Spotless: More Than Just a Review of the Film "102 Dalmatians"

TV Star Guide Vol. 2 No. 14, February 2001

On the cover: Oddball, the spotless Dalmatian (for the film 102 Dalmatians)

I’m fond of dogs, I like the movie, 102 Dalmatians, and I love writing this article, more than just a movie review. It’s “Spotless!”

“Some friendships do not last, but some friends are more loyal than brothers.” – Proverbs 18:24, The Good News Bible in Today’s English Version.

Did You Hear What You Heard?

Men’s Edge Vol. 1 No. 2, February 1995
On the cover: Rachel Lobangco

When you watch a television series or go to the movies, do you just watch or do you intently listen to the dialogues? This article, “Did You Hear What You Heard?” is about the conversation you’ve probably missed out because you’re so concentrated on the video.

“It is better to hear the rebuke of the wise that for a man to hear the song of fools.” – The Book of Ecclesiastes 7:5, Holy Bible, The New King James Version.

Computer Games: Is There Any Danger?

MOD Vol. 25 No. 1121, February 26, 1993

On the cover: Jheng Martinez

This article, “Computer Games: Is there Any Danger?” was written 25 years ago. Much have changed since then, but the question persists, especially so when today’s computer games are more realistic than ever and contains far more excessive sex and violence.

“In the struggle against sin, you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood. You have forgotten the exhortation which addresses you as sons: My son, do not think lightly of the LORD’s discipline, or be discouraged when He corrects you; for whom the LORD loves He disciplines; He chastises every son whom He acknowledges.” – A Letter to Hebrews 12:4-6, The Revised English Bible.

Tsunami: When the Sea Becomes a Monster

MOD Vol. 37 Nos. 1740 and 1741, February 25 and March 4, 2005

On the left cover: Raquel Denise “Kelly” Misa

On the right cover: Romina “Mina” Zamora

As a consequence of the megathrust Magnitude 9.0 earthquake that hit the west coast of Northern Sumatra some 225 kilometers south-southeast of Banda Aceh, in Indonesia, last December 26, 2004, a giant tsunami was generated that reached as far away as the eastern coast of Africa. The Philippines, though in a lesser scale, was not apart from such disaster. What can we really do? Read on.

“LORD, the seas raise, the seas raise their voice. The seas raise up their pounding waves. The sound of the water is loud; the ocean waves are powerful, but the LORD above is much greater.” – Psalms 93:3-4, The Everyday Bible, New Century Version.

Older Men Younger Women: Hollywood Relationships that Last

TV Star Guide Vol. 7 No. 74, February 2006

On the cover: The cast of the TV series CSI

led by Marg Helgenberger and William Petersen,

and magician Chris Korn (inset).

When I submitted this article, “Older Men Younger Women: Hollywood Relationships That Last,” my editor asked why the Tom Cruise-Katie Holmes union was not included. I told her, I don’t think it would last because Cruise was, allegedly, quite a philanderer. But she insisted, saying they were the “hot” news at the time. My only regret was that the part about Carlo Ponti-Sofia Loren was removed to give way to “The TomKat Affair.” As of this posting, Clint Eastwood and Dina Ruiz were already divorced. Their marriage, nonetheless, lasted 16 years. And the Tom Cruise-Katie Holmes marriage lasted just a few years.

Also in this TV Star Guide February 2006 issue are a few “Love Quotes from the (Hollywood) Stars.”

“..... What GOD has joined together, let not man separate.” – The Gospel According to Matthew 19:6, Holy Bible, The New King James Version.

Evolution of Philippine (Television) Drama

Atlas TV Guide Vol. 10 No. 122, February 2010

On the cover: Jerri Manthey, Rupert Boneham and Rob Mariano

An assigned article, “The Evolution of Philippine Drama,” is a research-based write-up about the “60 years of Drama” on television watched by Filipino households.

“A good person will never fail; he will always be remembered.” – Psalms 112:6, The Good News Bible in Today’s English Version.

Television's Top 20 Hottest Female Celebs (2009)

Atlas TV Guide Vol. 9 No. 110, February 2009

On the cover: Blake Lively, Taylor Momsen and Leighton Meester

Philippine “Television’s Top 20 Hottest Female Celebs” for 2009 each described in four-line rhymes.

“..... I desire women to adorn themselves in well-arranged dress, with modesty and soundness of mind, not with styles of hair braiding and gold or pearls or very expensive garb, but in the way that befits women professing to reverence GOD, namely through good works.” – The First to Timothy 2:9-10, New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures.

Shifting Trends in Hollywood (2005)

TV Star Guide Vol. 6 No. 62, February 2005

On the cover: Tony Leung and Andy Lau

The New Millennium brought about changes in Hollywood fashion, and this article, “Shifting Trends in Hollywood: What Girls Used to Think is Cool that No Longer Is,” is a compilation of those changes. That is a decade or so ago.

Also in this TV Star Guide February 2005 issue is another compilation – of the blooper kind – “Movie Mistakes.”

“You must not cut the hair on the sides of your heads or cut the edges of your beard. You must not cut your body to show sadness for someone who died or put tattoo marks on yourselves. I am the LORD.” – Leviticus 19:27-28, The Everyday Bible, New Century Version.

Chocolates: For that Loving Feeling

Celebrity World Vol. 4 No. 185, February 20, 1995

On the cover: Jao Mapa and commercial model Ruth Pilar Barnett

Chocolate is a commodity probably as popular as Valentine’s Day. So, an article about chocolate, “Chocolates for Valentine: For that Loving Feeling,” is also very popular, such that I had re-written it several times for different magazines.

MOD Vol. 38 No.1832, February 19, 2007

On the cover: Patrick Garcia and Jennylyn Mercado

“Who is this whose glance is like the dawn? She is beautiful and bright, as dazzling as the sun or the moon..... I am trembling; you have made me as eager for love as a chariot driver is for battle.” – Song of Songs 6:11 & 13, The Good News Bible in Today’s English Version.

Mayon Ourburst: The Queen has Risen!

MOD Vol. 25 No. 1120, February 19, 1993

On the cover: Josephine Velasquez

No, this article, “Mayon Outburst: The Queen Has Risen!” is not current. It was written 25 years ago, but by coincidence the volcano is again in outburst.

 

“May the glory of the LORD stand forever, and may the LORD rejoice in His works! When He looks at the earth, it quakes; when He touches the mountains, they pour forth smoke.” – Psalms 104:32, The Revised English Bible.

 

Math-O'Logics: The Way of the Dragon

MOD Filipina Vol. 20 No. 859, February 19, 1988

On the cover: Swedish ballet dancer Martina Orrmyr

In Math-O’Logics, inspired by the 1988 Year of the Dragon, is a multi-equation Algebra age problem subtitled “The Way of the Dragon.”

In this same MOD Filipina February 19, 1988 issue, is Jr Puzzler, where I contributed a trivia quiz in rhymed verses about Chinese historic figures.

“By My great power and strength I created the world, mankind, and all the animals that lived on the earth; and I give it to anyone I choose.” – The Book of Jeremiah 27:5, The Good News Bible in Today’s English Version.

The Power Crisis (1990s): What Lies Ahead

MOD Vol. 26 No. 1172, February 18, 1994
On the front cover: Stacy Valero Brennan
On the back cover: Tina Revilla-Valencia and her son for the Alpine Full Cream Milk print ad

This article, “The Power Crisis: What Lies Ahead,” was written during the presidency of Fidel V. Ramos when the Philippines was plunged into darkness, experiencing half a day of brownouts daily. This was the offshoot of the Cory Aquino regime’s incompetency, lack of foresight and mismanagement. Because of Aquino’s vindictiveness, she ordered the stoppage of all projects of the Marcos’ government, including the construction of power plants, without viable alternative. This resulted in massive power shortages at the end of her rule.

Despite the optimistic viewpoint of this article, however, the promises of the FVR regime were not met on time, and as such the power crisis continued long after.

Also in this MOD February 18, 1994 issue is a poem, “In Your Silent Anguish,” which was written in (unsolicited) response to a poem I earlier read, also, in this magazine.

“He (GOD) catches the wise in their own clever traps and sweeps away the plans of those who try to trick others. Darkness covers them up in the daytime; even at noon they feel around in the dark.” – Job 5:13-14, The Everyday Bible, New Century Version.

Love and Romance in the Year of the Dog (2006)

Mr. & Ms. February 2006

On the cover: Rich Alvarez and Kyla

In 2006, the Year of the Fire Dog was celebrated in the month of love and romance, February. Hence the title “Love and Romance in the Year of the Dog.”

 

Plus a crossword puzzle with four 13-letter entries to challenge the mind.

MOD Vol. 37 Nos. 1790 and 1791, February 17 and 24, 2006

On the left cover: Bea Alonzo

On the right cover: Judy Ann Santos

More crossword puzzles with four and five 13-letter entries. Quite a challenge to make and to partake.

“One fate comes to all alike, and this is as wrong as anything that happens in this world. As long as people live, their minds are full of evil and madness, and suddenly they die. But anyone who is alive in the world of the living has some hope; a live dog is better off than a dead lion.” – Ecclesiastes 9:3-4, The Good News Bible in Today’s English Version.

Math-O'Logic: Of Love and Logic

MOD Filipina Vol. 22 Nos. 963 and 964, February 16 and 23, 1990

On the left cover: Patricia “Tricia” Baluyot Miller

On the right cover: Sofia Zobel de Ayala

In this two succeeding issues of MOD magazine’s Math-O’Logics, your logical deduction will be tested. Subtitled “Of Love and Logic,” you need to analyze the relationship of the given information and make logical deduction to obtain the correct pairings of lovers, gifts, and abodes.

“My lover has gone down to his garden, to the beds of spices, to feed in the gardens and to gather lilies. I belong to my lover; and my lover belongs to me.....” – Song of Solomon 6:2-3, The Everyday Bible, New Century Version.

Si Malakas at Si Maganda and Other (Filipino) Epic Love Sories

Mr. & Ms. Vol. 23 No. 40, February 15, 2000

On the cover: Onemig Bondoc and Jannette McBride

Published in the love month of 2000, “Si Malakas at Si Maganda and Other Epic Love Stories,” is a glimpse into the rich Philippine legends and folklores about the first man and woman, fated romances and soulmates.

“Then the LORD GOD made the man fall into a deep sleep, and while he was sleeping, He took out one of the man’s ribs and closed up the flesh. He formed a woman out of the rib and brought her to him. Then the man said, ‘at last, here is one of my own kind – bone taken from my bone, and flesh from my flesh. Woman is her name because she was taken out of man.’” – Genesis 2:21-23, The Good News Bible in Today’s English Version.

Pinay Matematika: Ikalawang Isyu

Pinay Digest Taon 1 Blg. 21, Pebrero 14, 1994

Tampok sa taklob-pahina ang Pambansang ibon ng Pilipinas,

ang Haribon o Philippine Eagle (Pithecophaga jefferyi).

Tampok sa ikalawang isyu ng Pinay Matematika ang ilang mathematical “tricks.”

“Sapagkat nasusulat, ‘sisirain Ko ang karunungan ng marurunong at gagawin Kong walang saysay ang katalinuhan ng matatalino.’” – Ang Unang Sulat ni Pablo sa mga Taga-Corinto 1:19, Magandang Balita Biblia, Tagalog Popular Version.

In the Eye of a Space Telescope

Celebrity World Vol. 4 No. 184, February 1, 1995
On the cover: Tweetie de Leon

Two science articles – “In the Eye of a Space Telescope: Hubble, Out of Trouble, Finds Trouble!” and “Real-Life Jurassic Park: No Dinosaurs – Just Prehistoric Pine Trees.”

“How great are the wonders GOD shows us! How powerful are the miracles he performs! GOD is king forever; He will rule for all time.” – The Book of Daniel, The Good News Bible in Today’s English Version.

The Lolita Complex

Playhouse Men’s Magazine (Two-cover issue) Vol.1 No. 2, February 12, 2008

On the first cover: Jeanette Joaquin

On the second cover: Wella Williams

It’s a challenge to do an article objectively especially with a very sensitive and controversial topic. Vladimir Nabokov successfully wrote a classic novel about it. So, why not a magazine features article. Of course, since this is a men’s magazine, a magazine for adults, it would be hypocritical if the sexy pictures doesn’t go with the write-up (There are slight differences between this post and the actual published version). Enough of the double standard, don’t just ogle, read!

“For all that is in the world – the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life – is not of the Father but is of the world. And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of GOD abides forever.” – The First Epistle of John 2:16-17, Holy Bible, The New King James Version

Math-O'Logics: Of Drawing Hearts and Eloping

MOD Filipina Vol. 20 No. 858, February 12, 1988

On the cover Maria Lourdes “Malou” Sabater

On Math-O’Logics, “Of Drawing Hearts and Eloping,” where we discussed how to mathematically (through the use of Calculus) draw a heart, and help a man elope with his girlfriend.

“The look in your eyes, my sweetheart and bride, and the necklace you are wearing have stolen my heart. Your love delights me, my sweetheart and bride. Your love is better than wine; your perfume more fragrant than any spice.” – Song of Songs 4:9-10, The Good News Bible in Today’s English Version.

Kaalama, Karunungan at Katotohanan: Giyera ng mga Langgam

Gintong Mariposa Family Magazine Taon 1 Blg. 7, Pebrero 11, 1992
Tampok sa harapang pabalat sina Martin Nievera, Pops Fernandez
at ang kanilang mga anak na sina Robin at Ram.
Tampok sa likurang pabalat si Cristina Gonzales
para sa Sun Beach Sandal print ad.

Ang unang labas ng Kaalaman, Karunungan at Katotohanan na aking sinulat sa ilalim ng penname na Newton Aresgala.

“Tignan mo ang mga langgam, ikaw na taong ubod ng tamad,
pamumuhay nila’y masdan mo at nang ikaw ay mamumat.
Kahit sila’y walang pinunong sa kanila’y nag-uutos,
walang tagapamahala o tagamasid na sinusunod,
ngunit nag-iimbak ng pagkain sa tag-araw,
kailanga’y iniipon kung panahon ng anihan.”
          – Mga Kawikaan 6:6-7, Magandang Balita Biblia, Tagalog Popular Version