TRAVEL JUNKIE

my two cents: The Twilight Saga: New Moon

2009-11-22T17:46:00.007+08:00

I’m back!

And what a way to celebrate my return to cyberspace than to talk about the film I’ve waited a year to see.

I didn’t watch the trailers. I didn’t gawk at the promotional photos. I didn’t read a damn article about the film. So I really didn’t know what to expect but you see, I WAS PLEASANTLY SURPRISED with "THE TWILIGHT SAGA: NEW MOON."

PLOT: As a friend pointed out to me, it’s not that you don’t know what’s going to happen! But thank goodness, this director finally had a grasp on what the story is all about - forbidden lovers, rebound guy, and one damn lucky snip of a girl. They were able to keep the pertinent turning points that the story flowed fluidly and not as choppy as the first one. And about the script... well, the saccharine lines were still there. Eeek. (But I don't think they can't help it, the book was oozing with it!)

CHARACTERS: I don't think I need to point out that this was a 'Jacob' film. " The film's objective was to sell Jacob aka Taylor Lautner as the perfect partner for Bella. With his bulging muscles and incessant pursuit of Bella, it was hard not to switch from 'Team Edward' to 'Team Jacob.' (But sorry, I'd still go with "obviously objectified! He was nothing but an eye candy! Goodness! Every tween girl who's going to see it will be scarred for life! She'll think that all this is possible.

EFFECTS: Summit Entertainment finally plunked down enough money to turn the book into a decent film. Make-up wasn’t botchy anymore. (Remember that dreadful white line at Carlisle’s neck? Ugh.) Effects definitely improved. I liked the smoke effect when Edward appeared but goodness, the first time he did this, he looked like a frigging ghost! They should've showed his whole body instead of just his head. This made it look as though Bella suddenly developed a third eye. Tsk.Tsk.The wolves were cute enough but i would've wanted them as realistic as Aslan in the 'Narnia: the Lion, the witch, and the wardrobe.' But I loved the "Jumper" effects they used on the vamps when they were fighting in front of the Volturi.

SCENE THAT MADE ME CRINGE THE MOST: Remember Alice's vision? Did they really have to put Edward in that dreadful outfit? And have him and bella chase each other like its an old Filipino romantic film? The only thing that was missing was Bella's annoying giggling. Ugh.

Anyway, here are photos from the premiere at SM Mall of Asia last November 19. Again, Many thanks to the lovely ladies of OK! Magazine Philippines for the tickets. Mabuhay Kayo! :-)

The Twilight Saga: NEW MOON Premiere Ticket courtesy of OK! Magazine Philippines

With Edward Cullen

All Smiles Before We Headed Into The Cinema

Bella Pose: Stop it!

Hmmm....

HMMM... BUT I DON'T THINK HE REALLY IS.....

2009-06-23T00:08:00.000+08:00

Hmm... but i really don't think Michael Schumacher is The Stig.

I think the producers of BBC's Topgear just wanted to throw a curve ball on this season opener.

And when 'the stig' was asked to drive the reasonably priced car around the track, they asked him to drive splendidly poor.

Yeah. And Wouldn't they need a Gazillion Pounds to hire the champ?

Michael Schumacher just couldn't be The Stig.
He can't be! :-)

AND THE STIG ON BBC'S TOPGEAR IS...

2009-06-22T09:17:00.000+08:00

MICHAEL SCHUMACHER!!!

On BBC's international hit motor show TopGear 's first episode this thirteenth season, the stig's identity (the professional test driver in the white racing jumpsuit) was finally revealed. The studio audience loudly cheered when the helmet was finally taken off and revealed the face of Formula One's most successful driver and seven times world champion.

I've always thought the Stig MUST be one of the famous F1 drivers. He's just waaaaaay to good, way tooo precise. But when in 2002, the old stig (in a black racing jumpsuit) was revealed to be British racing-car driver Perry McCarthy I started to have doubts.

But..... WEEEEEEEE!

The Stig is Michael Schumacher! I can't believe it!!!! :-)

But the question that is racing through my head is... WHY DID THEY REVEAL THE IDENTITY OF THE STIG???!!!

Is the show losing its audience?
Is it beginning to be boring for most people?
What's the catch?

NEW CRUSHIE: EZRA MILLER

2009-06-14T09:49:00.004+08:00

I am pretty sure that for most people, 'who the hell is Ezra Miller?'

WELL. He's an up and coming actor (who's not even eighteen yet!) Spotted him in the pilot episode of 'Royal Pains.'
He's the one wearing a red tie. Isn't he such a cutie? (and actually looks like a vamp in these photos.)

In this photo, he's right beside Steven Strait! :-) Weee! Two of my crushies, side by side, in one photo. Double Weee!

want to be the object of every Filipina's fantasy?

2009-05-14T08:46:00.001+08:00

Be on this year's list.

i heart Spock.

2009-05-13T00:46:00.004+08:00

just saw Star Trek movie 2009 with Lana.
So understandably, i am a trekkie on a high.

i cannot even begin to tell everyone how deliriously happy i am with this new installment on the Star Trek franchise. but i do have to start somewhere, so here are SOME of the reasons why i love it.

i love how they used the 'time travel' plot to be the reason why they are making this movie! i mean please, i am so sick and tired of remakes for the plain reason that they cannot come up with a new story but want to make mountains of money. (but unfortunately for most, this tactic backfires and the movie disappoints at the box office.)

i love the plot. the writers, the directors, and everyone who created the script for they used their brains and imagination. bravo people! listen up movie industries around the globe! this is the way movies are supposed to be written (and done.)

i also love that the guy didn't get the girl! even i would choose Spock! he's just too damn cute for his own good!

i love the casting and the fact that the company didn't hire any A-lister who would distract the audience from the story itself. (or completely make the suspension of disbelief nearly impossible.) and of course, Spock! i heart Spock!

i know that Kirk is supposed to be the lead character and all but what i've noticed is that the development of Spock was more magnificent more attention-grabbing than Kirk's. little by little, you can see Spock becoming his own person and his experience with emotion. and then there was that magnificent culminating scene. DIVINE.

but with Kirk... i only come to realize the rate of his development while i am now writing this entry. at first, i thought there was hardly any change in him. but now as i am trying to recall the movie, there were changes in Kirk but they were hardly noticeable (at least to me.) but yeah, they were there - when he started to take charge, started to feel and be responsible for others on board the USS Enterprise, and that particular scene when he finally experienced fear.

again, i would like to reiterate that I ABSOLUTELY LOVE THIS MOVIE.
i could watch it over and over again.

to tell you the truth, its fastly climbing my 'best movies of all time' list.
its fastly climbing upward to be at par with 'Pride and Prejudice'.
and in my book, that's a feat.

four stars (out of four) for 'Star Trek' Movie 2009.
BRAVO.

I want your empty shampoo bottle!

2009-03-20T14:54:00.000+08:00

Hope you can help me out with a little project of mine.

I would like to help send a kid to school this year by donating to world-vision (the non-profit org who sends kids to school) and at the same time, do a little something for the environment.

So here I am, asking for your empty shampoo bottle (they have a hard time finding their way to the recycling centers) so I could sell them to companies who recycle them.

I hope to come up with P7,200 at the end of April 2009 and help send a kid to school this school year.

Also welcomed are:
1. facial wash bottles
2. plastic cola/ water/ iced tea bottles
3. food containers

*Send me a message so I'd know where we can meet for the pick up.

PS.
Please don’t forget to wash the bottles before handing them over.

SCROLL DOWN AND KEEP READING: (Thanks, Ms. Myrza for this.)

By STEVE KENNEDY
Published: 17 Mar 2009

IT’S the original tide of filth. This shocking picture shows a city center stream covered entirely with rubbish.
The heavily-polluted creek runs past makeshift houses in Manila, capital of the Philippines.
The horrifying photo was published at the 5th World Water Forum in Istanbul, Turkey.
Experts there are aiming to solve the chronic shortages of clean water blighting poorer parts of the world.
Just a word of warning on Manila. Never drink the local tap-water.

Am I bad for watching the 'Twilight' DVD even before its out?

2009-03-18T21:02:00.000+08:00

As Lana and Red know, I am a sucker for any video I can download - may it be a movie I can watch or a TV series. (Thank you the numerous torrents sites for being my version of Tivo.) Last week as I was on my fave torrents sites, I saw the 'Twilight' DVD on the lists. It's safe to assume, my friends, that I now have the soft copy.

Can you fault me for being curious?

I sort of feel a bit guilty for not waiting like everybody.
(But then again, how I can wait to see Robert's face in High Def? haaay.)

Men's Health Miracle Run 2009

2009-03-13T11:25:00.000+08:00

'Twilight' cast in Teen Vogue

2009-03-01T09:59:00.005+08:00

Twilight mania, apparently, has not waned a bit.
Here are the 'Cullen Kids' and 'Bella' posing for Teen Vogue.

images from:
http://www.bforyourlife.com/2009/02/twilight-cast-in-teen-vogue.html

Report: Rihanna and Chris Brown 'together again'

2009-03-01T09:01:00.000+08:00

Report: Rihanna and Chris Brown 'together again'

Feb. 27, 2009, 9:02 PM EST

MSN Entertainment

In news that is likely to cause much head-shaking and concern, Rihanna has apparently reunited with Chris Brown, who allegedly assaulted her on Feb. 8. People reports the pair is currently "spending time" at a home owned by Diddy in an undisclosed location.

"They're together again. They care for each other," a source tells the magazine, before unsettlingly adding, "While Chris is reflective and saddened about what happened, he is really happy to be with the woman he loves."

"He called to wish her happy birthday," an insider relays to the mag. "They've reached out to each other. It's been mutual."

Brown, who was booked for making criminal threats following the incident, remains under investigation by the Los Angeles police department.

According to the New York Daily News, the R&B singer recently attended his first anger-management session, a move seemingly designed to burnish his tarnished image.

"Words cannot begin to express how sorry and saddened I am over what transpired," Brown said a week after the purported altercation. "I am seeking the counseling of my pastor, my mother and other loved ones and I am committed, with God's help, to emerging a better person."

Rihanna has yet to comment on the incident, despite a disturbing picture of her bruised and battered face leaking online last week.

In a statement, her rep assured fans that "she remains strong, is doing well, and deeply appreciates the outpouring of support she has received during this difficult time."

Rihanna and Chris Brown

Rihanna and Chris Brown heated things up onstage at the Z100 Jingle Ball December 12, 2008, but still avoided discussing their relationship in public.

image from:http://music.msn.com/galleryfeature/rihanna-chris-brown-timeline/?photoidx=8

By Martha

2009-02-27T17:50:00.003+08:00

BRIDES-TO-BE, MARK THIS ON YOUR CALENDAR!

The Martha Stewart Weddings bridal fair will have talks by restaurateur Gaita Fores, makeup artist Barbi Chan, fashion designer Rajo Laurel, and only the best designers, caterers, and suppliers to help you out on your big day. March 28 to 29, Tent Pavilion, World Trade Center Pasay. Register at www.summitmedia.com.ph/mswbridalfair and your entrance is free.

An Indulgence: Robert Pattinson on the 81st Academy Awards Red Carpet

2009-02-23T15:02:00.006+08:00

I apologize.
I really can't help it.

Low-Res Images from www.rexfeatures.com

FLY WITH ME TO EUROPE FOR FREE!

2009-02-22T23:23:00.000+08:00

Real Living Magazine's Mall Tour

2009-02-22T22:04:00.003+08:00

From Jan 15 to Feb 15, 2009, Real Living Magazine set up vignettes at a couple of Ayala Malls across the metro to celebrate is refreshing new look.

I delightfully agreed to put up a living room set-up on the ground floor of
Glorietta IV in Makati.

STYLIST: CONI TEJADA

THEME: HIS AND HER SPACE

SHOPS: DIMENSIONE
ROBLES HERITAGE
SIFRA INTERIORS AND OBJECTS

JAN 15 - 31, 2009: HIS SPACE

Feb 1 - 15, 2009: HER SPACE

Twilight Saga's 'ECLIPSE' film release date, revealed

2009-02-22T17:35:00.001+08:00

Third 'Twilight' film release date, director revealed

Feb. 21, 2009, 11:52 AM EST

Entertainment Tonight

A reported release date for "Eclipse," the third film in the "Twilight" saga, has been revealed, in addition to new buzz about the sequel's director.

A source at Summit Entertainment tells MTV that "Eclipse" will arrive in theaters on June 30, 2010.

Meanwhile, a source close to the production tells Entertainment Weekly that "New Moon" director Chris Weitz will not helm the third film because he'll still be wrapping work on "New Moon" when shooting on "Eclipse" begins.

"New Moon" rises in theaters on Nov. 20, 2009.

Is it too late to save the world from economic ruin?

2009-02-08T13:17:00.001+08:00

Simply put, I am the eternal optimist. (Maybe except about marriage and living a life of servitude. Now, that is an all together different blog entry. Perhaps, three posts on the subject would suffice.) But with almost everything else, I might as well have sunshine coming out my bottom.

When I was online last week, I stumbled upon this article, :Is it too late to avoid depression?' I was so compelled to read it that I would like to share this with the lot of you.

http://articles.moneycentral.msn.com/Investing/SuperModels/too-late-to-avoid-a-depression.aspx

I am still hoping that America could right this problem they've instigated on the rest of the world. My fingers remain crossed.

From where you are standing right now, do you think we can still save ourselves?

"Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince" Movie Posters and stills

2009-02-06T17:27:00.003+08:00

I was a bit disappointed when Warner Brothers decided to release the sixth installment of the 'Harry Potter' films this year. (But was more relieved that 'Twilight' didn't have to contend with it for box office supremacy.)

Now, I can hardly wait for July! Here are the latest posters Warner Brothers released for 'Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince.'

Here are some of the stills Warner Brothers also released:

Love Lessons

2009-02-06T16:50:00.002+08:00

IT'S NOT YOU, IT'S ME.
A Cafe Workshop

* Understand your love patterns
* Improve your romantic I.Q.
* Increase your chances for happier relationships

DISCUSS, REFLECT, AND LEARN WITH
CREATIVE WRITER-TRAINER-THERAPIST
AILEEN SANTOS
on FEBRUARY 14, 2009, Saturday,
2:00-6:00 pm
THE OLD SPAGHETTI HOUSE, Market! Market!

Recession Game Plan!

2009-02-06T16:17:00.001+08:00

If you haven't been affected by the worldwide economic downturn, it is because you're living under a rock.
Or in your own little kingdom of a sandbar in the middle of nowhere.

Well, I don't.
I, on the other hand, live in the real world where money, especially cash, is the undisputed sovereign.

and my king is currently having problems, tons of it.

So during one of our coffee break converstations at the office pantry, my fairy officemate asked what's my recession plan be. Apparently, that is the hottest question on the floor after hearing the news that thousands of people have lost their jobs and companies are fleeing the archipelago.

Since I am prudent or to some certain people, kuripot, I can hardly think of another way to trim off the fat on my spending. After days on stewing on the matter, I actually managed to come up with a few answers.

1. Bring my own lunch and merienda to the office, religiously.
Buying from the Mini-Stop downstairs constitutes as an emergency. (or a craving.)
2. Buy only a total of five books a month.
(I have this strong feeling that this would break me. And excuse me, i buy at booksale.)
3. Lose weight.
So I can fit into my old clothes.
4. Promote and Update my online second-hand bookstore, thriftybookjunkie.multiply.com
One can only cut down so much. She just have to earn more.

I am still trying to figure out more ways to cut down on my spending and earn more moolah.

What about you? What's your recession game plan?

Domino, one of my most favorite mags, says farewell

2009-02-01T06:47:00.002+08:00

Gobbling up the latest issue of Conde Nast's 'domino' is one of the things I look forward to doing every month. But because of the f%#$ing worldwide economic downturn ( due to the greed, stupidity, and little c*%k of a certain world leader), one of the loves of my life is saying good bye.

F&*k.

" dear readers

It is with very heavy hearts that we say farewell. Over the last 4 years, in 28 issues, we have done our best to create a great magazine. We started with a real idea—that style is for everyone—and tried to carry it out with stories that provide inspiration and empower you to act on it. From your tremendous response, we know that we were onto something. In this tough economy, however, we simply weren't able to get the advertising support we needed.

As domino evolved, we never lost sight of our original democratic premise. Looking back at the manifesto we published in the premiere issue, the first tenet of domino is still the truest: Home should make you happy. We hope we have played a part in making this come true for you.

Love,
All the editors of domino"

Carlene Aguilar FHM Mag signing: 10 Jan 09, Robinsons Galleria

2009-01-07T12:39:00.000+08:00

WHAT: CARLENE AGUILAR MAG SIGNING
WHEN: 10 January 2009, 6-8 pm
WHERE: Robinsons Movieworld, Robinsons Galleria

Mariel Rodriguez's FHM Mag signing, 19 December, 7-9 pm

2008-12-18T05:40:00.000+08:00

This wednesday morning... 12.10.08

2008-12-10T09:01:00.000+08:00

On my way to work...

"My car is sick.

boohoo.

It suffers from a fever every time it goes beyond 40 Kph.
Sheesh.
Dad will take Adam to the doctor tomorrow. ( But i'm hoping that Dad will be home early today and will take him to the doc a day early.)

Beause of Adam's malady, I had to take the public transport to get to work. (I'm currently in a white Mitsu Adventure, jotting this down.)

Right this very moment, a woman with straight, dyed-brown, shoulder-length hair is recounting the unfortunate things happenning to her, err, mouth. Yup. In this cavity that is a Mitsu Adventure, her voice reverberates as she gives her friend a blow by blow account of her latest visit to the dentist.

Why she doesn't seem to mind that ten other people can hear everything that is wrong about her teeth, I don't have a clue.

Since I don't want to know how her boyfriend is being such a sweetheart for helping her get through this, I took out my ipod and plugged the earphones to my ears. As I turned it on, the voice of Matthew Bellamy as he sings about how I've caught him under false pretenses, drowned out just about everything.

But give it to that woman to not only make us endure her vivid stories, she had the audacity to twist and move her upper body several times within the already packed vehicle, thus the poor woman to her left got to be pretty shaken.

I can't say that I miss taking the public transport, especially if I would be riding with one of her kind. Why people forget the fact that they're in a public space, I don't know. The legs that rub against yours on both sides are enough of a reminder that you're with people, and with strangers at that. Since you can also feel their sides everytime they breathe, the least anybody can do is to shut up and make the ride less of an ordeal.

And guess what.
The inconsiderate loud-mouth got off the 'FX" the same time I did.
Imagine that.

Robinsons Department Store Pre-Christmas Sale, Dec 12-14

2008-12-05T05:48:00.000+08:00

Maybe the discounts would help stretch the budget a bit longer.