A Very Special Love - 2008

Category: Movie

Genre: Filipino / Love

Directed by: Cathy Garcia Molina

Producer: ABS-CBN Film Corporation, Viva Films, Star Cinema Productions

Cast: Sarah Geronimo, John Lloyd Cruz, Irma Adlawan, Gio Alvarez, Matet De Leon, Marianna del Rio, Joross Gamboa, Al Tantay and more.

Seen: August 24, 2008

This is a romantic-comedy about Laida, a naive girl who dreams of meeting her prince charming named Miggy Montenegro. Miggy Montenegro is the youngest of the Montenegro clan—a well-established family in the business world. Her dream of meeting Miggy and working close to him happened when she applied and got accepted as Editorial Assistant in Miggy's magazine "Bachelor".

It's actually a fun movie and at the same time it did not lack emo moments. It is not a romantic-comedy for nothing, it is loaded with good laughs (sundance and the stick-notes in the cup). The team-up of Sarah and John Lloyd is exceptionally good and lighthearted. Sarah is a natural in this movie. She wasn't OA at all. Sends shivers to your spine - in a good way. A heartwarming story of learning how to love oneself, and here you would learn that the one who is actually in the way of your success is just - YOURSELF. Oh, and it's a clean movie.

Nice Lines:

“Pag mahal mo, mahal mo! Walang kasi kasi! Walang pero pero!”

Miggy: Mapapagod ka lang umasa.Mapapagod ka lang maghintay Mapapagod ka lang umasang mamahalin ka.
Laida: Kahit kailan hindi ako napagod mahalin ka. . . . . . ngayon lang!

“Basta ang mahalaga di ka pa ubos. Andyan ka pa rin. Para pag dumating yung taong magmamahal sa yo, may maibabalik ka pa.”

Miggy: Ang hirap eh. *does the sundance to stop the rain*
Laida: Mahirap? Yan mahirap? Subukan mo kayang magmahal ng taong katulad mo ng malaman mo kung anong mahirap”

Mean Creak - 2004

Category: Movies

Genre: Drama

Director and Writer: Jacob Aaron Estes


Tagline: Beneath the surface, everyone has a secret.

Cast: Rory Culkin, Ryan Kelley, Scott Mechlowicz, Trevor Morgan, Josh Peck, Carly Schroeder

Overview and Review of Mean Creek directed by Jacob Aaron Estes

When Sam (Rory Culkin) got beaten up by a bully named George (Josh Peck), Sam's older brother Rocky (Trevor Morgan) and two of his friends Clyde (Ryan Kelley) and Marty (Scott Mechlowicz) planned to get back at George.

They came up with a plan to pretend it's Sam's birthday and "invite" George on a boat trip in which they would dare him to strip, jump in the lake, and run home naked. Along the way Sam, his girlfriend Millie (Carly Schroeder), Rocky, and Clyde sees that George is not really "that" bad after all but a kid who lacks attention, they wanted to call off the plan, but Marty refuses.

It looks kind of like an "Indie" film to me, which I am guessing it is.

An intelligent movie with great young actors. Very believable. It is also engaging, gets you hooked to the story. The story itself is unique and provoking at the same time. It's also quite disturbing and another one of those "what if's" situations. What if I'm there? this and that.
The lines are all good and pretty realistic. The actors may be young but this is a nice "grown-up" story you would learn a lot from. The acting, writing and directing were all good.

Some of the Memorable Lines in the Film:

Sam: You know, if we hurt him, we'd be just as bad as him.
Rocky: We need to hurt him without really hurting him.

Revenge of the Middle Aged Woman - Elizabeth Buchanan

Category: Books

Genre: Relationship

Author: Elizabeth Buchanan

Overview and Review of Revenge of the Middle Aged Woman by Elizabeth Buchanan.

Rose Loyd, a middle-aged woman proves to us that starting over or new beginnings can be done despite the age. After 20 years of being with his husband, in a career she loves and raising up two kids, Rose suddenly finds her marriage and career on a brink.

The title is very misleading, and most people would look for the revenge part. But, wise people would understand where the "revenge" part lies. To those who have ears let them hear. :)

This is a very nice story. Heartbreaking at the beginning *pierces your heart to the max*, and with an unlikely ending. It's about overcoming the end of things you used to love. Coping up with the change and reinventing yourself. It is inspiring.

It also shows us that "The best revenge is actually LIVING WELL."

First Sentence: "Here," said Minty, my deputy, with one of her breathy laughs, "the review has just come in. It's hilariously vindictive."

Read: June 25, 2008

The Valkyries - Paulo Coelho

Category: Books

Genre: Spirituality


Author: Paolo Coelho

Overview and Review of The Valkyries authored by Paolo Coelho.
This is an autobiographical book, but told using the third person.

Why do we destroy the things we love? It was the question Paolo asked during this journey.
This journey involved looking for angels and in order to see them Paolo with his wife Christina must seek out the advice of The Valkyries who roamed the area. They traveled to the Mojave Desert for the 40 day Quest. An authentic story of being in the darkness, seeking out the light, and having a mentor.

This is a nice book about finding your angel and a wonderful spiritual journey at that. An enlightening book and a delightful read. You would cherish all the words that you would read next. There are a lot of "symbolical" events in the book as well. This book is a lot of things really. Its about love, light, angels, life, death, darkness, fear, rituals, and very spiritual it is. It can certainly touch your heart, mind and soul. A modern day magical, enchanting adventure..



April 30, 2008

Disclosure - Michael Crichton

Category: Books

Genre: Corporate

Author: Michael Crichton

Overview and Review of Disclosure by Michael Crichton.

*Already a Movie

A book that involves Title VII, Civil Rights Act of 1964.

Title VII is a shattering case that would ruin a person's career and family.

This story involves Tom Sanders an up-and-coming executive at a a computer firm called DigiCom. Tom Sanders is a man whose corporate future is certain after working for about a decade in the company. Everybody in the company thought Tom Sanders would lead the AGP Division and would be deemed as Vice-President of the company, but they were wrong. A woman, named Meredith Johnson, Tom Sander's ex-lover back in Cupertino would be everybody's new boss.

After a closed-door meeting with Tom's new boss, Meredith - Sanders finds himself caught in a nightmare where he was branded as a villain.

Sanders tries to defend himself from the accusation, while doing so he unravels an electronic trail into the company's secrets.

At the afterword it says that this novel was based on a true story. But, it is also important to emphasize the fact that the story in it's present form is fiction. Because, all the information and necessary facts can be a risk to individuals and corporations involved, it was but necessary to disguise the real event with utmost care. All the principals in this case agreed to be interviewed with the understanding that their identification would not be revealed.

A clever, swell corporate-slash-techie-slash-law thriller. A modern technology with intrigue. Just like Robert Ludlum, Crichton sure knows how to keep the story moving, saving the best for last. This book shows that sexual harassment is not reserved for men on high positions but for women who can be at the top as well. I think, the book stresses the point that Harassment involves Power and thus it doesn't matter whether you are male or female. Anyone is capable.
Nice intriguing, informative and eye-opening book. I also love the techie jargon in this book. I still like his "Jurassic Park" novel better. Hehe.

Recommend: For people who loves "law and order" stories, "techie people", or for people who is into "corporate intrigue".

Predator - Jack Olsen

Category: Books

Genre: Non-Fiction, Based on a True Story

BAuthor: Jack Olsen

Overview and Review of Predator a book written by Jack Olsen.

This is a true story about a man named "Steve Titus" (a pseudonym to protect the identity) who was falsely accused of raping a woman named Celia Dalton. For eight (8) long months he suffered under a trial he did not commit. Along with it his career and sense of well-being ended.

The work was done by a serial rapist / psychopath who raped about 50-55 all in all named Mac Smith (a pseudonym as well).

There sure are some loopholes in every government system and this book shows how it could be made possible. I'm sure there are many others who were convicted of a crime they did not commit and that is just so sad.

The end was more like a report of events of what happened after uncovering the real story with the help of a journalist. It was reported and well accounted in the book. The family that Mac Smith grew up with.

What Renews You?

Kristina, you're renewed by purchasing power

You know that retail therapy is no joke. It works! Sometimes life's demands can make you feel like you have no choices, that you don't have as much control over things as you'd like. But when you set off to find yourself a terrific new outfit or that perfect touch for your home, you've got a world of choices. Thinking over your true tastes, trying different options on for size, and scoring that fabulous find are all little indulgences that erase life's irritations with ease. It's not that you're obsessed with the material world, it's just that buying the tiniest of trinkets or a gift for someone you care about can soothe your troubles away — without doing too much damage to your credit card statement.

What's Your Holiday Look?

Kristina, your holiday look is Merry and Marvelous

You take the season pretty seriously — whether you enjoy making the outside of the house resemble the North Pole, buying every single member of your family the gift they were most hoping for, or donating your holiday gifts to those most fortunate. You know what the true spirit of the season's about — and it comes out in your look.You don't have to wear red and green every day to show your enthusiasm, but that sweet smile on your face tells everyone that you are going to make the most of this time of year. 'Tis the season!

Are you Fashion Forward?

Kristina, your Alternative Style makes you fashion forward

Khakis? No thanks. Let's face it: Mainstream is kinda, well, boring. We're guessing you'd rather be caught dead than be caught at Abercrombie (unless it's to snicker at all the people dressed exactly the same). But more than that, you know that bucking the rules of fashion is way cooler than following trends, and that's because nothing's more "in" than following your own heart. Who cares what those people think anyway? You're too busy having fun to notice.Maybe you haven't dared to rock pink hair or pierce your belly button just yet, but we wouldn't be surprised. Just remember — tattoos are permanent, so don't go too crazy!

Are You Uptown or Downtown?

You Are Midtown

You love so many things, you don't fit into any one label. Your city girl persona goes to a fancy restaurant one night and a dive bar the next.

Are You Uptown or Downtown?

What Kind of Coffee Are You?

You are a Black Coffee

At your best, you are: low maintenance, friendly, and adaptable At your worst, you are: cheap and angsty You drink coffee when: you can get your hands on it Your caffeine addiction level: high

What Kind of Coffee Are You?

What Pattern Is Your Brain?

Your Brain's Pattern

Your mind is a multi dimensional wonderland, with many layers. You're the type that always has multiple streams of though going. And you can keep these thoughts going at any time. You're very likely to be engaged in deep thought - and deep conversation.

What Pattern Is Your Brain?

How Machiavellian Are You?

You Are Somewhat Machiavellian

You're not going to mow over everyone to get ahead... But you're also powerful enough to make things happen for yourself. You understand how the world works, even when it's an ugly place. You just don't get ugly yourself - unless you have to!

How Machiavellian Are You?

How Observant Are You?

Your Observation Skills Get A C

You tend to notice the big things in life... But the details aren't exactly your forte

How Observant Are You?

What Is Your World View?

Your World View

You are a fairly broadminded romantic and reasonably content. You value kindness and try to live by your ideals. You have strong need for security, which may be either emotional or material. You respect truth and are flexible. You like people, and they can readily make friends with you. You are not very adventurous, but this does not bother you.

What Is Your World View?

What's Your Japanese Subculture?

You Are a Kogyaru!

If it's cute, you'll wear it. Fake and bake, hair bleach, and bright makeup line your bathroom cabinet. As for clothes - anything that's short and cute ("kawaii!"). You are the prize object of all sorts of men - but you are really looking for a rich foreign guy. He'll find you out hanging out in Shibuya shopping at the 109, text messaging and sending photos over your cellphone.

What's Your Japanese Subculture?

The Three Question Personality Test

Your Personality Is

Idealist (NF) You are a passionate, caring, and unique person. You are good at expressing yourself and sharing your ideals. You are the most compassionate of all types and connect with others easily. Your heart tends to rule you. You can't make decisions without considering feelings. You seek out other empathetic people to befriend. Truth and authenticity matters in your friendships. In love, you give everything you have to relationships. You fall in love easily. At work, you crave personal expression and meaning in your career. With others, you communicate well. You can spend all night talking with someone. As far as your looks go, you've likely taken the time to develop your own personal style. On weekends, you like to be with others. Charity work is also a favorite pastime of yours.

The Three Question Personality Test

What Kind of Food Are You?

You Are Italian Food

Comforting yet overwhelming. People love you, but sometimes you're just too much.

What Kind of Food Are You?

The Three Dimension Luck and Power Test

You Are Internal - Skeptic - Empowered

You feel your life is controlled internally. If you want something, you make it happen. You don't wait around for things to go your way. You value your independence and don't like others to have control. You are a total skeptic when it comes to luck. You believe that people use luck as a crutch to avoid responsibility. You control your own destiny. The universe has nothing to do with it. You believe everything can be explained - and you tend to over analyze situations. You have a good deal of power, but you also know the pecking order. You realize that working the system does get you further. You know who to defer to and who to control. When it comes to the game of life, you play things flawlessly.

The Three Dimension Luck and Power Test

What Color Should Your Eyes Be?

Your Eyes Should Be Brown

Your eyes reflect: Depth and wisdom What's hidden behind your eyes: A tender heart

What Color Should Your Eyes Be?