Buhay Pandemya: “The Chosen” Seasons 1 and 2

Photo lifted from Brian Jennings Blog. 

I finished watching Season 2 of this crowd-funded series. And yup, I did my part by ‘paying forward’ as well. LOL

I have to say that I am impressed with this “creative” take of the life of Jesus. Emphasis on “creative” - the director/producer uses much creative licenses to dramatize and humanize. And it is focused more on the humans around Jesus, the humans he chose to be his apostles, followers, etc. Parang Humans around Jesus LOL 

I believe the series started production in 2019 thereabouts. They have produced 2 seasons with a goal of producing 7 seasons and reaching a billion people around the world. (They are at +300M views.) I found about it from my Ate as she excitedly shared this to the family. 

I love the series! As a Catholic watching this series produced by an Evangelical Christian (Dallas Jenkins), I can only say - congratulations for pulling this off! I actually believe that only a non-Catholic could actually pull this off (and I say this with much affection for the Roman Catholic church). His creative licenses would have needed approvals all the way up to the Vatican (Nihil Obstat). And judging by the way he wove the stories, I think the Church might find some ‘objectionable’! But he wanted this to be inclusive, and authentic. He consulted with many sources, including Catholic priests, Greek orthodox, Jewish rabbi, etc. In the end, he has succeeded in creating a story that is both inspiring and enjoyable.

At many parts, I was actually moved to shedding some tears. Some stories resonated deeply: Peter’s conversion, the disabled ‘thief’ living in the fringes. I enjoyed the ‘extremist’ plot line of Simon the Zealot. (That was something I didn’t know!) I also found myself amused that Dallas incorporated some storylines that have always intrigued me. (Jesus and John the Baptist calling each other cousins). And hurrah for racial inclusivity, people of color being cast! (I could swear there were Asians there, too.)  There is also something so contemporary about the dialogues (which might raise some eyebrows). But on deeper analysis, concerns of two thousand years ago may not have been very different from today.

I like the choice of Jonathan Roumie as Jesus. His eyes convey compassion and authority.  His demeanor is relatable (very ‘human) yet stately. Again, a refreshing take on the Jesus as story character.

It’s not perfect. Some episodes do drag out as the stories of the  ‘humans’ have to be fleshed out (pun intended). That Roman Praetor Quintus seemed a tad like a caricature of an evil, scheming villain. Some familiar New Testament events that were linked together seemed ‘incredulous’. 

But these are minor bleeps. The series deserves support (yes, monetary as well) and promotion. I hope to see this series completed and its loft ambitions reached!

Buhay Pandemya: DL continues

I just finished writing the first draft of Book 2 of Daddy Love. It just feels so satisfying to commit to a task and see it through. The reception to the Web Series just overwhelms me. I still can’t believe that the crazy idea would resonate (and pay for itself). I had to make sure the story continues.

I took it another route. I decided to write it myself, as a short novel (ok, even I am cringing at that label. Di ko dasarv. Let’s call it a long story.) There were other themes I wanted to wove into it. So I challenged myself to just write and write. 

It was, at times, so cathartic for me. I found myself angry, ashamed, burdened as I banged away on the keyboard. That in itself is already a reward. Putting into words some of those experiences. Giving voice to some thoughts I have locked away.  

And I chose to write in Filipino, despite having poor command of the language. Somehow, I felt that the story unravels better in Filipino. 

I printed it. Call me old-fashioned. I even used scratch A4 paper. Finally found use for all that paper lying around. Hahaha. And I will reread it and write my notes. 

Will it be produced? I honestly have not made up my mind. I still need to muster the resources and the will power to that all of that again. And I have so many mistakes from that first series that I would have to learn from. 

For now I relish the feeling of completing something. Cheers!

Buhay Pandemya: Going Mental

After a year and a half of this pandemic, and intermittent lockdowns, I have come to realize the impact on my mental health. During lockdowns, I become extremely horny, as in crazy horny. As I am forced to stay put for weeks on end, my libido goes on overdrive. I consume porn (though just like a drug, tolerance increases. It takes much more to turn me on.) And I end up buying sex toys online. 

I’ve always been curious about them. But with the lockdown and the convenience of online shopping (Nasa Lazada yarn!) I am suddenly adding to cart. I won’t go into the details. The reality is that some of those toys still fail to satisfy.

But I did find something that finally agrees with me. LOL. Hands free cup. With varying frequencies. LOL. So I am trying to control myself from getting addicted. LOL (Just like Charlotte and her “Rabbit” in an ep of SATC). Kinda pricey though. But I’d have to say it’s worth it. Sorry. No unboxing video. HAHAHA. 

Buhay Pandemya: Unfinished Business.

MECQ extended till Sep 7. That’s a Tuesday. It is quite odd that they would choose to end middle of the week. They usually end, or start, these lockdowns on weekends. Methinks it has something to do with Ghost Month, as it ends when new moon appears… yup, Sep 7. LOL 

The OC in me is using this long weekend to finally finish Bionic Woman Season 1. I bought the boxed set DVD abroad about 5 or 6 years ago. Bionic Woman, as was Charlie’s Angels, was special to me. The beks in school idolized her. She was strong. She was invincible. She was flat-chested. Lol. That was, I believe, part of the reason I idolized her. She was not in the Miss America mold (as her contemporary Lynda Carter was). I bought the Season 1 DVD to bring back memories. And realized what a chore it was to watch. The story line, the production, the writing. Ugh. But I had to finish it being the OC that I am. I actually feel … guilty for not finishing what I started!

But the satisfaction of finishing … such joy! LOL

I have started very few series that I didn’t finish, guilt-free. One was “The Walking Dead.” I just stopped after the horrifying, particularly gory episode of Steven Yuen’s character’s head being clubbed. I couldn’t take that kind of gore. The other is that BL series last year, My Day. They had to resort to that disgusting scene where the resto servers were ‘compromising’ the food. I’m being gentle here. That just grossed me out.

I have started to watch two old sitcoms: The Mary Tyler Moore Show and Absolutely Fabulous. But I am not able to sustain interest. Yet, I am actually feeling guilty for thinking of not finishing it! LOL. That is why I am very, VERY choosy about which series to watch. I get all these recomms, including koreanovelas. I check out the number of seasons, and episode length. Damn those K-novelas 1hr 20minutes long! 18 to 20 episodes! Ugh.

 I hope that I would be able to feel less guilty about not finishing what I start. Yeah. Rrrright.

Buhay Pandemya: Prayer Life

Since last year, my workouts started with warmups on a stationary recumbent bike. That bike was my dad’s, given by my sister a decade ago. And it is still working and operational. I pray the rosary as I bike. And consistent with my “even wear and tear” mantra, I cycle all my rosaries featured below.

I have also been praying the rosary in Filipino more often as this takes longer. I work up a good sweat. I burn about 100 to 140 calories, depending on speed, effort, etc. But since I don’t workout on Sundays, I join the family (mom, Ate and Bro-in-law) for rosary after Sunday lunch.

Also since lockdown, I have started to pray the Angelus every 6am and 6pm. I don’t remember how I got started. But I do remember sometimes waiting for the church bells (yup, I can hear them from my place) especially in the evening. So it turns out that the Angelus really started out as evening recitation of three Hail Mary’s as the Angel Gabriel’s greeting to Mary. Interesting.

So possibly, I am one of those who have become more ‘prayerful’ during the pandemic. Perhaps it gives me consolation and hope. And I need that during these times.

Buhay Pandemya: Nakauwi ng probinsiya bago lockdown ulit

So, we look forward to another lockdown in a week. The gov’t has given us an allowance of one week to prepare. And that means panic-buying, crowding at the supermarkets and drugstores perhaps. They have learned from their agad-agad lockdown announcements? Maybe. With this administration, you never know how they are thinking.

I am lucky I got to travel to the beach house before lockdown happens. Though it’s typical habagat, storm clouds, rain from time to time, angry waves. I am glad that I was able to go home to the province.

Naka-uwi ng probinsiya … that is something I never got to say before, growing up. We, technically, did not have a province to go home to. The ‘ancestral homes’ for both my folks were long gone. Both sets of grandparents settled in Metro Manila and raised their families there. So I envied classmates who were able to ‘go home to the province’ during vacation. Even c3 had that when he was growing up.

But Naka-uwi ng probinsiya eventually also meant being promdi, with all its elitist, Imperial Manila connotations. I felt that in college, entering university. In the freshman block I was part of, there were distinct segments: from province, from Metro Manila. But even that had subsegments: from exclusive schools, from Chinese schools and from gov’t schools, etc.

I didn’t know where I belonged. The peeps from Arneo, Asamson, etc., seemed to know each other so they were a clique. I certainly could not relate to that, with their cars, and their parties and proms. The peeps from the non-elite exclusives were mostly guys. My background would have fit but ewwww … they were all basketball and chasing after girls. I had an easier time assimilating with the people from the provinces. They were welcoming. But they also fall back to their regional languages from time to time. So it wasn’t exactly a perfect fit either.

But on hindsight, the biggest stumbling block for me then was my denial of my homosexual identity. It wasn’t really the language, or the shared experiences, though those things exacerbated my sense of non-belonging. I had this ‘big secret’, being gay, that I couldn’t yet admit. So no matter whom I was engaging with, we would have ‘limits’ to discussion, especially when it comes to ‘crushes and relationships.’

Coming out to my family at the latter part of my freshman year changed all that. I owned up to being gay. And it didn’t matter to me who knew about it in school. Besides, we didn’t have that block anymore. That was when I started to meet peeps from all backgrounds. Eventually, some of those became regular buddies for lunch and for hanging out. My college barkadas were formed. 

Being relaxed about being gay allowed me to experience other people and form bonds with them. Sure there were bullies and homophobes. But it was easy to avoid them. In my own skin, I found it easy to be accepted and even ‘loved’.

I say this with ‘humble bragging’ - Nakauwi ako ng probinsiya bago lockdown. I now have a province to call my own. I am forming provincial roots. The bonus is that this place just happens to have an oceanview. But it is an angry ocean I am looking at right now. 

Half A Million Views

My heart is full. (I never thought I’d say that!)  

Episode 1 of Daddy Love has super-exceeded my expectations with 500,000 views to-date in YT, after 3 weeks of launch. Episode 2, launched yesterday evening, has clocked in 110,000 views in less than 24 hours. 

It just seems that this story of mine resonates with more people, much more than I thought. I was going to be happy if ep 1 garnered 100,000 views. That was already a milestone for me. But it has far surpassed that. Thanks to all those who viewed.

The comments have been mostly positive and encouraging. And there are even international audiences seeking subtitles in other languages. 

I can’t thank enough the actors, director, DOP, the crew, the enablers, the publisher for making this happen. 

The tale has been told. Celo Sy is humbled and grateful to those who wanted to hear, and watch, this story.

Achievement Unlocked. Goal Hit.

I finally got to my target weight this morning. Just had to share. It took me more than 3 months to get here. A bit of background: right before the pandemic lockdown last year, I was 13 lbs above target. During the 2020 lockdown, I managed to lose all those pounds. But when the lockdown eased, so did the strict diets and regimen. Since November last year, I had been hovering at about 7 - 8 lbs in excess. And I was having so much difficulty trying to lower my weight. Finally, I did it again. 

What changed? I have been plant-based since end-March. I still don’t know how long I could sustain it as I am starting to get meat cravings. #kapitlang I have been more religious in following the workouts from this old Men’s Fitness book. The 3-month “Fat-burn” workout is structured with 3 weight-training days per week, which always includes leg workouts. The cardio happens in between, mainly HIIT that gradually increases in total time. Another thing about the workouts is the short rest periods in between exercise sets of about 30secs! 

Aesthetically, the body is far from perfect. And I blame genetics largely.  But I am embracing this body,  flabs and all. That ideal muscular body is never going to happen. I have too many ‘structural flaws’. I am just too old.  

So this is as good as it gets. I just want to capture this moment and savor it. And maybe inspire some raider to continue that fitness journey, with all its starts, stops and frustrations. For with the right angles, the body doesn’t look so bad. 

#LF Personal MD

I grew up with my own Family MD, my dad. It would be him first to assess when I feel infirmed. Then he would eventually refer us to his specialist friends should there be a need. 

That’s the ideal situation for me. A personal/family MD who knows your medical history intimately. S/he is kept abreast with your health situation. And would be available for quick consults. And no more filling up of long patient information sheets every visit. Should there be need to refer to specialists, s/he makes recommendation and even apprises the specialist of your case.

My detailed thoughts on this…

- GP/Family Med training, willing to accept me as a patient 

- willing to review, discuss and store my health history

- male, younger than me would be ok

- clinic within my city of residence

- HMO-accreditation NOT a requirement (I propose a personal compensation arrangement).

- hospital affiliations that are accredited by most HMOs 

- tech-savvy enough (electronic health records, e-consults)

- fitness and nutrition enthusiast

- responsive and available for quick e-consults (compensation arrangement to be discussed)

- can issue medical certificates upon request 

I wonder, would this be possible? Would there be physician out there willing and able and fitting the profile? 

Buhay Pandemia: Pagkaing Halaman

Started plant-based dieting. In February, my blood chem showed elevated LDL and even uric acid. That puzzled me as I’ve been confining my meat to chicken breast 70% of the time. And I noticed how my weight has not been going down to desirable levels. 

Implementing the shift was quite easy. I have a sister and her family who have been vegan for many years now. She has done much research into it. And there are more food choices than ever before.  I also reached out to two friends for tips.  Besides, I’m plant-based only as I still eat eggs and dairy products.

Best is that I have a supportive sister (another Ate) who manages our household. She herself would do the research and order stuff online. And she instructs the cook on how to prepare. The cook has been experimenting with home-cooked meals using tofu, soy-based protein sources, mushroom-based or even textured vegetable protein. 

Some Hits: Estofado, Pochero, Adobo, Eggplant parmigiana (picture) Miss: Sweet & Sour Tofu. 

Another peculiarity: I still count calories and avoid starchy carbs. Yup, no rice, bread, noodles (or very limited). Lots of vegetables, fruits. And as I still workout heavily (another post), I have vegan-based protein supplement and I load up on Vit B, esp B12. 

3 weeks into this and I have lost 3 lbs. Still off target weight but the trajectory is encouraging. Not missing meat... yet. Despite mealtimes with the family where there is still meat on the table. 

Eager to have my blood chem next month to see how the diet has affected the values.

I Have A Tale To Tell

Only a Madonna fan would get that reference. LOL. I finally got to tell that tale on a different medium - video this time.

Last year’s lockdown brought about the flowering of Pinoy BL (de-flowering of the public!) And there seems to be no stopping it. Until now, I still see new series coming out. Yes, perhaps not with a viewer or fanbase of GSP or Gameboys, but perhaps enough for the genre to continue till now.

Around quarter 3 last year, I became really curious about the investment needed for something like this. I reached out to my friend who happens to have his own production and streaming portal for gay-themed movies and series (heyPogi.com) Entry costs into this are much lower now, thanks to technology advancements. He encouraged me to develop a storyline or concept. He would help me bring it to life.

In a fit of inspiration on a workday early morning, I emailed him my idea for a story. He liked it and said it had potential. Quickly he picked out a director whom I could work with. And we were suddenly chatting and discussing details!

I had to put this on hold during Ghost Month. And when that was over, I was eager to jumpstart. 

Wow. So many learnings on my virgin foray into producing an online web mini-series. Blame it on my shoestring budget and my need for micromanagement. Haha. But I was happy to be very involved, every step of the way: developing the storyline, picking out the talents, developing the script and preparing the location, etc. 

Shooting finally happened 1st week of January 2021. And not after all cast and crew had to undergo swab tests. The director was able to cram all the shooting within the limited budget-days. He was just amazing. And he brought in top-notch crew and equipment, starting with the DOP (director of photography). And through them, I learned of this wonderful original song that ultimately became OST.

Though it was a whirlwind of activity during those shooting days, I still had to pinch myself repeatedly that this was actually HAPPENING!

The series premiered on my birthday in February. A teaser came out the week before. Episode 2 broke 3rd week of March. Yes, all that was planned as the ultimate 55th birthday gift to myself. 

The passion project has opened to good feedback / reactions, I believe. (Including the OST!) And I just have to thank the Lord for willing this to happen. And blessing the wonderful cast and crew, publisher and his team for their time and talent, and even c3 and my family for being so supportive.

Episodes 1 and 2 streaming for Free over at heypogi.com . Just create a Free account and you are good to go. 

#StillAlive@55

I want to celebrate each milestone from the time I turned golden. @50 I had a recital in front of friends and family. Yes, I had to subject my poor guests to an hour of my singing. But they would be rewarded with food after. LOL. I chose a place that would have me singing to a sunset. Everything was carefully planned. Alas, there was heavy rain on that day. And the rainclouds obscured the sunset. Guests had no other view but me and my singing. Hahaha

A few months back, and as the pandemic restrictions eased a bit, I was planning a different celebration as I approached 55. It was supposed to be a retro dance party, thinking that by this time, people will be allowed to gather again. But around November, it seemed clear that restrictions would remain. Thankfully, I hadn’t made any major plans yet.

I celebrated @55 visiting a major investment I made back in 2017. Back then, before the Zambales property came about, I was already looking at a beach-side property with a sunset view. But I initially wanted a condo property. I was influenced by a previous boss who had a Tagaytay condo, rather than a house & lot. Ease of maintenance as a concern mainly.

I was googling “Condo by the beach”. Google answered back with this property investment in Camaya Coast. I didn’t realize that they were also selling condo properties. So a quick message that same night and I was chatting with a property consultant. 

That weekend, c3 and I were on our way for an ocular when we hit a flat tire! Was this a sign that I shouldn’t? Hahaha But I still did, anyway. I was shown this only-available unit, sea-facing. Checking the compass, it was angled properly on a hilltop. But the view would be hindered by trees. I actually requested the brokers to cut the branches before I signed off! And upon my next visit, they actually did.

Fast forward to present day. I was finally able to go back and visit the place. c3 and I stayed at the unit. And that was the view of the sunset from the balcony. Yes, the tree is fully grown. So my sunset view has been interestingly shadowed by the branches. 

It was a good milestone celebration for me.

I look back and realize that, @55, I am in a very comfortable place. I would like to think that I have enough options to be ready to retire. I have ticked off a lot of boxes in my bucket list. And I have only the Lord God to thank for it, for willing that all this happen.

I look forward to ticking off a few more. My body composition remains a (tiresome) work in progress. Travel to just a few more places. Maybe get that other degree while teaching again. 

I am working on some more real estate projects. And this is something I never planned, real estate, I mean. But I was just open to opportunities that came my way. I am glad that the projects are works-in-process. I’ll chronicle these perhaps. 

But the real gift to myself is being able to tell a tale, a story and see it come to life as a web series. I will reserve that for my next post! ;-)

Buhay Pandemia: Bantay sa Ospital

Watching over c3 in the hospital. He is sleeping soundly now. He wasn’t feeling too well after that 3rd session of plasma exchange. He’s been in the hospital since Jan 19. He had to be confined as his vision deteriorated quite abruptly. He needed 5 days of steroids thru IV. After that, he decided to push thru with this plasma exchange. It would make him stay longer as the procedure needed about 5 sessions, with one day rest in between.

I didn’t want him to go thru this plasma exchange at this time. The procedure, though quite routine, still carried risks. Also, I didn’t want him to stay in the hospital longer. I was too scared of this new strain of COVID. I was scared for him and for myself. 

But I understand why he wanted to. He might not be able to muster the courage to go back to the hospital. And the doctor believes this is the best option available, with less risk and cost. 

It’s Day 11 in the hospital. The procedure wasn’t without some scare. He had to battle a local infection. He still has dizzy spells that make him weak. Two more sessions, 4 more days, at least.

Thank God that He brought c3 a personal assistant at this time, one who is able to stay with him throughout. But I try to visit him as much as my work schedule will allow. It doesn’t help that work has been stressful at the start of the year. 

I had a mini breakdown last Wednesday, as his fever wasn’t going away and work was going bad, and even my workout stalled. I cried a bit, feeling so helpless and frustrated. My spirit is breaking. But after that episode, I picked myself and put on my game face. 

Yeah. Roll with the punches for a while then get your grounding. One day at a time, Cee Sy.

New PR

We broke a record today. Eight years and counting. Longest surviving relationship. HAHA. C3 and I have surpassed all of our previous long relationships. And in our culture of achievement obsession, this certainly feels like one. 

In Sickness and In Health. Pandemic downscaled our plans for celebration this year. But a lingering health issue surfaced that changed all that. Never mind. We will still celebrate whether in a plush resort or in a private room in a hospital.

Cheers! *Clicks plastic cups

Buhay Pandemia: Marking Time since Lockdown

 Last year, I bought a new ref for my place. The old one was moved to the beach house, where ‘good stuff retire’, as c3 puts it. This new ref happens to have laminated glass on its surface, perfect for writing reminders using a non-permanent marker.

I marked the first day of Work From Home, WFH, March 16, imposed during the lockdown. I was feeling ‘imprisoned’ and wanted to ‘mark the days’ till release. Eventually, the calendar evolved to track my workout progress during the lockdown, including supplements I have taken and diets I have tried. 

I didn’t imagine then that I would end 2020 still in GCQ. Sigh.

I’ve wiped it clean since January 1. I still don’t know whether I will continue marking time for this year.