Resolutions for a Better Year

Resolutions are meant to be broken. Here's a new set for 2013.

Movie inspiration: The Perks of Being a Wallflower Resolution: Spend more time with friends Level of difficulty: Going out with homies on a regular basis will require a steady flow of cash. Public parks are not an option.

Movie inspiration: Cloud Atlas Resolution: Drink 8-10 glasses of water daily. Level of difficulty: It's no fun going to the loo every 15 minutes.

Movie inspiration: Cosmopolis Resolution: Come up with a decent haircut. Level of difficulty: High. I've never had a decent haircut.

Movie inspiration: Killing Them Softly Resolution: Be more assertive. Level of difficulty: Achievable, but it's like asking a cat to take a shower.

Movie inspiration: Les Misérables Resolution: Be proactive. Start by reading the newspaper. Level of difficulty: I've never been political.

Movie inspiration: Looper Resolution: Finish at least four books every month. Level of difficulty: I love reading, but it easily wears me out.

Movie inspiration: Moonrise Kingdom Resolution: Follow instructions. Level of difficulty: When the door says "pull," I push; when it says "push," I pull.

Movie inspiration: Seven Psychopaths Resolution: Learn to hug people. Level of difficulty: It depends on who I'm supposed to hug.

Movie inspiration: Skyfall Resolution: Fight back. Don't be a doormat. Level of difficulty: I'll start by beefing up. Watch out, you.

Movie inspiration: The Master Resolution: Eye cream won't do. Get enough rest/sleep. Level of difficulty: Impossible.

The Man from Manila

Back in high school, our class was told to do something which required synchronized choreography a la Paula Abdul in "Promise of a New Day."

We decided to do Francis M.'s "Mga Kababayan."

During rehearsals, we let the girls from the Women's Basketball League run the show. They had a field day, testing our dancing chops by making us do the "running man." Those of us who had no qualms shaking their bon-bons were told to stand at the very front; those of us who can't be bothered with the "running man" were told to stand at the very back (me included).

One of the girls had a Sony double deck cassette player—a black, clunky piece of machinery that elicited "oooohs" and "ahhhs" from us hickies. When she played her Francis M. cassette tape, a wave of patriotic pride swept among us, sending an electric jolt straight through our convoluted hearts.

Francis M. unified our disgruntled class, making us realize how cool local music was. We promptly ditched our Wilson Phillips, New Kids on the Block, and Bon Jovi cassette tapes.

For one whole week, we were bona fide Francis M. fans.