A Game of Thrones: Musings

I just finished re-reading the last few chapters of George R.R. Martin's "A Game of Thrones." Back when I declared this book as "read" over at my Goodreads account, I must confess that I just skimmed through the last parts because I figured I wouldn't miss much since I watched the series. I have never been so wrong. :))

I was absolutely amazed by how much imagery the book had as I plowed through the last chapters. Even the smallest of details, like a twig snapping or a sword dropping to the floor or Summer licking his wounds after fighting with Shaggydog, added to the overall intensity or subtlety of a certain situation. It made me feel like I was there - a tree, a wolf, a brick on the wall, a Gold Cloak, a Dothraki, a servant...you name it. I was there, and I was everywhere.

The characterizations are also somewhat different. In the book, Cersei is colder and more evil, Catelyn has a personality of a rock (I can't seem to sympathize with her here than in the TV series), and Tywin has a stronger aura of authority that it actually scares me.

I am not saying that the HBO series sucks. I've been following it religiously for the past two seasons, and now that it's on its third, I am quite excited to see what will happen. I'm also curious to see the changes they've made to the story. This is, after all, an adaptation - you can't expect them to follow everything to the letter. There were parts in the TV series that were not in the book; they added those maybe just to make things more interesting and exciting.

Photo from www.beyondhollywood.com

Though the HBO adaptation provides excellent visuals, they're nothing compared to what I see in my head. Why? Because it's in my head, and it's mine and mine alone. :)

Speaking of Game of Thrones, I think the 3rd episode's out. Must. Watch. Now.

Bittersweet

Photo from Cha Oquendo, AB Comm

Dear Graduating Students,

Today is your day. After four years (maybe more, heehee), it’s finally over. As you’re about to enter what they call the “real world,” I sincerely hope that you take the lessons (both academic and life) you’ve learned and use them to take the industry and the world by storm. Yung tipong pag pumasok kayo sa isang kuwarto, may hangin-kulog-kidlat-buka-lupa effect na magaganap. Heehee.

(That was the first part, which I posted on Facebook. Here’s the rest of my message.)

As I sit here in the audience watching you receive your diplomas, I can’t help but feel this overwhelming sense of pride. You guys grew into young, mature individuals with unshakable principles and unwavering passion right before my eyes, and there’s no denying that you will go far in life.

You’ve been thanking me for various reasons for the past few days. Now it’s my turn. Thank you for being a part of my life, even if it’s just a short while. I was not with you every step of the way, but whenever our paths do cross in school, I learn something about myself and life in general from each and everyone of you. You may not know it, but you helped make me who I am now, and I am very grateful because you all made me feel that I’m actually doing something right.

Congratulations, my dear kiddies. I am so proud to call you my students. Itayo ang bandera ng mga sabog! Woohoo!! (Just had to add that last bit, sorry if it killed the mood. Mashado na kasing seryoso, di ko na ma-take. LOL)

Nagmamahal,
mizkei