Movie for the Soul

It's Saturday.
You deserve a break.
Don't forget a cup of hot mocha ( forget the calories!) or really cold soda, or fruit juice. And the best of all times--buttered popcorn.
I am sure that you have heard this movie, it's good to be reminded when we have forgotten timeless movies with life changing stories.
This should have been reshown on the big screen because of its timeless story: LOVE IN THE TIME OF WAR
( Ano kaya ang Pilipinas kung lahat ng tatay ay may pusong katulad ni Guido?)


LA VITA E BELLA or BEAUTIFUL LIFE ( Wikipedia.com)

The movie made the Cannes Film Festival in 1998, winning the Grand Prize of the Jury. It then went on to win Academy Awards for Best Music, Original Dramatic Score and Best Foreign Language Film. Benigni won Best Actor in both the foreign film category and overall for his role. The film was additionally nominated for Academy Awards for Directing, Film Editing, Best Picture, and Best Original Screenplay.

Life Is Beautiful (Italian: La vita è bella) is a 1997 Italian language film which tells the story of a Jewish Italian, Guido Orefice (played by Roberto Benigni, who also directed and co-wrote the film), who must learn how to use his fertile imagination to help his son survive their internment in a Nazi concentration camp.

Title

The title derives from Leon Trotsky's last testament; while in exile in Mexico, expecting to die shortly from high blood pressure (or from agents loyal to his rival Joseph Stalin), Trotsky wrote,

"Natasha has just come up to the window from the courtyard and opened it wider so that the air may enter more freely into my room. I can see the bright green strip of grass beneath the wall, and the clear blue sky above the wall, and sunlight everywhere. Life is beautiful. Let the future generations cleanse it of all evil, oppression and violence, and enjoy it to the full."


Plot

The first half of the movie is a whimsical, romantic comedy and often slapstick. Guido (Roberto Benigni), a young Italian Jew, arrives in Arezzo where he sets up a bookstore. Guido is both funny and charismatic, especially when he romances Dora (Italian, but not Jewish; portrayed by Benigni's actual wife Nicoletta Braschi), whom he steals – at her engagement – from her rude and loud fiancé. Several years pass, in which Guido and Dora have a son, Joshua (written Giosué in the Italian version; portrayed by Giorgio Cantarini). In the film, Joshua is around five years old. However, both the beginning and ending of the film is narrated by an older Joshua.

In the second half, Guido, Guido's uncle Eliseo, and Joshua are taken to a concentration camp on Joshua's birthday. Dora demands to join her family and is permitted to do so. In an attempt to keep up Joshua's spirits, Guido convinces him that the camp is just a game – a game in which the first person to get 1000 points wins a tank. He tells Joshua that if you complain for hunger you lose points, while quiet boys who hide from the camp guards earn points. He convinces Joshua that the camp guards are mean because they want the tank for themselves and that all the other children are hiding in order to win the game. He puts off every attempt of Joshua ending the game and returning home by convincing him that they are in the lead for the tank. Despite being surrounded by rampant death and people and all their sicknesses, Joshua does not question this fiction both because of his father's convincing performance and his own innocence.

Guido maintains this story right until the end, when – in the chaos caused by the American advance drawing near – he tells his son to stay in a sweatbox until everybody has left, this being the final test before the tank is his. After trying to find Dora, Guido is caught, taken away, and is shot by a Nazi guard, but not before making his son laugh one last time by imitating the Nazi guard as if the two of them are marching around the camp together. Joshua manages to survive, and thinks he has won the game when an American tank arrives to liberate the camp, and he is reunited with his mother.

Directed by Roberto Benigni
Produced by Gianluigi Braschi
Elda Ferri
Written by Roberto Benigni
Vincenzo Cerami
Starring Roberto Benigni
Nicoletta Braschi
Giorgio Cantarini
Giustino Durano
Editing by Simona Paggi
Distributed by Miramax Films (USA)
Release date(s) 20 December 1997
23 October 1998
6 November 1998
26 December 1998
12 February 1999
5 March 1999
8 April 1999
Running time 116 minutes
Language Italian, German, English

(On Nappie JR: Salamat sa mga officemates ko Ms. Tara, Weena at sa aking IHG Family salamat sa suporta kay Nappie. Kaisa nyo ako na isang araw magiging normal na siya. Katulad ni Joshua ,this little boy is fighting a battle, hindi man nya alam yun dahil it was what he grew up with from the very start. Let's help him put an end to Hirschsprung Disease. Good, innocent souls should be spared!)

Singapore Stint

My body was shivering.
My heart was beating so fast and loud that I felt I was about to collapse.
Singapore's temperature was humid, it was 3pm in that clear afternoon.
I just saw the red/maroon car came to a halt infront of the French Restaurant.
Any minute, a man and a woman would come out. I was alert, I have to swallow that magical stone without delay to turn myself into that Mythical superwoman before they cross the street and reached the place where I was.
They are my chef boss and lady boss: kind, understanding, hardworking. A beautiful couple.
I know why lady boss had to work like a mad dog one week after her ceasarian section operation on her third child and why did my chef boss use every minute he had in the kitchen making sure that they are ready for a big crowd? Wasn't the Nepalese kitchen helper careful of his every movement? Like me, it had to be impeccable to avoid scolding from my boss.
One slack evening, while the couple was talking behind the counter, I heard that they have spent Sing $312,500 ( P10 M) putting up that small, cozy French Restaurant along Siglap Road in Singapore. That amount was their lifesavings. Their 3 children, the 2 Indonesian yaya's are depending on every dollar that they bring home to maintain the lifestyle of being a Singaporean Chinese. If they lose it? everything would be lost and suicide is an option.
I greeted them, smiling,part of my being impeccable. I knew in my heart they were smiling: the alfresco area's set up was done with all the tables, chairs, table clothes, plates and cuttleries, candles. I did it all by myself. Liza and Annette were absent. Liza just walked out the other night. Anette? she didn't have a working Visa. That was illegal and scary. She can be jailed anytime if caught. But Joe ( the agent) said that if anyone would ask why we are working there without a pass (working visa or pass), we are to lie that we are simply helping out the owners and that no money involved. Friends help out each other without expecting anything in return. He said that. It's a lie but we had to. No one survives outside the Philippines being a saint.
It was 9 o'clock in the evening. Only 7 tables were taken. Not bad. An old american and a lovely chinese woman was taking table number 4. No ring in thier hands. They seem to be enjoying the night as the lady was eating her salad like a cat. A small eater.
I was attentive to their every facial expression. I took very good care of them making sure that when I opened the champaigne, the cork would hardly pop and create a sound,their water goblets refilled. I think I did good because the guy gave me $15.00 (P450.00) as tip.
The clock was ticking. Less than 4 hours we will be closing the store and what a joy because I can sleep at least 8 hours. If I am lucky. Having luck meant the captain not showing up at 12 midnight to drink his favorite bottle of red wine with fresh oysters dipped in an expensive balsamic vinegar from Italy that he brought to the store one night. This guy is a power tripper. I heard he works as a pilot for Singapore Airlines and he's got a 5 figure salary. He doesn't look bad although he is as tall as me: 5 feet 2 inches tall/short. It's a wonder because his father is a British Ang-Mo (red skinned in Chinese) and his mother is chinese.
Why do I dread the thought of having the captain as our last guest for the night when I know he will hand me at least $100.00 (P3,000) as tip for being his lousy waitress?
Life in the Philippines was a far cry from what I am experiencing in the Lion City. Racism is in the air from day 1. I will not deny that it was because of money why I did an exodus from what I was enjoying in the Phillipines. I want more, for myself, my family, my future. But after 7 months of back breaking hardwork,16 lbs lost,good pay,5 hours of sleep every night, 16 hours of work with no restday for one month. Money is no longer an issue--I can just quit anytime.
Money is no longer my master.

(On Nappie Gallo Jr.:
Let us pray without ceasing for Nappie/Dodong and turn our noble intentions into reality. I thank my officemates because they are one with me in our desire to see this 3 year old boy having a normal life like our kids...one of these days it shall come to pass--that's my conviction and faith. If you have any suggestions on how we can come up with the 60k for his 2 operations, please shoot me an email or simply post a comment. Thanks--Ruthie)

Kind Souls

To laugh often and much
To win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children
To earn the appreciation of honest critics and endure the betrayal of false friends
To appreciate beauty
To find the best in others
To leave the world a little better, wether by a healthy child, a garden patch or a redeemed social condition
To know that even one life has breathed easier because you have lived
THIS IS THE MEANING OF SUCCESS (by R.W.E.)


For all the kind and generous souls (sharing Nappie's story to your circle of friends), thank you from my heart:
Brian Gorrell who asked me how he can help Nappie
S.P.F. ( my Singaporean/Chinese friend who wants to go anonymous)
Chandra ( Singaporean/Indian friend who works nonstop at the Changi Airport)
Kelvin (SPF's friend who is touched by Nappie's struggle)
For Reginald Ford who said he emailed Oprah and other talk show hosts in the US for help
For you Anonymous who would share this information to his/her friends
I know in my heart that our efforts would never go futile. Help is getting close.
I assure you that we will never rest until Nappie's life is normal.
One of these days, we will all see how healthy Nappie is.
Because you have lived, one life has breathed easier.

Beautiful Tuesday

I have never imagined composing something so personal, so intimate and allowing almost everyone to read it. I thought of myself as a very private person, like for instance, if you ask me about sex I would blatantly tell you that it is something sacred and intimate-done by two people inlove,united into one unified soul( no offense to some--thats why i don't get it when they do it threesome-animals are to be lauded because I have never seen three dogs do it at the same time nor cats nor birds--some promiscuous people even videoed themselves doing it and having the whole world as their audience) not until a certain strong unnamed emotion propelled me to glue my bum to the chair and start tinkering the computer. Some might call it PMS-ing, or could be another side of me wanting to reach out.
I guess I still have that old school values that time and season won't able to bend.
After 30 summers, five tragic blind dates set up by concerned friends, and thanks to myself because I have found my groom because of a whirlwind courtship and marriage which i would name as Katrina, after 2 wisdom teeth and 8 different jobs, and some brocken dreams--here I am--still amazed by adulthood and the gamut of emotions and wisdom it has to offer.
I have to be honest, after going to two neighboring countries because of a travel package rate so low because SARS had just hit the territories ( courtesy of my beloved partner). I still have within me that personified atlas-wanting to be where there is civilization, culture, a new set of delicacies, seasons, landscape, architecture. You name it, my feet can't just have enough. Thats why another part of me gets green with envy when I hear colleagues,peers who go to the different corners of this world to fulfill their destinies. But is the picture I am seeing says it all? What is the big picture all about.
Here is what struck me just yesterday, I know I have to say this or else, had a ruthless hitman turn my body into an organic fertilizer and had my organs donated or sold-nobody would have heard this and then perhaps, had maybe his/her first smile genuine smile for the day: I THINK EVERYONE SIMPLY WANTS TO BE LAUDED OR TAPPED ON HIS SHOULDER or BE GIVEN A BEARHUG FOR LIVING HIS LIFE (not judged nor labelled) AND BE VALIDATED FOR DOING A JOB WELL DONE (life itself keeps on evolving, it never stops at a certain phase-it has its own mind and paths to take). From my heart and soul, i want to tell you whoever you are (that includes me) and which part of the globe you are : GOOD JOB! NEVER STOP BELIEVING-CAUSE YOUR BELIEF FOLLOWS YOU .

PS. I am simply humbled because good souls like Brian Gorrell himself (fondly called B.) got back to me and expressed his willingness to help Nappie. Also, some of my friends in Singapore expressed their desire to help. I have informed Nappie's family that once the money is ready, we shall proceed with his operation without any delay. ( I can't wait to see that smile on Dodong's face because he's got his anus finally!)
And to all the skeptics, I want you to know that not a penny will be misspent as I have 51 year old widowed-laundrywoman named Remedios Alano next in line to have a cataract operation at the same hospital. She has 3 kids: all of them are working even her youngest 12 year old girl who stopped schooling works as a dishwasher in a kitchenette just to bring food to the table. I will feature her on my blog one of these days.
Yes, the list never ends.
I will never get tired of having the desire to help because this is the very essence of life.

Anus for Nappie JR.

The red sausage thing you see is Nappie's rectum: exposed, prone to accidents.

He has Hirschsprung's disease. Hirschsprung's disease, or congenital aganglionic megacolon, involves an enlargement of the colon, caused by bowel obstruction resulting from an aganglionic section of bowel (the normal enteric nerves are absent) that starts at the anus and progresses upwards. The length of bowel that is affected varies but seldom stretches for more than a foot or so.

I remember the day I came to know about Nappie Gallo Jr. I was at the medical records section of the Philippine General Hospital waiting for my turn to get my certified true copy of my recent operation last March. To kill time, I was chatting with the people, bored like me.

So there was this somber looking woman in her late 30's or early 40's. She told me about her boy Nappie. Nappie is 3 years old. Unlike any normal children, his movements are limited: he can't enjoy play to avoid accidents especially in his middle part of the body, he can't enjoy food that may later cause constipation, he simply can't enjoy life.

Like any normal kid with all the body parts intact, Nappie was born without an anus/rectum. When he was an infant his stool actually came out of his mouth because of his non functional rectum. Doctors made no choice but to make an opening in his stomach in order for him to have any semblance of a normal life. Still, Nappie has to undergo two surgeries: abdominal sugery to create a new rectum and anus.

But how can they do it when his father earns P180.oo per day in Tagum, Davao as a construction worker and there are 7 children and 9 mouths to feed? We may chide them for lacking wisdom by having 7 children, Nappie being the youngest. But the fact still remains "mahirap ang maging mahirap sa Pilipinas" ( it's hard to be poor in the Philippines). It has brocken my heart many times that "Philippines is working againts its people". Mahirap maging Pilipino ( It's hard to be a Filipino). You are being denied of basic maedical attention, and of all the basics for our existence. Much worse is the case of Nappie Jr. The family knew they could not afford the P60,000 pesos worth of medicines and other hospitals needs for the operation. They are on the charity ward which means the doctors fees are free. We all know that they can't rely on the government. That is why they are here: cyber space to look for people who would be willing to help them.

His mother makes a makeshift colostomy bag every one to two days (P300 to 400 a piece) of lid of nescafe coffee, garter, clean cloth, plastic. But how long will this last? She has to leave her husband and 6 children in the province to seek help in Manila for Nappie. They have been in Manila since October 2007 and until now no help is evident.

Until I met her. Until you have read this.

(I personally emailed Brian Gorrell for help as I have admired him so much, his gut and spunk. Like him, I also want to start a new life, somewhere else not here in the Philippines for obvious reasons. Same reason that every Filipino encounters, daily, every minute, everywhere except the Gucci Gang and those vultures in the goverment seat).

I can't wait to see Nappie finally normal. Until he undergoes 2 operations, and i can smell how his stool stinks coming from his anus, my life is on hold. Until then will I be able to go to Singapore to start a new life.

You may contact the folowing:

1. me celebrate_zoedio@yahoo.com

2. Amelie Gallo (Nappie's Mother)/Leony Canete (Nappie's Aunt)

129 F. Zobel St.

Makati City Poblacion

Landline: 870 4184

Mobile: +639282303152

Help, I lost AUS$70,000

I have lost not just my entire savings of AUS$70,000 or more than P2.8 M (depending on the exchange rate) but my life which I am picking up the pieces little by little...
Along with the lost money was my lover...and half of my heart died that moment...I lost my faith in humanity, but it was just for a moment... For when my soul embraced this cluster of islands and islets, I lost its grip on me... How can you restore my faith when disbelief reigns?...When will you resurrect my trust when it's as cold as a corpse?...

It's not about me but for someone who lost so much because of love.

This is for you Brian Gorrell. I know that a part of you is mourning because your life was changed 180 degrees when you set foot in the Philippines because of DJ Montano and his sweet promises. I pray in my heart of hearts that life will always be good to you and surround you with sincere and caring people. I pray for more strength both in body and spirit as you go on with your joys and battles in this life. May Canada embrace you warmly not just in summer but throughout the year, may you be greeted not just with smiling faces but with rejoicing hearts.

Mabuhay ka at katarungan sa ipinaglalaban mo!

To know more about Brian Gorrell, please visit his blog at http://delfindjmontano.blogspot.com

My father had 6 wives

Moses and King Solomon would have been proud of my dad's track record: 6 wives and 12 children. Who would think that my my father of diminutive height and average looks had had 6 wives. To my knowledge, he wasn't rich nor of superior intelligence. Why did these women fall into his trap?
Indeed death has a funny way of connecting strangers...my father's sad death on May 25, 2006. It was something that did not surprise me, nor made me shed a tear. I guess the only emotion I can name then was the feeling of regrets(ssssss)--an abyss of regrets if there is such. He could have lived his life a little different, not the way I have predicted it. Please don't hate me, or judge me If you can sense indifference. Life is not what it is at a glance. It has a history, a present and a future.
Let me not sidetrack you to the theme of this message. A few days passed that rolled into weeks, then into months---another family surfaced claiming that they are legal children wanting to meet us. I was dumbfounded...What should I say? "Long time no see, welcome to the family!"
Well, death has a funny way of introducing these people to me and their life stories that I have yet to unfold. If death has a funny side, I don't want to ever see it's serious facet. This I am sure, the only thing I want to meet, is contentment in closing my father's book along with his demise, for now let me have my peace in this comforting closure.