A bummer of a weekend.

Heavy downpours. Rumbling thunder. Dangerous lightning. Strong gusty winds. Humidity on high. That pretty summed up 3/4 of this weekend. Right now, it's about to start again with another round of bad weather. I can hear the rumbles closing in ... Plus, me and the fellas almost got into a major car wreck on the highway. We were like a foot away (distancewise) from being fatally hit by another vehicle from the left. The results would've been devastating but I thank the Lord that we all survived as a whole in this latest situation that pits us between life and death.

GOLIMAR!!! - The Indian version to Michael Jackson's "Thriller" music video

My friends and I saw this clip on YouTube.com and we've found it to be very funny, yet entertaining and catchy - especially when GOLIMAR is mentioned several times. We love it! It appears to be that of an Indian-based rendition to Michael Jackson's "Thriller" video from long ago. However, I'm not sure as to when this was made. Surprisingly, it has become a favorite to those that have checked it out there on YouTube and left their comments. The footage you are about to see is a captioned version (for the sake of laugh and humor) filled with words not really a part of the song, but it sounds like the singer is actually singing that. For example, "GOLIMAR" is now "girly man." ... I hold no responsiblity for the uploading of the actual video clip or its manipulation in any way. Someone actually did all of that. I just wanted to share this with you all browsers checking out my website. We all need a laugh in our day and GOLIMAR is that vitamin we need to get our laugh started. The Indian actor involved in this video did his thing to make us giggle and credit is certainly due on his part! Bravo!

Not quite what I expected.

Just this week, I used 11,000 points from my credit card in order to get a gift from the rewards program. That part was easy as I point and clicked to the item I have chosen. But you know, something tricked me. There was a particular field that I had to type my information on. Since I do not physically live in Florida at the moment, I was putting my friend's name there under the address information preceeded with 'c/o' (care of) followed with his address including the unit number to his condo. After that portion was filled, I hit SUBMIT and it seemed that things were ok because I didn't received any error messages regarding the information I filled on the fields ... Then a few days later once it arrived at its location, I received a call from the post office in Orlando saying that I was not there at that address. She was right technically because my address is still designated in Norfolk. However, I thought I filled in the fields correctly on the rewards program's website. Instead the label contained only my name (and it wasn't even followed the 'c/o' part, as well as my friend's name not showing up there) and part of his address (his unit number ended up missing). So that added a lot of confusion on the postal service altogether. So she suggested for me to change my address (via the postal service's website) back to the Norfolk one instead. That way my rewards program package will be re-routed to me starting Monday of next week ... It just comes to show that the internet can fool us all thinking we properly filled-in the necessary fields for mailing information but really, there are flaws that can make the whole process go so wrong in the end. I hope one day, there is going to be THE ERROR PAGE so that next time I know if I'm doing this whole thing wrong ... It's all good now. It'll be sent to me. It's on it's way.

More Busch Gardens Roller Coaster Fun - "Apollo's Chariot"

As always, one of my friends from MySpace delivers! Previously, we all saw the Busch Gardens' "Lochness Monster" and "Griffon" footages from his camera. This time, we'll see "Apollo's Chariot" from a rider's perspective. My friend said that he almost lost his camera while recording the footage you're about to see ... More fun once again! Brace yourself. Just kidding.

A 'Roobs quote ...

"Do what you can. If the world fails in it's obligations, responsibilities and promises, at least you knew that you "kept it real" and true."

Busch Gardens' "Griffon" Ride ...

My MySpace friend is back with yet another footage of a roller coaster ride in Busch Gardens. This time, it's a rider's perspective on "The Griffon." Enjoy this exclusive piece.

These youngsters must learn ...

My good friend, an elderly lady of Filipino descent, lost her purse (which included her wallet containing up to $300 along with some credit cards and unfortunately, her house keys) last night thanks in part to two youngsters who snatched it from the grocery cart. She appeared to be in distress and in panic mode. It was the worst feeling for her to have. In addition to the loss she had already received, there was another setback to this. The teenagers that stole her belongings decided to use her credit card by buying food at Wendy's and getting fuel for their vehicle at the nearby gas station. The credit card company reported it the following morning. And as she heard this, I can see the expression of her face almost breaking down to utter disappointment. These youngsters didn't seem to have any careness at all and failed to show any sign of 'goodness' - not even the audacity to return her purse back and apologize. Instead, they took advantage of her money for their own gain, their own purposes. Hopefully one day, these youths will learn from this experience willing to express regret and sorryness to God in the future for what they've done to her taking all the money that she's worked for - for granted. To the young, please give respect and help those older than you. Do good things to others and you shall be rewarded ... Even though my good friend seemed to have suffered greatly from the loss over her belongings, I am very happy to know that she is coping with this bravely and I commend her on a good job. I'm also grateful that her health is okay and that she's in good spirits. Things'll be great, one day at a time. I can picture her now watering her plants and in peace. She's an amazing individual :)

Busch Gardens' "Lochness Monster" Ride ...

From one of my friends in MySpace, he has this video footage (via YouTube) of the "Lochness Monster" Ride from Busch Gardens in Williamsburg. It's exciting from how it looks, huh. Take it from a rider's perspective.

Push forth your success path with action, and not just by saying it.

A lot of people fail to succeed in what they wish to become because they either have that fear inside of 'em not willing to take the next step that'll ultimately change the course of their lives OR, succumbing their goals due to laziness, unfortunately. Even given the helpful, encouraging advice by those in their closest circle (like family and friends), some individuals would resort to saying, "yeah, I'll do that" verbally OR even the classy "yes" nod to them just to assure that everything's OK, but the initiative/action behind that never happens and is not executed. Seems like some people lack their long-term goal-setting standards and concentrate only on the short-term goals instead (such as downloading MP3s, being on MySpace or some other online community sitesearching for people endlessly, watching outrageous videos on YouTube, Liveleak, DailyMotion, etc. or having the need to buy something that won't be even worth it in the long run). And they won't even have the audacity to fulfill their own goals instead distracted by those elements mentioned in parenthesis. I have to admit that I was one of these individuals that backfired his own life big time. I wasn't hungry in finding a job and making a difference in myself. . However, something changed me - and it had to be a painful one to start off with. One significant event changed my life not too long ago. It was a time I thought I trusted and loved someone with all my heart - and then "boom." It was later revealed by the passing of time that I have became expendable to her life just like that (unbeknownst to me as I was agaped in shock, felt disappointed and gripped with my own emotions). I realized how much I've sacrificed (and invested) a huge chunk of my time and efforts to be there for someone who never really seemed to truly love me in the first place and that I ended up also being my own worst enemy (forsaking myself). You know what though, bless her heart no matter what transpired. I got no friction or grudge whatsoever. It is what it is. Really, if it weren't for her and the events that circulated, I wouldn't be on this journey to find myself. So that's something I have to thank her for. I'd probably still not push on my success and just continue to say words in order to pretend to everyone that I'm succeeding. But you know what. Something happened in the coming times ahead. It seemed like this setback was leading to a grateful cause. I started morphing into someone new, someone fresh who have isolated himself from the public eye he was once compatible with. I let go of the pain and focused now on my own standards and goals more than ever before. It was time for me to help myself. And here I am. I'm no longer the fellow that would say "yes" to something and not do it. I'm the opposite now. I am my own motivator, my own best friend. As I'm still living proof with a good health and peace of mind, I realize it's never too late to start over making things actually happen for real this time - and with no fear or laziness. This September, I am to change my life - forever - and it's me doing this on my own free will and my own terms. It is now that I believe in setting my long-term goals (such as finding a rewarding career, an apartment to rent, etc.) which will eventually translate to my own success. That makes me - "a late bloomer." Most importantly, I'll be that responsible person that many have wanted me to be. Now their wish will, in fact, come true. But it's not about pleasing or impressing them, it's about me - and making sure that I fulfill what I have to take care of rather than leave it in the dust like in years' past.

To some of those that I know personally by heart, please do what you can to help yourself succeed. Put aside the noise, distractions and unnecessary, unimportant elements that you indulge on. Make good use of your time and effectively plan your goals. We are all growing older and not any younger, you know. This is your opportunity now to shine through ... Look back into your life dating to a few months/years ago and ask yourself if you made any progress lately. I can only give you this wonderful advice and that you alone are your own vehicle to success. Your success is something I can't run for you. You'll have to do everything from you, for you. The decisions that you'll make now will entirely shape your future. Can't let the parade of opportunities slip you by. Catch it while you still have the time!

Saving the earth ... is it too late?

Of all that we've done so far as a human race, are we putting much or too little of an effort to save Earth from the damage that we created all these years? I give many praises to those that were involved with the Live Earth benefit concerts - and even former Vice-President Al Gore with his critically-acclaimed documentary, "An Inconvenient Truth." They've done a wonderful job in raising the awareness to save the planet. But is the success of this going to translate into the idea of the next step: to actually "save the planet" immediately? A concert alone cannot make a huge difference instantly. Every one of us must do our our part to help benefit our planet and it's resources. This is a definitely a world issue that must be raised and voiced to the leaders around the world - of all nationalities, the whole masses, so to speak. If we could only put aside our bitter feelings/hostilities, differences and egos, WE CAN SAVE THE EARTH as it's meant to be - acting now. If we ignore all the warning signals now to save our planet, then the worst is yet to come unfortunately - and it will be too little, too late. We can't just try to save the planet and let others still ruin it. This is earth's darkest hour. It's up for us to instill the hope in it while we can.

PICTURE BLOG #7: A rare shot of me and my older brother Jay at Route 58 west.

PICTURE BLOG #7: This digital photograph was taken by my mother at a Mecklenberg County gas station off of Route 58 going west. That's me on the left sporting my new beard-and-mustache look along with my green DOCKERS brand polo shirt (already wrinkling at the bottom .... yikes!). To the right of me is my other brother Jay (older by one year) wearing Magic Johnson's number 15 USA Basketball jersey and his Chicago White Sox ballcap. It's the first time that I've introduced him here on JONNYROOBS CENTRAL. Our destination that day was Danville, VA during the long 4-hour road trip ..... And this picture already made it's way to my MySpace profile for all the peepz' to see.

A great inspiring quote from the late Jimmy Valvano (N.C. State coach)

"To me, there are three things we all should do every day. We should do this every day of our lives. Number 1 is laugh. You should laugh every day. Number 2 is think. You should spend some time in thought. And Number 3 is, you should have your emotions moved to tears, could be happiness or joy. But think about it. If you laugh, you think, and you cry, that's a full day. That's a heck of a day. You do that seven days a week, you're going to have something special."

- Jimmy Valvano (Jimmy "V")

N.C. State Basketball Coach

From Wikipedia.com: Valvano received a lengthy standing ovation. He died less than two months later. Valvano died at the age of 47 after a yearlong battle with cancer.

GUEST BLOG: "Please help all of us eat better!!!!"

"L" spending a moment with her dog at the park.

GUEST BLOG: From a friend, "L" in St. Petersburg, FL:

"Hey Everyone! I just joined a great campaign to Grow Organics with the EWG Action Fund and I thought you'd like to join, too!! Pretty please!!!Are you satisfied with having just 3% of the fruit you eat free of potentially dangerous pesticides? How about 2% of vegetables? Or less than 0.02% of corn?Right now, those are the percentages of organic produce available in grocery stores.Fortunately, the EWG Action Fund is working with Congress to make sure organic farmers get their fair share of federal funds to improve access to healthy alternatives. You can help right now by signing the EWG Action Fund's Grow Organics petition. Their goal is 30,000 signatures by July 15! Thanks for joining the Campaign to Grow Organics!I wish everyone the best! Eat organic and eat well!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! =) "

"Best Friend" - (Repost from Jan '07 blog entry)

A best friend is someone who solidly supports you through your moments in life, even through difficult circumstances and situations. He/she has to be a motivator, an inspiration, and a beacon of light in your life. A best friend would enjoy your company & presence without limits and with welcome - and would give you that thought to appreciate life even more (than what you can imagine). A best friend has to be THE REAL DEAL, most certainly, within the confines of himself/herself. Through all the people you meet in life, the best friend is what stands above all of them and can be easily noticed (through your eyes) amongst the crowd. A best friend makes you feel like a winner, and most importantly, he/she will never leave you in the blue.

Time reveals all.

As time passes by, it reveals all - what we want to see and what we don't want to see. It'll perhaps change everything regarding our surroundings - from the people and the things we really wish we could have in our lives, but we can't (even how we try to change everything). There'll be people that'll just come and go in our lives. There'll be unforseen events that'll test our own strengths and witnesses. And we'll see unbounded truths be told through the fabrics of time in the most greatest of ways to even the most shocking and disturbing, including the people whom we once held so dear, sacrificed, loved and cared for with our unconditional hearts in the first place. Time later holds the key to the realness of who they really are - unraveling them in the most realistic way possible stripping all the facades and illusions that we were once introduced to. It goes either way: they are real as they say they are or they are not real all along. For me, I've seen worse than the better and that there are only a few that I now put in my closest circle of faithfuls. Asides from that, time can also change a person deep down inside - and it had that major profound effect in me, thanks in large part to the revelations time brings. Through every wave of good and bad revelations that time brought to me, it helped me found the peace and self-respect that I've been wanting for in so long. From the moment I was sad and depressed because of some unexpected twists and turns by the people I've once cared for, I knew there was hope coming right along. Time healed me from my emotional scars and wounds - and that I'm back renewed and feeling better in an instant! And that's the interesting thing about time - it heals, too! When the bad is on it's way out, the good part comes back with a vengeance. Time cannot be considered a friend or an enemy. Rather, it's just a partner in your life that does it's job and whatever it brings, it'll take us to many different avenues. Perhaps most of what time offers will be good, but it can also unleash its fury, dangers, and unexpected twists and surprises in an instance whether it's to our liking or not. Feels like I'm more ready to face the wave of things to come and brave out what is to come in my ongoing journey in life. Be prepared as well.

An awesome Michael Buble song - "Save The Last Dance For Me" - video & lyrics included.

Michael Buble - Save The Last Dance For Me Lyrics

You can dance-every dance with the guyWho gives you the eye,let him hold you tightYou can smile-every smile for the manWho held your hand neath the candle lightBut don't forget who's takin' you homeAnd in whose arms you're gonna beSo darlin' save the last dance for meOh I know that the music's fineLike sparklin' wine, go and have your funLaugh and sing, but while we're apartDon't give your heart to anyoneBut don't forget who's takin' you homeAnd in whose arms you're gonna beSo darlin' save the last dance for meBaby don't you know I love you soCan't you feel it when we touchI will never never let you goI love you oh so muchYou can dance, go and carry onTill the night is goneAnd it's time to goIf he asks if you're all aloneCan he take you home, you must tell him no'Cause don't forget who's taking you homeAnd in whose arms you're gonna beSo darling, save the last dance for me'Cause don't forget who's taking you homeAnd in whose arms you're gonna beSo darling, save the last dance for meSave the last dance for meSave the last dance for me

CLASSIC MYSPACE BLOG: "(FIRST TIME) Orlando FL / Disneyworld"

Friday, November 17, 2006 - MYSPACE BLOG

I have finally fulfilled my childhood dream by going to Disney World in Orlando, Florida. My wish came true as I arrived there at the age of 32. The "kid" version of myself that still dwells in me was so overly excited and enthusiastic with glee. There was so much to see and walk around to. It's just too bad that the rest of my family wasn't able to enjoy this magical moment with me. Never in my wildest dreams would I realize that it had finally come to this because all of this felt so impossible before.

It had been a long time coming. During my younger days as a child, my hard-working parents weren't able to put a lot of time into fun and instead, incorporated the rest of their time off to in-house duties. Mom was working to-the-extreme at her seamstress job in the Naval Base getting some major overtime for the extra boost of income and Dad was overseas doing his supply-related duties halfway around the globe. With that happening, you might come to wonder what my brothers and I did for fun. Did we went out? Nope. We were at home messing with our G.I.JOE and Transformers toys and watching T.V. Life for us was kind of restrictive and we seldom spent the time socializing with the general public. We couldn't even go out much. Occasionally, we had some friends of ours come over once in a while, but that was still less the fun. There was no outlet, no escape - sometimes feeling no hope at all. Just utter boredom was more like it – until – Mom and Dad took us to Busch Gardens in 1983. That would be the last of the fun for a long, long time … By high school, I acclimated myself with others and did what they did – and that's to go out and explore. At that time, I felt very liberated and at times, rebellious. That was when I learned more about Virginia Beach with my friend Ariel as we went around and about – hanging with other friends. There were the clubs, the restaurants, the oceanfront, but there was still something missing: Disney World … My college years were more of the same and I became well aware of my surroundings within the community of Hampton Roads. I still didn't went out of state … Call me a late bloomer in traveling, but I'm glad to had fulfilled something during a certain part of my life. My parents seemed to be a little more lenient on me since one of my brothers went to the U.S. Navy doing his mission somewhere around the world. I finally took the initiative to go beyond by traveling to Florida in 1997 with a group of friends from the Filipino community. Then came Philadelphia and New Jersey. And the most complicated of all places to drive at: New York, in which I had the opportunity to meet my online friend there. I'll never forget how terrible traffic was. I thought that I'd never make it back in one piece with my Ford Escort (my car at that time). But still, no Disney World in sight!

Enter present day. It was time to make it happen. I couldn't skip past Disney World for another year of my life. A few months ago, my friend from my childhood and high school days (Ariel) had decided to help me achieve the feat of making it to Disney World for the first time in my life. He provided specific airfare travel & theme park information. Also, he got me hooked up with accommodations. All we had to do was plan this out right.

On November 10th, it came to fruition. I traveled solo and had no friends come with me aboard the jet plane. I thought it would be difficult at first because I was attempting to fly in a post 9/11-world in which I've never done – having to take off my shoes & personal belongings passing through the metal detectors (and the TSA agent monitoring to the greatest detail). The last time I flew on a jet was on November, 1998 and that was a long time ago. Ariel was with me during that time as we visited a friend in Tampa. That marked his first visit to Florida. But now, he's a Florida resident and is living well with his growing family consisting of his wife and son. This time, I was the visitor.

Man, did it felt good! I was out of Virginia and everything associated with it – gone from my memory temporarily. No one knew me, too (except for Ariel & his family). I was entering a whole new world. I kept looking out my friend's car passenger window seeing things I've never seen before. I said to myself, "Virginia's really missing out on everything." Lots of theme parks and hotels filled most of Orlando. There was just something great about it. The atmosphere was always alive.

Alive! Yes, alive!

That's just how good it was! Part of that equation was Disney World. This was now my definitive moment to enjoy what it had to offer. I didn't even know that Disney World was split into 4 areas consisting of: Magic Kingdom, Epcot, MGM Studios, and Animal Kingdom. Ariel's strategy was for the rest of us (me, him & his family) to visit 2 parks each day. I loved riding on the tram because it would've been a long, long walk without that mode of transportation.

I witnessed these there: Disney characters in a small parade. Live-action shows. Soap opera stars from the ABC network who were there for the Soap Weekend. Live animals active in their own habitats. A boat ride in which I saw toy-like props singing "It's a small world after all" in different languages from around the world. Racing cars to race near "Tomorrowland." The Hall of Presidents that features an "animatronix performance" of the past 43 presidents making them appear so animated and lifelike. The magic kingdom castle standing in all its glory changing colors during the evening hours. Seeing the world of the future riding through "Tomorrowland." Jon Secada belting out his Top 40 songs at Epcot … So much more, I can go on forever and forever.

All of the elements mentioned above - definitely worth the ticket and the time. Sometimes it felt like I was in a surreal world of sorts where everything was immensely full of "fun."

WOW!!!!!!!

I enjoyed it to the fullest and will always look back at this moment.

I'm looking forward to the sequel probably around early next year and hopefully my friends will tag along with me on the next adventure.

At least I know now that I have went to Disney World.

I've made history, for myself.

CLASSIC MYSPACE BLOG:"1996-2006: My Time Is Up! "

Sunday, November 26, 2006 - MYSPACE BLOG

For the last ten years or so, I devoted myself to the Filipino community (in the Hampton Roads area in VA) being a volunteer at certain events as well as certain organizations (despite a few political differences going on between them) and helping out a good number of people individually. My last service was teaming up with my friend Randy (of Seaport Grille restaurant located in Chesapeake's Great Bridge area) helping out candidate and YFPHR (Young Fil-Am Professionals of Hampton Roads) member Lyndon Remias, who emerged victorious in a school board election last May. Now, it's time for me to expand my horizons furthermore beyond this community umbrella and move into bigger things ahead, which includes shaping up my goals to their potential (chasing that dream of an awesome career) and volunteering elsewhere (American Cancer Society, United Way, etc.). It's been a long time coming and the waiting is finally over ... The Filipino community has been great to me here, but I think it's time for me to move on - for the best interests in both of us (me and them). I felt that I've done enough on my part and I'd like to be remembered for what I did - whether it's through various organizations or helping out as an individual to a certain person(s) solving their problems ... And so my reign as a volunteer (in my own community) finally ends, my association ceases with the YFPHR and another chapter begins ... It's so neat to script a new story into my life as I face the freshness of a bold, new daring adventure - on my own and the way I've always envisioned it without limits.

CLASSIC MYSPACE BLOG: "Facing life's challenges & situations all over again...."

Saturday, Dec 9, 2006 - MYSPACE BLOG

If I had to do life's challenges and situations all over again, it'd be better this time around than previous. I am more wiser and stronger than I ever was in dealing with these. Through time, we grow, we learn, and we think back on how things were, EVEN had they've been corrected. And that never stops until our life as we know it - is over. While we're living, it's never too late to better ourselves of these challenges & situations that were hard or difficult before at one point in our lives. At the same time when a cloud of doubt comes along the way, shine on and do what you must to ensure the trust and love to the individuals who were there with you during those crucial times (as well as those who are no longer around because of the consequences that happened). Loving them unconditionally shall always remain prevalent, no matter what the outcome. That, I learned and will continue to do so :)

I STILL suck at tennis ... but there's a reason behind it.

In one of my old entries I mentioned that I sucked at the game of tennis because it was the first time in a long time that I last played it. And now, there's another reason why I STILL suck at playing the game: food. You heard that right - FOOD! My good acquaintance/associate Jimmy and myself first went out to eat at the Golden Corral. With a coupon in tow, I paid only $9 for 2 breakfast buffets (originally priced at $18). We ate up around 2-3 dishes filled with our own breakfast selections from all what was being served. When we were done, the two of us were so full. Then something happened that probably gave Jimmy the edge in tennis. He went to the restroom prior to leaving Golden Corral. And boy did he took a long time, too! Must've downloaded, if you know what I mean. lolz. He even beat all the record times that each one of my ex-girlfriends had while in the restroom - combined! With myself not being able to go to the restroom after eating a lot, I knew somehow that I was going to have a major disadvantage ... While we were on the courts, I could barely manage to get some of the small volleys that Jimmy was hitting to me. And most of them, I didn't even wanted to run after. I realized it was a bad idea to have eaten a breakfast buffet before playing the game of tennis which requires a lot of physical movements in the most amazing ways. I will never EVER eat before I play any sport, the next time around. Now I've learned from this - and it's all Jimmy's fault, too. He said we should eat first ... Grrr. lolz.

TRANSFORMERS may be THE biggest summer HIT movie of the year!

Myself holding my personalized license plate & behind me - Autobot leader, Optimus Prime. SOURCE: Jonnyroobs photo - jonnyroobs.net; Optimus Prime picture - superherohype.com

It's official, folks. According to the superhero movies website, superherohype.com, "Transformers" has now grossed over $100 million dollars in just 7 days top (UPDATE: As of 7/8/07 the movie has now made $152.6 million dollars) - and there are no signs of slowing down yet. This may very well be THE biggest summer HIT movie of the year satisfying audiences from around the world and of course, here in the United States - only trailing to that of "Spider-Man 3," which is by far the top grossing flick of the year yet it was less-respected by moviegoers. Michael Bay's new flick (in which the title to the movie was derived from the Hasbro toyline) seemed to have worked out with almost everybody in the general public, as well as cooling some heads out there from cyberspace that may have been doubtful and against his concepts in the first place. At first, I was feeling some resentment about how a concept that was once a toy would translate to big screen CGI magic. But now, I'm accepting what the movie had to offer in it's formulaic elements - and putting back my trust in director Michael Bay since his last movie "The Island" (a good, decent Sci-fi movie in my DVD collection) starring Ewan McGregor and Scarlett Johannsen was a disappointment at the box office 2 years ago ... If I had to put this against "Spider-Man 3's" story, I would've picked "Transformers" hands down because it has everything (and I mean EVERYTHING) to be that of a 'feel-good movie.' However, "Spider-Man 3" would win because the entire franchise spans from the 1960s generation to now - and that he is more synonymous into the American culture. It just lacked the wonderful ingredients that "Spider-Man" and "Spider-Man 2" had that made the series so successful. Let's just hope the next "Transformers" movie carries on well like it's successful predecessor with the new sequel coming in around 2 years time ... "Transformers" is expected to rake in millions of more dollars before bowing out of the theaters and making it's way to DVD/Blu-Ray/HD-DVD format sometime in November or December of this year ... When it comes to THE biggest summer HIT movie of the year, it's really TRANSFORMERS. It won with the audience's satisfaction and that it's making megabucks. That's what "Spider-Man 3" failed on because it only had one of those that made it successful. You guessed it right: making megabucks - and people thought they were going to see something great with SM3, but it didn't fit most of their expectations well.

Filtering ...We have options and preferences.

In today's world, nothing - ABSOLUTELY NOTHING - can satisfy anyone equally - at all. One will like his/her interests. The other is going to dislike those. And we will never agree as a whole on anything recent like products, issues, etc. that comes in front of us no matter what. For example, I saw a few individuals hurl insults to each other during a major traffic jam after the July 4th fireworks! One thing they'll share though: total frustration. There'll be a lot of friction going -whether it would be the words we express filled with pure distastefulness on a blog TO even an actual physical confrontation-of-sorts leading up to a fight. And all of this because we have differences on things - period. Well, you know what. We do have the ability to play smart if we use it. It's just that most of the society today hardly or barely uses this technique. It's called filtering. And with that in mind, you can select your own options and preferences that is best suited by you (and only you) in your lifestyle. Filtering should be implemented and exercised in your daily life. You can choose what long-term/short-term goals suit you best. You can select which of the people in your life right now are the most important and those who are the opposite of that - perhaps even an enemy or adversary trying to ruin your life. You can choose the TV programs on your TV tube or movies in a theater you feel like watching. You can try-on clothes that totally define the NEW you - just because you "totally dig it!" All of this - without disagreeing and starting no conflict. You can try to vote for a bill or for a candidate under the condition of anonymity and not even bothering to debate with the opposition. You can choose an electronic device that suits your current lifestyle conveniently even in a world that rapidly changes in technology. You can buy a car right now because you like it - and that nobody forces you. You can save or spend, as long as you got money on-the-side and that you are wise, too. And for the guys out there, you can choose between the most good-looking lady who wants to be treated right and the luxuries that go with that or the other one who is conservative in nature, more responsible in her tasks and obedient in a relationship willing to stick with you through the thick and thin forever. As for the filtering and options from my own point-of-view, I select wisefully the people i like to be with and live the quiet lifestyle instead hindering myself from the spotlight and most of the public eye. Plus I make good use of my time in my craftsmanship doing projects that fits my standards, offering help to others who are in need, and watching ESPN programs (Mike & Mike In The Morning, PTI: Pardon The Interruption, Sportscenter) and The Filipino Channel on the TV tube minus the news that's mostly filled with negative elements these days. See how easy it is to choose under your own set of protocols, your own set of rules without any interference from anyone's dismay? If only the world can use it more, it will certainly put a step up in what is supposedly "a civilized society." Just remember that we DO have options and preferences to choose from and that we don't have to go by what the world around us goes with.

Accident on a July 4th Day ...

I saw an accident on South Independence Blvd. unfold right before my eyes while I was walking on the sidewalk and talking with the fellas leaving the park. It wasn't a good day at all for one family this Independence Day as they were probably heading to Mt. Trashmore for the festivities (not too far from where they were). A big thud and smoke came about at first. Then I saw a car (a Nissan Altima) spun entirely out of control on the median hitting a tree branch afterwards. All of a sudden --- quietness. Then there was the outpouring of support from bystanders and/or other drivers who came in to help. Two things must've been on their minds: to see if the people inside were okay and the conditions they were in. Turns out the children, particularly the one in the baby seat only suffered little or no injuries that were deemed as life threatening. The driver, however, may have suffered a lot more probably having internal bleeding in the organs and/or broken bones. His passenger on the right (presumably his wife) had taken most of the damage due to the point of impact. Her condition was so severe that she was airlifted to the Nightingale (Sentara Hospital's helicopter). I felt so sorry for them as they are going through a difficult time right now. I do hope for the best in this as well as the miracles to keep them going on with their lives. I said a prayer for them (as well as God's blessings) along with my friend Raymond before we ate our dinner. Turns out that the accident itself is right across from the restaurant we dined in ... Wow, it just comes to show that life is fragile and that we can't take it all for granted. We have to make the best moments as they happen while we are still living ... In spirit of Independence Day, Ray and I went back to the park to watch the fireworks finale.

[On a July 4th note, I was able to upload a small video footage of the fireworks at Mt. Trashmore Park through my cell phone's video feature ... it shows a few seconds of fireworks action. Check 'My own "YouTube" videos' located on the right in this page]

My (Non-spoiler) words regarding "Transformers" movie ...

Shown above is a 10-minute compilation of the "Transformers" trailers, TV spots, and bonus scenes that were around the internet for the last couple of months leading to the opening date.

Good movie, especially if you're looking for cheesy humor, a 'comic-book type' storyline and those special efx (some of which looks so well overdone) that would go along with your $9 or $10 evening ticket, popcorn and drink. However, I wouldn't consider it a "kid" movie however. Many of it's sexual-related references (seen & heard) there seem to be aiming for the grown-up audience. And that the violence may be too graphic and disturbing for the young ones, too. The robots themselves are lifelike in their gestures and very realistic as they transform. You'll definitely like the Autobots' personalities as they are introduced. Peter Cullen is impressive as the voice of Optimus Prime. Shia LaBeouf, Megan Fox, and all their castmates have done a good job in their performances. Overall, not a bad flick at all from action-directing guru Michael Bay and famed producer Steven Spielberg that's 2 and a ½ hours long.