c L a h c L a h

The El Nido Experience

2019-12-07T10:53:00.000-08:00

For someone who has lived all her life in a city would most probably have an island tour experience jot down on her bucket list. Yes, I do. :) I have been to several places, provinces or islands in the Philippines before like Leyte, our family's hometown. But to get to tour around Palawan has been a lifelong dream.

Palawan, being the largest province in the Philippines and part of the MIMAROPA region, is known to be a tourist destination having because of its famous municipalities such Coron, El Nido and Puerto Princesa which are also composed of some of the most beautiful islands in the Philippines.

This year, 2019, I was fortunate to cross out Palawan in my bucket list as it was my first destination during my vacation last June (of course, excluding Manila).

For that trip, we opted to be joiners in an El Nido - Puerto Princesa 4 day - tour package. Our first stop was El Nido.

First day in El Nido was like our free time in exploring the municipality and experience the night life there. As expected, there were a lot of tourists roaming around the area. Then on the next day, was the island hopping. We first went to the Papaya Beach island which was perfect for dipping and the sand was fine. Second island was the 7 commandos beach. On this island, we had our lunch which were prepared by the boatmen/tour guide where one would really have that island feels.

After lunch, we went to Big Lagoon for some kayaking, cave visit and snorkeling. I was so impressed by the clear water of this place and made a little interaction with some of the fish there. :) We were supposed to drop by the Simizu island, unfortunately, the current was too strong so we settled in the Small Lagoon. Snorkeling was so much fun in this place as we were able to see how magnificent sea creatures are, and that includes the colorful fishes and eye-catching corals. Too bad I was feeling scared to jump into the water because of the current and knowing that I wasn't really good in swimming, I forgot to bring the camera and capture those amazing things under the water. :(

The last island we visited was the Secret Lagoon. Its name speaks for itself as we have to enter a tiny hole in order for us to see this lagoon and be astonished of what to see inside. :)

After a day of island hopping, we went back to the inn where we were staying to pack up and travel back to Puerto Princesa for some city adventure the next day.

Below is a short video of our El Nido exeperience. :)

Philippines in One Month

2019-11-08T12:52:00.000-08:00

Sometime in April 2017, I received a phone call which gave me an opportunity to work abroad, and become an Overseas Filipino Worker. Come July 22, 2017, I flew from Philippines to Bahrain to be the university nurse of AMA International University. Fast forward to June 2019, which was a month before my second year in Bahrain, I finally had a vacation in my home country. :)

In my one month vacation, I was able to tour around some of the most beautiful places in our country; El Nido and Puerto Princesa in Palawan, some tourists spots of Cebu, a natural cave in Samar, our family's province - Leyte and of course, Metro Manila.

I have summarized that one month vacation in the Philippines in a three-minute video below. Please watch and see how fun Philippines is.

It was such a fulfilling experience to travel and see other parts of the Philippines. I feel so proud that we have an amazing country. Too bad one month and my budget was not enough for me to conquer the whole Pinas. Soon. :)

Put On A Happy Face - JOKER, A Review

2019-10-12T13:19:00.000-07:00

Joker is a heavy, mentally and emotionally challenging movie to watch.

This film focuses on the backstory of Joker, Batman's famous nemesis, presented and told in a dark narration.

In here, we will see Arthur Fleck, as a mentally ill person dreaming on becoming a successful comedian. But Arthur was going through though times in life; having a sick mother dependent on him, investigation of a crime, struggle at work the eventually losing it, and the cruelty of the society.

Despite being an installment to DC comics or movies, Joker is another story depicting the Marxist philosophy where there is a division in the society-- the upper class or capitalists (bourgeoisie) and the working class or wage-earners (proletariat). And this conflict in the contributed on how the film highlighted the mental health issue.

When Arthur's character was being established during the first part of the film, he was seen as a man who has positive thoughts though he has special needs, probably because he had someone to talk to and a support system. But when this support system failed him, adding to the conflicts he was encountering from his family history and the society, his character started to develop, including his mental health status. And this leads to Arthur becoming "the" Joker now.

A lot of different factors may test one's mental fitness. In this movie, we are taught on how social class, lies and abuse triggered Arthur's personality that caused him several mental conditions that defined his behavior.

Joker came out in time as just we have celebrated the World Mental Health Awareness Day last October 10. A happy face does not guarantee that one is mentally healthy. Sometimes, they are just putting a happy make up on their faces to mask the pain and the struggle one's personality is going through. In the movie, we learned how important it is to have someone to share our thoughts to and that the stigma on mentally ill person must be eradicated because they need us, they need help.

While comics and/or the Batman superhero was giving us heroic entertainment, here, we witness how tragic Joker's past was and his story was told to us also in a dark manner. Maybe, we are to expect also that the future Batman movies will be as dark as this? We will soon find out. :)

10 Things I Loved About Mamma Mia 2: Here We Go Again

2018-07-22T11:17:00.001-07:00

This summer, the musical film that we enjoyed ten years ago came out of cinemas again. And here are the 10 reasons why I loved this movie. :)

1. Sequel-Prequel. This is a movie sequel that tackles about the prequel of Mamma Mia released 10 years ago that may get us thinking that may be this time the story will tell us who Sophie’s father really is.

2. The story. Here, we get to know the life of the young Donna before she finally got into an island in Greece. How spirited, a dreamer and free she was where most of the youth right now may relate with. I loved the feminism in this movie.

3. The wardrobe. Oh gosh! It was a complete mix of the modern, 2018 summer outfits and the 70’s bell bottom pants, boots, ruffles and shiny, colourful clothes. It will definitely take us back in the day where these costumes were a trend.

4. The location. The movie took us to the same setting, Kalokairi, an island in Greece, where Donna settled in. This place in the film made me want to go to Greece. J

5. The production. It was just amazing! Mamma Mia 2 just pulled off a bigger production compared to the previous film. Here, there was a bigger crowd and there were boats where everyone in it was just singing and dancing in the tune of Dancing Queen. I had goosebumps everywhere in my body during this scene!

6. Music and choreography. Just like the first movie, this film featured the songs of ABBA, and this time, I guess more songs from the group were used. The choreography of the huge crowd was awesome. Watching them was like watching a musical concert party!

7. The Cast. The original cast that we loved in the first Mamma Mia, Julie Walters to Pierce Brosnan, were all ageing beautifully. Since the story of this sequel focuses on the life of the young Donna, there were new added actors who played the young men that got involved with the young Donna. Also the two (2) members of the Dynamos, who both have a great resemblance to the original Rosie and Tanya. Then the presence of Andy Garcia and of course, Cher herself, who played Sophie’s grandmother.

8. Lily James. One of the new cast members that I have to exclude from the above because she played the young Donna very, very well. She has that charisma that may get you hooked to her as she sings and perfects being the young Donna. And oh! Yes. She is just so, so, so pretty as well.

9. Meryl Streep. Who else but Meryl Streep, right? The anticipation of seeing the original Donna was just so high even at the beginning of the movie. Then at that moment where she finally came out… it was so on point and the timing was perfect. Waiting for her was truly worthwhile.

10. Smile. Although there was a part in the film that I regret for not having tissue or a hanky on hand because I had to cry I tear, I did had fun watching Mamma Mia 2. I was just literally smiling throughout the movie even until I went out of the cinema!

Seeing Cher and Meryl Streep then Amanda Seyfried and Lily James, this movie is definitely for all generations. And if you are into a feel good movie after a stressful day or week, Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again is highly recommend for you!

Tula 06-24 Part 2

2018-06-24T14:17:00.000-07:00

Muling binalikan ang nakaraan

Sa panahon na lahat ng oras sayo ay inilaan

Masaya, nakakatuwa, may pagmamahalan

Bawat sandali tila walang hangganan

Oh kay sarap alalahanin

Ang nakaraan na ikaw ay nasa akin

Habang nasa ilalim ng mga bituin

At sa iyong mga mata masayang nakatingin

Muli kong binalikan ang nakaraan

Naalala ang iyong pagbitiw at paglisan

Ang iyong mga pangako na walang katuparan

Ang noon na ngayon ay nasaan

Sinubukang hanapin ang pighati

Ang lungkot ay tila hindi na namumutawi

Puso ay hindi na pira-pirasong nahahati

Sa mga matatamis mong salita na biglang binawi

Binalikan ko ang nakaraan

Nung ikaw ay dumating nang biglaan

At ganoon din kabilis na lumisan

At ang tanong na “Bakit?” lang ang iniwan

Ngunit gaya ng una nang naisambit

Kinalimutan na kitang pilit

Upang mapawi na ang lahat ng sakit

Maialis na sa puso ang galit

Wala na ang sakit

Tapos na ang kahapon na mapait

Kalayaan ng puso ay hindi na ipagkakait

Sariling kaligayahan ay uunahin nang makamit

Maraming salamat sa mga alaala

Panahon na para piliing maging masaya

Sa iyo ay kailangang magpaalam na

Hanggang sa muli aking sinta

Part 1 -> http://ritaclarisse.blogspot.com/2015/10/tula-ng-pusong-nagmahal-at-nasaktan_0.html?m=0

Travel 2017: Tacloban, Leyte, Philippines

2017-01-15T07:21:00.001-08:00

One of the resolutions to ought to make for this New Year is to be able to continuously update my blogs. :) And with that, I chose to write about the places I have gone and will be going to this 2017.

First stop, Tacloban, Leyte.

I went to Tacloban last December 30, 2016 to spend the holidays and celebrate the New Year with my family.

To maximize my short stay in Tacloban, my family made sure that I will be able to see some beautiful places in our hometown. Places I’ve never been to. And that excludes the historical places in our province because this time, they took me to different food spots in the city. :)

SurpRice

While accompanying my cousin with her shopping ecklavu, she decided to treat me lunch (which I actually deserve noh! Hehe.) This cute restaurant is located Gomez Street, offers different viands of rice toppings. Here, we tried one of their best sellers, the Chilli Chicken.

At first, I thought it wasn’t that spicy, but the more I eat, the more it gets really hot in my mouth! Whooh! :) Ranging from 100-150 pesos, customers can leave the place really full.

SAMSAM Bistro

After taking some rest upon my arrival in Tacloban, my family took me to one of their favourite restaurants in the downtown area. In SamSam Bistro, they presented us different types of pinoy foods such as sinigang, inihaw, pancit and Filipino desserts. We opted to order their combo of inihaw na manok, inihaw na baboy, sinigang na hipon and their version of halo-halo. Their service was good but it took them almost 20 minutes to serve our food. Overall, everything was delicious! :)

HIGHSIDE

Sunday, after attending the New Year’s Holy Mass, my family and I had our dinner. We decided to try the one the newest resto at the Robinson’s Place Tacloban, the Highside.

This motorcycle themed restaurant offered some western type of food such as burgers, grilled pork in rosemary sauce, creamy beef and mushroom, chicken in tomato sauce and many more.

The food was good and delicious. But their service… sadly, we had a bad experience with their service. Our food was served after about 30-40 minutes after we ordered. Of course we would kinda understand if the food would take some time be served, but for a burger to take about 30 minutes??? And what’s even worse, customers who just came in and who seemed to be familiar to them were served first and were fully accommodated. We couldn’t help but complain. Good thing, their staffs were sincerely apologetic. Sigh.

SunZiBar

Having been unable to see each other for a long time, my college buddy residing in Samar, island next to Leyte, took some of his time and came to Tacloban to catch up with me. He took me to another restaurant in the downtown area, SunZiBar. This food spot offers steaks, pastas and salads. Jude, my friend who is much more acquainted with the place, ordered their bestseller, Diablo. It is a 2 piece thinly sliced steak served in hot and spicy sauce on top of rice and vegie side dish. Apart from their good service, I totally enjoyed the food! The spice was enough to compliment the steak and was perfectly cooked that I couldn’t resist finishing the whole plate! Haha! Thanks to my friend. :)

HQ Food Park

Who would have thought that food parks do not only dominate Metro Manila but also, Tacloban?!? Yes! This Yolanda-devastated-city in the Eastern Visayas region has moved on and has a lot of growing businesses. And I was just glad to see much improvement since my 2015 visit in Tacloban. Now, to see a food park in this city is such a delight!

January 2, my last night in Tacloban, my cousins invited me to hang out and chill. Since it was a Monday, not all stalls were open. There, we only had a few bottles of beer, nachos and fish balls! :)

My family and I also visited the San Rafael farm in Babatngon, Leyte. It is a lovely place just outside Tacloban which I will feature in my next blog entry. After a 4-day trip, I can say, I truly had a gastronomic stay in Tacloban which I definitely enjoyed. :)

TRAIN TO BUSAN: A Movie Full of Different Emotions

2016-09-06T10:59:00.000-07:00

At first, I never really had a plan watching this movie. But it was like, everyone (my colleagues, friends and on social media) has been raving about this korean film. And so last Saturday, I gave in and watched it.

Train to Busan, a Zombie thriller film that stars Gong Yoo, Jung Yu-mi and Ma Dong-seok, has been breaking box office from all over the world since its premier last May. The movie has that close similarity to that of Hollywood's World War Z where the lead actor tries to stay alive along with his daughter after being under attacked by Zombies. The difference is... a lot. In this Korean Film, story focuses on the characters aboard a train fighting for their lives against a number of zombie infected passengers.

As I watch the movie, there were scenes that made me laugh, hated a character, cried a tear, but most of the time, I almost screamed and shout (but had to control it coz screaming is not my thing, hehe). At the end of it, I felt so tired because I felt every inch of emotion the movie tries to make its viewers feel. It made me feel like running whenever zombies are approaching and it has a very good shock factor that kept my nerves so alive. The struggle of the characters in order to survive looked so real that it made me want to kill those zombies. :)

I applaud the cinematography, the musical background, and the technology they used. The texture of the film so smooth and clean. I loved the fact that they were able to combine all those emotions in a thriller movie which we rarely see in some Hollywood film with same genre. Having to pull off a comedy scene plus drama, action and horror in one is so commendable. The ending is a little sad, and there were questions popping out in my mind after like, how, when, where it all started and was the ending really just like that? But overall, it was like a hyperventilating roller coaster ride in a train movie and I liked it a lot. Clap! Clap! Clap!

x's:

According to reports, there is a prequel to Train to Busan that explains how it all started, an animated film titled, "Seoul Station".

World Street Food Congress 2016

2016-04-25T16:52:00.002-07:00

Started last 2013 in Singapore, the World Street Food Congress that promotes food culture, has now finally arrived here in Manila. The said event is participated by several chefs and food enthusiasts from all over the world, where they would showcase the best street food of the country they represent.

As food lover, I felt so excited to attend and catch this event. So last April 21, 2016, I went there and witnessed the latest food happenings in the Metro. :)

The World Street Food Congress held at the Bonifacio High Street Global City.

Admission is Free and Upon entering, you will find this 10 Jamboree Commandments.

As I go around, I found interestingly, deliciously-looking foods and the noticed how the foods were prepared.

How the Filipino Spicy Lechon is described :)

On top of every food stall, it shows the food's description and from which country it originated.

Some of the delish foods I found in the Jamboree :)

The only food I tried to eat was... Churros form the USA.

How the Churros Locos started

This Picture shows how it is done

Churros Locos was the crowd favorite that is why i chose to have a taste of it... because that day, my teeth was not in a good condition ... too bad. :(

CHURROS :)

The huge crowd of food lovers at the event.

This Food event is complete with a live band.

Too bad I just got my braces on that day which didn't permit me to get to taste every food in that feast :(

The World Street Food Congress lasted from April 20-24, 2016. Hoping that in the coming years, they will get to organize this event again here in Manila. :)

Everyday is a New Beginning

2016-01-12T16:07:00.001-08:00

“When you’re dreaming with a broken heart, the waking up is the hardest part”

-John Meyer

Ever had that feeling when you wake up in the morning and you don’t feel like getting up? When you just feel so depressed and thought that sleeping is better than waking up, that dreams are better than reality? That moment when you had to ask yourself, “Para saan pa ba ang pagbangon ko?”

I believe we all had that moment in our lives. After a tragic incident, ending a relationship, after losing someone so dear to us, or whatever it was that made us feel so down. It is when we felt like our world collapsed and we are broken into pieces that we would thought of just sleeping the whole day and wish we don’t have to wake up anymore. But then, it won’t simply happen. As the morning comes, we would open our eyes, face the reality that what used to be there and we used to have is already gone, and go through another day of enduring that pain in our hearts until we get to sleep again. As each day would pass by, we have to breathe and make a living. Even if we want to go back to sleep, we will get up from our bed, go to work or school, and we would continue living our everyday life, everyday routine.

Yes. It was like, there’s no life anymore. . .

Not until we learn to let go of that hurt we have been carrying in our hearts.

After living a life full of pain for quite some time, there comes a point where we have to let it go, and detach from it. We have to stop holding on to something that is not already there, to stop waiting for nothing and to feel unhurt. It may take some time, surely it will. Facing each day bearing such pain wouldn’t be that easy, but keep in mind that it will all heal. As they say, all wounds heal as time goes by. It may leave a scar, but that scar is there only to remind us of the lesson we learned from the experience not to dwell on our loss or grief. As the morning comes, open your eyes, wake up, get up and try to think of positive thoughts. It may be hard at first, but remember, everyday is a new beginning. Everyday is another chance for us to fight that sadness in our hearts. Everyday is another chance for us to do good, to be better and be stronger than ever. Each morning is always another fresh beginning for us to live again... To start over again. =)

Tula 06-24 Part 1

2015-10-17T10:48:00.000-07:00

Araw araw, oras oras, aking pinipilit

Ang kalimutan ka gaya ng iyong iginigiit

Oo, totoo, lagi kong pinipilit

Upang sakali mawala ang lahat ng sakit

Minsan, madalas gusto ko sayo ay magalit

Para sa pagkakataon na iyong ipinagkait

Para sa pagbitaw mo habang ako’y nakakapit

Para sa pangako ng pagmamahal mo na hindi ko nakamit

Sadya nga yatang ang tadhana ay kay lupit

Pinadama ang saya sa piling mo na tila ay humahagupit

Kahit ang bawat panahon na kasama ka ay parang kinukupit

Ang saya na ngayon ay natapos na at hapdi ang ipinalit

Araw araw, oras oras, lagi kong pinipilit

Ang kalimutan ka gaya ng iyong iginigiit

Upang mapalitan ng tamis ang lahat ng pait

Upang maalis ang sama ng loob na aking bitbit

Gusto ko nang sayo ay magalit

Para mapalitan na ang nararamdamang sakit

Na dulot ng aking mga hinanakit

Sa paglisan mo at maiwan ako sa aking sinapit

Gabi gabi ay nakatingala sa langit

Minamasdan ang mga bituin na para bang mukha mo ay iginuhit

Kinakausap ang buwan at tinanong kung bakit

Bakit? Bakit? Bakit?

Gaya ng iyong iginigiit

Kakalimutan kitang pilit

Kahit ang lahat ng alaala mo sa puso ko’y nakadikit

Kahit pa laging kang nakikita hanggang sa mga mata’y pumikit

Gusto kong sa iyo ay magalit

Ipadama sa’yo ang ibinigay na pasakit

Ngunit ang puso ko’y iba ang inaawit

“Mahal kita” ang katagang patuloy pa ring isinasambit

Dreams: Premonition, the Subconscious and other Theories

2015-09-17T04:12:00.001-07:00

Exactly four (4) years ago, September 17, I had a dream that I can not forget. I was standing in a very bright, all white place. Then I saw my grandfather. He held me close to him then he smiled at me. Suddenly, he turned around and walked away without saying anything. He slowly faded away and my vision was just all white and became even brighter. Then I woke up with tears in my eyes.

At that time, my grandfather was in a vegetative state due to complications because he was already suffering from stage 4 prostate cancer. Later that day, we went to the hospital to visit lolo. It was just like a regular, ordinary visiting day. We came there to see him, said "Hi", "kamusta", and even if he was unable to respond, we know he heard us. We had no idea that it was the last day that we are going to see him breathing. We went on doing our usual stuff, had dinner beside him and when we were about to go home, he had cardiac arrest. He was revived, vital signs became normal again and then we left. While we were still on the road, we were called up from the hospital because my grandfather had another arrest. So we went back. The moment we, the family, were already complete to see him, he breathed his last. My lolo left us to be with our God in heaven. Just like what happened in my dream earlier that day.

I don't know whether that incident, my grandfather's death, is related to my dream or it was just a coincidence. Did lolo bid me goodbye in that dream? Did it suggest anything that is going to happen later that day? Was it a premonition? There are psychic studies that tells us that we can acquire information of an upcoming or future event through our dreams even before that event happens. If this is right, then maybe I had a premonition of my grandfather's death? Maybe.

Sometimes, no matter how good or bad our dream is, it would leave us wondering what that dream means. I remember during our psychology class, we were taught that our dreams is the product of what lies in our subconscious mind. According to Sigmund Freud, "dreams are the manifestations of urges and desires that we keep suppressed in the realm of our subconscious... our subconscious desires include those that we don't want to admit..." If this theory is correct, therefore, we dream of the things or events we deny in our conscious mind.

Oftentimes, there would be someone who keep appearing in our dreams. Does seeing someone in our

dreams mean he/she is someone we deny in our conscious mind? Is he or she the desire we keep in our subconscious mind? Hmm. I recall someone told me that the person we see in our dreams is the person who misses us. She said, it was according to the Reader's Digest. I went over the internet searching about this. I read somewhere that it must be true if they are soulmates. The minds of the dreamer and person in his/her dream had a connection through that dream. Wow. Could it be possible that the one we dreamed of is missing us? I hope so.

I believe that there are a lot of theories regarding dreams. And if I study dreams further, it would really be mind boggling for me.

Again, today, September 17, marks the 4th Death Anniversary of our Lolo Tony. And we, we all miss him.

Review: Ex With Benefits

2015-09-08T08:49:00.000-07:00

Pain. It is the unpleasant feeling caused by an injury or disease. We would often use drugs, medicines,

pain killers particularly, just to be free from pain even just for a while. That is for physical pain. How about

for the emotional pain, which is usually caused by sadness, loss or frustration? Is there any pain reliever

that can actually suppress that emotional pain we sometimes feel? Is there any drug that can at least

alleviate the pain in our hearts which we can take every four (4) hours or round the clock or as needed?

If there’s any, I’m quite sure a lot of people would flock the drugstores to avail this medicine. Well,

whether it is physical or emotional pain, we all go through it, we would all feel it. According to the movie

Ex With Benefits, pain is what makes us human. And the best way to recover from pain, is to endure it, because then and only then, can we heal.

Endure it because... Pain demands to be felt. And so I heard that line again. But this time in another film,as it

was just quoted in the latest movie offering by Star Cinema, Ex With Benefits. Starring Derek Ramsay as the most successful and renowned Dr. Adam Castrences, and Coleen Garcia as Arkishia Aragon, a Medical Representative who happens to be on top of her field. The story is about the ex lovers, Adam and

Arki, whose paths crossed after the break up that took place ten (10) years ago.

What I liked about the film

1. The Story. It has a good take on a modern day love story which includes sex and everything. I also liked how what was supposed to be a light sexy movie turned to have a deep background story especially on Arki's life after the break up.

2. Derek Ramsay. We've seen countless Derek Ramsay movies where he would surely strip and show off his body then do love scenes. Here, I've noticed how careful he was to Coleen but still, his hotness didn't make any less. And for his acting, he is effective but still the same Derek in his previous films.

3. Coleen Garcia. She was really pretty and sexy. I did not expect much from her since this is just her first lead role in a movie, but, she nailed it. And I guess she was a good choice. She's fresh and seems like, has more to offer in her coming films.

4. The Characters. Adam Castrences as the best doctor who has a broken heart. It just goes to show that even the people in the health and medical field are having problems with healing their own heart. Arki Aragon as the person who would do anything to get on top and anything for the ones she loves.

5. Music. There were no slow, nostalgic, mushy love songs played as background music in the movie. New.

6. Health and Medical terms. As a health care provider, I find it amusing to hear medical terms in a sexy film such as, placebo, fungi, congenital disease, tetralogy of fallot, duty, drug names, and etc.

There were flaws, i think it was the editing problems and rushed scene but definitely, the story wasn't affected at all. In addition, I loved how attraction levels were discussed during the first part of the movie. Informative. However, what I really loved the most was how the movie taught us about pain... on how pain can make or break a person and all the struggles one would through because of pain. Cry, Get drunk, be sober, endure the pain, until such time, we get healed... eventually. Ex With Benefits, a film on love, relationship, lost love, pain and healing gets, 4 out of 5 stars from me! :)

The Breakup Playlist

2015-07-07T11:57:00.001-07:00

Paano ba ang magmahal?
Kailangan bang nasasaktan?

Lagi na lang di maaari

Ngunit ayaw lumisan

Super Mega Major LSS. That’s what I got after watching the latest movie offering by Star Cinema, The Breakup Playlist. Directed by Dan Villegas (English Only, Please), written by Antoinette Jadaone (That Thing Called Tadhana), starring Piolo Pascual as Gino and Sarah Geronimo as Trixie.

The story revolves around Gino, a musician who is about to take a risk in his career and Trixie, a law student who later joined Gino’s band, Pencil Grip. The Breakup Playlist, although another movie that talks about falling in and out of love, reunion and second chances, is not your typical romantic-comedy film.

What I love about the movie?

1. That scene in a record store where Gino and Trixie used cd covers to talk about their lives. I find it really cute especially when Backstreet Boys and Britney Spears were mentioned.

2. I enjoyed seeing a lot of our music icons in the film. Appearances of Jamie Rivera, Yael Yuzon, Cris Villonco, Jet Pangan, Basti Artadi, Ebe Dancel, Teddy Corpuz and lot more, was like a musical treat for every music lover.

3. The songs. The movie has less musical scoring probably because it has songs (performed by the lead characters) that perfectly connects the story and the character’s situation.

4. The Hugot lines like;

“Sana ganon kadaling makalimot, pero ang hirap pala. Lalo na pag siya yung pangarap mo..... Yung magpapasaya sayo, yung hindi ka sasaktan..... Paano mo makakalimutan yung ganoon?”

5. A matured Sarah Geronimo. Well, compared to her other previous films. Here, a less laughing and a more serious Sarah is being presented. Something that her fans should love and appreciate.

6. Piolo Pascual. Definitely. I love how he exactly portrayed the life of a musician and how his character’s ego developed to make the conflict of the couple’s relationship. His irresistible charm, the way he makes pakilig, his masculinity and his very natural acting will surely blew any girl or anyone away.

I just find or thought that that getting-back-to-each-other scene a little “corny” and rushed. However, we can never really expect a movie to really be perfectly crafted, but I enjoyed how this film depicted the reality of a couple who went through a devastating breakup and the awkwardness of having to see each other again.

In conclusion, The Breakup Playlist, gets 4 out of 5 rating from me. :]

Starting Over Again : My Thoughts

2014-02-18T08:02:00.001-08:00

Why do couples, after separating, has to meet again? Could there be another chance for them to get back together? What if wala? But what if meron? Why? All these questions were answered after I watched Star Cinema’s Valentine movie offering, Starting Over Again.

Starring Piolo Pascual and Toni Gonzaga, directed by Olivia Lamasan. Piolo Pascual delivered very well the character of Marco, a History professor turned Chef. Syempre, Piolo Pascual is Piolo Pascual. He exactly showed how a man who fell so deeply in love then got hurt and became devasted after being left alone by the one he loves so much. Even if there were heavy confrontation scenes, I like seeing Piolo in this kind of light romantic-comedy film. And I also like how looking at him during the movie can make one glued to him, because he is really “gwapo”. Toni Gonzaga on the other hand, played the character of Ginny, a student who was head over heels to her History professor, who eventually became an Architect. Just like in her previous films, Toni G., never fails to showcase her humor with the characters she plays. Here, I appreciate her maturity and bravery to do those kissing scenes and love scene, something I don’t usually see in most of her films. I am also impressed with her fashion in the movie. Overall, I love how good they were in making people relate to the characters they played.

In the movie, the girl fell for the boy then the boy catches the girl. They eventually bacame a couple, then got separated. The girl left the boy. Years after, they met and saw each other again. The girl, Ginny, was hoping they could have another chance but the boy, Marco, was already with somebody else, Patty (Iza Calzado). The ex couple could have had a part 2 of their relationship but it was now complicated having a new person in the scene. If there’s already someone new, why do they have to meet again??

The movie’s ending wasn’t the ending that I have (or maybe “we”) expected. I’ve watched several Star Cinema romantic-comedy films with that happily-ever-after ending, but this time, it didn’t end the same way. And I think it was the best thing about the movie. I love how perfectly the story was made... because in reality, some relationships doesn’t always last and have a happy ending. It ended just right.

So again, why do ex couples have to meet again? Second chance? To rekindle the old flame? Maybe. But what if the other has already moved on with another life? What if it is already complicated and impossible to have a part 2? Why still meet? The movie answered it with “closure”. Maybe two people with an unresolved past has to meet again not because they have a one more chance, but because they simply have to put an end to what they used to have... to have a closure to all the why’s, what if’s, to all the questions and issues that are haunting ex lovers.

Starting Over Again is not your usual romantic-comedy film. I might not have expected the ending of Marco and Ginny’s love story but I felt glad on how the movie ended with that feel-good feeling. I love how the movie has its effect on me. I mean, I felt the sadness but it definitely placed a smile on my face later on. Above all, I love how it taught me (or maybe, “us”) that not all relationships has its happy ending; that one, after all the heartbreak, has to move on and get back up on track again... that eventually one has to start all over again... to start making his/herself whole again... :)

Reasons of Being Single on Valentine’s Day

2014-02-13T21:03:00.002-08:00

‘Tis the season of Roses, Chocolates, Love letters, Stuff toys, Restaurants and other places filled with couples. Indeed, love is in the air!

On this day, February 14, we would expect to see couples celebrating this day really happy and full of love. People will surely find and do things just to make their partners feel loved during the Valentine’s Day. But how about those people who are not in a relationship on this day? How would the singles be able to enjoy the Heart’s Day?

Of course there are a lot of ways. Celebrate and go out with friends, have a date with your family and other loved ones, stay busy, and a lot of other things. One may also sleep the whole day and act as if today is just a normal day or make it your ME time since for some singles, Valentine’s day is their Single Awareness Day.

But really, why do some people stay single when they can actually enjoy being with somebody else? While there are a lot of reason for staying in a relationship, we could also enumerate numerous reasons why people choose to be single.

For some, being single is means staying out from headache and stress... something we all knew is just an excuse to a something deeper reason. Some would say being single keeps them away from hassle, remembering important dates, ensuring to attend to our partner and etc. Maybe they have a point. Maybe that is somehow true. And all we can give to these people is the benefit of the doubt ... the thought that may be they are telling the truth.

Another reason for staying single is being too picky in finding or choosing the right partner for us. We would encounter people listing who they wanted to be with, what kind of a man or woman they want, they wanted this, they wanted that... even parents and family members makikilista ng standards nila.

Third is, that person with a single status had his or her heart broken. That person could be mending his or her broken heart after a failed relationship. There are several scenario on why couples have fallen apart but these people or one of them, who used to be together might choose to just be alone... until such time he or she has finally moved on. Until the time that he or she is whole again and has the capacity to love again and enter into a commitment.

The last reason i have in mind is that, may be that the single person is waiting for someone. Someone who promised to give love at the right moment. Someone who we wish to come back and choose us to be with them. Someone who we define as our true love. Someone who our heart has never forgotten.

I’m sureAll of us, i think, dreamed of meeting someone at the right time, right moment, who can make our heart melt and sweep us off our feet. We tend to wait for that person that is why we choose to be alone until that time arrives.

Being single on Valentine’s Day doesn’t mean we have to weep and envy those couples celebrating this special day ... for we, the singles, have our own reason why we choose to be dateless this Valentine’s Day. Furthermore, Valentine’s Day is not only meant to be celebrated by couples but also be shared to our loved ones.

Happy Valentine's Day! :)

One Sided Love Affair

2014-02-10T07:46:00.000-08:00

One falls in love and other catches the other. This is the typical and most ideal kind of love story for anyone.

But what if ... no was there to catch the one who was falling? What if isa lang yung na-in love? What if IKAW lang yung nagmamahal? What if..?

One sided love affair – the kind of love relationship or situation where one has fallen in love and other isn’t. Where in one has been giving, and the other only receives. The love affair where one is in love to someone who doesn’t love them back.

How does it feel to love someone who bacame the apple of your eyes but hasn’t even laid their eyes on you? How does it feel when after you have given all the efforts and everything that you can give just to show how much you love him or her, all you receive is nothing? Worst is, wala manlang ni-thank you. No appreciation at all. Yes, I guess it hurts. It hurts to tell someone “i love you” and then walks away from you. As they say, it is like you are hugging a cactus... it won’t hug you back, it would even hurt you and leave you wounded. It’s like you jump off onto a something hoping someone was there to catch you, but no one was there and you broke into pieces. Ouch. Painful.

Sometimes, we tend fall for someone who is just out of our reach. Or, possibly within reach but, someone who is just not really into you. It’s hard because we can not simply choose who to fall for and ask that person to love us back. When we fall in love, we can never expect that the love we have given will be reciprocated. We can only hope for that small amount of chance that maybe, one day, they would also feel the way we feel for them... that maybe, in time, he or she will look at you at sa iyo naman umikot ang mundo niya, dahil para sa iyo, siya na ang mundo mo.

Hurt. Pain. Sadness. That is how you would feel to be in this situation. Friends would even tell you how stupid you are, laugh at you and sila pa mababadtrip sayo. And you just wouldn’t listen ... You would still choose to be in it. As the saying goes, ”It’s better to have loved and lost than to never have loved at all”. Kumbaga, at least you were able to show someone how you feel and what love is. Time will come that all the love that you have for that certain person, will be consumed and nothing will be left. All the experience will become your lesson ... And maybe, one day, someone will find you, walk into your life, pick up all the broken pieces of you and give you the love that you truly deserve...

What is Love?

2014-02-06T08:52:00.000-08:00

February. The Love Month. As they say, Love is in the air. With that, I feel like writing anything and everything about Love for this whole month … J

Love. We all just have a lot of question about love. When and how do we know if we are already in love? Who are we going to love? Or can we even choose who to fall in love with? Where can we find love? Is love really accompanied by pain? Do we really have to make a sacrifice for love? And a ton of other questions about love. But then, probably the first question we would ask is, What is love? Hmm …

According to Mr. Webster (Webster Dictionary), love is a feeling of strong attachment induced by that which delights or commands admiration; preeminent kindness or devotion to another; affection; tenderness. And then on Wikipedia, it says that, love can refer to an emotion of a strong attraction and personal attachment. It can also be a virtue representing human kindness, compassion, and affection —"the unselfish loyal and benevolent concern for the good of another". It may also describe compassionate and affectionate actions towards other humans, one's self or animals. So, it seems that love is a feeling or emotion that make anyone be good person as it may push us to be kind, compassionate and be gentle to a person and/or to everyone.

What is love? A question which I believe had been asked since the ages. That probably is the reason why love has been described in the Bible in 1 Corinthians 13:4-8;

“4 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.

5 It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.

6 Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.

7 It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, and always perseveres.

8 Love never fails”

But then if we get to ask a person, what is love, we can surely hear just a lot of definition for love. One may say that love is what we give to a person who could mean so much to him/her. The other would say that love is something felt by the heart and can make us kilig. Another may answer that love is a gift and a blessing we receive for showing goodness and care to a certain person. People might say that love is a wonderful feeling that can turn our world upside down and make us do crazy things.

What is love? One question, too many possible answers. If I were to be asked about the definition of love, I simply do not have a definite answer … I (or we) would just feel it. For me, love changes its meaning depending on the person’s state of mind… depending on his/her situation. It could be mother/brotherly love or simple affection to a friend and special someone. Love is what we feel to a particular person, we sometimes didn't notice…we are already in love.

Maybe… I am sure each and every one of us has his or her own definition of love. It may be similar to Mr. Webster… It could be described the same and with accordance to the Bible… It may give us such pain and sacrifice in the end or along the way, but still worth to have experienced to feel what love is. Surely, Love is for everyone to feel and to be given and shared … especially this season of love. J

Chinese New Year 2014

2014-02-02T08:47:00.000-08:00

In celebration to the Chinese New Year, January 31, 2014 has been declared as a special non-working holiday. Since it is a work-free day, my family and I decided to celebrate new year with the Chinese community in Binondo ... where we ended up in Lucky Chinatown, the newest mall within the vicinity of Divisoria...

Lucky Chinatown Mall is composed of two buildings. The Main and the Annex. Outside between this two mall buildings is their Lucky Chinatown Walk where we one can find food stalls with good food and affordable price range.

Another attraction at the Lucky Chinatown Walk is the 10 Lucky Rituals at Lucky Chinatown. Since we went there to celebrate new year the Chinese Way, we followed some of the rituals listed. Hoping we would some luck for this year - 2014. :)

The 10 Lucky Rituals in Lucky Chinatown

First among the rituals is to light an incense at the Miao De Amituofu Pureland. A Buddha was placed resting on top of a mini stage filled with fruits and flowers. People with lightened incense fell in line and take turns to be able to say their wishes and leave the incense in front of the Buddha. We were also instructed on what to say as we ask for our wishes and with the proper way of holding an incense.

The Golden Buddha

My Mom and Grandmother quietly saying their wishes

Next is to toss a coin at the Prosperity Tree. It is said the tossing a coin to the tree, will make one prosper and have good fortune.

The Prosperity Tree

The Prosperity Tree being guarded by Golden Horses

Third is to offer fruits to the Dragon Tortoise at the Prosperity Garden which may bring good fortune for one's career and business. And then, Ring the Good Luck Gong to help calm the mind and relax the soul... to find inner peace and luck.

My Mom with the Gong

Fifth is to rub the Maneki Neko Cat which often placed in front of a store to bring good luck to the owner. We've been looking for this figure along the Walk but we didn't find any. Until we went in to one of the Feng Shui stores and saw the cat figure and immediately rubbed the Maneki Neko Cat. Next is to write down a wish at the wishing wall. With an ema board, we wrote our wishes for 2014.

The Wishing Wall filled with wishes written on an Ema board

Seventh is to buy good luck charms. My mom bought me a lucky charm for those who were born on the year of the Dragon. Eight is to Pick a Lucky Ang Pao only if we were able to purchase a 2000php worth of items from the mall. Then treat oneself to lucky foods with lucky plates in Lucky Chinatown of course. Last is to Complete the Year of the Horse Mural in Lucky Chinatown with a chopstick.

The Lucky charm, which also serves as protection, for those born on the year of the Dragon.

Since it was my first time in Lucky Chinatown, I'm glad I went there during their celebration of the Chinese New Year. I am not a Chinese but I enjoyed following their their rituals. Although we, Filipinos, had adapted the Chinese culture here in the Philippines, it was a good thing that the establishment put up something like that so that Filipinos can somehow understand and relate with the Chinese community even more.

Chinese Lantern above the Lucky Chinatown Walk

The Lucky Chinatown and above The Lucky Chinatown Walk

Gong Xi Fa Cai! Kung Hei Fat Choi! Happy Chinese New Year! :)

The Legal Wife

2014-01-27T04:12:00.000-08:00

Many of us may be wondering why after giving all the love that one can give, some relationship still fall apart. Oftentimes, we would hear stories of falling out of love and infidelity... And we would always why...

Why one is being caught cheating his/her partner? Why he/she has fallen out of love? Why someone would settle to being the number 2 and enjoy that ample amount of attention being given to a kabit? Why the one who was left behind would still hold on and try to bring his/her partner back? Who should be blamed?

These are the questions I hope the latest ABS-CBN Teleserye, The Legal Wife, would answer. Opening this January 27, 2014, starring Jericho Rosales, Maja Salvador, JC De Vera and Angel Locsin, after Got To Believe.

Finally, the long wait is over. :)

photo cto

Starting the year right with the Black Nazarene

2014-01-17T07:55:00.003-08:00

The moment 2014 came in, I knew, I already wanted to start the year right. I didn’t know how am I supposed to do it, I don’t even have any plan on what I am going to start with.

photo cto

Last January 1st, according to the news report, there had been several people who started their novena to the Black Nazarene in Quiapo, Manila since its feast day will be on January 9. Yearly, I remember reports, images, photos and stories of how miraculous the Black Nazarene is and how devotees show their great devotion to the Nazareno. And so I made up my mind that this year, I want to be part of the said feast.

Just like in previous years, the Nazareno was brought to the Quirino Grandstand in Luneta and will be returned on the 9th day of January in Quiapo church. Traditionally, people would follow the procession from the Grandstand back to the church. Then the devotees, along the way, would try to touch the image, throw a hanky or a towel and have it wiped through it, or at least hold the rope attached to it. Seeing that huge number of people on the road with the Nazareno, I knew, I can not just jump into that sea composed of people dying to feel or have a glimpse of it. So I decided to go directly to the church and just attend a mass.

And so I went to Quiapo church. As expected, it wouldn't be so easy for me to be able to get inside the church quickly. It was a struggle. It took me almost an hour just to get inside. When I got in, the mass was just about to start. During the mass, I was asking myself if it was already okay that I wasn't able to touch the image of the Black Nazarene. I was wondering. Then the priest during the homily told us that, the essence of the feast is by listening to the message of the Lord; that attending the mass is much more important than touching the image. I felt glad that I did. And I guess, I started the year just right. :)

After the mass, it took me another almost an hour to get outside of the church. J

Carrie 2013

2013-10-20T09:11:00.000-07:00

I looked forward in watching Carrie the time I learned it will be having its remake this year. It felt excited because I always knew that the movie is really scary since I was able to watch the previous and original adaptation when I was younger. I could still remember how much I got scared when I watched the movie during the 90s. And so the other day, I watched it on the big screen.

Originally based on the 1974 novel by Stephen king, this time, Carrie 2013 took us to a modern setting of the story. Starring Chloe Grace Moretz as Carrie White, played the girl in her senior year in high school that possesses telekinetic powers and has a very religious mother (Julianne Moore). She is being bullied in school by some popular girls, Chris (Portia Doubleday) and Sue (Gabriella Wilde). Realizing her fault and to make it up to Carrie, Sue asked her boyfriend, Tommy (Ansel Elgort) to take Carrie to the prom. Highlight of the film was when Tommy attended the prom with Carrie and had a good time. But Chris, her boyfriend and her other friends, made sure to ruin the night for Carrie by pouring a pail of pig’s blood on Carrie and Tommy when they were crowned as the Prom King and Queen and showed a video of Carrie freaking out. She was humiliated and all the people in the event laughed at her. With all the anger she was feeling, Carrie avenged to everyone using her telekinetic powers in killing most of the people there including Chris. Later on the film, she also killed her mother and Carrie died through the falling rocks and stones that crushed their house.

I always believed that Carrie has been a part of the movie history as one of the scariest film ever but this recent remake of the movie made me feel disappointed. There was no doubt that Julianne Moore delivered well, but the other artists, I am not sure if they were good enough, maybe they do. The storytelling was a little dragging. I don’t know if I am just already mature for this super power kind of movie, but I almost didn’t feel any goose bump. My friends and I went to watch Carrie anticipating for a real horror flick but it turned out we just wasted our money for it didn’t reach our expectation from the movie. I did not feel terrified the way I felt during the first two movie adaptation of the novel.

Oh well. Maybe next time, we must read reviews first before finally catching this kind of movie on cinema. Still, Carrie is Carrie.

Pinoy Films: OTJ and Lihis

2013-09-24T08:54:00.001-07:00

Just a week ago, I was able to catch two (2) Pinoy Films, OTJ: On The Job and Lihis. Meaning, this post may have come a little too delayed. ;)

Directed by Erik Matti, starring Piolo Pascual, Gerald Anderson, Joel Torre, Joey Marquez and many more, OTJ which was distributed by star cinema, is a film that tackles high crimes in the country that involves government officials, military men and prisoners.

The story is about murder cases committed by hired killers from prison, Tatang (Joel Torre) and apprentice Daniel (Gerald Anderson). These cases were first handled by a police officer, Sgt. Acosta (Joey Marquez) which was then transferred to NBI, and was passionately attended by Atty. Francis Coronel (Piolo Pascual). As these two law enforcers tried to search for answers and the murderers, they found out that it was the job and business of a high ranking military man, Gen. Pacheco (Leo Martinez) and with the knowledge of a corrupt government official, Cong. Manrique (Micheal De Mesa).

I think the actors played well the whole time during the film as they were able to convince me with their characters. There is no doubt that Mr. Torre may receive awards from his portrayal as Tatang. It was unusual, but it was good to see Gerald Anderson played a dark character as a hired killer. Although full of emotions, Joey Marquez as the police officer gave some hilarious scenes which lightens the movie. Piolo Pascual the NBI agent being trained to do dirty jobs by his father-in-law, played by Micheal de Mesa, provided the sex appeal of a man fighting to do what is right.

What I dislike about the film are the scenes that don’t seem to be important but were included; like those sex scenes which I thought took so much time as to what it was supposed to be. The texture was already close to or can already be compared to a commercial movie. As a whole, the film deserves all the recognition that it has been getting.

I find the story relevant as it seems to depict a real life situation in our country that we, Filipinos, may not have knowledge about. It seems that the makers of the film are trying to convey a message about the illegal system of some government officials that are not divulged to us. I hope this serves as an eye opener for everyone to become vigilant in terms of what are happening I our country.

The other movie, Lihis, is an indie film which stars Jake Cuenca, Joem Bascon, Lovi Poe, Isabelle Daza and Gloria Diaz.

The story is about the struggles and acceptance of a forbidden love – gay relationship in a rebel or communist group during the 1980s. The story of the gay couple was brought up by a history teacher/journalist, Ada (Isabelle Daza), the daughter of Ka Jasmine (Gloria Diaz, Lovi Poe) and Ka Domeng (Joem Bascon) as she searched for the truth about a massacre in an old town during the rebellion in Marcos’ regime. It was later revealed that her father had an affair with his comrade, Ka Jimmy (Jake Cuenca), which he later chose over her mother (Lovi Poe).

While I thought it was just focusing on the LGBT theme, I believe it also shows the cruelty of the government towards media people and trying to hide the truth among nation’s people nowadays. The movie also illustrates the great effort of those rebels to survive while hiding in the mountains as they show their resistance against the government during the 80s.

As gay couple, Jake and Joem played well with their characters and in their intimate scenes. There were no signs of hesitations as they exposed so much flesh. Lovi Poe perfectly fits to play as a strong willed woman and showed her sexiness with her intimate scenes with Joem. Even as a newbie, I think Isabelle Daza’s acting was already satisfactory. What I just didn’t like about the film was some irrelevant scenes, like Isabelle’s sexy scene with Alex Castro, which were included in the movie.

Overall, I think the film was good, it was okay. I like the fact that it imparts the message of acceptance among gays or same-sex affairs even during the time of rebellion and what love can do to protect your people.

Once is enough. Twice is too much. Thrice is ...

2013-07-23T09:51:00.001-07:00

We would often hear this saying anywhere from anyone, but “thrice” is actually what? What will happen after an event comes for the third time? Well, maybe it depends upon the situation. Maybe the third sentence can be completed with a lot of different words that can describe the weight and severity of the situation.

I think it can be … Once is enough. Twice is too much. Thrice is IRRITATING. Sometimes, when we keep on repeating a statement, a question, a command up to the third time can be quite irritating. It is as if that person is so slow on picking things up or can be a lazy one. Or maybe that person is neglecting you and simply doesn’t pay any attention on you. Kabadtrip lang! But then, sometimes, it can also be sooo irritating to hear a statement or command more than twice. Hearing similar things (especially if it is a command) on repeat seems to be so annoying. Unlimited lang te? One may not help it but feel dumb if an instruction is continuously reiterated. Ano yun, SLOW lang yung tao? Hindi maka-pick up? KAASAR ah. And worst is, you just have to say, “Yes, okay” after every repeated instruction.

Then I browsed through the internet, checked on with google … And I saw, “Once is enough. Twice is too much. Thrice is STUPIDITY.” I guess this is very much related to pain due to Love and Relationship. This may have been stated after a hurtful action done by one that has occurred three times. It is as if you’ve been fooled twice and you let it happen for the third time, definitely you will be tagged as someone stupid. If someone has hurt you for the first time and gave him/her a second chance, is as if giving that person “an extra bullet for their gun because they missed you the first time”. Then they actually did the same thing. So what more if you give them another chance? It’s gonna be like the third bullet to be shot at you. Then that already is STUPIDITY. There may be a lot of reasons for giving a person so many chances to either change for the better or eventually hurt us again. It may not end to thrice but may continue to hurt us for the fourth time, fifth time and so on. Bottom line here is, how long and how many times do we really have to suffer and endure the pain just for us to realize we’re becoming stupid already?

Back in college, I can still clearly recall one of my professors’ statement, “Once is enough. Twice is too much. Thrice is dangerous.” Yeah, she said it is already dangerous once an event happens for the third time. Well, maybe it is because, we may not know what we can do after realizing that everything went more than too much. Emotions might explode right after recognizing that events and acts are now IRRITATING and making us look STUPID.

In this case, I think one must have a conscious effort to avoid letting someone go beyond his or her limits. Remember, Lahat ng bagay may hangganan. We may not expect it, but certain action can be executed once a person has had enough and more than too much ...

Four Sisters and A Wedding

2013-07-02T09:17:00.001-07:00

As a kick-off to their 20th year anniversary, Star Cinema started their celebration by releasing a Drama-Comedy Family-Oriented film ... the Four Sisters and A Wedding ... And just last Friday, on its 3rd day of showing, I was able to finally catch the movie on cinema. Well ... I guess I truly enjoyed the movie because for the second time, I watched it again and dragged my family to check out Four Sisters and A Wedding in cinema last Sunday ... Starring Toni Gonzaga, Bea Alonzo, Angel Locsin, Shaina Magadayao and Enchong Dee, directed by Cathy Garcia-Molina, the film was about the four sisters who all gathered and went back home trying to come up with a plan in order to protect their youngest sibling, their baby brother from getting married. . .

The eldest among the siblings was Teddie Salazar. She was their mother's favorite, the leader among the sisters, and was working hard in Spain. Teddie was effectively played by Toni Gonzaga. Almost all of her jokes and funny lines and scenes were executed very well. Pasok sa banga! And after being able to watch her previous movies, I can say that she performed best in this film. I was finally moved by her acting during the confrontation scene with Coney Reyes, the mother Salazar. Toni seemed to have given her co-stars the kind of acting that would level to the other's capability.

Teddie was followed by Bobbie Salazar. Bobbie was the achiever, the smartest, most proper, working in New York, USA and was in a relationship. Bea Alonzo portrayed the role of Bobbie. I guess, Bea was a perfect fit for the role. She spoke fluently with the English language and with good diction. This is also the first time she made me affected again by her portrayal since her being "Basha" in One More Chance. She executed the right amount of acting in their confrontation scene. In this movie, Bea Alonzo gives that kind of impression that she really is a dramatic actress, that she is already Bea Alonzo ...

The third sibling is Alex Salazar. The least to have school recognition, black sheep of the family, the rebel and most pasaway. Angel Locsin took the role of Alex Salazar. Being known for her tough attitude, Angel seemed to be the right choice for the role. Watching her as Alex made me forget she is being played by Angel. Her role was totally different from her movies before like, One More Try and In The Name of Love. She too moved me during her conversation with Bea. Although I like her character and Angel was good, I was somehow disappointed because her part was kinda bitin. I think it is in the script or on how her part was written. Alex has a strong character, and being the black sheep of the family, she must have given a better highlight in the story. Her role could have been stretched so that Angel could have given more, after all, she is a 4-time Best Actress awardee for this year ...

The youngest sister was Gabbie Salazar. The one in charge of taking care of their mother, the neutral among the siblings, the teacher. Gabbie was played by Shaina Magdayao. Maybe because Shaina is not as big star as her three elder sisters, she doesn't seem to have much highlight in the story. I must admit that I was not able to watch most of Shaina's movies or maybe I just wasn't paying much attention on her, but acting as Gabbie, I appreciate Shaina in this film ..

CJ, the youngest sibling, was the most charming, the baby brother, and the one who was about to get married. Enchong Dee as CJ was a good choice. He performed well as the "bunso" in the family. He was able to carry out well in that scene where he was yelling at his sisters. Enchong on this movie was just so cute!

All in all, I love the movie and really enjoyed sitting for almost 2 hours twice watching the movie. It has the perfect mix of drama and comedy for a family-oriented film. Coney Reyes played that typical mother but showed the flaws of being a mother of five children. Carmi Martin was able to show that her humor doesn't fade even in her "serious" face or moment. For me, this movie is far much better compared to previous comedy family film, Ang Tanging Pamilya and the likes. I highly suggest and recommend to watch this movie especially for people who wanted to have a good laugh and at the same time learn a lesson. Four Sisters and A Wedding is truly worth to watch ... :)

The Maricar Reyes - Richard Poon Wedding

2013-06-12T02:22:00.004-07:00

The Maricar Reyes and Richard Poon Wedding Video

When I watched this video of Maricar and Richard, i can't help but flash a smile on my face and feel that "Kilig" .. I felt the sincerity upon hearing the exchange of their vows and amazed to know that they only had their first kiss on their wedding day ..

I could still remember the time when Maricar's name was dragged into controversy and been on a scandalous news few years back .. I didn't get to see her video with that, ugh ., but I heard a lot of comments from people who were able to watch it .. People waited for her to speak up even though many negative remarks had already been said, still, Maricar chose to be quiet and kept her silence .. And it was, i think what most people admire about her ., including me ..

After getting into that certain kind of scandal, I don't know how one would be able to gain respect and appreciation from anyone, especially from guys .. That is why I am so happy that someone like Richard Poon still exists. Someone who has accepted her and her past., Someone who has given Maricar so much respect and dignity which might have lost before., Someone who brought her first to the Altar before anywhere else .. I just love the fact that this kind of love story is still and really happening ..

With this event happening in their life, I truly wish for every girl or woman to experience this type of love story .. After all, every woman deserves that certain kind of love and respect and deserves someone like Richard Poon ..

To Maricar and Richard Poon, though we may not know each other, still, I wish you the best as newleyweds! :)