 🤭

Japan spearheaded this world-famous tradition. You most likely already know what that is. It is depicted as a yearly trope in almost every lighthearted manga, anime, and TV drama series. Even in video games! Girls will band up to prepare handmade or purchase exclusive chocolate-themed treats for their crush. They hand those sweets over on February 14 while waiting to see if they will be reciprocated on March 14's White Day. 👀

I must admit that this tradition does make for a fun, usually funny, storyline fit for entertainment. That goes for the silly situations and shenanigans that ensue, of course. I'm not saying that love or romance is a joke. At the very least, it helps encourage us that the quest to find "the one" can be something lighthearted. It does not need to come from desperation (especially if the government somehow must act and have a say). 😌😛

Funnily enough, even THAT tradition HAS SHIFTED nowadays. Gone are the chocolate made for specific crush(es). MaiChoco has taken over! And as a short-term investment, too! Wait, huh? Hmmmm. The commercialization angle remains, I guess. Just aimed at a different direction. Hahaha. 😅

From a broader point of view, that's another thing that makes Valentine's Day funny, I suppose. Out of the blue, people want and need to declare or showcase their love. In this single day, as in a date that falls only once every 365 (or 366, you know the drill) days in a year. It begs the question: 

Why not on other days? 😐

Do people forget about love when it is not Valentine's Day? 🤔😨

That pen pal I mentioned above has his own perspective about these "special days" and the whole gifting situation that follows. He calls it the Random Gift Giving Day. And I must admit, I was already on board or agreed with him even before he told me. 🤭😁👍🏻

This is what he wrote (shared with his full approval):

"Giving a gift, say, on Christmas can mean, 'I really care about you, and this is a special day, so I want you to have this,' 

But it can also mean, 'I feel obligated to give something to you, so here it is.'

But a gift completely randomly says to me, 'I really care about you, and I've been thinking about you lately, and I want you to have this because I think you'll enjoy it.'"

That's an amazing point of view! Would you agree? 😄👍🏻

In a sense, to him, a day to express care, love, or romantic feelings is a day that falls not just annually or once a year. But it is something we should be doing ANY DAY of the year. After all, if you DO care or love someone, whether they are your soulmate, family, friends, or yourself, that is a celebration that should happen at any given moment. 🥰🎁☺💝

Put two and two together, and it is safe to say that every day should be Valentine's Day. We don't have to wait until the commemoration of a martyr's death. Right? Besides, that means we can rightfully honor Saint Valentine better, considering he served as a patron of love throughout the days when he LIVED, not just at his death. 🙏🏻❤

Valentine's Day may mean differently to people. To each their own.

But in my honest opinion, it should not be a day to celebrate love. Instead, it needs to be a day that reminds us how showcasing love should not be celebrated only once a year. Rather, it is something we must strive to do every single day; even through the simplest gestures. 😉❣

(Source: Writer Lady) 

Fickle Facts of Being "Busy"

According to Oxford Languages (as in, a quick search on the search engine 😏), the word "Busy" refers to:

- Having a great deal to do

- Occupied with or concentrating on a particular activity or object of attention.

- Keep occupied

I think anyone on the planet is familiar with the word, maybe as soon as they understand the concept of time or schedule. Even little toddlers may claim they are busy with something. Usually, they imbibe or imprint the four-letter combo from their parents who utter a random comment such as, "Oh, he is busy playing by himself." Kids soon pick up the line and BOOM, it turns into their catchphrase. Naturally, the level of "busy" intensifies as a person grows older. It becomes part of our routine, whether we enjoy it or not. 😅😖

Yes, you can say this piece serves as a spiritual follow-up to my previous post about nostalgia. After all, in it, I described how my late Dad was always busy. And, no doubt, that was a genuine fact. He used to bring his work home, and when I was not doing anything or on a school holiday, he would ask me to help him. 👨👐👦📚📁📑

The setting also included his office, as sometimes, he brought me along. Later that day, before we headed home, he would buy me comic books or take me to the famous shopping street nearby to buy something fancy (a new Saint Seiya action figure! A Sega Megadrive Game!). It was basically my reward, for using the calculator to count the numbers on his accounting slips (for the record, he worked at a catering service company for the transportation industry). Regardless of those side trips, I can fully attest, especially now, that I'm older, that his "being busy" was never merely an excuse. Those slips I mentioned? They were a tall stack since the company handled multiple routes at the time. Hence, even my slow-paced assistance was STILL helpful for him. 😨

Much like my recent (which is still ongoing, by the way) nostalgia blast, the memory I described above has been an eye-opening realization. My late Dad being excessively busy? That's an actual fact. Yet, despite it all, he made time for me. Even when he probably would have preferred to head home straight away after work, he took me out to eat tasty noodles (which, sadly, I have yet to experience again) or check out cool video games anyway. Now that I think of it, those simple acts mean a lot! A LOT! 😲😱

That era, as in my transformative years, was not a time when smartphones were yet a thing. For communication, we had to rely on landlines and hand-written/typed letters. But guess what? My late Dad checked up on me from his office, from time to time, asking if I wanted any DVD of Japanese anime he could buy on the way home. 📞💿💽

When we moved to another city as I was entering the university, but my Dad stayed in the capital because he was too attached to his work, my Dad never failed to call us at least once a week. Even though he was still around when the boon of cell phones came, I was too focused on myself to get him one. Oh, the painful regret! 😭

I can vividly imagine. If my Dad were still living among us, he would have mastered text messaging and repeatedly "annoyed" the family with funny videos or memes, sending Dad jokes at any time. How I desire for that to happen, really! That would have been the pleasant annoyance I would treasure all my life. Then again, he might have been a popular person raking followers on social media, considering his social, super sanguine personality. And frankly, I'm not sure how I would feel about that. Hahaha. 😅

That came along with this guilt weighing on my heart. Once it was my turn to enter the workforce, I became "too busy" to the point I didn't make time enough for my late Dad. I was too focused on chasing salary and rainbows that I forgot about the people who were there for me. The ones who truly mattered. Unlike my late Dad, my state of "being busy" was more than a mere fact. It also became an exhausting excuse. How I wish I could turn back time and change that attitude. Or, at least, to remind my younger self back then that his time with Dad was limited. And that he should make the most of that while he still could. 😢😭

Please don't make the same mistake. 😟🙏

I ran into these somewhat contradicting memes on social media as I'm typing this:

(source: Threads)

Okay, perhaps they are not a contradiction but complementing each other. They remind me of this wise word, a snippet written by Rick Warren in his book:

"When you give someone your time, you are giving them a portion of your life that you'll never get back. Your time is your life. That is why the greatest gift you can give someone is your time."

You are probably thinking... 😕

(or not, since the point I'm trying to say is already obvious 😏)

What does that passage have anything to do with the title of this writing? Well, it is simple, really. If someone is busy? That means they don't have much time to spare. That may be an irrefutable fact. However, if they still make time for others despite such a schedule. That means they are giving away the greatest gift. So, yes, in retrospect, all of my life, my late Dad never stopped giving me his irreplaceable gifts. ⌛💝

Sad to say, the time has changed! Nowadays, the word "Busy" has been thrown away too easily as an excuse. The impact might have gotten worse than the way I did it. I've witnessed connections, be it relationships or friendships, leading to conflict, being put at a crossroads, or even meeting a harsh end merely because one or both parties "don't have time" for the other. So disheartening. 😔😩

 

It's not that I'm judging or anything, blaming them or saying they are not good people, of course. Surely, they have their reason. Whatever that is. Maybe being busy is undeniably, inevitably THE fact on hand? It does, however, make me wonder. Do they really not have a few minutes in a day for the people around them, family or friends? Or does that mean they simply don't care about those other people? 🤔👀😲

I'm not trying to glorify my late Dad. I don't think he would have wanted or liked that. The thing is? I always associated "Busy" with him. So, the fact he always made time for the people he cared about, even if it was scarce, has dawned on me. Being busy does NOT limit one's capacity to care. It should not. ✋😐

The quote I included above led to a further explanation. But this line that followed it directly is already on point with what I just said:

"It is not enough to just say relationships are important; we must prove it by investing time in them."

Maybe that's why I greatly appreciate the people who make time for me, even if just to respond to my weekly text or send me silly memes. I have a pen pal in South America who takes pictures of serene sceneries and fascinating flowers for me whenever he's out on his hike. Other ones from my neighboring countries talk frequently, if not daily, about everyday stuff; instant noodles, holiday plans, our local customs, or whatnot. One friend from Africa likes sending me funny pics about Pokémon, the celebrities we both find fascinating, or travel plans. Another shares photos of his current work on a farm (What a great view! Such a cute calf!) at least once a month, despite the limited internet in that rural area. 

Are these people not busy? Nope, they ARE busy people. And likely far busier than me right now. 😳😅

I'm not always, or perhaps, NEVER a pleasant person to be around. My tumultuous emotions often lead me to a dark place, and I can be a handful to interact with. Much like the title of the latest Jesse Eisenberg, Kieran Culkin's co-starring, awkward-but-heart-guttingly-relatable movie proclaims: "A Real Pain." Especially since I have an embedded Mirror Move or Mimic in my set of moves. Maybe, like one of my favorites, Corviknight, Mirror Armor is my hidden ability (bear with me. I speak Pokémon 😅). In simple words: You smile at me? I smile, too! You punch me? I punch back. You say nothing? I do the same for you. 😇👿🙆🙅

Therefore, the fact that these people never left me out cold, stranded in the vast swamp we named the internet, says A LOT. It makes me feel appreciated. Nope, honestly, words could not describe how embarrassingly thankful I feel. 😌🙏

While the mention of that (indie?) movie was meant to be a random throwaway line, I'm shockingly surprised to see how the conflict lurking through it practically captures the point of this article. No, I'm not joking. It is without any doubt a coincidence (I just saw it last week, while this writing was already 80% finished). A really well-timed one, I must say, as I can include it in this piece. 🤔

Without spoiling the key moments or reveals away, here are some lines that Culkin's Benji said about his cousin, Eisenberg's Dave:

Benji: "Yeah, and Dave is always, like, super busy. He never has time."

Later on, he dropped this bomb while dining with their group...

Benji: "You know, everyone else disappeared when I needed them most."

And then...

Benji: "Great. I look forward to speaking to you in six months."

(Note: Initially, I wanted to share the screenshots of those scenes. But then it might be a tad spoiler-y or violate copyrights. So, I suggest you check out the movie itself. A Real Pain is a well-made, greatly-acted, thoughtfully-written piece.)

WOW! Benji was a character who sure didn't mince words, huh? And to me, it felt like he was blatantly spouting things that probably many of us have been thinking but are arguably reluctant to say out loud about our Daves. 😮😯

The fascinating truth about those lines, though? They don't describe the entire story. You may find yourself agreeing with Dave, too. That awkward guy is, without a doubt, a BUSY person, juggling family time and climbing career ladders. That is an actual fact. In a way, we may be a Benji to some people. But from the opposite point of view, we may also be a Dave to others. 👀😟

Once again, this is not me judging or anything. I can attest that I'm nowhere near perfect in such a situation. I have had my share of being overly busy for others, too. Sometimes, I am guilty of all charges for the crime of neglecting them by being overly occupied myself. 🙄

Moreover, as an introvert, I admit daily (particularly social) interactions are draining and, furthermore, overwhelming at times. I honestly don't, very rarely at least, reply to messages right away. Unless there is a sense of real-time urgency to that communication. Such as the time my brother was already at the supermarket, telling me there was a limited sale on my favorite instant noodles. If I waited an hour to answer, my brother would have returned home empty-handed, missing out on the sale completely. 😛

(source: Threads)

Regardless of which type of introvert you are, I have a feeling you likely can relate to the need to recharge. Besides that, being busy can help to direct our mind and prevent it from spiraling into a sea of overthinking. And when our workload is high, we have to focus on that by setting (or perhaps pushing) aside matters that are "not as important."

Is that an okay thing to do? Well, it depends on your perspective. So, you tell me. Hahaha. 😁😅

Nevertheless, that's also the fickle thing. Am I right? 😐🤔

I mean, am I THAT busy that I cannot even spare a minute or two, maybe ten, if not in a week, or, perhaps, in a month, for other people? Especially those who go to lengths to reach out in their distinct ways? I don't think such a menial action, the bare minimum, in my opinion, qualifies as being a people-pleaser. These people KNOW I am busy and never expect me to be available 24/7. They are also aware I am THAT kind of an introvert. And it will stay that way until my turn to cross the rainbow bridge ("Wheeek! Wheeek!"). But at the same time, being an introvert should not be an excuse to not be a decent person. Right? We CAN be introverts, but also decent human beings. 😇😈

The paragraph above is the point of view I have continuously been working on until now. Even though I may not respond right away due to my schedule (or, most likely, poor time management), I WANT to be present for these people, too. They are still my family and friends, especially those who do not give up on me (despite my mirror tendency). Maybe because, to me, they are people worth keeping in touch with.

If my late Dad, who I used to brand as a workaholic, could make a quick phone call or ask me to help him at work so we could spend time together, and most of the times, was present during the times that matter...

Surely I can make time for people that way, too? 🤔

If my pen pals could squeeze in a short window to write a letter while resting on a couch after a tiring outdoor work and/or traffic-riddled commute, or while doing the laundry or a group activity with their families...

Surely I can do that, too? 😲

The gesture doesn't even need to be grand. Well, it CAN be overly extensive in my case, considering I tend to go overboard due to my love for rambling (as evidenced by this blog 🙄). But sometimes, when my mental or physical state is not sufficient, I try to offer something simple. 😌

For example, if they send me a hilarious or whimsical meme? I reply with a laughing emoji. That's okay. That's enough. Because at least they know I HAVE READ their message. Even the simplest of responses CAN speak volumes to the other party, reminding them, "Hey, I care for you, even if I don't say it as much as I should." 😀🙏

Likewise, they are free to do the same when they are occupied. I would never demand them to report periodically and timely like a drill sergeant! A short "Hehe" sent a day or two after makes me happy. It's okay! It's more than enough. That means my form of care has been received, regardless of the delay it takes. 😊

What I'm trying to say is that: It really isn't that hard to show our care to other people. Regardless of whether you agree or not, anyone can do it, too. I have been in the company of too many Daves already. Therefore, I know for sure that if I can (and yes, I can, it's a choice), I don't want to be another Dave to a Benji. 😤

In the end, being busy does not always have to sound like a bad thing. No, it CAN be a good thing. Because eventually, it is how we treat that circumstance that may end up resulting in an outcome of positivity or negativity. So, let's strive to be more decent human beings to the people in our lives. Let's not paint the word "Busy" in such a negative light, okay? It doesn't need to be a fickle thing after all. 😅

Just like stated in the two memes above, at the end of the day, the questions are:

Do you really do not have the time? ⌛

Or, you do not want to make the time? 🙅

Are you truly that busy? 😫

Or, you simply just do not care? 😒

Is being busy truly a fickle fact to you? 🤔

Or, you're just making it as one? 😱

Hmmmm... 🤔

(source: A Real Pain, distributed by Searchlight Pictures)

Falling Down the Rabbit Hole of Nostalgia

This year marks the 50th Anniversary of the Super Sentai series... 😌

Are you unfamiliar with that term? It is one of the most prominent and long-lasting Tokusatsu shows in Japan! 😲

What's that? You don't know what a Tokusatsu is, too? Oh, boy. Okay, to put it in simpler words: Japanese version of Mighty Morphin Power Rangers. There! That should make it easier to understand. Right? Hahaha... 😅

Although not technically the 50th team (the series that debuted it all, Himitsu Sentai Gorenger, came out in 1975, lasting for two years, ending in 1977), Super Sentai's 50th-anniversary title will debut next month on February 16. With such an on-the-nose title, No. 1 Sentai Gozyuger (to explain, "50" is "Go-Jyuu" in Japanese) is, without a doubt, set to celebrate the monumental achievement. It will feature patterns and tropes many of the franchise viewers have memorized throughout five decades while possibly introducing some new things to shake up the formula. Among them is the first official female Black-suited member, as previously only featured through the gender-flipped change gimmick of Kaizoku Sentai Gokaiger, the 35th Anniversary show. ✋👌

Phewww, another jargon, eh? Hahaha. I could always do a vast deep dive into the franchise. But that would take hundreds of words more. And that's not even the purpose of this writing! 😜

Anyways...

The whole anniversary vibe probably has shoved, if not dragged, me into a rabbit hole of nostalgia. Unless you haven't figured it out by now? Yes, I am a fan of the franchise. Even though I do NOT dare call myself a super fan. That honor goes to the webmasters of Orends: Range, Heroshock, the long-time mods at RangerBoard, and many more prominent names who have covered Tokusatsu for years, if not decades. 😉

What kind of nostalgia blast(s) have I been blasted repeatedly lately? It came from Dai Sentai Google V, which was the 1982 release, the 6th team in the entire Super Sentai lineup.

Why Google V, in particular? It was the first Super Sentai I have ever experienced. In short, the gymnastic-themed team was my grand gateway to discovering a fondness for the franchise. 😃

I cannot really describe the appeals that totally captured my attention and eventually infatuation, leading to decades of fandom. Perhaps it was due to its uplifting, kick-ass theme song with such an iconic intro melody (that sparkling sound effect? Wow!), delivered with such energy by the legendary singer Ichirou Tomita (famously known as MoJo). Or was it because of how the actors were truly eye-catching? Maybe it was the five-tone rainbow-colored suits. 😕

Mind you, Google V is not considered among the biggest hits in Japan compared to other titles/teams. But if you ask any Gen-X and elder millennials in my country, they most likely will smile and at least affirm their knowledge of the series. Why? Because it gained such MASSIVE popularity here. A bit ironic, to be honest. After all, the series, which spread widely via VHS and Betamax video rental stores, only arrived 4 years after Google V concluded in Japan. Hikari Sentai Maskman was already the active Super Sentai Show at the time (likewise, it debuted on our TV station a few years later). 😁👍

My country even became the first in Super Sentai history to dub a Super Sentai theme song into a local language! A local promoter soon brought a smaller-scaled version of G-Rosso (stage play) to our country. Junichi Haruta, who portrayed Kanpei Kuroda/Google Black, came along as a special guest star. The fact that the 69-year-old Haruta-sensei is still active in showbiz now makes his visit even more memorable. Seeing him popping up in newer Super Sentai shows as a supporting character always made me grin. He reprised his role as Google Black in Go-kaiger theatrical movie, even though Haruta-sensei also starred as Dyna Black in Kagaku Sentai Dynaman, the next show released after Google V.

In short, Google V was our Power Rangers, almost a decade before Saban adapted Kyouryu Sentai Zyuranger into the US as the first Power Ranger series. And that fact has made me realize. Maybe the youthful camaraderie of heroes also appealed to my excitement. Unlike other heroes who stood alone, Super Sentai was always about teamwork, a combination of members from all walks of life. Choujin Sentai Jetman, Uchuu Sentai Kyuranger, and Mashin Sentai Kiramager, to name a few, are perfect examples of this trope. The only way to win a battle was by working together. 😊😌😁😎😉

This nostalgia blast unearthed more than mere fond memories. Looking back, it's not wrong to say that the show had such a massive influence on me. Some eye-opening revelations, as well. 😳

I can still remember fondly how my late Dad took me to that stage performance I mentioned above. I'm not gonna lie; I no longer remember the details of that show. Nevertheless, that entire trip with Dad is still so vivid in my mind. We went with a childhood buddy of mine (who, sadly, drifted away around junior high school). 

Until now, the stage show remains the most expensive (counting currency values and/or years of inflation) concerts I've ever attended in person. At that time, our city still had a double-deck bus. On the way home, which was quite late at night, my Dad opted to take that bus. He deliberately scouted for an empty one so that we could sit on the top story. On the front row! My friend and I were singing the Google V opening song nonstop as we cheered through the vivid neon lights along the roads while the view of the bright lights of billboards and active tall buildings passed us by. 🚍

A few days later, my late Dad took me to the busy marketplace near the nearest train station (to head to his work, he must take the train daily). There, he bought me an exclusive cassette set, released to commemorate the Google V show. I think it came with a cool poster and other merchandise. The details of that is fuzzy at best. But I know for sure I played that cassette almost daily afterward. The cassette still exists, somewhere amongst the boxes of our old stuff. Only the case has worn out due to repeated opening and closing, but I'm sure the magnetic tape itself will play just fine. Not that I need to hear it, though. As it turns out, the organizer only recorded the show's digest video and one of the early episodes. Both are already available online now. How time has flown by, right? 🖭

I know, I know! This whole fanboy experience may not seem like a big deal! But I can definitely say it was for me. Nope, it still is. 😅

You see, my late Dad was a super busy father who always worked all week, Monday to Sunday. Thus, the fact he made time to accompany me to the show? It was a genuine act of love. Growing up, especially in my adolescent years, I recall feeling that my late Dad loved his work more than family. A sense of being ignored kept weighing on my shoulders. I cannot believe it has taken me so long, many years later, especially today as I'm typing this, to realize how that dark idea lurking in my head was NEVER the entire truth. My late Dad cared enough, or even more than enough, to take me on exciting trips to explore the things I liked or was into. He always knew the small things that made me happy. And he went the extra mile to show it (despite his undeniable, at times dispiriting, devotion to his workplace). If that's not love, I don't know what that is. 😏😌

As surprising and, in some way, embarrassing as it is to admit today, the show made me quite famous in my neighborhood at the time. After all, I was the only boy who could sing the Google V theme song! Once again, this would not have been possible had my Dad not bought me that cassette containing the songs. 😋

Every childhood acquaintance, older or younger, asked me to perform the song before we proceeded to play pretend as the titular team. I had been an opening act before I knew what that phrase even meant. So, what was embarrassing about that? To be honest? I had ZERO knowledge of the Japanese language in those early years. I was very green in English, either. And the internet was not yet reachable in our hands; that is a limitation modern kids probably cannot imagine. Therefore, as you might have already guessed, I made up the lyrics in every performance based on the sounds I heard from the song. Or, as the cool kids would say nowadays... winging it? Faking it! Hahaha. 😝

To be fair, "Dai Sentai Goggle V" was not my starting point for Japanese songs and the language in general. That honor goes to "Chin Chin Pon Pon," also courtesy of my late Dad, who introduced it to me when I was a toddler, completely oblivious that it was an educational song about genitals (seriously, feel free to look it up!). Still, the Super Sentai theme song helped to further plant two key elements of my current self:

1. Singing! The joy of singing. 🎤

2. A desire to know more about the East Asian language and culture. 🗾

It became one of the driving forces for me to explore both. Now, not only can I sing the songs with actual Japanese pronunciation, but I also sing them while knowing linguistically what each line after another means. And this nostalgic trip still surprises me somehow. I cannot believe it took me this long to realize the word "Dai" in "Dai Sentai" had a double meaning all these times, hinting at the titular team's source of power on each of their foreheads. The theme song even made a fun tease of this, as the chorus sang "Dai-Dai-Daiya" during the instrumental interlude. "Daiya" is the shortened word for "Diamond" in Japanese. 😱

Thanks to the wonder of digital technology, all of Google V's main musical themes have been uploaded to stream for free on the tube. Much to my utter surprise, I still remember all the songs, some of their lyrics, and the progression of their melodies so clearly, as if I had only heard them yesterday! Even the battle insert songs, despite never knowing their titles until recently. To think I only heard them as background music for the dialogues and sound effects recorded in my old cassette. 😲

It's astounding how such vivid and detailed memories still reside inside me unconsciously. Nostalgia is THAT powerful, huh? 😄

I've seen people branding nostalgia as if it was a bad thing. They might have a point or reason behind that opinion, though. Especially if it is treated as a cash-grab scheme situation. So, I won't argue if their stance was correct or the opposite. But as I have just experienced and am currently enjoying, nostalgia can be a positive thing, indeed. 😌

Whether you agree or not, nostalgia helps remind us how far we have come. It CAN be a reflective catalyst that guides us forward to stay in our lanes, aim for higher grounds, or change our ways completely. So, while the idiom "Falling down the rabbit hole" may have a negative connotation (just try and look it up if you don't believe me), it also offers a positive aspect if we see it from a different perspective. Perhaps we can discover a treasure hidden away from plain sight by going down that rabbit hole. At the very least, in my case, the rabbit hole of nostalgia, that is truly the case. It has been a trip down memory lane, for sure. 😀

Through listening and singing the Google V songs, a melancholic wish has resurfaced inside my heart again and again. A desire for my late Dad, somewhere far in Heaven, to know that I'm grateful to be the receiver of his loving gestures. How much I love and miss him so. Then again, I realize that may not be necessary, too. Because, if these revelations unearthed through the wave of nostalgia are any indications? He had already known... 

Find Yourself!

Oh, my, it's 2025 already! 😲

Like most people (with too much free time on their hands? 😅), when 2025 began, I concocted a list of resolutions. Some are simple, habitual aspects of my daily routine. Others, however, probably require the extra effort, as they may or may not be things a bit harder to reach; one that needs a leap of faith, a jump of a few centimeters higher, a grasp beyond the natural capabilities of my feeble grasp. ✋✊🙌

I am not quite sure which category this fits into, though:

"To listen more to my inner voice."

That does sound like a day-to-day target. Right? But at the same time, it may not be as easy as it seems. As many people often decry, "Easier said than done." 😒

That said, among that "inner voice" was one desire.

"You should go back to writing!"

Actually, I used to write A LOT, reviews or whatnot. It was a medium that helped keep my mind active, talking about whatever my mind was thinking instead of sinking, drowning in a pool of overthinking (usually toward darkness and negativity). Writing directed me to stay focused and, in a way, roamed freely through a positive light. 😌

But then, as most can surely relate, life happened. Suddenly, I no longer had the flexible window nor the literal energy to write. And the irony is my ongoing work practically revolves around writing! 😩😵

Eventually, I did return to writing. In a completely different form: Through letters! Via a pen pal app! I am ridiculously fortunate, I suppose, having met correspondences who are (mostly) okay with long lines of a few hundred words (if not more, so much more). 😅🙏

Still, to kick off this year, I decided to step it up a bit higher by following that inner voice. And if you are reading this, then yes! This blog is such a desire put into action. At the moment, I cannot be sure how frequently I will write (perhaps the better word is post? Publish? Shamelessly overshare? 😬) in this empty space. How about weekly, then? Hmmm... or every tenth date on the calendar? But what will happen in February, where the month ends without a proper tenth? Hahaha, I guess I'll cross that bridge when I get there. 

Of course, by taking this treacherous step, there is another goal at hand. Through writing, I also aim to rediscover myself. Maybe making my feelings known will somehow guide me to understand more about myself, including recognizing and embracing its darkest shadows. There is no telling if I can keep this running or not. Will I stay steady or gradually grow? But, no doubt, the spirit is notably high for now. Better strike when the iron is hot, right? 😉

"Write! Find Yourself," my inner voice has just shouted. A bit too loud, I'm not gonna lie. He is THAT annoying sometimes. But, yes, I will do that! Or, at the very least, I will try my best. 💪😤