The Opposite of Holding On

I seldom like books that are adapted into film. This time however I love the movie more than the novel it was adapted from. Never Let Me Go is a 2010 film based on Kazuo Ishiguro's novel starring Carey Mulligan, Keira Knightley, and Andrew Garfield.

The story revolved around friends Kathy, Ruth, and Tommy who grew up in Hailsham. At first it seemed the children at this school were normal. They were encouraged to study art, play sports, and be well-rounded students. Before long, it's revealed that each and every one of them were being prepared to be organ donors, multiple times, until they 'complete'.

The shock of finding out the future of these children was somehow 'softened' by the pacing of the story. Like the characters accepting their fate without question, the viewers eventually watch with consent as the narrator Kathy (Mulligan) described how they went about their short-lived lives and fulfilled their destiny.

I love that even though it's a love story, it doesn't feel like it. I was more drawn to and outraged by the dystopian world they live in. I love the contrast between the breathtaking sceneries and the harshness of their reality. The acting of the three main characters were also terrific. Mulligan's was subtle but very affecting. I cried buckets while watching it for the first time (and a few more on repeat viewings). Heck, I was dehydrated at curtain calls. But every time, like Kathy at the end of the movie, I learn to let go as she says:

"What I'm not sure about, is if our lives have been so different from the lives of the people we save. We all complete. Maybe none of us really understand what we've lived through, or feel we've had enough time."

-Faye

Chatting at Jatujak

My Ate and I make it a point to try different cuisines. One afternoon, we chanced upon Jatujak (pronounced as "cha-tu-chak") and got to tick one item off our long list. It's a quiet, modern-meets-oriental place that serves Thai food.

We had the Pork Sate (₱180), an easy favorite. It's basically barbecue with this amazing sauce which was sweet and sour, with a kick of ginger, curry, and nuts. Next was the Shrimp Pad Thai (₱185). Flat, chewy noodles with stir-fried veggies, egg, shrimp, and ground peanuts. I was delightfully surprised by the fusion of flavors and was somehow reminded of our Pinoy lumpiang sariwa. Though we wish there were more shrimps in it.

Their Chicken Pandan (₱240), looks good but tastes like your average seasoned fried chicken. We weren't able to savor the pandan. For dessert, we got even more adventurous and ordered Iced Waterchestnuts with Coconut Milk (₱90). Ate Faye loves waterchestnuts but never had it as dessert. The nuts were covered in red sticky rice coating and the coconut milk was refreshing. You may ask for additional syrup to adjust the sweetness.

We got to catch up with our stories since we haven't seen each other in awhile. I must say, it's really nice trying new food with old company. So what's next on our list, sister dear?

Rating: 3.75/5

-Martha

Location:

Jatujak - 4F The Block, SM North EDSA, Quezon City

Brother Dear

My brother recently got married. Although I would have preferred to play organizer (Martha says it's because I love bossing people around) during the event, Martin insisted I become part of the entourage instead. I can't believe my little brother's actually married! I mean, I still remember our childhood days when we would fight over a toy (his teeth marks are still visible on my arm) or when we used to go to the beach during summer vacations then head to Baguio for a couple of nights or when us siblings would watch movies and pig out on junk foods, you know, just hang out and have a great time.

Well, I guess we can still have fun and make new memories together. And now we have an additional family member to boot. Still, Martha said it best when she made her maid-of-honor toast: I'm sad because I'll miss him but happy, too because he found the love of his life.

Congratulations and Best Wishes, Tin & Pam! :)

-Faye