CINE EUROPA Day no.1: Eunice's Retreat / Cinema Getaway

I had my very own retreat. It's not your conventional silent retreat, heck it wasn't even spiritual, it was a CINE EUROPA retreat. If you know me, you prolly would just give me that knowing look because you're resigned to the idea that I have my weird ways. I watched The Taming of the Shrew [yeah, that Shakespearian play], Carol's Journey and Jalla! Jalla!. This is my own way of detoxifying and reflecting. I haven't watched a flick alone in years, I have almost forgotten how liberating it is. Not having to think of how to establish a conversation, not having to share your popcorn with anyone and being able to give my full attention to the film if I want to or let my mind wander a bit. It was a perfect ritual. Inside the cinema, I only have myself in mind.

It wasn't planned, it was more like a blessing in disguise when my friends Angel and Jason backed out on me. [Hmmph!] I tried to invite my other friends but everyone's busy with their own work, deadlines and everything that this cruel life has to offer.

My first film for this year's Cine Europa was The Taming of the Shrew. I was able to identify with Kate, not because I'm an outright shrew nor am I a bratinella [not close] but because of her being a surface toughie. The second film was too serious for me. Carol's Journey is set during the war. I know it could've been better appreciated by me if I didn't feel drained after The Taming of the Shrew. Carol's Journey, unfortunately, became my "break" in my movie marathon. The last film for the day was Jalla! Jalla!, and what can I say but J'adore! It was pretty refreshing, the plot's not new, it's about Mans, a guy who's having and erectile dysfunction and his friend, Roro who's being forced by his parents to marry a girl whom he doesn't love. I loved the humor and the fact that the guy playing Mans was effin' HOT. Woohoo!

At the end of the day, I tried to cap everything off by smoking at Shangri-La’s Smoking Area near Starbucks. A guy, who freaking looks like Jesus, asked if I can give him a cig stick. I said yes because I am reminded that Jesus is in everyone around us and how we treat them mirrors how we treat God. Yeah, yeah... It was more like, "Spreading the Lung Cancer," but I had good intentions. Then he sat in front of me, right at my table! I didn't mind him because I was actually making pa-cute to that other guy who borrowed my lighter a few minutes before "Jesus" came along.

It was a great day. I needed that.