Now You See Me - 2013

Category: Movie

Genre: Crime, Mystery, Thriller

Director: Louis Letterier

Writer:  Ed Solomon and Boaz Yakin

Producer: Summit Entertainment,

Tagline: 4 amazing magicians. 3 impossible heists. 1 billion dollars. This is no illusion.

Cast: Jesse Eisenberg, Mark Ruffalo, Woody Harrelson, Isla Fisher, Dave Franco, Melanie laurent, Morgan Freeman, Michael Cane, Michael Kelly, Common and more

A bizarre investigation started when four magicians (Four Horsemen) climaxed at a sold out Las Vegas showing a bank being robbed for real. Dylan Rhodes of FBI and Alma Dray of Interpol were on the case, however it has been a very difficult task to solve even if they asked for the insights of the professional illusion expert, Thaddeus Bradley. 


 I super duper enjoyed the film! I was hesitant to watch it at first, but was glad I did! It has a dash of Illusionist minus the love story....  Totally Unpredictable.... well unless you are that smart of an ass. Also, it has an Ocean's Eleven ring to it as well. Great Great! I guess the only thing lacking here though is... the character development. There wasn't enough scenes where you get to be close with the character. But, I love the ingenuity of the set-up.

Photo: Den of Geek

Man of Steel - 2013

Category: Movie

Genre: Action /  Adventure / Fantasy

Director: Zack Snyder

Writer: David S. Goyer

Producer: Warner Bros., Legendary Pictures and more

Cast: Henry Cavill ,Amy Adams, Michael Shannon, Diane Lane, Russell Crowe, Antje Traue, Harry Lennix and more

Tagline: A hero will rise

As a young boy, Clark Kent learned he has extraordinary powers and is really not from Earth.
He is one of the last of an extinguished race disguised as an unremarkable human,was forced to reveal his identity when Earth was threatened to be annihilated.


Finally!! I've seen it! With all the hustle bustle, I finally was able to sit down and watch this with my family. It's a good take of Superman... with all the history. It's modern with a dash of medieval costume... good mix. Great lesson as well. ... about destiny and one's purpose in Earth. Great storyline.

Girl, Boy, Bakla, Tomboy - 2013

Category: Movie

Genre: OPM, Comedy

Director: Wenn V. Deramas

Writer/: Mel Mendoza-Del Rosario

Producer: Star Cinema, Viva Films

Cast: Vice Ganda, Maricel Soriano, Joey Marquez, Ruffa Guiterrez and more

Vice Ganda plays four roles in this film: Girlie (female), Peter (male), Mark ("bakla" or gay) and Panying ("tomboy" or lesbian). These four children were separated since birth. Girlie and Peter lived with their rich dad while Mark and Panying lived with their poor mom. The four then accidentally meet as adults.

It was one funny film! I watched this with Ninang Atho, Bee and Darlene. It was fun to see Vice Ganda, portraying, being a woman, a guy, a gay and a lesbian. As usual it's one funny trip! Just watch for a good laugh! :)

Mary Grace - Restaurant

Category: Food

Type: Cafe & Pastries

Place:



They are known for their ensaymada.

I love their story, which you can see splashed around their menu for you to read. It's very homey, the food at least. I wanted to try all their pastries(specially them cakes!! Lookie ohhh!!)

 But, I only ended up trying their ensaymada and banana shake! (Only because, my boo had his banana shake and para makisabay ako.... i had banana shake too!! Whopppeeee!)

Maybe next time around... im gonna try their cakes.. and next time it will be with Boo na :) 

California Pizza King - Makati Shangri-La

Category: Food

Type: Pizza / Pasta

Place: Makati Shangri-La

Spent time with Bee and her good friend Tin.

Buchooog!

It was a big meal, given that I am on a diet myself. Nyahahaha. Okay. cheat day! Cheat day!

Pizza. Pasta. And whatnots.

Kinda expensive to boot. But, good for the palate, specially if you want a heavy meal.

Diary ng Panget 2 - HaveYouSeenThisGirl

Category: Books



Genre: Chick Literature 



Author: HaveYouSeenThisGirl (Wattpad)




This is a continuation of the journey of Eya and Cross and their love-hate relationship.


Finally! I grabbed the DNP 2!!! After weeks of waiting and of going back and forth from the bookstore.

Huwaaaaa. I enjoyed it once again. I can't wait for the next installment. It's still the same.. kilig to the bones scenario.. however bitin. I wanted more! :)

Okay. Shoot me! Hayaan nyo na ako. In love lang eh.  And when you are in love.. all things goes cheesy weezyyy.... :P

Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince - 2009

Category: Movie

Genre: Fantasy

Writer: J. K Rowling (book), Steve Kloves

Producer: Warner Bros., Heyday Films

Director: David Yates

Cast: Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, Emma Watson, Michael Gambon, Dave Legno, Jim Broadbent and more.

Tagline: Dark Secrets Revealed; Once again I must ask too much of you, Harry

This time, Harry Potter begins his sixth year at Hogwarts and discovered a book entitled " The Half Blood Prince" and begins to have an insight and learns a lot about the Lord Voldemort's past. At the same time, Lord Voldemort's is increasingly becoming active.

Moviedate with Boo! This is one of the best days with him ever!!!

This is my second time to watch the film. Just  to satiate the Harry Potter whimsical craving. (However, this time it is most sweet... because I am watching it with my boo *swoons*)

This series was filled with Love Triangles! And well, it's basically everyone.... partnering with someone. hahaha. Or maybe im just in love thats why... hahhaa. :)That's why I always tend to see the romance part these days. The characters are maturing in this film and their acting are getting better with each film. But, it's pretty much loaded for one film... I think it;s not enough and left a few pieces from the book. It could've been better.

But, either way, it's perfect for me.

Ted - 2012

Category: Movie

Genre:Comedy / Fantasy

Director: Seth Macfarlane

Writer: Seth Macfarlane, Alec Sulkin

Producer: Universal Pictures, Media Rights Capital, Fuzzy Door Productions

Cast: Mark Wahlberg, Mila Kunis, Seth Macfarlane, Joel Mchale, Giovanni Ribisi, Patrick Warburton, Matt Walsh, Jessica Barth and more

Tagline: Ted is coming.

John (Mark Wahlberg) made a Christmas wish when he was a childhood and that was to bring his one and only friend to life, his teddy bear - Ted. The two grew up together but then their friendship will be tested as Lori (Mila Kunis), John's girlfriend of four years, wants more from his relationship with John.

I gave up watching this on my first round but this time I managed to pull through. Finalmente. And glad I did. It's not one of the best storyline.. but it has an interesting character though... a "talking teddy". And even worse... a teddy that curses! For one, who is not used to potty mouths, this was extreme! You'd think teddy bears are warm and cuddly... but Ted oh Ted is not that at the beginning of the film.

Anyhow, this is not my type of funny. :) But, well..... that's all I can say.

Diary Ng Panget Book 1 - HaveYouSeenThisGirl

Category: Books

Genre: Chick Literature

Author: Have You Seen This Girl (Wattpad)

Eya studies as a scholar at Wilford Academy. She's poor and ugly, but then again for some weird fate she was drawn to two handsome and rich guys. This will indeed make you laugh. Cinderella inspired but with a very cute twist.


Grabe! I never thought I'd read this book... but I did! Only  because, I read the first few pages and I was enthused by how it was written in our own language. Its not too formal or anything, but conversational Tagalog. Haha. It's an easy read. One seating lang. You can finish this right away.

By the way, I've read reviews about people getting disappointed when they read the book. Oh puhlease, they were merely expecting this book to be in the league of what? Pride and Prejudice? Wag naman.  This one was written for pure entertainment, so don't overly "intellectualize" this kasi maloloka kayo.

This one is good if you need a breather... but only for the lighthearted. Wag yung sa mga tao ang idea nila ng breather is Leo Tolstoy :P Ahihihi. Peace out.

However it is super bitin! So, I'm just waiting to grab a copy of the Book 2.

Majid's Persian Kebab - Davao City

Category: Food / Restaurant

Location: Rizal St., Davao City



Conveniently located at the downtown part of the area, this is the favorite of students and most locals. Aside from it being affordable, it also serves yummy Persian dishes. And if you are lucky, you get to see "Majid's" himself, who used to be a star for action films before retiring here in Davao. You see photos of his movies around the area.

The place is not air conditioned, which makes it even more quaint.

People's favorites:

Beef Cholo, Chicken Yogurt

and my favorite dash.... Grapeseed Powder

I also fancied their Yogurt Juice. However, it fills you up quickly, so I think taking the pitcher won't help unless you are a group of 7 :)

Much Ado About Magic - Shanna Swendson

 Category: Books

Genre: Chick Literature / Fantasy

Author: Shanna Swendson



To Do: Manage Magical Mayhem, Save the Company, Save the World
 

Once again, Katie Chandler is back in New York and at Magic, Spells, and Illusions, Inc. as the new director of marketing – and it's about time she is back!  New York is being gripped by a magical crime as waves of spells from a rogue firm called Spellworks is now beginning to market and is raising it's profile wanting to be known by the magical community by selling protective amulets. It is now war in the world of magic!

Among the Enchanted Series... I find this the most exciting and action packed. Although, it kind of brought me back a bit a Harry Potter world-ish moment, but distinctly an "Enchanted Inc." experience. It is fast paced, and very readable.  I can't wait to read the next series!

Oh Owen, when will you stop holding back your feelings for Katie??? :) Hayyy another one of those book character crush. Woot. *blushes*

White House Down - 2013

Category: Movies

Genre: Action, Drama, Thriller

Writer: James Vanderbilt

Director: Roland Emmerich

Producer: Columbia Pictures, Mythology Entertainment

Cast; Channing Tatum, Jamie Foxx, Maggie Gylenhaal, Jason Clarke, Richard Jenkins, Joey King, James Woods, Nicolas Wright, Jimmi Simpson, Michael Murphy and more

Tagline: It Will Start Like Any Other Day

A Capitol Policeman, John Cale (Channing Tatum) was on tour while on the White House with his young daughter while at the same time applying for his dream job to be part of the Secret Service in protecting the current President, James Sawyer (Jamie Foxx). But, then on that same day the White House was overtaken by a heavily armed group, now John Cale springs into action as he tries to protect his daughter and the President.


It's the fourth of july! and what better way, than to watch the first screening of White House Down.

I'm not a fan of Channing Tatum but it was a good one though. I had loads of fun watching the film. It was a great action film, loads of bullets, missiles, helicopters, and all those shizznit and with a good enough humor.

Enchanted Inc. #4 - Don't Hex With Texas -

Category: Books

Genre: Chick Literature / Fantasy

Author: Shanna Swendson



This time magic hits Texas when Katie chose to leave New York after the subway incident, thinking being far away or lying low from the magical community will bring everybody peace.

However, magic seems to follow Katie, whether she likes it or not.

I liked this particular part of the series because this is the time when Owen got to visit Katie's family. Also this focused much more on Katie's relationship with her family and her roots.

I love how this way ended too! :) I love the series! woot woot!

After Earth - 2013

Category: Movie

Genre: Action / Sci-Fi / Drama

Director: M. Night Shyamalan

Writer: Gary Whitta, M. Night Shyamalan

Producer: Columbia Pictures, Overbrook Entertainment, Blinding Edge Pictures

Cast: Jaden Smith, Will Smith, David Denman, Sophie Okonedo, Zoe Kravitz, Glenn Morshower, Kristofer Hivju, Sacha Dawan, and more

Tagline: Danger is real. Fear is a choice.


I didn't realise this was an M.Night Shymalan ... until I saw the credits... on the first opening scene! Wooot.

One thousand years after cataclysmic events forced humanity's escape from Earth, Nova Prime has become mankind's new home.  Cypher Raige returns from an extended duty to his family and ready to father his son, Kitai, but then a crash landing leaves Kitai Raige and Cypher stranded on Earth, a millennium after events forced humanity's escape. With Cypher injured, Kitai must embark on a perilous journey to signal for help.

I loved the film!

I first read about the film about an article saying this film's got something to do with Will Smith's dedication to Scientology. Well, it pretty much looks like it.

Scientology or not... it strikes a chord for us who just attended IkePono. This reminds me of the Pono battle. How to just connect with your pono, thus eliminating fear. Specially, the ending.

The kneeling part is one way of getting grounded, and being in touch with self and going back to Pono.

Also, it has elements of LES (Doc Andre's seminar), about staying in the present moment, becoming aware of everything around you. And a bit of a Peaceful Warrior. Elements of Workshop:Courage and Aletheia was also shown.

This is once again something about the future, yes, another apocalyptic view, about fathers and sons, childhood traumas, getting out of the box, relying on intuition, and well, pretty much the journey of the hero. :)

Photo source: HD Wallpapers

Warm Bodies - 2013

Category: Movie

Genre: Comedy / Horror / Romance

Director: Jonathan Levine

Writer: Jonathan Levine, Isaac Marion

Producer: Summit Entertainment, Make Movies, Mandeville Films

Cast: Nicolas Hoult, Teresa Palmer, John Malkovich, Analeigh Tipton, Rob Corddry, Dave Franco, Cory Hardrict

Tagline:  Bros before brains

The world's population is slowly becoming an undead horde, however R, is a young and odd zombie who thinks. While feeding on humans one day, R meets Julie (still human) and suddenly has an urge to protect her. What happens is the start of a very strange and warm relationship that allows R to begin having his human side back. Soon, this strange phenomenon is spreading in the undead population.... which brings about another issue they have to challenge that would threaten their friendship.

 ---------

Okay, seems like today is filled with really interesting films that is infused with something deeper.

This film may seem comedic on the surface but if you actually look past or go "exhume" the film... you get to see that it's actually deep.


Being a Zombie is a metaphor for people living a life without color, without passion, and a life that takes it as it is with no questions, cautionary. It's also a life where one forgets who he/she really is.

Being a bonie on the other hand are people who gave up or can be that part of self which buys fear, our shadow, the dark force.

This is actually beyond apocalyptic but is actually an awakening veiled.

There are many references to remembrance, forgetting, triggers, and the 100th monkey concept plays as well, and that change can often just come from one person and a small group of individuals who are crazy enough to challenge the norm and who does not fit the "norm".

Also, music plays an important role to the person here...

And this also shows that whenever there's change, there's always a counter-force, when your Imaginal self steps in.

this movie reminds me of this: "“Burnout is nature's way of telling you, you've been going through the motions your soul has departed; you're a zombie, a member of the walking dead, a sleepwalker. False optimism is like administrating stimulants to an exhausted nervous system. ” - Sam Keen

Almo Marina

Category: Restaurant
 
Location: SM Mall of Asia, Pasay City

Overview and review



We often visit this restaurant whenever we are at the SM Mall of Asia. I usually order their Lasagna.




I also enjoy the juices that they serve.... and of course the dessert. :)

Their beef steaks are also great specially since it's from Australia.

Well, it's a breather among fast food... :) And settle into something in the middle. Good food and great drinks to boot!

Damsel Under Stress - Shanna Swedson

Category: Books

Genre: Chick Literature / Modern Fantasy

Author: Shanna Swedson



I thoroughly enjoyed this series as dragons made an appearance under the tunnels of New York. Well, a damsel won't be completely under stress  when there's no dragons right? So, what will our knight in shining armor Owen Palmer do?







Can I have my own Owen Palmer tooooo? Huwaaaaaaa. He is absolutely pretty much one of those guy characters I'd fall in love with. Handsome but not cocky and not really knowing he is.... a bit "suplado" or "serious" but then warms up and gets all mushy and concerned when with someone he likes/loves.

Great series Shanna!

Magnifico - 2003

Category: Movie

Genre: Drama / Family

Director: Maryo J. Delos Reyes

Writer: Michiko Yamamoto

Producer: Violett Films Production

Cast: Jiro Manio, Lorna Tolentino, Albert Martinez,  Gloria Romero, Celia Rodriguez, Marc Gil , Tonton Guiterriez, Amy Austria, Cherry Pie Picache, Danilo Barrios, Susan Africa, and more

Tagline:


Magnifico may not be good in school and belongs to an unfortunate and poor family, he has a big heart and has this positivity that permeates him everywhere he goes. He has not only helped his family, but the community he lives in.


T_T

It's a heartwarming story about a kid who has touched the lives of many people in their neighborhood. It's a simple story, very close to Filipino culture and Filipino values with Filipino issues as well.

Thanks to my friend Juna who recommended that I watch the film.

I think we'd fare really well if we make good films like these. Inspiring. Simple. Touches us and stirs our heart.This is good drama, compared to other dramas that is often fed to the masses.

Seagrass Beach Resort

Category: Resorts

City: Island Garden City of Samal

Country: Philippines

I prefer going to resorts during weekdays, because for one, you have the resort all to yourself. And for that, it was good that when we visited Seagrass there were not much "bakasyonista's" yet. And we were on time, and a day early because the following day their resort would be crowded with hikers as they were booked for the next three days. Samal has a Mountain and they go to that mountain for a pre-climb before jumping off to Mt. Apo.

Anyhow, this is a fairly new resort. They have a good customer service, and two pools to boot. A day tour would cost you around Php 150/head, inclusive of the beach, and the 3ft. swimming pool. Plus an additional Php 150, should you want to take a swim at their 5ft. swimming pool and their long slide. Php 500 for the cottages.

They have a large serving for the food, which tastes good and comes with a reasonable price. It's not priced as a resort but something you can usually get from restaurants in the city. And their water bottles are priced reasonably well at around Php 15.

The resort is actually designed for large gatherings which is often good for a Filipino culture due to our various reunions during holidays. It is still being developed, when we went there, the resort wasn't even a month old yet.

They have large parking spaces in front of their villas should you want to stay overnight.  It's also quiet accessible should you go for commute.

Just take the Island Express bus which would cost at around Php 40/head. Then you step off the bus at the Davao Central Warehouse (you can always ask the conductor to tell you when it's your stop). And then from there you can hire a motorcycle to head off for Seagrass, for around Php 10/head. If it's only you using the motorcycle they might charge an extra.

The beach is perfect for relaxation (again, if there's not much people around). There are good shady areas where you can just lounge and maybe write and chill out. :)

Conversations with my friend:

Me: Eeeep. So many grass in the sea!! Bakit marami dito?
Friend: Kaya nga seagrass eh... gets?

Haha. Yeah, the sea is filled with sea grass when the tide kicks in. Also the sand is kinda slimy, maybe because they just uprooted the seagrass and thus the algae is sticking.. i'm not so sure. But, when you wade in the sea... it's not rocky, it's quiet slippery and slimy. But, still an okay place to swim. :)

Cafe Demitasse - Davao City

Category: Cafe - Coffee Shop

Well, I've been frequenting this cafe the past few months with my Liwanagila peeps and zee Imaginals :)

We fancied using their function room which can be around 2K for 2 hours and it's consumable for our meetings. :)

They have awesome service! I specially liked their super friendly staff and would make you want to go back.  Their vanilla shake is powdered.. it's a bummer for vanilla milkshake lover like moi. But, it's all cool :)


Yummeeeh!  The food choices!!! It caters to all palette's and they are not substandard.

From pizza, pasta, to beef, pork, chicken, fish meals, desserts, frappes, smoothies, yogurt, tea, they even serve san mig light :) So, if you have friends who likes different food and can't seem to agree, I'm sure they'll find something they'd like to order here. 

My favorite here is the Bannoffee Pie.... I usually treat out of towners to this place ...They also serve a very unique cake called "Halo Halo Cake" and they serve it with ice cream! Nomnom!

Once Upon Stilettos - Shanna Swendson

Category: Book

Genre: Chick Literature

Author: Shanna Swendson


The life of Katie Chandler is now purely magic - literally. After quitting a drab job with a monster boss, Katie found herself becoming an executive assistant at MSI (Magic, Spells and Illusiions, Inc.) and she has seen more than enough of magical induced moments. But, Katie is no wizard, but has a unique gift called "magical immune". However, with this series, she begins losing her immunity because someone's got a different plan for MSI and the whole magical community, and the only way to fulfill those evil plans was to mess up with Katie Chandler whose done nothing but thwart all those evil deeds.


This is a good second part... and would make you go "kilig" with the Katie-Owen team-up and the partners of Gemma and Marcia who used to be frogs *hint hint*.I love the metaphors... and how it's a light but very funny read. I love the adventures. :)

Photo Source: Goodreads

Mister Kabab - U.P. AyalaLand Techno Hub

Category: Restaurant

City: Quezon City, Philippines

So, in one of our business trips, our Area Sales Coordinator took us to a Mediterranean Restaurant @ U.P. Techno Hub called Mister Kabab, which was recommended by one of the Network Leaders in the area. :)

It was one of the unique meals we've had, since we always settle for more known restaurants rather than trying out something new in the area. Great dining experience, and yes, it made me miss Madjid's back in Davao. This one is classier compared to Madjid :)

I got myself a Beef Kabab :) A yogurt drink would've been good with this but we opted for a Halo Halo in another restaurant so I did not get to taste their yogurt drink.

Enchanted Inc. - Shanna Swendson

Category:  Books

Genre: Chic Literature / Fantasy / Modern

Author: Shanna Swendson

This is a romantic urban fantasy about a girl named Katie Chandler.  She has been living in New York City for about a year already but is originally from Texas. One day, she was offered a mysterious job. When she looks into the job, it turns out that she is one of the 1% in the world who are immune to magic, and that the company offering her the job is a magic company called MSI Inc, which stands for Magic, Spells, and Illusions Inc. It soon becomes apparent that the world is in trouble from the evil wizard Phelan Idris and it is up to Katie and her friends to save it. - from Wikipedia


I enjoyed this whole new refreshing novel about magic and the modern world. It has a unique storyline in a sense that being immune to magic was seen to be special. An angle that wasn't explored by many plots.

It's like a Cabot, Ahern, with a dash of Rowling thrown in between.

It gave me "kilig" moments as well. Ahhh so fun!

The Roommate - 2011

Category: Movie

 Genre: Drama, Horror, Thriller

Director:  Christian E. Christiansen

Writer: Sonny Mallhi, Nick Blysma

Producer: Screen Gems / Vertigo Entertainment

Cast: Minka Kelly, Leighton Meester, Cam Gigandet, Shirley Norris, Lauren Alfano

Tagline: She's cute...loyal...and a psychotic. No one's perfect.


Fresh from Iowa, Sara Matthews has just landed in Los Angeles as a college freshman studying fashion design. She meets Stephen, Tracy, and her roommate Rebecca. Sara then finds out that her new roommate Rebecca has an obsession with her, which quickly turns violent.

It was quiet predictable. There's not much uhmm spark between some of the leads. Some of the acting was off. It's just out to give you a few scare about what if you end up with a psychotic room mate. Which can be quiet eerie if you have one actually.

Photo Source: Papaes Review