Vince Golangco » Rants

New DC Comics Reboot: 52 #1 Issues for Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman, Justice League and more

Vince — Mon, 05 Sep 2011 13:36:58 +0000

It feels kinda weird starting over. I mean, that feeling of insecurity, of change, of uncertainty and of something completely new. Of course, after the unfamiliar start, most of the time you’ll find out that all those strange new feelings were nothing to really be afraid of.

On the other hand, to just move forward and drop that past decades of stories, insights, chemistry and to just act like it never even happened, that might be a whole different ballgame.

Either way, whether you’re all for this big change or totally against it, it’s happening and it is happening now!

DC comics has started to roll out their brand new issues. They are reinventing the DC wheel! DC Comics is coming out with 52 new #1 issues for their comic books. Familiar and age old stories like Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman, Flash, Green Lantern and so many more are getting a brand new slate.

There will also be new characters, new villains, new origins and more, but many will also be very familiar in a nostalgic way.

DC Comics decided to try and invite new readers by starting over. It’s a reasonable idea as many of the young ones out there, and even the oldies who still want to get into it, may be overwhelmed at the sight or knowledge of a 500 book backlog they would have to read to understand why exactly Superman and the Black Lantern Corps were in their little pillow fight.

On the other hand, while trying to get new readers, the fear is that DC comics may anger and alienate the loyal fans and lifelong readers who know these characters like the back of their hands.

Either way, the bottom line is that the comic book industry, like the publishing industry, needs a boost. Sales have been dwindling for comic books especially since the digital ebooks have been released on the same day as the hardcopy comic book now.

This DC Universe reboot may just be the breath of fresh air that the comic book world needs. Besides, it’ll give a more modern and current look at many of our favorite heroes who might still be hanging on to character flaws and personalities from the 60’s.

One bright spot is that the Justice League #1 issue already has a preorder booking of over 200,000 issues!

Anyway, here’s the unofficial comic book and character I’m especially excited about! The New and improved Superman Reboot!

Ok, just kidding about that one. But seriously, I’m pretty excited for this one. Honestly, I haven’t bought a comic book in over 10 years…. but I actually have the urge to go out and get some of these titles. If not for the reading pleasure, but also for the collector in me. I mean, come 2034, they’ll be asking you: “Where were you when DC rebooted?” When you tell the youngsters then that you were too lazy to go out and get the collectors item #1 issue of Specialman… I mean Superman, they are going to give you a death stare like no other!

Here’s to a new chapter in DC’s and our lives. It’s time to move forward. Change is good. Let’s start over and make today the fresh start to the rest of our lives!

Manny Pacquiao vs Mosley Live: The Path Towards Peace in the Philippines

Vince — Sun, 08 May 2011 03:10:16 +0000

When In Manila, the one time you will see NO traffic, NO quarrels, NO fighting, NO political problems and the ONLY time that the entire Manila and the entire Philippines turns over from an extensively high troubled nation into one with a ZERO PERCENT crime rate is when Congressman Pacman, Manny Pacquiao steps into the boxing ring!

Here we go again with another big fight for the pound for pound champion Manny Pacquiao!

Unless another worthy opponent shows up, this may be one of, if not the last, big bouts of Manny Pacquiao’s elusive career. There aren’t a lot of high hopes of a Pacquiao vs Mayweather fight as Floyd Mayweather, the mouth that can’t seem to back up what comes out of his mouth, may be in jail due to domestic violence problems.

So with that, this Manny Pacquiao vs Surgar Shane Mosley may be the last big bout we will have from the Pacman Manny Pacquiao.

Again, it’s a time for people all over the world to watch their favorite boxer of all time. The World Champion in multiple divisions and also Congressman, Manny Pacquiao.

Odds are totally stacked on Manny Pacman Pacquiao’s side. It’s 6 to 1 in favor of Pacquiao. Rumor has it the only people betting on Mosley are desperate people praying for a big payday hopefully at the hands of a Sugar Shane Mosley upset in ths Pacquiao Mosley fight.

Either way, let’s celebrate this wonderful Mother’s Day by watching the most bad-ass mofo in the planet that also brings upon him Peace, throughout the world.

Good luck to Manny Pacquiao for this big fight!

When In Manila, be sure to watch the Manny Pacquiao fight, it’s Pacquiao vs Mosley as we’ll see if Sugar Shane Mosley has any more fuel left in his tank to take on this unstoppable Pacman tank!

Manny Pacquiao vs Mosley Live: The Path Towards Peace in the Philippines

Manny Pacquiao vs Mosley Live: The Path Towards Peace in the Philippines

Vince — Sun, 08 May 2011 03:10:01 +0000

Here we go again with another big fight for the pound for pound champion Manny Pacquiao!

Unless another worthy opponent shows up, this may be one of, if not the last, big bouts of Manny Pacquiao’s elusive career. There aren’t a lot of high hopes of a Pacquiao vs Mayweather fight as Floyd Mayweather, the mouth that can’t seem to back up what comes out of his mouth, may be in jail due to domestic violence problems.

So with that, this Manny Pacquiao vs Surgar Shane Mosley may be the last big bout we will have from the Pacman Manny Pacquiao.

Again, it’s a time for people all over the world to watch their favorite boxer of all time. The World Champion in multiple divisions and also Congressman, Manny Pacquiao.

Odds are totally stacked on Manny Pacman Pacquiao’s side. It’s 6 to 1 in favor of Pacquiao. Rumor has it the only people betting on Mosley are desperate people praying for a big payday hopefully at the hands of a Sugar Shane Mosley upset in ths Pacquiao Mosley fight.

Either way, let’s celebrate this wonderful Mother’s Day by watching the most bad-ass mofo in the planet that also bring upon him Peace, throughout the world.

Good luck to Manny Pacquiao for this big fight!

When In Manila, be sure to be watching the big Manny Pacquiao fight, it’s Pacquiao vs Mosley as we’ll see if Sugar Shane Mosley has any more fuel left in his tank to take on this unstoppable Pacman tank!

10 Things to Learn from Japan

Vince — Mon, 04 Apr 2011 14:28:29 +0000

I’m not sure who wrote this piece. It seems to be a chain email circulating as I’ve received it a few times already. But I just thought that it had a very powerful message.

We don’t need to be of a certain religion to be kind, loving and peaceful.

10 Things to Learn from Japan

10 things to learn from Japan –

1. THE CALM - Not a single visual of chest-beating or wild grief. Sorrow itself has been elevated.

2. THE DIGNITY – Disciplined queues for water and groceries. Not a rough word or a crude gesture.

3. THE ABILITY _ The incredible architects, for instance. Buildings swayed but didn’t fall.

4. THE GRACE – People bought only what they needed for the present, so everybody could get something.

5. THE ORDER – No looting in shops. No honking and no overtaking on the roads. Just understanding.

6. THE SACRIFICE - Fifty workers stayed back to pump sea water in the N-reactors. How will they ever be repaid?

7. THE TENDERNESS – Restaurants cut prices. An unguarded ATM is left alone. The strong cared for the weak.

8. THE TRAINING - The old and the children, everyone knew exactly what to do. And they did just that.

9. THE MEDIA They showed magnificent restraint in the bulletins. No silly reporters. Only calm reportage.

10. THE CONSCIENCE - When the power went off in a store, people put things back on the shelves and left quietly

and they are not Christians…..

With every good wish

Christmas is Overrated: Holiday Thoughts from a Scrooged Grinch

Vince — Sun, 12 Dec 2010 03:38:09 +0000

This was a post by a very good friend of mine a few years back. Just thought it was hella funny and really well written. So I wanted to share it with you guys in case you want to check it out.

***Warning, do not read if you have heart problems, are pregnant or are overly sensitive… =P

Hate is a strong word…but I can really give an E. Coli’s ass about Christmas

Christmas is a religious holiday. I have no desire to celebrate anything remotely related to support it. Growing up, I was never taught to believe in any fairytale or imaginative figures. Thus the thought of an overweight old man dressed in red flannel, shouts derogatory terms across the sky about women and distributes toys to undeserving little brats does not arouse me in any shape or form.

Nevertheless, being the accommodating person that I am, I concede and cooperate with the traditions instead of telling my true feelings to people’s faces. That’s the essence of being civil. If someone has the nerve to tell me that Chinese New Year is a meaningless holiday that promotes nothing but commercialism and compulsive spending, I will slap that bitch so hard there will be no tomorrow.

The funny thing is, I just spent the evening watching two things I can’t stand the most: fireworks and Christmas decorations.

The only description I got from my friend Ricky about this event was “there will be these sail boats with cool lights at Shelter Island.” I thought it would be a relaxing way to wrap up my Sunday, which I spent compulsively rearranging living room furniture.

“Yes!! We arrived just in time for the fireworks” was the first thing that came out of his mouth when we pulled up.

Fireworks? I hate fireworks. It is the ultimate ancient Chinese invention that is used for useless ephemeral human enjoyment at the expense of our dying planet. The only time one is ever justified to use fireworks is when you’re surrounded by hungry mountain lions while wearing underwear made out of beef jerky, and you cannot possibly attract any help by screaming “fire!”

The best part about the night was that the “lights on the sail boats” were actually “illuminated Christmas decorations”. Jingles were blasted so loudly they still resonate in my ears…after 7 hours.

Every boat pretty much looked the same. Why couldn’t people just be a little more creative. If I had a boat there I would have decorated it with the devil riding with Santa, or a giant hiny.

Ricky did not notice how painful it was for me to watch. I squirmed so much on my riverbank rock I was pretty sure I drilled a hole into it.

Ahh…I’m such a good friend…

Filipinas Kay Ganda

Vince — Sun, 28 Nov 2010 06:07:15 +0000

Lol, I swear I tried to be positive, or at least neutral about the new branding campaign from the Department of Tourism to, supposedly, re-brand the Philippines. But it just keeps getting funnier.

All the other details aside, after they announced the new website, BeautifulPilipinas.com, everyone found out that it was one letter away from the porn site BeautifulFilipinas.com. To the untrained eye, this may seem like a very stupid, blundering mistake. But what you may not know, is that this is all part of a bigger plan that they have up their skirts sleeves. I’ll explain this later on.

As new layers of this onion gets peeled, I’m seeing people compare the new logo of the “Pilipinas Kay Ganda” brand with that of Polland’s… where the resemblances are hard to ignore.

But don’t jump to conclusions yet! Maybe it was actually Polland that stole our idea with some sort of time machine that they used to come to this point in time, then travel back years ago and then change their logo to what you see above and making Polska a “kay ganda” campaign that the Filipinos actually came up with! Damn Polskas! What does Polska even mean anyway!?!

OR maybe the font, the exact copy of the letter P and A, the waves underneath, the tree and the entire feel of this seemingly replicated image is no more than a coincidence.

Also, stop thinking of it as plagiarism! After all, the Supreme Court of the Philippines proclaimed that there is no such thing as Plagiarism! So think of it more like… inspiration.

Anyway, to help out the DoT, I figured we all need to give our own suggestions as to how we can fix this little bump on the road.

First of all, keep the BeautifulPilipinas.com website and try to win over some of the viewers of that other, less classier site, with the similar name. Then, go all out with branding our country as one with “kay ganda” women. I mean why not? The porno industry is a multi-billion dollar industry! Bring over a small fraction of that and we’ll see less hungry mouths on the streets and more hungry mouths in the…. well…. dining tables.

We re-brand with the porno emphasis, bring in D.O.M. money, and get more people with more jobs serving the sudden influx of tourists; tourists who need their knobs polished, their salads tossed and their oil changed…. among other things. With that we’ll see a steep decrease in the unemployment ratio and a steady rise in local earnings. The economy rises from the ashes, more people have consistent incomes which leads to higher levels of education which leads to better leadership in our government. The new leadership brings about positive change which includes a cleansing of our environment. Our streets get cleaned up, followed by our rivers, bays and pink overpasses. With more people joining the working class, more educated people and an environment of cleanliness, the crime rates come down to a shocking low and for the first time ever, we can walk around Greenhills without having to check whether or not our wallets or cellphones have been stolen every 5 minutes.

Then we live happily ever after.

You’re welcome.

Filipinas Kay Ganda

The 2010 Miss Universe Body Paint Controversy

Vince — Tue, 17 Aug 2010 16:10:44 +0000

So there’s this big hoopla about the Miss Universe 2010 Pageant reportedly going too far because of some naked, nude, body paint pictures of their contestants…

I of course, in the name of journalism, heard about these naked Miss Universe Pageant 2010 Body Paint pictures and had to investigate for myself…

Upon my research, as you’ll see with the very “controversial” Miss Universe pics below…. I have come to the conclusion that:

The people complaining about these Miss Universe Body Paint pictures are probably Old Hags who have never gotten laid in their lives. They have no loves and would probably think that kissing is only appropriate when you’ve been dating for 37 years.

The pictures look fine! I thought there was really some sort of crazy stuff that triggered this “Miss Universe Body Paint Controversy.” But no…. just old hags.

Lark-Marie Anton, vice president of marketing and public relations for the organization, responded to the charges of inappropriateness saying:

“The contestants who compete at Miss Universe are diverse, as they represent more than 82 countries around the globe. Many of their cultures embrace nudity… We feel the images captured are fashionable and cutting edge!”

The 2010 Miss Universe pageant airs on August 23. Do you think these pictures cross the line?

Miss Guatemala & Miss Mexico

Miss Trinidad and Tobago: LaToya Wood

Miss USA: Rima Fakih

Miss Albania & Miss Ireland

The 2010 Miss Universe pageant airs on August 23. Do you think these pictures cross the line?

Hilary Duff Married? Hilary Duff Wedding? Really?

Vince — Mon, 16 Aug 2010 16:08:10 +0000

Hilary Duff married? Hilary Duff wedding?!?! Isn’t she like….. 16? WTF?!

Reports say Hilary Duff married a hockey player named Mike Comrie…. so Hilary Duff is now Hilary Comrie?

Until I see some Hilary Duff wedding pictures, I’m saying it’s all a big Hilary Duff hoax!

I mean she hasn’t even reached puberty yet…..

I swear last I checked, Hilary Duff was just 16….

Nevermind….

Valedictorian Speaks Out Against Schooling – Our Education System Needs Fixing!

Vince — Thu, 12 Aug 2010 15:05:19 +0000

I was completely blown away by this video! This high school valedictorian shares the exact same sentiments I do about education systems that are designed simply to have students compromise their individualities and just blend in. Conforming is the name of our education system!

I was born in El Paso, Texas USA, but spent most of my younger years growing up in the Philippines. It was here that I was subjected to some of the most “creativity-killing” schools that tried their best to make their students just another plain fish in the pond.

The greatest leaders in this world always question the way things are. They don’t just do things because they were told to do it that way. Leaders ask why things are being done a certain way, then they find a way to do it easier, faster and better. Leaders understand the rules, then they break the rules!

I went to three secondary (elementary) schools in the Philippines because I often got kicked out of my schools from either not wanting to memorize 2,000 Chinese vocabulary words (not exaggerating) or because it never really interested me and thus I skipped class way too often. Even when I was in class I would always fall asleep or be told by the teacher that I was not “a good student” (meaning a good follower or good servant) and thus would get in trouble one way or another. The schools I went to here, Saint Jude Catholic School, San Lorenzo Ruiz Academy and Saint Peter Apostolic School and I don’t recommend sending your kids here EVER!

Anyway, back to the video. The valedictorian talks about not being happy or confident with her career path even though she’s the valedictorian. She says that yes, she may have gotten the best grades, but that only means that she was the best at doing what she was told. She says that while she was busy taking notes in class, others were doodling their hours away and these doodlers will probably one day be great artists. While our valedictorian was out doing homework, others were keeping busy with their hobbies and favorite activities and these people may too become great at these extracurricular engagements. So now, even though she was a valedictorian, she feels lost.

“If you’ve got your eye on the goal, that means you only have one eye on the path.”

I know how most old school thinkers believe that a piece of paper may be the “safest” way to have a normal salary in this world. But if you haven’t realized, there is an army of high school and college drop outs who knew what they wanted and went for it! (i.e. Bill Gates) No amount of education will compare to a strong drive and persistence to succeed. It’s the risk takers that become the millionaires, leaders and change-makers of tomorrow.

Anyway, I wouldn’t dare condemn my worst enemy to a fate of being normal. My biggest fear in my life is that I’ll one day look back and realize that I had a mediocre life.

DON’T BLEND IN – STAND OUT!

DON’T CONFORM – BE YOURSELF!

Most of all,

NEVER LIVE YOUR LIFE ACCORDING TO HOW OTHERS THINK YOU SHOULD!

Just my two cents…

Inception Ending is a Work of Art

Vince — Sat, 17 Jul 2010 16:22:11 +0000

WARNING WARNING!!!! SPOILERS ALERT

——————

In the Sistine Chapel, there’s an image painted by Michelangelo of god who’s about to give the gift of life to man. In this epic work of art, the most breathtaking part of it all is that there are a few inches of separation between the hand of god and that of man / Adam. That little space of eternity between their fingers touching makes the entire painting the work of art that it is because of how much emotion is packed into that little bit of ambiguity.

That’s sort of how I felt with the ending of the new box office hit, Inception.

The Inception ending is really ambiguous and many movie goers were complaining about director Christopher Nolan (of the Dark Knight) saying that he didn’t know how to end his own movie.

On the contrary, I believe he knew exactly what he was doing.

In the movie Inception, we’re lost with the ending and have no clue whether or not Leonardo DiCaprio’s character indeed made it out of the dream world and whether or not he is back in the real world. There’s a second or so that separates the truth to this story.

On the other hand, it’s that split second that really defines life as it is. I mean, aren’t we walking around everyday not really really knowing what’s going to happen next. Aren’t we all just a bit lost in our dreams as well? Perhaps I can even go as far to say that the people who do blend their dreams with the real world are the ones who get to really synergize both world and end up creating a reality that reaches their dreams?

Ok, that might have been too confusing.

In short… I liked the Inception ending.

“The greater danger for most of us, is not that our aim is too high and we miss it, but that it is too low and we reach it” ~ Michelangelo