Young Internet

I could still remember it vividly. The time when we had to do dial-ups before we get to connect to the internet. Digital Subscriber Line or DSL, they called it. When WiFi was not a thing yet. People were only starting to realize the power of having access to the World Wide Web. And how I enjoyed it. I could do so much research without having to borrow actual books. Encarta, Britannica were not the only electronic library available in the comfort of my own home anymore. I could talk to people without actually having to talk to them. With just a few clicks on the keyboard, you get to have a "conversation" with anyone for as long as they have the internet. What a time to be alive.

I started learning about so many websites about so many different things. As a kid then, the unimaginable world of the internet seemed endless (even more so, now). That's when I realized I did not have to do a time schedule for my favorite television shows anymore. I could just watch it online. Then, my love affair with anime, manga, and Japanese and Korean dramas began. They were everywhere. There were no issues about the legality of such yet. Everything was accessible to everyone without the liability. And in my country, internet speed then was way better than any telecommunications firm's internet plan offers now. Internet then was like a rare gem finally unraveled. With its actual perks.

I got to watch all episodes of any anime of my choice. I got to read mangas of all genres. I tried learning basic Japanese. I even made online friends in anime forums. It was overwhelming. I stayed up all night without realizing the sun was almost up. Internet fucked up my sleeping routine. And I was fine with it. I savored every hour of that internet card we consciously buy more often than we should have. Internet consumed my adolescent life.

But internet grew even more powerful over the years. I began to adapt a life with it. Living without it appeared improbable. I discovered more. I used it more. There were books. Films. Music. Everything you could possibly think of. Before when I thought it contains information beyond my imagination, could not have been any truer now. Alas! Like all things, along with its rise to power, come greedy people with money. Internet became what it is we know now. Naturally, people were given more access to internet. But became unfairly expensive. Companies started creating promos, plans, bundles and whatever; not only for computers, but for phones, telephones, television even, disguised as opportunities for better internet connection. All lies.

Here in the Philippines, internet is the worst. Not only are we used to slow internet connection, it also disconnects from time to time for no apparent reason. Actions for resolution will take days (or "forever" in digital age) to happen. Aside from the disappointing Mbps, its expensive cost is not doing any of the consumers justice. Now, also with the internet bandwidth caps. Services suck. And apparently, there is nothing we can do about it. Because we are mere consumers dependent of the internet to survive. While all local telcos are ran by capitalist men. Will we ever get what we pay for?

I hated those times when I had to wait longer than usual before I get online. The horrible screeching sound made by the dial-up modem. The haunting transmission noise. Turned out were the internet's better days. At least, for us here. What a time to be alive because there's internet, but connection sucks.

photo: coffee mug in 2010 // Sony A300 (c)

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Hannibalism

Eleven months after Hannibal concluded its three-season run, I finally watched its finale. And boy, was it bloody beautiful.

Hannibal (2013-2015)

Created by Bryan Fuller

Hannibal tells the story of Will Graham (Hugh Dancy), a gifted criminal profiler, and his relationship with renowned psychiatrist Dr. Hannibal Lecter (Mads Mikkelsen). As Will works for the FBI to pursue serial killers, he also seeks the help and advice of Hannibal—unknowing of the doctor's true nature.

The story having been based on the novels (Red Dragon, Hannibal) of Thomas Harris is already intriguing as it is. With the success of the 1991 film adaptation The Silence of the Lambs (regardless of its successors' failure), TV adaptation Hannibal is a bold, yet exciting move for creators to resurrect an iconic Lecter for the 21st century age.

Though the series only lasted for three seasons, every episode was sure as hell a bloody treat for all viewers. For its cinematography was the grandest. They make the visuals even for the most disgusting murders pleasurable to the eyes. Shift to the exquisite details of the cuisines served in every episode. Add some equally provocative score to further sustain the haunting narrative and wordy dialogues. Switch to otherworldly places with the same eerie atmosphere. You have before you every inch of perfection. And it lived up to it until its final episode.

The characters were also as captivating. Mikkelsen's Lecter was one for the books. His charisma, brilliance, and subtle hints of disturbing madness persuaded the viewers to like him despite of the cannibalism. Dancy also gave a remarkable performance as Will. Both were articulate, and were able to win the audience hearts in spite of their weirdness and occasional insanity. The rest of the cast (Laurence Fishburne, Gillian Anderson, Caroline Dhavernas) was just as outstanding. I could not commend enough how impressive the actors were, especially the complicated roles of the villains. They made the series even more interesting (aside from the obvious reasons).

Indeed, it was, most of the time, disturbing, too morbid, and extremely graphic; but what a shame it was to end only after 39 episodes. Because this bloody show was, without a doubt, pure genius.

(photo is not mine; credits to owner)

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And the Mountains Echoed

I first read a Khaled Hosseini novel last year, The Kite Runner. It was strongly recommended to me by a friend. She agreed to lend me her then newly-bought copy, as she had read it before, which gave me the impression that the story must be really good if you would insist on letting me borrow a book you haven't smelled yet. I was intrigued enough. And she was not wrong. The Kite Runner had such a perfectly written story. It was about a young boy from Kabul, Amir, and his friendship with his father's young Hazara servant, Hassan. Emotionally gripping. And his third and latest book, And The Mountains Echoed was just as brilliant.


And the Mountains Echoed (2013)
by Khaled Hosseini

And The Mountains Echoed is told in the perspective of the several characters in the book whom lives intertwined because of the separation of siblings, Abdullah and Pari. Introduced in the novel as well, were Parwana—the children's stepmother—and her disabled sister Masooma; Iqbal, their stepbrother; Nabi, the children's step-uncle, and caretaker of House Wahdati; Markos, a volunteer plastic surgeon; and an Afghan-American doctor Idris, and his cousin Timur.

With themes of loss, guilt, betrayal, regret, and redemption; the stories of every character are equally engaging and haunting. All share tales of joy and sufferings; and the bonds that bind and break families. Each chapter takes you on a journey of emotional whirlwind from Kabul to Paris to San Francisco to the Greek Island of Tinos. Each affecting another, from parents to children, brothers and sisters, cousins and caretakers. It concludes a beautiful beginning, still with traces of pain, but with hint of serenity.

I know now that some people feel unhappiness the way others love: privately, intensely, and without recourse.

Another tragic story that proves to be among the most heartwarming tales about family and life. Hosseini ventures deep into family relationships and all it entails; from loyalty and duty to betrayal and burden the blood endures. All these, while [once again] opening the readers' eyes to a tad of Afghanistan's history and poverty. And he writes them marvelously. With every page, never failing to tear a heart. Readers grasp the pain in the cruelest way imaginable. The details he put into every story of the characters are simply astounding. I cannot stress enough how great of a storyteller Hosseini is. His books always exceed expectations. Careful now though, if you have not read his novels yet, it is not for the faint of heart. But his books are truly a must read.

(c)

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