Army Navy Burger

Category: Food





One regular order of their burger can make you burp errr full already!

And I had fun with the Liber-tea!! Whooppeeeee!! I take a fancy with teas named after Liberty or any item named "Liberty". Haha.

T.G.I.F. - Davao

Category: Restaurant

City: Davao



Yum! Sauce!!! Love it! And I tried their strawberry mojito! I like trying out cocktail drinks thats why. woot woot!

Not much to review since this is a popular dining place for people in Luzon.

21 Jump Street - 2012

Category: Movie

Genre: Comedy

Director: Phil Lord, Christopher Miller

Writer: Michael Bacall

 Producer: Columbia Pictures, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayr MGM, Relativity Media

Cast: Jonah Hill, Channing Tatum, Brie Larson, Dave Franco, Rob Riggle, DeRay Davis, Ice Cube, Dax Flame and more.

Tagline:   The only thing getting blown tonight is their cover.

 Schmidt(Jonah Hill)  and Jenko (Channing Tatum) joined the police force and ended up as partners riding bicycles in the city park. Both of them looked young, and were assigned on a special undercover task to infiltrate a drug ring that is supplying the high school students with synthetic drugs.


I had a good laugh at this. It's oftentimes comically weird. Its about friendship and partnership.

Bride For Rent - 2014

Category: Movie

Genre: Romance / Comedy / Chick Flick / Drama

Director: Mae Czarina Cruz

Writer: Charlene Grace Bernardo, Carmi Raymundo

Producer: ABS CBN Film Productions, Star Cinema Productions

Cast: Kim Chiu, Xian Lim, Empoy Marquez, Martin del Rosario, Pilita Corales, Tirso Cruz III, Dennis Padilla, Matt Evans and more.

Tagline: 

Having one thing in common, both Rocco Espiritu and Rocky Espiritu created a scheme to get money, FAST.

Losing a match from poker, Rocco needs his money from his trust fund fast, or else lose the client he needs to defeat his Father's TV commercial production company, while Rocky needs to pay the rent or else her whole family will be homeless. The only way Rocco will get his money from his trust fund was to fulfill the conditions of his grandmother and that is: to get married.

Rocco then hires Rocky to play his bride... but along the way something goes amiss....


Its the usual chic flick but it had good values at the end. I liked the interview part of the couples in the film. Its not an intellectual drama, but if you want something light.. this can be a good upperthingy.

So this is where the expression: Isnt it amazing? Isnt it surprising? came from!

For awhile I wondered.. from what movie ... did it spring forth! :) 

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.

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. :)

The Avengers - 2012

Category:  Movie

Genre:  Action / Heroes

Director: Joss Whedon

Writer: Joss Whedon, Zak Penn

Producer: Marvel Studios, Paramount Pictures

Cast: Robert Downey Jr., Chris Evans, Scarlett Johansson, Mark Ruffalo, Chris Hemsworth, Jeremy Renner, Tom Hiddleston, Clark Gregg, Cobie Smulders, Samuel L. Jackson and more

Tagline:

Nick Fury the director of S.H.I.E.L.D. gathers a team of super humans to form The Avengers(Iron Man, the Incredible Hulk, Thor, Captain America, Hawkeye and Black Widow) to help save the Earth from Loki and his cohorts.


Well, uhmmm looks like transformers ... with all those aliens and stuff. And well, while I enjoyed watching it, specially on some of it's comedic scenes. I know it could've used a little more depth. But its fun to see all those heroes we love all in one movie. Trying to work together despite their differences.

Note: That I'm no comic book fan... so, I guess you know where I am coming from. If you are a fan of them Marvel Heroes... well, I'm sure you would've been blown by now, seeing all of them on screen. :)

Photo Source: Beyond Hollywood

The School of Rock - 2003

Category: Movie

Genre: Comedy / Music

Director: Richard Linklater

Writer: Mike White

Producer: Paramount Pictures, Scott Rudin Productions, MFP Munich Film Partners

Cast: Jack Black, Mike White, Joan Cusack, Adam Pascal, Lucas Papaelias, Chris Stack, Sarah Silverman, Lucas Babin, Jordan Claire-Green and more.

Tagline: Mr. Black. Accept no substitute. Come on feel the noize.

A wannabe, down and out rock star Dewey Finn (Jack Black) gets fired from his band, and now faces a lot of debt and suffers from depression. He then takes or poses as a substitute teacher at a very strict private preparatory school and tries to turn his 4th grade class into a rock band.


Prepare to rock your heart out with this film! The CD of this film has been with me since 2004!! But then, I never got around to watching it but just now. This is an entertaining feel-good film specially for the guys "rocking" it out! It cracks you up at the right moment as well. Jack Black's dynamics with the kids was also good and added zing to the whole thing.

Photo Source: Last FM

Just Curious - Jude Deveraux

Category: Book

Genre: Chick Literature

Author: Jude Deveraux

A young widow, Karen Lawrence finds herself on a holiday weekend with her boss MacAllister Taggert. She always believes that MacAllister is just some rich guy who has enough money and can date and break the hearts of many women.


What a quick book to read!! It was entertaining. Kilig worthy. As usual. Even though I know they would end up together and you can tell what would happen next.. just like in chick flicks! HAHAHA;) oh well. just something for the heart to swoon over. :)

The epilogue in the end caught me off-guard by the way even though it was a nice touch.

Photo Source: Simon & Schuster

Safe - 2012

Category: Movie

Genre: Action / Thriller / Crime

Director: Boaz Yakin

Writer: Boaz Yakin

Producer: IM Global, Automatik Entertainment, Lawrence Bender and more

Cast: Jason Statham, Catherine Chan, Chris Sarandon, Robert John Burke, James Hong, Anson Mount, Joseph Sikora and more

Tagline:  She has the code. He is the key.

Mei(Catherine Chan), a young Chinese girl was abducted by a Russian mob, and corrupt NYC officials. She holds a priceless numerical code. A former elite agent and a small time MMA, Luke Wright (Jason Statham) whose life was destroyed by the mob comes to rescue Mei.


I enjoyed the movie. For one, I like how the kid acted and Jason Statham's performance was really good. Great character build-up despite the limited time. The fight scenes were equally interesting and I'm pretty sure those of you who enjoys some action would really enjoy this. It was nifty.

Photo Source: Movie Ramblings

No Reservations - 2007

Category: Movie

Genre: Comedy / Drama

Director: Scott Hicks

Writer: Carol Fuchs

Producer: Castle Rock Entertainment, Storefront Pictures, Village Roadshow Pictures

Cast: Catherine-Zeta Jones, Aaron Eckhart, Abigail Breslin, Patricia Clarkson, Jenny Wade, Bob Balaban, Brian F. O'Byrne, Lily Rabe, Eric Silver and more.

Tagline: Something's Cooking This Summer

[a remake of a German film Mostly Martha]
 
Kate (Catherine-Zeta Jones), lives her life as a master chef with an intensity that can captivate and intimidate everyone around her. She seems to have it all together alone, but then her life as a top chef changes when she becomes the guardian of her young niece. 

It's ratatouille only there's no rat and its not a cartoon! And this time the movie did not focus on the guy. Its the woman chef! :) I had a wonderful time watching the film, it's heartwarming and there was enough time to develop the character.  I like Zooey's character.... and of course the feel-good ending...

Yes, it may be quiet an ordinary comedy-romance thingy... but still, it never failed to entertain me. ;)

Photo Source: DVD Active

Transporter 2 - 2005

Category: Movie

Genre: Action

Writer: Luc Besson, Robert Mark Kamen

Director: Louis Letterier

Producer: Europa Corp., TFI Films Productions, Current Entertainment

Cast: Jason Statham, Amber Valletta, Kate Nauta, Allessandro Gassman, Matthew Modine, Jason Flemying, Keith David and more.

Tagline: The Best In The Business Is Back In The Game.

Frank Martin (Jason Statham) is the best when it comes to specializing moving goods or humands of all kinds as a mercenary "transporter". He just delivers, no more questions. As a favor to a friend, he was asked to become a driver for the wealthy Billings family. And was able to bond with the young son, Jack. But, then Jack is kidnapped and Frank must once again use his tried and tested combat skills to retrieve Jack.

As much as I hate catching the second part of a movie series... well, here I am watching the 2nd part of Transporter. Great effects and definitely entertaining action scenes, and things blowing up.

Plot? well, not necessarily original.. just that he is just one bad-ass guy who can transport! LOL. All in all it was entertaining. Don't place too much thought about its not possible because it is clearly just something to blow your minds... and well for you to have a good time. :)

Photo Source: Listal

Predators - 2010

Category: Movie

Genre: Action / Adventure / Sci-Fi

Writer: Alex Litvak, Michael Finch,

Director: Nimrod Antal

Producer: Twentieth Century Fox

Cast: Adrien Brody, Laurence Fishburne, Topher Grace, Alice Braga, Walton Goggins, Oleg Taktarov, Danny Trejo and more.

Tagline: The most dangerous killers on the planet... but this is not our planet.

8 men(woman)  of different backgrounds, a mercenary, a military, a soldier, a criminal, a militia, a drug lord, a yakuza and a doctor, finds themselves waking up after a free fall in an unknown jungle. Walking around the jungle, they discover that they are on a different planet and that they are prey of of merciless aliens called Predators in a deadly hunting game.

Well, I never expected to be quite taken with the film. Well, not exactly taken... but you know, I kind of enjoyed the unexpected turn around in the end. And here I am, thinking I'd know which is which. For some parts, I did, but then I never expected the end. ;) If you know what I mean.

Anyway, effects, was good. Cinematography, is great. It moves in an exhilarating pace. There's good enough reason, they never showed those effin predators at the beginning, because it added up to the whole thrill of it. Played on people's fears, "the unknown".
I did guessed who would be left after the film would be over. (favorite game i play, whenever I watch something).

I know a lot are disappointed because they were pre-judging it over the previous "Predator" film. But, i feel it's a good re-imagining of the film. Of course, the original may deem to be better. But, this one can stand on its own as well - for me. :)

Photo Source: Teaser Trailer

The Last Airbender - 2010

Category: Animation / Movie

Genre: Fantasy 

Writer: M. Night Shyamalan

Director: M. Night Shyamalan

Producer: Paramount Pictures, Nickelodeon Movies, Blinding Edge Pictures

Cast: Noah Ringer, Dev Patel, Nicola Peltz, Jackson Rathbone, Shaun Toub, Aasif Mandvi, Cliff Curtis, Seychelle Gabriel, Katharine Houghton, Francis Guinan and more

Tagline: Four nations, one destiny


The world is divided into four kingdoms, Water, Air, Fire, Earh. The story follows the adventures of Aang of the kingdom Air, a young successor to a long line of Avatars, the only being linked to the Spirit World and the only one who is capable to master all four elements.

Awww  I LIKE IT! I heard about how other people thinks it sucks and all that. But, I actually love it. Well, anything magical even though it is predictable... is amusing for me. (Just came back from Aletheia - a 3 week workshop and I can clearly connect the dots of what we discussed and the things that came up in the movie). Anyway, for everybody's sake I haven't seen the original cartoon series, so I can't really say anything bad about it. :)

Although the film did feel like it was rushed and character development was poor... but the action scenes were equally riveting. :) Great musical score as well!! :)

Quotes I Like:

Iroh: There are reasons each of us are born. we have to find those reasons.

Gran: He will begin to change hearts, and it is in the heart that all wars are won.

13 going on 30

Category: Movie

Genre: Chick Flick

Director: Gary Winick

Writer: Josh Goldsmith, Cathy Yuspa

Producer: Revolution Studios, Thirteen Productions

Cast: Jennifer Garner, Mark Ruffalo, Judy Greer, Andy Serkis, Kathy Baker, Phil Reeves, Sam Ball, Marcia deBonis, Christa B. Allen, Sean Marquette

Tagline: Every woman has a secret - hers is really magical


13 year old Jenna Rink (Garner) always dreamed of becoming 30 and to be part of the "in" crowd at school. After a total embarrassment during a game on her birthday she wished using a magic dust to be 30. And when she woke up the next day, she was on a body of a 30 year old with her 13 year old mind. She got what she wished for, a knockout body, amazing superstar friends, a wonderful apartment with an extensive wardrobe. During the days of confusion and adjustment, she realized this is not what she truly wants... all she wants was to be with her childhood best friend, Matt.

But then something happened between the years she skipped 14-29..... Can she still bring back the life and best friend she wants?

I enjoyed the film, it's a mixture of magic and love and the modern world. It's light and charming, entertaining and quite unique. It's a girly film that tried to go a little deep and you'd discover the wonders of family and friends at the present moment. :)

The Wedding Date - 2005

Category: Movie

Genre: Chick Flick

Director: Clare Kliner

Writer: Elizabeth Young, Dana Fox,

Producer: Gold Circle Films, 26 Films, VisionView Production

Cast: Dermot Mulroney, Debra Messing, Jack Davenport, Amy Adams, Sarah Parish, Jeremy Sheffield, Peter Egan, Holland Taylor, Jolyon James and more.

Tagline: Love doesn't come cheap.


Kat Ellis (Debra Messing) an airline executive, returns to her parents' home in London to attend her sister's wedding. Knowing her ex-fiance, who dumped her two years before, she then hires first class male escort named Nick Ercer (Dermot Mulroney) to pose as her new boyfriend (deffo not your ordinary gigolo.. someone who does not come in cheap). However, everyone is in for shocking surprises along the way....


I enjoyed this film. If only male escorts were like Nick Ercer! HAHAHA. If you just want light, entertaining flick then this one is for you. I thoroughly enjoyed it. There is good chemistry between Debra and Dermot during the whole film. It can make you giggle and wish for your own happy ever after. Sweet and funny.

Quotes I Like:


Nick Mercer: Close your eyes. Close your eyes. Close... your... eyes. You're safe. You can relax. I'm not going to kiss you. He's gonna be so sorry he lost you, so stop worrying. Forget the past. Forget the pain. And remember what an incredible woman you are. You do that and he'll realize what he lost.
Kat Ellis: Holy crap. You're worth every penny.

Kat Ellis: You know what pisses me off? I've been spilling my guts all weekend and I don't know a thing about you.
Nick Mercer: [pause] I'm allergic to fabric softener. I majored in comparative literature at Brown. I hate anchovies. And I think I'd miss you even if we never met.

Green Lantern - 2011

Category: Movie

Genre: Fantasy / Adventure

Director: Martin Campbell

Writer: Greg Berlanti, Michael Green

Producer: Warner Bros. Pictures, De Line Productions, DC Entertainment

Cast: Ryan Reynolds, Blake Lively, Peter Sarsgaard, Mark Strong, Tim Robbins, Jay O. Sanders, Taika Waititi, Angela Bassett, Mike Doyle and more

Tagline: One of us.. becomes one of them.

A test pilot, named Hal Jordan (Ryan Reynolds) was granted a mystical green ring that gives him superhuman powers. The source of power is from the Green Lantern Intergalactic Corps and he was admitted as member of the peace keeping squad of the universe.

I watched this with the LEAP Team. Which makes it great. We all came from our graduation weekend somewhere in Antipolo and our Coaches and our co-Leapers were with us to bond.

This movie sure has similar indications about the "Galactic Federation of Light" which makes it really cool for me. I'm not much of a comic fan... but I've heard the movie sticked to the story based on the comic. The movie isn't that amazing... however it brought a deep storyline about fear and will of humans.

Quotes I Like:

 Tomar-Re: Billions of years ago, a race of immortals harnessed the most powerful force in existence: the emerald energy of willpower. These immortals, the Guardians of the Universe, built a world from where they could watch over all of existence: the planet Oa. They divided the universe into 3600 sectors, a ring powered by the energy of will was sent to every sector of the universe to select a recruit. In order to be chosen by the ring, it is said that one must be without fear. Together, these 3600 recruits formed the intergalactic peacekeepers known as the Green Lantern Corps.

 Hal Jordan: The one thing a Green Lantern is supposed to be is fearless. That isn't me...
 Carol Ferris: You have the ability to overcome fear!

 Tomar-Re: Your will turns thought into reality. To master the ring you must learn to focus your will and create what you see in your mind. The ring's limits are only what you can imagine.

Hal Jordan: What is that?
 Tomar-Re: It is the energy generated from the central battery. It's power comes from the will of every living creature in the universe. This in turn charges your lantern which in turn charges your ring. Even your suit is comprised entirely of energy.
 Hal Jordan: What's with all the green?
 Tomar-Re: Green is the color of will. The guardians harnessed will because it is the strongest source of energy in the universe.


Hal Jordan: He said the ring would have not chosen me if it hadn't seen something.But I don't see it. Carol Ferris: I see it. I always have. The ring did not see that you are fearless. It saw that you have the ability to over come fear. It saw that you are courageous. And you are, just like your dad.

 Hal Jordan: You know... there is a saying in my planet, we say 'I am only human'. We say it because we are vulnerable, we say it because we are afraid, but that does not mean that we are weak.

 Hector Hammond: How wonderful that all it took for you to grow is the end of the world!

 Tomar-Re: Of all the Lanterns who have ever worn the ring, there was one whose light shined brightest. At first his humanity was thought to be a weakness, and yet it proved to be his greatest strength.

 Sinestro: Though his time wearing the ring has has been brief, Hal Jordan's defeat of Parallax will be remembered as long as the Corps exists. His actions are a reminder of why the ring chose each of us - to overcome fear, and destroy evil wherever it may hide. As Lanterns we must fight with all our will. Our wills have not always been united. It's time they were.

Snow Angels - 2007

Category: Movie

Genre: Drama / Romance

Director: David Gordon Green

Writer: David Gordon Green

Producer: Crossroad Films, Snow Blower Productions, True Love Productions

Cast: Kate Beckinsale, Sam Rockwell, Michael Angarano, Jeanetta Arnette, Griffin Dunne, Nicky Katt, Tom Noonan, Connor Paolo, and more.

Tagline: Some will fall. Some will fly.


This is a somewhat family drama set in a small town where almost everybody knows each other. This interweaves the life of Arthur who is a teenager, and his old baby sitter, Annie(Beckinsale), Annie's estranged husband, Glenn (Rockwell) and their daughter (Tara).

I find this quite a dark movie... however it was excellently done. With all the acting that can really bring you to tears or probably even engulfing your heart sadly. Good thing that the director made things quite light with the budding teenage romance between Arthur and Lila. Great writing and directing.

Pirates of the Carribean: On Stranger Tides - 2011

Category: Movie

Genre: Fantasy / Adventure

Director: Rob Marshall

Writer: Ted Elliot, Terry Rossio

Producer:  Walt Disney Pictures, Jerry Bruckheimer Films, Moving Picture Company

Cast: Johnny Depp, Penelope Cruz, Geoffrey Rush, Ian McShane, Kevin McNally, Sam Claflin, Astrid Berges Frisbey, Stephen Graham, Keith Richards, Richard Griffiths, and more

Tagline:

Captain Jack Sparrow (Depp) and Barbossa embarks on a journey to find the "fountain of youth", and crosses paths with a woman from his past Angelica (Cruz), and not sure if he is really in love or whether she's just being her usual self a con artist who is just using him to find the "Fountain of Youth". He then finds out that she is the daughter of the Legendary and formidable pirate Blackbeard (McShane) and finds himself in an unexpected adventure.

The goofy pirate we have all come to love returns on this mystical adventure...  I like the presence of the mystical creatures... mermaids..... Hehe. They are dangerously sexy... .This was also a momentous time in my life as this was my first time to watch a movie "alone" in a cinema. Haha. One of my LEAP action plans. :)

I love the chemistry of the actors.... and the funny antics of Sparrow... it was never boring... it was either humorous or just action packed.

Its not the best of the Pirates of the Caribbean series though. I still like the 3rd installment better. Haha. ;)

FUNNY LINES

Jack Sparrow: You lied to me by telling me the truth?
Angelica: Yes.
Jack Sparrow: Thats good! May I use that?

 Captain Teague: I heard where you're headed. The Fountain.
 Jack Sparrow: Have you been there?
 Captain Teague: Does this face looks like it's been to the Fountain of Youth?
 Jack Sparrow: ...Depends on the light.

Angelica: [Jack turns to leave] Wait! I'm with child... it's yours. 
Jack Sparrow: I don't remember...
Angelica: You were drunk.
Jack Sparrow: I don't think I've ever been that drunk.

19 Purchase Street - Gerald A Browne

Category: Book

Genre: Corporate

Author: Gerald A. Browne


Andrew Gainer's sister was murdered one day and he swore that he will avenge the murder of his sister together with his lover, Leslie. Gainer then joins a cabal operated by a master strategist. Racing through Manhattan, Zurich and Paris, this is a pulsing, sophisticated thriller.

It took me awhile to really get on with the story.... but however once I picked up it just went on and led me to a story of vast amount of money, greed, revenge and murder.


Books by Gerald A. Browne:

Stone 588