Last Friday, I brought along my IT friend named Zarah (a.k.a. Jong in our circle) with me in watching Repertory Philippines production of “Gaybirds”. We were with other four female officemates (mine). It was a fun experience for so many reasons. First and foremost, it was my first attempt to drag a friend and have her mingle with the rest of my colleagues. We even had a nice time drinking dark beer at Grappa’s right after the play.
Four days later, I’ve been bugged by some clever questions in the office confirming if I had a date last Friday. Almost the rest of the details are correct though: I paid for Jong’s ticket, we were in a separate table during dinner and yes, I treated her as if she’s date (what else should I do, I was a knight in shining armor wannabe decades ago). And then the envelope was sealed: Manny had a date last Friday!
OK, fine. It’s a good tsismis, by the way! How can I easily dismiss that? It feels good so let me handle that and linger on it for a while. The fleeting feeling, no matter how fake, is there. It just feels good. At least, at some point, people will stop pushing me to a cliff called “having a girlfriend” and for the better, the questions will now be “how did you meet?” and “how old is she?”.
Years back, I encountered the same scenario in my hometown. I was a victim of another positive tsismis that I will be availing a transfer student program to Canada. Wow. My friends were questioning me then why I was still in the province (as if they wanted to get rid off me).
Now, I’m having a conclusion that we hate tsismis only if it destroys us. It’s not really about telling the truth and being a Christian, etc. Everything boils down to, err, feeling. Given this premise, maybe I should start spreading good tsismis about my friends in the office then let me see what’s gonna happen.
Call this The Office Tsismis Experiment:
JENG got pregnant by a suave Korean breakdancer. The bees and the birds happened last end of February while Jeng was having a medical check-up at Makati Med. The guy was visiting a sick friend.
JOEL will soon leave Chicosci. Good Charlotte pirated him (too bad).
IAM and GE won a trip to Amsterdam to catch Incubus live in concert at the AJAX Arena, backstage pass included.
ERIK will soon own a perfume shop in Powerplant Mall. Nina agreed to be the image model.
RUTH was tapped to double for Shaina Magdayao in a soon to be launched fantaserye.
BEN is now the Cherifer model. His billboard will soon greet the commuters along EDSA.
JAMIH is the first male Fil-Chi to be a PBB grand winner. He’s selling the condo unit that he won for P500 only.
ALLAN is finally accepted at Westpoint. His first task is to spy on his all-time favorite blogger.
PAO was personally invited by kuya Germs to be a guest co-host along with John Nite.
SOCS no longer prefers doing IT consulting. She won an EOS 30D and she’s planning to open a studio in SM Mall of Asia.
PIPE was sexually harassed by Tim Yap while fitting a Team Manila shirt. He made a fortune by appearing at The Buzz.
HUBES is discovered for a Koreanovela while walking along Eastwood Mall wearing a basketball jersey.
EDRIK now owns a motel super complex in Makati.
TOPENG landed a job in Vegas as a stand-up comedian. He’s replacing James P. Connolly (I don't know him either).
JAY is gracing a pictorial for a new "product" from Vicky Belo.
BENE finally got his much-awaited “oo” from the girl of his dreams. They will soon explore Dublin for possibilities.
Tuesday, April 03, 2007
Sunday, April 01, 2007
All You Need to Know About Mt. Pinatubo (You’ll be Reading it from this Blog Entry)
CHAPTER I: Manila to Tarlac
Since we reached Mt. Pinatubo all by public transpo, the details mentioned here will be inclined to that. First thing to do is to go to Capas, Tarlac. From Metro Manila, you can choose any bus heading to Lingayen, Dagupan or Baguio. It doesn’t matter much if it is via Concepcion or Mabalacat. We chose Victory Liner which has a station in Cubao along EDSA. You have two options there: a bus heading to Dagupan/Lingayen or to Pangasinan (Alaminos, I think). Both routes include a stop in Capas. This also means that you don’t have to wait for another 30 minutes in case you miss the bus for Route 1. Through a 6am ride, we reached Capas, our first destination, in roughly two hours. The bus stop, by the way, is not yet in the town proper. I was informed that it is called “Sto. Domingo” but you can refer to it as “junction”. There’s a big Caltex gas station there surrounded by KFC, Chowking, Mc Donalds and some carinderia (including a 24-hour resto called, err, Junction Panciteria, that serves bulalo and other Pinoy ulam).
From there, you need to go to Sta. Juliana Tourism Council located at Brgy. Sta. Juliana, still in Capas. Again, you have two options: take a tricycle ride to the “palengke” and take a jeepney ride there to Brgy. Sta. Juliana, or simply ask the manong tricycle driver to bring you to Brgy. Sta. Juliana (this was the option we took). The whole trip from the bus stop to the tourism center would take another 45 minutes to an hour.
Sta. Juliana Tourism Council, by the way, serves as your gateway to Mt. Pinatubo. This is the final stop for public transpos and this is where your 4x4 ride begins, as segued by some friendly military check-points. The center is where you have to log in (for tracking and security), log out, pimp a guide and pay for Conservation Fee.
CHAPTER II: The 4x4 Ride
From the Region 3 brochure that I got from the Hotair Balloon Fest, you may contact Manong Jude (0920-8035647) or Manong Edwin (0910-7227575) to rent a 4x4 (from Sta. Juliana to the starting point of your trek). The brochure also mentions that you can take a jeep over 4x4 but it will take an additional two hours of your trek time (not to mention that it’s less appealing for photo-ops, hehehe). Now, you have other possibilities on where you wish to be picked up by 4x4. For Manong Jude, you’ll be met at Brgy. Patling (right before Brgy. Sta. Juliana). For Manong Edwin, he has an option of having you picked up at Dau (this one’s more expensive but more convenient).
You can also rent a 4x4 right in the tourism council or from Mr. Pinatubo Spa Town (they have a P1,500-priced package that includes a day trip to the crater and a buffet lunch).
Tip: the 4x4 can accommodate a maximum of seven trekkers. But that’s jampacked. Six persons is the ideal capacity. Here’s the deal: the 4x4 is being rented on one price only so you have to divide the cost depending on how many trekkers are joining. The guide is normally hitched at the back of the vehicle so you don’t need to consider that for space.
CHAPTER III: Trekking
For the nth time, you have two options: the 2-hour trek or the 45-minute trek. The former is the “normal” trek. You have a nice view and of course, the fun. This was the trek we preferred and on our personal note, we took 2 hours and 30 minutes from where the 4x4 stopped up to the crater. The latter passes through a tollgate that the Koreans (same owners of the spa center) had made for its clients. If you didn’t get your 4x4 from Mt. Pinatubo Spa Town, you have to pay up an additional P500 just to get through. We were informed by our guide that you can outwit the toll by sneaking through early in the morning (where the tollgate person is not around yet).
The trek is easy. It’s flat except for the 40-degree 5-minute hike near the crater. The most challenging part is the sun so bring lots of sunblock and water. I suggest that you start the trek at early in the morning, say 6 or 7am or in the afternoon at 3pm. Expect to cross a couple of streams of different forms. This means that you can’t escape having your feet wet. On this regard: a pair of heavy duty hiking shoes is recommended. Or, if you’re sticking with your Mojos or Sandugos, expect some small pebbles to get in your sandals. Just wash them away when you get near a stream.
CHAPTER IV: Crater Experience
What you see in the pictures is definitely the same thing that you will get. Hmm, not quite so. When we saw the crater, the lake water was not emerald green. It was chocolate brown! The only reason we can theorize on this is that it was raining during that week and the weather somehow stirred the muddy layer of the lake. At night, we heard some rocks falling from the cliff and later, my friends had mistaken the crater lake to be boiling as if ready for eruption (a really evil thought since Phivolcs predicted a 2391 follow-up to the 1991 disaster). Too bad that I was heavily sleeping that night.
In the crater, you only have a camping space close to the main viewing deck and that’s it. You can put up a maximum of ten tents in the area. It isn’t that big for a big crowd. Then there are two portable toilets similar to the ones made by MMDA but bigger and in green. There’s a shelter near the toilets that looks like a waiting shed. And another shelter being constructed by the “occupants”. I heard that once it’s built, it will be open to the public for rent.
In the lake, you can swim (though Phivolcs is not advising this) and boat. There are some boats for rent docked beside the lake (which can be reached through a cemented stairs from the viewing deck/camping area).
CHAPTER V: Spa Town
Fresh from a tiring trek back to Capas, you deserve a nice spa/massage at Mt. Pinatubo Spa Town. It is located near the tourism council and the street is crowded with guides and 4x4 drivers waiting for tourists. Just approach any staff from this Korean-owned recreational establishment and be ready for some (decent) offers that you can’t resist.
They’ve got a Thai-Sweddish massage, a volcanic ash spa, mud pool and a buffet. We tried the volcanic ash thing for P500. The area is like a giant “pugon” with volcanic ash all over it (you’ll mistake it for sand). They’ve got “sleeping chambers” where you will be positioned to be covered with ash for good 30 minutes. Don’t feel guilty if you fall asleep. It must be the relaxing music speakered from all over the area. My colleague had noticed that the music resembles a theme song from a Korean telenovela.
If I got it right, the spa town caters for those who only wish to take a bath. I am not sure though how much they charge for that but I like their shower area. Clean and safe. They have lockers where a set of towel and a “uniform” (khaki shorts and gray t-shirt for massage, etc.) awaits.
We were also offered with a buffet that costs P350. That time, the menu includes one whole stuffed chicken plus ginseng and kimchi. We opted to go back to the junction where a big bowl of hot bulalo was waiting to be served at Junction Panciteria.
CHAPTER VI: Expenses
Here’s the rundown:
1. Bus ride from/to Manila/Capas – P146 (make it P292 for a back-and-forth trip)
2. Tricycle Ride from Capas bus stop to Brgy. Patling – P50 per person for a group of three
3. 4x4 rental – P3,000 (+ P500 because we asked the manong driver to bring us to the junction), divided by six, P584
4. Conservation Fee – P50 each
5. Guide Fee – P500 per day/night (we stayed in the crater overnight so, P1,000), again, divided by six, P167
6. Volcanic Ash Spa – P500
Since we reached Mt. Pinatubo all by public transpo, the details mentioned here will be inclined to that. First thing to do is to go to Capas, Tarlac. From Metro Manila, you can choose any bus heading to Lingayen, Dagupan or Baguio. It doesn’t matter much if it is via Concepcion or Mabalacat. We chose Victory Liner which has a station in Cubao along EDSA. You have two options there: a bus heading to Dagupan/Lingayen or to Pangasinan (Alaminos, I think). Both routes include a stop in Capas. This also means that you don’t have to wait for another 30 minutes in case you miss the bus for Route 1. Through a 6am ride, we reached Capas, our first destination, in roughly two hours. The bus stop, by the way, is not yet in the town proper. I was informed that it is called “Sto. Domingo” but you can refer to it as “junction”. There’s a big Caltex gas station there surrounded by KFC, Chowking, Mc Donalds and some carinderia (including a 24-hour resto called, err, Junction Panciteria, that serves bulalo and other Pinoy ulam).
From there, you need to go to Sta. Juliana Tourism Council located at Brgy. Sta. Juliana, still in Capas. Again, you have two options: take a tricycle ride to the “palengke” and take a jeepney ride there to Brgy. Sta. Juliana, or simply ask the manong tricycle driver to bring you to Brgy. Sta. Juliana (this was the option we took). The whole trip from the bus stop to the tourism center would take another 45 minutes to an hour.
Sta. Juliana Tourism Council, by the way, serves as your gateway to Mt. Pinatubo. This is the final stop for public transpos and this is where your 4x4 ride begins, as segued by some friendly military check-points. The center is where you have to log in (for tracking and security), log out, pimp a guide and pay for Conservation Fee.
CHAPTER II: The 4x4 Ride
From the Region 3 brochure that I got from the Hotair Balloon Fest, you may contact Manong Jude (0920-8035647) or Manong Edwin (0910-7227575) to rent a 4x4 (from Sta. Juliana to the starting point of your trek). The brochure also mentions that you can take a jeep over 4x4 but it will take an additional two hours of your trek time (not to mention that it’s less appealing for photo-ops, hehehe). Now, you have other possibilities on where you wish to be picked up by 4x4. For Manong Jude, you’ll be met at Brgy. Patling (right before Brgy. Sta. Juliana). For Manong Edwin, he has an option of having you picked up at Dau (this one’s more expensive but more convenient).
You can also rent a 4x4 right in the tourism council or from Mr. Pinatubo Spa Town (they have a P1,500-priced package that includes a day trip to the crater and a buffet lunch).
Tip: the 4x4 can accommodate a maximum of seven trekkers. But that’s jampacked. Six persons is the ideal capacity. Here’s the deal: the 4x4 is being rented on one price only so you have to divide the cost depending on how many trekkers are joining. The guide is normally hitched at the back of the vehicle so you don’t need to consider that for space.
CHAPTER III: Trekking
For the nth time, you have two options: the 2-hour trek or the 45-minute trek. The former is the “normal” trek. You have a nice view and of course, the fun. This was the trek we preferred and on our personal note, we took 2 hours and 30 minutes from where the 4x4 stopped up to the crater. The latter passes through a tollgate that the Koreans (same owners of the spa center) had made for its clients. If you didn’t get your 4x4 from Mt. Pinatubo Spa Town, you have to pay up an additional P500 just to get through. We were informed by our guide that you can outwit the toll by sneaking through early in the morning (where the tollgate person is not around yet).
The trek is easy. It’s flat except for the 40-degree 5-minute hike near the crater. The most challenging part is the sun so bring lots of sunblock and water. I suggest that you start the trek at early in the morning, say 6 or 7am or in the afternoon at 3pm. Expect to cross a couple of streams of different forms. This means that you can’t escape having your feet wet. On this regard: a pair of heavy duty hiking shoes is recommended. Or, if you’re sticking with your Mojos or Sandugos, expect some small pebbles to get in your sandals. Just wash them away when you get near a stream.
CHAPTER IV: Crater Experience
What you see in the pictures is definitely the same thing that you will get. Hmm, not quite so. When we saw the crater, the lake water was not emerald green. It was chocolate brown! The only reason we can theorize on this is that it was raining during that week and the weather somehow stirred the muddy layer of the lake. At night, we heard some rocks falling from the cliff and later, my friends had mistaken the crater lake to be boiling as if ready for eruption (a really evil thought since Phivolcs predicted a 2391 follow-up to the 1991 disaster). Too bad that I was heavily sleeping that night.
In the crater, you only have a camping space close to the main viewing deck and that’s it. You can put up a maximum of ten tents in the area. It isn’t that big for a big crowd. Then there are two portable toilets similar to the ones made by MMDA but bigger and in green. There’s a shelter near the toilets that looks like a waiting shed. And another shelter being constructed by the “occupants”. I heard that once it’s built, it will be open to the public for rent.
In the lake, you can swim (though Phivolcs is not advising this) and boat. There are some boats for rent docked beside the lake (which can be reached through a cemented stairs from the viewing deck/camping area).
CHAPTER V: Spa Town
Fresh from a tiring trek back to Capas, you deserve a nice spa/massage at Mt. Pinatubo Spa Town. It is located near the tourism council and the street is crowded with guides and 4x4 drivers waiting for tourists. Just approach any staff from this Korean-owned recreational establishment and be ready for some (decent) offers that you can’t resist.
They’ve got a Thai-Sweddish massage, a volcanic ash spa, mud pool and a buffet. We tried the volcanic ash thing for P500. The area is like a giant “pugon” with volcanic ash all over it (you’ll mistake it for sand). They’ve got “sleeping chambers” where you will be positioned to be covered with ash for good 30 minutes. Don’t feel guilty if you fall asleep. It must be the relaxing music speakered from all over the area. My colleague had noticed that the music resembles a theme song from a Korean telenovela.
If I got it right, the spa town caters for those who only wish to take a bath. I am not sure though how much they charge for that but I like their shower area. Clean and safe. They have lockers where a set of towel and a “uniform” (khaki shorts and gray t-shirt for massage, etc.) awaits.
We were also offered with a buffet that costs P350. That time, the menu includes one whole stuffed chicken plus ginseng and kimchi. We opted to go back to the junction where a big bowl of hot bulalo was waiting to be served at Junction Panciteria.
CHAPTER VI: Expenses
Here’s the rundown:
1. Bus ride from/to Manila/Capas – P146 (make it P292 for a back-and-forth trip)
2. Tricycle Ride from Capas bus stop to Brgy. Patling – P50 per person for a group of three
3. 4x4 rental – P3,000 (+ P500 because we asked the manong driver to bring us to the junction), divided by six, P584
4. Conservation Fee – P50 each
5. Guide Fee – P500 per day/night (we stayed in the crater overnight so, P1,000), again, divided by six, P167
6. Volcanic Ash Spa – P500
Per person (meals not included), the total is P1,643. A bit more pricey as compared to other treks but for me, it’s definitely worth the tan. Mage-erupt ka talaga sa tuwa!
Movie Digest # 009
BREAKING AND ENTERING
Glorietta 4, Cinema 4, March 25, 10:30pm
OK, it’s a Michael Minghella film. For sure you’re expecting an epic film like “The English Patient” or “Cold Mountain” but his latest opus is more of a “small film” (Scorsese once called “The Departed” an small film as well). Pati sa oras at lugar ay limitado rin ang pelikulang ito tungkol sa pinagtagpi-tagping buhay ng may buhay sa kasalukuyang London (specifically, sa King’s Cross, isang lugar na hindi malinis ang imahe). If you’ve seen the Sandra Bullock – Ben Affleck film “Forces of Nature”, the theme for “Breaking and Entering” then is not, though vaguely, new to you. Tungkol ito sa isang pamilya, teka, dalawang pamilya, na pinatibay ng sundot ng tadhana. Ang unang pamilya ay stereotype na merong ama, ina at anak, pero hindi pa ganap na matatag. Ang ikalawa naman ay binubuo lamang ng isang ina at isang anak na unti-unting nilalamon ng mga pangako ng isang dambuhalang itago na lang natin sa pangalang “London”. Nagustuhan ko ang storytelling part. Na-appreciate ko si Minghella bilang manunulat dito (maliban sa ilang eksena na masyadong “eksena”). Naikwento n’ya ang isang materyal na parang ikinukwento lamang ng kapit-bahay mo. But the film is not satisfying. Merong kulang o merong hindi na-heighten. O kung na-heighten man, sa isang banda naman ay nalusaw ang believability factor.
Friends who might appreciate it: those who had/are having/interested in having a taste of slice of life in the UK.
ANG M.O.N.A.Y. NI MR. SHOO-LI
Market! Market!, Cinema 3, March 27, 7:10pm
The intention is two-thumbs up (climaxed by a teary-eyed Mr. Shoo-Li delivering a monologue on our mistakes and the possible cure for improvement). But as a film, no, it’s no good. Even the jokes are mostly off and unrecyclable. Maybe the problem is with how the project could stand on its own given that the extras could only contribute their time and talent as, hmm, extras! If these generous artists (including the 90’s pop icon Jeric Raval) could commit more scenes like Leo Martinez as Congressman Manhik-Manaog, then the film could have been far more cohesive. But we can always blame Jun Urbano for not watching “Borat” (this is just a brave guess). And where are the Cumbacheros?
Friends who might appreciate it: those who miss “Mongolian Barbecue”.
TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES
Glorietta 4, Cinema 6, March 31, 9:20pm
Predictable but visually surprising. I thought it was so-so but I was compelled by how the film was framed and angled. Pampelikula ang vision at atake. Hindi nakakahon sa mala-TV na scope. I can say that some scenes are fresh and appealing to kids and adults alike.
Friends who might appreciate it: those who miss the cartoon series.
Glorietta 4, Cinema 4, March 25, 10:30pm
OK, it’s a Michael Minghella film. For sure you’re expecting an epic film like “The English Patient” or “Cold Mountain” but his latest opus is more of a “small film” (Scorsese once called “The Departed” an small film as well). Pati sa oras at lugar ay limitado rin ang pelikulang ito tungkol sa pinagtagpi-tagping buhay ng may buhay sa kasalukuyang London (specifically, sa King’s Cross, isang lugar na hindi malinis ang imahe). If you’ve seen the Sandra Bullock – Ben Affleck film “Forces of Nature”, the theme for “Breaking and Entering” then is not, though vaguely, new to you. Tungkol ito sa isang pamilya, teka, dalawang pamilya, na pinatibay ng sundot ng tadhana. Ang unang pamilya ay stereotype na merong ama, ina at anak, pero hindi pa ganap na matatag. Ang ikalawa naman ay binubuo lamang ng isang ina at isang anak na unti-unting nilalamon ng mga pangako ng isang dambuhalang itago na lang natin sa pangalang “London”. Nagustuhan ko ang storytelling part. Na-appreciate ko si Minghella bilang manunulat dito (maliban sa ilang eksena na masyadong “eksena”). Naikwento n’ya ang isang materyal na parang ikinukwento lamang ng kapit-bahay mo. But the film is not satisfying. Merong kulang o merong hindi na-heighten. O kung na-heighten man, sa isang banda naman ay nalusaw ang believability factor.
Friends who might appreciate it: those who had/are having/interested in having a taste of slice of life in the UK.
ANG M.O.N.A.Y. NI MR. SHOO-LI
Market! Market!, Cinema 3, March 27, 7:10pm
The intention is two-thumbs up (climaxed by a teary-eyed Mr. Shoo-Li delivering a monologue on our mistakes and the possible cure for improvement). But as a film, no, it’s no good. Even the jokes are mostly off and unrecyclable. Maybe the problem is with how the project could stand on its own given that the extras could only contribute their time and talent as, hmm, extras! If these generous artists (including the 90’s pop icon Jeric Raval) could commit more scenes like Leo Martinez as Congressman Manhik-Manaog, then the film could have been far more cohesive. But we can always blame Jun Urbano for not watching “Borat” (this is just a brave guess). And where are the Cumbacheros?
Friends who might appreciate it: those who miss “Mongolian Barbecue”.
TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES
Glorietta 4, Cinema 6, March 31, 9:20pm
Predictable but visually surprising. I thought it was so-so but I was compelled by how the film was framed and angled. Pampelikula ang vision at atake. Hindi nakakahon sa mala-TV na scope. I can say that some scenes are fresh and appealing to kids and adults alike.
Friends who might appreciate it: those who miss the cartoon series.
Tuesday, March 20, 2007
Movie Digest # 008
COMPOUND
Robinsons Galleria, Cinema 8, March 14, 10:00pm
I was struggling before I decided to watch this film. You see, the film is exclusively shown at Robinsons Galleria and I only have the LFS as an option. The film, by the way, is R18 and I was afraid to watch it alone. Come on, it’s not Glorietta or Greenbelt (my second and third homes). But I was challenged by my self being a film buff. I have a hint that the film is somewhat close to “Scorpio Nights” which is about self destruction (thus the title). So I went having the “self destruction” thing in mind. Hahaha. OK, the film is good. It’s heavy. Nakakadugo ng ilong pag-isipan lalong lalo na ang huling sampung minuto nito. The film tackles the lives of a family, another couple (the maid and the house boy) and a bisexual tenant inside a compound (I’m not sure if that is a Pinoy word but the title refers to a place similar to a townhouse having two or three houses inside, fenced by only one gate). Then insanity hits one of the characters. Everything becomes complicated and ends with a psychologically demanding denoument. Whoa! A must-see, actually, for those who are tired of Pinoy rom-coms.
Friends who might appreciate it: film lovers and film haters alike.
SIQUIJOR
Glorietta 1, Cinema 3, March 16, 8:30pm
This one’s wow! Spooky. Hehehe. After a long time, it’s a relief to finally watch a scary film that doesn’t have a woman with a long hair in white as Madam Misery. The film has a lean farmer looking guy in camiso chino instead. What I love most about the film is that it isn’t loud, it’s not high-pitched and irritating. I prefer this one over “Sukob” in terms of delivery and subtlety. Ang galing pa ng cast. I think they’re indie world’s crème of the crop: Yul Servo, Angel Aquino, Coco Martin and Sid Lucero plus the ever reliable Ian Veneracion, Assunta de Rossi and Rodel Velayo. But the title could be misleading in case you’re expecting a lot to see Siquijor with its fine beachlines and sunset on its glory. The plot is simple. After a group of TV crew shot a “Nginiiiiggg!” type feature in Siquijor, they went back to Manila only to suffer the consequences of the “engkanto”. I’ll stop there. Just go and catch this one.
Friends who might appreciate it: those who cleverly (naks) appreciate Pinoy thrillers.
LITTLE MISS SUNSHINE
Gateway Cineplex, Cinema 4, March 17, 2:10pm
I was sorry that I did not watch this film when it was first shown in Utrecht. This one’s a gem. Simply because I haven’t seen a nice black comedy in years. The last time, I think, was with “Full Monty”. Sobrang benta sa akin ‘to: mga karakter na buhol-buhol, kwentong pamilya, isang naghihingalong yellow van, ang choreography n’ung isa-isa silang sumasakay sa van matapos itong itulak (si nanay muna, si bunso, si tiyo at si kuya), sangkaterbang sarcasm, underacting, patay na lolo sa backseat, bagong pananaw sa mga beauty pageant na pambata at ang paglaya ng lahat sa kung anumang kanilang pinapasan. Weird but when everbody was laughing inside the theater for the finale scene, I was close to crying a river. A must-see (naks!). Hahaha.
Friends who might appreciate it: no limit, all of them!
HAPPY HEARTS
Gateway Cineplex, Cinema 6, March 17, 5:20pm
If you’ve seen “The Birdcage” (based on the play “La Cage Aux Folles”) with Robin Williams and Gene Hackman during the mid-90’s, then you’re already familiar with “Happy Hearts”. There’s nothing new and kick-ass with this film. Pinoy na Pinoy ang formula (drama-dramahan, konting komedya, merong loveteam na mga teenager, etc.). What I have realized though is that Rustom can act better than Binoe. Kailangan lang talaga ng tamang project. I can hear some giggles everytime Wendell Ramos appears on screen, doing a “parlorista” kind of role. Alam kasi ng lahat na everything’s just a game. Oh, well. Walang kailangang i-convince at ma-convince. Verdict: it’s not good pero hindi naman s’ya basura.
Friends who might appreciate it: those who frequent comedy bars in Timog.
Robinsons Galleria, Cinema 8, March 14, 10:00pm
I was struggling before I decided to watch this film. You see, the film is exclusively shown at Robinsons Galleria and I only have the LFS as an option. The film, by the way, is R18 and I was afraid to watch it alone. Come on, it’s not Glorietta or Greenbelt (my second and third homes). But I was challenged by my self being a film buff. I have a hint that the film is somewhat close to “Scorpio Nights” which is about self destruction (thus the title). So I went having the “self destruction” thing in mind. Hahaha. OK, the film is good. It’s heavy. Nakakadugo ng ilong pag-isipan lalong lalo na ang huling sampung minuto nito. The film tackles the lives of a family, another couple (the maid and the house boy) and a bisexual tenant inside a compound (I’m not sure if that is a Pinoy word but the title refers to a place similar to a townhouse having two or three houses inside, fenced by only one gate). Then insanity hits one of the characters. Everything becomes complicated and ends with a psychologically demanding denoument. Whoa! A must-see, actually, for those who are tired of Pinoy rom-coms.
Friends who might appreciate it: film lovers and film haters alike.
SIQUIJOR
Glorietta 1, Cinema 3, March 16, 8:30pm
This one’s wow! Spooky. Hehehe. After a long time, it’s a relief to finally watch a scary film that doesn’t have a woman with a long hair in white as Madam Misery. The film has a lean farmer looking guy in camiso chino instead. What I love most about the film is that it isn’t loud, it’s not high-pitched and irritating. I prefer this one over “Sukob” in terms of delivery and subtlety. Ang galing pa ng cast. I think they’re indie world’s crème of the crop: Yul Servo, Angel Aquino, Coco Martin and Sid Lucero plus the ever reliable Ian Veneracion, Assunta de Rossi and Rodel Velayo. But the title could be misleading in case you’re expecting a lot to see Siquijor with its fine beachlines and sunset on its glory. The plot is simple. After a group of TV crew shot a “Nginiiiiggg!” type feature in Siquijor, they went back to Manila only to suffer the consequences of the “engkanto”. I’ll stop there. Just go and catch this one.
Friends who might appreciate it: those who cleverly (naks) appreciate Pinoy thrillers.
LITTLE MISS SUNSHINE
Gateway Cineplex, Cinema 4, March 17, 2:10pm
I was sorry that I did not watch this film when it was first shown in Utrecht. This one’s a gem. Simply because I haven’t seen a nice black comedy in years. The last time, I think, was with “Full Monty”. Sobrang benta sa akin ‘to: mga karakter na buhol-buhol, kwentong pamilya, isang naghihingalong yellow van, ang choreography n’ung isa-isa silang sumasakay sa van matapos itong itulak (si nanay muna, si bunso, si tiyo at si kuya), sangkaterbang sarcasm, underacting, patay na lolo sa backseat, bagong pananaw sa mga beauty pageant na pambata at ang paglaya ng lahat sa kung anumang kanilang pinapasan. Weird but when everbody was laughing inside the theater for the finale scene, I was close to crying a river. A must-see (naks!). Hahaha.
Friends who might appreciate it: no limit, all of them!
HAPPY HEARTS
Gateway Cineplex, Cinema 6, March 17, 5:20pm
If you’ve seen “The Birdcage” (based on the play “La Cage Aux Folles”) with Robin Williams and Gene Hackman during the mid-90’s, then you’re already familiar with “Happy Hearts”. There’s nothing new and kick-ass with this film. Pinoy na Pinoy ang formula (drama-dramahan, konting komedya, merong loveteam na mga teenager, etc.). What I have realized though is that Rustom can act better than Binoe. Kailangan lang talaga ng tamang project. I can hear some giggles everytime Wendell Ramos appears on screen, doing a “parlorista” kind of role. Alam kasi ng lahat na everything’s just a game. Oh, well. Walang kailangang i-convince at ma-convince. Verdict: it’s not good pero hindi naman s’ya basura.
Friends who might appreciate it: those who frequent comedy bars in Timog.
Monday, March 12, 2007
Manny, The Enlightened
Last Saturday, after watching a film and a palabok break, I grabbed my S60 and my tripod and took a cab to World Light Expo along Roxas Boulevard (right in front of the ghostly Uniwide Coastal Mall) in Parañaque. The entrance fee costs P200 and I was advised, will be P100 more expensive starting Monday (March 12) onwards.
The place is comparable to a theme park except that it doesn’t have any wild rides and annoying mascots. As the park DJ has announced (at least every 15 minutes), there are two million light bulbs in the area, lighting different items like a giant pagoda, a kilometric dragon made of China (saucers, plates and sandoks), some balloons shaped like characters from a cartoon series, gallery of lanterns (my favorite piece), arcs, an altar (with Jesus on it, Diyos ko!), a temple and even Eiffel Tower and the London Tower Bridge miniatures.
If you’re tired of walking and taking pictures, feel free to take a spot near the stage and watch for a free show from China Circus (great but nothing new if you’ve seen a circus before) and Dance Inc. (oh boy, Pinoys are really talented even in non-Pinoy arenas like belly dancing). Then there’s the Korea B-Boy Dancers (B for Breakdance, I guess).
Aside from this unique treat (come on, have you seen a back-to-back entertainment from belly dancing Pinoys and breakdancing Koreans before?), there’s a laser show called something like “Ocean Laser Show”. Pwede na. I enjoyed the surprise fireworks after the presentation. Just don’t get near the fountain area or you better be ready to get wet.
Hmmm, what else? Ah, there’s a room for a set of terracotta warriors (so fake but it’s not that bad) and another room for a collection of Hanji-made dolls created by a certain Ms. Lee Hyung-Sook (really, really cute).
The place is comparable to a theme park except that it doesn’t have any wild rides and annoying mascots. As the park DJ has announced (at least every 15 minutes), there are two million light bulbs in the area, lighting different items like a giant pagoda, a kilometric dragon made of China (saucers, plates and sandoks), some balloons shaped like characters from a cartoon series, gallery of lanterns (my favorite piece), arcs, an altar (with Jesus on it, Diyos ko!), a temple and even Eiffel Tower and the London Tower Bridge miniatures.
If you’re tired of walking and taking pictures, feel free to take a spot near the stage and watch for a free show from China Circus (great but nothing new if you’ve seen a circus before) and Dance Inc. (oh boy, Pinoys are really talented even in non-Pinoy arenas like belly dancing). Then there’s the Korea B-Boy Dancers (B for Breakdance, I guess).
Aside from this unique treat (come on, have you seen a back-to-back entertainment from belly dancing Pinoys and breakdancing Koreans before?), there’s a laser show called something like “Ocean Laser Show”. Pwede na. I enjoyed the surprise fireworks after the presentation. Just don’t get near the fountain area or you better be ready to get wet.
Hmmm, what else? Ah, there’s a room for a set of terracotta warriors (so fake but it’s not that bad) and another room for a collection of Hanji-made dolls created by a certain Ms. Lee Hyung-Sook (really, really cute).
At 9pm, I had a pork barbecue and a hotdog from Didiboy’s (with C2, the meal costs P92). I was tempted to try on the traditional Chinese costumes (P100 rental fee for photo-op) but I preferred to have my “last look” round that took me an hour or two more. Tired of strolling and setting-folding my tripod, I shared a bench with a mom and her daughter. They were talking about how amazed they were with the items inside the expo. I bothered not do any small talk this time. I can’t afford to. My left hand had my S60 ready to trigger a shot while my other hand was busy holding a grape-flavored Korean ice cream.
Movie Digest # 007
THE PURSUIT OF HAPPYNESS
Gateway Cineplex, Cinema 1, March 8, 9:50pm
Is it a tearjerker? Yes. Specially on a scene where Will Smith is just teary eyed and no words are uttered. Just his face on the frame. It is indeed the most powerful part of the film (and perhaps the culprit of an Oscar nomination for Best Actor). Did he use method acting here? Thanks to his son who appears natural most of the time. They’ve got good rapport. Little Will Smith has what it takes and indeed very, very promising. The film showcases the struggles of the main character and could be uneasy to bear. Mabigat sa dibdib. If you’re familiar with Steven Soderbergh’s works, then this film would not be that special in terms of filmmaking style. Regardless of that, I appreciate that the film is based on a true inspiring story.
Friends who might appreciate it: dads, Will Smith fans and those who prefer watching a non-glossy and semi-realistic hollywood film.
ROME AND JULIET
Robinsons Galleria, Cinema 8, March 10, 1:30pm
The film is very ambitious in concocting a taboo topic (like lesbianism) with a glossy (read: mainstream) filmmaking. In a nutshell, it isn’t bad. But I can’t say that it’s good. Maybe the problem is with the storyline. It has so much to tell. It’s not only an unconventioanal tale of two gorgeous women falling in love. It also hits on politics, poverty, poetry reading, girl thing, religion, stereotypical men, etc. Andami-daming inilagay na sa tingin ko ay hindi naman kailangan. Not to mention that some dialogues are off and flat. Ano ba talagang motibo ng gumawa nito? Maybe we should learn something from “Brokeback Mountain” by keeping it simple and quiet. But it’s a nice try though. And yes, there’s a steamy kissing scene between the two leads: Mylene Dizon and Andrea del Rosario (aside from the harutan in the shower room, complete with soap and everything).
Friends who might appreciate it: Austin Powers-wannabes.
Gateway Cineplex, Cinema 1, March 8, 9:50pm
Is it a tearjerker? Yes. Specially on a scene where Will Smith is just teary eyed and no words are uttered. Just his face on the frame. It is indeed the most powerful part of the film (and perhaps the culprit of an Oscar nomination for Best Actor). Did he use method acting here? Thanks to his son who appears natural most of the time. They’ve got good rapport. Little Will Smith has what it takes and indeed very, very promising. The film showcases the struggles of the main character and could be uneasy to bear. Mabigat sa dibdib. If you’re familiar with Steven Soderbergh’s works, then this film would not be that special in terms of filmmaking style. Regardless of that, I appreciate that the film is based on a true inspiring story.
Friends who might appreciate it: dads, Will Smith fans and those who prefer watching a non-glossy and semi-realistic hollywood film.
ROME AND JULIET
Robinsons Galleria, Cinema 8, March 10, 1:30pm
The film is very ambitious in concocting a taboo topic (like lesbianism) with a glossy (read: mainstream) filmmaking. In a nutshell, it isn’t bad. But I can’t say that it’s good. Maybe the problem is with the storyline. It has so much to tell. It’s not only an unconventioanal tale of two gorgeous women falling in love. It also hits on politics, poverty, poetry reading, girl thing, religion, stereotypical men, etc. Andami-daming inilagay na sa tingin ko ay hindi naman kailangan. Not to mention that some dialogues are off and flat. Ano ba talagang motibo ng gumawa nito? Maybe we should learn something from “Brokeback Mountain” by keeping it simple and quiet. But it’s a nice try though. And yes, there’s a steamy kissing scene between the two leads: Mylene Dizon and Andrea del Rosario (aside from the harutan in the shower room, complete with soap and everything).
Friends who might appreciate it: Austin Powers-wannabes.
Thursday, March 08, 2007
Movie Digest # 006
DREAMGIRLS
Glorietta 4, Cinema 3, March 5, 10:30pm
My first impression when I got out of the cinema: it’s like I’ve watched a stage musical. Let me explain. Siguro dahil na-highlight ‘yung mga elements na gustung gusto mo sa entablado: the choreo, the singing and the production numbers. I can’t say the same for “Chicago”. Mas film na film kasi ang scope n’un. Dito, acting is suwabe, Beyonce is beautiful in every scene and the songs alone are radio friendly. And for sure, subject na naman ng mga impersonation ang ilang eksena rito.
Friends who might appreciate it: friends in high heels.
300
Glorietta 4, Cinema 3, March 7, 8:00pm
It’s 300% entertaining! It’s like watching a hollywood CGI film for the first time. Ang galing ng visuals, maganda ang vision ng filmmaker at witty (bordering to campy) ng mga lines for a period war film. Lahat yata ng frame eh highlight. Wala man lang nuances! If the film’s main goals are to entertain and to somewhat show something new for the moviegoers, then they succeeded. I am expecting at least an Oscar nomination for Art Direction, Costume Design and even Sound Mixing/Editing. Bentang benta sa akin ‘tong movie. Don’t forget to bring some popcorn and prepare to be awed. Ha-wooooh!
Friends who might appreciate it: comics fans and movie fans.
NOTES ON A SCANDAL
Glorietta 4, Cinema 5, March 7, 10:30pm
Gripping and engaging. Thanks to the two lead actresses: Judi Dench and Cate Blanchett. Ang husay ng palitan ng lines, ang galing ng rapport at hindi sila nagkainan. No pun intended. Hahaha. May konting anino ng lesbianismo ‘yung pelikula. Judi Dench’s old maid character is sad and craves for friendship. But she corrected it, “I want more than friendship”. Cate’s lonely wife character, on the other hand, hangs on to Judi’s character when the former was involved in a scandalous (hence the title) affair with a 15-year old student named Steven (I recognize his Northern Irish accent, thanks to a client called NIE). What really came up is a film about a thin line between friendship and more than friendship and up to what extent can you (or can’t you) sacrifice in its name. Nagalingan din ako sa pagkakasulat. Andaming device na ginamit to symbolize what is unlawful (when Steven is making pa-cute to Cate’s character, three policemen came from behind), picking up the pieces (Judy’s character is literally picking up the pieces of a broken mirror when she is having a discussion with Cate’s character after a confrontation), skeletons in the closet (Cate’s character is throwing out some garbage bags when she meets up again with Steven for the alleged break-up) and even the absence of sincerity (Steven gave Cate’s character a fancy necklace). This one’s for the books.
Friends who might appreciate it: those who value friendships a lot and those who are sad and alone.
Glorietta 4, Cinema 3, March 5, 10:30pm
My first impression when I got out of the cinema: it’s like I’ve watched a stage musical. Let me explain. Siguro dahil na-highlight ‘yung mga elements na gustung gusto mo sa entablado: the choreo, the singing and the production numbers. I can’t say the same for “Chicago”. Mas film na film kasi ang scope n’un. Dito, acting is suwabe, Beyonce is beautiful in every scene and the songs alone are radio friendly. And for sure, subject na naman ng mga impersonation ang ilang eksena rito.
Friends who might appreciate it: friends in high heels.
300
Glorietta 4, Cinema 3, March 7, 8:00pm
It’s 300% entertaining! It’s like watching a hollywood CGI film for the first time. Ang galing ng visuals, maganda ang vision ng filmmaker at witty (bordering to campy) ng mga lines for a period war film. Lahat yata ng frame eh highlight. Wala man lang nuances! If the film’s main goals are to entertain and to somewhat show something new for the moviegoers, then they succeeded. I am expecting at least an Oscar nomination for Art Direction, Costume Design and even Sound Mixing/Editing. Bentang benta sa akin ‘tong movie. Don’t forget to bring some popcorn and prepare to be awed. Ha-wooooh!
Friends who might appreciate it: comics fans and movie fans.
NOTES ON A SCANDAL
Glorietta 4, Cinema 5, March 7, 10:30pm
Gripping and engaging. Thanks to the two lead actresses: Judi Dench and Cate Blanchett. Ang husay ng palitan ng lines, ang galing ng rapport at hindi sila nagkainan. No pun intended. Hahaha. May konting anino ng lesbianismo ‘yung pelikula. Judi Dench’s old maid character is sad and craves for friendship. But she corrected it, “I want more than friendship”. Cate’s lonely wife character, on the other hand, hangs on to Judi’s character when the former was involved in a scandalous (hence the title) affair with a 15-year old student named Steven (I recognize his Northern Irish accent, thanks to a client called NIE). What really came up is a film about a thin line between friendship and more than friendship and up to what extent can you (or can’t you) sacrifice in its name. Nagalingan din ako sa pagkakasulat. Andaming device na ginamit to symbolize what is unlawful (when Steven is making pa-cute to Cate’s character, three policemen came from behind), picking up the pieces (Judy’s character is literally picking up the pieces of a broken mirror when she is having a discussion with Cate’s character after a confrontation), skeletons in the closet (Cate’s character is throwing out some garbage bags when she meets up again with Steven for the alleged break-up) and even the absence of sincerity (Steven gave Cate’s character a fancy necklace). This one’s for the books.
Friends who might appreciate it: those who value friendships a lot and those who are sad and alone.
Monday, March 05, 2007
My Kinda Sabado
10:00 – Umpisa na ng araw ko. Thanks to my celfone and my old school alarm clock.
10:05 – Helped my landlady, Ate Nadine, fold the tent that I borrowed from Jong. The one that I used last JEST.
10:30 – Brunch at Chowking (JP Rizal) with fish with tausi. I didn’t finish the rice.
11:00 – Ligo.
11:45 – Jeepney ride to Guadalupe Ilalim. I left my celfone at home.
12:10 – MRT to Quezon Avenue. It was windy when I got out of the train station.
12:30 – Jeepney ride to “campus”. Sa tapat na ako ng Palma Hall bumaba. It was damn hot. Andaming estudyante na may kanya-kanyang pananalig at giyera sa buhay.
12:45 – Saw stage actor Neil Ryan Sese, still wearing his period costume and fully made up, passed by me. If you were not aware that there’s a period musical staged in the building, you’ll mistake him for a ghost.
12:50 – Met Jo-anne Quiros of Dulaang UP for the ticket. She asked me to just come back at 2:30 for the ticket. I was too early for a 3pm play.
13:05 – Took a shot of a walkway from Palma Hall to an adjacent building. I brought my S60 with me (contrary to what I usually do: leave the valuables at home when heading north).
13:20 – Can’t find Casaa. I took the wrong turn, that’s why. I should have exited on the right side of Palma Hall from the stairs connected to the upper floors.
13:30 – Found Casaa. Found my self eating chicken roll from Gloria’s. A friend from Quezon badly craves for this dish. She said that it’s still good after all these years.
13:40 – Tambay sa hagdan sa Palma Hall. Panood-nood lang sa mga estudyanteng nag-aaral, nagdadaldalan, nagdi-discuss ng project at nangangampanya.
14:20 – Went back to the hall’s second floor, in front of Wilfrido Ma. Guererro Theater where Jo-anne found me. She handed me the ticket and the program (without Bb. Jose’s signature which I asked upon ticket reservation through text).
14:30 – Got in the priority queue (along with some people who look like books). I was craving for the banana latte from the stall nearby but managed to kill the temptation. Good job, Manny Boy!
15:00 – The sarswela “Basilia ng Malolos” began. It stars the beautiful Jenny Jamora (she’s very luminous) as Basilia along with a bunch of women in Filipinianas. I love the music. I love the content. My first good stage production for the year. To my friends’ disappointment, the play, which ran for 2 hours and 30 minutes, has no nudity.
17:45 – The wedding ring of the lead character rolled and went near into my seat. I was on the front row, middle seat. I just put it back in the stage’s edge (just as high as my knees).
18:10 – On my way out back to MRT station. It was raining. Took the lift (sardinas kasama ang anim o pitong tao sa loob).
18:50 – Made a short trip to the train station’s toilet. It is surprisingly clean and well maintained.
19:10 – Walking 101: MRT Ayala Station then SM Makati then Glorietta then Landmark then Greenbelt 3 then Greenbelt 1.
19:30 – Jolly spaghetti was too tempting to resist. I hoped that Janet (and probably other peeps) won’t mind this fast food pit stop. Eat-and-run.
19:50 – Met Janet near the escalator at the mall’s second level. I was glad to see her there at that time. We planned to meet between 7:30 to 7:45pm and we can just leave or get in if nobody shows during that period.
20:00 – Repertory Philippines’ “Song and Dance”. It’s a piece by THE Andrew Lloyd Webber. The first part was all singing (with Carla Guevarra-Lafortesa) and the other, all dancing. Beautiful act, beautiful music. What more can I ask for? I also saw Anton, an ex-Manila officemate plus KC Concepcion and Lino Cayetano.
22:10 – Greenbelt 3, looking for a movie schedule. LFS was at midnight so I had to walk back to Glorietta 4 for an ealier sched.
10:05 – Helped my landlady, Ate Nadine, fold the tent that I borrowed from Jong. The one that I used last JEST.
10:30 – Brunch at Chowking (JP Rizal) with fish with tausi. I didn’t finish the rice.
11:00 – Ligo.
11:45 – Jeepney ride to Guadalupe Ilalim. I left my celfone at home.
12:10 – MRT to Quezon Avenue. It was windy when I got out of the train station.
12:30 – Jeepney ride to “campus”. Sa tapat na ako ng Palma Hall bumaba. It was damn hot. Andaming estudyante na may kanya-kanyang pananalig at giyera sa buhay.
12:45 – Saw stage actor Neil Ryan Sese, still wearing his period costume and fully made up, passed by me. If you were not aware that there’s a period musical staged in the building, you’ll mistake him for a ghost.
12:50 – Met Jo-anne Quiros of Dulaang UP for the ticket. She asked me to just come back at 2:30 for the ticket. I was too early for a 3pm play.
13:05 – Took a shot of a walkway from Palma Hall to an adjacent building. I brought my S60 with me (contrary to what I usually do: leave the valuables at home when heading north).
13:20 – Can’t find Casaa. I took the wrong turn, that’s why. I should have exited on the right side of Palma Hall from the stairs connected to the upper floors.
13:30 – Found Casaa. Found my self eating chicken roll from Gloria’s. A friend from Quezon badly craves for this dish. She said that it’s still good after all these years.
13:40 – Tambay sa hagdan sa Palma Hall. Panood-nood lang sa mga estudyanteng nag-aaral, nagdadaldalan, nagdi-discuss ng project at nangangampanya.
14:20 – Went back to the hall’s second floor, in front of Wilfrido Ma. Guererro Theater where Jo-anne found me. She handed me the ticket and the program (without Bb. Jose’s signature which I asked upon ticket reservation through text).
14:30 – Got in the priority queue (along with some people who look like books). I was craving for the banana latte from the stall nearby but managed to kill the temptation. Good job, Manny Boy!
15:00 – The sarswela “Basilia ng Malolos” began. It stars the beautiful Jenny Jamora (she’s very luminous) as Basilia along with a bunch of women in Filipinianas. I love the music. I love the content. My first good stage production for the year. To my friends’ disappointment, the play, which ran for 2 hours and 30 minutes, has no nudity.
17:45 – The wedding ring of the lead character rolled and went near into my seat. I was on the front row, middle seat. I just put it back in the stage’s edge (just as high as my knees).
18:10 – On my way out back to MRT station. It was raining. Took the lift (sardinas kasama ang anim o pitong tao sa loob).
18:50 – Made a short trip to the train station’s toilet. It is surprisingly clean and well maintained.
19:10 – Walking 101: MRT Ayala Station then SM Makati then Glorietta then Landmark then Greenbelt 3 then Greenbelt 1.
19:30 – Jolly spaghetti was too tempting to resist. I hoped that Janet (and probably other peeps) won’t mind this fast food pit stop. Eat-and-run.
19:50 – Met Janet near the escalator at the mall’s second level. I was glad to see her there at that time. We planned to meet between 7:30 to 7:45pm and we can just leave or get in if nobody shows during that period.
20:00 – Repertory Philippines’ “Song and Dance”. It’s a piece by THE Andrew Lloyd Webber. The first part was all singing (with Carla Guevarra-Lafortesa) and the other, all dancing. Beautiful act, beautiful music. What more can I ask for? I also saw Anton, an ex-Manila officemate plus KC Concepcion and Lino Cayetano.
22:10 – Greenbelt 3, looking for a movie schedule. LFS was at midnight so I had to walk back to Glorietta 4 for an ealier sched.
23:00 – “Letters from Iwo Jima”. LFS. To keep me awake, I got a tall Tazo passion tea from Starbucks and a mini-bag of roasted salted cashew nuts from House of Nuts. I wasn’t sure if I was too sleepy while queueing or I really saw Etta Rosales and her kids in front of me.
Sunday, March 04, 2007
Movie Digest # 005
LETTERS FROM IWO JIMA
Glorietta 4, Cinema 3, March 3, 11pm
Worthy of an Oscar nomination for Best Picture. Nagustuhan ko ‘to. Clint Eastwood is really good. By the way, here are the reasons: 1. ang tahimik n’ung film, comparable sa ilang Japanese films. Para kang nagze-zen up while watching it (so avoid LFS, hehehe); 2. the film doesn’t vindicate anything. The film ends with the infamous mountain as “piping saksi” of everything, walang evil, walang good; 3. the device used is similar to “Titanic” and “Schiendler’s List” but “Letters…” pulls it off more gracefully (naks!); and 4. may “theme” ‘yung film. Umpisa pa lang, you know already how dark it will end. For a film director, it’s a challenging task.
Friends who might appreciate it: war film lovers and regular movie goers.
BRIDGE TO TERABITHIA
Power Plant, Cinema 5, March 4, 3:35pm
OK, I was teary-eyed with this one. I’m still a child at heart. Hahaha. Asa pa. I can say that this is a small film. The promo that it’s from the producers of “Narnia” and the CGI team is the same as those from “LOTR” and “Kingkong” is a bit misleading. Hindi s’ya FX film na sobrang engrande. It’s not even a fantasy film. Sa kabila nito, maayos na natalakay ang acceptance, paglawak ng horizon, paglaya at moving on. Kahit kokonti, convincing ang CGI pero hindi nagpasapaw ang cast. Mahuhusay rin sila (mas magaling pa sa mga bata sa “Narnia”).
Friends who might appreciate it: parents, their kids, parent-at-heart and child-at-heart.
Glorietta 4, Cinema 3, March 3, 11pm
Worthy of an Oscar nomination for Best Picture. Nagustuhan ko ‘to. Clint Eastwood is really good. By the way, here are the reasons: 1. ang tahimik n’ung film, comparable sa ilang Japanese films. Para kang nagze-zen up while watching it (so avoid LFS, hehehe); 2. the film doesn’t vindicate anything. The film ends with the infamous mountain as “piping saksi” of everything, walang evil, walang good; 3. the device used is similar to “Titanic” and “Schiendler’s List” but “Letters…” pulls it off more gracefully (naks!); and 4. may “theme” ‘yung film. Umpisa pa lang, you know already how dark it will end. For a film director, it’s a challenging task.
Friends who might appreciate it: war film lovers and regular movie goers.
BRIDGE TO TERABITHIA
Power Plant, Cinema 5, March 4, 3:35pm
OK, I was teary-eyed with this one. I’m still a child at heart. Hahaha. Asa pa. I can say that this is a small film. The promo that it’s from the producers of “Narnia” and the CGI team is the same as those from “LOTR” and “Kingkong” is a bit misleading. Hindi s’ya FX film na sobrang engrande. It’s not even a fantasy film. Sa kabila nito, maayos na natalakay ang acceptance, paglawak ng horizon, paglaya at moving on. Kahit kokonti, convincing ang CGI pero hindi nagpasapaw ang cast. Mahuhusay rin sila (mas magaling pa sa mga bata sa “Narnia”).
Friends who might appreciate it: parents, their kids, parent-at-heart and child-at-heart.
Monday, February 26, 2007
Movie Digest # 004
EPIC MOVIE
Power Plant, Cinema 4, Feb 23, 10:25pm
Boring.
Friends who might appreciate it: I don't know anybody.
GHOST RIDER
Glorietta 4, Cinema 3, Feb 26, 8:00pm
Finally, a popcorn film that is both exciting and not pretentious. Medyo campy pa at times (I believe this is the strongest point of the film). Forget that Nic Cage didn’t get the Superman part.
Friends who might appreciate it: anybody, bata o matanda, may skull o wala.
Power Plant, Cinema 4, Feb 23, 10:25pm
Boring.
Friends who might appreciate it: I don't know anybody.
GHOST RIDER
Glorietta 4, Cinema 3, Feb 26, 8:00pm
Finally, a popcorn film that is both exciting and not pretentious. Medyo campy pa at times (I believe this is the strongest point of the film). Forget that Nic Cage didn’t get the Superman part.
Friends who might appreciate it: anybody, bata o matanda, may skull o wala.
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