Boses - 2008

Category: Movie

Genre: Drama / Indie

Director: Ellen Ongkenko- Marfil

Writer: Rody Vera, Froilan Medina

 Cast: Coke Bolipata, Julian Duque, Ricky Davao, Meryll Soriano, Cherry Pie Picache and more


I saw a trailer of this indie film over TV some 2 weeks ago, and it got me curious. I never wouldve imagined that I would be meeting the Director and 2 actors of the said movie right here in Davao City.

I got an invitation for a film showing over at Cinematheque, and since two offices invited me, Tuburan Institute and Happy Team(Councilor Avila of Davao), I grabbed the chance. But, I didn't realize the title was "Boses". All I saw at the invite was: "The Heart Speaks", cocktails and live violin by The Cast.

And I was pleasantly surprised to realize it was a film showing of Boses.

This film is about a child who is being abused by his Dad...

I find this movie simple yet very moving and it sure is worthy of your time. It has multi-dimensional aspects of the film from child abuse, to child welfare, how to run a shelter, isolation rooms, bullying, suicide, dreams, family, father & son, depression, music, therapy and so on and so on. There are so many points of discussion. It's educational. More films like these should be made. :)

Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets - J.K. Rowling

Category: Books

Genre: Young Adult / Magic / Fiction

Author: J.K. Rowling

I've been re-reading the Harry Potter series, just so I can add it up here in my espresso break blog.
It took me awhile to finish this because I kept putting it off... but  one night... my boo was snoozing(quiet early).. I finished this!

It's always a pleasurable moment to be inside the world of Harry Potter. Here, you will encounter new spells and new characters.

While re-reading this, I suddenly had this A-ha moment, where... Voldemort and his cohorts.. begin to resemble the famous Hitler archetype. Who wished to eliminate the Jews because they were thought to be not "pure" which is pretty much the case of Voldemort. And I was like...woooooo. tinunini tinunini.[ insert Twilight Zone music ].

Anyway, one of the considered serial classics of all time after the Chronicles of Narnia. A Harry Potter is always a great read. 

From Prada to Nada

Category: Movie

Genre: Chick Flick

Director: Angel Garcia

Writer: Fina Torres, Luis Alfaro

Producer: Oddlot Entertainment, Gilbert Films

Cast: Camilla Belle, Alexa Penavega, Tina French, Luis Rosales, Pablo Martinez de Velasco, Alexis Ayala and more.

Tagline: Coming Pronto


A Latina spin on Jane Austen's "Sense and Sensibility," where two spoiled sisters who have been left penniless after their father's sudden death at age 55 were forced to move in with their estranged aunt in East Los Angeles. Mary is the spoiled sibling and was mortified when she learned about her situation, while elder sister Nora is a law student and decides to get a job as a legal intern.

I enjoyed watching this one maybe because I watched at an emotional time.. that's why I really find it heartwarming.

Although it's a typical chick flick... but it is something to entertain you during one of your down times.

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! :) 

Guess Who - 2005

Category: Movie

Genre: Comedy / Romance

Director: Kevin Rodney Sullivan

Writer: William Rose, David Ronn

Producer: Columbia Pictures Corporation, Regency Enterprises, 3 Art Entertainment

Cast:  Ashton Kutcher, Bernie Mac, Zoe Saldana, Judith Scott, Hal Williams, Kellee Stewart and more

Tagline: His daughter's Mr. Right just turned out to be... Mr. White.

Theresa(Zoe Saldana) brings home her boyfriend Simon (Ashton Kutcher), to meet her parents who will be renewing their vows for their anniversary. And both Theresa and Simon planned to announce their engagement over the weekend. There's one thing, the Jones' family is black and Theresa neglects to tell them Simon is White. Percy, Theresa's father has a general mistrust of any boyfriend for Theresa and let alone... Simon being white.


It is a very funny, light and family oriented film.  My Beloved Boo made me watch this and I always admire how he chooses his films. It's always light and fun. And very family oriented. You are the best sweetheart! It's a simple film about "meeting the parents" of your wife-to-be and how to get along with the "parents".

Best take from the movie, was this line.....

"Pride aint nothing when it comes to the matters of the heart".

Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets - 2002

Category: Movies

Genre: Fantasy / Adventure / Family

Director: Chris Columbus,

Writer: J.K. Rowling

Producer: 1492 Pictures, Heyday Films and more

Cast: Daniel radcliffe, Rupert Grint, Emma Watson, Toby Jones, James Phelps, Oliver Phelps, Julie Waters, Bonnie Wright, Mark Williams, Chris Rankin and more...

Tagline:  Hogwarts is back in session.



A year after the Sorcerer's Stone was released, Chamber of Secrets was due next.

Harry Potter is forced to spend his summer holidays with the Dursleys. But, then Harry gets a real shock when he gets a visit from a house-elf named Dobby, who warned him not to go back to Hogwarts because there would be terrible things about to happen specially to him. Harry chooses to ignore Dobby's warning and continues to go to Hogwarts as scheduled. But, then the school began to be plagued by a serious of mysterious attacks and a strange voice trying to haunt him.

I once again watched this for the second time with Boo on my birthday!! There are a couple of scare moments in this installment and it was indeed well-made. This is one of the darker installments of the series. This will keep you on the edge. Once again, the musical score of John Williams' matches the whole wizard world feel albeit this one darker. Important, unforgettable scenes from the book were squeezed in this two and half hour film. Great special effects.

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone - 2001

Category: Movie

Genre: Fantasy /  Adventure / Family

Director: Chris Columbus

Writer: J.K. Rowling, Steve Kloves

Producer: Warner Bros., Heyday Films, 1492 Pictures

Cast: Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, Emma Watson, Richard Harris, Maggie Smith, Robbie Caultrane, Ian Hart and more.

Tagline: Journey Beyond Your Imagination

This is the first film of the Harry Potter series. This is a tale of an ordinary 11 year old boy named Harry Potter who was left behind his aunt and uncle. In a way he is the male version of Cinderella who serves as a slave to the family. But, then a letter came and he has been invited to attend the Hogwarts School for Witchcraft and Wizardry. And he was snatched away from his mundane existence in Pivet Drive by Hagrid and was thrown into the magical world of wizards.


I watched this for the third time with my boo today....

This movie brings to life the world of Harry Potter as based on JK Rowling's novels. It brings good Harry Potter enchanting memories come to life and how one can easily want to be part of the world. Oh, dream on!

It has wonderful special effects and the musical score is absolutely the best! The music gives you the feels of what the world of Harry Potter can feel like. But, a movie aint great if the cast are ill fitted but this film is an exception... because it has great casting, great set of chemistry between the cast and their characters.

You'd love to watch the movie again and again... just like me and my boo did!

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! :)

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.

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!

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.

Love, Rosie (Where the Rainbows End) - Cecilia Ahern

Category: Book

Genre: Chick Literature

Author: Cecilia Ahern


Is a delightful, enchanting read....  about what happens when two people who are meant to be together who just can't seem to get it right.

Rosie and Alex are destined for one another, and everyone around them seems to know it but them. Best friends since childhood, their relationship gets closer by the day, until one day Alex gets the news that his family is leaving Dublin and moving to Boston. At age 17, Rosie and Alex have just started to see each other in a more romantic light.

It's a charming, romantic, addictively page-turning novel that will keep you laughing and guessing until the very last page.

This is a story about best friends and their funny tale of how they can't seem to get it right..... maybe it's not the right time? Or too much: "this could ruin everything else if"

The whole book is basically "letters" or emails. I remember reading something similar from a Cabot. Although, I enjoyed the whole thing. There was a time you just want to strangle the heroine for her to wake up and see all the hints the guy is dropping. But, it's that part that you would love to hate. It's that feeling of "oooof, how can you miss all those opportunities?" The whole thing makes you read and read and wanting to find out what will happen in the end.

Note: Funny, I bought both books, thinking they both have different stories. ooof! this is what happens when one doesn't read the back cover. Huwaaaaaa

Catching Fire - Suzanne Collins

Category: Book

Genre: Sci-Fi

Author: Suzanne Collins


After Peeta and Katniss wins the 74th Hunger Games, they are now preparing for the Victory Tour. Where they will be touring each district until they reach the Capitol. However, Katniss' got a visit from President Snow who was not pleased with how the Games turned out. However, the Victory Tour is currently disturbing other districts and may even cause some rebellious outbreak which the Capitol has been keen on putting out.



I cried most of the time in this book! Gah. I just read the 2 books straight while I'm on a bed rest!! Which is actually good. Teehee.

I like the way it was written because of its utter simplicity yet vivid narrative and yet emotionally filled action scenes. It pierces your heart at exactly the right time and gives you shivers now and then.

I want to read book 3 already!!!!!

Hunger Games - Suzanne Collins

Category: Book

Genre: Sci-Fi / Drama / Dystopian / Adventure / Action

Author: Suzanne Collins


The Hunger Games is a dystopian novel for young adults. North America is now run by the powerful Capitol and is now divided into 12 districts (originally 13 but District 13 was destroyed), and is now called Panem. In the 12th District, there's Katniss Everdeen (16y/o) and Gale who hunts for a living. In order to keep the status quo and to remind the 12 Districts not to rebel, every year they hold a game of death, chosing 2 tributes per district via "draw". Katniss' sister was picked to be the tribute but then Katniss exercises her option to volunteer for the games. With Katniss comes Peeta, the baker's son.  Together, they must fend for themselves and survive.


I got hooked with reading this because it has an interesting plot. Although, it's something that is socially and  uhmmm morally not sound. The Hunger Games, I mean.

But, what I particularly liked about it was the love triangle between Gale, Katniss and Peeta. Can someone hand me at least a Gale or a Peeta? *giggles*

Anyway it was a breeze reading it. The author did not use any big words. It was simple but enough to give you the hand or play with imagination. The book tackled many things that can actually make people relate to: love, honor, freedom, rebellion, poverty, family, friendship and particularly survival. In the arena, you'd want to move from page to page since the suspense builds up and introduces many new creatures that came with technological evolution.

Anyway, this ain't something "intelligent", if you want to argue.. but it was successful enough to the audience it aimed for. And it's a good book to start or recommend if one wants to get into "reading". :)

Photo Source: NPR

People Like Us - 2012

Category: Movie

Genre: Drama / Family

Director: Alex Kurtzman

Writer: Alex Kurtzman, Roberto Orci

Producer: Dreamworks SKG, Kurtzman Orci Paper Products, Reliance Entertainment

Cast: Chris Pine, Elizabeth Banks, Michelle Pfeiffer, Michael Hall D'Addario, Olivia Wilde, Mark Duplass, Sara Mornell, Philip Baker Hall and more

Tagline: Find your family.

Sam, a smooth talking salesman thought his father who died left him any money so he can get out of the jam he got himself into but discovered something else. He then later found out that he has sister named Frankie.

I wasn't really expecting what I would see and I never knew the plot and most of us were like guessing what would be next or why this and why that. We had a ball watching it though. It has a good enough character development which actually added mystery to the whole film.

This film has a mature take on supposedly "dysfunctional" families. Or skeletons in a family's closet. Where you can really work things out. That sometimes you really have to go out of the way to understand your family. It is artistic, and all actors really did well in pulling this film off.

Another unique storyline, written wonderfully.... about family, brotherhood and sisterhood. Seems like films nowadays has just gotten better or my sister is just good at spotting or hearing about good films. :) Good musical score as well.

It has a heartwarming ending...one that can make you go "awwwww".


Quotes from Film:

Six Rules: 1. If you like something because you think other people are gonna like it, it's a sure bet no one will. 2. Most doors in the world are closed, so if you find one you want to get into: you damn well better have an interesting knock. 3. Everything you think is important, isn't. And everything you think is unimportant, is. 4. Don't shit where you eat. 5. Lean into it: the outcome doesn't matter. What matters is that you're there for it. 6. Never sleep with someone who has more problems than you do. 

Photo Source: Glow Gaze

Touchback - 2011

Category: Movie

Genre: Drama

Director: Don Handfield

Writer: Don Handfield

Cast: Brian Presley, Kurt Russell, Melanie Lynskey, Marc Blucas, Sarah Wright, Drew Powell, Steve Turner, Kevin Covais, James Duval,

Producer: Freedom Films, Palo Verde, Hannibal Classics

Tagline: Would you give up everything you love for a shot at everything you've ever wanted?

On the biggest game of his life Scott Murphy (Brian Presley), the best High School Football player in the nation injures his knee which destroyed his college dreams and professional career. 15 years later, he gets a flashback and a chance to go back and change his-story. 


It is an inspiring film and I enjoyed it's unique storyline. It has a metaphysical ring to it. Great character development. This plays on some sort of a near death experience thing. It's also about family and making choices and making the "right now's" count.

It's pretty much about teamwork... but more on a man's journey to life specially one's that could change one's life forever, what will you do with a second chance?

"the future is just a bunch of right now's strung together."

I feel more films like these should be made. It's simple and it started off slow... and yet very moving and gets better by the near end. 

Quotes:

Coach Hand: Do you know what the future is Scott? The future is just a bunch of what you do right now strung together. And what you are doing now is giving up. And trust me there is no future in that. Scott, I hope you don't give up this easy in life, because it gets a hell of a lot harder than football.

Coach Hand: Gentlemen, some players have talent, others have heart, but tonight I've seen players with talent who I didn't know had any, and others that have heart who I thought only had talent. The quality and standard of your life will not be determined by how well you play football, but by how well you confront adversity. Attitude! Gentlemen, if you keep playing like this I promise you, you will leave this field winners. Get in here.

Photo Source: Ace Showbiz

The Rise of the Guardians - 2012

Category: Movie

Genre: Animation / Adventure / Family

Director: Peter Ramsey

Writer: David Lindsay-Abaire, William Joyce

Producer: Dreamworks Animation

Cast: Hugh Jackman, Alec Baldwin, Isla Fisher, Chris Pine, Jude Law, Dakota Goyo, Khamani Griffin, Kamil McFadden, Georgie Grieve and more.

Tagline: Naughty, nice. You better believe.

Pitch, the evil spirit wants to assault and take over the Earth, and the Immortal Guardians (Santa Claus, Easter Bunny, Tooth Fairy, Sandman) once again team up to protect the innocence of children all over the globe. (Based on a Children's Book Series by William Joyce).


This is a Christmas film that is not entirely about Santa Claus but of Jack Frost.  IT WAS GREAT! (although, I  didn't like the cinema we were in this time, it made the picture look old school) Either way, it was a good film... heartwarming. And even if it is simple, it makes way for its deep and profound message. I like the Russian doll with Santa Claus reminding Jack Frost of his "center".  It reminds me of our spiritual journey with Ikepono. :)This also reminds you to keep the "child" in you alive......

Photo Source: Collider

Don't Be Afraid of the Dark - 2010

Category: Movie

Genre: Horror / Thriller

Director: Troy Nixey

Writer: Guillermo del Torro, Matthew Robbins

Producer:

Cast: Katie Holmes, Guy Pearce, Bailee Madison, Jack Thompson, Garry Mcdonald, Alan Dale, Julie Blake and more

Tagline: Come and Play

A young girl named Sally is sent to live with her father and his girlfriend at their new home. However, the new home hides many secrets specially the basement. It has been said that the previous owner of the home was a famous painter who mysteriously disappeared.


Though some parts were predictable it managed to still surprise me in the end. It's scary but not that much, which makes it an a-okay film for me. I saw that this is a remake of an age-old classic film, which was even dubbed as one of the scariest film ever. Well, I haven't seen that one and can't say which is scarier or not.

But, this one can sure as hell scare a kid... and well, me... in most parts... :)

Photo Source: Teaser-Trailer

The Mistress - 2012

Category: Movie

Genre: Drama / Romance

Director: Olivia M. Lamasan

Writer: Vanessa R. Valdez, Olivia Lamasan

Producer: Elma Medua, Malou Santos, Charo Santos

Tagline:

Cast: John Lloyd Cruz, Bea Alonzo, Ronaldo Valdez, Hilda Koronel, Anita Linda, Carmi Martin and more.


Seamstress Sari (Bea Alonzo), struggles to take care of her family and is torn between the affections of her two lovers. One is a young bachelor who brings passion into her life, while the other is a married man who has kept her as his mistress for years.


Uhmmmm..... its a so so melodramatic film. It has the potential to be deep but it wasn't taken to that level. It's still the same old heartbreak, love, betrayal our local mainstream film makers are up to. :) But, well... that's it.

Photo Source: CoffeeChic

An Education - 2009

Category: Movie

Genre: Drama / Romance

Writer: Nick Hornby, Lynn Barber

Director: Lone Scherfig

Producer: BBC Films, Finola Dwyer Productions, Wildgaze Films

Cast: Carey Mulligan, Olivia Williams, Alfred Molina, Cara Seymour, William Melling, Connor Catchpole, Matthew Beard, Peter Sarsgaard, Amanda Fairbank-Hynes, Ellie Kendrick and more

Tagline:  Innocence of the Young

A story of a sixteen year old Jenny Mellor(Carey Mulligan) in the 1960's living with her parents in the London suburb. But, her life changes when a playboy nearly twice her age arrives.

It was a good film. About choosing education and how sometimes a whimsy romantic love can detour a girl. But, good thing she was able to uphold herself and was given a second chance to do it all over again. Some sort of a coming of age film. This film explores issues such as social class, education, racism, being a woman and more.

Photo Source: GeorgianEye