while we were angry
Manila, 12 August—Finally got around to watching Erik Matti's "BuyBust" at the cinemas. Headlined by Anne Curtis as a recently transferred PDEA agent, it's an action movie from start to finish, with fast edits through a Manila barangay's dim and narrow streets. The movie is generally gloomy and dark, and all that violence happening in the middle of the night left me mostly confused, but I suppose that is intentional. Singlabo ng drug war, so to speak. I've read mixed reviews—one review called it "an orgy of violence sans rhyme or reason", but personally I enjoyed it. Matti's other similar movie, On The Job, left me angrier though.
Speaking of movies: Did you know that Moana is now on Netflix? And that I have never watched Moana until this week? Yep. My main takeaway:
* Dancing Queen plays in the distance *
Also this week: Caught Halsey live at the Kia Theater on Friday night and she was AMAZING. She played a nineteen-song-strong set list, which included my forever favorite Roman Holiday and crowd-fave Ghost. We were hoping for Is There Somewhere from Room 93. Maybe next time? Hehe. Took some photos on Instagram here. (Bonus throwbacks from Singapore: The Feeling and Colors.)
Anyway, I'm experimenting with a segment wherein I try to figure out what the latest shenanigans of the government are trying to mask by identifying other events around a particularly incensing government gaffe or stupidity. I call it:
While We Were Angry
What we were angry at this week, and everything else after
We're angry a lot these days; it's the easiest emotion to arouse. Every day, there's a new reason to rage. This week, it's about an ill-advised video on federalism that made it to the front pages. It was made by an assistant secretary at the President's communication office who spent her first year in office traveling abroad, and who earns over P100,000 salary monthly, despite having minimal accomplishments.
Despicable as this may be, I think we pay her too much attention. Some other articles that were relegated into the inside pages while this issue took the banner:
The National ID system is now a law. Do I trust this government with my information? We can't even renew our passports without ridiculous effort.
Malacañang has nothing to say about Quiboloy's aide who was recently indicted for attempting to smuggle out of Hawaii hundreds of thousands of dollars. Funny, considering that the President has already commented about Justin Bieber's engagement to Hailey Baldwin. Maybe we should ask Bong Go. (Kidding. Do not ask Bong Go anything, media friends! He does not add anything of value.) Seriously speaking, all this smuggling of dollars reminds me of the Euro Generals scandal from 2008. (Googles "Who did Quiboloy support in 2004?" Of course.)
After dismissing the overall deputy ombudsman who conducted the investigation into the President's bank accounts, newly appointed Ombudsman Samuel Martires has said that he will limit journalist access to Ombudsman cases. Because, guess what? "They have rights!" Of course, because those accused before the Ombudsman are all government officials, they suddenly have rights. I swear to god this country.
Economy: Inflation is at another five-year high, whereas Philippine GDP growth is at a three-year low, and has missed all estimates. F U N.
Okay, now we can start yelling about Orange is the New Black Season 6
Orange is the New Black Season 6 is on Netflix!
SPOILERS SPOILERS SPOILERS
I liked last season's cast better? With the exception of Adeola, this season did not manage to introduce any endearing new character. The main big bads Carol and Barbara, though they are murdering psychopath queen bees, came across as petty and weightless. I was hoping to find someone like Vee from Season 2, considering they were hyped as people who terrified Frieda, who could navigate a forest with a can of water and a needle (!!!). Alas. I'm glad they went the way they did. The whole C-Block/D-Block/Florida rivalry was completely arbitrary and it worked as a metaphor for me. Danielle Brooks and Uzo Aduba are fantastic, as always. Suzanne's early scenes with her mom were amazing. Nicky Nichols as peacemaker, be still my heart. Alex and Piper being unbearably adorable killed my little Vauseman heart. My heart broke for Blanca and Red. You know which new character was actually terrifying? Beth the Baby Killer.
Something to look forward to:
Maniac on Netflix premieres Sept. 21.
Bookmark recs:
Grief is a Jumble Word (via Longreads)
The Queer Art of Failing Better (via The Baffler)
Why the Giving Tree Makes You Cry (via Medium)
Consume anything interesting over the weekend? Reply to rec! :)