Movies and my Stories | Not Just a Movie Blog

I Just Learned How To Ride A Bike

2013-05-22T04:38:00.000+08:00

I can officially say that I'm no longer a #IDONTKNOWHOWTORIDEABIKE member! For I have now mastered the art of RIDING a BICYCLE! HA! (well not really mastered). The aftermath-feeling is just unbelievable. I felt I was invincible!

Now I'm going to tell my bike story (with a lot of this and that).

One of the not so great many things that a bum life can give a person is EXTRA POUNDS! I have been a bum for over a year now, since I graduated March of last year (actually it should be many months less because there is the review, the boards, and the waiting which for other people does not count (and with that I mean including months of those things in the bum days) and I don't even bother explaining because I guess I understood them, there's no point, as if I'd be able to change the fact and magically not get bummed if I had convinced them otherwise).

Okay that paragraph just turned into a rant! Ha! Anyway back to my topic. Basically since review, I have been gaining pounds and pounds because of eating so much. Studying does not only make you sleepy but it really makes you hungry as well! I think I have been eating for two persons since then. It's not just that, I too have a condition called Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome or PCOS which affected my health and my weight because I haven't returned to my OB for three months for my treatment (I did already, btw). Lastly I don't exercise well since I left school. Okay, enough about my issues.

Since I visited my OB, I then again started thinking about my health greatly again. I'm really stubborn at times. I asked my dad if we could again jog (due to his surgery we were not able to jog for some time), he agreed, and so we did. The first day of our jog (April 20), we saw Ruby, my high school classmate. She was doing aerobics with some of her friends. I was so excited to see her that I jumped in front if their group and I kind of stole her from them. Afterwards, I got guilty knowing that her friends left early because they seem to get tired easily without her and her encouraging words of fitness.

I'm nearing the bike story. Promise!

So Ruby has a bike, which I call the girl-y bike, a beach cruiser with the bell and the basket and all. I love those kind of bikes because they seem vintage and laid-back. Seeing her ride her bike struck me again that I don't know how to ride one. I said again because it actually strikes me every time we go to the commercial center to jog since there are many bikers there as well and every time, I always wished that I knew how to ride one and asked myself why we haven't really learned back when we were still kids. (We used to practice then with balancers/training wheels)

While resting, my sister tried her bike, then I tried as well. It was a little high that I'd tip toe to reach the ground. My toes hurt afterwards, since my toenails were quite long. I was really so cautious of not falling off the bike. They say falling of comes along with learning how to ride a bike so at some point I would really fall. I was really afraid of the wounds it may bring to my skin (Arte!) and of course the humiliation. (Seeing a kid riding his/her bike looking at me practicing is embarrassing enough.)

Every time we'd see Ruby, ever since that day, we'd try to practice with her bike. I think I got three days of more or less half an hour to practice with her bike. I was really eager to learn that I kind of hinted to my dad that I wanted the same bike as I kept asking about how much and where did she bought her bike. During the third day, I actually thought that I am an inch closer to riding her bike, but I guess I wasn't really meant to learn that day.

We haven't been jogging since that day, for many reasons.

Last May 15, I told my dad that we should buy the bike that day. We had been canvassing for the same kind of bike ever since I told him. We did bought it. Unfortunately our street is not smooth enough for practicing so I have to wait until the next day to try it. I was really excited!

May 16.

I jogged for one round which is about a kilometer and a half. Okay I walked. Ha! And then I tried the bike already. I got used to all the people looking, thinking, at least I'm trying and practicing with all that I can! Ha!

In just a few minutes, I got the technique and the next thing I knew I'm riding my bike already! YEY! It was really AWESOME! I think I may got a little teary-eyed after I learned. It was a surreal moment for me. REALLY! And I do think that those people looking at me were amazed that I learned that fast already.

This is really a big deal for me, finally, after years and years of yearning to learn to ride a bike, I already know how. And when I get old, I want to remember this day and say to myself that even if it took me my age to learn how to, I still did!

So here's a video of me having my first bike ride. A big thanks to my sister who convinced me to have it recorded. I really didn't want to because I look haggard already. Sorry for the low quality video and all the lens flare effect! I chose Brighter than the Sun as the background song because it was hot that time so I thought of sun, but it came really fitting for the video and my momentous event! Ha!

Cue SLOW CLAPPING! Ha!

Since I just learned how to ride a bike, I feel that I am in no position of giving tips or tutorials on how to ride one, but...

Here are some tips on learning how to ride a bike ANYWAY...

1. Practice on a bike with a height that you could reach and comfortable with (Adjust the saddle to a point where while sitting you could reach the ground both feet flat). No balancers/training wheels needed (but if you prefer them, then may as well use them)

2. Practice in a smooth and wide road. It is more safe but it does not guarantee a fall-free practice. A downward slope was helpful as well (a tip from my dad), where you can try to balance without pedaling Note: not a very steep slope, just a slope enough to move your bike forwards.

3. Safety Wears. Helmets and knee and elbow paddings, if you have. I just wore a jogging pants and a long sleeved shirt (thinking it would somehow minimize the scratches I would have if I'd fall.)

4. My technique at first was step step (left foot push on ground) pedal (right) step step (right foot push on ground) pedal (left) and so on. Look straight, don't look at the ground, nor the wheel, nor the pedals.

5. THE REAL TECHNIQUE (The moment I got this, it all made sense)

One of the mistakes I had was when I kept controlling the steering handle in a straight manner because I don't want to fall, but the real technique is to allow it to go left or right naturally or in a curve and try to balance it from there. This is basically it! If you're still learning how to ride a bike, I really suggest that you try to find out/practice this technique.

6. BE PATIENT AND BE BRAVE, YOU CAN DO IT! I did!

For better tips/tutorial, here is the link to wikihow's How to Ride a Bicycle. I find this really helpful and very detailed. I wished I saw it before, when I'm still learning. The images got me actually!

THAT'S IT!

I'm 22 years old and I just learned how to ride a bike!

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My Mother : My Madness and Her Cooking

2013-05-12T22:49:00.000+08:00

The Macaroni
One time last year, I was eating a plate of macaroni our mother baked for us, I was in front of my laptop doing something I can't remember and then for a moment I was staring at the macaroni and tears just began flowing from my eyes. It reminded me of the first time I cried in front of a meal which was during the first few weeks in college, eating alone in my room, it was depressing... As I was saying, I started crying, not just teary eyed but actual flowing tears with so much emotions just like when you are watching a touching/depressing scene of a movie, tears just run down in your cheeks instantly. And just when the aura seems to be sort of sad already and I'm one spoonful near finishing the macaroni, I started smiling, maybe a little laughing, why? Because it was really weird, it was daytime, and no any other tear-provoking-external-stimuli, just that baked mac and well, I saw my face in the mirror, I looked bad.

Okay, we all know that this isn't just about the baked mac and my crying episode, this is actually about my mother. I was inspired right after that moment to write something about her but I was not able to finish it by then and so I guess this is the moment.

First I'd tell some stories...

Mother and Daughter Breakfast

When I was in grade school, we have this Mother and Daughter breakfast and we were to give our mothers a card and a gift. I can still remember what I wrote on my letter, not entirely of course, but a part of it. I remember it because our English teacher have to proof read our letters for us and she told me to change ashamed to embarrassed. The thing is what I told my mother was something I couldn't really say personally to her, much like anything else because she was somehow strict and so maybe I was scared to emphasize something in a non humorous manner that might hurt her. I'm more of a written letter type of person and I best express my self that way. Back to the letter, I told her that at times I may have expressed or shown in a way that I'm kind of embarrassed of her actions especially in public situations, but despite that I love her for who she is. It was something like that. I do wish sometimes that I was able to acquire my mother's loud sometimes aggressive personality. My mother and I are really opposites, but even if we have our differences I love her very much.

When She Cried
There's also another moment, I think in grade school as well (or maybe high school, I'm not sure) when she got angry with my brother. We were sleeping in her room that time and I woke up because of all the shouting. It became quiet and then she went back to her room and she started crying. I pretended to still be asleep. I don't know what to do, and if I did, I'd be scared to do it (yes, the story of my life, hopefully not my entire life). That was the time I knew that deep inside her always being angry and her strong and aggressive personality, there lies a heart of a loving mother who only cares for her child. I'd always remember that time whenever I feet bad with something that she'd done. I would just keep thinking that somehow she does things that we don't like, that may hurt us, just for the sake of protecting us, even if it would hurt her as well.

Yes, there are times that I do think badly of her, that I tend to forget everything that she had done and sacrificed not only for me but for our whole family. I hate myself every time I do think that way or get angry (mostly in thought, I learned from my father to just understand her, keep quiet and not converse in a fight with her and just let the moment ease... I'd say it is much more like a 'tampuhan') with my mom. It's just that sometimes I really can't stand her. I feel that at some point all my memories of her would be those sad, angry moments I have with her... and that really scares me.

The Things I Want To Remember About Her
I never really did write good things about her on my journal, well most of my entries in general are not about good things. And so let me take this opportunity to write some of the things I want to remember about her.

She's a great story teller, she's really funny, energetic, very enthusiastic, sometimes she would over do it and add some things but who cares, we all love and enjoy how she'd tell them. I especially love her childhood stories. She was a naughty kid based on her stories.

She'll always tell us about how difficult life can be, telling us how their life was like before and make us realize how much blessed we are with the life that we have now. And then we'd imagine how our life would be in the future, with our big big house and all.

She's a people person, people love her, you'd love her. I thought before that it was kind of ironical considering how I know her, but I thought maybe that was her magic, her mysterious way.

She's street smart. She'd pretend to be Santa just to grant our wish. She's the kind of person who does not think of what others think of her. She poses really funny on her pictures and a lot more...

Now, let's go to her cooking...

One thing my mother love to do is to cook. She love to experiment on different ingredients, try to create her own version of overpriced meals on restaurants or the yummy looking meals on cooking shows. That was her thing. I do love her cooking but sometimes her experiments are too weird for me. Whenever she makes something for us she'll always make us taste them even when we don't feel like trying them. Sometimes we really refuse to but when we are in the mood we do try them but after we do, we critic her as if we're master chefs of some sort. I mean, I don't even know how to cook, so who am I to complain.

And it was during the baked mac moment that I realized her cooking is much like love - her way of showing her love for us. It made me realize how much I have ignored the love that she had shown me. That every time I would not try whatever she prepared, I'm dismissing her love as well, every time I would try her cooking and complain, I'm complaining for whatever inadequacy or shortcomings she may have and not focus on the main thought of her love. And for that, I'm really sorry. But she would still cook for us, despite those things, because her love for us would not just be determined by what our reactions would be or what we do in return, for her love is unconditional.

If I could just cook, I'll make her the best meal she'll ever have. But I know that even if my cooking would pass the worst cooks of every country there is, she'll still eat them with all her heart, maybe she'll pretend to and be all accepting because that's what mothers do... yeah that's one idea, but if she doesn't, I know she'll eventually teach me how to make my cooking right...make things right.

Love does not always come in good and positive forms. It just depends on how we see and accept it. I guess mothers (both parents) do have the tendency to be really irritating, over protective, and judgmental at times (some forms of love that children don't get). I guess those things come in with the mother/father genes that eventually turns into reflexes. People will always say that they are like that because they have our best interests in their hearts and minds. I say, maybe they do... sometimes or partly. Then again, we may have misunderstandings a lot, but at the end of the day I know we always have each other. As cliche as this may sound, I would never ask for a better mom, for she already is the best mother for me.

Mother's Day

So much for a message for Mother's day right? I guess all I just wanted to say is that I really really love my mommy so much despite everything, and I'm so thankful for everything that she had done for me. I wouldn't be the person I am today and in the future if it wasn't for her.

Happy mother's day to my beautiful mommy and to you whoever you are who is reading this say happy mother's day to your mom and every mom you know, okay? And maybe add a little 'I Love You' and 'Thank You' even 'I'm Sorry'.

A day is not enough to recognize everything a mother has done to her child/children. I may not be the right person to ask for this, but let's try to make every day special for our mothers.

To end...

There was this quote in Life of Pi which says,

"All living things contain a measure of madness that moves them in strange,

sometimes inexplicable ways.

This madness can be saving;

it is part and parcel of the ability to adapt."

My Mother is my Madness,
she drives me crazy at times...
and as the excerpt continues...

"Without it, no species would survive."

Without her I don't know how I'd survive.

Again, to all mothers out there in whatever form you may be...

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!

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Plaza Salcedo | Up to the North

2013-03-30T13:18:00.000+08:00

Plaza Salcedo is located just in front of St. Paul Cathedral in Vigan, Ilocos Sur.

A monument of President Elpidio Quirino, a native Ilocano.

I find their tricycle plates really neat!

Vigan City Hall

Main Post: Up To The North: Ilocos Trip

Click for more of our trip

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Not Just About: Suits

2013-03-29T13:28:00.000+08:00

I can't remember the reason why I decided to watch Suits but whatever that reason may be, I'm pretty glad that I did. Watching movies and TV series keeps me sane, you see, and watching great ones is another whole-lot of a story. On that note, I'll say that this is really a great show!

Suits is a USA network legal drama series about a lawyer-wannabe Mike Ross. He was given a chance to work as an associate in one of the most prestigious law firms in NY City, Pearson-Hardman (now just Pearson, and would probably Pearson - Darby by next season), by the famous Harvey Specter, regarded as the best closer in town. Mike has a prowess of acquiring great amount of knowledge with his photographic memory, and with that Harvey was enthralled; the deal is that, Mike never went to Harvard or any law school, he didn't even finished college. Putting everything in the line, the two became partners in crime and together they win their cases.

Second Season ended. Can't wait until Summer or rather July (16 to be exact) because it sure is freaking hot summer already (Well, lately we have an unpredictable weather)! ugh!

So what happened last episode?

Season Finale of Season 2

I would not beat around the bush anymore. Rachel already knew the truth about Mike! Whew! I've really waited for that time, because deep inside me I always felt that it would not go into the way with their relationship. And now, finally, she knew and they did it, you know what, moments later. Is this the beginning of a Rachel and Mike's relationship I'm waiting for? (please be it) or it would make things much worse? (I bet it would). But please be it the first, even it means that I would like Mike again (see reason below). For the other things that happened in the last episode, just watch it, I didn't care about that much. Ha!

Why I love it and why will you?

Firstly, what a clever plot, not a fantasy yet highly unlikely in real life but undoubtedly entertaining and somewhat thrilling as a tv show story. I did appreciate how it gave us a sort of brief intro of the whole setting, the office, the work, the flow, etc., at the very start of the first season. I've watched some Boston legal, and I did find it very lawyer-ish that I didn't even know who's who unless I've watch a couple of episodes. I'd be honest that at times I don't really get the legal things they talk about and so I would try to understand them by searching wikipedia and my dictionary (when there's no internet). I must say I did learn a lot from the series from billables, mergers, settlements, to blackmails. It also has given us the sort of already obvious idea that the law can be skewed, especially when people around it isn't that straight with the law (The two shows showed me is that practically, breaking the law (by lawyers) is a choice when it comes to legal issues, and it's a matter of who you know, what you know and the like. Much like in real life which I hope would have its end). It's not just about Ignorance of the law excuses no one, but I'd say also of Your ignorance of the law excuses others to take you for granted and overpower you and I quote that curly hair guy "Lawyer-ing isn't about fighting fair". Anyway, I do hope they would get into more interesting legal issues and cases.

Still, I love their devious ways....and all the shenanigans, the Hallmark suited quotes, the all of a sudden "That's it", the bright idea that will answer all the problems away. And who doesn't love when they start quoting movies and imitating characters? I'd always anticipate for those in each episode. What more? Hmmm Rachel's love for food, Harvey's huge vinyl collection (I'm not much into sports), Louis' love for stage performances and such. And would I forget to mention how appealing to a last song syndrome their opening theme is, I am frustrated every time because I can't follow through. Ha! It started with humming. And last but not the least - The ROMANCE in this side or that.

The series also got me thinking that I'm not really the lawyer type (Well, I sort of knew it even before). I'm naive, soft, weak and many other things. I'm not very articulate, I'm still on the process of improving my skills on communication. I don't really like arguing. I'd rather be the nice one to just stop and understand the other. And I'm not that very persuasive, well maybe I can be when I try but I just don't for I think people ought to have their own decisions on matters. And I am most certainly not the aggressive type, which makes me think that people could easily take me for granted because most of the time I don't stand up for myself even though I know I'm the right one. And one more, I'm not that very fond of reading, a selective reader, that's what I call myself.

On another note, I've always wanted to know someone who is a lawyer because I have lot of legal questions one of which is on how could I change my signature because if you see it, you'll laugh.

CHARACTERS

I super love watching all the characters in Suits. I do hate rather not like some of them because of what they have to portray, but still they are undeniably watchable. It took me quite a while to love characters in Boston Legal (with the exception of Denny Crane - Trekker talking), but here, it was automatic impression of mostly love.

Mike Ross (Patrick J. Adams)

I did love Mike at the start (smart guys are turn-ons) with his wit and photographic memory, but then he just became the show-off guy (and all the gloating) and we all know what nobody likes (he's smart but he hasn't earned a great deal of things yet to be what he is at times, but I'm not saying gaining something would give him the right to- tsk my arguments wouldn't pass lawyers! haha!) and he hurt Rachel, so I don't like him anymore. But maybe season 3 could make a change of hearts in me. PS. His nails were weird.

Harvey Specter (Gabriel Macht)

I love Harvey Specter. He is indeed the man and I'm one of the people in awe of him. He's funny (another turn on) and in a very smart way (some are just jerk funny). I believe he's a good guy and a good friend, even if he's acting all "I don't give a crap". Plus he really looks good too and as he mentioned, he does have a resemblance with George Clooney. I hope that he'll have a better love story soon, I did like Zoe (her real life wife) and of course whatever is with him and Donna (but of course I wouldn't want to ruin the relationship they have now).

Louis Litt (Rick Hoffman)

I guess for most of us, we really didn't like Louis at the start, but as the story goes we learned to. I kind of felt sad for him when it seems that most of the characters are ganging up on him, but there's also the fact that he sometimes deserve it. Ha! PS. Gaining weight like him. Ha!

Now, lezgo to the beautiful, awesome, empowered ladies.

Jessica Pearson (Gina Torres)

Jessica Pearson. I can't say that I really like her character (she scares me), I mean she's very manipulative, don't you think? She may come out smart, wise and all but sometimes, I'm not very fond of her ways. Oh how I love when Harvey outsmart her. PS question: How tall is she?

Rachel Zane (Meghan Markle)

Rachel Zane, the super hot paralegal. (I did thought she's a latina (I agree that latinas are the sexiest and most beautiful - they're just fierce ladies), but she isn't). I love how smart she is, how she cares about people and how she is driven with her principles and passion from which I could say that fate is totally unfair with her, but then again maybe fate has something greater for her. PS Her chemistry with Mike is great.

Donna Paulsen (Sarah Rafferty)

Donna Paulsen is my favorite. She's sassy, funny, intelligent - she totally knows everything! Very lovable character (loved her from the very first episode). She's not just a secretary, she's a superwoman (A person who does things without even telling her to! Just amazing), she's someone you wish for! I super envy her relationship with Harvey, they have each other's back no matter what. I can't imagine Suits without her (that memorandum thing, her getting terminated and the possibility of her not being in Suits anymore, killed me! I'm all #savedonna, well not in twitter). So, in my own proclamation, I now declare that she has the right to be on the Suits intro (Is it just me who wonders why it's just Gabriel and Patrick there?) Is it because of their suits? C'mon Suits isn't just about suits.

What did I say?

She is AWESOME!

Love that episode with the mock trial

Loved how she delivered this one!

Would we be able to find out what this can opener and those other things are about?

That's it! This one I truly recommend! Bloopers to end.

Credit for the photos:

facebook.com/SUITSonUSA

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Dinosaurs Island in the Philippines!

2013-02-09T23:17:00.000+08:00

Dinosaurs Island is considered as the first Animatronics Dinosaur Park in the Philippines.

We visited Dinosaurs Island in Pampanga last month because my nephew loves dinosaurs and it was his birthday. He and one of my nieces were raving about it ever since they saw the video of this place. They were so excited that morning, but the excitement lasted only until they heard the dinosaurs roar. They were frightened in a totally frantic way that they did not want to enter the park anymore.

(He brought his toy dinosaur named Max - that red thing)

My niece and nephew cannot stand the roaring so they would cover their ears most of the time. We even copied them in our group pictures.

They did love the skeleton displays ('coz there was no roaring)

The dinosaurs' skins were made from rubberized material which actually enables it to move realistically. Also, sensors were placed near the dinosaurs so that when one comes near them they will move, roar and even sprinkle you with water.

By the end of the tour in the park, there would be a presentation for all the guests, where dinosaur mascots can interact with you. This was the most funny part (I was laughing the whole time - this is me being mean) because at the start the kids were still enjoying them that my niece even shouted "Swiper no Swiping" when the dinosaurs attempted to get our things, but as they come really close to us they began crying, especially when we would act that we were eaten by the dinosaurs for photo-ops.

Love this picture of mine!

They did not like to try the dinosaur ride so we just took their picture.

The birthday boy with his dinosaur pose!

Me? I actually enjoyed it. I was really amazed and curious on how they make them but I personally think that it was not worth the price we paid for (maybe it would if the kids did actually enjoyed - maybe if they're a bit older they would already). It's really expensive for me and there's also the fact that the park doesn't seem to be maintained (other dinosaurs were in no good condition), but I'd still give credit to it for being the first ever animatronics dinosaur park here in the Philippines, and the life-sized dinosaurs are pretty cool. I just think that a lot more could be improved. I think you will enjoy here if you're really into dinosaurs, but if not, it would mainly be for photo ops.

P.S. The park trail is really sandy, I suggest you wear closed shoes, but if you don't mind then any foot wear will be fine.

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Comments are highly appreciated!

Movie of the Day # 11: Les Misérables

2013-02-02T21:15:00.002+08:00

Les Misérables 2012

Story

Jean Valjean was sentenced five years to prison (the galleys) after stealing a loaf of bread for his sister's children. But it was not until 19 years that he got paroled because of trying to escape. Javert, a ruthless inspector, have been searching for Jean for breaking his parole. Jean, with the help of a priest found his way to success and vows to be a man of God and help other people who are in need, one of which is Fantine, whom he promised that he would take care of her child, Cosette. Years later, in the midst of the French revolution, a love story emerges as Cosette and revolutionary Marius find each other. A story of injustice and of salvation, of greed and of sacrifice, of despair and of hope, of hatred and of love.

Cast

Hugh Jackman as Jean Valjean, Russell Crowe as Inspector Javert, Anne Hathaway as Fantine, Amanda Seyfried as Cosette, Samantha Barks as Eponine, Aaron Tveit as Enjolras, Eddie Redmayne as Marius, Sacha Baron Cohen as Monsieur Thénardier, Helena Bonham Carter as Madame Thénardier, and Colm Wilkinson as the Bishop of Digne, Daniel Huttlestone as Gavroche, Isabelle Allen as young Cosette.

Genre

Drama, Musical

Why I love It and Why Will You?

I've been waiting for this movie the first moment I saw the trailer, I love the story of Les Mis and I love musicals (please bring Les Mis prod here), and this movie is just a treat for me, not to mention that Hugh, Anne, and Russell are singing. I really find it cool because I never did thought that they were the singing types.

Here are my thoughts: I love how the camera shoots in close-up (the emotions are very detailed, indeed) and with different angles (not the usual thing we see in most movies), which makes and gives every frame a picturesque effect to it (this drove me to the thought that their main poster up there is disappointingly common). Also, it's amazing how dull yet still striking with colors the costumes and production design can be, yes they did have chosen bright and royal colors for some but still even the dull ones looks pleasant to the eyes. The whole set-up down to little details as the dirt in between Valjeans's teeth were incredible. The songs were amazing as it is - a given! I love how the cast put so emotions to their singing and we know that they were recorded live and not the usual pre-recording the songs. Anyway, it gives a very distinct feature from other musicals, exposing vulnerability and creativity at some point. I guess it was a pretty nice idea so that actors could thrive for emotions, singing in the actual scene/setting, to a near point of breaking. Tom Hooper is brilliant!

I super love the movie, and it's a sure top lister on my favorites, but there are still some points that I'd like to say and I don't want to say those on a negative note but on a very personal thinking and or preference. On top would be, I wish they have started with the "So long as..." lines, I just love reading that part.

Just like to share: I've watched the 1935 and 1998 Les Mis movies, the 1978 one got me bored at the beginning so I haven't really finished it. I prefer the 1935 one, it was the first one that I saw and I fell in love with it. Fredric March was really good in portraying Valjean - love him! Valjean and Javert were the only characters that mattered to me back then and then I saw the 1998 which made me notice the other characters and made me hate Javert- well maybe that's also one of the reasons I prefer the '35.

Aside from the past Les Mis movies, which are non-musical ones, I also have watched the 10th and 25th Anniversary Concerts of Les Mis, which are the closest thing I could experience from the musical theater production. And since they were my background to the musical, it's difficult not to compare them to those of the movie. The concerts were all out and each number were grand and strong always, that your arrector pili would contract instantaneously because it wouldn't be able to resist the majesty of it (orchestra and voices of the principals, ensemble and choir at their finest!). Though some of the highlights from the movie are a bit underwhelming to what I have been used to, I still enjoyed them because of the drama/emotions put into it, which is not much prominent in the concerts for obvious reasons (limitations, one of which is making sure they are heard in the microphones), but I'm not saying there weren't emotions put into the songs by the performers in the concert, it's just not similar in the emotions by the cast of the movie. Well this just proves the point that I shouldn't be comparing at all. I'm just saying, the concerts never fail to make me weep with such overwhelming beauty and outstanding performances. Can't imagine what more if I was to experience it first hand. Hopefully someday I would be able to watch the play itself and their (most probably) 50th anniversary concert. The difference, I think, is that the movie makes you drawn to it more through their emotion, their acting, while in the concert more through their singing.

Characters

Isabelle Allen as young Cosette. Her voice is just amazing in Castle on a Cloud! I wish we could see and hear more from her in the future.

Daniel huttlestone as Gavroche. Well, he's not as adorable looking as Robert Madge, but he's a great Gavroche. I love the parts where he was at the back of the carriage, the glimpse of him crying when Eponine died and of course the time when he got shot.

The handsome Aaron Tveit as Enjolras. The moment he raised the red flag and he got hit and got hung in the window - very brave (Inappropriately, inside me I was like - So cool!). I just wished that he did not have the curly hair, still he's handsome. Which reminds me of how Gaston-looking Michael Maguire is in the 10th concert, though Aaron was nowhere near that looking. Ramin Karimloo best Enjolras still.

The Thénardiers. Hearing alone their version of Master of the House made me sad that it wasn't the same as that of Jenny Galloway and Alun Armstrong versions, and so I thought that I wouldn't enjoy that part but surprisingly I did, and they were really funny. Madame Thénardier was a bit seductive than Jenny Galloway (love her!) while Monsieur Thénardier was really amusing especially when he keeps on mentioning Cosette's name as Colette, but everytime I see him, in my head it was like "Borat guy Borat guy...", which I am not really a fan of.

It never did get to me, the love tandem of Cosette and Marius, nor did the love triangle of the two and Eponine, for the past movies and concerts. I just couldn't see the chemistry. But this movie supplied my longing for that magic moment between the two, and my sympathy for 'Ponine just grew ever more.

I just love Samantha Barks (unbelievable waist! my sister noticed it when we watched the movie and I told her it's really like that even in the 25th concert) ever since I saw the 25th concert. I love her voice! It just makes me sad that she wasn't that much promoted (posters, stills and all) considering she has one of the best songs and is one of the most relatable character in Les Mis. But of course our very own Lea Salonga as Eponine and Fantine will always be loved by me.

With that, let me say that Anne's performance of Fantine is very remarkable yet voice wise, nothing from Lea. Not a bad thing I guess because she really isn't a professional in the singing world and it shows much realism with regards to her scenes. Her emotions especially in I Dreamed a Dream were nothing compared to anything that I have seen. She was just so.. ughh I don't even have the right words for it. On another note, her hair was really nice and is it just me, or she looks freaking scary when she died. Nevertheless, she was really perfect for the role, and I'm not saying this because I'm a big fan of her ever since Princess Diaries. Last one, I just find it funny - Fantine's temper.

Amanda was perfect for Cosette, as Eddie Redmayne is to Marius. I guess, that's why I really felt the chemistry between them. Heart Full of Love scene was very romantic (well, sad for Eponine). I love Amanda ever since Mamma Mia (who would have guessed that this Mean Girl would turn to one of the biggest stars today), and her voice is really good. On the other hand, it's my first time to appreciate Eddie. His face is very familiar and I did saw him in Yellow Handkerchief but I got sleepy and haven't finished it. His voice is really really good, got teary-eyed in Empty Chairs at Empty Tables. Best Marius for me so far, beating Nick Jonas (I liked Nick because I think he was Marius-looking, but I did not get his facial expressions, looking constipated every scene (can't stop looking at those two wrinkle lines in his forehead) and his voice is nothing compare to Michael Ball, but (sorry for this) Michael doesn't have that Marius look for me, he's too charming and adorable looking)

Hugh Jackman as Jean Valjean. First of all, please don't kill me, but I just didn't get his version of Valjean. I do love some of his scenes, and his acting was superb (esp in the 1815 part - Valjean's Soliloquy is his best scene for me) but there is something in the way he sings that I don't really feel, it's like there's a pausing button on my emotions, that it just didn't flow up to a wow-ness and my expectations. I'm sorry, then again, he won the Golden Globes and most probably the Oscars, so this isn't really that important.

My favorite character would be Javert, he's driven by his principles, he's tough and seemingly rigid, but he has a heart and I admire him for that. I think that Russel Crowe did a good job, his voice wasn't all that Broadway (but I do love his voice) and he seems eating his words at times but I think that he's physically Javert and his eyes can be both fierce and saintly. He reminds me of Charles Laughton (Javert in the 1935 movie). I personally like how Javert was in this movie (esp. the giving to Gavroche his medal part), the '98 movie made him just so horrible.

In the concerts, my favorites would be Jean Valjean (Colm Wilkinson), Javert (Norm Lewis - love love him!), Fantine (Lea Salonga), and the funny Thénardiers (Jenny Galloway and Alun Armstrong).

I was surprised to see Colm Wilkinson as the Bishop, it was like a grown-up Valjean talking to his young self. He looks very saintly, I once said that he's the best Valjean for me and now, best bishop!

Favorite Scenes/Songs

The last two in this list were undeniable the two of the best scenes in the movie for me. The difficult thing is to choose among the many amazing song numbers/scenes to choose my third favorite scene.

The Runner Ups:

Valjean's Soliloquy (The only song by Hugh that I really liked in the movie, it was really intense and emotional)

I Dreamed a Dream (Again, "ughh I don't even have the right words for it"),

On my Own (One of my favorite songs in Les Mis and Samantha did a great job in that scene as expected. Also, the rain was so perfect for it and I was really waiting for the line "In the rain, the pavement shines like silver" and voila, behind her you can see the pavement does shines like silver),

Do You Hear The People Sing (I just love that moment that one by one the people started to sing, very patriotic moment),

Red and Black (I love Grantaire's part there, and of course Marius felt-like impromptu version of Red and Black),

A Heart Full of Love (Sweet and lovely (and that butterfly got to be there of course), though not in the heart of Eponine),

A Little Fall of Rain (I started to like Cosette, but just why can't it be the two of them? Poor Eponine)

Empty Chairs at Empty Table (so emotional made me cry and love Eddie),

Everyday (I just love the "Every day you walk with stronger step, you walk with longer step, the worst is over" part)

My top three!

Stars. I just love that song and and I'm a bit biased to Russel, and the fact that the scene was atop a building with the sky so close to hugging you, makes me love it more (hoping for more stars, though). Also the walking by the edge, the eagle, and then by the end, the drums started to come along as the camera slowly goes up beneath him - just wow!

Now, I'm cheating. My third will also include Javert's Suicide. I just wish his death was a bit graceful without that hard hit (Because my wish of him not committing suicide is not possible). I just love how the song goes and how Russel's voice gives meaning to the song (Yes, I'm still wishing that he didn't commit suicide and have his happy ending, same as Eponine - I wish for a lot of things in Les Mis, sorry for that. Also one thing, I find it funny how they couple up Javert and Eponine. If only Javert was not that old, but I do love this picture of them I saw in tumblr).

One Day More. It was perfect, just like what I imagined it would be like, the transitions from one character to another were utterly salient to the theme song. I can listen to that song all day long. Marius' and Javert's - my favorite parts.

Top 1 - The ending of course, The Epilogue (Tearing song at the start, Cosette's crying was contagious, and I always like hearing my favorite line there "To love another person is to see the face of God". Oh, also, seeing Fantine again was great. The only thing that I didn't like is that Eponine wasn't there, instead the Bishop was which is still okay 'coz I like him too, it's just that I was really expecting her to come up anytime but she didn't, but then of course I should have known that, because she didn't really know Valjean or even spoke to him the whole film, unlike in the other movies. Oh there's one more I smiled during the course of the song, when I thought if only Cosette knew her mother was there and that it was Valjean's double who was still sitting in the chair, that took me away from my momentum)

Anyway, what I really love in the epilogue part was starting from the singing echoes, the reprise of Do You Hear the People Sing. The one huge barricade in Paris, the waving of the flags, dead people singing (maybe if Javert didn't commit suicide, rather died from something honorable, he would be there) were perfect, perfect for the song. It was really very overwhelming that it seem an elephant has just landed in my chest and just beside that elephant is me, jumping and clapping and maybe a little crying too. EPIC! One thing that I noticed in the two films is that the ending weren't that grand, it was like that it just ended. This Les Mis is different, one thing is because they have a song that would be perfect for ending it like that. Wasn't it an astounding way to end the movie? It was so full of spirit and passion, it became a happy ending despite the fact that they're dead, and it was a great way to show that what those dead people had defended and what they had stood for will not be buried with them in vain, but will forever be in fighting - a flame that will never die.

Great great movie, the kind that makes people talk about it, blog about, tweet about it, and sing their songs, not just after seeing the movie but even days later or even years. More movies like this, please.

What did Les Mis make you do?

credit for the photos:

collider.com

flicksandbits.com
aceshowbiz.com
justjared.com

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Bangui Wind Mills | Up to the North

2013-02-01T01:43:00.001+08:00

This wind farm is located along Bangui coast, Ilocos Norte, Philippines.

It has 20 seventy-meter wind turbines (originally 15) that has the capacity to produce electricity up to 1.65 MW

Main Post: Up To The North: Ilocos Trip

Click for more of our trip

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If I Would Have Superpowers

2013-01-29T15:29:00.000+08:00

Do you know when the idea of superpowers started? Well, I don't know either. But what I know is that there would always be a part of us that somehow wanted to have superpowers. What led me to write this entry? I was watching Pathology (2008), and it reminded me of Peter Petrelli of Heroes. I missed watching that show. And since at the moment the idea of having a superpower is just in the realm of movies, shows, and our imagination, I thought of just blogging about the powers that I like to have so that I will not have the difficulty of thinking, just in case the time will come that superpowers will be available of purchase.

But come to think of it, Superpowers are overrated! We always see the good, the greatness in them, that we seldom think of the responsibilities and consequences that lies within them. God is all knowing and all powerful, I believe he is not having the time of His life now, with so much people blaming Him despite everything that He had done and keeps on doing. We wanted superpowers for ourselves, but are we really ready for it?

Anyway, that's not the issue in this blog post, so here are ten superpowers that I'd like to have, why ten? why not? It will amaze you how much superpowers there is, search here. At some point these powers do overlap since I don't have that much time to analyze the features and limitations of each of these powers, I just want to have them, for my selfish reasons and many other things. Anyway, here they go.

1. Omnilingualism

(The power to decipher any oral language and speak any fluently)

Whenever I would come across a movie in a different language, I'd always say "I wish I knew (insert particular language)". Also I get paranoid whenever there are people speaking in a different language, it makes me anxious that they maybe making fun of me or that sort. One more thing is that I want to travel around the world and this power would make it lot easier for me to communicate with other people.

2. Invisibility

(The power to render oneself unseen to the naked eye)

For me, being invisible enables you to do a lot of thing without getting notice and for free, most especially at times that you just wanted to be alone. You can watch a movie or a play, sneak through any private events, follow or stalk someone unnoticed. The thing that I don't like here is when I get into an accident no one will see me, but then again I do have my Precognition or Intuitive Aptitude or Omnicompetence superpowers which could help me prevent such accidents.

3. Teleportation

(The ability to move instantaneously from one location to another without physically occupying the space in between)

I did say that I want to travel, and the perks of being able to teleport my self to any place would be fast and free transport any time I want. Like that of David in Jumper. Imagine going from the top of the Eiffel tower to that of the Mt. Everest, from Milford Sound to the mountains of Himalayas, from Great Pyramid of Giza and Sphinx to Machu Picchu, Manhattan NY to London City, Santorini to Bora Bora, imagine all the possibilities. This is a great power that goes well with flight, such a dream.

4. Flight

(The power to fly without any outside influence)

Who doesn't want to fly? I'd always relate flying to being free. Feeling the wind against you, with different birds beside you and a great view of things, of our world. I don't have to worry about falling from somewhere or something (especially when I teleport), because I could freakin' fly.

5. Telepathy

(Power to mentally receive and transmit information. Also known as Mind Reading)

It's nice to read someone's mind every once in a while, especially when you feel someone is lying to you and those sort of things. And as much as I like to not care about what other people think of me, I still want to know. Yes, I'd be against this one is such power would be available because it may breach my privacy. Anderson from Dredd is a perfect example, she was just so cool. Also, imagine that when you're with other people, you'd be this psychic knowing things, doing things, before they even say or ask it.

6. Clairvoyance

(The psychic power to gain direct information about an object, person, location or physical event through means other than the user's physical senses)

I chose this one maybe because I don't relate to people as much as I like to, and with these power I could make sure everyone I loved is okay, far away from danger or if they need any help and those sort. Knowing that they are safe is enough to make me feel okay as well. A good reassurance, that's what I like to see it. I could be a great intelligence agent spy, having this in my power list!

7. Precognition

(The ability to accurately foresee future events)

Well I was not going to include this for the fear that I might get preoccupied with so much of the future and not be present at all. But then it's always nice to have a glimpse of what might suppose to happen, to prepare for it and react the right way when the time comes.

Question: Would you rather know your future but not be able to do anything about it or know other's future but you can't tell them? (Know this card game? Makes you really think).

My sister chose latter because she wanted to help those others, I chose the former (having in mind that I am not in control of that future per se, but in control with other things before that) because if I know that I can't really do anything about something then I do everything the way I want to, not rebelliously but I guess a little intense than what I can. Sad mentality that it lets you somewhat dictate your life and maybe just think of giving up, but then again if you are going to die tomorrow or you knew your not going to be the "when I grow up I want to be" person, you think you're going to be, and you really really can't do anything about it (undestroyable fact), would you still just go on with your life thinking that you'll not going to die tomorrow and you can be anyone you want yourself to be, or just make the best of the last day that you have and do your best to be the person you don't really want to be when you grow up. (I'm not really that Carpe Diem type, (I tried to be, I want to be) which would be relevant if you can't foresee the future, but I'm talking about having Precognition, am I?)

8. Intuitive Aptitude

(The power to instantly learn and understand the complexity and exactness of organisms, objects, and even powers without the need of long-term or special education)

Who doesn't want an amazing mind?

My memory is one of my weakness (It's just difficult to remember things especially when you don't do it that often or talk about it often). And it fails me most of the time on some important things (I take note a lot for that matter). I want to have such photographic memory as Mike Ross or Lexie Grey. I want learning to be easy and fun and not a burden. I do love studying because I love learning new things and I know that I what I know is something that I would have and other people can't take away, but that thought doesn't really help if your mind is not at its best or your brain is sick. And I think that it's a little unfair that other people have really great minds while others have to fire up their brows or take a test without sleep from studying all night. They study all their might and will still eventually result in something as if they haven't studied at all (I'm not saying that those with great minds get that title that easy, I know people who does everything, study study study and get the result they wanted, it's just that for others whose favored by odds, it's somewhat easier for them and at times effortless). Yes, that's life, we just got deal with it and do things the best that we can with whatever is given to us. I'm not complaining, which I sound like, but I'm really just saying that it's unfair.

This isn't just a mind thing, along with this would be the ability to learn fast from just a thing that you saw or read. Learning to do these and that - cooking, martial arts, dancing, everything!

9. Omnicompetence

(The ability to handle all situations or matters)

A little related or somewhat the same to Intuitive Aptitude. Remember Eddie of Limitless, perfect example. I'm socially awkward, at least I feel I am, but one mentioned that I don't. I don't really know how to act on certain situations, what to say in a conversation, so this power would very much be handy considering that I'll be able to handle all situations the right way. The thing is that I seldom do things out of the box, shell, blue or whatever outside because of the said reason and of my many issues. Call me predictable, I don't care, that's me, I'm just not that spontaneous enough (Gosh, how I adore those who are), but that's not all that I am and maybe not who I am going to be anymore, in time.

10. Healing

(The power to restore biotic organisms to their optimal health)

When I was still a kid I wanted to become a doctor, now I'm a nurse (though not professional yet). I just can't seem to get away with the field of health. I may not be that sure of what I really wanted my life to be, but the fact that I wanted to help people in this way makes me think that this is what I'm really supposed to do with my life or at least possibly what I'm supposed to do. Then again, how can we really be so sure, or are we supposed to be?

This is a great power to be bestowed upon oneself, and with such power comes the great and difficult responsibility. Is it just about helping the sick? I believe it's more than that, it's about life and death, about justice and equality and a lot more things. I know sickness/illness/disability are trials in our lives, it can make or break not only the affected but as well as the people around that person. It's one of life's neat little tricks, and here am I selfishly wanting to be a super healer going against life's like that cliche. It's just sad that people have to go through such situations, regardless if they deserve it or not. Lastly, this definitely free you from big big hospital charges and physician's fee (Just been out of the hospital after almost a week, father's fine, thank God!). Also, this doesn't apply to humans alone, but also to other living organisms like plants and animals, how cool is that!?

This is the end of the list, and if I would choose one, it would be Intuitive Aptitude.

Why not the other powers? Hmm... Time travel is amazing as well (Is it Bayani? the show where the kids were transported back in time to learn about our national heroes, history and culture? that's awesome right? What more if you were those kids) but it's quite complicated for me. Invincibility, No, I'd like to be vulnerable, and having the above mentioned powers are enough for me. Omniscience "all knowing" - Yes, I wanted to know everything and anything (which technically impossible, if your really not an/the omniscient god/God, duh?), but I'll still refuse because, I also do like to know them my own way, and learning is a very pleasurable thing, and if I knew everything already what else is there to do.

I don't know if superpowers are even possible or close at hand, but I'd give it the benefit of the doubt. For now, I'd just focus on boosting my self-confidence, doing the best in everything that I do, being happy, giving myself a break and bringing out the Supergirl in me.

You? What superpowers do you like to have?

Photo credit to neomonki.deviantart.com

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Confessions from Someone Who Knows Someone Who is an #Iger

2013-01-13T16:32:00.001+08:00

This post is inspired by Ms.Anna (thecountessanna)'s Smart phone doesn't mean smart habits video (watch her videos! Hilarious!) and most especially my sister who is the Instagrammer (follow her!). Well, for some, "Instagram is so 2012", for half of that some which have misunderstood the new terms of service "What? They're going to sell our photos? Let's quit Instagram!", but for most, "Instagram still is the best!". And so the Instagram's reign continues, here is...

Three Not that Easy Steps in Posting a Picture in Instagram

1.The Picture

For her 200th post, she posted this picture of mine, but before that she'd be like "Malapit na ako mag 200 ah, magready ka na!".

Whenever I'm with my sister, I'll always suggest things she could post in Instagram, sometimes in a teasing way. "Oy oh pang-instagram", "cute nito sa instagram", "Instagram mo to", "Instaaagraaaam!" "Wait wait, i-instagram pa niya yan" On desperate times, I would say "Pi-picture-an kita, basta libre mo ako".

Of course, the most important thing in posting in instagram is a picture! Given. You'll be needing your phone or tablet with camera and wifi specs.

The challenge is on what picture to take? It's simple, everything.

Food

Cute stuff

Cool things

Collections

Amazing scenes

More food

Smiling food

Adorable people

Funny moments,

First this, First that

Face of the day

Pretty look

Nails, Polished nails

Flowers

Hair

Expensive buys

Simple treats

Old things, New things

Sister winning a laptop!

Animals

Family

Friends

Lovey-dovey

and a lot more.

Note: The picture must fit a square (or can be cropped squarely without ruining the picture) to conform to the dimensions of instagram. (I find that pretty neat, actually!) But you can also find apps that would allow you to put extra borders in order to post a portrait or landscape pictures (Aviary app).

Where the real difficulty comes: Choosing a picture to post. At the end of the day (or the picture taking per se), if you took a lot of photos, you will now be facing the difficult task to choose from the numerous photos you took. You can choose to post it one by one or master the art of laying it out in one photo post (where frames come in). Tips: So let's say you took more or less 50 photos that day (an event maybe), you wouldn't post them all, would you? You can choose ten of the best and maybe post 2 of the best pictures in a stand alone post and make two lay outs from the 8 photos remaining.

But I don't own an Iphone or an S3: The cameras of our phone is not that great as well, but the filters will make it look better. But then another thing, the photos are pixelated when seen in computers, so if she's not too lazy, she'll use our camera to take pictures and then copy it to her laptop and then her cellphone (still would look pixelated but better than the ordinary camera phone). One technique also is to borrow someone's phone with a better camera and just share them to your phone via bluetooth. Yes, she's that committed!

2. Filters, Frames and Designs

This is the funniest step. Wait, I'll ask her what different apps she uses. After you have chosen the pictures to upload, here comes another difficult task which is to choose a filter, a frame or any design. She uses Camera MX, Aviary and Photogrid.

My sister would at times have me choose a filter for her pictures, and it's really funny because there were at least a dozen of filters, half of which looks the same, the remaining half differs only in a small way. And there I was in a position of serious dillemma (in my mind) This is so damn hard (hands to sister her phone) "Ikaw na bahala!" And then when she chooses one, "Mas maganda yung isa!" cue laughter. I kind of feel for her, because I am also experiencing the same in Photoshop.

Choosing frames is another story.

You could choose from 2-photo,

3-photo, or

4-photo frames

(or even more),

having in mind the number of photos you need to post. Frames also come in different designs that may suit your photo of the day. What a way to practice your freedom of choice at the same time burden you with so much good choices.

The designs (smileys, ribbons, etc) are not that mandatory, but they are just irresistibly cute not to add. You can also make use of apps that lets you put different facial expressions on your photos.

3. The Hashtags and Description

Now you're already finish with you photo and it's ready for upload! One last thing to do is to add hashtags and a description. My sister have this theory that the more hashtags there is the more you could attract likes/followers! (in a public account). She would make me think of hashtags for her photos, "Ano pa bang pwedeng i-hashtag dito?" She does her hashtags beforehand so that when there's internet connection already, she'd be ready and just copy the hashtags, and bam bam bam, uploads extravaganza!

For photo of the day, these would be the usual hashtags.

#photooftheday #picoftheday #dailyphoto #instadaily #igdaily #instapic #me #girl #selfportrait #instagood #instamood #love #igers #tagsforlikes #follow #followme

I both hate and love this part. I hate it when she always asks about the spelling of words,names, etc, even the simple ones. I'm not being an overly confident sister thinking that she should know that by now, because I too have my own spelling mishaps and other English issues, but I don't bother other people, I search for it. There's the internet, the dictionary (android apps), books. Also when she asks for the english translation of a tagalog word. Do I look like a Eng-Tag dictionary to you? I can't choose whether I got irritated because I don't know the answer or because she make me look for it (undirectly, I do want to know too!), which makes me out of concentration to what I'm doing at that moment. The love part is the hilarious part of those supposed hate parts. She's going to kill me for telling you this. This was the most recent hashtag moments we had, which is the time I decided to make a post about it.

We bought food from Jollibee, I knew from the moment that she saw the new Jollibee cup that she is going to post it in instagram, and so she did got her phone. After taking some picutres, I thought she's finished but that's not all, she deboned her chicken and mixed them with her spaghetti and she keeps mentioning how that's the best way to eat chicken and Spag (instagram of course), and in my mind "SO?" (and I just kept on eating my own the usual way). She reached for the receipt and put it down unsatisfied "Titingnan ko pa naman spelling ng Spaghetti" (obviously she's on this hashtag part already). My guess that it was not there. I didn't mind her, I kept on eating thinking that she spelled it the way she remembers spaghetti should be spelled. After quite some time, she blurted out "Ano bang spellling ng Spaghetti?" and cue laughter! She spelled it for me (it was correct by the way) and I teased her back "Hindi, SPHAGETTI!" with emphasis on the ISPAHAAGETTI! The real situation is funnier of course, I just don't know how to tell it the funny way.

How i enjoy my jolly spaghetti with chicken Haha. :) set aside the gravy, make himay the chickenjoy, mix it wit the spaghetti, then EAT! Haha. :)

#superbusog #dinner #jollibee #spagetti #food #yumyum #instagood #instamood #love #eat #tagsforlikes #instadaily #igdaily #instapic #follow #followme

Last thing,UPLOAD!

And the cycle continues.

I actually don't mind all those things, or I just got used to it. The thing is that, I do think that it's my fault or I'm the reason why she created an account there (indirectly), because once upon a time, I asked her to share with me her facebook account, because I'm too lazy to create one, and so she did agree. And from that day on, our facebook account couldn't be that personal of each of us, there's always the limitation of what we could post because it should be from the two of us (at times we do put our names if it is from just one of us, but that isn't enough). And it goes to show that we are inseparable twins, an idea, a cliche people always think of when it comes to twins. We are different individuals and I do hope people treat as like that, but my not so brilliant facebook idea surely did not help that happen, and I'm to blame.

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Movie of the Day #10: The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey

2013-01-04T14:04:00.002+08:00

The Hobbit:

An Unexpected Journey (2012)

The Story: Sixty years before his 111th birthday, the home-y life of Bilbo Baggins, uncle of Frodo, turned into a grievous and disastrous one as he partakes on a journey with Gandalf and a company of dwarves to be a burglar that could help them defeat Smaug, a dragon which took one of the dwarves' kingdom and their treasures.

That's for the whole trilogy. The different subplots is for you to see.

Cast: Ian McKellen, Martin Freeman, Richard Armitage

Genre: Fantasy, Adventure

How I manage to stay awake in the almost 3-hour movie?

Just the thought that my (and my dad's) money would be wasted if I would not try to watch it, kidding! I actually have watched it two times already, one was way back December 21st, of which I didn't actually watched thoroughly since I was texting that time (sorry for those who were bothered by me, I actually hate those who use their phones in movie theaters, but who am I to hate) because it was Paskuhan day and we were supposed to go to UST together. The other time was last 31st with my close friend and it was on IMAX! (Gosh, it's so expensive, should have convinced her to watch MMFF entries). I agreed to watch it since I was not really able to concentrate the first time and truly I keep mentioning in my mind "Didn't notice this part!". The answer to the question, popcorn! And the few paragraphs next to this.

SPOILERS!

Why I Love It and Why Will You?

First, if you're a LOTR fan, you'll surely love this. If not, then it's worth the try. But don't go watch it and say that you're going to watch it just for the sake of watching a mainstream movie other people say is a must watch, do enjoy it.

I'm actually not a big fan of Lord of the Rings trilogy, they're too long, too dark, too I-don't-understand-them, and the names are too difficult to remember. What I love about them is the effects, the setting (made me want to go to New Zealand) and the idea itself, of many different creatures of Middle Earth. The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey, is practically just like the Lord of the Rings movies in terms of the theme, aura, the feel and flow (courtesy of the awesome director Peter Jackson). It also (pertaining to the first one alone but it is another trilogy) serves as a prequel (I know you know that, maybe what you don't know is that in terms of the book, The Hobbit came first '1937' and from a request he made the sequel LOTR and were published in '1954-55').

Well, most of the scenes are actually good.

A lot of witty scenes to love and you'll surely enjoy the action ones as well.

There was a battle of Rock-transformers!

And you'll love watching Bilbo (Martin Freeman - Dr. Watson of Sherlock series).

I was surprised to see him.

The company of dwarves were amazing and funny. Their Shire scene was very fun to watch and when they started singing and humming, it was so surreal. My favorite dwarves: Thorin (very Kingly), Kili and FIli (Merry and Pippin of the dwarves). Good-looking dwarves!

And this entry could not be posted without me telling how I find it funny how Galadriel (so that's her name!) floats/walks/turns around.

It was creepy yet funny.

And this picture from afar seems that she is graciously cursing me with her middle finger.

This movie actually made me want to watch again the LOTR movies.

Favorite Scenes

The Dwarves in Shire, especially the part where they sang the "Misty Mountain". I again would like to mention how surreal it was. Their big low voice were perfect for it. I like to commend Howard Shore for a job well done in the musical score. Next, the chase scene with the Goblins inside the mountain, Awesome! And lastly, the most epic part for me was the scene with the giant 'Great Eagles as they fly to Carrock. There was this particular frame that I wanted to be my wallpaper because it was so beautiful.

That's it, how do you find THE HOBBIT?

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My Not So Enthusiastic New Year Blog Post

2013-01-01T14:21:00.000+08:00

My first day of the year is fairly bad. Cough and cold plus a stomach pain from overeating last night (forgot to drink her medicine) and some irritating memories last night. Sometimes, I just can't stand her, but of course I didn't make the wrong decision of letting her get to me the whole new year's eve.

Anyway, last night I was browsing my newsfeed on facebook, and by golly, food, drinks, fireworks were everywhere. But there was this one status which made me smile. It's actually from my friend, and so it made me think if he meant it as a joke or not (basing from his personality). Whatever reason, it still made me smile.

I wanted to reply HAPPY NEW YEAR HAPPY NEW YEAR HAPPY NEW YEAR!, just to tease him, but decided not to.

(Note: Kill Joy and Pessimism activating)

I too have my share of things that I don't do during the holiday season. I don't do Christmas wish list, because no one will ever buy them to me, it just remains as its purpose, a list, when I become rich maybe I'll do one.

I don't do New Year's Resolutions, I do have lists of goals, dreams, wishes, etc, but not NYR per se (I think I just did when it was a requirement in school, and sometimes they would even have you in front of the class and mention them, pressure ah!), because I think everyday (if it's the first of January then so be it, bakit ba? New year, New beginnings, New me!) is a gift and an opportunity to change bad habits and improve the (or have new) good ones. Also, it's pretty lame to have all those resolutions just because it's new year, it takes more force than that, something coming from within, to maintain it the whole year round and even for the next year to come (So huwag ipilit, walang mararating yan!). If you're one of the few people who stick with their resolutions, then good for you, if not, don't be sad, you're not alone and a lot would be welcoming you to their club and just like what I said, any day is good day to start again (parang lokohan lang!). My only tip for those who are planning to make their NYR is to make realistic and specific goals.

Lastly, I am not going to share how my 2012 went through, though I'm very thankful for every blessing that I have received, I'm not really very enthusiastic about doing a blog post for it. Maybe next year I will!

So, sorry if you're not feeling the holiday season in my blog,

well the least I did were these,

I made this greeting yesterday, "Let's start the new year with a POP!", it seems that I'm the only one amused by it. hihi. I really think it's very appropriate for my blog.

More movies to watch this year!

Happy New Year Guys!

Let's be the best of ourselves this year!

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How I won my Sony Vaio E Laptop on Twitter!

2012-12-29T02:54:00.002+08:00

The day came when I finally decided to make my twitter account (One of the best decisions I've made, Follow me!), and it was last December 20, because of Ms. Laureen Uy's giveaway promo which includes winning a brand new Sony Nex F3 and a Sony Vaio. Well, as much as I love to have the compact SLR, I'm much in need of a new laptop.

Warning: This post will be long and will contain a lot of pictures because the experiences I'm going to share doesn't come too often, so I had to blog about it as detailed as possible.

First, a brief of something about me: I didn't learn the habit of making my parents or anyone else buy me things that I want, or ask for gifts whenever there is an occasion- birthdays or Christmas (so hindi ako sanay mamasko), just when there is something in necessity that I voice out whatever need that maybe. And so making them buy me a new laptop was out of the context. I don't know If I have mentioned this already about our (my sister) strategy (sounds deceiving but it's really not our intention, it's just what we do) in buying something really expensive, which is to save money enough to pay for half of it and just pay to rest later from our allowance. More often than not they will decide just to buy us the thing that we were saving for or pay the rest. Well, that's in the past, now, we should already prioritize finding a job to cater to our needs and wants, our mother's already bringing up about how we should be the ones to buy the Christmas gifts to our relatives already.

Back to "I'm much in need of a new laptop". I really wanted a new laptop for my self because my ever reliable di-puk-pok laptop is slowly disintegrating as well. It has layers of tape, clips, pins and many other things, just to make sure that the screen stands still and remains attached to its body. To make you visualize it more, imagine a Sony Vaio Duo, that's the future of my laptop if without the mentioned highly improvised accessories. Not that helpful yet, just see it for yourself.

Without the highly improvised accessories

The reason for the "Please Do Not Close" sign

Sad isn't it? But despite that, I'm really very proud of how this laptop had stand the test of time. This was my mother's laptop for many years already when she lend it to me in my first year in college (I graduated already). Regardless of the hassle when in comes to moving/transporting this laptop, this is still working 100%, it just need a little tap or blow every now and then. Hihi.

Anyway, I didn't win in the said promo above, actually it's still on going, I encourage you to join and try your luck. My new Sony Vaio E is from @ramonbautista's #RamonBautistaPaVaioSaPasko. I saw the tweet as I explore the realm of twitter as I am yet a newbie, but I wasn't fully encouraged to join since I couldn't find the full mechanics of it, just this tweet and the criteria.

Then 22nd came, early in the morning, just after we arrived at home from Paskuhan, the thought of it came in my head and so I weighed things if I would join or not, thinking I may not be able to finish it in time for the deadline (which is unmentioned until the last day). As we are about to leave (we were staying in another place for the Simbang Gabi period), it was then that I decided to join the contest and it was a fast decision, I said to myself "Sige gagawa na ako!" and then I started gathering things that I could use for making a card, I actually have a lot of scrapbook materials, but it would take me a long time to find them in wherever storage they are, so my last resort was the bundle of colored papers that my daddy bought for my niece.

I was planning to make a pop-up card, but then I realized it was very elaborate and would take time to make since I barely do it. And so I just decided to make a 3D one, and just make sure that my message would fit the criteria, especially the Kurot sa Puso criterion, since I noticed that Sir Ramon just favored those who have entries that has a touching and meaningful message.

As I was doing the card, I kept on refreshing his page, for updates regarding the deadlines, and then he tweeted that the last day would be on the 23rd, whew! Good thing I started to make one already. I uploaded my entry late in the afternoon of that day and kept browsing for some new entries that might hinder me in winning. Here's my entry.

Closer look (click to enlarge)

How I knew I won? I was viewing other entries the midnight between 23rd and 24th (the waiting makes me crazy!), and I was really hoping to win despite many beautiful entries as well. And so I keep on refreshing Ramon's page hoping to see a tweet announcing that I won a Sony Vaio! But there was none. After the simbang gabi, I also checked again my twitter and found out that Sir Ramon followed me! My first and only follower! (by that time)

And then I told myself why would he follow me? Did I won already? I checked his tweets but there was no announcement yet and then I learned about Direct Messages and saw his message

which made me more hopeful that I would be the winner, but then I still don't want to assume that I won already. So I gave him my number hoping that he would contact me that day. I was so anxious almost all day, that I even brought my cellphone with me the whole time, which I rarely do. I got nervous every time my phone would ring, one of my high school friends even called using a new number and so I thought it was him already. Gosh, my nerves that day, makes me smile whenever I remember it. (Abangers to the max!)

The day went by, there was no reply, no call, nothing.

25th. It was, I think, around 2am that we arrived at home and I was so eager to check my twitter account and then finally, there it was, the tweet that I have been waiting to see!

I was flabbergasted for a moment. After my "I can't believe that this is real" moment, I told everyone in the house that I won. And I can't stop thinking about it. Just WOW!

The Day I Met Sir RAMON BAUTISTA!

Claiming my laptop at SM North Edsa.

Sir Ramon has so many fans! (daming nagpapapicture!)

And he was really nice in accommodating them all.

I also took the opportunity to have him sign my copy of his book

"Bakit Hindi Ka Crush ng Crush Mo?"

My thank you gift (buti na lang hindi pa sila umaalis), screenshots of every episode from his Tales from the Friendzone series in Youtube. He said he'll post it in his living room wall, I really hope he does!

Updates: From Sir Ramon's instagram (though I'm not that _MandMS_ in instagram)
and mine in Facebook!

Presenting my new laptop!

SONY VAIO E

love love love <3

With the two cute guys!

I really think that the contest was really meant to be for me to win since I really need a new laptop and because I really enjoy making stuff like this, which reminds me that I actually had won another Christmas card making contest back in high school, but that was more of the design than the message. With regards to the message, I do have a tendency to be emotionally dramatic when it comes to my family, and so comes that.

And so I thought this was not my year, save the best for last, and the best is yet to come!

Definitely one of the highlights of my year.

I'm just so happy for this wonderful blessing.

Thank you Lord!

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Of Sorrows, Prayers and Hopes

2012-12-19T12:07:00.002+08:00

I was not actually planning to do a post about this, not until I saw the tribute video of The Voice for the Connecticut shooting, which put me to tears, that I decided to. I then found myself looking for photos and writings of the incident, the aftermath and stories of the victims, which made me cry harder because of the emotions of the families and friends (even non-relative) of the victims - heartbreaking.

It was just last July when we were struck by the news of the shooting in one theater in Colorado (12 dead, 59 wounded), and then last 14th of December that of the Newtown, Connecticut shooting (28 dead, many of whom are children). It was a very sad and devastating news.

A lot of us might be thinking, how such things could be of human conduct, yet let us not merely judge but try to understand what Adam Lanza and the others had been through to commit such acts. How could such thing be prevented? Is it an issue of gun control, of security protocols, of evil dispute, or of mental incapacity? Whatever it is, there still is the fact that people (innocent people) are dead and we could never bring them back as much as we'd like to. What we need now is to take action so that in the future things like these could be prevented. Let's also take some time to pray for the souls of

Charlotte 6, Daniel 7, Olivia 6 , Josephine 7, Ana 6 , Dylan 6, Catherine 6, Chase 7, Jesse 6, James 6, Grace 7, Emilie 6, Noah 6, Caroline 6, Jessica 6,

Benjamin 6, Jack 6, Avielle 6, Madeleine 6, Allison 6

Dawn Hochsprung, teacher, Nancy Lanza, Adam's mother, Anne Marie Murphy, school staff, Mary Sherlach, psychologist, Victoria Soto, teacher, Lauren Russeau, teacher,

Rachel D'Avino, behavioral therapist, and Adam Lanza

may they rest in peace and find home in Paradise, as well as strength for their families for such pain they have to go through because of what had happened.

Let's keep praying and hoping for God's guidance and peace for our world.

sources:

news.msn.com

www.telegraph.co.uk

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Good goes to Heaven, Bad goes to Hell

2012-12-19T09:35:00.000+08:00

I'm not here to talk about how good people go to heaven and how the bad ones go to hell and all the elaborative details of it. I would just babble if I'd rationalize philosphically about it. Anyway, I'm here to share my pain, well, my arthritic pain (the art of self-diagnosing! Just kidding, shame on me. Please don't emulate me, see a doctor!). I'd been feeling this thing lately in my right knee especially when walking too much or jogging. Just when I'm into exercising! I guess it's a way of my body to say that I badly need to lose weight and lay off my bad eating habits. The pain is actually bearable but when I step on the wrong foot, it just makes me want to curse so bad. And one challenge of having a leg injury? To navigate your way through a stairs.

That's what's with the title! "Good foot goes to heaven, Bad foot goes to Hell" or "Up with the good, Down with the bad". Whatever you like. It's actually one gait tip to make your way up or down the stairs much easier and with lesser pain, if you have foot or leg injury. It's very simple, when you go down the stairs, the bad foot (weaker leg) goes first (down is to hell), and when you go up the stairs the good foot (stronger leg) goes up first (up is to heaven), because you wouldn't want to bend or bear your weight to the bad foot (it's the bad foot, so don't rely on it).

To make it more clear: Going Up
(One step of the stairs at a time, hold on to the side rails)
Step 1: Good foot
Step 2: Align your Bad foot to the good foot (both foot should be on the same step)
Step 3: Repeat step 1 and 2 until you reached the top

Same goes for going down, just use the bad foot first. This apply only to one leg injury, well because if it's a two leg injury (serious ones), c'mon, there wouldn't be a good and a bad foot, unless the other one is not as bad as the other. There is actually a number of variations of this technique especially when using assistive devices, but this is the basic, which you can use when you have pain/injury on your foot/knee/leg.

As easy as this mnemonic may sound and to memorize, you'd just realize its essence when you have tried it first hand (So go injure yourself now! Kidding!). So next time you feel something in your legs, try this technique. It's very helpful.

source

The real culprit of my knee pain :)

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St. Paul Cathedral | Up to the North

2012-12-18T22:27:00.000+08:00

St. Paul Cathedral

It is also known as the Metropolitan Cathedral in Ilocos Sur.

It's original structure which was still a chapel made of wood was built in 1574.

while the church as you can see in the pictures was completed in 1800.

St. Paul's statue just above the main entrance

A statue of the second saint of the Philippines, San Pedro Calungsod.

Main Post: Up To The North: Ilocos Trip

Click for more of our trip

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Bantay Church and Bell Tower | Up to the North

2012-12-18T21:36:00.001+08:00

Bantay Church

Also known as St. Augustine (of Hippo) Church in Bantay, Ilocos Sur

It is one of the oldest churches of Ilocos Sur, which was built in 1590.

The Church was damaged during WWII, but was reconstructed in 1950.

The restored facade is of Neo-Gothic Design mixed with Pseudo-Romanesque elements.

It became the Shrine of Our Lady of Charity in 1956

when the miraculous image of our lady was crowned as the patroness of Ilocandia.

Nuestra Senora de Caridad Gallery

Our Lady of Charity gallery just beside the church.

Bantay Bell Tower

Built in 1591, this belfry was said to be the people's watch tower,

which helps in alerting the city against possible enemies.

Main Post: Up To The North : Ilocos Trip

Click for more of our trip

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Up to the North: Ilocos Trip

2012-12-17T23:48:00.003+08:00

We were yet students when we planned to go to this Ilocos trip and we even had our contract in promise to attend to it after our graduation, which was further delayed to be after the board exam results are released. Finally we already had it done by the end of last month. Unfortunately only seven (out of twelve members of our RLE) were able to come. But still that's already a big number considering all things, including parent's approval, budget, work schedule, etc.

Nothing is quite liberating with traveling alone and securing as with family trips, but nothing can also compare to the one of a kind enjoyment you'll experience when you're with your friends. It's like those two things together, going on a trip without the comfort of having your parents, who are responsible for most of the stressful things (let's admit it, but I guess this doesn't apply for all), but somehow you'll still have the security of going along with someone you know and think of as your second family. That's how I see it.

So why Ilocos?

Aside from being one of the most beautiful places in the country with all its history, attractions and landscapes, it's also the home of our RLEmate, Donna, which was cool because we sort of have a host in our trip. Her family was really very nice and accommodating in sharing their place to us when we were in Ilocos Sur.

Now, let me introduce you to my lovely company.

How it Went?

Pretty fun and amazing, yet tiring since we only have three days and so our everyday schedule is always jam-packed.

Here is the overview of our Ilocos trip with our group pictures (The autofocus of my camera is broken, so making the tour guides take the shot was quite a hassle, and so most of my group shots don't include me. Thanks to my fellow bloggers Bianca, Donna and Eunice for these group pictures!), sadly for some places we don't really have. I will be posting Photoblog entries for more photos and tidbits on each of the said places (Just click on the title links below). Do visit my friends' blogs for more detailed information on the different places we'd been.

We rode a bus in Manila to Ilocos Sur during the night, after seven hours, I think, we arrived in Ilocos Sur, which is before dawn. We rested in Donna's place for some time and after which we prepared for our Ilocos Sur tour.

First Day: Ilocos Sur

Bantay Church/San Agustin Church

Lunch at Cafe Leona

Crisologo Museum

Pagburnayan Pottery

Hidden Garden

Baluarte

Irene's Ilocos Empanada

Banaoang River/Bridge

The next day, with our very own coaster courtesy of Donna,
we drove towards Ilocos Norte,

Second Day: Sur to Norte

Vigan Heritage Village

Currimao Coral Formation

Juan Luna House

Malacanang of the North

Paoay Church

Paoay Lake

Pagudpud (night)

Third day: Ilocos Norte

Patapat Viaduct

Kabigan Falls

Pagudpud (day)

Bangui Windmills

Kapurpurawan White Rock Formation

Then back to Ilocos Sur and then Manila.

I'm hoping that we could do more of this soon. It was really a great experience.

Just to share,
the theme song of our trip was this super cute song in Youtube entitled

"Dumb Ways to Die",

and we even have our own version, based on our experiences,

composed by Eunice.

Got yourself killed by insect bites

Suffocate to death with insecticide

Had yourself hit by a tourist bus

Posing by the ledge and fall on the ground

Dumb ways to die

So many dumb ways to die

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Movie of the Day #9: Pitch Perfect

2012-12-16T22:03:00.004+08:00

Pitch Perfect (2012)

The Story: In Barden University, freshman Beca set foot for the first time in college to honor her father's wish, but what she really loves is to play and make music. With a challenge from her father, she decided to join one of the so-called organized nerd singing groups, an all-girl-a-capella group, named Barden Bellas, and suprisingly formed a great bond with them. With an asian dormate, match pitching guys, a lot of music making and word playing with just mouths and voices, extraordinary friends, amazing DJ skills, Beca put her own twist to the a capella world.

Cast: Anna Kendrink as Beca, Skylar Astin as Jesse, Brittany Snow as Chloe, Anna Camp as Aubrey, Rebel Wilson as Fat Amy.

Genre: Comedy, Musical

SPOILERS!

Why I love it and why will you?

Despite my love for some action and fantasy, heavy drama and inspiring stories, what I love most is comedy (there's nothing like laughing your heart out with such pleasure) and musical (entertaining singing and dancing numbers). This movie just brought two of my favorite things! (though it still can't beat and no where near my favorite classic Singin' in the Rain, still Pitch Perfect is something).

Also I'm a big fan of a capella. I have a couple of songs from when I was still in high school from a group called Akafellas, totally amazing group of guys. And I always make sure that my phone or my other music player will have those songs. Then, it made my heart skip a beat when the Dalton Academy Warblers came to Glee. And now I basically am taken with the amazing a capella performer Mike Tompkins after I saw his Starships cover with the Pitch Perfect cast.

This movie is really entertaining. The amazing performances and a lot of funny satirical moments were enjoyable to watch that I could watch it a million times exaggeratedly, but I did had watched it for four times in only a 24 hour period (and while I write this I'm watching it on a quarter corner of the screen). It's one of those chick flicks that you'd really want to see over and over because you enjoy it so much.

The Cast
The cast was pretty charming and amusing to watch. And all are super talented and have such great voices.

I love Fat Amy, at first I thought she has that irritating character but she's totally hilarious! It doesn't matter how many times I've watched this, I still always laugh with her scenes. She's really fascinating to watch.

I also really like Jesse, I mean he loves movies and popcorn plus he's super funny and caring, not to mention his super great voice. What more could you ask for? (He reminds me of Josh Radnor of How I Met Your Mother, and how cool that his character's name in Liberal Arts is Jesse as well)

I also did like Beca, and I don't know if you noticed, but she always does this laughing smile (the thing when you're preventing your self to laugh, but that smile couldn't really resist to because there is something totally outrageous) and then turns to a serious face, so cute to watch. On a serious note, just like Beca, I too am one of those who didn't have lot of friends who were girls before college (I mean I do have girl friends but not like a group of girl friends you hang out with most of the time, if you know what I mean), and having been separated with my sister in college and being with my first year girl barkada and my lovely RLE which is composed of mostly girls, I realized that it's pretty amazing and is so much fun. Also, I kind of shut some people out at times, like there is this automatic thing in me that says "this has to stop", and true it's an easier way to deal with stuff yet lonely.

I'm becoming to like Anna Kendrick as well (she's on Broadway, how amazing is that?!), she's like Kristen Stewart funny alter ego and I think she really fits well of her character since she is kind of sarcastic in most of the interviews I've seen of her. I wish to hear and see more of her singing and acting. I didn't actually appreciate her that much in Twilight saga and What to Expect When You're Expecting (where I've only seen her, I think, oh and Scott Pilgrims vs the World), you bet that I'm going to watch her other movies as well.

Though not a big fan of Aubrey's psychological projectile vomiting, I kinda feel for her having so much pressure, she seems to be the bitch in the movie but it turns out that she is just misunderstood. (I knew I saw her somewhere, and it's actually on Glee, when she was one of the judge in Sectionals)

Chloe was cool too, but kind of perplexing since a lot is going on with her character. I'm a fan of Brittany Snow, whether she's the good girl or the grade-A bitch in her movies. Love her!

There is also Lilly (Hana Mae Lee) who I totally can't understand at first because of her very very loud voice!

The commentators, John (John Michael Higgins) and Gail (Elizabeth Banks), were pretty funny as well and their inappropriate dialogues are hilarious.

But there are some which I don't really get, like that arrogant guy and leader of the Treblemaker, Bumper (Adam Devine), he really irritates me! I super hate him, Errr! And what happened with Kimmy Jin? "Happy Spring break"? That's it? I'm pretty much hoping for a sort of reconciliation, but it seems I would just keep on hoping.

Hmmmm

It actually has a generic plot like those of the movies involving competitions - Bring It On and some of the Step Up movie. There's the cliched new guy/girl who wants or doesn't want to belong but belong anyways. The guy eventually get the girl (vice versa), like what Beca said, and they are the ones who win in the competition by the end of the movie. Though I don't really care much about that, what really matters for me is the lesson it would like to portray and the entertainment it gave us. I believe that there's more room for innovation in this very refreshing a capella movie. In the sequels maybe?

The only thing I could say contradicting with what the movie have shown/said, is when it (The Kick-Ass villain guy) tried to mock or insult Glee (basing from the description itself and the category "Songs ruined by Glee" in the riff-off) that what they have is not just some high school club where they can sing and dance their way out any big social issues and confused sexuality, that if they're looking for that, they have come to the wrong place. Well, I think that is what the show did portray by the end of the movie. That despite their differences and issues they still make a good team - like the sense of Glee after all.

I hate to say this, but maybe it's because of their costumes/attire that makes their stage performances seem flimsy. The Bella uniform make them look like flight attendants, the jackets with different inside shirts were too laid-back for a competition, and do they really plan to wear the same costumes over and over again? It does not have to be all the same, just need to be sleek. They can be individually different but at the same time in line with the theme of the group's attire as a whole. The last performance of the Bellas would have been perfect. I understand that they wanted to make an impression or statement but still, classy costumes are classy as it is and budget wise, I don't think they have problem with it considering the houses of the different a capella groups.

My Favorite Scenes

I have so many parts that I really like. First the shower scene, where Chloe and Beca sang Titanium; the auditions (including Beca's cup thing! There's a longer version of it in the soundtrack); I also like the part where Jesse was using the cover of the records to catch Beca's attention; also the singing in the coaster was really fun to watch (and it really reminds me times when everyone around me are singing and I'm just the only one who isn't. I just don't sing in public as much as I can. Quoting the tone-deaf sidekick "If I could sing a lick in any human way possible, I would, but I can't and I hate myself every day because of it"); and the first mash-up of the Bellas in the pool; and of course the final performances of the Treblemakers and the Bellas were amazing.

Lastly, the riff-off in the swimming pool, best part for me. Simply Aca-mazing!

Watch this clip

I personally like to praise the screenwriter, Kay Cannon, for such an amazing job!

This is a movie worth watching!

Will be watching The Breakfast Club because of this.

Credits for the photos

facebook.com/pitchperfectmovie

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Movie of the Day #8: Beyond the Blackboard

2012-12-15T23:47:00.000+08:00

Beyond the Blackboard (2011)

The Story: In 1987, newly graduate and a mother of two, Stacey Bess took her first job as a teacher in a school with no name in a shelter of homeless people. She always wanted to become a teacher when she was a kid and with hopes to give her students the best education they deserve, she did everything she could just to make sure of it and eventually making a difference in the lives of her students and their families.

Cast: Emily Van Camp as Stacey Bess, Timothy Busfield as School District HR Representative, Treat Williams as Dr. Warren, Liam McKanna as Danny, Paola Nicole Andino as Maria and Steve Talley as Greg Bess.

Genre: Drama

SPOILERS!

Why I love it and why will you?

First of all, I did watched this movie because of Emily Van Camp, you see when I become a fan of an actor/actress, I have this tendency to watch some, if not all, of their films.

Moving on, throughout the movie, my general feeling is of happiness (despite some sad moments), for the children and their families are so blessed to have Stacey Bess in their lives. She's really a heaven sent. The title actually says it all, that the purpose, duties or responsibilities of teachers do not solely involve those of books, blackboards, classroom, for it's a lot more than that because they can share and do anything that could make a difference in their students' lives. Like what the saying says, "A teacher affects eternity, he can never tell where his influence stops".

What's also great in this, is that it's based on a true story (from the accounts of the real Stacey Bess in her book entitled "Nobody Don't Love Nobody"), which makes it more inspiring. Now, I have another great teacher movie to add up on my list of inspiring ones.

I couldn't really point out the big epic turning point throughout the story or is it safe to say that that turning point is the whole situation per se, because it tackles a whole lot of issues from poverty, inequality, to separation, sacrifice and a lot more or maybe it actually is when Maria left. One reason is maybe because they dealt every problem coming in their way with so much kindness, acceptance and understanding, which somehow makes it a none problem thing, do I make sense? Or maybe I just did not see it the way I'm suppose to or I just never did realized or grasp the full feelings poured into each situation/problem. Anyway, it does not matter, I just noticed that I did not realize the movie is ending already, that's why I mentioned this.

On another note, the movie actually reminded me of Freedom Writers with some of its points in the story, one of which is a very passionate teacher who is really willing to do anything for the sake of making her students learn, and reaching out for them (up to a point of buying materials with her own money, transforming their very unlikely classroom into a bit likable one), and giving care and attention to their personal lives as well. Another is that the movie also showed the students' personal/familial problems/stories (like in Ron Clark Story as well). But, unlike in Freedom Writers where it really didn't go well for Erin and her husband, here in BtB, Stacey's family is really very supportive of her, that her husband even volunteered to be a coach for their summer school and her children are good kids she does not have to worry about.

Also (I just like to share), there is this one episode in Maalaala Mo Kaya which is somehow similar to this story. It starred Gladys Reyes whose character Letty Canlas is also an aspiring teacher with her own family. She was then deputed, by the school district representative, in a remote town wherein Aetas live. There were a lot of challenges for her especially in communicating with the people and with her committing to the said community, she begins to sacrifice her own family. But at the end, they all went well.

My favorite Scenes

I actually don't have a favorite (like really favorite) scene but I guess every part where there are people helping each other in the shelter (starting from the cleaning and painting) were pretty amazing to watch, like they were really a family already.

Just to give you a glimpse of how her first day went, here she is on the day she took her job (first picture), and the rest was her first day on the shelter. Expectation versus Reality!?

I also did like that part in the park, where Stacey said to her husband that he was the best teacher she ever had. Such a sweet and understanding husband of her.

Some lines that I really like (correct me if I'm wrong)

You know what, everyday I wait for someone to sweep on in and solve the problems out there, but there's no Superman coming Greg, me tag, we're it, right? This happened in my classroom and I had to do something about it.

-Stacey

I wish all people would think and do like her. Imagine how great this world would be if we all would think responsibly not only for ourselves but for people around us as well.

Ms. Stacey, If I don't say goodbye, I can imagine you're always with me. Love, Maria

Goodbyes are always difficult but it ain't forever, it ain't the end. Still we got to move on with our lives and just believe and hope that time will come when you would meet again. It isn't always a bad thing, just think of it as a way to miss that someone.

That's the trick, it's not easy. You serve, you have no control over what happens. But you keep serving. You keep serving. - Johnny

I somehow felt for Stacey during this part because it's the truth, a truth that is really difficult to accept, that no matter what you do, no matter what you sacrifice for the sake of others, you still don't have control over their lives, and with that is the challenge to still continue doing what you're doing. And I then understand how teachers especially advisers feel when their students already graduate (especially those who had created bonds just like a family), which feels like someone they truly value has left them and eventually forget them. But that is not all true, because no matter how far we (students) are, how long it takes us to keep in touch again, how we've been in our career, we would always remember those special teachers who have touched our lives, and they will always have a special place in our hearts.

Beyond the Blackboard is a Hallmark Original Movie, and I was actually supposed to say that it is the same thing that brought us the beautiful story of another great teacher Ron Clark, but it turns out that I just saw the movie in Hallmark Channel but it's not a Hallmark Original Movie.

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My Version of Personalized Cards

2012-12-13T19:39:00.000+08:00

I'm always a fan of anything personalized, for it generates a sense of uniqueness, effort and ownership, and because I'm very sentimental. When in college (well, up to now) I have this personalized card thing that I usually do whenever there is an occasion within a circle, usually a birthday. As much as I'd like to do it with different arts and craftsmanship (like in scrapbooking - which I also love to do), time wouldn't always agree, so since I also love tweaking pictures in photoshop, I just decided to make a digital version of it, which is less time consuming, and I would just have it printed afterwards (inspired by the Christmas cards our relatives would usually send with their family pictures) much like a poster and fold it in half. The last thing to do is to have your friends/group members write their messages.

I think I started to do this thing for my RLEmate Sheena's birthday way back 2009, and from that day on I (we) would usually do it for my (our) RLEmates/ classmates/ clinical instructors/ teachers/ friends. Here are some of them.

The very first card I ever made, for Sheena's birthday.

This one is for our very first clinical instructor in a Medical Ward, during our second year. It's entitled What's the Case of your Patient? because she would always ask that question whenever we would have our one on one discussion.

For my classmate Shiela. I literally call her "friend" because she is used to calling all her friends as "friend" or "kaibigan", and we just adapted the same. This was actually used in her invitation, I could not find the card version.

This one is for Shiela's korean buddy Helena. She's here for the Student Exchange Program in our college. Though I did not signed up to be one of the buddies, I was also able to meet some Koreans because some of my classmates did. It was really a nice experience to interact/socialize with them in the clinical setting and outside of it as well.

For my lovely RLEmates, Pat and Donna

For our fourth year adviser's birthday, which was supposedly a card also but since we would not be able to write in it, a poster would do fine.

For one of the best clinical instructors we had.

These were the recent ones. For the birthday boys.

For AC, our model classmate!

The last two here are for Sheena's friends.

My RLEmates would tease me to do my own card and just let them sign, but during my 20th birthday they gave me my very own personalized card (made by Daniele, the artist in our RLE)

See my other edits

Programs I use

Xara 3D (for the 3D texts)

Adobe Photoshop CS4

PSD's and other photoshop resources from,

sorry if I'm not able to name all.

premiumpixels.com

freepsdfiles.net

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Once Upon A Time in Storybrooke

2012-12-13T03:02:00.000+08:00

Once Upon a Time is a fantasy drama series from abc. Alongside with its fellow abc primetime show Revenge, this too is one of the most watched and talked about series today. I'm quite happy that I gave Once Upon a Time another chance, just as my high school classmate told me, because I'm super loving it now, one happy Oncers here. The thing is that it took me a number of episodes to realize how great it was. Like Revenge, I'm already aware of this series because of its previews on Starworld and in fact Once Upon a Time caught my interest more than that of Revenge because of the interesting story line needless to say, plus I like watching Jennifer Morrison in House MD, the main reason which got me watching up until episode 6, but my mentioned like for her was not powerful enough to my flattening enthusiasm with the show. The first few episodes didn't really struck me that much; I get bored and slept while watching at times (which for me is a sign that something isn't that good or less good), so I decided to change the series I'm watching (where Revenge came in), but when series make you wait for another episode to air, it's just normal to find another to keep you entertained and so I again watched Once Upon a Time.

STORY

Once upon a time in Storybrooke, a kid named Henry got hold of this book which told tales about their neighborhood, its people and the dark curse (which transported and trapped every fairy tale character (well, not really all as the series goes), with no memory of who they truly are (not also everyone), and no more happy endings, from Fairy Tale Land to a land of no magic - Storybrooke). He became aware that her biological mother, Emma Swan, is the key to breaking the curse, and so he got his way to Boston and convinced her to come with him in Storybrooke and save the people.
Emma, not believing Henry's story of her as the savior and daughter of Snow and Charming, went to Storybrooke just to return Henry to her foster mother Regina Mills the Mayor of Storybrooke, but after some issues she realized how his son needs her and decided to stay and protect him from Regina who is the Evil Queen in the fairy tale world.

The story mainly revolves around how Emma would break the curse, which at the end of season one she did but they're still in Storybrooke, so it then becomes to how they would go back to their fairy tale world and defeat the evil ones, may it be Rumplestiltskin, Regina the Queen, or Regina's mother, and eventually have their happy endings. Alongside to that are the untold creatively written stories of the different characters coming in and out of the plot.

CAST

The fairy tale character then their Storybrooke counterpart, if applicable.

These are the regulars.

Jennifer Morrison as Emma Swan

Ginnifer Goodwin as Snow White/Mary Margaret Blanchard

Lana Parrilla as Evil Queen/Regina Mills

Josh Dallas as Prince Charming/David Nolan

Jared S. Gilmore as Henry Mills

Robert Carlyle as Rumplestiltskin/Mr. Gold

So what happened last episode- their winter finale:

Season 2 Episode 9 (Queen of Hearts)

Regina and Gold decided to take precaution and destroy the portal where Cora might enter, but destroying the portal would mean killing whoever would enter and if Emma and Snow succeed, they might be the ones who would. It was then revealed that Cora was trapped in Wonderland and became the famous Queen of Hearts, when Regina sent Hook to get her heart and kill her so that as the curse takes place she will not be able to be transported. But Cora isn't that easy to kill, she decided to kill Regina but eventually changed her mind after hearing what Regina said to her and so she decided to protect her kingdom from the curse and wait for the curse to be broken and move from there with the help of Hook.

Fast forward, Snow and Emma succeeded with the use of ink from a paper with Emma's names in Rumple's prison, brought Charming back to life from the sleeping curse. And so they may have thought Cora and Hook were defeated and will never be able to come to Storybrooke, but they thought wrong, with the use of the dried up dead magic bean from the giant and the water from the Lake Nostos which has the power to restore what was once lost, they were able to come to Storybrooke...

One note, I really felt sad for Regina after she was left alone...

Why I love it and why will you?

A lot of fairy tale stories had been re-written or re-invented in different-or-somewhat-alike way in a screenplay, putting a cool twist to the original classic story or Disney style. Examples are the movies Red Riding Hood, Snow White and the Huntsman, Mirror Mirror, Alice in Wonderland, etc, which I refer to as fairy tale versions for grown-ups. Also now, it's about time to hit our television sets as we now have Once Upon a Time and this is not just about one fairy tale character but about as many as you can name and much more with characters that you also are not familiar of, and also includes some that aren't actually fairy tales or I'm just misinformed. What's different in this series among the others is of its contemporary blend to it much like that of the movie Enchanted's plots, where a fairy tale character sets footsteps in the real world, present world, and there is this shifting between two time lines- the real world and the fairy tale world.

You'll love the fairy tale couture (especially the evil queen's), the props, the different settings/places (my favorite would be Mr. Gold's Pawnbroker and Antiquities Dealer, Regina's office and Wonderland), the food in Granny's diner, and the effects in some are actually good considering the use of green screen. I thought that Storybrooke would definitely be shot at a studio where they created the village but actually it is a real village called Stevenson (which I'd like to visit someday because it's pretty interesting), the creative department just crafted it with signs and such to resemble Storyrooke, the stores in it are open even when filming, there is this ice cream store which sells flavors after the different characters in the series, really cool isn't it? These all mentioned makes Once very pleasing visually.

On the other hand, I have these small pile of things I find weird or poor or ridiculous or lousy at times about the different stories and dialogues in the series which is partly one of the reason I didn't enjoyed it at the start, but I got used to it as the series moves on. Here are some:

Literally taking the heart of someone by hand, you can then keep it to control the person whom it belongs or crush it with your hand to kill that person, I'll understand if it's only the Queen who can do that weird thing, but what's weirder is that other characters can actually do it as well - probably all can do it. It was just weird thrusting someone with your whole hand and it just goes through the body.

The True Love's Kiss got so overused. As we all know, it can break any curse. Now, it does not have that impact of a true love's kiss anymore.

And everything always has to do with Rumplestiltskin and The Queen. Almost all the characters seek Rumple for help, even the Queen, and that almost all characters had also been a victim of the Queen's wrath. Which at some point absurd, considering the stories we grew to know.

Still there are pretty much a lot of interesting yet somehow complex things that goes with the different plots. It also has a deeper sense of reality to it, that every person, however we perceive good and perfect she/he is at some point in their lives had flawed, there always will be that hamartia in their lives they will soon regret. And that every wrongdoings have its reasons, and yet we tend to easily judge someone, though there's no good reason for evil, at least we try to understand and forgive them. This series is also a nice way for the villains of fairy tale stories to actually defend or have their side of the story and have their chance to make things right.

It's also amazing how they connect everyone in the fairy tale world with everyone else - very creative story lines, not to mention the congruence going on with their Storybrooke counterparts, like Jiminy being a psychiatrist, Rumple a pawnbroker, etc., very inventive indeed. There were also so many characters coming in with their untold stories and it seems endless since a lot of fairy tale characters I know (we know) are not been told yet. Though the story isn't that similar to what we know about our different fairy tale, it still is interesting and likable yet confusing at times. Let me spoil you with some:

> Genie fell in love with Regina and he also turned out to be the guy in Regina/The Evil Queen's mirror.

> Captain Hook's hooked hand is the result of Rumplestiltskin's revenge on him for taking away his wife.

> The Evil Queen hated Snow so much because she is the reason why her fiance Daniel is dead. But it was Cora/Regina's mother who killed him, it's just that when they are on the verge on eloping, Snow told Cora about it which she promised to keep secret.

With the Storybrooke people (and some fairy tale people with no counterparts), one thing I love to do is to guess who their fairy tale character are. There are so many characters to love, like

the very handsome hunstman/Sheriff Graham (Jamie Dornan),

Revengeful Captain Hook (Colin O'Donoghue),

Not so little Red Riding Hood/Ruby (Meghan Ory), which is a regular now in season two

along with Belle (Emilie de Ravin), Rumple's love interest

Rumple's son Baelfire (Dylan Schmid),

Dreamy turned Grumpy/Leroy (Lee Arenberg),

Not really that insane Jefferson, much known to us as the Mad Hatter (Sebastian Stan) who has a very interesting story and is handsome as well,

there's also Pinocchio, Jiminy Cricket, Cinderella, Mulan and a lot more!

I hear Ariel going to be in Once soon, exciting!

My favorite characters

I've said earlier that Emma is the reason why I began watching this show, pretty amazing resemblance with Ginnifer considering she is her mother, just saying. Aside of having no counterpart in the fairy tale world, she, for me, one of the most complex and misunderstood characters in the series, after what she had been through, but I love how strong and heroic her personality is.

Love her eyeglasses!

Not a big fan of Snow White and Prince Charming (especially the confused David).

But generally, I like Snow (and Mary Margaret), she's a bad ass here, not the typical quiet, loving Snow, I like her when she uses her bow and that outfit is just amazing (refer to picture with the bow an arrow). Although, I hate the little snow (she irritates me! I don't know why, which pretty much made it easier for me to accept the justification of Regina's hatred towards her) for telling Regina's mother the secret Regina told her not to tell, and so I practically blame her for everything (despite her being just a child), especially with Regina's bitterness. Charming is okay but I prefer Sheriff Graham which is quite sad because he's dead already.

One of the biggest reason why I loved the show now is because of Regina, the Evil Queen, Lana Parilla. Loved her! Shout out to all the Evil Regals out there! Charlize Theron as Ravenna for me is the most beautiful and amazing Evil Queen among all the EQs I know, I super loved her portrayal in Snow White and the Huntsman, but as I get hooked to Once Upon a Time, I slowly adore Lana Parilla's Regina, she's really beautiful, her eyes are full of emotion, her knavish smile, her interesting scar and she has super white teeth that shows whenever she say her evil lines - epic. She is really fitting for the role.

Yes, she's cold evil at times but she also has a heart. I'm always at a doubt if she's good or bad, there are moments that I super hate her but there are times that I really felt bad for her, especially when it made sense to what the real reason for her evilness (though still doesn't justify her wrong doings) and when she shows how he truly loves Henry. Still, I'm rooting for her and I just wanted to know the ending because I know I she'll overcome her evilness and be on the good side and have her happy ending with her very own Prince Charming.

The young demure Regina was too good to be true considering her evil background,

so I'm not really a big fan of that.

Loved this line of her and how she said it.

Very evil!

Same thing for Mr. Gold, (I guess that would have to do with them having someone they love- which they say is someone's weakness, but I say it's both their weakness and strength), but I'm more frightened with him (he's actually more powerful here than what I know of him from the children's book) than Regina because of his crocodile skin appearance and his laugh is just a sound of nightmare, totally terrifying and his Rumple's voice is very creepy unlike his (true) Mr. Gold's big low voice with a very good accent. But he is definitely one of the most believable characters in the show as Mr. Gold and Rumplestiltskin with his movement and gestures, the best Rumple yet! He's perfect for the role.

Kudos to the makers, Adam Horowitz and Edward Kitsis, who are also the makers of Lost, which I was once a big fan of too (you'll see familiar actors from Lost too).

To end, here is blooper reel I saw in youtube and a quote.

Not much sensible quotations I collected but there is one that stuck, which was said by Jefferson the Mad Hatter to Emma.

You know what the issue is with this world?

End

Credits:
abc.go.com/once-upon-a-time
distracted-by-hiddles.tumblr (Jefferson's photos)

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Movie of the Day #7: Breaking Dawn Part 2

2012-12-10T00:41:00.000+08:00

Breaking Dawn Part 2 (2012)

I should be rambling about our Ilocos trip weeks ago, but unfortunately I've been busy with other stuff. For now, here is a Movie of the Day, to update my blog (it's been weeks, I know!). Anyway, I wrote this last Tuesday but our connection was down so I was not able to post it.

Cast: Kristen Stewart as Bella, Robert Pattinson as Edward and Taylor Lautner as Jacob

Genre: Fantasy, Romance

SPOILERS!

The Story: is about how Edward and Bella's happy ending went through. The part one left us with Bella (bitten by Edward to save her), the already vampire, but before that vampire part, Bella is already having a baby inside her. With that, comes this last part, the so-called epic finale of the Twilight saga where they have to defend to the Volchever (and yes I meant Volturi, couldn't remember the name while drafting this), that their daughter, Renesmee, is not a full vampire/ an immortal child, which is very dangerous since even a small tantrum of an untrained toddler vampire could kill a lot of humans.

SPOILERS!

Why I love it and why will you?

I'll admit that I'm one of the people who just recently watched it, since movies like this one belongs to the movie-promised-to-be-watched-with-family and so it took me a long time to. But it was fine with me since I'm not really that eager to watch it despite how every people kept saying how good it was. After watching it, I did say that the movie really gave a lot, it really is entertaining to watch. I really thought that people are just overreacting when they say that it's really beautiful, because they tend to always say it for the past Twilight movies. Well, this is the first time that I really enjoyed a Twilight movie (even the trailer seemed promising, the first time I saw it). I'll admit that I never am a big Twilight fan, nor of vampires and of Bella, personally (after what he did to Robert! Kidding! I just don't feel the character of Bella), but in this last installment, I did like Bella as a vampire! (Watching the past movies, I would never say that! - Never say never!) She's indeed born to be a vampire! That fierce red eye suits her!

The theme of family ties, sacrifice, loyalty, and love was shown all over it, no wonder the CBCP endorses it. Aside from that it becomes clear here (at least for me) who's Jacob's partner would be, tentenen! It's Renesmee! Apparently for the avid fans, being imprinted by someone means that he/she is your soul mate! (Sorry, I don't talk Twilight)

My favorite scenes

I loved the part where she was experiencing how is it like to be a vampire (making being a vampire really cool!), and that part where she is practicing not to act like one. Also, the different powers/gifts the different vampires have were a pretty nice touch to them.

The fight scene was really fun and exciting to watch. I did felt sad when Carlisle was beheaded and then Jasper, really why do the good looking guys have to die. And I don't like to sound morbid but I really enjoyed the beheading scenes, it was so smooth, like that of a swoosh of a samurai sword without the sword, so cool!

And then the most epic part sets in just when you are at the edge of your seat waiting for what's to happen to the Volturi after Aro died, BOOM! It was just a vision! Really funny!

One awesome part too was when Bella said that she has to show Edward something and then A Thousand Years started playing in the background when a montage of their moments/memoirs was shown. It was really funny! But still was really sweet, nice and cool! (Imagine you could do that! A built in movie maker in your mind, just think of the memory, add up some transitions and a theme song and viola!)

To end, I'd like to say, (just for the record):

I liked Garrett among all the vampire witnesses.

Carlisle is my favorite of the Cullen guys!

I love Alice among the girls!

You must be saying "and yet you say your not a fan of vampire!"

My answer "they're not just vampires, they're cool and nice-looking vampires!

There's a difference! hihi!

And i'm on team Edward, or I'd like to say team Cedric.

credits for the photos:

wikipedia (poster)

breakingdawnthemovie.com

collider.com

bestmoviesevernews.com

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One Successful Flashmob Surprise Wedding!

2012-11-18T03:40:00.000+08:00

Truly this wedding is one of a kind, and I could not possibly think of anything that is more amazing than having a surprise wedding for the one you love. I mean, who does that? And a bride that doesn't know she's getting married? Crazy isn't it? But it's really, definitely, a genius idea, top that! Wedding of the year? I'd go for wedding of the century or even more. This news really made my day, yesterday and I guess will made my day up to the time I get over it.

Yes, I am particularly pertaining to the wedding of Carmina Villaroel and Zoren Legaspi last November 15, 2012 at Fernbrook Garden. Zoren planned it all, Carmina thought that they would be doing a commercial shoot only to find Zoren on his knees proposing and they eventually had a civil wedding afterwards.

Aww, what a lovely pair. They are now my official favorite couple. I never thought that they weren't married yet, because they were such a great couple, with their twins - Maverick and Cassey, having all the ice cream they want! (Basically they are the famous family of Selecta's Ice Cream Commercials). After twelve years of being together, now they are to be called officially as husband and wife.

Enough about mistresses, third party affairs, and other woman. They once were a hit, but got so overused, because whatever we do, only true love will prevail and will live on through the test of time. This is the possibilty that Carmina and Zoren's marriage showed us. A modern fairy tale is what it is, a very beautiful dream come true. Their love story/ wedding just perked up the hopeless romantic in me. Really this wedding is so inspiring! (Kakakilig sobra!)

Carmina is so lucky and blessed to have Zoren, and I know Zoren wouldn't be who he is and did what he just did, if it wasn't for Carmina. A whole lot of girls are now envious of Carmina and guys really do need to step up to impress the ladies, after what Zoren just did (or maybe the other way around!). Zoren has now turned into an ultimate dream boy, the prince charming girls wish for.

That wedding wouldn't be possible without love- true/unconditional love. (That plan would not have worked if they did not love each other, and imagine how a fiasco it would cause if the girl did not love the guy who did it to her.) Aww, it's really nice to think of what love can make you do for that is by far the sweetest and most romantic thing ever! And I just can't get enough of it. I'm already looking forward to watch the whole thing, but please do have a repeat, I think I wouldn't be in front of a tv the night of November 24, 2012. (Zoren-Carmina: Always Forever, A Wedding Like No Other would be shown after MMK)

A very touching story they have. I'm so happy for them!

And it seems the whole Philippines is joyous and celebrating with them too!

Credit to niceprintphotography for the lovely pictures.

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Aladdin the New Stage Musical and our Vaudeville

2012-11-17T00:15:00.000+08:00

Last Wednesday, we watched the preview of the musical, Aladdin: The New Stage Musical in Meralco Theater. It actually started last night up until December 19 this year.

You can buy your tickets at ticketworld

The Story
Aladdin, known to be a street rat, promised to her already dead mother to never again steal something from the market, and so now he made a street band from Kassim, Babkak and Omar. But after their whole day's money got stolen, they opted to just steal again. On the other side of Agrabah is Jasmine whose day's goal is to get rid of all the royalty suitors her father wanted her to marry for her in coming birthday. Jasmine, couldn't anymore take the pressure, ran away. She met Al in the marketplace and connected with him and so did Al, but was abruptly disjointed after revealing that she is the princess.

Jafar wanted to be the most powerful person in Agrabah and so he casts a spell for a magic lamp, but the magic lamp could only be taken by Al. Al got the magic lamp and released the genie from within it, which makes him the master of the genie who can grant him three wishes. Jafar eventually got the lamp and made genie grant his wishes. Al tricked him to wish for him to be an all powerful genie and with that have to face the consequences which comes along with it. And it was a happy ending for Jasmine and Aladdin and Genie who was freed by Aladdin!

Aladdin the New Stage Musical in Manila
Spoilers from here:

It is not called The New Stage Musical for nothing, because there are actually new things to see in this musical (not that I have seen other Aladdin musical, just assuming that it was based on the animated movie and seeing from other musical clips from youtube), from new cast members to new music/songs.

The new members of the cast are the three narrators and musical gang mates of Aladdin, they are Babkak, Omar and Kassim, who are really fascinating to watch with their hips doing all that swaying. But also there are things that you would surely notice missing or different. I mean Aladdin without Abu? Really? And Iago is not a parrot anymore (what do they have against animals?) but still an equally good sidekick - now in human flesh. The only animal I think were the camels, with disappointing wheels (please tell me that was just for the preview night). Aside from the familiar favorite songs from the movie there are also other songs added, some of them are Proud of Your Boy (which was actually written for the film but was not included), A Million Miles Away, Somebody's Got Your Back, and many Arabian Night reprises, which are great songs as well. There was also the so-called Split scene (where the stage is cut to half for two different places, as one side is at pause, the other plays), which was a really nice touch to the musical (that must have been very difficult).

The A Whole New World carpet scene was really awing at least at the start, I've always wondered how every production would plan to do it. It was the same as that of the Aladdin: The Musical Spectacular (as I've seen in youtube) but a little less since the carpet just moved up down left right in the farther part of the stage, and it came really boring since the background did not change during the whole song, I mean they did travel in the different wonders of the world/Agrabah, didn't they? And that was the only scene of the carpet and it's solid, I'm a big fan of carpet, that bubbly thing! So that was a bit disappointing.

The Prince Ali scene was a bit disappointing as well, that was one of the most extravagant scene in Aladdin and I think they should have done little more work to it. Though the costumes/props of the parade dancers were really commendable it still did not bring the Wow-ness to it and I think that was because of the one sided stage parade, the dancers come in and go out and come in again (the same people just with different costumes), the Boom moment didn't really build up, it was just flowing flat.

(Aiza Seguerra, Tom Rodriguez, K-la Rivera and
Calvin Millado) from philstar

Tom Rodriguez (from Pinoy Big Brother) playing Aladdin is really good! His voice is really good but he does have at times pitch issues (or just the nerves since it's actually his first time acting and singing in theater), I'm terrified at some point ready-and-waiting for him to squeak. But as Aladdin, he surely is suited for the role, the look, the personality, the sort-of childlike-high-pitched-not-that-manly voice/accent of Aladdin, he totally got it, especially the voice (sorry for describing it really bad), that really amazed me! K-la was also a good fit for the role of Jasmine, she's very talented, beautiful and her voice is really lovely.

No more blue-colored skin genie, but I definitely love genie, played by Calvin Millado (I thought it was Ceejay Javier, because the voice over genie mentioned his name but it turns out he's the musical director) I think genie would always be the most loved character in Aladdin (especially in musicals) because he is very funny and interactive with the audience. He's really A-mazing and fun to watch, the jokes, the singing the dancing the rock star genie! He's a very charming genie, unlike those who really look scary. I'm also intrigued of how Aiza Seguerra would play the genie part. The villians, Jafar and Iago were fascinating too!

Over-all, it was a pretty good production, very entertaining and funny, but I wouldn't go out saying that I really-really-super- loved it, that's my mom! She kept on mentioning how she loved this musical among all the musicals we have watched. Also the kids would really really love this one, since I could actually hear them laugh with their hearts out during the play. It was so cute!

With those mentioned, I'd like to say that maybe I just expected too much or differently from it (because of how I imagined possibilities for our own Aladdin presentation, years back) and those I've said are regardless of their budget and stage capability of the theater, and I'm not sure if it is all the performances that they really show during preview night (I suppose, they call the Meralco Night), or if there are any differences in whatever aspects (which may explain the flaws I've seen), I really haven't tried watching again for the real show, with the pasts musicals that we have seen in Meralco theater. Not that I didn't want to but I just can't afford the luxury too. If only I can, I'd be watching every single play there is.

Many of you might be wondering how we get tickets. I think that is exclusively for Meralco employees - and for free (and I don't know if I'm allowed to say this), lucky we are that we personally know someone and the free tickets are just one of the perks of it. It's not on a regular basis though, just whenever our someone's lucky enough to get some, especially whenever the office mates would not be able to watch. I think it's our 5th time to watch there already, all during the preview shows, which includes Little Mermaid, Peter Pan, The Wedding Singer, Nutcracker and now, Aladdin!

OUR VAUDEVILLE

Aladdin, is really close to my heart since when in college, we had a presentation of Aladdin for our Nursing week's Vaudeville, an inter-batch competition where sections in the third year are grouped into two to present a play/musical, and that year the theme was Disney. We actually won, together with the sections who presented The Little Mermaid.

Well, I was not exactly part of the play itself. I was the head of the stage design/props and it was kind of a dream come true because I always wanted to be part of something big as a musical/play. But then it was really difficult because there wasn't that much time, not much people to do all the needed props and there was insufficient funds as well. I think there were still debts unpaid.

It didn't turned out exactly as we wanted to, and there were many that wasn't at all done, but still I'm very proud of the props we have done and we did amaze some audience as well. I'm really thankful to those who helped us from sections one and three and to my father who really helped us with the carpentry stuff- some of the castle towers at the background were really tall.

Abu! Played by Afu (his nickname)

The marketplace

The guards

Our charming pair, Jas and Al, played by Joanna and Nikart.

The super funny genie, Joe!

Our very energetic carpet, played by my classmate, Dyan!

We super love her!

The coolest villian Jafar! Played by Axl.

It was a tiring yet fun and learning experience. I think my nerves at sometime got me that I tend to be irritable , and may have annoyed other as well. I'm really sorry, forgive me for that. See our presentation here. (Hats off to our director, Apple!) Thanks to frozoe18 for uploading them. This is the last part of the play, which is the funniest of all (yes it became sort of comedic, but still entertaining, because of Jafar and Genie), for me. A lot of ad-libs and also a prop issue with the staff, and so the harry potter wand came in.

Credit to Mike Chan Li Photography for our lovely Vaudeville pictures

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Revenge: At Its Finest!

2012-11-13T21:10:00.000+08:00

Revenge is a thriller drama series from abc, which I believe is one of the most talked about series today. I'll admit I'm one season late in the party, though I always see the trailer of this series in Starworld, I was really not that interested with it, not until my high school classmates mentioned how really good it was and so I decided to embark on a journey to watch it and I was eagerly drawn into it as I watch the first episode. It's really addicting, know why? (Watch it! or) Here's why...

STORY

June 4, 1993, all over the news was the plane crash of flight 197 which took 246 innocent lives. David Clarke was the suspect who was founded to be laundering money to Americon initiative a secret terrorist group. On a different year, Emily Thorne comes to the Hamptons, where she does not plan to just enjoy the summer and the beach and definitely not to just socialize with the Hamptonites, but to pleasurably take revenge on those who framed her father-David Clarke.

It becomes clear that David Clarke was after all telling the truth that he did not committed the said crime. It was the Conrad Grayson's fault and he chose David Clarke as the patsy. Now (and 6/8 years of planning in the past), Emily (who is the real Amanda Clarke) dedicates her life to a life of vengeance and one by one she takes down those people responsible for her father's imprisonment and death.

CAST

Emily Van Camp as Emily Thorne/Amanda Clarke
Madeleine Stowe as Victoria Grayson
Gabriel Mann as Nolan Ross
Henry Czerny as Conrad Grayson
Nick Wechsler as Jack Porter
Josh Bowman as Daniel Grayson
Ashley Madekwe as Ashley Davenport
Christa B. Allen as Charlotte Grayson
Connor Paolo as Declan Porter
James Tupper as David Clarke
Barry Sloane as Aiden Mathis
Margarita Levieva as the real Emily Thorne
Jennifer Jason Leigh as Kara Wallace Clark

Revenge is loosely based on the story of The Count of Monte Cristo, a great revenge story as well, from being condemned for life to a crime he did not commit, Edmond Dantes ventured on a retribution after escaping Chateau D'If. Also, people have been saying that Emily is the female counterpart of Dexter (another series) who had been successful in capturing the audience despite having to do bad stuff- killing. How is it possible that we are still rooting for them despite that? First of all, we know their personal stories, the reason why they do those necessary evils and it is not just because they are cold-blooded psychopaths wanting to hurt people for their delectation, and they are also capable of vulnerability at some point. Also, there's the code, which can only make him kill those who are guilty. Same here in Revenge, there is sort of a code in which Emily follows, to take revenge, not by killing but by bringing down one's life from the robust life they have after selling out their souls to the Graysons, the killing just happens not intently.

So what happened last episode?
Season 2 Episode 7 "Penance"

Nolan sacrificed his company for Emily by giving the only proof of the connection of Nolcorp to Grayson Global. Mason now knows the truth about Emily being the real Amanda. Daniel's attempt to overrule his father as Grayson Global's new CEO now meets the investors and an initiative member. Kara threatened to kill Victoria and Conrad, upon the knowledge that they were behind Gordon's death as well as David's prosecution. Emily set up Mason and had him seized for the crimes he did not commit and eventually making a deal with him to write a book about her life and her father while in jail, a book that will exonerate her father to the public as well as letting the public know the real Mason Treadwell, in exchange for her full confession in the end and eventually exonerate him.

Why I love it and why will you?

You'll surely love every bit of the more or less forty-three minute run of every episode. I assure you! But still, let me say some things to love about Revenge.

There are so many twists in the story. I love how they, at the beginning of an episode, make you assume or guess what might have happened and make you believe it, only at the end it would be a different story. It's like watching CSI, making you guess on what's going to happen, whose fault it is and the like. I love the techie-savvy stuff, the treachery, the affairs, the romance at the side, the revenge-y scenes. Not really much drama to it or not yet, more of a thriller/suspense (sometimes of psychiatric relation not of crime alone) that would get you at the edge of your seat. I love the flashbacks and the swoosh camera angle change, the beachfront, the Clarke's beach house, the Grayson manor (and how they manage to look that the three mentioned places are in one place, pretty neat green screen use, and yes it was not really in The Hamptons), the Stowaway, the Amanda, the double infinity sign, the high-end fashion, the box, Nolan's house.

There are so many characters to love, to hate, to love and eventually hate, to hate and eventually love. My favorite characters?

It's gonna be the duo Emily Thorne/Amanda Clarke (Emily Van Camp) and Nolan Ross (Gabriel Mann), but not in a romantic way.

I love Emily so much, she's very knowledgeable about a lot of stuff and skillful as well (and very beautiful). I have no revenge agenda in mind but I hope too be just like her- that strong woman she is. And who would not notice her lovely and equally deceiving eyes, her so called vicious "the croc" stare. I also love Emily, the Van Camp one, she seems very down to earth and fun, she's charming to watch in her interviews. Love her. Quick thought, is it just a coincidence Emily Thorne is named Emily. I mean, Emily Van Camp and Emily Alyn Lind?

On the other hand, Nolan, has this comedic side, he could be treacherous at times but he has proven capacity to care and to love. I feel for him whenever he would show his loving yet somewhat lonely side (I got you Nolan! No matter what). I too, never saw that "he is bisexual" coming. Anyway, I love his clothes, his style, his new haircut looks great too. I love how he articulates his words sexily, his drawl is to die for. I saw Gabriel's interview with Ellen and he really seems like Nolan. I'm a fan, love him!

Who's not loving the love triangle with Daniel-Emily-Jack? I have a crush on Daniel (who wouldn't? when he smiles, I could just melt!) but I don't really like his character, he's one in the love and eventually hate category. Jack on the other hand, is really something, who wouldn't want someone in their lives who is willing to sacrifice his self for your sake and love's.

I also love how ice-cold funny Conrad and Victoria could be when they fight and speak of each other sarcastically. Victoria is so beautiful and elegant.

I love how the characters would smirk or fake their smiles and eventually draw a bitchy-revenge-y-I'm-really-not-that-innocent-as-you-think look in their faces. I love how they would outsmart one another. There are these boom-I-got-you-now-your-move moments, that were really fascinating to watch. Can't wait for Emily and Victoria's cat fight! I also love the narration on every episode, like that of Grey's Anatomy and Heroes, it's just that here it revolves around the theme of vengeance. I love how their lines are created and poetically put. See some quotes below.

I can't wait for its epic conclusion of maybe remorse and sympathy and forgiveness. Last episode "Penance", Amanda mentioned on having her full confession, I just hope she wouldn't kill anyone in the way and please be it a happily ever after for her, she deserves it. And hopefully, this series would not be cut unlike those series I really loved only to find out that its ending have come and the epic conclusion is nowhere near it.

Also, the music every episode is very commendable, really suits the revenge-y atmosphere. When I heard the theme song of Skyfall, I thought it fits the music in this series. Here's a playlist of Revenge songs on youtube and the tracklist of every episode.

I guess the only thing that we (rather they) didn't like about this series was when it only comes with a new episode on the third week of the last, really why? Quoting Ellen, "What's happening? aren't you'll acting fast enough." Well, this season, I hope we don't have to worry about that anymore! Please be consistent, new Revenge every week!

Here is a Revenge Blooper reel I saw in youtube,
funny scenes, that will make you love the characters even more.

To end, here are a couple of nice to ponder quotes from the Revenge (with random pictures), mostly are the narration at the start and end of an episode by Amanda. Yes, I'm this committed, I impractically written the lines, (rewinding again and again just to make sure it's right since there was no subtitles) because they really caught the neurons of my brain and chambers of my heart. I think I'm gonna keep a quote booklet from now on.

"Before you embark on a journey of revenge, dig two graves - Confucius 504 BC"

"When I was a little my understanding of revenge was as simple as the Sunday school proverbs it hid behind. Neat little morality slogans, like 'Do unto others' and 'Two wrongs don't make a right.' But two wrongs can never make a right because two wrongs can never equal each other."

"For the truly wronged real satisfaction can only be found in one of two places absolute forgiveness or mortal vindication. This is not a story about forgiveness."

"For the innocent, the past may hold a reward, but for the treacherous it's only a matter of time before the past delivers what they truly deserve."

"Guilt is a powerful affliction, you can try to turn your back on it, but that's when it sneaks up behind you and eats you alive."

"The greatest weapon anyone can use against us is our own mind. By preying on the doubts and uncertainties that already lurk there. Are we true to ourselves? Or do we live for the expectations of others? And if we are open and honest, can we ever truly be loved? Can we find the courage to release our deepest secrets, or in the end are we all unknowable... even to ourselves."

"Like life revenge can be a messy business, and both would be so much simpler, if only our heads could figure out which way our hearts will go. But the heart has its reasons, of which reason cannot know."

"There's an old saying about those who cannot remember the past being condemned, repeat it. But those of us who refuse to forget the past, are condemned to relive it."

"Just as there are two sides to every story, there are two sides to every person, one that we reveal to the world, and another we keep hidden inside. A duality governed by the balance of light and darkness."

"Within each of us is the capacity for both good and evil, but those who are able to blow the moral dividing line hold the true power."

"They say vengeance taken will tear the heart and torment the conscience, if there's any truth to it, then I know now in certainty that the path I'm on is the right path."

"The past is a tricky thing,sometimes it's etched in stone, and other times it's rendered in soft memories. But if you meddled too long in deep dark things, who knows what monsters you'll awaken."

"Penance is a sacrifice, a voluntary punishment show remorse for a sin. The more grievous the sin, the greater the self-inflicted suffering. For some, the ultimate penance is death, but for others, it is simply a means to an end. To properly do penance one must express contrition for one’s sins and perform acts to repair the damage caused by those transgressions. It is only when those acts are complete that the slate can truly be wiped clean and amnesty gives way to a new beginning."

Warden Stiles: ...But violence is a short-sided solution when it really comes to handling your enemies. There are better ways to go about it, smarter ways...

Victoria: Understand something Lydia, Every time I smile at you across a room, or we run into each other at luncheon, or I welcome you into my home, let that smile be a reminder of just how much I despise you. That every time I hug you, the warmth you feel is my hatred burning through. Goodbye Lydia.

I loved that line by Victoria! So cold.

A big big Kudos to the creator,
Mike Kelley.

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abc.com/revenge (credit for the photos)

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