The Best Of This Is A Crazy Planets (2011) - Plot & Excerpts
Nakakatawa. (Nakakatuwa?) Natawa ako sa lahat ng articles. Lalo na yung tungkol sa social networking site na twitter. (Oopps, spoiler.)Nakita ko lang 'tong pakalat-kalat sa sala. Hindi ako aware na nagbabasa pala ng mga librong nakakatuwa si papa. Gusto ko pa sanang basahin lahat kaso umabot lang ako sa artikulo tungkol sa twitter at yun nalang talaga ang naalala ko. Hindi ko na mahiram yung libro. (Paker)Kung bibigyan pa sana ako ng pagkakataon, gusto kong basahin ulit ito. The Word of the Lourd on this “Crazy Planets” (published in Baguio Chronicle)“The public toilet—along with sidewalks, other public spaces and soap operas—is a metaphor for the state of society… Show me a filthy public restroom and I’ll show you a society where discipline and order have broken down.”So goes one of many of Lourd de Veyra’s satirical statements in the collection of essays “The Best of This is a Crazy Planets” from his Spot.ph blog. In the 30 essays compiled in his book, you’ll find yourself enlightened by the Word of the Lourd (which is also the title of his short television segment where he delivers his commentary on social and political issues in his witty, deadpan ways) from the award-winning socio-cultural/political pundit that is Lourd de Veyra.And for the faint of heart and the satire-challenged, I suppose you are going to have a difficult time appreciating Lourd’s words. He hits the bull’s eye of discomfort and ugly truth in his commentaries about fame and the Pacquiaos, hipster expressions that must never again see the light of day, the senate and the 2009 Hayden Kho/Katrina Halili sex scandal, the dwindling world of the Filipino action film, our society’s baffling lack of hygiene, the incomprehensible hell taxi and bus drivers of Manila bring to this world, the spotlight-hogging of the attention whore known as the President’s youngest sister, masculinity, and even jejemons. Spot.ph Editor-in-Chief Myrza Sison perfectly captures Lourd de Veyra’s writing in her foreword: “His grasp of the political situation and current events is so good he can delivers his opinions in a funny way that just lends to what most news in the Philippines is—ridiculous.” She further writes: “he makes spot-on pronouncements about the status quo in self-effacing, man-on-the-street, “nagtatanong lang po” way, never offensive (unless it’s his intention), frequently hilarious, always endearing.”For example, he describes Kris Aquino as someone “for whom no barrier exists between the public’s right to know and her private life” (as the mainstream media seems to remind us these past few days) and someone whose “cerebral cortex [is] directly connected to her mouth”. And when lamenting about irresponsible drivers of public vehicles, Lourd writes: “I think we should all start regarding driving as a responsibility, not an inalienable right.”In this image-saturated world, Lourd de Veyra goes for the jugular and pokes fun at what we have held all high and mighty: celebrities and image. He concocts a mixture of wit, frankness, and a devil-may-care attitude that may not always be easy for you to swallow. But when you do, it’s smooth on your throat and you find yourself wanting more.
What do You think about The Best Of This Is A Crazy Planets (2011)?
nice collection. sir Lourd really likes having topics on K, even if he denies it. lol.
—missemalays
Great thoughts. Well-constructed sentences. Humorous. Witty. Great read.
—dublaq
