R.I.P. Alexis Tioseco

"Film critic Alexis Tioseco and his Slovenian girlfriend, film journalist Nika Bohinc, were shot by robbers last night, September 1, in his Quezon City home on Times Street, West Triangle, as reported by abs-cbnnews.com.

Their household helper identified as Criselda,was said to have let three gunmen inside the couple’s house at around 10 p.m. According to the police, one of the gunmen shot the couple as the entered the house. The robbers left with jewelry and a laptop, and drove away in the couple’s white Ford Lynx with Criselda. The vehicle was recovered by the police at West Avenue this morning at 4 a.m."

Jesus christ.

Seriously, do we really live in a country like this, where household helpers, people we trust with a lot of things, lead us to our deaths? It's just so surreal. No one has to die like that. I'm still in shock... (I can't even begin to comment about the death of his girlfriend too, another writer. Too tragic. Is it just me, or has there been just too many deaths this year already?) I remember meeting Alexis through Lia, because I was a fan of his writing in Criticine. I was especially taken in by his piece on Lav Diaz, which led me to read more of his articles on Philippine Cinema. 

I started with leaving a message on his website, because I was just that moved with his writing.

 

I mentioned this to Lia, and lo and behold, she knew him! "You're a fan of Eggy?! No shit," like that was so unbelievable and funny. I met him in some random event, I forgot what exactly, it was a couple of years ago. He was funny and welcoming, not to mention very passionate about what he was doing--which was putting Philippine cinema on a higher pedestal, giving it a voice. I think I was largely introduced to the world of film criticism by stumbling on his articles. He saw hope in our dying Philippine film industry, and he gave it all that he could for that not to be a reality. He was an inspirational figure for me. 

"Seriously, I have a fangirl. This is as rockstar as I can get," he said with a laugh, the first time we talked. Every time I bumped into him, he was very nice and always into his work, and actually very funny, with that Canadian acciiint of his.  

He is a big loss to the Philippine film industry. Rest in peace, Alexis. 

Before I forget!

Can I just say, that I love pasalubongs of all kinds. Really. It makes my heart fat fat fat! Thanks for the multi-colored happiness that is the puto, Eloize!  Somehow, puto from Nueva Ecija tastes different. The queso on top is yummy, it was very succulent. I had it with iced coffee for lunch today, yum-o. Actually,  I got teased for bringing this home yesterday because it was so reminiscent of this boy back then who gave me a big tray of puto sort of as a show of affection, instead of flowers. *snort snort snort*  They never let me live that down. 



But that was a cute memory, so let's not be bitter, people. (Talking to myself, much.)

 

Again, thank you Eloize dear! You're such a sweetheart, it quite cheered me up yesterday. :D Then I bumped into Marky at Agno, which was also a relief. We had some Potato Giant potato thingies, tall glasses of nai cha, and a lot of cigs. Finally got to talk to a good friend about what's been happening recently. Life is a rollercoaster- a real fast fucker at that, with all the requisite twist and turns, only sharper. It's been crazy.