Pulse

Alvin and the Chipmunks: Chipwrecked

2012-01-11T23:59:00.003+08:00

Movies and vacations destress me. So a movie about a vacation is definitely a must see.

Alvin and the Chipmunks: Chipwrecked takes our furry friends into an ocean adventure and later, thanks to Alvin's behavior, into an island adventure.

Because the Chipmunks and the Chipettes are on vacation, the movie does not present enough opportunities for them to show off their vocal prowess. And in the few times that they do, the song choices were not very good. That I think was the weakness of the movie.

The movie, however, showed us a different side of the Chipmunks and in some instances, a reversal of roles. That made the movie wonderful as it made the characters fresh.

We've seen many movies about shipwrecks, some better than others. I love how they spoofed Cast Away as I absolutely hated that movie.

Like all Chipmunks movies, this talked about family, forgiveness and second chances. That's why I keep coming back for more.

Photo from this site.

Buy One, Take One at Cafe France

2012-01-06T23:59:00.000+08:00

Thanks to Facebook, I learned that Caf e France is having a buy one, take one promotion on all their breads all Fridays of January.

Trooped to my neighborhood store and scored 2 sausage croissants, 2 ham and cheese croissants, 2 walnut croissants and 2 loaves of bread.

Best thing about the promotion is that it runs all day, no need to wait until closing time. And they bake and bake so everything is brand new.

Now what could be better? A year round promotion, that's what!

Photo from this site.

Manila Kingpin:The Asiong Salonga Story

2012-01-02T11:59:00.004+08:00

When news broke that Manila Kingpin: The Asiong Salonga Story won Best Picture, I immediately texted Zara and Pink that I chose well apparently. The win gave Shang Cineplex a change of heart who gave it another go in their lineup.

I finally got to see my first choice today and here are my comments.

Manila Kingpin: The Asiong Salonga Story presents life in Tondo in the 1950s, about how it is lorded by thugs and gangs. Somehow watching the movie made today seem like a safer time.

Asiong Salonga is presented as a modern day Robin Hood but I felt that while his intentions are good, his crimes overshadow his good deed.

The film, save for a few scenes, is presented in black and white and is well made.

The cast is made up of a stellar bunch. Baron Geisler stands out. Although Jeorge Estregan tried his best to be Asiong Salonga, I felt that he was acting out most times.

Although Mad World seemed appropriate for what was transpiring on screen, the fact that the song came after the event featured in the film made it a poor match. It would have been better if they'd chosen an older song or wrote an original one for the movie.

The cinema was almost full when I saw it. The win definitely gave it a boost. Winner or not, it's a film worth seeing.

Photo from this site.

Enteng ng Ina Mo

2011-12-28T23:59:00.005+08:00

I wanted to see Asiong today but it was not meant to be. When I told Pink and Zara about my preferred movie, they both laughed and questioned my choice. Pink even added that it is the MMFF's bottom grosser. Apparently, Shang Cineplex thought so too and pulled out the movie before I had a chance to see it.

Choosing which to watch next was difficult as there does not seem to be a good mix in this year's festival. I passed on the horror pictures because of the gore and Househusband because I felt that I've been there, done that.

With some hesitation, I opted for Enteng ng Ina Mo. I wondered whether there was anything new that the movie could offer as both franchises have had multiple outings. I wondered too how the worlds of the protagonists could be merged seamlessly.

The storyline and team up worked, without compromising previously established nuances of the characters. The chemistry between the leads was palpable. Kudos to too the the special effects people and makeup.

As I laughed out loud in the cinema, I realized why both franchises work. Both of them make the moviegoers feel good.

Was I sorry I missed Asiong? No, not at all. Enteng and Ina just made my day.

Photo from this site.

Yabu

2011-12-18T23:59:00.001+08:00

I'm going to a wedding on Thursday and my secretary says I simply can't go dressed in some outfit that has graced Facebook! Luckily, I had time to be at SM Megamall as it opened, picked up a few, fitted some and bought my choice in less than an hour. All that amidst the Christmas rush. Hurray for shopping early!

Mission accomplished, I trooped to Yabu at the Atrium to reward myself. I've been meaning to try the place since reading it in Chuvaness.com. After all, my introduction to Japanese food came via their deep fried selections. It was only as I got older that I became adventurous with my choices.

Yabu is billed as the restaurant serving the best tonkatsu in town, authentic even. Chuvaness and Sandy Daza agree that it's almost heaven. With the two in mind, I proceeded to order one of their Tonkatsu Sets (served with Japanese rice, miso soup, Japanese pickles, unlimited cabbage with sesame dressing and a bowl of fruit). I opted for Rosu (pork loin) set (PHP 320), described as 3/4 inch thick and juicy, "rosu" is Japanese for pork loin, wherein the slice of pork has a trimming of fat with it. Available in three sizes, 90, 120 and 180g, I opted for the middle option which the waiter said was just right. I thought my dietitian would be so proud of my choices - a balanced diet with carbohydrate, protein, vegetables and fruit. When my order came, I realized I was in trouble. The size of the pork was not what the dietitian ordered. I should have gone with the smallest sized one, especially so since I was dining alone.

Now, let's dissect the meal. I don't really like miso soup but Yabu's version is very good. The Japanese rice is how it should be, not like some wannabe versions. I skipped the pickles but finished all of the cabbage. It was very fresh and crunchy. Hurray for me! The tonkatsu was wonderful but the serving size was way too much for me, better probably if shared with a friend as the crunchiness of the coating and tenderness of the pork are best appreciated when served right away. The bowl of fruit was a perfect way to end the meal. Of course, Coke Light was the perfect partner.

I realized though that aside from tonkatsu or variations of it, they have few choices to offer.

Service wise, it was quite good too. The waiters were very attentive despite that it was very busy during my visit. The manager too was very much hands on.

Yahoo for Yabu!

Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol

2011-12-16T23:59:00.005+08:00

Their texts came one after another inviting me to lunch. But I told Pink and Zara I'd rather be with Tom than them.

Although my fascination with Tom Cruise has waned over the years, I still make it a point to see his movies. Without hesitation, I rushed to see Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol.

Ethan Hunt is a recurring character played by Tom Cruise. We've seen the character mature with the four movies that make up the franchise. The look and feel of the movie has changed over the years and has so has its lead star. Let me just say I prefer Ethan Hunt in the franchise's fist outing - charismatic, suave, debonair and less toned. In this latest outing, Tom Cruise shows that he still has what it takes to portray a savvy agent, albeit in a more rugged fashion.

The formula works but somehow the film is sort of predictable because of elements seen in previous movies. Conflicted agents. Flirting. Etc. The preview of what is to come in the opening credits didn't help at all.

The action sequences make the movie worth seeing and ditching lunch with friends.

Photo from this site.

Disney The Little Mermaid

2011-11-27T23:59:00.004+08:00

When Atlantis Productions announced that it was presenting Disney's The Little Mermaid, I was immediately interested. It took me a while though to buy a ticket as my schedule was only open for Sunday matinees. I'd almost resigned myself that I would miss the show. Last night, however, on my way out National Bookstore Shangri-La, the Ticketworld counter seemed to present itself to me. I hesitated initially but went back after a few paces and got myself a ticket to today's matinee. I'm so glad I did.

The Little Mermaid is based on the fairy tale written by Hans Christian Andersen and the Disney movie of the same name.

As soon as the lights dimmed and the music started playing, I felt good. I wore a smile on my face all throughout the performance, save for a heartbreaking scene between Ariel and her father King Triton. I thought I should do this more often, enough of hesitation. Movies and the theater are cheaper than therapy!

I knew I would love the songs because the movie has one of the best soundtracks among Disney's animated musical. I was pleasantly surprised with the new songs. They blended well with the original songs and were all hummable. I particularly love I Want the Good Times Back and If Only.

The costumes, choreography, lighting and production design were very impressive. Particularly lovely were the segments of Under the Sea and Kiss the Girl.

As the leads are more popular in popular music, I thought Rachelle Ann Go and Eric Santos would be awkward and not be very convincing but they acquitted themselves very well. Most impressive, however, was Jinky Llamanzares who played Ursula.

If you haven't seen it, go. This is a must see. Don't hesitate.

To Atlantis Productions, congratulations and thank you for bringing Disney musicals to Manila. I am so looking forward to more. Special mention to Pia Cruz who made possible additional tickets for S1, S4 and Z.

Breaking Dawn

2011-11-25T23:59:00.008+08:00

My appreciation of Twilight diminished from book to book which is why although I wanted to watch Breaking Dawn to complete the series, having seen the first 3 movies - Twilight, New Moon and Eclipse, I thought missing it would not be such a big deal. After all, I know now that I'm Team Jacob or rather Team Taylor Lautner and if memory serves me right Breaking Dawn is more about Edward. But when people in my circle and online started raving about it, I figured I wanted to see what the fuss was about.

Breaking Dawn continues the Twilight Saga. Edward and Bella enter a new phase in their life, marriage and parenthood.

Of the characters in Twilight, I like Bella the least. I used to like her actually but she has gone from feisty to soppy and clingy since she started dating Edward. That said, I couldn't appreciate Kristn Stewart's acting because of the limitations of the character. Breaking Dawn changed all that. It is Bella's film from start to finish. And for the first time, I was able to appreciate Kristin Stewart as an actress as she alternated between happiness, sadness, fear, etc.

I was also impressed with the special effects. It was fun watching the actors morph into wolves and fight too. Kudos to the makeup team for Bella's transformation from blushing bride to dead.

If you haven't seen Breaking Dawn, go. Stay until after the credits have finished though for a bonus.

Buried Treasure

2011-09-07T20:47:00.003+08:00

I've written about clutter many times over in this blog but due to my busy schedule, I haven't had time to practice what I preach. Well, I did some cleaning today though. It made me happy for what decluttering I accomplished and what I found. Spent about an hour or so going through my inbox and got rid of a lot of mail, most of them notifications or ads. But I also found your comments and they made my day. They reminded me of happy times and made me realize how much I've missed blogging and interacting with others online. Buried treasure indeed. And as treasures go, I will keep your comments close to my heart and in my inbox.

In the Name of Love

2011-05-16T23:59:00.001+08:00

Much has been said about Aga Muhlach's film choices and his leading ladies. Some quarters feel that he opts to be paired with younger actresses to perpetuate his leading man status and so as not to show his age.

When the trailer of In the Name of Love was first shown, many thought that it was one of those things. But the movie is more than just a love story, it is so much more.

It's a given that Aga Muhlach can act and that sometimes his pretty boy looks get in the way. Still, fans want him to look his best all the time. In In the Name of Love, he admits his age and shows a paunch. That he has lost his pretty boy looks adds dimension to the character he played.

I have new respect for the rest of the cast. At the start of the movie, I thought of other actresses who could play Angel Locsin's role. I realized later on that she was the best choice. She can appear strong willed and at the same time vulnerable. I'm impressed too with Jake Cuenca who played a character who was alternately low key and mean. I've never seen Carmi Martin do drama and I must say she should be given more roles beyond comedy.

Technical wise, this is one of the best made Filipino movies I've seen in a long while. The editing was flawless, the cinematography and art direction wonderful. Congratulations are in order for Olive Lamasan and her team.

If you haven't seen this, go!

Something Borrowed

2011-05-12T23:59:00.003+08:00

Today, I formalized a decision yesterday that hopefully will simplify my life. To celebrate, I watched Something Borrowed.

And I must say it was the best way to start my new life. Love the movie to bits, from start to finish. I want to see it again. And over and over.

Love the actors and the characters except that Kate Hudson's character reminds me very much of a similar character in Bride Wars.

The movie shows that there are some things best enjoyed with friends rather than with significant others.

Watching it, I realized that watching and reading chick lit are some of the things Zara and I enjoy doing together. I'm quite sure that if she were available, she would have insisted that we see it together.

Boggle

2011-03-16T23:59:00.002+08:00

Got a lot on my mind these days that I have to keep busy so as not to dwell on unpleasant things. Boggle on the iPad does the trick. Bought the app last year from the Apptpre. I didn't hesitate at all about the purchase as I knew I would love it as much as I did when I first discovered it. I love forming as many words as possible within the time limit. Longer words get me more excited. It feels good to form more words and beat my record.

While Boggle does take my mind off things, somehow it also makes me remember them too when I form words related to what it is I want to forget. Such is the power of words.

Indulge me, form words using the letters above.

Four

2011-03-15T23:59:00.005+08:00

Pulse turned four today and while I knew the date was coming up, I wasn't all that excited about posting. The last year has been a busy one both personally and professionally that blogging took a backseat. When I started this blog, my intention was to share my experiences to anyone who cared enough to read what I write. But while I wanted to do that, I also wanted this blog to be mostly positive. I realize now that that's a tall order. When there was nothing new or exciting or positive to write about, I opted to keep quiet.

I just realized recently that I stayed away too long and forgotten my password and could go for days without a camera. The iPad also made it difficult for me to blog as it was harder to post pictures, etc. Plus, I got sidetracked by the excellent gaming it provided.

Guilty though of neglecting Pulse and my other blogs, I don't think I can give it up entirely. I still want to write and connect with people I've met online. I may not post entries daily like I did in the past but I will definitely make an effort to blog again. I'm typing this using the iPad and will start bringing the camera again. Hopefully, my posts would be longer than tweets.

So as Pulse enters another year, I thank everyone who ever visited. Special mention goes to Panaderos and Wits for the visits despite this blog's lack of updates.

RPG Metanoia

2010-12-31T19:18:00.004+08:00

Unlike previous filmfests where I had time to watch as many entries as I could, this year I had but one chance to watch an entry. I'm glad I picked RPG Metanoia among all the entries in the festival.

The movie is unlike any other filmfest movie in the past. It's fully animated, relies more on a great storyline than on a stellar cast.

The animation is crisp, the colors vivid and the attention to detail is unbelievable. From where I sat, I could make out that the lead characters were having daing na bangus, itlog na maalat and pinakbet for dinner.

Story wise, the movie explores many themes yet doesn't lose focus. It talks about parenting, families separated because of opportunies elsewhere, bullying, friendship, etc. While it talks about gaming, it also explores the dangers of being online all the time and offers alternatives. Kudos to the makers of the movie for seamlessly integrating all these themes into the movie.

Although known actors lend their voices to the movie's characters, they are a minimum and disappear into the characters. Other filmfest entries would have a barrage of talents with hardly any participation.

I love the fact that RPG Metanoia is a showcase of Filipino culture. Viewers are introduced once again to Filipino games that used to be in vogue but have taken a backseat to computer games. Other elements synonymous with Filipino culture are in the movie too (five peso coin, barong Tagalog, a Vigan-inspired courtyard, etc). These make the movie special and a copy of it a collector's item.

Soundtrack wise, I am particularly impressed with the use of the Apo Hiking Society's Bawat Bata sa Ating Mundo. Although I've known the song since it was first introduced by the trio, it's only now that I'm able to fully appreciate its message.

I see many possibilities for RPG Metanoia. The game itself could be developed. The movie could also have its own merchandise like action figures and other collectibles. A DVD version should be out soon so that it could be enjoyed by more people, especially Filipinos living abroad.

I'm definitely getting the DVD because I believe RPG Metanoia is a milestone in Philippine cinema and Philippine animation. And because I love that it's a representation of our culture. But while I'm sure there's going to be a DVD, you shouldn't wait until then to see it. This is a must see, see it now!

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows

2010-11-21T23:59:00.003+08:00

Although a friend gave me tickets to the special screening of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows last Thursday, I passed them on to my secretary because I wanted to see it with my Muggle date.

Like me, Dad is a Harry Potter fan. He has read all the seven books and seen all the movies. Mom has seen some of the movies too and slept through most of them. This time around, it was just Dad and me.

When I learned that they were splitting the book into 2 movies, I wondered if it was a good decision. I thought, wouldn't that make the movie seem incomplete?

Kudos to the moviemakers for a great movie. The action scenes were brilliant and so were those about magic. It was able to capture the imagination of JK Rowling. Splitting it into two movies allowed them to stay faithful to the book. Had they done that to the entire book and avoided shortcuts, the movie would have lasted twice as long and maybe even a fan's attention span will be tested. It was an excellent decision to split the book into two movies and they handled it quite well. For those who aren't fans of the franchise and have not read the books, this movie could very well stand on its own.

As for the actors, Dad and I could only marvel at how they've matured. And as they did, the story ceased to be a children's book and become so much more.

The franchise has captured the hearts of many generations. That much was evident in the ages of the people who saw the movie today. Families came with children, seniors and those in between. I'm sure that when Part 2 opens, we'll all be there.

Till My Heartaches End

2010-10-31T23:59:00.002+08:00

A patient decided to go home earlier than expected and gave me some free time before I was expected home. Wanting to run some errands for Dad (finally, after a long time since he asked me to!), I decided to catch a movie in between.

Till My Heartaches End was my immediate choice, sensing that this could very well the last movie of Gerald Anderson and Kim Chui. The movie tells the story of a couple who meet in simpler times and fall in love. How changes in circumstances affect their relationship is what the rest of the film is all about.

The theme of the movie is definitely more mature than their last one, Paano Ba Kaya. While the latter was all about happy endings, this one is about failed relationships.

Interviews with the film's director say that the film was shot in record time, perhaps a move by the producer to still cash in on the bankable team before their other relationships wreak havoc on their box office clout. It did not appear rush though, although continuity wise, Kim Chui's pimples make it difficult to believe that some scenes occur months or years after the others. Kim Chui looked good but not as good as in her other movies. She looked quite unhappy too.

If it were true that in real life Gerald Anderson and Kim Chui broke up, then it must have been torture for Kim Chui to act it out on screen. This is one example that the show must go on.

Life As We Know It

2010-10-25T23:59:00.003+08:00

Unexpectedly, I got some free time in between my busy schedule. My first thought was to go home and eat lunch out with the family but when I called to say I was coming, I learned that they left already. Not wanting to disrupt their plans, I headed to the grocery to pass that time. As I was circling the grocery with cart in hand, it was as if a light bulb flashed over my head. I could watch a movie! And I did.

Life As We Know It tells the story of a man and a woman whose best friends die in an accident and leave their daughter with them. Problem is, they've always been at odds with each other even since they met. How they raise a kid together is what the rest of the movie is all about.

Although I enjoyed watching the movie, I expected something funnier and nothing dramatic. Katherine Heigl and Josh Duhamel make a great pair but for me, 27 Dresses remains her best romantic comedy. As for Josh, he looked better in Transformers.

Still, it was a great way to spend time away from the hospital.

Dressing Up for the Rain

2010-10-16T09:42:00.000+08:00

Now that the rainy season is here, it's important to dress appropriately for the occasion. Here are some tips:

Bring an extra change of clothes. Or leave it at the office so that you can change in case you get drenched.

Use rain appropriate shoes.

Sa 'Yo Lamang

2010-09-10T23:59:00.000+08:00

Sa 'Yo Lamang tells the story of a dysfunctional family, what breaks them apart and what puts them back together.

Like many Filipino movies, this one has too many actors. Unlike other Filipino movies though, this one utilizes each actor properly and their screen times are all meaningful.

Of the actors, I am most impressed with Bea Alonzo. She had no trouble in her scenes with veterans Lorna Tolentino and Christoper de Leon. I particularly saw her brilliance in one scene where she conveyed a lot of emotion without saying a word, without her face fully visible on camera.

I'm a little disappointed though with Christopher de Leon as I found his characterization a little over the top and predictable.

As for Lorna Tolentino, my first impression of her in the film was that she didn't age gracefully. But why she looked that way was explained later on in the movie. I must credit the make up artist who made it believable.

Of the secondary characters, I am most surprised with Enchong Dee and Shaina Magdayao. I didn't know they could act. Coco Martin delivered beautifully, as expected.

The film was effective because the story dealt with issues common to many families. The twist in the end was something I didn't like though as it was unnecessary and only complicated things.

Yes!

2010-08-22T23:59:00.002+08:00

A guilty pleasure.

I usually don't buy a copy of my own unless something really interesting is inside. i content myself with reading issues at the parlor. I love flipping through its pages, reading the articles and looking at the pictures, especially of celebrities' homes.

Zara shares my sentiment and when I'm at the airport and looking for magazines to buy, Yes is first on my list. Many probably think the same because the magazine is almost always out of stock at the airport so I've learned to buy one at a bookstore days before the flight.

S3, on the other hand, buys a copy monthly and shares this with Carmen, etc. One of the people The Little Music Man learned to recognize early on was Piolo Pascual, given his mom's penchant for Yes! magazine.

Do you like Yes! too?

The Book Lovers' Appreciation Society

2010-08-21T23:59:00.003+08:00

Some of the things I miss, with a busy schedule, are sitting down leisurely to eat a meal at a restaurant and reading books.

Armed with some free time, I stopped by National Bookstore to get something to read before heading to Pepper Lunch. Scanning the fiction section, I noticed a book called The Book Lovers' Appreciation Society. Seeing that it's a collection of short stories by thirty four of today's top fiction writers, I got a copy right away. I was happy to learn, upon reading the introduction by Geri Halliwell, that part of the proceeds of each purchase would go to Breast Cancer Care.

Some of the authors' names are familiar and their works are arranged alphabetically. While I wanted to read from first page to the last, I couldn't help but read Sophie Kinsella's entry first. In her trademark prose, she let my imagination soar and made me smile.

With limited time in my hands, I don't have to miss reading books with this one. Stories short and sweet fit the bill.

In Your Eyes

2010-08-19T23:59:00.000+08:00

When I saw the trailer of In Your Eyes, my first reaction was I have to see this! Second was I wonder if Richard Gutierrez can keep up with Claudine Barretto and Anne Curtis.

In Your Eyes tells the story of two sisters, very much enamored with each other, until a man comes between them.

Story wise, it was too muddled because while the focus should be on the relationship between the characters, other issues were included in the storyline. Add to that the fact that I couldn't see why the sisters would fight over the man when he's not exactly a good catch. They should at least made Richard Gutierrez' character lovable but he appeared hot tempered, irresponsible and lacking balls.

Claudine Barretto and Anne Curtis have some similarities in looks and build and could pass as sisters. Acting wise, they both did okay but both were hampered by their characters' persona. Their characterizations were in the extremes that I felt that Anne Curtis' character deserved what she got for she was much too self centered. Claudine Barretto was limited by her character's attitude.

About Richard Gutierrez, I was right about his acting paling in comparison to that of the women. He looks the part but there appears to be a disconnect between facial expression and real emotion. I think John Lloyd Cruz would have been a better choice to play the lead.

I'm not exactly happy about the movie but at least it broke my 18-day hiatus from the cinema.

Botox

2010-08-18T23:59:00.000+08:00

No, this isn't about Charice Pempengco but about the General.

Remember how he made faces when he saw what was for lunch when he was admitted early this year? Admitted again, he was again advised to stick to a low fat, low cholesterol diet. Sensing that he was about to make a face when we talked of his restrictions, I teased why not Botox so no matter what the food, your reaction will be the same.

Let's Create! Pottery HD

2010-08-14T23:59:00.000+08:00

Since acquiring the iPad, I've been on the lookout for interesting apps and would ask friends who have the gadget for recommendations.

Today, as I made rounds on a funny patient, I found him fiddling with his iPad. I asked what he was doing and he showed me Let's Create! Pottery HD. The application allows users to create objects of art. He demonstrated how I could sculpt virtually, fire my creation, decorate it and even sell it online.

I'm definitely downloading this. Pottery without the mess! Inexpensive too!

Thanks for the tip, funny one!

To Hong Kong and Back with PHP1250

2010-08-07T23:59:00.002+08:00

I booked the ticket October last year and was the first time I got lucky with Cebu Pacific's piso fare. (The tickets to Singapore I booked a month later.)

I remember going home early because of a headache. After a short nap, I woke up to find a text from Kayers about the airfare sale. Without hesitation, I booked Zara and myself tickets to Hong Kong for PHP1250 each.

I hope we get lucky again this year.