RAIGE-O-LOGY

It's that time of year again—the Christmas season. There are two distinct ways to experience it. First, there's the cheery version. You hear Christmas songs playing on the radio, catch the aroma of chestnuts roasting on an open fire, witness the mesmerizing twinkling lights adorning homes and street corners, engage in decorating the Christmas tree with your family, wrap gifts for your loved ones, contribute to charitable causes, and attend church to express gratitude to the Lord for sending His only son to save us from our sins. And then there's the gloomy version. You find yourself grumbling about... ...the same old Christmas songs that have grown tiresome, particularly the versions in Kapampangan or Tagalog. ...the exorbitant prices of chestnuts and LPG. ...the soaring electric bill. ...the sorry state of your Christmas tree and decorations, and the hefty expense of acquiring new ones. ...the inflated prices of everything and the overwhelming crowds at the malls during sa...

The originator of the gift exchange tradition must have been quite isolated. It has become an obligatory part of Christmas celebrations for many. The primary goal is to establish a theme for the gifts. For instance, one might declare the theme to be "something naughty," resulting in the purchase of mischievous items that cater to one's desire for unconventional social interaction. In my case, I received a deck of cards featuring images of nude women. Just envision using these cards for a game of Tong-its. It offers the opportunity to sharpen one's critical thinking skills, fluctuate financial resources, and simultaneously appreciate the female anatomy.

In my previous posts, I shared about Grandma Mely's condition and our futile attempt at praying for her health in a Chinese-style ceremony. Following that ceremony, we were required to undergo a baptism to Tao for the prayer to have a supposedly greater effect. The Tao individuals assured us that this wouldn't conflict with our existing religious beliefs. Sure, whatever they say. The baptism ceremony itself was brief. They inscribed our names on paper and set them on fire in front of the altar. According to them, the smoke from the burning paper would ascend to heaven and include our names in the so-called "Book of life." Heaven must have been represented by the ceiling exhaust fan because the smoke and ashes seemed to make a beeline for it. Another prerequisite for the prayer to actually work was to make a vow. We had to pledge something that we would keep in order for the prayer to take effect. Personally, I found it rather absurd that prayer required so many additi...

Once again, the elusive diploma has slipped through my fingers. I had planned to enroll for the second semester to finally complete my dreaded degree, but alas, complications arose. The main culprit? A power-tripping dean. After months of absence from my beloved college, I returned as the prodigal son, determined to finish what I had started. To my dismay, I still had incomplete subjects and an internship to fulfill. I had the entire summer and the first semester to complete these requirements, but my laziness got the better of me. It wasn't until the first week of classes that I mustered the willpower to tackle them. This is where the disagreement with the dean unfolded. She insisted that I couldn't enroll unless I had finished the incomplete subjects (a confusing situation, I know). My argument was that, technically, I could enroll for the internship even with incomplete subjects, as they were not prerequisites for the teaching practice. The requirement for a public school in...

Apologies for the delayed update on this blog. I've been completely cut off from cyberspace for over a month, which is why I'm only sharing this now. A lot has happened during this time, and I might write about some of those experiences while others will have to wait for another occasion. Ironically, despite acquiring a second-hand computer with my earnings from a paluwagan, I haven't been able to write much. Wondering why? Well, let me explain. I managed to purchase the computer from a friend who works as a computer technician. For 15 grand, I got a package deal that included an LCD monitor, a multi-media speaker system, a spacious computer table, and all the programs I wanted, including games. Since it was my friend's personal computer, I knew it was in good condition. It was definitely worth the investment. Now, you'd think having a new computer would make writing easier for me, right? Well, here's the catch. When you have a plethora of games installed on you...

Once again, people have gathered in cemeteries and memorial parks to visit their departed loved ones on All Saints' Day. I must admit, I struggle to grasp the concept of this holiday. Why do we feel compelled to flock to these places on a specific day when we could do the same on any other day? What drives us to conform to the majority's actions? Does our failure to visit the departed on this designated day make us evil or destined for hell? Do our deceased relatives receive special benefits when we light candles and offer flowers on this particular day? Is there some kind of promotion for them in the afterlife? These questions linger, unlikely to find definitive answers. All I can say is that we don't need to wait for All Saints' Day to visit our departed loved ones. Nevertheless, I allowed myself to partake in this custom, not because I wanted to follow the crowd, but because I felt compelled to fulfill the expectations placed upon me. La Pieta Memorial Park is conven...

The realization that the holidays were quickly approaching hit me when I visited a mall last week. It was Halloween, and the "marketing geeks" were once again attempting to westernize our third-world country by organizing a trick-or-treat event with costumes. That's fine; I don't see any harm in it. Kids enjoy dressing up as fictional characters and asking for candy, while parents indulge in spending money on those extravagant costumes. It's their thing. However, what they fail to realize is that we don't have to wait until October 31 to wear costumes and ask for treats. In the Philippines, every day can be Halloween! Just look at the streets filled with children wearing their costumes for their daily survival, engaging in a never-ending trick-or-treat party. And the best part is, you can give them more than just candy. You can offer money, actual food, or even that milkshake you just bought and took a few sips from. They're not just seeking a sugar fix; t...

The following morning, my family and I visited Mr. Lim's house, bringing along some fruits as an offering to their deity. During their previous visit, they had mentioned that despite our different religions, we all serve the same God. Apparently, God has a penchant for costume changes. We entered a room where an altar stood. At the center of the altar was a statue of a white, bald figure dressed in robes. In front of it sat a vase or pot where lit incense sticks were placed. There were six kneeling pads on the floor. Mr. Lim entered the room accompanied by three women dressed in attire reminiscent of Jet Li in "Once Upon a Time in China." And so, the ceremony began. First, they presented the fruits. Mr. Lim and the three women performed a sequence of intricate movements—bowing, kneeling, placing the offerings on the altar, and lighting three incense sticks. They chanted in Mandarin as they carried out these actions, creating an eerie atmosphere. I couldn't understand ...

As previously mentioned, I hold a different perspective on the effectiveness of prayers in helping Grandma. I believe that when people say they'll pray for someone, it's often a way of expressing their inability to provide more tangible assistance. Nevertheless, I was taken aback by the sheer number of individuals who expressed their desire to pray for Grandma. Among them was Mr. Lim, a friend of Grandma Fely's, who visited our house to discuss his intention to pray for Grandma Mely (please note that Grandma Mely and Grandma Fely are two distinct individuals, not a typographical error). Apparently, this prayer ceremony held great significance in Chinese culture, similar to the Holy Rosary in Catholicism. I must admit, though, that I didn't fully retain the details of the ceremony. My attention was diverted by the interpreter, who happened to be quite attractive, and my attention span is comparable to that of an M&M candy. All I recall is that our presence at the cer...

It's been some time since this happened, but I feel compelled to write about it now. Aunt Teeals reached out to us a few weeks ago with some news. Grandma Mely, whom Mom was supposed to accompany back to the States (as mentioned in " One Way "), had undergone a bone marrow biopsy. Previous blood tests had indicated a decline in her red blood cell count, prompting the need for further investigation. Unfortunately, the biopsy revealed Acute Leukemia. Life has a strange way of playing its hand. Since receiving the news, Mom has been in tears almost every day. The worst part is that we are unable to do much about it. An ocean separates us from our loved ones. We long to be by Grandma's side, providing comfort and holding her hand, hoping to alleviate even a fraction of her pain. Yet, due to governmental regulations, policies, and laws, we are prevented from being there during this incredibly challenging time. It's truly disheartening. Chemotherapy is not a viable opti...

I don't typically watch shows like Eat Bulaga or Wowowee, as I find watching people embarrass themselves for money to be unappealing. However, one particular gimmick managed to capture my attention and entice me to tune in to Eat Bulaga. They had arranged for a special live performance featuring Ely Buendia and Francis Magalona. In case you've been out of touch with recent events, Ely had recently been hospitalized due to his heart condition during the Eraserheads' reunion concert. Similarly, Francis had been undergoing treatment for his leukemia. Both musicians had taken a step back from the limelight to focus on their recovery. Nonetheless, the creative minds behind the cameras at Eat Bulaga orchestrated a remarkable comeback performance for Ely and Francis on television. Ely and his band, Pupil, took the stage to perform their latest single, "Disconnection Notice," from their second album, "Wildlife." Ely appeared in great form, fully recovered from h...

After being thoroughly captivated by Imago's performance, I returned to the booth feeling rejuvenated. Aia's mesmerizing voice continued to resonate in my mind, overpowering the drunken singer in the neighboring booth. The cheesy hosts had also reclaimed the stage, while the next band was in transit. For any avid listener of original Filipino music, the title of this post would give away the identity of the upcoming band. Can you guess who it is? That's right, it's The Dawn. Give yourself a pat on the back. Whoever is in charge of selecting event hosts should consider a change in the department. The current hosts were painfully dull. Even the tipsy singer from the neighboring booth would have been a better choice. We were already well aware of the event sponsors, yet they felt the need to mention them every 15 seconds. The Dawn encountered the infamous traffic of Angeles City, causing a delay of about 45 minutes before they finally took the stage. However, the wait was ...

Despite the initial frustration caused by the neighboring videoke singer, my spirits were lifted when the hosts on stage announced that Imago would be performing next. It had been quite some time since I last saw them live, about two years ago, at the same event. As the crowd started to gather in front of the stage, I abandoned my booth duties and made my way there. I fought my way through the crowd to secure a good view. The girl behind me muttered curses under her breath as I unintentionally obstructed her view. Although our booth offered a partial view of the stage, this was Imago we were talking about! Seeing and hearing Aia de Leon was the main reason I had come. Zach and Timothy began their soundcheck, but Myrene was noticeably absent. I assumed that Sandwich had another gig elsewhere, and she was replaced by Dok Sergio of Pupil. Then, Aia graced the stage, and everything else faded into the background. It felt as if it was just me and her. The band kicked off their performance w...

Deaf individuals are just as normal and capable as you and me, with the only difference being their inability to hear. They possess a wide range of abilities and can accomplish anything I can, and maybe even more. Their mode of communication is sign language, which I find fascinating. Despite their inability to speak, they have a wealth of thoughts and ideas to express. I've been observing their conversations, and it's remarkable to see how they engage with each other using gestures instead of spoken words. This mode of communication even offers advantages, as they can converse even when there's some distance between them. As long as they can see the gestures, they can understand one another. As I mentioned, deaf individuals are just like anyone else, and that includes having diverse sexual orientations. Yes, my friends, there are deaf individuals who identify as gay. Two of the deaf volunteers I encountered were gay, and I noticed their sign language featured more graceful...

I discovered that the volunteers from the Pampanga Deaf Association were not easily distinguishable as deaf individuals. They looked just like any average person you might encounter on the street. I had somehow expected them to have some noticeable sign or indication of their deafness, like a large sign floating above their heads. It was only when they communicated with each other using sign language that one could recognize their deafness. Interestingly, it seemed that many deaf individuals are also unable to speak, which makes sense since hearing is necessary for learning to talk, right? I started pondering how I would communicate with them. Should I carry around a notepad and have them read my written messages? Or should we resort to charades every time we wanted to converse? The answer became clear when I attempted to ask a question to one of the deaf volunteers. I was making all these exaggerated gestures like a fool until the deaf person stopped me and began typing on his cell ph...

We were fortunate enough to secure a booth at the Tigtigan Terakan venue, and it happened to be located near the entrance, right next to the first stage. Interestingly, the booth belonged to the Pampanga Deaf Association (PDA), an organization dedicated to serving the deaf community in Pampanga. The City Tourism Office generously sponsored their booth, which meant they didn't have to pay for the booth rental and even received complimentary accommodation at Marlim Mansions Hotel. Talk about luck! All the proceeds generated from their sales would contribute to the funds of the PDA. Here's how we ended up being part of their booth: My grandmother, Fely, runs a catering business. Coincidentally, the daughter of her business partner teaches deaf individuals who are members of the PDA. We agreed to supply the food that they would sell at the booth and offer our assistance throughout the event. It was a mutually beneficial arrangement. Grandma asked if I wanted to help with the cookin...

This event marks the pinnacle of the Twin Fiesta celebration in Angeles City and is part of the San Miguel Corporation-sponsored Oktoberfest parties. For two consecutive nights, a section of MacArthur Highway in Balibago, Angeles City (from Balibago Supermarket to Balihai) is closed off. The ticket price for this year's Tigtigan is P100, which includes a complimentary drink, a Globe starter SIM card upon loading P30, a friendship bracelet, and, unfortunately, unwanted physical contact from the entrance guards (unless that's your thing). The event is organized by the Angeles City local government, tourism office, SMC, Globe Telecoms, and BBEA (Balibago Business Establishments Association). Once you enter the venue, you are free to stroll around, enjoy some beer, watch live band performances, indulge in delectable food, dance, get a henna tattoo, have your face painted, participate in contests, consume more beer, and potentially end up vomiting on the street after excessive beer ...

Following our somewhat satisfying meal at McDonald's, Tolits and I headed to the next must-visit spot in an SM mall: National Bookstore. It had been ages since I last purchased a book, so I promptly made my way to the Philippine Fiction section, hoping to find a new release by Bob Ong. Unfortunately, there was nothing new; it was the same old selection. However, I did come across a book by Zafra that I hadn't seen before—Twisted 8! Sadly, it was beyond my current budgetary limits. I continued browsing through the other books on the shelves, searching for something captivating and within my price range for the day (around P200). There were a few novels by Hontiveros without price tags. I attempted to scan them using the price checker but ended up looking foolish instead. I returned the books to their places. Meanwhile, Tolits was engrossed in checking out the manga titles. There were plenty of fantastic options, but most of them were too expensive for me. Then, one title caught ...

My friend Tolits is the epitome of punctuality. We had planned to meet at 8:30 this morning in front of Dieg's bakeshop near AUF. I don't know if his watch is broken or if he's just overly eager to reach the rendezvous point, but he arrives there an hour and a half early. I had no other option but to begrudgingly wake up and wait in line for the bathroom. Poor Tolits needs to find a part-time job. Unfortunately, he couldn't continue with the working student program at school due to his OJT. I helped him secure an interview with one of the burgeoning online tutorial centers for Koreans here in Pampanga. It was his first time applying for a job, and I took pleasure in making him nervous. To cut a long story short, we arrived at the tutorial center in Mabalacat and submitted his application. He underwent an interview and was instructed to await their call. By this time, hunger was gnawing at my stomach since I hadn't had breakfast yet, and it was already 9:25. We decid...

Tomorrow is a new morning Looking through beyond and waiting From the sky, you’ll be descending Oh, what a wonderful feeling See the heavens I am yearning Where the pain inside is fading Tears of delight will be falling My star will be brightly shining Limitations here are binding Kept holding me back from soaring Listen to the voice unveiling Free my mind from this suffering Look at my eyes, they are searching Feel my heart, how slow it’s beating Take me to where you are staying A life that is never ending

It's been quite some time since my last blog update. One of the main reasons for this delay is the constraint of time. I've been so occupied with nothingness that I couldn't find a spare moment to visit an internet shop. By the way, I believe we should refer to these establishments as internet shops (hmm... I should have included this in my previous post about naming things). Some people call them internet cafes, which is fine. But what if they don't serve coffee or any kind of beverage? Can they still be considered cafes? And what about those internet places that cater to teenagers burning through their money, spending hours engrossed in online gaming? What should we call those? Should we label them as internet shops (since most of the games they play are online), video arcade centers (since people solely go there to play games), or even casinos (since betting is prevalent among their patrons)? Personally, I despise going to internet shops that prioritize gamers. Here ...

The second Sunday of October holds great significance for the residents of Angeles City. It marks a time when people willingly incur debt from loan sharks just to prepare a lavish feast for unfamiliar visitors. The streets become crowded with wandering vendors peddling all sorts of items, from balloons to dyed chicks (yes, actual baby chickens with vibrant colors, although I still can't fathom the reason behind it; perhaps they don't suit yellow). Beggars roam from house to house, playing shabby musical instruments and offering a chorus of a novelty song in exchange for food and alms. Drunken men enthusiastically belt out the lyrics of "Knife" on karaoke machines, and carnival rides demand exorbitant prices for a fleeting thrill. This boisterous affair is one-half of the twin fiesta celebration in Angeles City, commemorating the feast of the town's patron saint (although I personally have no interest in knowing which saint it is). Amidst all the commotion, there i...

I just need to vent: why do Filipinos struggle to use the correct names for things? It's frustrating to hear people consistently refer to objects by the wrong names without bothering to verify if they're correct or not. And most of the time, they're not. Let me point out a few examples of this common naming confusion: 1. Flash or removable disk/drive – Many people call these devices "USB." USB, or Universal Serial Bus, actually refers to the port on the CPU where you can connect various devices such as printers, scanners, digital/web cameras, and yes, flash drives. 2. DVD – How many times have I heard someone say, "The DVD cannot play on my DVD"? I've lost count. But what I do know is that this is incorrect. Remember, DVD refers to the disc itself. Saying that you're playing a DVD on a DVD is like saying a car is driving a car. The device that plays DVDs is called a DVD player. 3. Cartoons – I don't know if this is common among your folks, bu...

Have you ever found yourself so emotionally attached to your clients in a job that you momentarily forget it's just a job? Hold on, don't let your mind wander into inappropriate territory. That's not what I mean. I have a relatively easy job, at least when compared to professions like road-kill collectors. I work as a tutor, and my main responsibility is to reinforce lessons for my students, who are essentially my clients, helping them better comprehend the material. Tutoring is similar to classroom teaching, with one key difference—when tutoring, you develop stronger emotional connections with your students since you often work with them one-on-one. Unlike in a classroom setting, where you might unintentionally overlook certain students. When I say emotional attachment, I mean becoming friends with them. Not in a creepy Michael Jackson kind of way, of course. Sometimes, they feel like family, almost like younger brothers and sisters. And that's where the challenge aris...

Took you away from wintriness Undoubting, you let me caress The desire we seek, we witness Satiate the flame within us You concede to me entirely Our bodies waiting to be free Rid of walls between you and me What happens is destined to be We become one as it is meant I come in, a warm welcome sent The thirst is gone without lament Give it all, our love’s testament Closed our eyes from pleasure we take Ecstatic from the love we make This endless moment will not break A dream from which we won’t awake But everything has its goodbye The desire we share will soon die We will walk away, we will cry I’ll wait ‘til again you come by

It's that time of year again—the moment to visit the barber! My hair has become a hindrance to my hearing. I've been struggling to lip-read conversations with others. It was high time for a haircut. Besides, the disheveled look is no longer in style, so... As someone who tends to get overly attached to their hair, getting it cut is a significant event for me. I've grown so accustomed to it that the idea of waking up with neatly groomed hair the next day feels surreal. I also get quite anxious before the actual haircutting session. Thoughts about how I will look or whether I'll survive the ordeal keep racing through my mind. Getting a haircut, like everything else, involves making choices. First, you need to decide where you'll go for your haircut. Due to the prevailing machismo mentality here in the Philippines, guys are expected to visit barbershops. However, my past experiences have taught me that barbers usually only know how to do two types of hairstyles: semi-k...

Imagine yourself in these situations. Picture yourself at the mall, feeling hungry after hours of window shopping. You head to the nearest food chain, which happens to be KFC. With only P100 in your wallet (window shopping tends to drain your funds), you check the menu to see what you can afford. You spot the chicken pasta bowl that was featured in a TV commercial. It looks delicious and reasonably priced, so you quickly place your order. The service crew brings your meal, but you're disappointed to find a small bowl of pasta that can barely fit on your fork, an insufficient amount of sauce to cover the pasta and a few meager pieces of leftover chicken. You can't help but think about throwing the bowl at Colonel Sanders' face, but hunger prevails, and you reluctantly accept it as your meal. Months later, you decide to give KFC another chance, forgiving them for the previous incident. You find yourself back in their dining hall, ordering the famous bowl that your friend reco...

You may have heard the common advice that drinking at least 8 glasses of water a day is beneficial for your health. It's often claimed that it helps with toxin excretion, reduces hunger, and improves skin tone. However, I'm here to challenge that notion. It's similar to the superstitious beliefs your grandma may have told you to make you obedient. According to a study conducted by Dr. Stanley Goldfarb and Dr. Dan Negoianu of the University of Pennsylvania, as reported on Eurekalert.org, the health benefits of increased water intake are not significant for the average healthy person, except possibly for athletes who sweat heavily. Regarding toxin excretion, Goldfarb explained that our kidneys are capable of effectively clearing toxins on their own, even without excessive water intake. Drinking more water may only lead to increased urine output without necessarily removing more toxins. Of course, it's still perfectly fine to consume plenty of water. While it may not provi...

Today was a significant day for my mom as she had her scheduled interview for her US Visa application. The plan was for her to accompany Grandma on their trip back to the States. Everything was arranged accordingly. We rented a van and made our way to Manila, parking near the Museong Pambata, right next to the US Embassy. After devouring the somewhat satisfying tuna sandwiches that we had bought for lunch, we proceeded to the entrance. Mom had meticulously prepared all the necessary documents. These included grandma's medical certificates, demonstrating her need for assistance during travel, support papers from Mom's US citizen siblings, showcasing that she had a place to go and people to support her while abroad, and birth certificates of my sisters and me, indicating her intention to return to the Philippines—well, at least after she becomes a citizen herself. We had everything planned out perfectly and held high hopes for approval. As we took the brief three-minute walk to t...

Since we got cable, my viewership of local channels has significantly decreased. It's not that I'm trying to be snobbish or anything, but I find the current shows on free TV quite unappealing. I attempted to watch them for a week, but I simply couldn't bear it. The ongoing battle between the two network giants rages on, and we, the innocent bystanders, find ourselves caught in the middle of the turmoil. The unfortunate truth is that they seem to be running out of fresh ideas. Competition is not inherently bad, but competition fueled by recycled concepts is disheartening. Primetime slots are now dominated by franchised game or reality shows, dubbed Mexican and Korean soap operas, Filipino adaptations of foreign shows, movie-to-series adaptations, and "fanta-seryes" (fantasy series). I can't help but wonder if their researchers aren't doing their jobs properly or if these shows genuinely reflect what Filipinos want to see. And that is truly disheartening. Ar...

Day 1 (Aug. 5): Accelerated Chemicals As rain drizzles down, my tired eyes yearn to close and retreat into the realm of dreams. However, the pressing need to prepare for the day's activities overpowers my drowsiness. I step out of my sleep chamber, clutching a mobile communication device. My first contact is Agent Soy Bun. In a few hours, a group of eager young learners will converge upon my humble abode to have their minds refreshed and refueled. I require assistance. Agent Soy Bun apologizes for her unavailability as she is undergoing training in her new job. It may be for the best, as her presence might serve as a distraction to the male students. They need to concentrate on their studies, not their adolescent desires. After a quick glance at my phonebook, I reach out to Agent M, an expert in covalent bonding and rapid acceleration. With her extensive tutoring experience, she is a valuable ally in this chaotic time. Agent M arrives shortly after, and together we set up our equip...

Today, we celebrate the 80th birthday of the King of Comedy. This milestone not only marks a special occasion but also presents an opportunity for some individuals to profit from the longevity of this beloved figure. Similarly, people often capitalize on the fame of celebrities even after their passing. In the case of Dolphy, if you happen to possess any memorabilia associated with him, now might be an opportune time to consider selling it at a favorable price. As I witness someone reaching such an age, it leads me to contemplate how many years I will have before my own journey ends. Personally, I do not aspire to reach the age of 80. Dolphy's disciplined approach to exercise and healthy eating contributes to his well-being. However, as a self-proclaimed lazy individual who indulges in fast food, if I were to reach that age, I would likely find myself as an overweight elderly man confined to a bed with medical apparatus providing necessary support. I wish to avoid such a predicamen...

I may not be up to date with the latest news, but I'm thrilled to have finally confirmed the rumors that have been circulating. It's true! There will be an Eraserheads reunion, even if it's just for one night! On August 30, 2008, Ely Buendia, Marcus Adoro, Buddy Zabala, and Raimund Marasigan will reunite on stage and perform once again as the iconic band, the Eraserheads. The much-anticipated concert will take place at the CCP open grounds. As I read this news, a wave of nostalgia washes over me. The band whose music I grew up with will be playing those beloved songs once more. An Eraserheads song is more than just a song; it carries with it memories unique to each one of us who cherished their music. Do you recall the time when you tirelessly practiced playing "Ligaya" on your guitar to serenade your crush? Or when you cranked up the volume and belted out "Pare Ko" on your dad's karaoke machine while drowning your sorrows in beer after being rejecte...

The new Batman movie recently premiered in theaters, and personally, I consider it a must-see film. There are a few reasons why I'm excited about it. Firstly, this is Heath Ledger's final movie before his untimely death, so watching it feels like paying tribute to him. Secondly, Batman has an incredibly cool bike that adds to the excitement. And finally, it's a Batman movie! I mean, who doesn't enjoy seeing Batman in his iconic costume with the utility belt, cape, and mask? Well, there are also villains like Joker, Penguin, Two-Face, Riddler, Poison Ivy, Mr. Freeze... Sorry, I got a bit off track there. Life can be tough. Why did they have to release a movie that I really want to see when I'm broke? And yes, I'm aware that there are many people out there who are struggling to meet their basic needs. Now I face a difficult decision. Should I spend P120 to watch the movie alone, or should I wait a week after its release and buy a bootleg DVD, which is already a cl...