Communique

Allura: I have a que for you (not in regards to the ad): do you think that you're politically correct most of the time, that it makes you a bit rigid/uptight - when say for instance, someone said something that was politically incorrect, instantly you'd correct them? I was just thinking.

Elena: What?
Haha :)
Do I give such vibes?
No but really I am uptight as when it comes to being PC. Especially here where everyone is sooo PIC like ALL THE TIME. It makes me crazy how they talk about aboriginals as blacks etc. At first i always corrected them but it just made me look bad so now i just kind of let it go.
BUT was it my friends in Finland I would deffo say something.
So yeah I am uptight as.

Allura: Lol. Pls… don’t take this the wrong way. No, I don’t give that vibe from you. I’m all for it also, being politically correct. But yeah, sometimes ignorant people are difficult to talk to when they are blurting out racist/discriminatory remarks. I get so frustrated and I’d end up just rolling my eyes.

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Allura: Also... if you don't mind me asking, how are Muslims in Finland treated? =) I was just curious.

Elena: Muslims in Finland. Hmm..let me think. As far as I can remember Finland is ok with muslim needs such as wearing a hijab and building mosques and providing halal.
I dont think it is so much the islam that gets hated in finland its more certain folk groups such as immigrant somalians that do.
We just have a problem integrating them into the society and this way a certain amount of say rapes or crimes are done by young somali men which of course makes the average finn think that they are all like this.
So yeah I think being a muslim is ok but an immigrant..hmm...there is still a long way to go.
How's the situation in America at the mo'?
And again it's weird 'cos I have been very into my islam for the past month or so actually.
Reading books, watching documentaries etc.
Then you ask me this :)

Allura: The reason I asked is because I am reading about this book; the aftermath when Theo van Gogh was murdered by a Muslim extremist in the Netherlands.
The topic of the book varies, but one thing that I’ve been pondering in relation to the book about how are Muslims being perceived and treated around that area or in general, North West/East Europe. Also how tolerance, when it gets out of hand can create havoc in the society instead of promoting peace: “A terror regime of political correctness is ruling over our country” - Ayaan Hirsi Ali. If you haven’t read one of her books yet, the Infidel. Check it out =)
I had a Muslim class last semester and it made me aware of many aspects of the Muslim society. I respect the culture - well except for the extremist and such (primitive aspects of it). It was once very rich and flourished immensely: culturally, politically and in arts. Very interesting period. Fascinated me.
Anyway, at the moment in terms of immigration, the situation is still in some ways a bit heated. Although I think lately the debate has shifted toward the Latinos. And that’s because of the drug war that has been going on in the border of US and Mexico. Regarding the Muslim, well as you know… learning how to speak Arabic and about the Muslim has increased these past few years. Tolerance is being promoted, although I can’t speak for everyone, especially the Conservatives. Those people are beyond me.

I'd have to say nay.

I absolutely love Chanel.
And even ol' Carl but this
ad with Audrey Tautou
just simply reminds me of
Amelie.
With a less fabulous male
part too!
I did not like him and it
all felt a bit...I don't know..
not Chanel 5 for me.

This is my favourite of
perfum ads.
By Sofia Coppola:



Oh and I think I just got
Coco Mademoiselle
by Chanel for present!
And you can still keep
No. 5 as 'yours' :)

- E

The Beatles

I thought this was great advertisement.
And the animation is pretty wicked as well.
It captured the Beatles popularity/height, from 1960s to 1970s -when they broke up.

Yay or Nay?

Wicked animation.

Onwards from AKQA on Vimeo.

Toulouse-Lautrec pour toi.

For about two weeks now I have been following a wonderful
documentary series on the infamous Henry de Toulouse-Lautrec.
He has taken me around the most famous quartiers du Paris,
through the filthiest pubs and brothels, to the most magnificent
underground scenes with singers, songwriters and larger than
life characters such as Oscar Wilde.
It has been two smoky, wine filled and intriguing weeks for me.
But most importantly he has taken me to his atelje.


I got to know that Henry adored girls who loved girls.


And sad, forgotten prostitutes.






But most of all he loved all ladies of red hair.
According to him we smell different to other
women. And that I thought was beautiful.

- E

Father's Day/Summer Solstice

Last Sunday we celebrated Father's Day and in my own little way the First Day of Summer.

Gathering of the Gamit Family.

Above are my cuzzo's and auntie's.
Below (L-R): my fave Ate ("big sister" in Tagalog), Mum & Auntie Gloria.

This is my Mum to right - her name is Violeta, and Auntie Glo to the left.

!Filipino Food!
What you see here are pretty basic Filipino food.
What's interesting about our family is that my Dad's brothers, they're married to my aunties who are from different parts of the Philippines. So the food is a bit mixed.

Top: Fruit salald and cantaloupe with milk. Delish and refreshing!
Very much like agua fresca melon, w/ milk.

Below: Battered fried fish. Filipino Spaghetti (it's a bit sweet) - I think my Mum makes the best. Potstickers.
B-b-q's. Fresh fruit. Lumpia (mixed of shrimp, meat, and veggies). Turon (wrapped banana and jackfruit, coated with brown cane sugar). Goat stew.

Despite my exam the next day, I enjoyed myself. It was relaxing.
From time to time hanging out with my family is not so bad
(though sometimes they stress me out just b/c they're so chill)

Good times!