Books Adapted Into Movies: To Love Them Or Loathe Them?

Being a reader, I hate it when people judge books based on their movies. Clearly, most books are better than their on screen counterparts...

Today, as I heard one of my co-workers talk about the Twilight Saga with her student and she got most of the details wrong since she admittedly said that she did not read the book, I didn't really like what she said. Funny, many girls like Jacob Black. Must because of the whole shirtless wonder he has become from New Moon. Pssh! As if he ever stands a chance against the alpha male, Alcide Herveaux from True Blood. Anyway, although I read the books and devoured each one of them, I can't really say that the books were better. Sure, the books were more detailed but then again, I didn't like the writing on the books because they were written for a much younger audience. Who knew Edward and Jacob would end up being heartthrobs even to those older than teenagers? Now, that the movie franchise is over, fans are asking for more especially since there wasn't a real ending to the last book. For the love of God though, I think I have had enough.

Meanwhile, the success of several other books have made it to the big screen. Books like J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter series and Suzanne Collins' The Hunger Games might both have strong following in the big screen but there are more who like the books themselves. Although I have dabbled on some HP bits, I never really read all the books. I read all The Hunger Games book but ended up being disappointed with many parts and somehow a bit annoyed with Katniss, overall. TV shows loosely based on L.J. Smith's The Vampire Diaries and Charlaine Harris' Southern Vampire Mysteries AKA True Blood might have been famous to many but both of them have created their own twists to the books and have had lives of their own. One reason as to why you should never judge what you see on TV and in the movies to rate certain books.
 
This growing trend will never stop as fiction has already hit a stage when Hollywood seems to have lost inspiration and have found it in such books. I heard there will be another Percy Jackson movie soon and that there will even be a Fifty Shades Of Grey one as well. Maybe Hollywood just wants to sensationalize these books more and profit from them in their own way. I don't see anything wrong with that. I just don't think they should claim that these movies were solely based on the books. Somehow they should also warn the audience how loosely based they are from the original plots. Anyhoo, since I am torn between being a book and movie lover, I would have to be in the middle of this. I read books and watch movies but at least I have the sense to know which one came first and the taste to say which one is better. Shouldn't most people have that too? Just musing.

Do you usually like the book better than the movie or the movie better than the book? What is your favorite book to movie adaptation you have ever seen? -- To me, most movies don't really capture the true essence of the books. It is like they chop off so many good scenes. Besides, it is easier to carefully craft something using words than just pictures. Sometimes a scene from a movie doesn't look as magical as it is in the book. Sadly, because people read their original stories, they often have high expectations of the movies. This is why I would rather read the book and watch the movie separately. To me, they are very different experiences which I should never judge at the same time especially not when it comes to comparing their differences and similarities. 

I am Not Disposable And So Are You...

Today, I am deeply saddened because of the unexpected news that I heard at work. I am not really Ms.Congeniality which is why I rarely bond with people around me but when I do find a person to be good, I consider him/her as a friend. I found out today that one of my colleagues has been booted out of the company yesterday. Honestly, I am not in favor of this decision especially since I know that she was a hardworker and person with needs. December has just begun and the thought of being jobless before Christmas is just bad. To be kicked out of your company before Christmas is just cruel. I don't understand why people do such things but then again, should I expect more? Business is business. They always say there is no room for feelings here. All I thought about was consideration. If only my boss had it. Unfortunately, at this rate, I think he might have none...

This morning when I found out of the grave news, I was not only surprised by it but I was also angered as well. Why? Because every month, we see the progress of each teacher in different sheets. I know that she has lots of students and although she was not able to maintain all of them at some point, she was able to make up for it through her constant passing of level tests. It was odd to find out that the company ditched because they said that she did not maintain her students and was not bringing in profit to the company. I was hurt by this as I know that she did. I told my leader face to face that I did not like what they did to her and that she shouldn't have been treated that way. Like me, she was an experienced teacher and like me, she was mistreated here. I felt bad for her. I openly told my leader that there were other people who were more deserving to be removed from this company than her. I didn't tell her though how targeted we experienced teachers felt. It was an outrage!

Actually, I was expecting to be removed from this company first as I was already given a warning last October but I am still here. Maybe I am lucky but I honestly think that I am not. She is lucky because she got out. In my case, I still have to deal with it. I will be sending her messages later to ask her how she is with high hopes that she will able to cope with the loss and find a "better" company and job soon. I just felt bad that at the end of the day, we are all disposable. No matter how experienced we are or how much hard work we put into this company, it just doesn't seem to change anything. We, the experienced teachers, will continuously be targeted and removed after they have already gotten everything that they want from us. I am not just something that they can use and throw away. I wish they will realize that. It is too bad that they can't.

I am often quiet here as I continue to observe the atrocities revolving around me. Good thing I am a good listener and with every single thing spilled to me, I continue to realize how horrible things can get. No wonder so many employees have complained about this company in the past. I learned that most people who continue work here don't want to bother complaining because of the trouble that they will just get themselves into afterward. They will be blacklisted meaning it will be hard for them to look for jobs. Since most of them here are young and this is the first company that they have worked for, most of them are scared of losing their jobs and trying once again. This kind of hold is powerful and this is the kind of thing that the company that I work for revel in. Sad that even in invisible chains, such young minds are limited to only this. I wonder how they would improve somewhere outside these walls.

I, on the other hand, have a different battle to face. Since I already lost one of the battles to get my SSS benefits, I am hoping to at least get my Philhealth even if I intend to actually leave the company by next year before I give birth. Honestly, I am starting to find it difficult to cope with working daily as I work extremely early and go home in the afternoon which often leaves me tired and lacking sleep the next day which isn't good for both me and my baby. The daily travels from my home to work isn't as easy as it used to be. I know I am running out of time. I just hope that before I actually leave this company, they would have the decency to help me with my Philhealth benefit. Should I keep on trying? I know I will. Should I hope for it? I will just keep my fingers crossed. Uncertainty engulfs me as I thread these waters. I just hope that things will be for the best.

Today I finally understood the lyrics of Katy Perry's Fireworks. Yes, I feel like a plastic bag but I am not disposable. I am not rubbish. I am not something that can be used now and can be thrown later once my purpose has been done...

 

Wednesday Office Drags

I am a teacher, not a person who should interview my students to the extent that they would be telling everything about themselves and those around them to me. I already have so many things going on with my life so why should I bother getting involved in other people's businesses? I am fine with asking questions about them since I sincerely want to know how they are but I do not want to delve into their deepest, darkest secrets. I know for a fact that I wouldn't appreciate it if such a thing happened to me. I don't want people prying or asking me too much questions to the extent that my privacy is being compromised. I don't know why some people don't know that but isn't that supposed to be common knowledge?

Anyway, we just had a meeting and an evaluation today which is common twice a week. I am used to it by now even if sometimes I don't see why we have to go through so much fuss. My classes will always end up being evaluated and my performance being scrutinized during these so called evaluation sessions. Somehow I feel like I never have good classes anymore because they always find a kink or flaw in my classes. This saddens me and somehow makes me question whether I am becoming mediocre or not. I hate doubting myself especially as I know it is counter-productive somehow. The people who evaluate me are not experienced teachers. They only have the position in the company because they have been here longer than I have. Sometimes it bothers me when they talk down on me. It is as if they are showing off that they are better or have more knowledge at educating students than me.

I have been in this industry for more than 5 years now and somehow I know of the ups and downs of not just the online English industry but as well as the complexity of Korean managements and students. I also know my craft. Although I never did take education as a major in college, it has become my passion and somehow I enjoy being an English teacher to students of all ages and levels. I don't really comment on whatever they say on their evaluations on me. I usually just keep quiet as a sign of respect. Since I am a civil person, I usually let these things go. Most people especially those who are experienced teachers like me tell me that I should bite back as well but I am done with that. This week, I found out that one of my students was transferred to my leader. I asked why and if the student lodged a complain against me but I was told that nothing of that happened. I was informed that she was still studying under the same schedule however, the mystery still remains. Why was she moved to a different teacher?

When the student had a class with a different teacher, she looked for me. Normally, I wouldn't care but this time, it is personal. Why? Because the management knows that I need to maintain at least 10 students every month and at this rate, I now have less. The other students who will be ending their contracts soon have other important reasons which is understandable but to have this particular student moved to someone else just like that is just too suspicious. Now, she has 13 while I have 10 which might dwindle down to 8-7. Somehow, I feel that there is inequality here. Why do I think so? Because teachers with experience are given lesser students, average 10-13 students while those who don't have experience are given at least 13-20 students. The treatment for experienced teachers is different although the management denies this, I know otherwise.

I am 6 months pregnant now and I know that I will be resting home soon. I have been asked when I will be having my maternity leave but somehow, I feel different now. I just want to leave and concentrate on taking care of my baby. Somehow I think that would be more rewarding than sucking it up here. I know it will be a big move but I am used to coping with challenges by now. This company hasn't paid my SSS coverage anyway which is why I won't be able to use it when I give birth. They gave out many reasons like I should have started working here from January to complete the whole 9-12 months of contribution and that if I was to sue someone, I should sue my former Korean boss for not doing the same thing which I wouldn't do since I only worked part time for him while I am currently working full time for this company. They say that they will work on my Philhealth with high hopes that they will be able to pay the contributions and then deduct them from my salary. Somehow, I remain hopeful but should I? Promises, promises.

As of now, they don't know my plans yet and somehow, I am holding out on them. I need to know about the whole Philhealth situation first before I lay my cards on the table. I have my rights. Hopefully, they won't end up being a-holes about it. I am no longer complaining about this. Instead, I am going to take things like an adult and just do what I have to do. This company is so proud in saying that most of the people who left their company are jobless and find it difficult to find new jobs. I say, they shouldn't be too proud. Priding one's self with greatness is fine every now and then but to do so indulgently is a crime. Now, I know the real deal about them. Now, I know their dirty work. So many things have been revealed to me without even trying to unravel them. I guess I deserve something better while they deserve a lesson. Karma will come one day but for now, I am staying but not because I want to. I am merely holding on because I have to. Come February, this sacrifice will be over. Fingers crossed that everything will be fine till then.

 

Pondering A Bit About December 21

DOOM DOOM DOOM DOOM!!!

 

December 21: To Prepare Or Not To Prepare?

I have been feeling anxious lately. Apparently, watching The Walking Dead every week, watching Doomsday Preppers as well as knowing about the whole Mayan Calendar with the whole December 21 event and hearing about my husband's recurring apocalyptic dreams, has put me in this position. Maybe I am just being paranoid but thinking about it makes me upset. If I am going to be logical about this, I know that we won't really survive if the world would end soon. Maybe I am only this fearful because I am currently pregnant and wish to have a future with my child as well as my family. Going to work every day doesn't really help. The fact that I am away from everyone I love just to earn money might seem logical to practical people but honestly, it isn't logical when you think about what matters most. My loved ones matter more than my job or the money that I earn. Society just dictates these things to us. We need money because we can't survive without it. Not really but society demands that we earn money to support ourselves. It has actually taught us to be dependent on things to be handed out to us as long as we have money in our pockets which is definitely not good.

Anyway, this made me think whether it would be best to prepare a little something just in case an emergency arises or not. Right now, my husband and I are not in the position to do such things as we are going to move out of our current home by next year and we will be having a baby as well. The money that we have will go to my labor and of course, whatever life we will have after that. We wouldn't have extra money to prepare anything but I don't think we will need so much when it comes to preserving food. I know we will be needing more money if we wish to get other survival materials. We also need to acquire new skills and new knowledge to survive in a new world which somehow makes me frown at the fact that my husband and I are not in the medicine field or something useful like the engineering field. It would have been great if we were. But I know this whole plan is complicated especially when it comes to the bug out plan and so on. Just thinking about it is stressful enough. I wonder how the preppers in Doomstay Preppers started out. It really fascinates me somehow.

Reading some articles online today, I encountered some that were talking about the whole Mayan calendar and so on. What if the Mayan's calculated it wrong? What if they merely wrote the calendar until that day because of no significance at all? What if all our speculations and assumptions were lies? Well, I guess we can't ever tell. We have to wait for the exact date to know for sure. I guess the only thing that makes me think positively regarding this matter is the fact that nobody knows this for sure. If the world will end tomorrow or not, only God knows. I have faith in him and I believe in him. I may not be ready for what's to come physically but somehow I am hoping that he would strengthen me. Besides, I am looking forward to Christmas and the birth of my baby next year. Why should I worry? How about you? If the world ended tomorrow, will you be prepared for it?

I honestly don't know where I will be for the second half of the day. All I know is that for the first half, I will be at work which I know won't be an ideal place to be if it was the last day of our existence. Sheesh! Having the "died in the line of duty" tag line in my tomb stone wouldn't exactly look good especially since that only looks good on those who proudly served for their countries...

 

My Thoughts On Smoking, Drinking And The So Called Republic Act 9211

I have never been a fan of smoking. Although I did smoke a couple of sticks when I was younger out of curiosity, I was never really entertained by it. I wondered how it would be like to do it but after doing it and experiencing that there is no fun in the said activity, I merely said to myself, "Why Bother?" I stopped smoking then and was never even curious to try it again. These days, I try my best to avoid people who smoke as it is harmful not just to me but to my baby's health. Sadly, sometimes it can be inevitable. Especially because so many people don't care. I understand that they don't care about their bodies but if they want to ruin themselves then why add others to their dying cause? I just don't get it.

It is the third day this week that I avoided going to the toilet when my boss gets to work. We share the same toilet along with other employees. There might be others who smoke in that bunch however, my boss is the only one who smokes inside the toilet. Our toilet is not that big. It is a small room with very little ventilation. We have tried to explain to him that the smoke that he emits might trigger the so called fire alarm but he was left unfazed. Now, whenever we see his cigarette case inside the toilet along with his lighter, we take them away and dispose of them. He often asks all of us who has them at the end of the day but nobody ever tells him anything anyway. I have never taken what was his and would never start doing it now. Not because I fear him or anything of that sort, I merely don't want to be involved as I would rather use the toilets found outside our office instead. Sure, it can be a bit inconvenient especially since I need to walk further but I would go there and be free of smoke than to inhale every last bit inside a convenient toilet.

Consideration is something that these people obviously don't have. This is one reason why I hate smokers. Although I can't say all smokers are this way, I can say that most of them are. I was happy when they said that it would be illegal to smoke in public now but after seeing that there are still a lot of people who do it, I don't see why I should continue rejoicing. Apparently, despite the law being passed, it didn't matter. Whether there was a fine or not, they just don't care. Hearing about the RA 9211 resurfacing in the news has made me smile once again. I wish they would add more to the current price of not just tobacco but alcohol as well. If one cigarette stick would cost more than 10 pesos then I don't think a lot of people would be able to afford it. Honestly, I don't see why people would even want to afford it especially since they know that smoking can kill them and those around them. It is an absurd addiction that I will never truly fathom no matter how much one explains it to me.

If the bill will be passed then I know that it will have its advantages and disadvantages. Most smokers think that the bill is unfair as it targets them because of their dangerous habit. Honestly, I don't think the government is doing anything wrong especially as it is the responsibility of the government to take care of the people around them. How can a government govern if without its people? Every year, more and more cases of people who get hospitalized to due diseases caused by smoking increase. Most die. I don't know why smokers still continue on with smoking despite the obvious warning signs. After seeing a huge number of youngsters also taking a liking for the habit, I realized that we should all do something to prevent this from happening. I know my child is not even born yet but would I like my child to be in this kind of environment? Of course not. If it is up to me, I wouldn't want this to happen but sadly, it isn't. It is up to everyone of us to do something.

I am fed up with people who smoke for their selfish reasons. To me, if they want to smoke, they should go do it where they are the only ones who will inhale it. The world is dirty as it is. Please don't make the air dirtier. A hopeless plea for sure but it wouldn't hurt to try. Will the bill ever be passed? That we have to wait and see. Alcohol is only fun to some extent but to the extent that you only live and breathe with it in your system is not cool. Like cigarettes, alcohol kills. Although it doesn't emit smoke, it sometimes clouds the mind of people who consume them thus, crimes are made. I used to drink when I was younger but I have been sober for years now. Even if I would be tempted to drink again, it would probably only be due to special events but that's about it. Will too much smoking and drinking ever cease? That we don't know. All I know is that we should try somehow but how can we when nobody wants to do so to begin with? Yes, what a definite lost cause this has lead to be!

 A fact that many smokers neglect to realize...

 A fine or a fee is said to be a way of punishing these so called smokers who will continue to do it publicly. It might look like it was effective at first but after a couple of months or years later, it doesn't seem to be working at all...

 Smoking lounges are already present in shopping malls. I just wish there were more of them so that smokers could just stay in those places for their smoking pleasure. Non-smokers beware such sickening places...

Christmas Is Truly Coming It Seems...

Christmas is just around the corner. Hearing Christmas songs being played everywhere and seeing Christmas decorations in different private and public places has made me realize it is coming. Yes, it is indeed beginning to look a lot like Christmas. Despite the hot weather that is making me feel like it is summer here rather than the fact that December should be rather cold. I just don't feel it. It is not like we are in Australia or anything but I guess this is quite normal already considering that snow hasn't started to fall in Korea anyway. Yesterday, I found out that we will be starting with our so called office Kris Kringle which will happen every Monday of the week. I like Christmas and I should be pretty excited about receiving gifts and giving them but somehow, I don't feel so sure this year. This will be the first year that I would be doing this once again at work and somehow I am anxious.

This week's codename theme has something to do with Gay Lingo or Gay Spluhk as they call it. Since I only know a few words and expressions and don't intend to learn more by heart, I only chose a codename that I often use. I don't know if it would be easy to guess but I gave it because I didn't want to fuss over it. Later, I will be picking out a name of who my monita will be. I don't know the theme for Monday yet but I am hoping that it won't be something difficult to look for. Meanwhile, I still haven't put up any Christmas decorations in our room especially because of the fact that we will only be staying in our current apartment until the end of January or the first week of February. We will be moving to my parents' home in Antipolo after that. But for the spirit of Christmas, we might just put Christmas lights outside our home by this week or the next.

I used to be a Santa in our home when I was single. I bought almost everyone a gift. I carefully picked each gift and even lovingly wrapped them in different designs. I put name tags on them so that they won't go astray and arranged them underneath the Christmas tree. I was even in charge of giving them away at our annual family Christmas parties. I got good gifts but I felt happier giving gifts away. To me, Christmas is a time for giving. Too bad that tradition couldn't be kept after I got married. Although I still gave presents to some people, I was not able to give everyone anything. I felt bad because of it but it was a sign that my money cannot be spent only on gifts for everyone. Now that reality has hit me, I realized that there are other things that I should be alloting my money for. Like the birthing of my baby next April which is understandable.

This year, I want to give presents once again but only to those who I really need to give presents to. I already have one for my husband and my little sister but none for my parents, my in laws, my bestfriend and my godchildren just yet. I hope that before that actual day comes that I can provide them with something no matter how simple they may be. I want to be surprised with a gift or some gifts this year. I don't want to do a Christmas list but somehow someway I want to at times because I want to get the gifts that I truly want but that takes away the fun of Christmas, doesn't it? This Christmas I am hopeful will be better than the last one. Finally, I get to be reunited with my loved ones this year. I am excited for that but for now since Christmas isn't here yet, I have to prepare some recycled Christmas decorations for my parents' home. I am not sure how it will turn out but I am hoping for the best. Keeping my fingers and legs crossed for this one. Hopefully, my creative juices will keep on flowing and won't run out halfway otherwise, I'd be really disappointed. Wish me luck!

No, I don't want to be by myself this Christmas. That would be too lonely to bear.

I just noticed this today on my way to work. It seems Meralco's Liwanag Park is finally open to the public once again. I have never been there but judging by the pictures, I am sure a lot of people will be flocking the area once again this Yuletide season.

Is Christmas truly more fun in the Philippines? I guess so. Here in my country so many people start decorating for Christmas as soon as the so called "BER" months arrive. It is not even December yet and yet there are so many Christmas decorations everywhere already. Not to mention the continuous playing of Christmas songs wherever you go. Yes, welcome to the Philippines, where we think that Christmas should last for more than a month.