Love is everything

Finally, a korean film that did it for me. The film industry in Korea has churned out numerous films that have invaded Asia and now seem to have hit the right spot for the western world too. What come straight to our minds are probably countless horror films usually with the posters or dvd covers showing solemn, paler than pale faces of the leading actress with their necks twisted in an awkward way and/or with blood streaking down their eyes. However, the film that really inspired me so much as to write it as a blog is a comedy called 'Sex is zero'.

I was first introduced to this film a few years back when my koreans-loving friend asked for my help to search the dvd out. She had no time as she was practically glued to her laptop watching the latest epsiodes of various korean dramas simultaneously on different windows. Now, talk about multi-tasking! Strange she does not have cross eyes yet. Few years down the line, she is still as crazy about the koreans and has even dragged her beloved to do the same. If that is not love, I don't know what is.

Back to the film, obviously my search was futile being just released in Korea at that time and was top in the box office for few weeks. I have totally forgotten about it until I saw the sequel in the shops early this year. And lo and behold, the prequel was lying faithfully by it's side. Upon examining their covers, I could not help but think that they are just the Asian versions of 'American pie'. I was put off by the idea and nonchalantly put them back where they belong thinking, 'Ahhh, maybe next time when I really have nothing to watch.'

That was not the last of it. Like an unwavering cold, this film was more persistent than I thought. It popped up in my brother's room today. Now, my brother is not one who would readily experiment with cross-culture films. Then I remember the title. And who says sex does not sell?

No doubt, the title says it all. A comedy about sex. But like what the title also says, sex is not everything in this film. It has it's equal amount of drama, tear-jerking moments and of course funny scenes. It really had me reaching for the tissues (ahem, not just to wipe my eyes!). 

The thing about korean comedies I have watched is that they are pretty draggy in the middle. The funny bits just evaporated into numbing and unrelated scenes. I was expecting the same thing with 'Sex is zero' but was pleasantly surprised to discover that I was kept entertained right to the end and in fact, was yearning for more.

All in all, a most deserving ten out of ten for a comedy from Asia. Not good enough for me to want to watch the sequel but maybe that's because I do not want to be disappointed or maybe I still have that bad after-taste from korean comedies in the past.

Selfless good deeds

In today's society, there are no such things as selfless good deeds. There is always a motive behind them. I just have to start off with these two strong statements while they still sound agreeable in my head because they are so controversial even I sometimes have a hard time accepting them.

Think of something you deem are selfless good deeds. Charity. Unconditional love. Admitting fault and saying sorry. I am sure, you have experienced at least one of them in your lifetime. How did they make you feel? Good? Exactly my point. The fact that you feel good at the end neglects the act as being deemed selfless.

Let's break it down. Take for instance, feeling and saying sorry. A child broke a window. He felt guilty. So when you are feeling miserable, our selfish self automatically think of a way to make itself feel better again. So what did the boy do? Admitted fault and said sorry. In turn, he was forgiven and even praised. Bingo, job done nicely. He has turned from being miserable to feeling good. We say sorry just because we feel bad and want to feel better again. Therefore, not selfless.

Now, let's tackle charity. Ever notice how donations are accepted by society nowadays? In front of cameras. Next day, what do u see? Pictures and names for a selfless good deed. Does it still sound selfless now? We donate because we can afford to and expect some form of acknowledgement and publicity in return. Therefore, not selfless.

When a mother gives her child unconditional love, she is giving the child the best that she can afford to. The best milk powder, the best education, the best clothes. So he or she can grow into a successful and healthy being. How do you think the mother would feel if in twenty or thirty years time, the child becomes a successful attorney, moves away from her and never returns? Disappointed? Point proven. She gives and gives because she expects a return, therefore not selfless.

You can come up with a million and one things that you feel are selfless but I can assure you, there will always be a motive behind them. Why? We are created selfish fundamentally but we are brought up to think that being selfish is bad. So our body comes up with ways to fool itself into thinking that we are not. I can even go as far as saying creating and using the word 'selfless' is one of the ways. So from now on, wipe that word off your vocabulary and that might be the one true unselfish good deed!

A knot tied heavenly

From lunch partners to diving buddies,

Anny, we have come a long, long way.

From Pilong Rock to Richelieu Rock,

friends we will always be, come what may.

From your arm chair to villa three,

your generosity has touched me beyond words can say.

From resorts to liveaboards,

the trips we had together, I will always remember till the day I lay.

From nudibranchs to manta rays,

what you've shown me, is never far from divine.

From being lost to being found,

a friend like you, what can I say, is my most priceless find.

From the laughters to the tears,

the hurt I have caused is never sincere.

Though the visits are less and the calls few,

whatever you need, you can always count on me.

Be it a hand, a shoulder, an ear or even things brand new.

So from a friend to another,

I wish you a journey of blessings and bliss.

A journey of health and love,

and a journey with new beginnings and no ends.

Here is to Anny and Helmy.

RedLob says ......

......... friendship is when their absence is never forgotten and their presence is forever treasured.

Two heads are better than one

To avoid making my blog monotonous, I was resisting very hard to add another video clip especially one related to music. However, having come across this video clip by chance, I really have no choice. This clip sums up all the things I have been occupied with during my free time lately. And may I add, things I really believe stand out above the rest in their respective classes.

1) Radiohead - Self-explanatory really from the guitars they played and Thom's voice

2) Portishead - Thom singing The Rip, one of the best tracks from PH's Third album. A duet would be mind-blowing!

3) The Mac on the desk - Really have to include this. It's like icing on the cake.

So here it is. Enjoy one heck of an impromptu performance ........

RedLob says ......

.......you know you have flown enough when you rather sleep through in-flight meals.

Viva la POP!

On a happy note (!!!!!), a stark contrast to my previous ones by a million tones, this post is only made possible by Alphabeat. Yes, it's official. Pop is spelt A-L-P-H-A-B-E-A-T! Refreshing, energetic and plainly FUN! Who cares if I am replacing hairs on the head with fats on the chin and belly? Who cares if work sucks? You can always fall back to POP. And it's good to be a Popishead instead of Portishead once in a while.