Phoenix Picks
By Ronelo Ladiao

“I look in your eyes with innocence, your stare burned my presence, I was young, you were young, I look in your eyes with patience, your smile lifted my consciousness, I'm in bliss, you're my bliss… ”. a gentle and heartwarming introduction of an old poem I wrote during my college days. However, it is a chronicle of a friendship that spawned seven years before it was written and our path crossed again that lasted twenty minutes. Sometimes in our journey we failed to say ‘goodbye' but the word ‘goodbye' that was meant to be said knows no boundary, even time itself. For memories live, eternally and sometimes it is lost in the wind of fate. I hope I could say goodbye to a friend whom I lost in seven infinite poetry and twenty minutes. Thanks R.S.!     

Book Pick 101: Jessie Garcia's Movie Album Quizbook is a rare treasure

Every writer has his own masterpiece in life and I believe everything that was written by the heart of a writer's blood is his masterpiece. Last week, Sir Jessie Garcia, a prolific teacher of Central Philippine University launched his book called “A Movie Album Quizbook ” at the University's EMC with great pride and joy. This multi-awarded former showbiz writer and chronicler spent ten years to complete his book with so much sacrifice and patience. In fact, he personally talked to me the importance of his book as his lifetime masterpiece and passion. His words rippled a relevant message in my heart and to everyone that we must love our own Tagalog movies as mirror to the glorious past of the Filipino brilliance in the entertainment world. Our Tagalog movies are something we should prioritize beyond the flickering special effects display of Hollywood films. His writing voyage and experiences gave me hope that writers are sensible people destined for greatness and immortality through their writings written with the blood of their heart. Even as a 5-time Palanca awardee and a prolific teacher of CPU, Sir Jessie chooses to be humble and keeps his feet on the ground. So don't hesitate to grab a copy of his book now. Believe me, you'll be enthralled with the brilliance of his humble yet monumental book.    

Story Pick 101: ‘ Teks sa Outbox' story received intriguing text responses

Whew! a lot of anonymous texters and close friends told me that they are interested in my short story that debuted last week in TNT's Youth and Campus page simply because it is about text messaging. I admit that I'm not the best writer out there but I believe that I have the right to share my kind of story to tell destiny and text messaging are interconnected to fulfill the journey of life. My previous story that came out last year “ Blankong Teks ” and its sequel “ Huling Teks ”, made my friends in our school cry. No, don't think I'm corny! We are humans and even though technological innovations rule our lives still we are capable to feel. The story is simple, plain but I think there should be something we deserve to know… that fate is far stronger than any technological innovations in this world to give us the meaning of living. So, dear   friends and readers thank you for your warm messages and hope you could catch up for its final part next week. Keep texting and who knows you'll find what you're looking for in your void and empty world of hollow living.

Magazine Pick 101: Blurb 5 th issue is coming, Controversions will be there!

Yes, BLURB magazine is coming out soon! The fourth issue of this dynamic and youth-oriented mag with a touch of liberal thoughts, cool feature, trendsetting style and has a deep social relevance that inspires the youth to believe they are still the hope of our nation will be off the press next month. BLURB's prolific and sharp-minded publisher Mr. Troy Camarista is confident and optimistic to the response of the Ilonggo youth of his exceptional magazine. So, does that mean I will be there? Yup ! Your ever-fiery and conversationalist Phoenix will have a two-page “ Controversions ” featuring two of the most sensible souls who will inspire and unveil their thoughts. Guess who ?... a sensational VJ/actress of a famous music channel and a local fashion mannequin. Hehe ! save for the upcoming BLURB's fourth issue okay!

Fashion Pick 101: River aftermath, still hot!

Did you see the most sensational local fashion event in Ratsada of GMA and other tabloids last week? Yes, PJ Arañador , Metro Iloilo Dinagyang Jaycees and Bombette Marin's exceptional fashion show created a fad and trend. The event is a celebration of MIDJ's Second Jetski   Competition and preservation of Iloilo River . MIDJ president Christina Gemora and all her members are truly thankful for all   the sponsors who took part to make the event successful. In fact, there will be more fashion events to come through the effort of the Jaycees.  

Anyway, there's no more space for now but feast your eyes with our picture taken at Centennial Plaza Hotel with SCQ star Joross Gamboa together with my friends Don Sarabia , Sheryl Daine Areño and Anna Grace Areño last Saturday. Thanks again to Mr. Mannie Gruenberg and Ma'am Ditas Taleon of Robinsons for my interview with Kirby de Jesus of Starstruck . Hasta mañana people!