Wednesday, November 28, 2007

i'm... notorious!

I’ve just been informed that publication for my second novel, Sulyap sa Mundo ng mga Hayok, has been put “on hold” (euphemism for “rejected”?) because the distributor, Anvil Publishing, doesn’t approve of its title, cover, and – dig this – content. (They don't like the violence, the fact that two major characters died gruesomely in it, and the humiliation and near-rape of actress Ruffa Gutierrez.)

At first I was like, “Oh man, bummer.”

Then after about 10 seconds I went, “Oh wow. Cool.”

But I guess the good news is that L na L, controversial title be damned, is now Literotika’s best-selling title. (For the record, I wasn't responsible for that title. Hated it, in fact. But my opposition fell on deaf ears.) A second pressing is in the works. My gratitude to those who bought their copy.

Tuesday, November 27, 2007

gaiman


As expected, it's Neil Gaiman this, Neil Gaiman that these days, no doubt inspired by the Sandman creator's appearance at the Ad Congress hoopla in Subic over the weekend. Maybe if I enjoyed American Gods as much as Neverwhere I'd have a better appreciation of the hype. (Now my wife's telling me I shouldn't seek redemption from Anansi Boys. Argh!)

Between Gaiman and Stephen King, I'd pick the latter anytime.

But I'm glad I had my Neverwhere signed by Gaiman during his first Manila visit in 2005. That was awesome. I remember the looooong line and the hunger.

Monday, November 26, 2007

the gift


An advance Christmas present from my wife. And I wondered what's keeping her in Starbucks lately, knowing her dislike for such hip and trendy places. Now I feel guilty for accusing her of becoming one of Them.

Friday, November 23, 2007

pinoy big blunder?

When Formula driver/commercial model Gaby dela Merced voluntarily exited the PBB house last Nov. 10, I swear I heard her tell Mcoy, "See you in two weeks." Her voice was nearly drowned by the chorus of goodbye's and we-will-miss-you's from the other Housemates, but I heard her clearly, indeed.

Yesterday, Mcoy, vocalist of Orange and Lemons, together with comedienne Ethel Booba, left the "famous" house due to a reported rift with Big Brother.

Hmmm...

I remember the remark my sister-in-law, who's the only girl I know who doesn't know Sam Milby from Amay Bisaya, made over dinner last week. On PBB she said: “Mukang scripted naman e.”

Hmmm...
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addendum: aha!

So Gaby returned to the Big Brother house two weeks after her voluntary exit. That explains what she said to Mcoy. I stand corrected, so what?

Wednesday, November 14, 2007

obituary


We found her body this morning, cold and with a bullethole on her back. We've been looking for her since yesterday, when she failed to "report" for lunch. It was a cold-blooded thing to do, shooting a hapless animal, and I'm praying for the worst kind of luck to befall whoever snuffed her candle. It was depressing.

Thursday, November 08, 2007

tuna

Actually, I had come to the conclusion long time ago. Then I forgot all about it. Then at lunch yesterday, home alone and too engrossed with that leggy Liveraide girl in Wowowee to do some cooking, I was reminded of it.

Century Tuna Hot and Spicy is the shit!

Simple pleasures.