Mein Spiegelbild 2: Beyond Blood, Guts, and Gore

I am a huge fan of horror movies.

No worries, the last time I checked, I am still clinically sane and I am still able to normally interact with the members of the social domain. It's just that there is something about horror movies that automatically glues my butt to the chair and have my eyes fixated on the TV for at least an hour and a half. I don't know if it's the fright element, the showcase of fear, the shock moments, the kill scenes, or the dark and claustrophobic visuals. Whatever it is, that "X-factor" allowed me to expand my movie library into something other people may be squeamish about.

Just a quick "disclaimer", this is not about bashing other movie genres nor bragging about my horror knowledge (believe me, what I currently know about horror movies cannot even match an inch of a real horror movie buff). Like any other note, this is plainly sharing what my talkative mind has to say.

Last November, Saw 3D (or Saw VII) was released here in the Philippines. The movie, according to it's creators, will be the last installment of the franchise. For me, having 7 movies with interweaving plots (with the awesome use of flashbacks) is an awesome feat. Not only that, the franchise was considered (or is still) the record holder as the highest grossing horror franchise ever (even though Saw is sometimes considered as a crime/suspense film).

When my friends and I saw it, I avidly took down some notes about what I consider as the "gem" of the movie; the series of traps that has victims directly related to the main character. What caught my attention was that in every trap, a reminder is painted at the door and in the middle of it, I started to notice that it was an acronym from the fictitious book that the main character wrote claiming that he was a Jigsaw survivor. The book, aptly titled "S.U.R.V.I.V.E", is supposed to be a self-help book that describes how one twisted, demented, and near death experience can turn into a tool of salvation, invoke a feeling of rebirth, and provide a new outlook in the survivor's life.

So for those who just saw the movie for an I-want-to-scream fix or the "hug me, it's a scary movie" date, I don't blame you but here's a more meaningful juice from the film:

S.U.R.V.I.V.E. by Bobby Dagen

Start Your Life Anew

Understand Your Problems

Redefine Your Priorities

Verify Your Strengths

Ignore Your Detractors

Value Your Loved Ones

Embrace Everyday as if it is Your Last

We don't need to be subjected in one of Jigsaw's traps in order to appreciate life as we live it (the trap called "daily routine" is enough for us to survive through). The movie obviously portrayed this valuable principles in a demented way but nonetheless, it should be enough to push us back and hopefully see the bigger picture of how we live our lives.

Now, whoever said that horror movies are only about blood, guts, gore, and the supernatural may have to think twice before judging it (same goes with all other movie genres). Look beyond the scary visuals, witness the frailty of man, and stare into his deepest and darkest fears; for once we understand the darker side of life, it is only then that we can appreciate and value the brighter side of it.

Mein Spiegelbild 1: A Tribute

Approximately over a year ago, a handful of my friends started an outdoor group and named it Bayawak. I haven't asked them yet about the name's etymology but I'm sure it has a meaning. Through Facebook, I have witnessed them conquer peak after peak and went back to civilization with a lot of inspiring stories about how it felt like reaching every summit. Some of them even have scars or insect bites that cry out "I have conquered that mountain!" with all pride. Guest climbers go with them from time to time and so far, all of them (just those who I know) are itching to repeat the experience.

I am honestly not an outdoor guy. But what truly reminds me of what they are doing is the value of determination, facing the wall of challenges, enduring every painful step called obstacles, and most importantly, having a deep sense of fulfillment by the end of the day. The sport (I won't call it a hobby) that they are into right now reflects some of our normal routines back here in the crowded and polluted city. Simply put, we all have our own mountains to climb (please DO NOT play Miley Cyrus' song while reading this. It freaks me out!). I for one, have my graduate studies waiting to be conquered. Some (or may be everyone) may have financial woes waiting to be conquered too, or a love life that has been embraced by drought.

Whatever it is, always be reminded of this group's sport. Every trail leads to the summit, some trails are challenging than the others and the climbers have the power to choose from it, from time to time they need to camp which is the chance for the group to rest and reflect on where they have passed so far and plan the next attack, enjoying every step, the scenery, and the summit of course. So that when they look back, they will be there standing above all the things that they  have accomplished knowing that they have paid it with blood, sweat, and even tears.

The descent may be a little easier since their bags are now lighter. But then again, the descent reflects the noble act of going back and remembering where you came from.

Truly inspiring. Mabuhay Kayo.