Skipping Christmas? Think again.

Am still hungover from my weekend read that is, Skipping Christmas by John Grisham. A departure from his usual legal thriller fare. I must say, I was of two minds while reading it. 

At the onset I was rooting for the protagonists to really ditch Christmas but towards the end I had a change of heart, and so did they. In the story, the spirit of Christmas still demonstrated the universal truth about why celebrate it. Peace and Love. 

Many times, I, myself want to ditch Christmas. Oftentimes, I feel that it's true meaning has been overshadowed by consumerism... of material expectations. And even to the extent of absolute gluttony. The excuse being that it's the holiday season. So, yeah, I've been tempted many times over to skip Christmas. 

Yet, every time, I cave in. Not out of sheer cowardice. But for the biggest reason of the celebration. The life of the savior, Jesus and how He wants us to love our families and neighbors. And the season tries to remind us of this. 

The metro heralds the holidays by putting on the twinkling lights on every major streets. And the facade of offices are bedecked with ornaments. One of my favorite places to hang out during the season is at the Power Plant Mall in Rockwell Center. It's because it has one of the most awesome mall decor in town. 

Awesome outdoor Christmas Tree.

The devil is in the details.

As you enter Rockwell Drive, you'll be greeted by this sight.

Don't you just love lighted trees?

 

Inside, the mall decor wouldn't disappoint, either. If only, I took better pictures. Alas, the ones I took aren't worthy of being placed here. Maybe next weekend. 

For a relaxing Christmas shopping, window or otherwise, head to this mall. I just love it. Impeccable taste, too.
 

Premier Night: The Three Musketeers

I am giddy with anticipation. Tonight, my friend Mei, will bring me along as her plus 1 to the premier showing of the movie The Three Musketeers at the Power Plant Mall Cinema in Rockwell Center.

When my friend, Mei asked me if I am keen on watching it, I was not quite sure what to answer. Pardon my ignorance but I had to ask her if, it's a play or a movie. Ha ha ha. Anyhow, I said yes. Regardless of her answer. 

It's not so much the movie that excites me. It is the fact that I'll watch a movie premier. The last time I watched one was during college. Back then, radio stations would sponsor movie premiers and listeners could win tickets. Lucky for me, I have a friend who is an avid listener and a persistent caller. 

She'd join the radio show several times during the days that led to the show date. Every time she wins, she'd give different names of her friends so our whole circle could watch the movie. Looking back, I admire her persistence and her generosity to her friends. Dialing in a hot radio station is hard work! I've seen her work the telephone keypad! She's amazingly fast. 

And that was how we gained entry to those shows. A bunch of rowdy college kids eager to freeload on movies. It's a treat considering that as students we live on a very tight allowance. 

But tonight is a different story. Gone is the ambiance created by the blaring sounds of the sponsor radio station and the booming voices of the radio jocks. Instead, I heard that we are to start with a pre-movie showing cocktail to mingle with other invited guests. Aha! 

I wanted to dress up and have some semblance of sophistication. But we plan on window shopping first. Hence, high heels is out of the question. In, the trusty ballet flats. And of all days, today, was the scheduled photo session for our new company ID. Our company hired a professional makeup artist and hairstylist to doll us up. Talk about luck. 

Hopefully, I will be able to really enjoy the night and the movie. I shall attempt to write a review of the event, er movie.